D-S Summer Drama Program Features 'Godspell'

After a summer of rehearsals the Dover-Sherborn Summer Drama Program premiered their production of “Godspell” Thursday, August 25 to a packed house.

If you’ve never of heard of the musical, Director Scott Walker describes it as, “a 1970s version of the Jesus story.”

He was very much right. The set looked like an urban street spray-painted to accommodate a street performance. 

There were particularly strong voices displayed on one of Godspell’s signature songs “Day by Day”.

Throughout the play the most notable voices among a strong cast were Bryce Williamson and Emily Skanlon who played Joanne and Lamar each night of the performances. The role of Jesus split by Landon Williamson and Gus Laughlin. 

The show produced and performed on Thursday showed the kind of passion and exhilaration the Dover-Sherborn students have to be on stage.

What was unique about this production was that eight roles were shared by different actors every other night.     

Walker said they began rehearsals in mid-June. “There were a couple of rehearsals in June and we have been rehearsing continuously since mid-July.” 

He said the summer program is self-funded and run by the Dover-Sherborn School District with many donations from Dover and Sherborn residents. 

The program features students entering grades 7-12. 

Walker, a Dover-Sherborn Middle School sixth grade English teacher, has been directing the summer program for the four years since its inception. 

He said four years ago some students were eager to perform over the summer. “Some kids showed interest in doing a show over the summer time,” he said. “I’ve had a lot of these kids in my class room. I taught most of them,” he said.

Walker wanted to acknowledge the, “power couple” Cindy and Glen Williamson. He said Cindy organized the volunteers and Glen managed the set builders and two of their sons starred in the show.   

Walker noted that the set design was done by Len Schnabel, a Dover resident. He provided his services at, “a greatly reduced cost,” said Walker. “He really teaches the kids how to run all the computerized equipment,” he added.