Sing About Love with The Media Theatre's GODSPELL

"Godspell" is at The Media Theatre August 4 - 27, with a youthful cast, a live band, and a new vision for the classic musical. The musical was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm.

Led by the international hit, "Day By Day", which hit the pop charts in the early 1970's after the show's premiere on Broadway, and has been recorded by everyone from Judy Collins to dc Talk, the musical focuses on a small group of people who assist Jesus as he tells the parables from the Book of Matthew using a wide variety of story techniques, and plenty of comedy. It all dissolves hauntingly into The Last Supper and the Crucifixion, while Jesus messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life.

"Godspell" features chart topping songs, a book by John Michael Tebelak, and also became a feature film in 1973. Always relevant, "Godspell" continues to touch audiences due to the messages of hope and love.

The Media Theatre's production is directed by Roger Ricker with music direction by Ben Kapilow, and will have, at its core, a new vision for the two-act musical as it is performed by children, teenagers, and adults.

Austy Hicks will play the role of Jesus. He's from Wayne, PA, and has been seen on stage at West Chester's Limelight Performing Arts Center. He showcased his talent previously at The Media Theatre in professional productions of "Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "The Diary of Anne Frank". He was also seen as Jack in Media's summer production of "Into The Woods" recently and will appear the theatre's upcoming "Carousel". Hicks is also a past winner of The Media Theatre's "Vocalist" summer singing competition.

Media Theatre teen acting class student Evan Bramlage will portray the role of Judas, with Media's TEd Harris as John The Baptist. TEd Harris is heavily involved at The Media Theatre as one of its State Street Miracles, which is a performance troupe for adults with developmental disabilities.

"This is a different spin on a classic musical," said the theatre's Artistic Director Jesse Cline. "It allows performance opportunities for a wide range of personalities, ages, and actors with unique backgrounds. Because the musical allows itself to be played by all ages, this will be very exciting for audiences, and very moving."

"Godspell" is on stage at The Media Theatre August 4 through 27, with performances on Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org

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