Whippany Park's Godspell Opens This Week!

A cast, crew, and band of over 50 students from Whippany Park High School have been busy since November preparing their spring musical Godspell.

Junior Evan Plaza and freshman David Hurley play principle roles.  They are accompanied by senior cast members Sofia Bonfiglio, Erica Gbur, Courtney Messina, Jessica Munzial, Adam Nussbaum, and Brianna Surdi.  Senior Katherine Wainscott serves as this year’s Stage Manager.  The stage crew is headed by seniors Ben Willans, Megan Rojek, and Shannon Ennis.

The musical, by Stephen Schwartz with a book by John-Michael Tebelak, is comprised of stories from the gospel according to St. Matthew and told in an upbeat, 'story theatre' fashion. The stories and songs teach life lessons.  Junior ensemble member Rebecca LoBello remarks, “This play is so fun because everyone is a storyteller, but also playing themselves.”

For veteran director and co-producer Peter Talarico, Godspell is a special show.  Talarico notes that joy is a key element in the musical itself, as well as his production.  He states, “’Rejoice, rejoice… and be exceedingly glad’ is a line from, and a major theme of, Godspell. The show is a musical theatre favorite because of its ability to exhilarate performers and audiences with its constant energy, meaningful stories, and memorable tunes.”

This year’s band will be made up entirely of Whippany Park students, a first in the school’s history.  Mr. Craig Limey, district music teacher, serves as the production’s musical director, as well as co-producer.  He is joined by scenic designers Brian Toscano and Paul Gaschler, lighting and multimedia designer Brian Lynch, costume designer Anneliese Burns Wilson, band director Carl Sabatino, choreographer, Stefania Alves, and sound designer Ken Prins.

Whippany Park’s Godspell promises to deliver a classic musical theatre experience with modern touches and something for all audience members. According to sophomore ensemble member.  Ali Rojek,  “This production includes ancient stories that still apply to modern situations. The scope of the musical isn’t limited to those of a certain religious group.  Anyone can relate to the stories, enjoy the music, and get a chance to participate.”

Godspell will open Thursday, February 27th at 7:00pm.  Performances on Friday, February 28th at 8:00pm, and Saturday March 1st at 2:00pm and 8:00pm will follow. All tickets are $15 and can be purchased on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the theatre lobby from 3:00-6:00pm.