This version of "Beautiful City" may be one of the best rewrites in Broadway history. I liked the original, but rewriting the words and switching from the more up-tempo version to more of a ballad was brilliant!
This song definitely evolved further then it's debute in the 1973 Godspell movie. Obviously , Stephen improved it for the second best cast of God Spell ever. I love the new cast as much as the original .
Despite the good intentions of the rewrite, which the 1991 Rodney King riots occasioned, I have to disagree the implication that the song evolved for the better. "Can we see / A ray of hope? / One pale thin ray / Reaching for the day" isn't the finest lyric writing. "We don't need alabaster, / We don't need chrome" is mysterious and specific. "Can we see / A ray of hope?" could be followed by something like "One slender beam / Reaching out to dream," which adds syllabic complexity without leaning into the simplicity of cliché, without distorting the singability, and without changing the intention of the rewrite. That said, there is no argument that Parrish's voice is extraordinary. He should do a lot more singing, live and recorded, in any format.
I have a few questions: 1. Why isn't there a Love button? 2. How could anyone dislike this beautiful video, song, and voice behind it? 3. Has Hunter Parrish (Jesus) considered making an album of his own?
I remember Hunter Parrish was in a movie call Freedom Writers with Hillary Swank. He was the one white kid in the class, who knew where to get marijuana.
This is something that we all need to strive to achieve. We CAN build a city of Man and Woman. We are higher than God's angels and truth be know none of us are angels!
This is just brilliant. So many breathtaking mixes. I'm so in love with you for speaking my language. You are amazing. I am very grateful to you for introducing me to "Raise Me Up" and "Life is a Dancefloor". Happy Easter to you, sir. and Thanks again
@sinatrabooth89 I really want to see it, except I'm not in the New York area (which would make it difficult for me to participate in the pre-show ticket lottery), and I'm short on money. Perhaps a discount will present itself in the foreseeable future.
From a Christian standpoint, this is a song about sanctification. It's part and parcel of Gospel, although, admittedly, a part that some Christians ignore. Why would you think that somehow this song requires your finger-wagging as some necessary coda? And isn't the Gospel, in the final analysis, the ULTIMATE warm-and-fuzzy? Your sarcasm about good feelings puzzles me. I seriously doubt that anyone expects a song to save anyone...but a song CAN point toward a way. And for what it's worth, Hunter Parrish is a Christian. Anyway, you could hardly accuse a song that opens with acknowledging human ruin, rubble, and smoke of being overly warm and fuzzy. Seems like a pretty realistic assessment of our brokenness, along with an optimism that sanctified living CAN make a hopeful difference.
Wow what a brilliant not forced natural singing voice. His voice is so soothing he should be making albums galore as his voice is fantastic .
I listen to this every day... It restores hope in myself and all others...
This version of "Beautiful City" may be one of the best rewrites in Broadway history. I liked the original, but rewriting the words and switching from the more up-tempo version to more of a ballad was brilliant!
This was kind of sad because one of the originals in the movie died too early from brain cancer. That was David Haskell.
This song, performed so beautifully by Hunter Parrish, speaks to our current moment.
Yep, I'm pregnant from that. Just felt the baby kick.
His voice is amazing.
I love the voice of hunter ❤️ this version is absolutely stunning ❤️
The Sirius radio broadway channel has been playing this often. Very moving!
This song definitely evolved further then it's debute in the 1973 Godspell movie. Obviously , Stephen improved it for the second best cast of God Spell ever. I love the new cast as much as the original .
Despite the good intentions of the rewrite, which the 1991 Rodney King riots occasioned, I have to disagree the implication that the song evolved for the better. "Can we see / A ray of hope? / One pale thin ray / Reaching for the day" isn't the finest lyric writing. "We don't need alabaster, / We don't need chrome" is mysterious and specific. "Can we see / A ray of hope?" could be followed by something like "One slender beam / Reaching out to dream," which adds syllabic complexity without leaning into the simplicity of cliché, without distorting the singability, and without changing the intention of the rewrite.
That said, there is no argument that Parrish's voice is extraordinary. He should do a lot more singing, live and recorded, in any format.
@@JeromeGentesVery thoughtful analysis. Thank you.
I sat -->
I fell in love with him even more. He's just an amazing actor, singer, nobody can be that perfect.
