The musical Godspell by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz
will play October 9, 10, and 11 at 7:30pm in Mitchell Auditorium.
Godspell, an ancient word for Gospel, is a lively musical
based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew from The Bible. The
show was written in the 1970s and became a huge Broadway and international
success, as well as spawning a movie starring Victor Garber (Alias,
Legally Blonde). Stage productions around the world have included
comedic greats such as Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short,
and the show has been embraced as a non-denominational but inspirational
storytelling musical.
“Godspell is a high-energy, contemporary play
that tells the story of Jesus and the community of believers who
followed him. It’s not preachy. It’s not trying to challenge
or change anyone’s beliefs. It’s just storytelling plain
and simple. An ensemble of actors performs many of the parables from
Matthew in a fun and engaging way that anyone can understand – and
the songs are great. Many of them were actually developed from old hymns,
though you might not recognize them with their folk and pop/rock
arrangements,” said Melissa Heath-Lee, Theatre Eastern instructor
and director of Godspell.
Godspell is not new to longtime Eastern audiences.
It was previously done in 1986, under the direction of Lois Hintze,
and is being done now in honor of Eastern’s Centennial year.
In 1986 the production was extremely popular with audiences, and
according to The Eastern Mountaineer, one critic also said, “Godspell
was neither preachy nor overdone. It’s just good fun for all
ages and all faiths.”
“Godspell is that great kind of show that families
can watch together and enjoy, whether or not they go to church or
consider themselves religious – but I’ve also seen church
groups and individuals who were deeply moved by this musical,” said
Heath-Lee.
The cast includes; Hartshorne freshman, Ethan Shaffer
as Jesus, and Vian sophomore Robert Miller as John the Baptist and
Judas. Miller, a member of Eastern’s Pom and Dance Team, is
also the Choreographer for Godspell. The rest of the ensemble, playing
various roles, includes: Hartshorne freshman, Joshua Billie; Wilburton
freshman, Callie Bush; McAlester sophomore, Kari Herron; Pittsburg
sophomore, Rebecca Herron; Smithville sophomore, Boomer Lowrie; Hartshorne
sophomore Tiffany Price; Krebs freshman, Corey Seeley; and Red Oak
freshman Tia Young. Pittsburg sophomore, Rachel Herron is Stage Managing
and Understudying for the show. Marcia Davis of Wilburton was the
rehearsal pianist, and Peery Lee, adjunct instructor from Red Oak,
is the show’s technical director.
Dottie Minshall, local music teacher and audience favorite
(The King and I, The Glass Menagerie, Quilters), is the Musical Director. “I
just love this show, and I’m so excited to be working on a
production of it for our audiences here in southeastern Oklahoma.
It’s a wonderful opportunity,” said Minshall.
The tickets for Godspell will go on sale each night
at the door at 6:30pm, one hour before showtime. Seating is first
come, first served, with the doors opening at 7pm. Tickets are $5
for adults, $3 for children 12 and under, and free to all Eastern
students and employees (with ID). Those wishing to bring large groups
(10 or more) may reserve a block of tickets in advance by contacting
Heath-Lee. Group rates are available. For more information call Melissa
Heath-Lee at 918-465-1758.
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
