"Godspell" @ SUU (CC: April 14 - 23)

GODSPELL



WHAT: Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love that continues to resonate for contemporary theatergoers and is an ideal entertainment for the entire family.





WHO: Southern Utah University, College of Performing and Visual Arts,

Department of Theatre Arts and Dance



WHEN: April 14-16, 18 & 21-23, 2011



TIME: 7:30pm



WHERE: Auditorium Theatre, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT



TICKETS: (435) 586-7872, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm, online: www.suu.edu/arts,

or purchase at the door.



PRICES: General Adult Admission: $10; Student & Youth: $5; SUU Students: Free with valid I.D.



INFO: Phone: Arts Hotline: (435) 865-8800 or visit: www.suu.edu/arts



SUU’S COLLEGE OF PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS
PRESENTS GODSPELL

APRIL 14-16 & 18, 21-23, 2011



Southern Utah University, Cedar City, Utah: Inspired by a series of parables and based on the Gospel of Matthew, Godspell remains one of the theater’s most beloved musicals. Southern Utah University’s College of Performing and Visual Arts’ Department of Theatre Arts and Dance presents the popular show which features music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (of Wicked fame) and book by John-Michael Tebelak. Performances begin on Thursday, April 14, 2011, and continue April 15, 16, 18, and 21-23. The show is directed by T. Anthony Marotta. Performances are at SUU’s Auditorium Theatre and curtain time is 7:30pm.



One of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time, Godspell boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, "Day by Day." As the cast performs "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side," the Bible’s parables come humanly and hearteningly to life. Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love that continues to resonate for contemporary theatergoers and is an ideal entertainment for the entire family.

In his vision for the production, T. Anthony Marotta outlines his concept as follows: “Modern society and its methods of communication can disconnect and isolate many. Everyone is searching for…something more. One remarkable man arrives, and through the messages and stories of the Gospel of Matthew, and by living and teaching stewardship, he gives everyone a chance to experience what they are missing: A human connection. A community.”







Director T. Anthony Marotta, who staged last year’s production of Company, is creating a colorful and energetic staging of this timeless musical. Collaborating with Marotta is music director Brad Carroll, who himself is the acclaimed composer of Lend Me a Tenor the Musical which had its world premiere at Utah Shakespeare Festival and has been performed internationally. The musical’s spirited movement is created by choreographer Emilie Moulton.



The creative team includes scenic designer Brian Jude Beacom, costume designer Wendy Sanders, lighting designer Holly Pierce, sounder designer Morgan Coutts and make-up and hair designer Kristen Henley. Britannia Bahr Howe is assistant director and Elizabeth Haight serves as stage manager.



Undertaking the role of Jesus is Jayson LeBaron, whose previous SUU appearances include his hilarious turn as Hysterium in the theatre department’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Joseph Spear, who has appeared in Miles Glorious in A Funny Thing Happened…etc. and as Peter in Company, plays Judas. The ensemble features Karina Sue Bolton, Morgan Callaway, Tony Carter, Tatem Credille, Benjamin Harris, Lisa Hill, Taylor Holbrook, Brian Nelson, MacKenzie Pedersen, Wendy Penrod and McKay Tripp as John the Baptist.



Be entertained and uplifted by experiencing the joys of Godspell. Ticket prices are: $10 General Admission; $8 SUU Faculty and Staff, $5 Youth and free for SUU students with a valid ID. For tickets, call the ticket office at (435) 586-7872, Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm, or order online at www.suu.edu/arts. For more information, please visit www.suu.edu/arts or call the Arts Hotline at (435) 865-8800.



ABOUT THE COLLEGE
The Southern Utah University College of Performing and Visual Arts is comprised of nationally accredited departments of Art and Design, Music, Theatre Arts and Dance, as well as a graduate program in Arts Administration. The College offers 16 different degree areas, including liberal arts Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees; professional Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Fine Arts in art and theatre degrees; and a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Administration degree. More than 60 full- and part-time faculty and staff are engaged in teaching and mentoring over 550 majors in the College. Over 1100 students enroll each year in over 195 arts classes on the SUU campus. The College presents 100 performances, lectures, presentations, and exhibitions each year. The College’s affiliate organizations include the Braithwaite Fine Arts Gallery, American Folk Ballet, Utah Shakespeare Festival, the performance group Acclamation, and the SUU Ballroom Dance Company. For more information about the College of Performing and Visual Arts, contact the Office of the Dean at (435) 865-8561, or by e-mail at cpvamktg@suu.edu.