The Department of Theatre, Cinema and Dance in the School of Fine Arts at Missouri Western State University presents the musical “Godspell” as the final production in the 2015-2016 Theatre Season April 8-16 in the Potter Hall Theater. Show times are 7:30 p.m. April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Tickets are $14 for adults, $8 for students, $12 for Missouri Western faculty and staff, and free for Missouri Western students. Tickets can be purchased in advance at mwsutix.com or by calling the Potter Hall box office at 816-271-4452. On opening night April 8, the 2016-2017 Theatre Season will be revealed.
In “Godspell,” a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of Jesus’s life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life.
The musical opened off Broadway in 1971 and was made into a film in 1973. The song “Day by Day” reached as high as No. 13 on the “Billboard” Hot 100 chart in 1972.
Missouri Western’s production is directed by Tee Quillin, assistant professor of theatre. Cast members include:
- Jesus: Thomas Delgado, Kearney Missouri
- John the Baptist/Judas: Antonio Daniels-Braziel, St. Louis, Missouri
- Makenna Snyder, Kansas City, Missouri
- Skyla Booth, Kearney, Missouri
- Kira Williams, St. Joseph
- Raven Reed, Kansas City, Missouri
- Sean Connors, St. Joseph
- Riley Bayer, Savannah, Missouri
- Matthew Ulmer, Underwood, Iowa
- Will Corso, St. Joseph
Crew members include:
- Musical director: James McQuillen
- Conductor: Lory Lacy
- Scenic design: Holly Breuer
- Costume design: Linnea Edlin
- Sound design: Christopher Rayle
- Lighting design: Jeff Stover
“Godspell” was conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It was originally produced on the New York stage by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan and Joseph Beruh.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.