Munster's Theatre at the Center to Present GODSPELL, 9/12-10/20

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, continues their 2013-2014 season with a revival of one of Broadway's most popular rock musicals, GODSPELL. The groundbreaking production based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew runs Thursday, September 12 through October 20. Featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), and an energetic book by original director John-Michael Tebelak,GODSPELL is the upbeat retelling of a series of biblical parables. The production will be directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster.

A celebration of worldwide community, packed with hit songs and irresistible goodwill, GODSPELL is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, running for over 2,600 performances. GODSPELL was hailed as "hard to resist" by USA Today and named "a family-friendly show that deserves to run forever" by The Wall Street Journal. A timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love, GODSPELLmodernizes a series of parables based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. The two-act musical follows a contemporary Jesus Christ as he recruits a group of followers and teaches them various lessons through song and dance.

GODSPELL opened off Broadway in 1971 to rave reviews, where it ran for nearly two years. The musical's immense popularity later led to a 1973 film version set in New York City, and a number of Broadway and off-Broadway revivals. The production was most recently revived on Broadway at the Circle on the Square theatre in November 2011, running through June 2012.

GODSPELL'S upbeat book is amplified by a playful and poignant score by Stephen Schwartz (WICKED). Popular tunes like the international hit "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side" share messages of kindness, tolerance and love. GODSPELL is a recipient of a 1972 Grammy Award for Best Score from an Original Cast Show Album, and a 1977 Tony nominee for Best Original Score.

GODSPELL stars Liam Quealy as "Jesus Christ," Jim DeSelm as "Judas" and "John the Baptist," Matt Deitchman as "Jeffrey," George Keating as "Lamar," Merrick Robison as "Herb," Hillary Marren as "Robin," Alexis Rogers as "Joanne," Rose LeTran as "Peggy," Kathleen Gibson as "Sonia," Landree Fleming as "Gilmer," David Hathaway as "David," and Lauren Paris as "Lauren."

GODSPELL's production team, led by Artistic Director William Pullinsi, features Musical Direction and Orchestrations by William Underwood. The design team includes Scenic Designer Angie Weber-Miller, Lighting Designer Shelley Strasser Holland, Sound Designer Luis Garcia, Props Designer Bridget Earnshaw, Costume Designers Brenda Winstead and Julia Zayas-Melendez, and Wig Designer Kevin Barthel. The Stage Manager is Matt McMullen, the Production Manager/Technical Director is Ann Davis and TATC's General Manager is Richard Friedman.

Theatre at the Center is offering numerous special events to enhance the theater experience in conjunction with GODSPELL. A complimentary wine tasting on Friday, September 13 begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the 8 p.m. performance. Guests will enjoy delectable wines from all over the world complemented by an assortment of hors d'oeuvres. This event is free with the purchase of a full-price adult ticket. A special "Talk Back Thursday" will be held with the cast and creative team following the September 19th performance. The "Second Saturday Symposium" will be held on September 21 at 3 p.m. followed by the 4 p.m. performance. This behind-the-scenes pre-show discussion is led by a distinguished expert. "Teen Scene" will be held Saturday, September 28. All teens 13-18 will enjoy a 4 p.m. performance of GODSPELL. After the performance, they will receive free pizza and pop with an interactive post-show talk featuring members of the cast and creative team. The cost is $10 per student. For groups of 11 or more, an adult chaperone at a ratio of one chaperone for every 10 students is required. Chaperones and all other adults attending the event with a group may purchase tickets at a special discount of $35 each. To reserve tickets for teen groups of 11+, contact Charlie Misovye at 219.836.3258. Finally, a "Let's Break Bread" dinner theater event will be held Thursday, October 3. This event is only $50 for both dinner and theater ticket.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is Located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago, and has free parking.

Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.;; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and select Thursday evenings and Saturday 2:30 p.m. performances. Individual ticket prices range from $38 - $42. To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates, perfect for all special occasions, are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

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