By Lydia Dean
March 23, 2022
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.—Ouachita Baptist University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present the 2012 revival of “Godspell” by Stephen Schwartz from Thursday-Sunday, April 7-10, in Jones Performing Arts Center, 409 Ouachita Street. Shows begin April 7-9 at 7:30 p.m.; a matinee performance will be held April 10 at 2:30 p.m. The production is open to the public.
“Godspell”is structured as a series of parables primarily based on the Gospel of Matthew and includes songs reflecting a wide variety of musical theatre genres and influences.
“The audience can expect lots of silly and heartfelt moments,” said director Matthew Murry, visiting assistant professor of theatre at Ouachita. “I hope they embrace Jesus’ messages of kindness and love.”
The part of Jesus will be played by Noah Warford, a sophomore musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Ark.
“Without a doubt, the thing I'm most excited for the audience to see is the finale of the show, the crucifixion and its aftermath,” Warford said. “The point of the entire production is to show the love and community that surrounds Jesus, which is super cool.”
There are 31 Ouachita students in the cast and crew of “Godspell,” with some of the roles double-cast to allow broader participation.
Sammy Campione, a senior musical theatre major from Waxahachie, Texas, plays John the Baptist—the man who prepares the way for Jesus—and Judas, the man who betrays Jesus.
“Being able to play a biblical character is an interesting experience,” Campione said. “I grew up a preacher's kid. It's been a fun time revisiting in the theatre all these stories I was taught as a kid.”
Mikenzie Blase, a junior theatre arts and secondary education double major from Nashville is House Manager for the production.
Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box Office. Students who present their Ouachita ID upon purchase will receive one free ticket. For more information, contact the box office at (870) 245-5555.