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The 2016 Clarion University Summer Musical Theatre will present “Godspell,” opening at 7:30 p.m. June 23 in Marwick Boyd Little Theatre.
With music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz – composer of shows "Wicked" and "Pippin" – "Godspell" is a musical rendition of the Gospel of Matthew, with well known songs such as "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye" and "God Save the People."
While the show was written in 1971, it is easily updated to be fresh and different from other performances to ensure that audience members will have a new and unique experience.
The show is directed and choreographed by Marilouise Michel, professor of theatre in the university's visual and performing arts department. Having been involved with "Godspell" before, she plans to give a unique twist to the production by adding a children's chorus which, she believes, will "help audiences see the show in a new light."
"'Godspell' is more than just biblical parables: it is humorous, witty, fun and heartbreaking," said Anna Matia of Pittsburgh, a junior theatre major who is stage manager for the musical.
The cast includes Nathan Bunyon of Collegeville, a sophomore musical theatre major, as Jesus and Matt Fitzsimmons of Shippenville, a senior business major, as Judas/John the Baptist, along with an ensemble cast of sophomore musical theatre majors Whitney Jefferson of Washington, D.C., Shayla Barrett of Johnstown and Betsy Novotny of Homestead, freshman theatre major Rachel Hutchison of Beaver Falls, high school juniors Kiera Vinson, Kevin Bradley and Marshall Powers, all of Clarion, and 8th grader Gabby DiDolce, Shippenville. The children's ensemble includes Kaelynn and Emma Fitzsimmons (daughters of Matt and Tamera Fitzsimmons of Shippenville), Jenna Pierce (daughter of Jeff and Melissa Pierce of Knox), and Victor and Grace Troese (children of Jack and Thizbea Troese, Clarion).
Scenic design is provided by Robert Gerald Levy, chair of the visual and performing arts department. Thomas Feather of Windber, a junior technical theatre major, is lighting designer, and Samuel Atwell of St. Marys, a senior acting major, is the costume designer. Musical direction is provided by Brooke Maxwell ('12), who has participated in the university's Summer Theatre program multiple times.
"While different from past summers, we're proud and excited to present this new incarnation of the Clarion Summer Musical Theatre Festival," Levy said. "The new schedule, with the earlier curtain time and Sunday matinees, make it easier for families to come to the theatre."
Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. June 23-25, 29 and 30, and July 1 and 2, as well as the 2 p.m. matinee June 26. All performances are on the Clarion campus. Tickets are $12/adult, $9/children 12 and under, and free for Clarion University students with valid ID. Tickets can be reserved online at www.clarionuniversitytickets.com or can be ordered by phone at 814-393-2787.