Kohler, De Jesus, Chase Added to Paper Mill Godspell Cast

Three new performers have joined the cast of Paper Mill Playhouse's upcoming production of Godspell, which will open the Milburn, NJ theatre's 2006-2007 season. Performances begin Wednesday evening, September 20, 2006 for a limited engagement through Sunday evening, October 22. Opening night is Sunday evening, September 24, 2006 at 7:30PM.

Replacing Jonathan Groff, who will move with Spring Awakening to Broadway, is Dan Kohler; he will play Jesus. Robin de Jesus (Camp film, Rent) has replaced Jimmy Smagula in the musical's ensemble, while ensemble member Megan Lewis has been replaced by Sara Chase (Off-Broadway's Slut).

Under the direction of Daniel Goldstein with choreography by Dan Knechtges, the cast will also feature Uzo Aduba, Sarah Bolt, Holly Davis, Joshua Henry, Patrick Heusinger (Fiddler on the Roof), Anika Larsen (All Shook Up), Telly Leung (Pacific Overtures, Flower Drum Song), Megan Lewis, and Julie Reiber (All Shook Up, Brooklyn).

The creative team for Godspell is David Korins (sets), Miranda Hoffman (costumes), Ben Stanton (lighting), Randy Hansen (sound) with musical direction by Loren Toolajian.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), Godspell, conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak and based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, features a cast of characters who bring the parables of Jesus Christ hearteningly to life.

Goldstein said: "Our Godspell is about people coming together, out of a storm, and finding refuge in the theater and in each other." He added, "My team and I are creating the show for the individual talents of our extraordinary cast and specifically for the Paper Mill stage."

The list of recognizable songs from Godspell includes "Day By Day," "Save The People," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."

Following Godspell, the 2006-2007 season continues with the new musical A Wonderful Life (November 8-December 17, 2006); Tennessee Williams classic play Summer and Smoke (January 10-February 11, 2007); the musical Romance, Romance (February 28-April 1, 2007); the musical stage adaptation of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (April 11-May 13, 2007); and closing the season is Pirates! (June 6-July 15, 2007) a new adaptation based on Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance.

Godspell will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:30PM, Thursdays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM, Fridays at 8:00PM, Saturdays at 2:00PM & 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM.

Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $19 to $68. Student rush tickets are $16 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling (973) 376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at www.papermill.org. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted.