None — Kiski Area School District will be performing "Godspell" in the high school auditorium from March 30 through April 2, 2011.
Kiski's production is a modern interpretation of more traditional productions. Cell phones, skinny jeans, as well as Glee, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber references bring this biblically-based tale into a more current context. Also, all students will be referred to by their own names on stage, with the exception of Jesus and Judas. The role of Jesus, originally portrayed as a clown, will be costumed in jeans and a white button-down shirt. Senior Derrik Whiten, playing the role of Jesus, says, "I really hope people get a lot out of the show, not just about the life of Jesus, but about being a part of the community he was building."
Godspell was released as a popular movie in 1971 and hit Broadway in 1976 featuring the international hit "Day by Day." Created and originally performed at Carnegie Mellon University by graduate student John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell has its roots here in Pittsburgh. Music and new lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz, the composer of the popular musical Wicked.
Kiski's Godspell is under the direction of Intermediate School Science teacher Robert Capanna, and under the musical direction of Kiski Area High School choir teacher Tammy Hampshire. The production utilizes many types of music including jazz, rap, gospel, and bluegrass. Choreographed by Renata Marino, Godspell includes hip-hop, tap, mime, and modern dance. The show includes well-known numbers like the spirited "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," and "Prepare Ye" which the cast admits gives them shivers when sung by junior David Hampshire, in the role of Judas/John the Baptist. The small pit orchestra will include electric guitar, bass, drums, piano, and cello.
Godspell will be performed March 30 through April 2 at 7:30pm in the high school auditorium. Ticket prices are $6 on Wednesday and Thursday, and $8 on Friday and Saturday. For tickets go to www.kiskiarea.com , call 724-845-8181 ext. 5140, or email Jamie McCluske at jmccluske@wiu.k12.pa.us. Also, get more information and see pictures and videos from rehearsals at www.kiskimusical.com.
Cast List:
Jesus Derrik Whiten
John the Baptis / Judas David Hampshire
Disciples
Steffie Wesolosky
Sarah Rozewicz
Danny Mszyco
Matt Wygonik
Courtney Woodhall
Zabi Mulwa
Ashley Ardellitz
Gretchen Liska
Jocelyn Nelson
Kaitlin Sweeny
Joe Bruno
Kaylin Shetron
Chloe Shupe
Emily Summerville
Followers
Autumn Albert
Eric Anthony
Sierra Bigley
Alexis Briggs
Erin Bruce
Kyle Cernicky
Karisa Cesario
Montana Churma
Ty Clair
Rebecca Clark
Maddy Costanza
Tiffany Cupec
Katherine Debick
Dylan Dulick
Matt Emanuelson
Lacey Emmerson
Rosie Evans
Ryan Francart
Theresa Gibson
Jenny Greenlee
Kaylee Hansberry
Maria Helmininack
Kyleigh Hill
Kiersten Kiebler
Miranda Kumpf
Kali Liebert
Lea Long
Bryanna Machen
Hannah Milheim
Michele Milheim
Rachael Minda
Alison Misho
Austin Moorhead
Zach Mszyco
Taylor Murdock
Kaytee Oliver
Megan Paullet
Janna Pizarchik
Jessica Pollick
Taylor Pollick
Lacey Postle
Jesse Scanga
Natalie Scassera
Mia Shaffer
Nicole Shannon
Brianne Smail
Cara Suni
Christy Teagarden
Cassie Thompson
Amber Vozar
Lauren Whaley
Taylor Whaley
Lizzy Wilkinson
Cecily Ziemianski
Featured Dancers
Brianne Smail (Dance Captain)
Taylor Pollick (Dance Captain)
Autumn Albert
Ashley Ardellitz
Ty Clair
Michele Milheim
Kaytee Oliver
Emily Summeville
Nicole Shannon
Lauren Whaley
Taylor Whaley
Courtney Woodhall
Prologue Philosophers
Socrates Sarah Rozewicz
Thomas Aquinas Kali Liebert
Martin Luther Matt Emanuelson
Davinci Ashley Ardellitz
Gibbon Ryan Francart
Rederic Nietzsche Austin Moorhead
Jean Paul Sartre Chloe Shupe
Buckminster Fuller Joe Bruno
Orchestra:
Rochelle Insko – Conductor
Tammy Hampshire – Piano
Bill Duff – Guitar
Tom Lookabaugh – Guitar
Robert Insko – Bass
Cole Insko – Drums
Monica Filippone – Cello
Stage Crew:
Ryan Felt
Dominique Carino
Savanna Hyde
Becca Phillips
Chelsea Korchok
Jeff Moses
Maria Spanoudakis
Amethyst Vozar
Delanie Pacifico
Jeff Lorent
Shelby Bazella
Anna Spier
Jason Temple