John A. Logan College Presents Godspell

John A. Logan College will present Godspell, the popular Broadway musical, that brings to life the parables of the Gospel according to St. Matthew. Set in the streets of present day Chicago, the show features a score by Stephen Schwartz and presents a message of hope, compassion, acceptance, and love.

"Godspell was written in the 1970s as a rock opera and is an adaptation of the Book of St. Matthew," said the show's director, Nathan Arnett, a music instructor at Logan. "I've updated the setting, but it still has the same great music with that 70s rock feel, and the singers are accompanied by a rock band. I chose Chicago as the location because I wanted a city where diverse characters from all walks of life would be available."

Arnett says Godspell is a very intimate musical.

"There are just 12 people in the cast, which is unusually small for a musical," he said. "All of the actors are onstage for the entire show. This allows the audience not only to experience the community on the stage but also to become part of that community. Ultimately, the goal of Godspell is to see a community come together, and that s what happens by the end of the show."

Stephanie Racine of Carterville, a sophomore at Logan, is a member of the cast.

"I've been in several musicals and plays and Godspell is like no other," Racine said. "It allows the characters a lot of freedom and creativity, and I enjoy that. With such a small cast, I've been able to build good friendships with the other actors, and we all get along really well. It's been a wonderful and unique experience."

Arnett believes Godspell's theme will resonate with audiences and is hoping for a big turnout.

"The show is playful, fun, and light-hearted, but it also has themes of betrayal and death," Arnett said. "I think most people are familiar with the Gospel of St. Matthew, and the play is true to that message."

There will be eight performances of Godspell. Four evening performances are set for April 25 and 26 and May 2 and 3. They will be held in O'Neil Auditorium and begin at 7 p.m. Four matinees, also in O'Neil Auditorium, will be held on April 24 and 25 and May 1 and 2. They will begin at 10 a.m. Tickets for the evening shows are $8 for general admission and $5 for students. Tickets for the matinees are $1 for the general public and free to Logan students and staff.

For more information about Godspell or to order tickets in advance, contact the Office of Student Activities and Cultural Events at Logan at 618-985-2828 or 618-457-7676, Ext. 8287.