April 8, 2024
Contact Erin Jerozal at 608-796-3790 or ebjerozal@viterbo.edu
VITERBO UNIVERSITY CONSERVATORY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS TO PRESENT THE MUSICAL GODSPELL APRIL 19–21
LA CROSSE, Wis. – The Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts will present the popular musical Godspell Friday, April 19–Sunday, April 21 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty, and love based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew. As a community gathers to share parables through a wide variety of games, songs, and dance, their messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
Godspell 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 in the 1970s.
“It’s a show that many people know and have fond memories of,” said Erin Jerozal, the Viterbo faculty member directing the production. “The music is engaging and powerful. It’s a humorous show in addition to being heartwarming and challenging.”
Featuring a parade of beloved and well-known songs, Godspell includes the international hit Day by Day and Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, Learn Your Lessons Well, All for the Best, All Good Gifts, Turn Back, O Man, and By My Side.
“The cast is phenomenal,” Jerozal said. “The voices in the show have me in awe at every rehearsal. We have two student choreographers and they have done so much great work. The show would not be the same without them.”
This Viterbo production is using the 2012 Broadway revival version of the show, which is filled with modern cultural references.
“The authors and the script encourage productions to update references and casting to help highlight the power of the parables to create community in a fractured world,” Jerozal said. “I hope our audiences come with an open mind about what they may experience. I invite everyone to lean into the event—dance, laugh, cheer, sing, and turn on your light-up bracelets (which will be provided) when the time is right.”
The cast has created some fun social media content, and audiences are encouraged to learn more about the production in advance from the Theatre and Music Theatre Instagram @viterbomuth.thtr and a fun account made specially for the show @thepreparetour.
Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John–Michael Tebelak. Music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz. It was originally produced on the New York Stage by Edgar Lansbury/Stuart Duncan/Joseph Beruh. Godspell–2012 Revised Version is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. April 19, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. April 20, and 2 p.m. April 21. Tickets are $28 for main floor and lower balcony and $22 for upper balcony seating, plus taxes and fees. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.
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