Something musically magical is coming to the Clayton Center for the Arts: Godspell, presented by the Broadway Center for the Arts.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. June 6 and 7 and 2 p.m. June 7 and 8. The evening show on Fri., June 6, and the matinee on Sat., June 7, will feature ASL interpreting! Get tickets from the Clayton Center for the Arts.
Why Godspell? Amanda Rader, the show’s producer and BCA’s co-founder, was interested in the show’s vibrant history as a Broadway hit. It also has a connection to a more recent hit. The composer, Stephen Schwartz, composed Wicked‘s music as well.
But the real draw was Godspell‘s message and tone. “This show features a wide variety of music styles, upbeat choreography, and of course a storyline full of love, kindness, acceptance and hope!” Rader said.
An added bonus is that Godspell is “truly an ensemble piece of work,” she added. This allows BCA to showcase the broad talents of our Blount community.
Godspell debuted in the 1970s and has continued to be a favorite of both community and professional troupes. Its history is studded with familiar names and faces, including Jeremy Irons, Victor Garber, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Telly Leung and Uzo Adaba.
The show is loosely based on the Biblical Gospel of Matthew, structured as a series of parables told by the ensemble. Rader believes that Godspell‘s journey through these inspiring stories “will bring both laughter and tears” to the audience.
Adding to the power of the words and music is the immersive nature of the show. Godspell takes the stage of the Clayton Center’s Haslam Family Flex Theatre, allowing immediacy and interaction. Rader is excited about the venue’s potential for the production. “The access and closeness that the actors have to the audience truly creates a connection required for this type of performance,” she said.
This immersion and the messages from the parables add up to a beautiful experience, Rader believes. She added, “The entire performance is full of heartwarming moments that send a message of hope and love.”
Godspell brings a wide variety of musical styles, which keeps the show—and audiences—energized, Rader noted, calling the production “incredibly fun.”
This eclectic show has an eclectic cast, as well. Godspell involves a cast of 20 ranging in age from 15 to mid-30s, with students assisting on the crew and even working on the show’s choreography.
Godspell is directed by BCA’s Company Manager, Jackson Rader. Co-founder Dustin Rader is the Production Designer. Matt Mimbs is the Music Director, assisted by Laura Taliaferro. Hannah Barnett designed the costumes, and Irelyn Easterling is Stage Manager. The ASL Interpreting Director is Carol LaCava.
Broadway Center for the Arts is an award-winning children’s theater company. Rader summarized their mission: “We believe in the transformative power of theater and its positive impact on communities, children, and audiences alike.” Godspell is part of BCA’s fifth seasion. They offer8-10 productions throughout the year, along with classes, Summer Camps, and a acting troupe that travels to the prestigious International Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta each year.
In July, BCA will present Disney’s Frozen Jr. on the Clayton Center’s main stage, the Nutt Theater, with upcoming 2025 shows including Beetlejuice, The Musical Jr.; Frog and Toad, The Musical; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.
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