“Original Godspell Cast - We Beseech Thee - Jeffrey Mylett”

[@anthonylaudati]

Such a delight to finally see Jeffrey singing his song! So sad that he passed so young, and that his song wasn't included in the Godspell movie. Thank you so much, Peggy, for posting it!

[@philmcracken7466]

@jesusisnotallright s completely uncalled for

[@BuggieBee-nu4tg]

God wants worship for him to be like this...happy, enjoyable.😊😊😊😊.

[@kencoakley3959]

This is incredible. Jeffrey looked good with a beard. He also had a great singing voice which can still be heard during the "Light Of The World" sequence. Both Jeffrey Mylette and David Haskell left us too soon. There's a wonderful video here on KZbin of Stephen Nathan.and David Haskell doing "All For The Best" on Great Performances on PBS. My mom (Peggy Coakley) let me watch the "Godspell" movie on CBS every Easter.

[@juliewitt1411]

There was something special about Jeffrey Mylett. Always my favorite in the cast.

[@larkluster]

My best friend from the age of 17. And, just like the character he created, impish, mischievous, loving, hilarious, loyal, whip smart and sorely missed.

[@allencollins6031]

​@@larklusterI am so so so so very sorry you lost him.

[@ibrsc300]

I had the privilege of playing Jeffrey's role and singing his song in 1978 in college. I've never seen this scene before, and I'm so in awe of his talent. Anyone who's been blessed to perform in Godspell must consider it one of the highlights of their theatrical life...at least I do.

[@larkluster]

Jeffrey would have loved your post since the film director chose not to use it in the movie. But, this is Jeff singing the song Steve Schwartz wrote just for him.

[@ibrsc300]

@@larkluster It's also a privilege to hear from you! When I saw the first national tour in Toledo, "We Beseech Thee" stood out to this (at the time) high school student. I wanted to do that song sometime, somewhere, and I eventually did. Did they film this song for the movie, and not use it, or did they mistakenly decide not to use it in the film at all? I'm hoping to direct Godspell in our next theater season. If I can, and if you happen to be in the neighborhood of Tiffin, Ohio, we'd love to have you join us. If not, I hope you could at least share some inspiration with my cast and crew. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!

[@larkluster]

@@ibrsc300 Simply put, the director was an odd choice. He'd never directed a musical before, on stage, tv or film. He thought Jeffrey's song We Beseech Thee was too high energy for film; same with Gilmer's Learn Your Lessons Well. So, neither Gilly nor Jeffrey were happy about that, needless to say. Still, with all its flaws, the film communicates the innocence and love that showcase what Godspell is.

[@That_one_theatre_lovie_]

I'm doing a production of godspell in a month. My company wasn't too keen to do it at the start but now that we're so close to opening, we love it. My friend's singing this song and he just reminds me of Jeffrey

[@cliffsurtees5150]

45 years ago I went out and bought this album. I was an atheist, I heard a track on the radio and loved it. I was listening to it and found myself on my knees. I didn't know what to say. I can remember saying to the Lord; I want you. Something profound happened And I was never the same again. I'm 70 now. I am an Englishman in Bulgaria. I run a camp site based on the teaching of Jesus. Trinity Rocks Farm. Bulgaria. If your ever passing through, call in. It would be so nice to meet people who have been blessed by this musical.

[@countrymonkOSB]

@Robin As another former atheist (and NOT an agnostic... I know the dang difference, thank you very much) I find your response pretty useless and judgemental. Who are you to say whether his conversion is authentic or not??? In any event, I saw this musical when I was an atheist, several times in fact, and loved it, although it never converted me. I just loved the upbeat message and the music. Now I love it even more for the true message. Thanks for posting this, Peggy. This has always been my favorite song from the show!

[@PeterAlmenar]

Wow. That’s a fantastic story.

[@affectivity]

Jeffrey was so adorable. So talented.

[@larkluster]

Both -- yes!!!!

[@richardstovall1975]

Doing this show as "Jeffrey the next two weekends. At 66, I'm so thankful to be able to do this show.

[@christinemturner7138]

He was so wonderful. I wish he had the opportunity to sing this in the movie.

[@dwtime]

Always one of my favorites from Godspell, so great to see Jeffrey sing it finally! Growing up and having the album as a 5th-6th grader I could sing it pretty well and even now as a crotchety 55 year old I can still belt it out. Thanks for posting this!

[@PsychoTangerine]

I was so disappointed that this song had been excluded from the movie. So thank you for providing this!

