Revival-Styled ‘Godspell’ Opening in Shrewsbury

The Shrewsbury Parks and Recreation Department is putting on a production of the Broadway classic “Godspell,” premiering Thursday.

The production opens at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at and runs through Sunday. The Friday and Saturday shows are also at 7:30 p.m. Sunday’s show starts at 2 p.m.

“We want it to be an experience, rather than just normal theater,” director Jim Peterson said. This is Peterson’s fifth year directing plays at Shrewsbury.

Premiering in 1971, “Godspell” retells the story and parables of the Gospels as a rock opera. Peterson plans to have the cast come down into the audience to give the play a more religious-revival feel. Peterson said the audience should especially look out for the song “Day by Day.”

In Shrewsbury’s version, Jesus is played by Josh Wolk and is backed up by a large chorus. Performers range in age from elementary school to adult.