Godspell
Book by John-Michael Tebelak and
​Music/Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

CONCEPT

I like the words tribe, community, and transformation.  Godspell is the story of people gathering around a charismatic man, building up a community, and then telling then staging the crucifixion. The world of this play is as transformative as the characters. Our process was one of personal story sharing, acting games, and community outreach. I was drawn to the images of colorful hands and simple images of a painted heart on actor's face, hands, or clothes. We translated that idea into the use of gloves that were a variety of colors and styles. The actors built their interactions from simply speaking to the audience, then asking questions, crossing into the audience, and finally welcoming the audience onstage.

COLLABORATIVE TEAM

Set Design: Elyse Balogh
​Costume Design: Rachel Sypniewski
Lighting Design: Jordan Kardasz
Sound Design: Jim Alrutz
Choreographer: Katie Desalvo
Musical Director: Mark Wozniczka
Technical Director: Karl Sullivan
Stage Manager: Grace O'Neill

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SET DESIGN
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Mandalas are the central image for me, so we placed a mandala up center along a set of panels that serve as the backdrop of our communal space. We transformed the stage with steps, benches, trunks, and actors as set pieces. The colorful and bright choices were grounded with a black floor that was painted to be a dark reflection of the set, as though there were Heavenly light coming from behind the set. We explored communal spaces like Bonnaroo, Coachella, and Burning Man to create our version of a gathering space.

PRODUCTION PHOTOS