Godspell opens Thursday at NOC

TONKAWA —  The Northern Oklahoma College Division of Fine Arts presents Godspell Nov. 16-19 at the Kinzer Performing Arts Center.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Children younger than 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Godspell is directed by Chad Anderson, director of musical theatre.

In his director’s notes, Anderson said Godspell was first written as a play by a college student, “then bolstered with songs by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippen).

“Godspell is a show that, historically, has been misunderstood by some,” Anderson wrote. “It was conceived by Tebelak as a lighter, more positive look at the gospel at a time when he felt that Christianity was seen in a negative light. Additionally, Godspell (which is an archaic spelling of the word “gospel”) is an abstract take on the story of Jesus, packed with symbolism, and can be subject to numerous interpretations and concepts.

“Some may remember the 1973 film version that featured a clown motif. Many who prefer realistic depictions of the gospel felt this concept was goofy and even irreverent. You’ll see a different interpretation (at NOC), and it is the hope of this cast and crew that you’ll see the show as it was intended—a colorful, joyous telling of “the greatest story ever told.”

CAST

• Malerie Davis – Ensemble
• Telara Day – Ensemble
• Emily Gonzalez – Ensemble
• David Moore – Ensemble
• Autumn Morris – Ensemble
• Axel Navarrete – John the Baptist/Judas
• Taryn Pruett – Ensemble
• Kenneth Thomas, Jr. – Ensemble
• Carter Wyatt – Jesus
• Dakota Yandle – Ensemble

CREW

• Director  – Chad Anderson
• Stage Manager – Katelynn Schulz
• Rehearsal Accompanist  – Connie Van Ausdall
• Conductor – Edward Dixon
• Set Design – Tony Luetkenhaus
• Lighting Design  – Tony Luetkenhaus
• Sound Design – Tony Luetkenhaus
• Technical Director – Tony Luetkenhaus
• Costume Design  – Melodie Parman
• Costume Assistants – Sally Kimbrel, Madison Broome
• Props Master – Dakota Yandle

BAND MEMBERS

• Eddie Dixon – Conductor, Keyboard 1
• Connie Van Ausdall – Keyboard 2
• Sarah Hunsucker – Keyboard 3
• Paul Palma – Guitar
• Michael Spielbusch – Bass
• Wayne Hudson – Percussion
• Light Board Operator – John Kuhlmann
• Sound Board Operator – Tony Luetkenhaus
• Follow Spot Operators – Sally Kimbrel, Madison Broome

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Act I

• “Prologue/Tower of Babble” – Ensemble
• “Prepare Ye” – John the Baptist & Company
• “Save the People” – Jesus & Company
• “Day by Day” – Dakota & Company
• “Learn Your Lessons Well” – Autumn & Company
• “Bless the Lord” – Taryn & Company
• “All for the Best” – Jesus, Judas, & Company
• “All Good Gifts” – Kenneth & Company
• “Light of the World” – Malerie & Company

15 Minute Intermission

Act II

• “Learn Your Lessons Well (Reprise)” – Kenneth
• “Turn Back, O Man” – Telara & Company
• “Alas for You” – Jesus
• “By My Side” – Emily & Company
• “We Beseech Thee” – David & Company
• “Beautiful City” – Jesus & Company
• “On the Willows” – John the Baptist, Sarah, Eddie
• “Finale” – Jesus & Company
• Bows – Company