Schools
Island Trees Drama Rocks the Stage with 'Godspell'
Students of the Island Trees High School Drama Department give the Bible a modern twist in their spring musical.
Biblical stories and Justin Bieber's music aren’t usually heard in the same place, except at Island Trees High School this past weekend.
The school’s drama club performed “Godspell”, a modern musical by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, which depicts teachings of Jesus from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The students also expressed the passion of Christ at the end of the show, with all of the storylines set to modern rock music, interspersed with current pop culture references.
Director Stephan Connolly and Assistant Director Karen Olen-Helmold explained that the popular music chosen to be included in the musical was a collaborative effort between everyone involved. Some of the songs incorporated were “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz and Justin Bieber’s “Baby”.
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“That is how we saw this whole show – as a team effort,” Connolly said. “I think it really worked out and made the show more relevant and more connected to the people today.”
Taking on many different identities through the show, such as biblical figures, families and even sheep, all of the students were able to embrace the great comedic effect that comes along with this specific production.
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“It was my kind of play – random, weird, absolutely nuts and fun,” said senior Colton Murray, 17, who portrayed the self-named character of Colton in the production. “This is the one thing I am going to miss about this school.”
During portions of the show, cast members traveled out into the audience while singing, dancing and interacting with everyone watching for the evening. The opening number, "Prepare Ye", allowed audience members to dance with the characters and even get up on the stage.
Junior Daniel Freeda, 16, who played the role of Jesus, explained how he has been in all of the productions since fifth grade. As the lead, he was able to embrace the serenity and wisdom that the role demanded.
“I think it went excellent,” Freeda said. “Everything was perfect – the pit band was great, the lighting was perfect and the crowd was really into it. My heart and soul is in this drama club, we have gone through thick and thin."
Connolly said there were some obstacles in preparing for the show, but they were “able to iron it all out and come through with a successful product." The rehearsals began slightly later than usual – in the end of January – but all of the students put in significant time and dedication on their own, he continued.
“It’s amazing. I came here everyday for the past three months and just being able to watch them get better at it, learn and grow – we are like a giant dysfunctional family – so it has been a lot of fun,” Stage Manager Colleen Sheehy, a junior, said.
At the end of the show, the students gave Connolly, Olsen-Helmold and Musical Director Gregory Warnokowski gifts in appreciation of their dedication to the drama club. Leaving the Island Trees High School community, Connolly delivered a heartfelt thank you and goodbye to everyone involved in the school and production of “Godspell”.
“Everyone has been wonderful and welcoming,” he stated. “Sometimes in life paths change and things go, but you guys will always be in my heart. I thank you for this opportunity.”
The Island Trees students put on the show on Thursday for local senior citizens, as well as a Friday and Saturday evening performance that was open to the general public.
“Honestly, I couldn’t have been prouder,” Connolly added. “They exceeded all of our expectations, but with there dedication I knew they were going to be able to pull it off.”
