Cast of “Godspell” Spring Musical small, but mighty

INA, Ill. (March 23, 2016) - The life and lessons of Jesus will be brought to life by a handful of Rend Lake College students next month for the rock Spring Musical “Godspell (2012 Revised Version).” Tickets are on sale now with opening night set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 7, in the RLC Theatre.

The rock musical “Godspell (2012 Revised Version),” written by three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, focuses around a small group of individuals who help Jesus Christ tell parables from the Book of Matthew. Schwartz is also known as the writer of the Tony award-winning smash hit “WICKED.”

Boasting a wide range of chart topping songs, such as “Day by Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” and “All for the Best,” among others, the characters tell Jesus’ life story through song and dance before dissolving into the Last Supper and Crucifixion. In the end, messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come to life for everyone in attendance.

“Godspell (2012 Revised Version)” marks the 10th show for director Sara Alstat, RLC Associate Professor of Music. She said, though the show at first glance seems to be about one religious sect, the audience will have an entirely different opinion at the closing curtain.

“Many people have the misconception that ‘Godspell’ is a story just for Christians, but it is for everyone. The teachings of the bible are a large part of the shot, but there is an underlying meaning,” said Alstat. “This show is more about a group of individuals, from all walks of life, coming together as a community to make the world a better place. A world of peace, love, and joy.”

The lead role of Jesus will be portrayed by John Odle of Marion who is no stranger to the stage, or even the role itself. Odle was cast as Jesus in a performance at John A. Logan College several years ago, and is excited to play the part once more for his debut performance at RLC.

“I have played this part once before and I am excited to get one more chance at it,” said Odle. “I am most excited to just be on stage again. There is something special about being on any stage performing, but this show is very unique to any other I have done.”

Odle continued to say his favorite part so far has been working with the other cast members and crew to help evolve the musical into something distinctive and exceptional.

“This group is continuing to work on this show and make it as perfect as possible. These parables and lessons are told a little bit different than you have ever heard before,” said Odle. “There is something for everyone in this show. I’m looking forward to this cast reaching its full potential on stage. It’s going to be exciting.”

Sharing the spotlight with Odle this year will be Andrew Lampley of Benton who will portray both John the Baptist and Judas. “Godspell (2012 Revised Version)” marks Lampley’s second musical at RLC, having played the role of Jean Valjean in the 2015 musical “Les Misérables.” When asked, Lampley said he’s been focusing on Judas and his understanding of the role.

“I am excited to convey the transformation and development of Judas. He goes through a great change throughout the show, and I cannot wait to share my interpretation,” said Lampley. “I am also looking forward to sharing the cast and crew’s hard work with the audience.”

“Godspell (2012 Revised Version)” will be a family-friendly performance with plenty of audience interaction, Lampley added.

“The audience is very involved in this show, and it will be so much fun for everyone,” said Lampley. “My favorite part will be singing the music from the show.”

In addition to Odle and Lampley, there are 11 actors, all of whom are expected to help build the set in addition to learning songs and dances:

• Olivia Bailey (Mt. Vernon) as Anna Maria
• Tyler Bourland (Ina) as Reece
• Bethaney Brown (Mt. Vernon) as Celisse
• Sierra Harrell (Opdyke) as Lindsay
• John Hunsell (Herrin) as George
• Dalton Miller (Mt. Vernon) as Nick
• Deborah Petitt (Mt. Vernon) as Meredith
• Lauren Schaubert (Mt. Vernon) as Uzo
• Krystal Schuch (Newton) as Isabelle
• Laci Zeidler (Pinckneyville) as Morgan
• Yuting Zhang (Dahlgren) as Telly

Behind the scenes, Stage Manager Shelby Patterson of Waltonville will be taking charge in her fifth production at RLC. This spring marks her last semester before graduation, and she’s hoping everyone will join her for the exceptional show.

“‘Godspell’ is a wonderfully delightful show. This script gives us the chance for creative license and open interpretation, something not found often. We are putting in a lot of humor and the choreography is really fun and will be a treat for the audience,” said Patterson. “This show is full of emotion and will be well worth the money to come see.”

Patterson has experience both on and off stage, having been a cast member in the spring “Flummoxed Fairy Tales” for RLC and the 2013 fall play “Treasure Island.” She’s also served as the sound designer, board operator, and props master over the years. Last year, in addition to her work on RLC’s stage, she stage managed at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and the Benton Civic Center. “Godspell (2012 Revised Version)” marks one of the smaller casts she’s worked with, but still finds them inspiring.

“My favorite part so far about working on ‘Godspell’ has been working with the cast,” said Patterson. “There are only thirteen this time, so it’s nice to work with a small group. Each cast member is extremely talented and we’ve already formed an intimate sense of family within the group. They rely heavily on each other to make the show come together and also each get their own shining moment.”

“Godspell (2012 Revised Version)” will be on the RLC Theatre stage at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 7 - 9 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10. Tickets are on sale for $12 each. They can be purchased by calling the RLC Box Office at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467. Some tickets may also be available at the door on show night, if not sold out.

According to MTI Shows, “‘Godspell (2012 Revised Version)’ is a musical rendition of the Christian Gospel, primarily the book of Matthew but also some selections from Luke and one from John
with a contemporary soundtrack and aesthetic. It was created by John-Michael Tebelak, who wrote it as his master’s thesis at Carnegie Mellon University, but after its successful debut, its producers hired an up-and-coming composer named Stephen Schwartz to rework the music. It was a second break-out success for Schwartz, after ‘Pippin’ which he worked on alongside Bob Fosse, winning him two Grammys and paving the way for further successes, such as some of the DreamWorks cartoons, the movie ‘Enchanted,’ and the musical ‘WICKED.’”

For more information, visit www.rlc.edu/springmusical. To learn more about the show, visitwww.mtishows.com/godspell.