Cast of Godspell: Left to right, back row: Kevin Kenneally, Gillian Norton, Robert Minshall, Alex Valentine, Hannah Carrita, Dan McSweeny, Kim Mitchell, Sitting, left to right: Michelle Rossi, Rachael Kenneally, Samantha Minshall
» Read this article from the Cape Cod Times
The Woods Hole Theater Company will present the musical “Godspell” at the Woods Hole Community Hall June 11-13, 18-20, 25-27, Thursday to Saturday, at 8:00 PM, and Sunday June 21 at 2:00 PM. “Godspell” was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Directed by Corinne Cameron. Music direction by Katie Lynch Koglin. Show is enhanced with ASL interpretation. Tickets: $18.00. Credit card reservations on line at www.woodsholetheater.org, Ovationtix: 866-811-4111.
Woods Hole Theater Company is very pleased to be working with Corinne Cameron, Director of GODSPELL. Below are some of her thoughts regarding this show.
2015 has been a special year thus far theatrically as I was able to direct a show that is close to my heart and to do so twice. In March, my students at Mashpee High School performed Godspell under my Direction and Katie Lynch Koglin’s Music Direction. That incredible experience led me to wanting to direct the show in a community theatre venue. Luckily the WHTC board was able to accommodate my love for the show and has been with me every step of the way in order to give you, the audience, a great theatrical experience. My good fortune continued during the audition process where I was able to cast top-notch talent, whose youthful exuberance spans four decades, fully embodying the community spirit this show showcases. When I speak about Godspell as a whole, I always state that the musical is, first and foremost, about the formation of a community. Yes, it is the story of Jesus and the parables He taught which shows the growth of that community, but it is merely the vehicle that was chosen, rather than a religious statement. Persons of every faith can appreciate the lessons taught and come away with a facet of the show that can only be described as powerful.
In our production, you will notice that on most nights we have guest performers to aid in singing “On the Willows”. These guests are Katie Lynch Koglin’s and my students from The Blue Falcon Theatre Company’s version of Godspell. During their production, we had community members come in to join them and this opportunity makes our current production sort of an extention of the Mashpee HS version. Although there are similarities such as the community involvement, the show you are about to experience is quite different from the other. It’s a true testament to how differently the same material can be presented by being influenced by its actors and what they bring to the table. In keeping with our communal theme we are very excited to be able to have Lizzy Smythe, who has her degree in interpretation and deaf studies, take on the huge undertaking of translating a good portion of the text as well as all the music into American Sign Language. While it isn’t a complete translation, we are thrilled to be able to offer this enhancement for our hearing- impaired community members.
For the past forty plus years, Godspell has been delighting audiences around the globe. The wonder of this musical is that every production is unique and audience members come away with something different due to the personalities of the cast members and the vision of the director. So, whether you have seen this show twenty times or you’re a Godspell novice, ‘prepare ye’ for a totally new experience. Thank you so much for being a part of our WHTC Godspell community.