After just a month of access to the GHS main stage, the school’s musical theater department is right on target to perform Godspell starting this Thursday, May 19th.
When Patch visited GHS in early May, painters and carpenters on the tech crew were working at a brisk pace to fabricate the set, a playground inside a park.
“The acoustic panels only come off the main stage for a month,” explained Scott Borowka, GHS technical director. “My theater workshop students have no time to waste,” he said as a dozen paintbrush-wielding techies scrambled around the stage painting panels to look like brick walls.
At dress rehearsal, just days from opening night, the completed playground set teemed with performers.
After auditions back in March, musical theater director, Patricia Cirigliano cast two dozen core characters, an ensemble of roughly the same number, a half-dozen featured dancers and a vocal ensemble of 14.
“Compared to Beauty and the Beast last year, Godspell has a much more intimate feel,” explained Cirigliano. In the show, a modern-day version of the gospels, a group of New Yorkers follows and learns from Jesus. The roving performers enact the parables through song and dance, comedy, and mime.
The musical features a number of familiar songs including the timeless hit, “Day by Day.” Orchestra conductor is David Johnson. Choreography is provided by Jorie Janeway. Student stage managers are Dillon Novakowski and Matilda Pecover.
Members of the core cast include Brett Steinberg (Stephen), Christian Brion (John), Madison Coppola (Robin), Jenn Florence (Peggy), Matt Stolfi (Jeffrey), Cameron Riolo (Gilmer), Justine Kahn (Sonya), Justine Goggin (Joanne), Garrett Blackmar-White (Herb), Hale McSharry (Paul), Cat Lazar (Mary), Ross Aaron (David), Alan Harvey (Lamar), Liz Stillman (Anna), Katie Weatherseed (Theresa), Adrienne Pluta (Kristin), Kim Rogers (Rose), Sarah Black (Alice), Mallory Muratore (Lauren), Maya Edward (Cathy), Emily Harris (Patricia), and Will Armstrong (Charles).
The show runs Thursday, May 19 through Saturday, May 21 with performances starting at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15.00 and can be purchased at the door or reserved in advance by calling (203) 863-8808.
