Grassroots Production of "Godspell" taking stage in Basin
By: Big 2 News Staff
Updated: January 4, 2013
MIDLAND -- Stephen Schwarz and John Michael Tebelak's musical, GODSPELL, will be produced at the Yucca Theatre in Midland, Texas the first two weekends of 2013. This production is a reprise of the show performed in August, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church. This summer production, met with much applause and stellar reviews, was limited to a mere two performance run due to scheduling conflicts with the venue as well as the college calendars of several of the cast members.
This show is unique in several ways: Inception, Benefit and Caliber.
This production of Godspell is not a production Maverick Players, the Globe, or Permian Playhouse; and though this is not a production of our Midland treasured Midland Community Theatre, this production epitomizes the definitions of community and theatre.
The inception and continued momentum for producing this show truly came from the grassroots level. It came from several young adults with a love of theatre. Phone calls were made, emails were sent and within a few weeks the cast was determined. The venue was set. Director Carl Beery Moore, Musical Director Lu Ann Lane, and Choreographer Edward McPherson all accepted the call. All participants in the production of GODSPELL are volunteers. No payment received, simply a love of the theatre.
Once players, directors and venue were set, these wonderful young people determined that the ticket revenue for the production should go back the community and Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support (MAAS) was the non-profit chosen to benefit from all net proceeds of the production.
After opening night, the cast was overtaken with waves of praise and critical acclaim regarding the production. Graham Dixon, contributor to Midland Reporter-Telegram said it best in his MRT Limelight review of the show: "Just about the only negative aspect of GODSPELL...was it only had two performances. Superbly cast and directed, this was a fine production of "Godspell" that should, if possible, be revived in other locations." Graham Dixon got his wish.
This ecumenical group of young people will be performing GODSPELL once again, only this time for five performances. Don't miss your opportunity to witness great theatre and help Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support in fighting the spread of AIDS in the Permian Basin.
GODSPELL, a musical by Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelak is a family friendly show based upon the parables of Jesus found in the Matthew and Luke.
DIRECTOR: Carl Beery Moore
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Lu Ann Lane
CHOREOGRAPHER: Edward McPherson
CAST:
Mark Kaufman - JESUS
Danny Anderson - JOHN, THE BAPTIST/JUDAS
ENSEMBLE:
Abby Anderson Ashley Tate Brian Gravelle Josh Sparks Emily Bourland Jenna Weathers
Jena Tumlin Cole Carter
WHERE: Historic Yucca Theatre 208 N Colorado Street Downtown Midland
WHEN:
Friday, January 4 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 5 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinee, January 6 2 p.m.
Friday, January 11 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 12 8 p.m.
TICKETS: All tickets are General Admission.
Doors open to the public 30 minutes before curtain.
Tickets $15
Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes before curtain and for pre-sale at the following locations in Midland:
First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas
Spirit Creations/Logo Me Loco (Next to Murray's on Wadley Avenue)
"Note"ables Stationery, 2101 West Wadley
Ticket purchases by credit card are available only by dialing First Presbyterian Church 684.7821 and asking to be transferred to the Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support office. Credit card purchases may also be made at the door the night of each performance.
This show is unique in several ways: Inception, Benefit and Caliber.
This production of Godspell is not a production Maverick Players, the Globe, or Permian Playhouse; and though this is not a production of our Midland treasured Midland Community Theatre, this production epitomizes the definitions of community and theatre.
The inception and continued momentum for producing this show truly came from the grassroots level. It came from several young adults with a love of theatre. Phone calls were made, emails were sent and within a few weeks the cast was determined. The venue was set. Director Carl Beery Moore, Musical Director Lu Ann Lane, and Choreographer Edward McPherson all accepted the call. All participants in the production of GODSPELL are volunteers. No payment received, simply a love of the theatre.
Once players, directors and venue were set, these wonderful young people determined that the ticket revenue for the production should go back the community and Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support (MAAS) was the non-profit chosen to benefit from all net proceeds of the production.
After opening night, the cast was overtaken with waves of praise and critical acclaim regarding the production. Graham Dixon, contributor to Midland Reporter-Telegram said it best in his MRT Limelight review of the show: "Just about the only negative aspect of GODSPELL...was it only had two performances. Superbly cast and directed, this was a fine production of "Godspell" that should, if possible, be revived in other locations." Graham Dixon got his wish.
This ecumenical group of young people will be performing GODSPELL once again, only this time for five performances. Don't miss your opportunity to witness great theatre and help Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support in fighting the spread of AIDS in the Permian Basin.
GODSPELL, a musical by Stephen Schwartz and John Michael Tebelak is a family friendly show based upon the parables of Jesus found in the Matthew and Luke.
DIRECTOR: Carl Beery Moore
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Lu Ann Lane
CHOREOGRAPHER: Edward McPherson
CAST:
Mark Kaufman - JESUS
Danny Anderson - JOHN, THE BAPTIST/JUDAS
ENSEMBLE:
Abby Anderson Ashley Tate Brian Gravelle Josh Sparks Emily Bourland Jenna Weathers
Jena Tumlin Cole Carter
WHERE: Historic Yucca Theatre 208 N Colorado Street Downtown Midland
WHEN:
Friday, January 4 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 5 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinee, January 6 2 p.m.
Friday, January 11 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 12 8 p.m.
TICKETS: All tickets are General Admission.
Doors open to the public 30 minutes before curtain.
Tickets $15
Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes before curtain and for pre-sale at the following locations in Midland:
First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas
Spirit Creations/Logo Me Loco (Next to Murray's on Wadley Avenue)
"Note"ables Stationery, 2101 West Wadley
Ticket purchases by credit card are available only by dialing First Presbyterian Church 684.7821 and asking to be transferred to the Midland/Odessa Area AIDS Support office. Credit card purchases may also be made at the door the night of each performance.
