Special to 1812Blockhouse
The Mansfield Youth Theatre will present GODSPELL on the stage of the Renaissance’s Theatre 166 on March 31, April 1 and 2 as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series. Performances will take place at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and 2:30 PM on Sunday. Dauphne Maloney directs the show with musical direction by Brian K. Nabors. Tickets are $15, general admission, and are on sale now at the Renaissance Box Office, via phone, and online at rentickets.org.
A free sensory-friendly performance of Godspell will be offered Saturday, April 1 at 1 PM for families of individuals with special needs. Interested individuals must register for their free tickets by visiting or calling the Renaissance Box Office at (419) 522-2726. A limited number of tickets is available for the sensory-friendly performance and no walk-ups will be accommodated.
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from 3-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children Of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, “Day By Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs including “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All For The Best,” and “All Good Gifts.”
Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak), and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. Hailed by critics as “an exhilarating musical fun house,” and “a family friendly show that deserves to run forever,” “Godspell turns the theatre into a joyous palace.”
Using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing, a small group of people come together to help Jesus tell the parables from the book of Matthew. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of love, community, and Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life on stage.
“During the course of the show, the cast goes on a journey, led by the Jesus character, which results in the formation of a community. This community of non-biblical characters carries on Jesus’ teachings of loving thy neighbor, and teaching people to keep love and joy in their hearts, long after he has gone. It’s about the impact that Jesus has on the others that’s at the heart of the musical. Godspell is the quintessential ensemble-style show full of youthful energy, with lots of fun and recognizable music. Because the show allows for a lot of freedom on the part of the director, we can let the cast work with some improv and physical comedy while telling the story of the disciples who followed the character of Jesus and his teachings, “ shares Maloney. All of the energy and commitment of these young actors, combined with the pop/folk-rock/gospel score will deliver an uplifting and joyful experience for our audiences.”
The cast is led by Madison Kearney and Cassandra Kurek, with an ensemble featuring: Julia Conner, Hudson Hamelink, Steliana Kruer, Milo McDonald, Aspen Partin, Alyssa Racer, Graycen Stevens, and Makenzie Wynn. The Chorus includes: Violet Ames, Tiegan Franta, McKinnley King, Lilly McCready.
For additional information regarding the MY Theatre production of Seussical, Jr., contact Dauphne Maloney at [email protected], or by calling 419-522-2726, ext. 212.
Mansfield Youth Theatre is presented as a part of the Mechanics Bank Education Series
Source, Photo: Renaissance Performing Arts Association
