Prepare ye! Shepherd University Scene Stealers students, in the only student-run musical theater group on campus, are preparing to present “Godspell” during Easter weekend!
Written in 1971 with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” is a modern re-telling of many parables featured in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the Bible and the Last Supper and Passion of Jesus Christ. Shepherd University Scene Stealers will be performing the updated version of “Godspell,” the version that was revived on Broadway in 2011.
“We all have to work together to tell the stories and make the show come to life, especially because there’s not a super clear “plot” to the show and a lot of the script is taken straight from the Bible,” said cast member Shannen Banzhoff.
“Godspell” is produced by the Shepherd University Scene Stealers, the student-run musical theater performance group on campus. Directed by music major Matt Rothenberg and musically directed by music major Kaziah White, the show is entirely organized, rehearsed and run by students. That means students are responsible for scheduling and running rehearsals, obtaining props and costumes, confirming locations, advertising the show and many other duties. The Scene Stealers organization was founded in 2011 and this is the seventh full-length musical production the group has produced.
“Every production of ‘Godspell’ is unique. The directors allow each individual cast to modify certain lines, gags, bits, etc. to be more relevant to the group, the area, and the time in which it’s being performed. Our particular production is all student-run, so our entire team is younger, so a lot of our references are more modern,” said Banzhoff
“The most enjoyable thing [about the show] is making a bond with my fellow cast mates. It is a lot of fun and I think people could take a lot from it,” said cast member Candace Kenney.
The show emphasizes the idea of individual disciples blending together to form a community of followers of Jesus Christ. However, for any students concerned about too many religious overtones or references in this Biblical story, the cast assures that this is not an issue.
“‘Godspell’ isn’t just a show about Jesus. It’s a show about how one little thing can change the way you look at the world completely, regardless of your religious beliefs. I think people often have the misconception that ‘Godspell’ is just a show about Jesus, but it’s not… it’s so much more!” said Banzhoff.
“It’s a very modern, low key, and realistic production. It’s not as in-your-face as some of the productions I’ve seen,” said Kenney.
The Scene Stealers cast is very excited for opening night of this particular production.
“This is the first time Matt Rothenberg has ever directed [a production] and the first time Kaziah White has ever music directed [a production], so it’s great to see the growth of those two throughout the rehearsal process. Plus it is a great way to support your fellow students!” said Banzhoff.
“It is family-friendly, so younger siblings and children who would be able to sit through the performance would probably really enjoy it!” said Kenney.
“The show is hilarious and it gets the audience involved at some parts,” said Henry DeBuchananne who plays John the Baptist and Judas.
The “Godspell” cast features Ryan Perry as Jesus, Henry DeBuchananne as John the Baptist/Judas and Candace Kenney, Shannon Banzhoff, Madi Barnes, Paul Cabell, Sydney Clark, Megan West, Gaby Tokach and Cullen Byers as Jesus’ disciples.
“Godspell” will run April 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. and April 19 at 3 p.m. at the Shepherdstown Train Station at 100 Audrey Egle Drive, Shepherdstown, WV. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for non-Shepherd students and $7 for Shepherd students with a valid Rambler I.D. Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved in advance. To reserve tickets, please visit http://scenestealers.weebly.com/.