Godspell (1973)

Musical. Godspell is named for the Old English word for Good News. This 1960s musical's setting is dated (the film was made in 1972, just before the opening of the World Trade Center, scene of the softshoe-ish number "It's All for the Best") but its flower-child whimsy can still be relevant, and of course the music is timeless. Everyone who loves Broadway (or high school) musicals should hear and see performed the unforgettable numbers "Prepare Ye," "Save the People," "Day by Day," the vampish "Turn Back O Man," "Bless the Lord," "All Good Gifts," "By My Side," "On the Willows," and the finale. (I can still sing these songs by heart more than 30 years after being introduced to them!) The flower-child skipping and hugging may cause some cringing, but this production hearkens back to a much more innocent time -- so see it for that too! 3.5 stars.