Tag Archives: Godspell

A&E, Danielle Rehor

Godspell builds actors, amazes audience

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By Danielle Rehor

I heard there was a pool and a trampoline, as well as a stage built on a stage, and it was a musical, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience Godspell granted me. Opening week many raved about Godspell, saying it was the best play since The Drowsy Chaperone, the play that took the theater department to the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska two years ago. The hype for this play was so large I could not resist. Despite overbooking, and an eighth of the audience members sitting on the floor, it was worth it.

The musical theater class has one specific play purely made up of those students, around 26 in total. This year the play was the 1970’s Broadway hit Godspell. This hippie-fused play is based off of the biblical book of Matthew and includes many parables, such as the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan.These short plays within plays give the play a sense of informality and even include a little audience participation in the form of pictionary and charades.

The first quarter of the play left me in a dazed state as the opening song, “Tower of Babel” included cell phones and business people, as well as Judas with a shofar. At this early point in the play, the biblical time combined with the modern age was very confusing. Additionally senior Missy Cathcart’s song, “Turn Back, O Man” seems to just conflict with itself as to whether she was being scandalous or humorous. However, with the performance of “By My Side,” my faith in musical theater had been restored.

The play successfully managed to act out parables and psalms while still being modern with its use of entertainment and political figures as the warned false prophets stated in the book of Matthew. The artful combination of modern day disciples and prophecy proved theater teacher Robbie Steiner’s directing capabilities and eye for unique works.

Though the upbeat songs and choreography may seem to summarize the play, “By My Side” was the turning point in which Godspell morphed from a confused mess into a cohesive play that I utterly enjoyed. The ballad performed by senior Kathryn Pryor as she sings to Jesus while Judas plots to betray him, is exceedingly haunting and regardless of religious beliefs is poignant.

The revamped pop music of the 70s hit truly fit the play and its aura. The music was exceptional, while still managing to reflect the mood during each aspect of the play. The group numbers and solos show real talent and potential within the theater program, including juniors Collin Jackson, Jade Dailey, Bailey Hussung and senior Cole Thorton. The group performances were more than just scenes in a script but the forming of a family as shown by the tears during the last Sunday performance of “On the Willows,” as Jesus says goodbye to his followers.

To say there was one specific part of Godspell that made it amazing is near impossible; however, what really set this play apart was that performers had the freedom to be themselves. With the exception of junior Collin Jackson as Jesus and junior Clay Gulley as Judas Iscariot and John the Baptist, no one had roles. The actors were able to create a caricatured version of themselves to play on stage. This play, set in current time, portrayed the faults that have haunted humans since Jesus’ age. Every actor gained something from the growth that occurred perfecting his or her imperfections, in a sense. The performance included many raw moments from all actors as they played themselves, without a mask.

A&E, Christian DiMartino

Revamped musical makes school history

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By Christian DiMartino

The original Godspell was performed on Broadway in the 1970’s, but this adaptation is based off of last year’s Broadway revival. “I saw it last year and really liked their concept for it and the way it was produced,” said theater director Robbie Steiner. “That production has influenced a lot of what we did for this production.”

The musical, starring junior Collin Jackson as Jesus and junior Clay Gulley as Judas, is based on the biblical gospel according to Matthew, but it is set in modern day. The story focuses on the development of the community and the relationship between Jesus and his followers.

However, this version is much different than the 1971 original, “[It is different] because the play is set in the 70’s and we’re putting a more modern twist on the music,” said junior Jade Dailey, who plays one of Jesus’s followers.

With the exception of Jackson and Gulley, every other actor in the play gets to play themselves. “Usually, I have to play characters, but this time I don’t. But it’s fun,” said senior Kathryn Pryor. “I have to show my vulnerable side though.”

The cast and crew have been working on Godspell since last fall.  They first had auditions, sang the songs, casted it, and then began rehearsals once a week, both during class and after school. “For the show in general, I had to build up stamina,” Dailey said.

