Prepare Ye for the Smash Hit Musical GODSPELL on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Stage
By: A.A. Cristi Jun. 19, 2017
The first major musical by three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), Godspell reminds us of the importance of kindness, tolerance and love. Led by the international hit "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."
"Since its debut off Broadway in 1971, Godspell has earned a spot in mainstream popular culture, and it's not hard to see why," said Andrew Kato, the Theatre's producing artistic director and chief executive. "Stephen Schwartz' chart-topping score is incredible and the production's storytelling is extraordinary. Godspell is a wonderful musical for all ages."
Performed by soon-to-be-graduates of the Theatre's inaugural Professional Training Program, the musical tells of a troupe of actors that help Jesus Christ stage parables with games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comedic timing. Directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran and Conservatory faculty member Brian Andrews, the Theatre's production of Godspell is an experience not to be missed!
"Godspell provides universal lessons about acceptance and friendship," said Julie Rowe, the Theatre's director of education. "Our students were honored to work with Stephen Schwartz during a fall workshop at the Conservatory, and we're very excited to produce such an important work on the Maltz Jupiter Theatre's stage."
Featuring eight local students (ages 17 - 21) who have made acting their career choice, Jesus will be portrayed by Vincent Bolchoz and Judas and John the Baptist by Nick Lovalvo. The company will feature Annaya Osborne (Joanne), Natalie Czochanski (Gilmer), Emily Gough (Peggy/Robin), Arthur Wesley (Herb/Jeffrey), Jevorn Henry (Lamar) and Olivia Perrin (Sonia).
The only two-year professional training program in Florida affiliated with a professional regional theatre, the students have spent the past two years training 35 hours per week with Broadway and South Florida professionals for all aspects of performing, including acting and acting for the camera, voice and speech, musical theatre styles, multiple forms of dance, music theory, Shakespeare, stage combat, piano fundamentals, career prep and more.
A competitive, audition-only program, the program is designed for students who have graduated from high school who are pursuing a career in the performing arts (or homeschooled students in their senior year). The students recently spent a week in Orlando performing an original lyrical interpretation of Macklemore's song "White Privilege II" at the Orlando Fringe Festival, then traveled to New York City to perform an industry showcase for prospective agents and industry professionals. The eight students will graduate from the program in August, and a new class of students will begin the program in the fall.
"We're so proud of our inaugural professional training program class and all that the students have accomplished these past two years," Rowe said. "It's been incredible to see them flourish as young performers and develop the discipline needed to pursue a successful career in the performing arts. The goal has always been to create working actors who are ready for the marketplace, and they've shown us that they're ready."
With a book by visionary playwright John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell has lived on since its off-Broadway debut through various revivals (including Broadway in 2011), a feature film, touring companies and cast album recordings.
The musical features design elements from a host of industry professionals, including scenic and properties design by the Theatre's properties master Casey Blanton, sound design by the Theatre's resident sound designer Marty Mets, lighting design by David Nail, costume design by Jerry Sturdefant, music direction from Conservatory faculty member John Mercurio and stage management from Noelle Dibble.
Showtimes for the Conservatory's upcoming production of Godspell are 7:30 p.m on Saturday, July 1, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 2. Tickets are $25 for adults; $20 for children. For tickets, call the Theatre's box office at (561) 575-2223 or visit www.jupitertheatre.org.
About the Conservatory
Drawing nearly 600 students per year, the Maltz Jupiter Theatre Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts is a premiere professional Conservatory that offers a challenging, innovative and quality theatre experience to students of all ages and abilities. In addition to a full schedule of classes, the Conservatory's hands-on workshops and master classes offer students an opportunity to learn first-hand from nationally known directors and Broadway performers, agents and local instructors. More than 25 percent of the Conservatory's students receive scholarships. For more information about the Conservatory including a full schedule of classes, visit www.jupitertheatre.org/education.
About the Maltz Jupiter Theatre
The not-for-profit Maltz Jupiter Theatre has become one of Florida's preeminent professional theatres, committed to production and education through its collaborations with local and national artists. Currently the state's largest award-winning regional theatre, the Theatre draws 100,000 people annually, serves a subscription base of more than 7,760 and has world-class classroom facilities in support of its Goldner Conservatory of Performing Arts, which serves hundreds of youth and adults. The Theatre is a member of the prestigious League of Resident Theatres and has earned numerous Carbonell Awards, South Florida's highest honor for artistic excellence, including the prestigious Bill Von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence. For more information about the Theatre's upcoming shows and Conservatory, visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call the box office at (561) 575-2223.
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