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HUNTINGTON UNIV MAGAZINE

Huntington University to present 'Godspell'

FOR RELEASE June 6, 2006

The cast and crew of "Godspell"

Huntington, Ind.—This summer, a traveling theatre troupe of 12 students and two alumni from Huntington University will present “Godspell” – one of the biggest Broadway and off-Broadway successes of all time.  “Godspell,” a musical celebration based on the Gospel of Matthew, boasts several recognizable songs, including the international hit, “Day By Day.”

“Godspell” opens with John the Baptist calling a group of strangers to leave their everyday routines to follow and learn from Jesus.  They form a traveling theatre troupe that acts out the parables through song, dance and comedy.

This production combines compelling acting and voices with guitar, piano, keyboards and drums.  Through trained theatre and musical skills and God-given talent, the “Godspell” troupe will share the joyous Good News of the Gospel through approximately 40 shows between June 8 and August 6.  Admission is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.

The “Godspell” troupe will visit churches throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions this summer.

Each “Godspell” performance is the end result of a two and a half week rehearsal intensive “boot camp” in which student actors and musicians join the professional production team to mount these energetic, non-stop performances. 

The cast and crew include Abigail Allwein of Fort Wayne, Ind.; Blair K. Bullick of Waupaca, Wis.; Jeremy Russell Burkett of Huntington, Ind.; Cara Bussis of Holland, Mich.; Eric Church of Zionsville, Ind.; Joshua Dawes of Leesburg, Ind.; Bradley DeYoung of Lansing, Ill.; Dana Frick of Kendallville, Ind.; Kristen Lynne Kohaut from Mount Olive, N.J.; Keeley Lewis of Manchester, Iowa; Jennifer Miller of Berkeley, Ill.; Daniel Neil Olson of Orlando, Fla.; Rebekah Posegate of Lake Villa, Ill.; and Noah Varness of Morris, Ill.

The production team is led by director and Assistant Professor of Theatre David Shamburger.  Mike Burnett, scenic and lighting designer, serves as assistant professor of theatre arts and chair for the Department of Theatre Arts.  Kristi Shamburger, adjunct professor of theatre arts, will act as choreographer.  Ella Burnett, adjunct professor of theatre arts, will manage costume design and dramaturgy for “Godspell.”  Company manager Jeremy Rufener is in his second year on the staff of Huntington University as a field representative in the Advancement Office.

Huntington University is a comprehensive Christian college of the liberal arts offering graduate and undergraduate programs in more than 70 academic concentrations. U.S.News & World Report ranks Huntington among the best colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1897 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Huntington University is located on a contemporary, lakeside campus in northeast Indiana. The University is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).

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