Prepare Ye the Way for GTA's February Festival Revival of GODSPELL

This February, the Gainesville Theatre Alliance invites audiences to "prepare ye the way" for a musical telling of the gospel of Matthew in the much loved musical Godspell. With performances at Brenau University's Hosch Theatre February 14 through 25, this updated version of the classic musical is the best revival you've never attended- until now.

Broadway's much decorated composer Stephen Schwartz, created the music behind the parables of Jesus as he teaches John the Baptist and a new vision of the disciples. This remarkable musical originally opened Off-Broadway in 1971 and went on to more than 2,000 performances and innumerable traveling productions for 20 million patrons. It has inspired followers all over the world with comic and touching retellings of the teachings of Jesus, and with Schwartz's signature, infectious music.

Gainesville Theatre Alliance, now in its 37th year, is a nationally acclaimed collaboration of the University of North Georgia, Brenau University, theatre professionals and the north Georgia community.

Widely regarded as a classic of the American musical theatre repertoire, the show stands as one of the first successful endeavors of the Stephen Schwartz. "Since his early Godspell and Pippin days, Schwartz has become one of the most successful composers in Broadway and film history," said guest director Alan Kilpatrick.

On the surface, Godspell seems simple enough: the gospel of Matthew, with major parables and events of the life of Jesus, is set to music in a new interpretation. This show's message of great hope beyond current circumstances came out of the tumultuous political climate of the late 1960s and early 1970s, and Schwartz's score ensures that this hope and assurance will continue to resonate with today's audiences, who find themselves in much the same position.

This show has always been more than meets the eye. When GTA decided to revive the classic, they brought in choreographer Jen MacQueen, an artist who specializes in bold and dynamic dance and movement. Her latest collaboration with GTA was as choreographer for the wildly spectacular Chicago from the 2013-2014 season.

It's a physically demanding and rewarding show for the theatre artists of GTA. Once onstage, each cast member hardly exits and has a unique solo song. Having been a part of the revival on Broadway, MacQueen has told the students of GTA this is a show about an ensemble coming together to raise their voice for all to hear.

"The show is improvisational in nature, allowing each cast to bring its own personality to the production," MacQueen shared. "TheGodspell you see at GTA will be different from others because our actors will be bringing what is uniquely them to the stage."

It's a larger-than-life show for all members of the production team. Guest lighting designer Joseph Oshry, who has designed professionally for theatres throughout the Southeast for more than 30 years, is thrilled by the opportunities of such a beloved revival. His extensive experience with opera and wide resume and creativity provide him many tools to create a contemporary look for Godspell'stelling of these well-known stories.

"The music is a more presentational style of storytelling. Both (opera and theatre) genres typically have these inherent challenges of highlighting pivotal story points, separating scenes and story locations, creating mood, etc. The joy comes in meeting them by using light effectively to get the story to the audience."

Retelling the parables of Jesus Christ is a tall order. "When I was a very, very young man, two cast recordings found their way into my 8 track player: Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell," Kilpatrick recalls. "These two very different versions of the story of Jesus became my introduction to musical theatre." There is a spark of inspiration in Godspell for those bitter and battered: what if we all- all of us together - wanted to change for the better? Walk into GTA's production of Godspell with a heart in need of a song, and walk out with a heartbeat to the rhythms of revival."

Performances run at Brenau University's Hosch Theatre February 14 - 25, with tickets $24/$26 for adults, $22-24 for seniors and $14/$16 for students, depending on seat location. There is also a special preview performance on Monday, February 13, with discounted tickets at just $10. Local restaurant 2 Dog will cater a FREE Opening Night Reception by in the lobby following the February 14 performance. . Patrons can select your their own seats online at www.gainesvilleTHEATREalliance.org or by calling the Box Office at678.717.3624, Monday - Friday from 10am to 4pm.

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