MY Theatre to perform Godspell – The Musical at the Renaissance Theatre 166

MANSFIELD, OHIO. The Mansfield Youth Theatre (“MY Theatre”) will present GODSPELL on the stage of the Renaissance’s Theatre 166 March 31, April 1 and 2 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at rentickets.org.

A free sensory-friendly performance of Godspell will be offered Saturday, April 1 at 1 PM for families of individuals with special needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at (419) 522-2726. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from 3-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children Of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, “Day By Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs including “Prepare Ye The

Way Of The Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All For The Best,” and “All Good Gifts.”

Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-michael Tebelak), and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. Hailed by critics as “an exhilarating musical fun house,” and “a family friendly show that deserves to run forever,” “Godspell turns the theatre into a joyous palace.”

Using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing, a small group of people come together to help Jesus tell the parables from the book of Matthew. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of love, community, and Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life on stage.

“During the course of the show, the cast goes on a journey, led by the Jesus character, which results in the formation of a community. This community of non-biblical characters carries on Jesus’ teachings of loving thy neighbor, and teaching people to keep love and joy in their hearts, long after he has gone. It’s about the impact that Jesus has on the others that’s at the heart of the musical.

Godspell is the quintessential ensemble-style show full of youthful energy, with lots of fun and recognizable music. Because the show allows for a lot of freedom on the part of the director, we can let the cast work with some improv and physical comedy while telling the story of the disciples who followed the character of Jesus and his teachings, “shares Maloney. All of the energy and commitment of these young actors, combined with the pop/folk-rock/ gospel score will deliver an uplifting and joyful experience for our audiences.”

The cast is led by Madison Kearney and Cassandra Kurek, with an ensemble featuring: Julia Conner, Hudson Hamelink, Steliana Kruer, Milo Mcdonald, Aspen Partin, Alyssa Racer, Graycen Stevens, and Makenzie Wynn. The Chorus includes: Violet Ames, Tiegan Franta, Mckinnley King, Lilly Mccready.

For additional information regarding the MY Theatre production of Seussical, Jr., contact Dauphne Maloney at dauphne@mansfieldtickets. com, or by calling 419-5222726, ext. 212.

Mansfield Youth Theatre is presented as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series

Launched in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA) and guided by a committee of educators, NEA’S Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources that are about everyone, for everyone.

The titles and resources featured by NEA’S Read Across America include books that students can see themselves reflected in, as well as books that allow readers to see a world or a character that might be different than them.

Readers who feel included, recognized, and a part of the world are engaged readers. We hope that you’ll be able to share these recommended titles–and many others–to celebrate Read Across America in March and throughout the year. We invite you to:

1. Read books with kids and use Read Across America’s resources to daily promote the message there is room in our community for all readers. The world–and books–are filled with many different kinds of people. Getting to know them is interesting, exciting, and fun!

2. Use Read Across America to help kids enjoy and relate to what they read by linking books and reading to other experiences in their lives and on the school year calendar. When everything from your Hispanic

Heritage Month celebration to the 100th day of school to the science fair to Memorial Day includes books, guest readers, activities, and conversation about reading, you raise awareness about the importance, value, and fun of reading throughout the year.

3. Make your community the place where Read Across America is on everyone’s calendar. When people make the time to read with children, children get the message that reading is important. Parents, members of your community, and local celebrities who make time to read at monthly or annual Read Across America celebrations help motivate kids to read and celebrate the diversity in their community and our country.