A groovy, colorful peace sign adorns the stage, as the theater
department recreates the ‘70s musical “Godspell.” It was written by
John-Michael Tebelak with music by Stephen Schwartz, most recently
known for his work in the musical “Wicked.”
The musical is a series of parables, based on the gospel of Matthew
and Luke from the Bible.  It follows Jesus and his disciples with
comedic sketches and foot-tapping musical numbers.
The original production takes place in an urban contemporary setting,
but director Bill Georges said he added his own twist.
“We decided to make this a period piece, with a fun colorful spin on
the late ‘60s and ‘70s, and added some music by Led Zeppelin and The
Beatles to give it that flavor,” Georges said.
The musical is a first for the the department and was chosenbecause it
was a great ensemble show for students to perform.
“Because it’s an ensemble show, the entire cast is on stage the
entire time,” Georges said. “Also, being more of a contemporary rock
musical, we thought it would connect with the students coming to see
it.”
The actors will be playing themselves, with the exception of Neil
Moutrey, who will be playing Jesus and Tony Melson, who will be
playing Judas as well as John the Baptist.
The cast members and production crew have been working with a six-week
rehearsal period before its debut.
“The show to me is about tolerance, love and being an all around good
person,” cast member, Lorne Stevenson, 21, theater major, said, “I’m
most excited to see how the audience will react to it and get the
parables of what the show is trying to say.”
Being his fifth production with EC, Stevenson has gained experience
and confidence and said it will be an excellent show.
“I’m not too nervous, I’m just up here having fun and hopefully the
audience will have fun with us,” Stevenson said.
Cast member Ayla Lundin, 20, theater production and performance major,
has been involved with productions in the technical aspect, but this
will be her first time on the stage.
“I’m ecstatic. I love theater and coming to EC has opened up my eyes
to technical theater.  Initially I do want to be a performer,” Lundin
said. “The opportunity to be on stage, performing and to be able to do
my craft is a big thrill for me.”
These students represent talent, confidence and enthusiasm, which are
all key factors to a successful production, Georges said.
“It’s a learning opportunity to me and working with the cast and
learning from one another,” Lundin said.  “That in itself is a big
part of what theater is, it’s just learning and constantly molding
your craft into what you want it to be.”
The musical debuts tomorrow for an invitation-only preview at 8 p.m.
in the Campus Theatre.  A matinee performance will take place Sunday
at 3 p.m.  The show will run through March 27.
Tickets are $25 and $18 for children 12 and under.  Discount prices
are available for students with an ASB sticker.  They can be purchased
at the box office.

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