This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Peabody High Theatre Dept. to Performs 'Godspell'

The production's opening night show starts at 7:30 p.m. with additional performances on Friday and Saturday, also at 7:30 p.m.

Join the Theatre Department this weekend as they interpret the Gospel of Matthew in their production of the 1971 classic, "Godspell."

Drama teacher and production director Richard Carey said he chose the production in the fall because he wanted to do get more students involved in the production. Last year they did a small production, The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, this year was about a more school-wide production he said. Aside from the two main roles; Jesus, played by Chris DeBruyckere, and Judas, played by Andrew Troung, the show is mainly ensemble.

“Godspell allowed me to utilize a lot of kids and use them well,” he added.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Carey said "Godspell" is a show he revisits every 10 years.

"Each generation people rediscover the simplicity and the joy of the show," he added.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

As a show he grew up on, he was amazed none of the students knew of the show or its songs. 

“It has been wonderful to watch them start to discover it and learn what it is all about,” he said.

Carey said they are also going green with this production by reusing old sets in different ways to create their own community. He said one of the things the audience will notice, there is a very pale opening to the show, as the show develops they write on the walls and with the introduction of new things the set becomes very colorful. Then it all goes away and they have to rebuild new each night. 

The 42 student ensemble has been rehearsing for nearly two months, preparing for this Thursday’s opening night. With the last few rehearsals incorporating the band and sound elements, the students are getting very excited he said.

"Godspell" was originally a senior thesis directing project for John-Michael Tebelak at Carnegie Mellon University before being discovered by Edgar Landsbury and rescored by Stephen Shwarts. The show opened Off-Broadway in May 1971, where it ran for 2,124 performances, making it the longest running Off-Broadway musical. After five years Off-Broadway, "Godspell" made its Broadway debut on June 22, 1976 at the Broadhurst Theatre. A film version of "Godspell" was released in 1973 subsequently the song “Day By Day” reached number 13 on the top 100 charts.

"Godspell" can be seen Thursday, Friday,  and Saturday. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. and tickets can can be purchased in advance for $10 or $12 at the door. All Thursday night tickets are a special price of $8.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?