GODSPELL Onstage at Keeton Theatre Through 4/25

Starring Wesley King as Jesus and Elliott Robinson as John the Baptist and Judas, Stephen Schwartz's Godspell runs through April 25 at The Larry Keeton Theatre in Donelson.

Godspell, a musical by Stephen Schwartz, with a book by John-Michael Telebak, is based on a series of parables from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional Episcopal Hymns leading up to The Passion of Christ.

"Godspell traditionally allows for interpretation of setting along with highly individualized character development and costuming. Embracing this format we have gently underpinned our production with representations and settings of citizens of our Donelson- Hermitage homeless community," according to co-directors Jamie London, artistic director of The Larry Keeton Theater, and Ginger Newman, musical director and 2014 First Night Honoree.

"Our goal is to inspire conversation, compassion and ignites personal and community action to aid our marginalized citizens."

Godspell features the talents of Wesley King as Jesus, Elliott Robinson in the dual role of John-Judas. Playing themselves as "disciples" are Keeton Theatre regulars Tonya Pewitt, Stella London, Christina Redden, Santyana Harris, plus two newcomers to the Keeton Theatre family: Lisa Graham and Rachel Wilson.

Godspell originated as a master's thesis project for John-Michael Telebak while at Carnegie Mellon University. In 1970, the first incarnation was performed by cast members from the CMU Music Department. Tebelak then directed the student show for a two week run at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in Greenwich Village opening February 24, 1971. Carnegie alumnus Charles Haid, brought it to the attention of producers Edgar Lansbury (brother of Angela), Joseph Beruh, and Stuart Duncan. They in turn hired another Carnegie alum, Stephen Schwartz, to re-score the work for an off-Broadway production. Schwartz's songs incorporated a variety of musical styles, from pop, folk rock, gospel, and vaudeville.

Godspell opened off Broadway on May 17, 1971. Since that time it has played for 44 years in theatres across the globe, seen several cast albums with the original Broadway cast garnering a hit song in "Day by Day" in the summer of 1972 and in 2011 a revival opened on Broadway October 13, 2011 running till June 24, 2012.

Directed by Ginger Newman and Jamie London, GODSPELL, runs April 9-25. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, starting at 7 p.m. and Sundays starting at 2 p.m. Each performance is preceded by a three course meal; dinner seating begins at 5:45 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and at 12:45 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets from $15.00 to $28.00. For specific ticket information call 615.883.8375 or visit www.thelarrykeetontheatre.org or www.ticketsnashville.com.

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