I am going to be directing Godspell in the fall and would like some input from ya'll about the different ways you have seen it staged.  In other words there are alot of different ways to interpret the script and lots of different places the story can"take place".  What are some innovative things yo've seen or done?  I'm not looking to copy anybody I'm just looking for some inspiration.  I'd like to stay away from the "inner city outdoor basketball court" which seems to be pretty over done.  Just a note - we will be producing this show in a church.  Not in a multi pursope room but actually in the sanctuary.  It is fairly large and has full on lighting set up ect.  Oh, and there are 2 huge screens at the front with the capabilities of doing some stuff with projectors/powerpoint/video etc.  We will probably build somewhat of a floor covering to cover up the carpet and make it easier to dance/move etc. 

I directed Godspell a few years ago. It was the spring right after 9/11. We set ours on a construction site. We built out the stage in the auditorium to be a thrust. We had scaffolding, orange pylons, HVAC tubing, plastic tarps, a large gang (tool) box to be able to stand on, saw horses. For the different parables, the cast built what they needed out of the items on the construction site. The scaffold was UCS and was utilized at various times. Of course, it was particularly handy and effective for the crucifixion scene. But we didn't stay only on the stage. I had performers all over the house at times.

I saw Godspell done in a church.  No set at all; just some chairs, etc.  If I recall correctly, Jesus just stood on a chair with something tied around his wrists for the crucifixion.  And yes, the aisles were used extensively.

Thanks so much for your responses.  Originally I thought about doing it using the church as the setting but our church isn't very "churchy" if you will.  No stained glass, no choir loft, no cross at the front, no pulpit, no organ or piano, no pews (we use chairs).  It's a very contemporary building and they made it that way so the stage would be more versatile.  I figured trying to make it "churchy" would be as much work as any other setting.  What I have roaming around in my head right now is this - I was away at a conference at a large camp and conference center and in one of their large chapels they had about 25 or so old tv's and computer screens all painted white and stacked on top of each other on either side of the stage.  I'm not sure why they were there.  Perhaps they were left overs from some theme they did at one time.  That got my brain working and I remembered this huge old TV satelite we have on our back property that doesn't work any more.  Then I started thinking of dryer tubing and galvanized metal and.... well you know!  So I'm thinking a cyber world.  Inside a computer or something...?  I dunno...still ruminating.  I do intend to use the aisles and the screens too.  Hmmm....

Hi, back in 1977 I ran followspot for a production of Godspell that was staged in a small church.  Their set was simple yet very creative and colorful.  The setting was an oversized "toy store" and all the characters were toys that came to life!