LMHS To Stage "Godspell"
Ask the cast members of the Lancaster Mennonite High School (LMHS) production of "Godspell" what they hope to give to audiences, and several quickly respond with the word "community."
"The show is about the community surrounding Jesus," said Heidi Stoltzfus, who will belt out the well-known "Day by Day" in the show. Carter Palmer, who will sing "All Good Gifts," noted that the cast is learning about the community of God and becoming an extension of that community, and Ryan Kimbark, who plays Jesus, noted that the circumstances brought about by COVID-19 restrictions have put a focus on the importance of community to make the show especially relevant at this time.
"Godspell," which features music by Grammy Award and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, will be staged in the High Fine Arts Center, 2176 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Feb. 24, 25, and 26, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 3 and 7 p.m. Director Dean Sauder chose the 2012 revised version of the show with updated music.
"Godspell," set in New York City, tells the story of a small group of people who help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a variety of forms of storytelling, including improvisation, skits, music, and dance. The play concludes with the Last Supper and the crucifixion, the culmination of Jesus' messages about love.
Sauder said that he loves the show. Several members of the cast of 15 were familiar with the musical before auditioning. While the cast has dealt with the COVID-19-related challenges of not having everyone at practice, they are embracing the show and working to make it their own. Miranda Beidler, who sings "Light of the World," described the show as open, saying that the opportunity to improvise has been fun. Sauder agreed, noting that the players have incorporated character references from "The Office," along with nods to "The Princess Bride" and "Mean Girls."
That openness extends to the set as well. "The set is going to be a worksite with scaffolding, traffic cones, sawhorses, and a ladder and planks," said Sauder.
Caleb Metzler, who plays Judas and John the Baptist, pointed out the fun for both cast and audience members in the variety of styles of music. Sauder noted that the show will creatively weave in a boy band on one song and that Abby Brubaker will utilize some of her ballet talents on "By My Side." Kimbark, who has been tap dancing for several years, will showcase his experience on "All for the Best."
Kimbark called the show "playful" in its takes on the parables of Jesus, and Sauder noted that the show will incorporate technology, including texting dialogue, which will appear on a screen, and using Zoom for "Learn Your Lessons Well," while the cast is offstage. Palmer is excited for audiences to experience what the cast is rehearsing. "Expect the unexpected," said Palmer.
Additional cast members include Kay Beidler singing "Learn Your Lessons Well" and Mara Carlson, who will sing "Bless the Lord."
Readers who wish to see the play may visit http://www.lancastermennonite.org and click on Calendar, call 717-740-2456, or email boxoffice@lancastermennonite.org.
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