First Stage to Present "Godspell"

    First Stage announced its fourth show for the upcoming season this week - Godspell! 

   Here's the official announcement:

   The modern version of the Broadway hit musical Godspell, which is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company on Feb. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 2014, at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

   The show will be directed by Marshall University Theatre Professor / Theatre Program Director Jack Cirillo. The Music Director is Lara Donahue, the Choreographer is Mary Smirl, and the producers are Clint McElroy and Chuck Minsker.

   Auditions will be open to area high school students and will be held Dec. 7, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

   Conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time. This is the revised 2012 version, incorporating some of the changes and updated references used in the 2011-2012 Broadway Production.

   Godspell boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, "Day By Day." As the cast performs "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side," the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life.

   Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love.

   Godspell is part of the 24th season for Huntington's long-running children's theatre. Shows coming up this season include the musical It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Superman and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe in fall 2013, and Dear Edwina in spring 2014.

   The mission of First Stage Theatre Company is to provide opportunities for children to develop social and communication skills by participating in the performing arts and to promote fine arts education through the presentation of theatrical productions to children and families in our community.