The tech team helped to create the unique new stage, which is an ovular stage with seats that surround it on the current stage. The set includes fog machines, trampolines, and a pool.

It’s nonsense, but it’s good nonsense,” said senior Cherrish Curry, the lighting designer.

The cast admits that there were some challenges along the way. “The biggest challenge was building the stage and choreographing all of the many dances in the show,” said junior Jackson Bishop.

Another challenge is that student actors must take on roles beyond their maturity. Gulley admits that playing the role of Judas was difficult to comprehend. “What’s difficult about him is that he is more than meets the eye. His reasons for his actions; what would it take for someone so loyal and so close to turn his back on Jesus,” said Gulley.

The venue gives the actors a chance to interact. “[I’m looking forward to] the audience’s reactions, because the show involves a lot of the audience’s participation,” junior Ainsley Spencer said.

Despite all of the challenges, the show still creates excitement among the cast. “I’m looking forward to performing in the round,” Dailey said,” It’s a new experience and you have to rely on yourself because you don’t necessarily have someone right next to you.”

“One of the highlights of the show is music; it really is awesome, and I’m looking forward to seeing the audiences react to it,” Bickett said.

The cast and crew admit that the show’s title sounds a little off putting, but they say that it is anything but. “Even if you aren’t religious, you should still come and see the show because it’s something that anyone can enjoy,” Bickett said.

The high-energy show offers something for everyone. “If you want to see a highly dynamic, fun, and spontaneous show with religious stories, then Godspell is the show you want to see,” Dailey said.

Godspell showtimes

Feb. 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 2, 9 and 10 at 2:00 p.m.

Ticket Prices:

$12 for adults, $10 for students, and $6 for senior citizens.

Peter Hyle

Junior Collin Jackson discovers his talents

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By Peter Hyle

Coming to a school as large as FC may give some new students a reason to be shy and unsure of themselves. There are so many programs available that it can often be hard finding the right path, but for junior Collin Jackson, he knew exactly where he belonged. Joining the theater program at the start of this school year, Jackson has already found himself a lead role.

Knowing that he wanted to participate in theater, Jackson started the new school year with determination.

“He always comes in prepared, learns music quickly, and when he doesn’t know something very well, he practices extremely hard to get better at it,” said theater teacher Robbie Steiner.

Though he has previously acted in plays, such as The Music Man, Jackson is ecstatic about the role he has obtained in the upcoming show, Godspell.

“For each show, all the actors interested have to audition in front of the directors. In this particular case, the show is a classroom project, so only the students in the musical theater class were allowed to audition,” said Jackson.

For the new show, Jackson is playing the role of Jesus himself.

“The role I play has a fairly large amount of lines. He has to be a leader to the rest of the cast, which is different from how I usually am,” said Jackson.

Though the role has obvious challenges, Jackson recognizes this and concerns himself with doing the best job he can.

“The responsibility involved is finding how to display to the audience that my character is both authoritative and friendly. Basically, I just want to make sure I’m doing my job really well, otherwise the whole point of the show could be missed,” said Jackson.

In the past, Jackson has spent time with a program called iTheatrics, a summer workshop in New York. Giving him the motivation to continue forward with his passion, he looks back on his time there as a helpful reminder.

“It gave me some confidence in what I was doing and brought a lot of reality into theatre for me,” said Jackson.

Aside from the positive outlook added to his theatre career, Jackson credits the program for much more than that.

“The program I was involved with encouraged me to make choices, and to look beyond what lines are directly stating. As a whole, the trip was a boost. It helped me to decide that theatre is what I want to do,” said Jackson.

Looking past what lies in front of him, Jackson is optimistic about his future here at FC.

“Even though I’ve only been here for a short amount of time, I have grown to know so many people and I truly feel accepted,” said Jackson, “I appreciate each individual involved in theatre, and cannot wait to see how the rest of my experience here turns out.”