Culture
‘Godspell’ at Stuart’s Opera House Beginning Oct. 19
< < Back to godspell-at-stuarts-opera-house-beginning-oct-19The Athenian Berean Community Players will perform the hit musical Godspell on the main stage at Stuart’s Opera House for one weekend, beginning on Thursday, October 19.
Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, the show invites the audience to watch and listen as Jesus, by parable and example, forms a ragtag group of people into a cohesive community that is prepared to go out into the world and joyfully share what they have learned even after the violence and pain of the crucifixion. This is a show for all ages. Children will love the colorful costumes, storytelling, and dancing. Adults will also appreciate the clever mix of diverse musical styles and the fresh retelling of the Gospel.
Jesus is played by Orion Carter, ably supported by an ensemble cast consisting of Jeremy Hayes, and fourteen other incredibly talented actors; Joe Balding, Ethan Cooper, Katie Herron, Allyriane, Huq, Sydney Lewis, Dan Maccabee, Katie Maccabee, Jodi MacNeal, Chrissy McKinney, Jacob Mullins, Alexis Parsons, Brittan Posey, Chiara Ridpath, and Sandy Russell. Watch as a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage.
The show is directed by Chris Parsons, with music direction by Devin Sudman and Jodi MacNeal, and choreography by Jenn Fritchley and Alexis Parsons. Additional members of the production staff include stage manager Hannah Sickles, set designer Jason Morosko, costumer Kelly Huq, and light designer Carol Ault.
“Godspell” was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak. The music and new lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz. The show was originally produced on the New York stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan, and Joseph Beruh. Because of its small technical demands and minimal cast size, it has become a staple of theatre companies, large and small.
Intelliwave is the sponsor of this ABC Players production. Godspell is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All performance materials are also supplied by MTI: www.mtishows.com.
Godspell will be performed at Stuart’s Opera House October 19-21, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. and October 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 ($8 for students) and may be purchased at the door or during the week at the Opera House ticket office: 740-753-1924 or www.stuartsoperahouse.org. General admission seating.