Addicted to this song. God bless you ❤
You are one of the most beautiful men I have ever seen and have such a gorgeous voice too.
My husband and I named our last and final son Hunter after him ❤️
Hunter's voice is amazing! Met him back in December! He's gorgeous in person too!!
I have a few questions:
1. Why isn't there a Love button?
2. How could anyone dislike this beautiful video, song, and voice behind it?
3. Has Hunter Parrish (Jesus) considered making an album of his own?
He IS SO PERFECT. UGH
i can't stop watching. What a gorgeous voice and song. Grammy worthy. Bravo Hunter.
Ccccccc
i watched him yesterday and i cried!
Took my breath away!
What a beautiful jesus
The eternal hope of the Jewish soul!!!! Beautiful rendition.
Yes, hope in the Messiah, Jesus. I see you share the surname of the lyricist. That's cool.
-the eternal hope of the atheist soul. A city of man without the oppression of religion.
They should play this song in 'Playing for Change'.
Absolutely Beautiful...
I remember Hunter Parrish was in a movie call Freedom Writers with Hillary Swank. He was the one white kid in the class, who knew where to get marijuana.
Beautiful arrangement.
I am officially in love with his voice. How did I not discover such perfection earlier?
beautiful voice
HE SINGS AND HE'S IN BROADWAY?! OMG I DIDN'T KNOW. *dead*
What a wonderful, wonderful voice....
This is something that we all need to strive to achieve. We CAN build a city of Man and Woman. We are higher than God's angels and truth be know none of us are angels!
Looking at what Russia has done to the cities of Ukraine, this song has a powerful new meaning!
Stunning. I love it so much! 💕
HUH?! I am positively satisfied and melted to death.
This is just brilliant. So many breathtaking mixes. I'm so in love with you for speaking my language. You are amazing. I am very grateful to you for introducing me to "Raise Me Up" and "Life is a Dancefloor". Happy Easter to you, sir. and Thanks again
Bravo
Beautiful ❤️
He should be more famous
Gorgeous.
he sells weed AND he sings?? this is madness! beautiful, wonderful madness!
im totally in love
It's not fair for a single person to have so many gifts.
Wasn't that Steven Schwartz in the booth? I'll bet he loved this. Just gorgeous.
Yep that IS Stephen!
No, but it is Stephen Schwartz
MAGICAL!
Really cool
I was hoping to find the pianist credited, but can't see it if it's there. Beautiful touch to go along with Hunter Parrish's awesome voice.
Charlie Alterman, musical director
Oh, Jesus.
So Nice Video Share .......................Dear Friends
Charlie Alterman is the pianist and musical director
If this is Jesus, I'm so turning into a Christian.
Phenomonal.
perfect man is perfect
Who's the accompanist? His emotion and empathy are as fabulous as the performers
Charlie Alterman, musical director
First off: Dude is hot! Second: Beautiful voice!
I can't stop looking at videos of him singing...a problem? Maybe.
Is that composer Stephen Schwartz at the end? He went to my high school long before I did.
@sinatrabooth89 Hmmm... that might be something to consider. Thanks!
I died.
@reggiejackson3100 SO DID I!
@sinatrabooth89 I really want to see it, except I'm not in the New York area (which would make it difficult for me to participate in the pre-show ticket lottery), and I'm short on money. Perhaps a discount will present itself in the foreseeable future.
Beautiful, but do not forget it is the Gospel that saves, not warm and fuzzy songs.
From a Christian standpoint, this is a song about sanctification. It's part and parcel of Gospel, although, admittedly, a part that some Christians ignore. Why would you think that somehow this song requires your finger-wagging as some necessary coda? And isn't the Gospel, in the final analysis, the ULTIMATE warm-and-fuzzy? Your sarcasm about good feelings puzzles me. I seriously doubt that anyone expects a song to save anyone...but a song CAN point toward a way. And for what it's worth, Hunter Parrish is a Christian. Anyway, you could hardly accuse a song that opens with acknowledging human ruin, rubble, and smoke of being overly warm and fuzzy. Seems like a pretty realistic assessment of our brokenness, along with an optimism that sanctified living CAN make a hopeful difference.
@merykey LEGIT
vox is doing this song
@sinatrabooth89
thats too bad
Too bad this show is struggling to sell tickets...
DEAD