Goodpasture Thespians are working hard to bring the love and impact of Godspell by Stephen Schwartz to life on March 8 and 9.
“I am hopeful to convey the importance of community and love through this show,” Theatre Director Ginny Shockley said. “After all, Godspell teaches us that we are stronger together and that acts of kindness and compassion can make a real difference. I am excited to watch the cast bond and grow, bring their unique personalities into his or her character, and translate their electric energy in the rehearsal room onto stage.”
Godspell is a unique play that highlights the importance of 1 John 4:7, “Love one another, for love is of God.”
Created by award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz, characters such as Morgan– a sassy performer, Nick– a high-energy follower, Celisse– a lovable class clown, Jesus– Lord and Saviour, and so many more combine their passions for storytelling into an energetic show preaching the parables of the book of Matthew. Along the journey, these characters build a community and discover the long-lasting impact of friendship through songs such as “We Beseech Thee,” “All Good Gifts,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “Prepare Ye,” and so much more.
Goodpasture’s production of Godspell will contain a variety of students from grades 6th-12th. With talented students such as senior Grady Goodman portraying the role of Jesus Christ, junior Gavin Marcy as John the Baptist/Judas, sophomore Hunter Suttles as Telly, freshman Presley Page as Anna Maria, and so many others, the cast is working at rehearsal to equally showcase dedication from all grades.
Along with the cast, Godspell will be completely student-designed by a skilled production team. These designs will be made by students such as sophomores Eddie Chan and Jesse Kindall as set designers, sophomore Hannah Edwards as the master carpenter, senior Bridgette Tucker and sophomore Elsa Shanklin as makeup designers, senior Mac Friedberg as hair and costume designer, sophomore Maddie Friedberg as props master, junior Alana Alexander as marketing designer, junior Auburn Haun as choreographer, sophomore Alessandra Stone as assistant music director, and senior Audrey Brown and Maddie as assistant directors.
Stephen Schwartz created Godspell with the ability to change the timeline and design concept show to show as per the director’s vision.
“We want to highlight the communal aspects of the story while emphasizing interactive moments and creative storytelling using found objects that engage the audience,” Mrs. Shockley said. “Visually, we are excited to dive into the colors of the 1970s and create a metropolitan setting that will transform and evolve on stage during each show.”
Students are excited to put on this production.
“Our modern-day designs represent a life without God, it looks sad and gloomy,” Chan said. “Then, our transition to our 1970s designs show a life with God, vibrant and happy.”
Stephen Schwartz created the show inspired by the book of Matthew, however, he also included many other themes apart from Jesus’s story with his disciples.
“Godspell beautifully conveys themes of love, acceptance, and community. Additionally, this production allows us to showcase the incredible talents of our performers and designers, who are working hard to bring this vision to life,” Mrs. Shockley added.
Castmember Olivia Harding, who plays Lindsay in the show and sings “Bless the Lord” appreciates the show’s theme.
“No matter how lost we are in worldly things, God will find and love us,” Harding said. “Even if we feel like we are so far gone that God can’t love us anymore, he does. He is always near us even in heartache or happiness.”
Mrs. Shockley hopes students will come out to support the show.
“If we can inspire even a small change in perspective or promote kindness in our community, then we will have succeeded,” Mrs. Shockley said.
The cast and crew will be hard at work for the next few months with multiple rehearsals per week, weekly design meetings, and endless hours of dedication in preparation for the performances.
Tickets for this production will be released two weeks before the show to be purchased online as well as sold at the door on performance days. Tickets will be $15 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission.
