Live theatre returns to Jesuit this weekend!
Jesuit's Theatre Program will stream three performances of GODSPELL this weekend, LIVE from the Moyer Theatre, Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Access to this unique experimental production can be purchased by following the links at www.jesuitportland.org/theatre.
Adapting to the evolving guidelines, this production was specially designed with remote rehearsals and performances in mind. Performed live by 10 Principal Ensemble members, GODSPELL features the talents of more than 60 students in a unique interaction between in-person and remote storytelling. There's even an opportunity for viewers from home to participate directly with the performance!
"The safety and health of all involved was our most important consideration," says Director Elaine Kloser. "We were able to have outdoor rehearsals with small cohorts under tents set up by our very supportive administration, all while creating a show where the performers wear masks, keep their distance, and don't share any props."
"Masks have a long history in theatre," says Director Jeff Hall, "the result is a mix of theatre styles as old as the Greeks and as new as tomorrow, with some performers appearing via projected content, mapped into the scene with the live actors."
GODSPELL is an early work by Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz (PIPPIN, WICKED, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME), and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The show has been produced at Jesuit before, and more than 20 alumni from productions in 1979 and 1995 will be joining today's students with a number created especially for this weekend.
The show was chosen due to its highly adaptable format, and for the fact that "godspell" literally means "good news." If there's anything we can all use right now, it's the good news of GODSPELL!
"We have long marveled at Jeff and Elaine's creative approach to staging musicals for high schoolers," says Jesuit President Tom Arndorfer. "This production of GODSPELL, reimagined for the time of COVID-19, will be, to borrow Ben Jonson's praise of William Shakespeare, not just 'of an age, but for all time.' We are so proud of the resilience and artistry of this fall's cast and crew, and cannot wait to share the good news of GODSPELL!"
Don't miss this opportunity to see theatre reinvented as the Moyer Theatre comes alive with music and dancing for the first time since March. Please help us create an online audience. The cast and crew will feel your applause, even if they can't hear you.
"We wanted to focus on what was possible," explains Kloser, "exploring what we can do rather than getting hung up on what we can't do, and keeping the focus on the community experience that theatre should be."
CLICK HERE to purchase your streaming access to GODSPELL this weekend!