[@Bakmagma]

This is so invigorating to see. My mom loved Godspell so much in her youth, both the Off-Broadway production and its film adaption. Then she shared its beauty with me. It's still my favorite musical. I love each and every one of the cast members and their contributions to this play. Jeffrey's antics and spirit especially always drew me to him. I'm heartbroken at his passing so young in life. But it fills my heart with joy to find out from you that Jeffrey was just as warm and sweet in person as the character he played on stage. Bless you, Peggy, for sharing this beloved song with us when the film director cut it. Your work on this production and contribution to Godspell has touched so many lives over the last half-century. May God bless you all the days of your life❤

[@mediocremyles8969]

I would love to play this character some day, it looks like so much fun lol

[@chrisrevere]

I am so glad to see this! It is one of my favorite songs in Godspell. Maybe the most important one--asking for forgiveness and getting it

[@sopranobrunette333]

Ugh, Jeffrey 💔 He seems like he was such a beautiful soul. Thank you for posting.

[@colbyjones7486]

The audience clapping along. That's what this show all about. The audience having fun.

[@markwilliams8470]

What a pleasant surprise for a lifelong ‘Godspell’ fan. Jeffrey’s song was always my fave; I wore out my cast album! I thank you for posting this; the fond memories it brings back are sweet!

[@matthewhildebrandt1901]

I had the joy of playing Jeffrey's role in 1979. I got to sing this song again at a musical review for the same theatre group in 2011. The whole cast, stage and film, were wonderful. Godspell has always been my favorite. I had never seen this clip from the 10th anniversary, so thank you so much for posting it, Peggy!

[@daveberuh5570]

I saw the original cast at least a dozen times. This was always my favorite song and the Crucifixion always made me tear up each time.

[@thespidersfrommars]

This brings me so much joy :] thank you so much for posting this. Jeffrey was always my favorite & I wish this song could have been in the movie. He seemed like such a sweet & gentle soul.

[@buggyroberson8330]

God's favorite part of each part of the day and night is to hear our prayers...he knows we struggle and is ready to help us sometimes ever before we finish praying.

[@harfner]

I've played Jeffrey twice in different productions of GODSPELL (one amateur, one professional), and I always identified so strongly with him. Jeffrey is the cheerful one, the lighthearted one, the mischievous one, a lot like I was myself when I played him. I'm a different person now, but I've always felt protective of Jeffrey and listening to or watching GODSPELL is like going back in time to that lighthearted me who was part of a close-knit group on stage. "We Beseech Thee" is everyone's last time to be cheerful and happy in Act II, and the song is so important because of that. Jeffrey gives everyone one more time to laugh together before the darkness comes. I didn't learn until much later that Jeffrey died young, and it broke my heart. I would love to have met him. Thank you for posting this, Peggy.

[@larkluster]

Best friend, best heart, 2nd best acrobat (Herby and Gilmer were tied for first) and never, ever forgotten.

[@sallyfinn2061]

Happy heavenly Birthday Jeffery 🥳 💗🎉

[@Buggy-su4oy]

God does hear his childen...he knows us better than anyone😊❤.

[@judyariel]

Oh, THANK YOU for posting this!!!

[@susantherestorer]

Very cool! I only heard this song, never seen it before. Years ago, I came up with a dance to go with this for fun. This video shows I was right on track. Thanks for posting!

[@susantherestorer]

Okay, I take that back, I have seen this play twice locally performed. But never seen (only heard) this version before.

[@rachelstone4302]

I grew up listening to this soundtrack with my family and this was my favorite song! Thanks for posting the video! Nothing like Jeffrey's Voice!

[@objetty11]

Thanks Peggy so cool to see these live performances.

[@tj921able]

This was absolutely delightful! Thank you for sharing this. I just love "Godspell". I have the CD soundtrack of the Original Broadway Production & the movie. I have the movie on Blu-Ray & DVD. I watch it a lot. It holds great meaning to me. It helped me gain an even deeper belief & understanding in God. TY for this wonderful gift. God Bless You & stay safe.

[@mollificent]

This makes me so happy! Thanks for posting!

[@kimsmith1383]

Brilliant, & so much fun!

[@mock-m8830]

I saw this live in New York at a tiny off Broadway hole in the wall theater back in the 1970's. What a wonderful cast!

[@57andstillkicking]

I saw the same one. It was amazing!

[@ls-kk4pq]

Love the energy in this song!

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

My favorite song from Godspell.

[@KarenB123456789]

Brilliant. Thanks for this x

[@larkluster]

This is the majority of the original cast in a 10th anniversary reunion production we did for Sony. Jeffrey was so unhappy this song was cut from the movie, I was so happy to get this video clip to upload. I also was able to put up Gilmer's silly Learn Your Lessons Well clip (since her song was also cut from the movie). Enjoy!

[@Tarotlynx]

Oh that was fun. Thank you.

[@benjaminessner1146]

I love these videos, and it's so great to finally get to see Jeffrey singing his signature song from the show. What are the chances of getting to see Gilmer performing "Learn Your Lessons Well"?

