Schools

Godspell to Spread Spirit Starting Thursday

The production continues Friday and Saturday night at 7 at Swampscott High School.

 

At rehearsal last week the Godspell cast streamed down the Swampscott High auditorium aisles to the stage, making a group entrance.

On stage they danced with each other and sang to each other, engaging each other in preparation for engaging the audience when the show opens Thursday night.

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At one point in the production, Jesus, played by sophomore Scott Walker, will enter the audience.

"It's all about community building," Scott said of the musical.

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Any musical or theater production brings the cast together but this production of Godspell takes togetherness a step closer, cast members said.

For one, the students traveled to New York City for a workshop with a cast member of the Broadway production of Godspell. The trip brought them closer to each other.

Also, the production is more music- and emotion-based, less centered around plot, cast member Jackie Thomsen said.

Much of the music celebrates togetherness.

An exception to the celebratory song comes in Act 2 when senior Lucy Ceccarelli sings a serious song about her devotion to Jesus who saves her from an angry crowd bent on stoning her.

The production serves community building in a few other ways.

The musical is a series of parables. It's presented, for the most part, by the cast as a whole, rather than characters with names and scripted lines.

The students are playing themselves in the musical, said Lucy and Scott.

The musical also brings four teachers and staff members into the fold.

Brenda Samiljan of the Guidance Department said the production's triumph is its opportunity for students under the direction of Jim Pearse.

"It gives them a chance to shine," she said. "I think that's great. They are happy."

The teachers and staff are happy to sing and be part of the communal experience, as well.

Even if it might be a bit awkward, said English teacher Mike Moulison and science teacher Paul Korchari.

Mike and Paul are not veterans of the stage. The students sense this and offer tips and encouragement.

The tables are turned — it's the teachers getting the lessons.

But this too is part of the production's community building magic.

For the whole experience come to the show: May 17, 18 and 19 at 7 pm in the  Auditorium, 200 Essex Street, Swampscott. 

Tickets for the SHS performance are $16 for adults and $10 for students and seniors.

For more information contact godspell@swampscottpops.org or 781-596-8830 ext. 5702 


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