GODSPELL
Conceived and Originally Directed
by JOHN-MICHAEL TEBELAK
MUSIC AND NEW LYRICS
by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
Originally Produced on the New York Stage by
EDGAR LANSBURY/ STUART DUNCAN/
JOSEPH BERUH
The show will run for approximately
2 hours.
There will be one 15-minute intermission.
Haze and fog will be used during this production.
Any video and/or audio recording of this
production is strictly prohibited.
Music for By My Side was written
by PEGGY GORDON and the lyrics
thereof by JAY HAMBURGER.
GODSPELL–2012 REVISED VERSION
is presented through special arrangement
with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials
are also supplied by MTI.
www.mtishows.com
Dear Arts Patrons,
Welcome to this 2023–24 performing arts season production. The quality programming you are about to enjoy, and in which the university community takes so much pride, would be impossible without our friends, benefactors, and audience members. We are very pleased to have you join us.
This season is an expanded and eclectic mix of music, drama, music theatre, and stand-up comedy performed by outstanding artists ranging from nationally known acts to Viterbo students. The carefully crafted schedule reflects our dedication to upholding the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and their goal of sharing the wonder of the arts with everyone in the region.
To all Viterbo arts patrons, benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, artists, and students, thank you very much for your continued support.
Enjoy the show! “Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President
Welcome to the Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts. We’re so glad you’ve joined in this shared experience of live theatre and music. There’s nothing else quite like it.
This season promises a tapestry of emotions, stories, and melodies, from the enchanting glamour of 42nd Street to the quirky brilliance of Bat Boy: The Musical, and the soul-stirring magic of Godspell.
We’re pleased to bring you new works from some of the most current voices in American theatre. In She Kills Monsters, Obie-award-winner Qui Nguyen offers up a genre-bending “Dungeons and Dragons” romp that can make you laugh even when you’re not supposed to. Tar Beach by Tammy Ryan drops us into 1977 on a New York City rooftop where an overstressed electrical grid leads to a city-wide blackout and the loss of innocence.
Feel the warmth of the holidays with the music of A Viterbo Christmas: The Holly and The Ivy, blending timeless carols and modern classics to launch the season. And in February, mark your calendars for the jazz-inspired romantic short opera, Later That Same Evening.
Thank you for joining us on this artistic journey as we explore new worlds, challenge perspectives, and create memories that last long after the final curtain.
Rick Walters
Executive Artistic Director
Conservatory for the Performing Arts
This production is set up as a modern pop concert headlined by a girl who saw hope and beauty in the parables and wanted to heal the world.
This version, this Jesus, is an exploration of community in a very modern world. After a summer (and Super Bowl) of Taylor Swift, Barbie, Britney, and Beyonce, I felt inspired to explore: Who gathers a community in 2024 for singing and healing and laughter and dancing and friendship bracelets? Who is both worshiped and condemned for doing so?
This isn’t the story of Jesus as you may know it to be. This isn’t a production of Godspell as you may know it to be. In addition to using the 2012 Broadway revival version of the show, the character of “Jesus” in this production of Godspell is being played by a female actor. This casting is not meant to represent history, as that has never been the goal of Godspell. The authors (and the script) encourage productions to update references and casting to help highlight the power of the parables to create community in a fractured world.
So, lean into the event—dance, laugh, cheer, sing, turn on your bracelets when the time is right, and check out @thepreparetour on Instagram at intermission!
–Erin Jerozal
Taking on the role of Biblical dramaturg in this production of Godspell is such a blessing and honestly an answered prayer. It combines my two biggest passions: faith and theatre. I’ve learned so much more about the Bible and it’s been a wonderful exercise of stepping out in boldness to proclaim the Gospel among my peers and friends. My process included notating the scripture that the libretto references, as well as using Bible commentary websites such as Bibleref.com. My process also included praying for wisdom to communicate the themes and concepts to the cast in a way that contextualizes it for them and is honoring to God. I hope no matter what your faith journey has been up to this point, that this show inspires you to catch a glimpse of the unwavering love of God for each and every individual viewer.
