All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Pennsauken High School is excited to announce their performances of the musical, “Godspell,” held April 4-7. This iconic musical, which highlights parables taken from the Bible, has been a long running success both on and off of Broadway.

“I’ve wanted to do ‘Godspell’ for years,” explains Kate Brown, vocal music director at Pennsauken High School. “It’s about a group of people who come together; and when a devastating tragedy happens, they are there for each other. It’s about forming a community that takes care of each other. That’s a message we really need right now.”

“Godspell” first ran off-Broadway in 1971 and received its most recent revival in 2011, with an update to the score and the inclusion of the song, “Beautiful City,” in the second act.

“This play has some really awesome music,” says Brown. “If you’re only familiar with the 1973 version, you’ll still know the show, but it’s been updated.”

Pennsauken High School’s performance of “Godspell” is “non-traditional,” according to Brown. Where the show is normally done with a cast of around 10, the school is using a much larger ensemble, as there are only two “named” characters: John/Judas and Jesus.

“I’m a very big believer that academic theater should be open to everyone. With other shows, it’s ‘you are this person.’ With an ensemble like this, you get to create who you are. It’s a chance for the kids to play and experiment and figure out who you are. It’s a great element of this show.”

“I like the concept of [the musical]. How playful it is and how you can make up your own character,” adds Neveah Jackson, a junior who is a part of the ensemble and sings in “Learn Your Lessons Well.” “You can express yourself in different ways.”

“Everyone’s involved. We’re all part of the play,” continues Antonio Candelaria, a junior who plays the role of John/Judas. “No one is left alone. We’re all on stage together.”

The message of “Godspell” is very much about caring and togetherness, a fact that is not lost on its cast.

 “Togetherness is one of the main themes of the show. You don’t want to just act that out on stage. We wanted to change our own personal ways,” says David Charris, a senior at PHS who plays the role of Jesus. “At first, I was looking at everything through a Biblical setting; but when I broke everything down, I realized it’s about a person trying to bring everyone together. That’s something we can all try to do.”

“Come out and see ‘Godspell.’ It’s a great show and we have some fun things in store for the audience,” adds Charris. “People are going to have a fun time, whether they want to or not.”

“Godspell” will be performed at Pennsauken High School’s auditorium, located at 800 Hylton Rd. The shows on April 4-6 begin at 7:00 p.m. There is a matinee on Sunday, April 7, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for “Godspell” at Pennsauken High School are just $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors. Group tickets rates are available for parties of 20 and more; and tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. For more information, or to buy tickets in advance, call (856) 662-8500 x5273.