[@larkluster]

I've been posting a few at a time so AEA won't object. But, I do plan to put up the whole performance. I should warn you though, Gilly doesn't actually sing the song. Early in our run at Cherry Lane she had a sore throat one night; so, she and Lamar planned something they didn't tell the rest of us about. Just as she was about to sing, David Haskell put a rag in front of Lamar's face. Lamar actually sang the song and Gilly mouthed it. It was HILARIOUS! The audience couldn't stop laughing and neither could we; so, we kept it that way in the show. That's the way Gilly does it here. It's so funny. You'll see!

[@Tarotlynx]

@@larkluster That must have been a real scream! What a fun idea they had.

[@neriumoleander8188]

i've needed this lately!! thank you miss peggy

[@spideraxis]

I was impressed with Jeff Mylett. I didn't know he passed away so young. Ironically, it was exactly 35 years ago the day I post this.

[@TheIndyMaestro]

Wonderful

[@lynnstewart2326]

Should have been in the movie. I wish I could have watched the play on stage. Would have been fun.

[@larkluster]

Yes, poor Jeffrey wasn't happy. Neither was Gilmer that the director also cut Learn Your Lessons Well. But, happily, they're both here performed by the people for whom Steve Schwartz wrote the songs.

[@Bananadiva1]

@@larkluster yeah I was so disappointed that Jeffrey and Gilmer's songs were left out of the film. Love the film and all the cast but it's a shame that Jeffrey and Gilmer never got their chance to shine singing what I think are 2 of the best songs. Hope you're safe and well Peggy 😊

[@sszeq1]

Thank you for sharing this

[@willtru78]

Thank you so so much! Could we please get Day By Day or the Finale sometime soon?

[@larkluster]

I'm hoping to eventually upload EVERYTHING. I've been treading carefully because our union has rules about how much we can "show" for promotional purposes ONLY. So far, so good. Hang in there!

[@JavierSabadell]

I finally came into Godspell's We Beseech Thee after the Spanish version dated 1974. Always enjoyed both. Needless to say, the original cast version is unrepeatable and the quality of both the song and the performance far away from the rest of versions. Simply I dislike very much the modifications and changes introduced in this (and other) song by arrangers unable to capture the extremely high quality of the title. It's something that also happens in the versions of foreign languages. I am very grateful to finally find this title sang by Jeffrey Mylett and prove his performance on stage is also far away from more modern versions. This is a classic. The rest is just only entertainment

[@JavierSabadell]

BTW, who is the actress playing the sound of a duck during the performance? It is the same one who momentarily disappears from the stage to take the flags with "Hear us" written on them (my thinking is that she almost last too much hahaha ha)

[@powerpopaholic876]

Terrrific singing by Jeffrey Mylett. Unbeatable.

[@sophiehanssel2017]

Cute!!!!😊😊😊

[@FandomLovers-o5c]

2:08

[@bigbugroberson]

Isaac Ryan Brown could play Jesus in an audio production of Godspell.😊

[@onefoot7]

'IiiiiiiiiIII.....I, am singing the song, singing the song, I am.....I I I I, am the song that I sing.......I am the singer, lalalalalala, I am the song.....I am the listener, I sing a looooooooong......I, oh I, am singing the song, singing the song, I am/

[@ThatIsSoGood2Watch]

Where was this?

[@larkluster]

In LA. It was a 10th anniversary production financed by Sony with the majority of th original cast.

[@paules3437]

I don't get it. We Beseech Thee what? What are we beseeching?

[@larkluster]

Love. The chorus is: Come sing about love. This song is beseeching us to love each other.

[@Peter-z9t]

That God the Father hears our prayers: "Father hear thy children's call. . . .We beseech thee, hear us!" The cast even unfurls a "Hear Us" banner midway through the song. "Blind--we pray that we may see. Bound--we pray to be made free. Stained--we pray for sanctity. We beseech thee--hear us!" I sang this song in a 1975 production at Oshkosh North High School in Wisconsin. It was also our curtain call encore song.

[@paules3437]

@@Peter-z9t I. Was. Joking. Believe me, I know this musical. It was just a kind of linguistic observation about the nature of English, you know, like in this example: "We beseech the ... Dallas Cowboys to win." Stephen Schwartz took the old Episcopal hymn that begins "Heav'nly Father, we beseech Thee, Grant Thy blessing ere we part; Take us in Thy care and keeping, Guard from evil ev'ry heart," and Jazzed it up!

[@scotthamilton007]

I don’t agree with David Greene’s decision to cut this song from the film version. “Too theatrical,” he called it. What?? A favorite number kicked to the curb for no good reason. Stephen Schwartz agrees.

[@larkluster]

We asked Greene, who'd never directed a musical on stage or screen... "Have you seen Bye Bye Birdie or West Side Story, both films have very theatrical high energy (Greene's other complaint) numbers." He was THE wrong choice for director. It's a shame. Poor Jeffrey. It broke his heart!