The Plaza Art Center, The Arts Barn and Oconee Performing Arts Society (OPAS) come together to present Godspell June 23 to July 1 on stage at The Plaza. Godspell is presented through a Broadway Intensive, a two week camp where 15-25 year olds hone their skills with a Broadway veteran director.
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.
In the musical, a small group of people help Jesus tell different parables 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.
All organizations involved have objectives of developing young talent, making this Broadway Intensive especially important to all.
“Providing an opportunity for young adults to perform a musical on stage could only happen through the cooperation of The Plaza, The Arts Barn and OPAS,” Plaza Board Chair, Bev Berardo said.
In its second year, the intensive two-week marathon production culminates in six performances for the public. The Plaza, The Arts Barn and OPAS are working together to provide young adults in tenth grade through 25 years of age a chance to garner their skills ranging from acting, singing, set building and costume design all the way to the technical aspects of a show.
The students learn the intricacies of live theater under the direction of a Broadway veteran, Henry Scott.
This partnership marks the first for The Plaza and OPAS in serving and supporting the young talent in the area. Both organizations are committed to enriching the lives of local students through multiple educational approaches.
“OPAS is pleased to provide 10 scholarships for the Broadway Intensive Summer Camp at the Plaza Arts Center,” Doug LaBrecque, Artistic Director at OPAS said. “TPAC and OPAS value arts education, and we are committed to supporting these initiatives.
Tickets and more information about Godspell can be found at plazacenter.org.
“Get your tickets today to see Godspell and be amazed by the talent and quality of the production,” Berardo added.
-Contributed