Hampshire High School stages “Godspell”
The gospel of Matthew comes alive onstage this weekend when Hampshire High School stages “Godspell.”
But director Chris Cherry, a vocal music teacher, thinks the story has elements that transcend the religious.
Performances are set for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 13, 14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15, at the school, 1600 Big Timber Road, Hampshire.
In addition to Cherry, the production is led by orchestra teacher and pit conductor Helen Lawrence, choreographer Shana Flatland, and industrial technology teacher Mike Jakubowski, who is in charge of the set.
We asked Cherry a few questions about what went into Hampshire’s production of “Godspell.”
Q. Why did you choose “Godspell” as your spring musical?
Cherry. I was looking for a show with an ensemble cast. I like musicals where I can put as many kids onstage at once and “Godspell” fit that requirement perfectly. In a typical musical the chorus members are on a few times for a handful of songs, but with our show the entire cast is onstage for almost every scene.
Q. How many students are involved with the production? Are there many students who are new to theater, or do you have a lot of veteran performers in this show?
Cherry. We have around 70 students involved in the production with the actors, instrumentalists in the pit, and crew. Most of the students involved have done theater before, but there are always a handful of new students.
Q. What is “Godspell” about?
Cherry. “Godspell” is loosely based on the Gospel of Matthew. The show is mainly the parables told in Matthew; the story of the good Samaritan, story of Lazarus, etc. It is appropriate for all ages.
Q. What have been some of your biggest challenges in producing this show?
Cherry. Blocking each scene and telling the story. “Godspell” is unique in the fact that there is really no plot or scenes. The show is made up of a bunch of short stories linked together through the music. You really have to think outside the box on how you want the kids to perform each story.
Q. What has been most rewarding?
Cherry. Watching the students grow as actors and musicians throughout the rehearsal process. The students contributed a lot to the blocking and the concept of the show. It was fun to share ideas and go back and forth to create this production.
Q. What do you think the audience’s favorite part will be?
Cherry. The audience will love “O Bless the Lord My Soul” and “We Beseech Thee,” but my personal favorite is “Beautiful City.”
Q. Is there anything else you can tell readers about this show?
Cherry. Though the story has a religious overtone, I think that is just the first layer of the show. I like to think that “Godspell” is more about community and doing good for those around you rather then religion. It uses a story found in Christianity to give examples on how we should treat one another. Right now I don’t think there is a more important message we should be sharing then how we should treat our peers and those around us.
For tickets, call (847) 792-3500.
Cast of “Godspell”
Lindsay Alberth, Kristin Berggren, Lexy Bieber, Sarah Brehm, Brittany Burklow, Natalie Cash, Julia Chung, Kelly Conrad, Nolan Coyle, Paul Davison, Grace Faszczewski, Sylvia Faszczewski, Amber Flatland, Kristen Flojo, Meg Grafer, Chris Hagendorn, Sabrina Heck, Anita Jackson, Mikey Jakubowski, Ben Joyce, McKenzie Krueger, Colt Luedtke, Glenn Paul Macaso, Ally Miley, Nathan Miner, Kylie Nelson, Samantha Okubo, CD Shy, Kelly Showalter, Meghan Showalter, Sabrina Skerston, Cindy Smith, Heather Smith, Dakota Stark, Demetra Strain, Nathan Strain, Kendall Walker, Ginny Wilkin, Taylor Windbiel, Megan Wunglueck
If you go
What: Hampshire High Schools production of Godspell
When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 13-14; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 15
Where: Hampshire High School auditorium, 1600 Big Timber Road, Hampshire
Tickets: $8 adults, $6 for students and seniors
Details: (847) 792-3500