"Godspell 2012" to bring life of Jesus to the stage

Based on the gospel according to St. Matthew, the GVSU Opera Theatre will bring to life a musically updated version of "Godspell," the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz.

In "Godspell 2012," a small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comedic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging from pop to vaudeville, are used across the stage to tell the story of Jesus' life.

Performances of "Godspell 2012" at Grand Valley will take place February 5, 6, 12 and 13, at 7:30 p.m., and February 7 and 14, at 2 p.m., in Louis Armstrong Theatre located in the Performing Arts Center on the Allendale Campus. Ticket prices are: Adults $14; alumni, seniors, faculty and staff $12; and students and groups $6.

"Stephen Schwartz, most known for composing music for 'Wicked,' 'Pippin' and 'Children of Eden,' has reworked harmonies and orchestrations for 'Godspell 2012' to reflect a more sophisticated and potent musical score," said Dale Schriemer, GVSU Opera Theatre artistic director. "Set in modern social context, the parables are playfully told and the depth of the ancient Biblical text comes to life in fresh new ways."

Sophomore music education major Casey Huls, who plays the role of Jesus, said the experience of performing "Godspell 2012" has been an emotional roller coaster for students.

"The second act of the show is a lot heavier than the first in terms of content and emotion because at that point we're basically following the events leading up to the Crucifixion," Huls said. "For a lot of us, I think the emotional response comes from the reality of portraying something that means so much to us in terms of our personal religious beliefs. But, regardless of whether or not someone is religious, it's still a really powerful show and it's hard not to get emotional."

For the past two seasons, Schriemer has cast alumni in each production to collaborate with current students, but for "Godspell 2012," alumnus Christopher Carter is returning in a behind-the-scenes role as stage director and choreographer. Since graduating from the university in 2009 with a bachelor's degree in dance, Carter has acquired several years of experience on the opera and musical theater stages, as well as touring shows and acting as a stage director and choreographer.

For more information about "Godspell 2012" and for ticket information, call the Louis Armstrong Box Office at (616) 331-2300.