The University of Akron Theatre Program opens its 2014-2015 season with a steampunk version of the musical “Godspell” at Sandefur Theatre in Guzzetta Hall, 139 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron, across from UA's EJ Thomas Hall.
With Equity actress and UA faculty member Aubrey Caldwell as the director and J.T. Buck as the music director, performances of “Godspell” are Nov. 6-8 and Nov. 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 2 p.m. In addition, high school students registered for UA’s Fall 2014 High School Drama Day will attend a special matinee performance on Nov. 15.
Performing in the UA production of "Godspell" are, from left, Brian Keith, Jeremy Winter, Alyssa Whiddon and Hope Caldwell.
Tickets for “Godspell” are $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors and UA faculty, staff and alumni; and $6 for students. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.
For more information on performances or UA’s High School Drama Day, call 330-972-7895 or visit the School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration online.
Loosely based on a series of parables from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, “Godspell” was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Teblak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” remains one of the most popular rock musicals of all time. The playful and poignant score includes such songs as “God Save the People,” “All Good Gifts” and the international hit “Day By Day.”
The UA Theatre Program will present the recent Broadway revival version with new music and lyrics by Schwartz. This production incorporates Steampunk elements into the world of “Godspell” to help convey the musical’s messages of rebirth and rebuilding.
Director Caldwell explains, “Steampunk combines Victorian elegance with advanced technology, using steam-powered machinery and gadgets to create an alternative history. It's what the past would look like if the future had happened sooner,” she says. “Our production will focus on a post-apocalyptic world in which civilization has lost its sense of community.”
The mission of the Theatre Program at The University of Akron is to provide undergraduate students the opportunity to explore and expand their educational and cultural horizons through comprehensive experience in all facets of theatre arts.
Media contact: Cyndee Snider 330-972-5196 or cyndee@uakron.edu.