Notes from the Director -
Thank you all for joining us for our production of Godspell! The students of the cast and crew have worked so hard to create this unique performance for you, and we hope you enjoy becoming part of our "community" during the show! Here is some more information on Godspell and our process of puting this show together:
Godspell is the story of a small group of people that help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
The emphasis of Godspell is not a spiritual one. Rather, it is on how the teachings of a wise and charismatic leader can bring people together as a community who lead better, more loving lives with each other. In our rehearsals, we stressed this idea of community building by giving the students a lot of creative freedom. As they tried new ideas of presenting the various songs and scenes, we developed our own "community" in this production of Godspell. Friendships grew stronger, students' self-confidence grew stronger, and we were able to create the show you are seeing now. We looked at each lesson as to how it could make us better people, and then infused each student's own skills into telling those stories.
These students really rose to the task of this show, and I am so grateful for the work they put in throughout this process.
Thank yous -
I would be remiss if I did not thank Mr. Andy Breeden for all of his assistance in putting this show together. His knowledge and creativity helped bring many of the moments you are seeing to life, and is always a great sounding-board and extra set of eyes and ears. And thanks for taking that other harmony line in "On the Willows," what a voice!
Of course, I must thank our choreographer (and my wonderful wife) Mrs. Emily Miller-Amato for her contributions. Not only in staging our big dance numbers (which are awesome!), but for being there to help work out the vision and direction from day 1.
A huge thank you to Brock, Trevor, and Chad for coming in and bringing this score to life. We should take this band on the road!
To the administrators, faculty, and staff of SHS, thank you for being such great colleagues who help keep this crazy time a little less crazy.
To the students. Wow. Thank you for going on this adventure of a more "theatre-y" show with me. We made something very special.
And to YOU! Thank you for coming out to support these wonderful students!
- Joe Amato, Director
