events, music, theatre

Direct from Broadway…Godspell!

Direct from Broadway…Godspell!

Godspell 5

Crockett— Family in town for Thanksgiving?… Looking for something special to do?… Put the leftover turkey in the fridge and bring the WHOLE family to one of the most enduring Broadway musicals of all time in a brand new and up-to-date, intimate, one-of-a-kind production.

From the composer of WICKED and PIPPIN…The Tony-award winning musical, Godspell, direct from Broadway is coming to the Crockett Civic Center, Nov. 29th on one of only three stops in Texas!  This nationally touring show is fun for the whole family and is being presented by the Piney Woods Fine Arts Association.

Enjoy all the good gifts of one of the most enduring shows of all time in a brand new and up-to-date, intimate, one-of-a-kind production. Raise your spirit with the Tony®-nominated score filled with the popular hits “Day By Day”, “Light of the World”, and “Turn Back, O Man.”

As the most popular modern retelling of the later life of Jesus, Godspell has entertained audiences around the world regardless of religious beliefs. The musical’s timeless message of love and friendship, as well as hugely popular songs, have made it a Broadway favorite and received acclaim from numerous theater critics. Godspell, has touched the hearts of countless theatergoers all over the world – and now you can join in the celebration as a spectacular ensemble of bright young stars stirs your soul, raises your spirit and lifts you right out of your seat.

Godspell begins with the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, followed by Jesus teaching the “community”, through parables, about how to lead loving lives that will please God. The members of the community all adopt symbols showing that they are now following Jesus, and its members become more closely knit as the parables progress. Jesus makes the parables humorous and casual, and an aura of love surrounds the group as they grow closer. His followers defend him when he is criticized by the Pharisees, and heed his warning before casting out an adulteress from the group. While initially chummy friends, Judas soon plans to betray Jesus for money, and his followers can only watch his death unfold before their eyes.

Originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, this production is directed by David Hogan and will feature Jake Stern in the role of Jesus and Graham Parkhurst as John the Baptist / Judas.  The cast also features Stacey Bulmer, Michael Hogeveen, Ivan Lo, Alessia Lupiano, Rebecca McCauley, Lisa Michelle, Janelle Murray, Michael De Rose, and David Cotton.

At a point in his life when he expected to be starting his second year in college, 19-year-old Jake Stern is instead about to tour the United States as Jesus in a new production of Godspell. “I’ve put that on hold,” the Canadian actor said. The actor said he feels “blessed” by the chance to tour in “Godspell” while he’s still in his teens.

“I’m really lucky to be given an opportunity like this in such a beginning stage of my career. I’m looking forward to seeing America. I’ve only ever been to South Carolina … once,” he said.

The Canadian production received rave reviews last year, most of which cited the youthful energy of the ensemble. Stern attributes the power of the show to the tight company of actors who work together as a unit.

“We are all on stage together the entire time. … I love that about it,” the actor said. “It’s a really cool experience and several audience members have told me they can’t believe the energy (of the production).”

“A family-friendly show that deserves to run forever!” – Wall Street Journal

Tickets start at $32 and are available online at pwfaa.org. or by calling the Piney Woods Fine Arts Assoc. office at (936) 544-4276 Mon-Fri from 9:00-1:00.

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