ZOE KIRIAZIS
Special to The Leader
Theatre is performed and interpreted as we see life, with greater risks. Theatre is life imitating art imitating life. The Department of Theatre and Dance (TADA) follows those principles as it opens the first show of the season with ‘Godspell.’
With already six sold out performances, an additional bonus performance and being the talk of the town, TADA is preparing for a successful run. A show in TADA has not sold out before opening since Fall 2012 when ‘Chicago’ was performed at Fredonia by the same director of ‘Godspell,’ theatre professor Paul W. Mockovak.
‘Godspell’ follows the story of parables found and based on the Gospel of Matthew. Ten actors share the stage to share lessons and stories to modern music composed by Stephen Schwartz, with musical direction by James Welch, a staff accompanist in the School of Music.
“Although this musical has strong religious beliefs and stories tied to its plot, you will forget about that completely,” said Austin Kulyk, a sophomore musical theatre major. “‘Godspell’ is much more than a religious show … the show is bringing a group of outsiders together to form a community.”
There are religious figures in the show such as Jesus, portrayed by sophomore musical theatre major Tyler Hecht. Hecht describes Jesus in relation to the show as the person who has come to create a community to show other characters the “right” way to live.
“Joyous, captivating, and universal,” Hecht said, describing the show. He explained that this show is applicable to anyone who sees it, no matter what their religious background or beliefs are.
“‘Godspell’ is a musical about togetherness and community,” Hecht added.
‘Godspell’ is running for two weeks with seven performances: Oct. 21 at 8:00 p.m., Oct. 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances Oct. 23 and 30 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available for the Sunday matinee on Oct. 30 and can be bought at the Fredonia Campus Ticket Office located in the Williams Center.