–Beth Anderson
Time: Now
Place: Here
Pre-Show Music
Adelaide Rhys
Instagram
Spotify
ACT I
Prologue/Tower of Babble
Prepare Ye
Save the People
Day By Day
Learn Your Lessons Well
Bless the Lord
All for the Best
All Good Gifts
Light of the World
ACT II
Learn Your Lessons Well (Reprise)
Turn Back, O Man
Alas For You
By My Side
We Beseech Thee
Beautiful City
On the Willows
Finale
Jesus: Payton Seacrist
Judas: Connor Martin
Day By Day Soloist: Ashlyn Cox
Learn Your Lessons Well Soloist: Lauren Canfield
Bless the Lord Soloist: Sophie La Fave
All Good Gifts Soloist: Colin Cada
Light of the World Soloist: Clay Corley
Turn Back, O Man Soloist: Kalyn Schmit
By My Side Soloist: Trey’Lon Salley
We Beseech Thee Soloist: Xavier Carnicom
Entourage:
Beth Anderson
(understudy Bless the Lord Soloist),
McKenzie Greenwood
(understudy Learn Your Lessons Well Soloist),
Braeden Jackson
(understudy Light of the World Soloist,)
Mouahlou Xiong
(understudy Judas and All Good Gifts Soloist)
Dancers:
Sydney Ellis
(understudy Day By Day Soloist),
Victoria (Tori) Greenlaw
(understudy By My Side Soloist),
Abby Schrunk
(understudy Turn Back, O Man Soloist),
Sony Vassor
(understudy We Beseech Thee Soloist),
Annie Voss
(understudy Jesus)
Conductor/Keyboard 1: Janette Hanson
Keyboard 2: Matt Salvo
Guitar: Paul Leithold, Joe Gantzer
Bass: Karyn Quinn
Drums: Rich MacDonald
Director: Erin Jerozal
Music Director: Janette Hanson
Choreographers: Halle Utterback, McKenzie Russ
Production Stage Manager: Will Handrick
Scenic Designer: Sadie Ward
Lighting Designer: Jason Underferth
Costume Designer: Jen Brown
Properties Designer: Kelsey Taunt
Sound Designer/Engineer: Eric Glazewski
Hair and Makeup Designer: Shea Grande
Fight Choreographer: Teddy Eck
Assistant Director: Joshua Terrones
Assistant Stage Manager: Ellie Parish
Assistant Costume Designer: Makayla Taylor
Assistant Lighting Designer: Abbey Messing
Biblical Dramaturg: Beth Anderson
Social Media Designer: Braydon Schoeffling
Dance Captain: Sony Vassor
Fight Captain: Colin Cada
Production Manager: Jason Underferth
Technical Director: Chad Kolbe
Lead Electrician: Madi Bollinger
Assistant Electrician: Samuel Asid
Costume Shop Supervisor: Alexandra Holzem
Prop Shop Supervisor: Kelsey Taunt
Assistant Props Designer: Megan Wheelock
Deck Supervisor: Afton Fuson
Costume Run Crew Supervisor: Isaac Knudsen
Hair/Makeup Supervisor: Ainsley Alrutz
Light Board Operator: Calvin Pierce
Sound Run/Microphones: Jake Aune
Follow Spot Operators: Vera Shipley, Zack Lichner
Costume Run Crew: AJ Murphy, Carley Clover
Scenic Run Crew: Alanna Sawall, Katie Kostner,
Tucker Mensen, Brandon Rundquist
Lighting/Electricians: Ashlyn Cox, Colin Cada,
Connor Martin
Costume Build Crew: Malia Meyer, Elisabeth Meyer, Annie Voss, Xavier Carnicom, Kayla Taylor, Abby Schrunk, Jess Schneider, Sydney Ellis, Adelaide Young, Joie Steele, Braeden Jackson, Bailey Millimaki, Gabby Moten, Lauren Canfield, Jillian Kohl, Shea Grande, Jen Brown, Alexandra Holzem
Scenic Build Crew: Clay Corley, Kayden Kloehn, Sony Vassor, Trey'lon Salley, Emma Phillips, Spencer Curtis, Kalyn Schmit, Sam Asid, Virginia Foshee
Prop Build Crew: Megan Wheelock, Sydney Ellis, Braeden Jackson, Robby Alston, Willow Kasper
Special Thanks: Ryan Taunt, Shira Ginsburg, Emily Craver
This design is dedicated to Underferth's dad who passed March 6, 2024 from cancer complications. He was always a huge supporter of his son's work in the arts.
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