Godspell, a show like no other, comes to the McInnis stage November 14–16, 2025. Originally conceived and written by John Michael Tebelak, with a score written by then-newcomer Stephen Schwartz, Godspell originally premiered in 1971, made into a movie in 1973, and was revised for a Broadway run in 2012.
The show tells the story of Christ’s ministry and parables by utilizing a small cast. The main players are Jesus and the double-role of Judas and John the Baptist, supported by an ensemble of apostles. The apostles are one of the best parts of the show, both acting out the parables and singing in their own solo moments. At Eastern, the cast will be headed by Luke Baker as Jesus and Marc Cadet as Judas and John the Baptist. Rounding out the ensemble are Abigail McNair, Alexander Morales, Amari Dickerson, Arris Jackson, Bailey Gutelius, Catherine Smith, Daniel Carter, Kathryn Nichols, Leilanie Lima, and Natalie Joseph.
When asked about the cast, Director Valerie Flower gushes,“ I am… excited to share our stellar cast of students and their gorgeous voices as well as the community they have built together in this rehearsal process. I can’t wait to see them bring their visions to life”. She admits that she is trepidatious about the challenges of the vocal score: “[It] is intricate and demanding, and the cast will need to master challenging harmonies and vocal styles.” She adds, “ I’m confident in our team’s ability to rise to the occasion. The students’ commitment and talent are well worth the price of admission”. The score is impeccable, with tracks ranging from ballads, including international hit “Day by Day”, to gospel numbers such as “Bless the Lord”, to songs reminiscent of 70s rock, including “We Beseech Thee”.
Flower has also assembled an elite team of behind-the-scenes artists. Professor Perry Brisbon, director of Turning Point and University Choir, will serve as vocal director, with David Schwartz serving as guest music director and on-stage band director. Bethany Miller and David Craig are lending their talents as costume designer and set designer respectively. There are also two current students who will be involved in the production. Flower says, “Richie Izzo is our Assistant Director, and Walter ‘Manny’ Jones, a member of the football team and a theatre major, is our dramaturg.” Completing the team is alumni Rachel Noonan, who will serve as choreographer. Flower says she is, “humbled to be working with a stellar team of artists”.
When asked what she is excited about with this production, Flower explains that, “We chose to produce the revised 2012 version of Godspell this year because its central focus resonates so deeply with Eastern University’s mission of faith, reason, and justice. At its heart, Godspell is about building community and uplifting one another as well as our audience through the truth and beauty contained in the Gospel of Mark… Our version of Godspell invites deep reflection on our understanding of faith in Jesus within a modern context”.
One of the most enticing elements of Godspell is its flexible setting. Flower reveals, “I am most looking forward to the transformation of a community as the parables are told and sung within our specific production setting. We’ve set our musical in North Philadelphia, specifically in the Kensington neighborhood, at seemingly hopeless locations like Needle Park and Graffiti Pier. We are taking the gospel to what is often called the heroin/fentanyl epicenter of the Northeast.” She explains, “This choice grounds the musical in a raw and powerful reality, allowing the themes of Christ’s unconditional love and the power of community to resonate in a truly profound way.”
Godspell is undoubtedly going to be a highlight of the 2025–26 Eastern theatre season. With great music, a compelling cast of characters and a story as ancient as the faith that this university is built upon, it should be a wonderful night (or afternoon, if you go to a matinee) at the theatre. The show came out in 1971, was revised in 2012, will be performed with a compelling new twist in 2025, but the truths it tells of are eternal.
For tickets and other information, see www.eastern.edu/academics/colleges-seminary/college-arts-and-humanities/departments/theatre -department-4.