CLARKSVILLE, TN – Godspell, the international hit musical loosely based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, opens at the Roxy Regional Theatre on Friday, April 8, at 8 p.m.
In keeping with the theatre’s pay-what-you-can opening night tradition, all tickets not pre-sold at the regular price will go on sale at 7:30pm that evening for a $5 minimum donation.
Matthew Combs stars as Jesus Christ, with Talon Beeson doubling as John the Baptist and Judas, in this musical sensation featuring songs by award-winning composer Stephen Schwartz (Wicked and Pippin) and written, conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak.
Using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing, a group of lovable disciples – Brian Best, Jama Bowen, Chloe LaMar, Destiny Neal, Austin Olive, Caitlyn Porayko, David Ridley and Emily Rourke, alongside local youth Lydia Crawley, Caleb Crosby, Hayden Gilbreath and Theresa Graham – help Jesus tell various parables from his early teachings, albeit in an unconventional way.
As the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage and dissolves hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Godspell delivers Jesus’ timeless messages of kindness, tolerance and love, under the direction of Ryan Bowie, with choreography by Margaret Rennerfeldt and music direction by Tyler Saunders.
Led by the international hit “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.” Ranging in style from pop to vaudeville to gospel, this eclectic blend of songs will be performed by Tyler Saunders on piano, Thad Wallus on electric guitar, Addison Perkins on acoustic guitar, Caleb Barlow on bass, and Bernard Lott on drums.
Performances run April 8 through April 23 on Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m.
Tickets are $35 (adults) and $15 (10 and under) and may be reserved online at www.roxyregionaltheatre.org, by phone at (931) 645-7699, or at the theatre during regular box office hours (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain).