Young actors of Madison Lyric Stage continue ‘Godspell’ run

2nd series of shows on tap Friday, Saturday

Stephen Schwartz, now perhaps best-known for composing the hit musicals “Wicked” and “Pippin,” wrote “Godspell” more than 40 years ago.

MADISON — The Madison Lyric Stage’s young artist production of the Stephen Schwartz musical “Godspell,” featuring a cast of 10, all 25-years-old and younger, with a band of six musicians, continues this weekend.

The musical, which started last weekend, will continue Friday, May 25, and Saturday, May 26, at the MLS Black Box theater at the Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society at 297 Boston Post Road in Madison. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. Marc Deaton directs.

Stephen Schwartz, now perhaps best-known for composing the hit musicals “Wicked” and “Pippin,” wrote “Godspell” more than 40 years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most beloved and frequently produced musicals in history, featuring hit songs like “Day by Day,” “By My Side,” and “Save the People.”

The musical, based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, presents a whimsical view of the teachings of Jesus, as his followers and disciples re-enact parables and scenes from his life. The music is both boisterous and buoyant, with a variety of modern music styles, including pop, folk and gospel, set primarily to lyrics from traditional Episcopal hymns.

The cast is comprised of performers from Madison Lyric Stage’s young artist program. These young singers and actors appear in MLS mainstage productions in smaller roles and have traditionally had their own concert evening. This is the first time that MLS will present a full production for its young artists.

Joining the case are local gifted and talented high school students, representing Guilford High School, Madison’s Daniel Hand High School, and New Haven’s ACES Educational Center for the Arts.

“Our young artist pro-

gram allows less experienced performers on a path toward a professional career to gain skill by being in our mainstage shows,” said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage. “This year, we decided their talent deserved a full production, and we are thrilled that some exceptionally talented high school students are also joining us. Part of our mission is to serve our community, and we are excited to be able to provide performance opportunities to young people from the area.”

Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased at madisonlyricstage.org or by calling 203-215-6329.

Contributed photo Madison Lyric Stage is presenting a young artist production of the Stephen Schwartz musical “Godspell,” featuring a cast of 10, all 25 years old and younger, with a band of six musicians. The musical will run for two more performances on May 25-26.

Contributed photo Madison Lyric Stage is presenting a young artist production of the musical “Godspell,” featuring a cast of 10, all 25 years old and younger, with a band of six musicians.