This immensely successful rock opera needs little introduction, but when it was first produced on Broadway in 1971 it broke new ground in its stage treatment of the historical Jesus Christ. Based on the Gospel according to St Matthew it deals with the last days of Jesus, and includes dramatized versions of several well-known parables. And yet it is something more – a religious experience, a demonstration of joy, and a celebration of the family of man. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

Auditions: October 27th and 28th at 7pm.

Sunday, Oct. 27: Royal Off the Square Theatre, 121 W. Walnut St., Brownstown

Monday, Oct. 28: Brownstown Methodist Church (just past the theatre, come in back)

JCCT is excited to present our third production of Godspell. (Previous productions were in 1977 and 1996.) The timeless story came to life in the 1970s as a rock musical, and has been through a revision and a movie version. Our directors have chosen to do the original version.

Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm. 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.”

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables from the book of Matthew by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses 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.

Boasting a score with chart topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. Because of its small technical demands and minimal cast size, it has become a staple of theatre companies, large and small.

There are ten characters, including of course Jesus and John the Baptist. The other characters, three men and five women, are disciples, but go by their own names rather than biblical names. The cast members are high-energy and have distinct personalities. Some character descriptions: high energy, impish, and playful; a little slow on the uptake; the comedian, class clown, good at imitations; a bit of a tomboy, but basically open and sweet; the confident one, show-off, first to volunteer; the shy one, earth mother, who can really commit all the way; sassy and slightly cynical, urban and sexy; the female equivalent of the class clown.

Ages are flexible. Anyone from older teens up could work. More important is vocal ability. The actors must be strong singers, as most will have to do a solo or two; but they also must function as an ensemble.

Please be prepared to sing a song of your choice, and bring your own music(sheet music for our pianist if you wish to be accompanied or your own accompaniment on your phone or other device). You may also be asked to do an ensemble number from Godspell with others.

Mike Tormoehlen is stage director. Dick Parman is music director. Georgiann Coons is the vocal coach, and Katrina Hardwick will design the choreography. We will follow the tradition of rehearsing for the dinner theatre at a location in Seymour.

If you are unable to attend on one of the scheduled dates, please contact us before auditions at mail@jcct.org and we will try to arrange another time.