Godspell: A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew

Jesus

Katie

John /

Merrell

Joanne

Robin

Gilmer

Jeffrey

Jerry

Lynne

Ballet Rehearsal Dancer (uncredited)

Homeless Man (uncredited)

Garment Salesman (uncredited)

Pharisee Monster (voice) (uncredited)

The fountain that everyone (except Jesus) jumps into during the song "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" is "The Angel of the Waters" (also known as the Bethesda Fountain) in New York City's Central Park. The name "Bethesda" is a reference to description in the Gospel of John of a pool that is supposed to have healing properties. See also the trivia section for Angels in America.

Two major songs were removed that were from the original stage musical; "We Beseech Thee" and "Learn Your Lessons Well". Both, however, have instrumental "cameos". "We Beseech Thee" appears in the Cherry Lane Theatre scene, while the "car calliope" scene does "Learn Your Lessons Well". In addition, a new song was made specifically for the movie, "Beautiful City", which has become a part of subsequent stage versions.

The final scene was filmed at the southeast corner of Park Avenue & 68th Street in Manhattan, across the street from Hunter College.

At the end of the dance number "All For The Best", Joanne moves her arm the wrong way and quickly corrects herself.

The concept that New York City is magically empty of people (other than Jesus and his disciples) is messed up only once - during the baptism scene on Bethesda Terrace, a man in the background of Central Park Lake can be seen frantically trying to row his boat out of the camera's view (he is visible in 3 separate shots). Additionally, the concept of the city being empty resembles turning our lives over to Christ.

In the final scene when the troupe is carrying the deceased Jesus around the corner, and the streets of Manhattan are still supposed to be vacant, a person can be seen walking on a sidewalk in the background.

Jeffrey: A man was on his way from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell among robbers who beat him, stripped him and left, leaving him half dead. It so happened a priest came upon him, but when he saw him, he went past on the other side. So to, a judge came to the place, and saw him, and he went past on the other side. But a Samaritan was making the journey. He came upon him and when he saw him, he was moved to pity. he went up and bandaged his wounds, bathing them in oil and wine. Then he put him onto his own beast and brought him to and inn, and looked after him there. The next day he produced two pieces of silver and said "Look after him, and if you spend any more, I will repay on my way back".

Jesus: Well, I have a question to ask you. Answer it, and I will tell you by whose authority I act. The Baptism of John - was it from God, or was it from man?

Jesus: Sorry, no goats.