Former Jesus Victor Garber on Godspell’s Broadway Return: ‘It’s a Timeless Show’

It was a meeting of the messiahs on November 7 as Tony-nominated Broadway icon Victor Garber attended the opening night of the first-ever Broadway revival of Godspell at Circle in the Square Theatre. Garber, who played Jesus in the show’s acclaimed Toronto production and 1973 film adaptation, greeted current star Hunter Parrish and his castmates backstage alongside fellow Godspell veterans Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin and Paul Shaffer.

“I have too long of a history [with the show],” Garber joked to Broadway.com on the red carpet. “It’s shocking! I was just across the street having a drink with Marty, Eugene and Paul talking about the Toronto production from 39 years ago. How is that possible? I’m actually nauseous thinking about it! We’re all much older now, but it’s still a very exciting night. I remember our opening night. It doesn’t seem that long ago.”

Despite the decades since Godspell’s first Broadway run, Garber thinks the show should have no trouble finding a new audience. “It’s a timeless show,” he said. “It’s a message that will forever be relevant and the score is one of Stephen Schwartz’s best. It’s a great theatrical experience.”

So was Garber reliving memories by singing along from his seat throughout the show? “No, I don’t sing along,” he cracked. “I hate people who sing along!”

Take a look back at a very bushy-haired Garber and his co-stars singing “Day By Day” in the Godspell film.