Godspell teaches lessons

Music is in the air for OUTheatre. With a total of six presentations, the Godspell cast will perform more in the week than groups have before in the past.

Godspell is a musical based on parables from the Gospel of Matthew. There are traditional hymns set to current music. Megan Redden, Decatur, Ill. appreciates the production for the music as well as its message.

"With this production, the teachings can be applied to daily life; you can see Jesus in anyone," Redden said. "No matter what religion you affiliate with, there is still a part of us that recognizes injustice, acknowledges what is right and wrong and performs a small act of kindness whenever possible."

Director Julie Noonan has chosen her productions this year in order to help advance her actors while still entertaining audiences with well-known shows.

"I hope to appeal to a larger audience with two more popular shows, yet challenge our students with methods behind the stage," Noonan said.

Freshman Kaitlyn Johnson, El Dorado Spings, Mo. said the show has presented more challenges including many practices and sometimes nerves.

"We rehearse every weekday and have work days for the set on Saturdays," Johnson said.

"Our practices usually run from four to seven or 8, but since we are down to crunch time, we will be having later practices."

Despite some worries, the group, with each others' support is excited for their upcoming test.

"My favorite part so far has been our rehearsal a couple nights ago when the cast got into a circle and just talked about their worries and stress of the show," Johnson said. "It was a really good bonding experience for all of us." Only days away from the first performance, the cast has high hopes for the first showing.

Lee Nave, sophomore, St. Louis, Mo. wants audience members to relate to the play.

"I hope the play brings a better sense of diversity to the university," Nave said. "Our Jesus and John the Baptist are both women. I doubt too many performances of Godspell have cast women in the two leading roles."

Hoping to engage many more students with OUTheatre, Noonan welcomes all to come out and see Godspell, and invites students to get involved.

"Our theatre program is very hands-on," Noonan said. "Those who are interested in getting real experience will get it. As always we welcome more hands to help make the process work."