Bradford Little Theatre (BLT) has announced the cast for its production of the 2012 revival version of the iconic and inspiring musical “Godspell.”
“Godspell” was the first major musical by Stephen Schwartz, whose career includes “Wicked” and “Pippin” as well as three Grammy and Academy Awards. The book was written by visionary playwright John-Michael Tebelak. “Godspell” first opened off Broadway in 1971 and took the world by storm. The show was updated and revived with a modernized score and opened on Broadway in 2011.
Using a variety of games and storytelling techniques, Jesus’s life and eventual persecution is told through parables from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’s message of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
“Godspell” features a parade of beloved songs including “Day by Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “Beautiful City” and “All for the Best.”
“I chose to direct the 2012 revival version of this show because of the technical difficulty of the amazing music,” said director Eric Van Druff. “I knew the level of talent in this area would be able to master these songs and bring something really special to the stage. We have an amazingly talented group of people in this show and I am really enjoying watching them learn this show and make it their own.”
The cast is comprised of more than 20 talented actors and singers from across the Twin Tiers area.
Shane Oschman of Bradford returns to the BLT stage as Jesus. Oschman performed the role of Jesus in BLT’s production of “Jesus Christ Superstar.”
Dr. David Merwine of Bradford will play the role of Judas/John the Baptist. Merwine was last seen in Olean (N.Y.) Community Theatre’s production of “Assassins” as John Wilkes Booth and BLT’s production of “Harvey” as the taxi driver.
The group of disciples is played by a cast of 11 actors including:
• BLT newcomer Gabe Grey of Little Valley, N.Y., who last performed in Salamanca’s Ray Evan’s Theatre production of “Hair”
• Michaela Hatcher, of Bradford, who will be making her stage debut
• Laura Piccioli, of Bradford, who was last seen in BLT’s production of “Harvey”
• Adam Losey, of Olean, who performed on BLT’s stage as a disciple in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” and was recently in OCT’s “Assassins”
• Tanaka Losey, of Olean, who was in OCT’s production of “Assassins”, and BLT’s “Great American Trailer Park Musical,” and played Mary Magdalene in BLT’s “Jesus Christ Super Star”
• Bridgette Martin, of Bradford, who is also choreographing the show and was last seen in BLT’s “Great American Trailer Park Musical”
• BLT newcomer Clay Nolan, of Bradford, who last performed in BLT’s “Great American Trailer Park Musical”
• BLT newcomer Skyler Schapp, of Little Valley, N.Y., who was last on stage during OCT’s “Assassins”
• Connie Shanks of Bradford, who was last seen in BLT’s “Harvey”
• Marcia Wymer, of Olean, who was last seen in BLT’s “Great American Trailer Park Musical”
• BLT newcomer Nicholas Youngs, of Allegany, N.Y., who was last on stage during OCT’s “Assassins”
The chorus ensemble is comprised of Andrew Dutko, Linda Minich-Frink, Bonnie Leposa, and Chelsea Place, all of Bradford.
Godspell will be presented at the St. Bernard’s School Gym on West Washington Street in Bradford. Evening performances are June 15th, 16th, and 17th at 7:30 pm. A matinee performance will be held June 19th at 2:00pm. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at Graham Florist or Togi’s Family Restaurant or online at http://blt-godspell.bpt.me. For ticket reservations or questions call Chelsea at 814-598-9956.
