Las Positas College to Present Hit Musical “Godspell”

Prepare ye the way for Las Positas College’s production of the ground-breaking Off-Broadway smash hit musical “Godspell,” March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 8 p.m. and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m. in the Barbara Fracisco Mertes Center for the Arts. General admission is $15; $10 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets online or by phone at www.brownpapertickets.com, 1 (800) 838-3006, and at the door one hour before curtain; only cash and checks are accepted at the box office. 

Now enjoying a 40th anniversary Broadway revival, “Godspell” is loosely based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. “We are presenting this family-friendly musical just in time for Easter,” said Wendy M. Wisely, Las Positas College theater instructor and director. “In Godspell, the parables of Jesus Christ come to life in a human and heartening way,” she said. 

Wisely said the musical has been described as “uplifting, energetic, exuberant and enlightening.” She said audiences will hear “recognizable songs that have become staples of both the American musical theater and our popular culture.” Songs include “Day By Day,” “O Bless the Lord,” “On the Willows,” All for the Best,” “Light of the World” and “Prepare Ye the Way.” 

“Godspell” originally was conceived by John-Michael Tebelak as his master’s thesis project at Carnegie Mellon. Composer Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for which he won several awards, including two Grammys. Schwartz’s many works include the musicals “Pippin” and “Wicked” and he has contributed music for the films “Pocahontas,”  “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “The Prince of Egypt” and “Enchanted.” 

The Las Positas College production of “Godspell” is designed by Jeremy Hamm, with lighting design by Mike Rinaldi; costumes organized by Wesley Morgan; choreography by Faith Blevins; and music direction by Diane Cefalo. The cast includes Pamela Aguilar, Audrey Brooks, K.J. Brown, Josh Gates, Kaelise Hileman, Kathi Hileman, James Koponen, Jeremy LaClair, Steven McCloud and Abigail Vass. 

For more information about Las Positas College performing arts, please visit the website at www.laspositascollege.edu.