Huntington to present second run of ‘Godspell’
FOR RELEASE: Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Huntington, Ind. "This summer, a traveling theatre troupe of 13 current students and one future student from Huntington University will present Godspell " one of the biggest Broadway and off-Broadway successes of all time. This is the second consecutive run for the production, which toured for more than 40 performance venues last season. With a new cast and crew and a fresh theme, 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 good news of the Gospel through approximately 40 shows between June 7 and August 10. Admission is free, and the public is cordially invited to attend.
The Godspell cast and crew will perform at churches throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions this summer.
Unlike earlier productions of Godspell, which cast Jesus and his disciples as a traveling band of troubadours, this interpretation casts Christ as the producer/director of the ultimate variety show. Jesus comes to help his followers find their talent and voice " not to glorify themselves, but to help spread His Message.
The script of Godspell is drawn nearly verbatim from the Gospel according to Matthew. Jesus' parables are punctuated with memorable songs by Stephen Schwartz that combine 18th century hymnbook lyrics with 20th century rock 'n' roll.
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 energetic, non-stop performances.
The cast and crew include Matthias Austin of Wheaton, Ill.; Alicia Bonham of Upland, Ind.; Andrew Edmonds of Beloit, Wis.; Kylie Edmonds of Bourbon, Ind.; Brad DeYoung of Lansing, Ill.; Katie Geders of Huntington, Ind.; Patrick Harding of Avilla, Ind.; Patrick Irick of Huntington, Ind.; Meghan McClaine of Greencastle, Ind.; Tory Nelson of Granger, Ind.; Peter Owens of Indianapolis, Ind.; Ted Stavrou of Greencastle, Pa.; Joel Wentz of Greencastle, Pa.; and Justin Wentz of Greencastle, Pa. Irick, who plans to attend Huntington University in the fall of 2008, is a junior at Huntington North High School.
The production team is led by David Shamburger, director and assistant professor of theatre arts. 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, is the choreographer, and Ella Burnett, adjunct professor of theatre arts, is managing costume design and dramaturgy. Company manager Jeremy Rufener is in his third year on the staff of Huntington University as a field representative in the Advancement Office.
For a complete tour schedule, cast and crew devotions and a link to the official Godspell blog, log on to www.huntington.edu/godspell.
