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Local troupe to stage play |
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Thursday, 17 July 2008 |
By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — A local acting troupe is hoping to entertain area residents with a production of “Godspell,” an off-Broadway musical made popular in the 1970s.
The Young Actors Of Grand Lake Theatrix, consisting of performers ages 7 to 17, will present the musical based on the Gospel according to Matthew set in modern times at the St. Marys Opera House. Performances are scheduled for Friday and Saturday and July 25 and 26.
Producer Vickie Shurelds said she is looking forward to the upcoming performance which is comprised of a series of parables from the Bible.
“One of my favorite parts of it is the last supper,” Shurelds said. “It really focuses on the time Jesus spent teaching the disciples about the philosophies of Christianity — the very basics.”
Shurelds said one of the reasons her and co-producer Bryon Sparks chose “Godspell” was because of the musical selection which includes “Day By Day,” a song that made it to the pop billboards in the summer of 1972.
“Mainly because of the music, and we wanted to do something that teenagers and preteens would really enjoy, and the community would really support,” Shurelds said.
The last performance by Grand Lake Theatrix, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” was held in March in the ballroom of the Grand Opera House. Shurelds and Sparks decided to follow up that musical with another they thought would also appeal to young actors.
“Charlie Brown was so successful and we thought this would be a good show that kids could do,” Sparks said.
Ruby Hovey, a junior at New Knoxville High School, has been in several performances since she was 11 years old.
In “Godspell”, she plays Sonia, a character known for her boldness.
“I like that she’s really dramatic because I can go overboard if I want,” Hovey said. “I like how different all the characters are. They have a very strong contrast.”
Stephen Wiley, a junior at St. Marys Memorial High School, plays the lead role of Jesus. Wiley, who has been in “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers” at Crescent Players, said he is enjoying this performance as well.
“I’ve had a really nice time,” he said. “It gives me something to do.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 22 July 2008 )
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