Lebanon Theatre Company presents biblical-themed musical
Lebanon Theatre Company presents composer Stephen Schwartz and librettist John-Michael Tebelak’s tuneful and uplifting 1971 biblical-themed musical “Godspell” beginning Friday, July 21.
Adapted from the Gospel of Matthew, “Godspell” chronicles the life of Jesus Christ through a series of playful and insightful parables addressing relatable themes of faith, love, acceptance and forgiveness. Community-building is a common thread in the ensemble-driven show.
“This show is a call to look past differences and find common ground,” said director Karen Oehler. “It’s about learning to work together to form a community, which is something we all need to be reminded of these days. We need to learn to go and talk to someone whose religion or philosophy is different than ours. We may find something in common we didn’t know about before. It’s possible to work together and build a beautiful city.”
Conceptually, “Godspell” is unique in the fact that it allows artistic freedom when determining how each parable is presented. There is ample room to explore, which Oehler found challenging but enticing.
“Everything in this show is wide open,” she said. “But I have an amazing cast, and I relied on their personalities for guidance. I let them build on what they already have inside. I gave them (suggestions) but they were able to grow and fill in scenes with their own special touches. My favorite parable to direct is the prodigal son. It’s a hysterical moment involving interpretive dance. It makes me laugh every time.”
Schwartz is well-known for composing megahit “Wicked” and winning an Academy Award for co-writing Disney’s “Pocahantas” with Alan Menken, but “Godspell” remains a signature component of his early songwriting expertise. His appealing and tender folk/ rock score, which has reorchestrated vocal/musical arrangements as evidenced in its 2011 Broadway revival, includes “Day by Day,” “O Bless the Lord,” “Light of the World,” “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” and “On the Willows.”
“We’re excited to be able to present this version due to the revised music,” Oehler said. “Audiences will be able to hear harmonies reminiscent of ‘Wicked.’ They are the same songs audiences
IF YOU GO
“Godspell” Lebanon Theatre Company, 10 S. Mechanic St., Lebanon July 21-30; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday $19 Call 513-228-0932 or visit ltcplays.com
Wilmington College-Community Summer Theatre’s production of“The Addams Family”concludes Sunday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m. in Hugh G. Heiland Theatre. For tickets or more information, call 937-481-2267 or visit www.wilmington.edu have been familiar with for years but with a twist.”
The cast features Kevin Stout as Jesus, Seth Allen as Judas, and ensemble members Sara Gilson, Andy Haag, Tonda Hoefler, Jacob Lovelace, Emma Purkey, Mary Rizzardi, Elisabeth Roeper and Kim Toft. The artistic team includes music director Jay Mills, rehearsal/ performance pianist Sara Davis, set designer Wayne Dunn, and lighting designers Liz Ray and Kurt Percy.
“I feel this show continues to resonate because it is uplifting,” added Toft who will lead the lovely ballad “All Good Gifts.” “This is also a show that contains a powerful, positive message. The music is magnificent.”