The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) open the company’s 33rd season by returning to its origins, producing the musical Godspell (2012 revised version). Performances are October 18–November 10, 2013 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago.
Co-producing is Lake View resident Jim Masini, also the co-founder of SSP. He has produced many productions for the company, as well as directed, acted and served in almost every production capacity.
Two cast members also live in Lake View. Ali Delianides graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre. After graduation she originated the touring role of Mama in Omaha Theater Company for Young Audiences’ first national tour of Old Yeller. In Chicago she has appeared in Genesis Ensemble’s bluegrass opera Uptown Opera; Tympanic’s productions of Gregor and the Squonk (Margaret), And Then it Burst (Alice), Ozma and Harriett (Grip) and Wonderful (Queen of Hearts); Chicago Kid’s Company’s Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Tortoise and the Hare and Rapunzel; and her musical sketch comedy group Hey Ladies. She is a proud ensemble member of Tympanic Theatre Company.Aaron Page (Judas) is proud to make his debut with the Saint Sebastian Players. Locally, Aaron has performed with Salsation Theater Company in their revues Ctrl.Alt.Deport and Textual Healing. He is also a proud ensemble member of Wig Bullies Productions and has performed with this group at the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Christopher Newport University. Regional credits include 1776 and Children of Eden with Flat Rock Playhouse.
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Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak and features music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), including the hit song “Day by Day” and other memorable tunes that bring the biblical parables to life with humor and humanity.
Godspell is significant to SSP's history. A group of St. Sebastian parishioners produced the musical in 1981, leading to the company’s founding; Godspell also was the last show SSP produced at its original home, St. Sebastian Church, before the parish closed in 1990 and SSP relocated to its current home at St. Bonaventure.
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Directing Godspell is Dan Foss, whose credits include Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride for Babes With Blades Theatre Company, Vanishing Points for Point of Contention and Erratica for American Demigods. The cast includes Megan Buckley, Ali Delianides, Amy Dellagiarino, Alyssa A. Digges, Nick Van Hill, Mallory Jandrists, Nicole Lambert, Elizabeth MacDonell, Jason Aaron Mackel, Aaron Page, Tyler John Rood and Alexander Walker. SSP company member Barbara Murphy-Sanders is music director, and Kristen Smiley is choreographer. Nicci Schumacher is set designer. SSP member Beth Bruins is stage manager, and Derek Rienzi Van Tassel is assistant director. SSP members Jim Masini and Steve Walanka are producers.
SSP began producing theatre in 1982 at its original home, the St. Sebastian parish, at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue on Chicago’s North Side. When the parish closed, SSP relocated to its current home, St. Bonaventure, at 1625 W. Diversey. During its history, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation mysteries for special events; and the Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members. A complete list of mainstage productions is available on SSP’s website.
SSP’s 33rd season continues with In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Heinar Kipphardt, running February 14–March 9, 2014, and Death Defying Acts, three one-act comedies by Woody Allen, David Mamet and Elaine May, which runs April 25–May 18, 2014.
Godspell runs October 18–November 10, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Full-priced single tickets are $20, $15 for students with valid IDs and $10 for seniors and children younger than 12. Subscription packages for the three-play season are $40, $25 for seniors. Group rates also are available. All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.
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