UCM Theatre and Dance Presents “Godspell: The Musical”

By Jeff Murphy, March 27, 2019

WARRENSBURG, MO – Tickets are now available for the University of Central Missouri Theatre and Dance production of “Godspell: The Musical” Wednesday-Sunday, April 3-7 at the James L. Highlander Theatre on the UCM campus. It shows at 7:30 p.m. each night, except for the 2 p.m. Sunday matinee.
 
“Godspell” was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked, Pippin,” “Children of Eden”), and it took the world by storm. The story centers around a small group of people who help Jesus with the telling of different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

The musical’s director Mary Trotter spoke about whey she thinks people should see the production by noting, “We all need community. To be heard. To hear. To be loved. To love. ‘Godspell’ is about coming together no matter our differences. Inspired by the Bible, ‘Godspell’ reminds us that the heart of humanity is good and together we can conquer anything.”

“Godspell” is an energetic show that people have come to love and appreciate since it was first performed Off-Broadway in 1971. It is a fun, emotional, and meaningful show that is great for the family and has broad appeal for all theatre-goers.

“Godspell” includes music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz with a book by John-Michael Tebelok and is adapted from the Gospel of Matthew.

The cast of “Godspell” includes Darian Duah as Jesus; Zach Kujath as Judas; Grant Lesher as Nick; Alec Bridges as Telly; Leah Eggiman as George; Emily Coffin as Anna Maria; Jackie Price as Lindsay; Maya Strickland as Uzo; Lacy Goettling as Morgan; and Zoi Lepper as Celisse.
 
The crew includes Director Mary Trotter; Choreographer Ashley Miller-Scully; Musical Director Ahafia Jurkiewicz-Miles; Vocal Director Page Gravely; Assistant Director Elise Marshall; Stage Manager Julia Wolz; Assistant Stage Manager Reilly Mullaney; Assistant Choreographer Leah Eggiman; Scenic Designer Ken George; Costume Designer Kayla Jestila; Lighting Designer Ben Gonzales; Sound Designer Cassidy Booth; Hair and Makeup Designer McKenzie Mick; Technical Director Cody Nelson; Assistant Scenic Designers Ethan Shaffer and Oliver Herron; Assistant Costume Designer Maryn Edwards; Assistant Lighting Designer Kelsi Richardson; Master Electrician Chasen Brown; Assistant Sound Designer Seth Holt; Props Master Caitlin Whitehead; Assistant Hair and Makeup Designer Anna Braman; Publicity Director Aaron Scully; Assistant Publicity Manager Tony Smith; Box Office Manager Madeline Hamrin; Assistant Box Office Managers Evelyn Years and Kendra Simpson; House Manager Derek Caswell; Assistant House Managers Jonathan Seay and Mallory Nicas; and Publicity Team Members Emily Layt, Erin Clavin, Elizabeth Henks, Ashley Bennett and McKenzie Koppe.

This production of “Godspell” is for all audiences over five years old.

Tickets are $7 for students, $12 for UCM Faculty/Staff and $15 for the general public. They can be purchased online at ucmo.edu/theatretickets, by calling 660-543-8811, or at the Box Office at the Highlander Theater weekdays between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 27.