Asbury University’s “Godspell” is a musical you won’t want to miss. From incredible singing, an incredible rock band, and choreography, this cast does it all. The show premiered last weekend, October 27-29, however, the show will be continued this weekend, November 4-5, and next weekend, November 11 and 12.
“The Asbury University Theater Department debuts this funny, moving, vibrant show with a talented cast of creative and exuberant students,” said director, Carol Anderson.
This theater production is based upon the Gospel of Matthew, only set in more contemporary times. The show gives a perspective on life that we don’t think about until we are there.
“It enters into a world that’s filled with anxiety, stress, uncertainty about politics, about the future and a bunch of young people who find each other and encounter this guy who shows up and is basically offering them a whole perspective on life that they’ve never experienced before,” said Anderson.
The story begins in a world where loneliness and anxiety thrive. A world that is consumed by stress. A group of people are on the search for a man,upon whom they stumble.
“It’s who we discover to be Jesus leading this up,” said Anderson. “So, you’ve got parables coming to life that are really funny and fresh. You’ve got people who are transformed by the spirit of a community.”
When Godspell first premiered in 1971, it broke ground of the historical Jesus, relating his last days using the fun and creative telling of parables.
The show experiences bring forth the power of love, community, loss, death and ultimately celebration.
Steven Schwartz said in his introduction to the script, “It is about the love and the power of community coming together despite their differences.”
The cast members have portrayed just this trait, and the show will be better than ever with a room full of audience.
“Our cast have become like best friends with each other,” said Anderson. “And so that connection and the joy of them doing this is infectious.”
Godspell was produced to bring a gift of hope to the community members here at Asbury, to bring forth the message of revitalization and redemption.
“So many students struggle with their faith in the midst of this community…This show through story refreshes the soul and spirit,” said Anderson. “It allows you to drop your stress and anxiety for two hours for some great entertainment.”
