Classic musical "Godspell" staged in Multiform Theatre
Oct. 20, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- University Theatre at Western Michigan University presents the enduring musical version of the greatest story ever told, "Godspell," for seven performances Oct. 30 through Nov. 8.
Performances in the Multiform Theatre begin at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 and Nov. 6-8, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. General admission tickets are $16, $12 for WMU faculty and staff, and $7 for students.
"Godspell" narrates the final days in the life of Jesus Christ through contemporary music and dance. An adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew, it emphasizes the parables and the charitable spirit that have helped spread the Christian message around the world.
Directed by Geoff Stephenson, assistant professor of theatre, "Godspell" is among the most popular of American musicals. It was one of the first folk-rock shows to emerge on Broadway, and has since become a classic of its genre, inspiring multiple cast recordings and a motion picture of the same name. Stephenson has fittingly adapted this production for the WMU community: it uses the setting of a college campus to share its story of peace and love.
The performers include Western Michigan University seniors Heather Beck, Geoffrey Alan Nelson, Natalie Rado, Brett Rigby, Erin Rinke, Michael Van Gemert, David White, and Andrea Wilmoth; junior Antonio Copeland; and sophomore Erin Leigh Chupinsky. The designers include seniors Christina Maley (lighting) and Liesl Seitz (costumes); and juniors Andrew Campbell (sound) and Jeanine Nicholas (scenery). WMU alumnae Kristen Legg and Jaime Reed are serving as choreographer and music director, respectively.
An opening night reception sponsored by Gull Lake Cafe will take place after the Oct. 30 performance. A post-show discussion with the director and the cast is scheduled for Nov. 6.
For tickets, contact the University Theatre Ticket office
at (269) 387-6222 weekdays from noon to 5 p.m. Box offices at
Miller Auditorium and the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo also
sell tickets to University Theatre productions.
The 2003-04 University Theatre season is made possible through
a partnership with TIAA-CREF.
Media contact: Patrick Donnelly, 269 387-6222, patrick.donnelly@wmich.edu