Welcome  to  something  different. You are about to experience a performance unlike anything you’ve

seen before. While most theatrical performances use a linear plot to

present a story to the audience, Godspell uses a variety of performing

arts techniques to draw together a group of ordinary people into a

meaningful community.

In a literal sense, Godspell is contemporary presentation of the life In a literal sense, Godspell is contemporary presentation of the life

of Jesus Christ and His followers. The script by John-­Michael Tebelak is

taken almost entirely from the Book of Matthew in the Bible, and the

soft-­rock score by Stephen Schwartz has lyrics from hymns and psalms.

During his time on earth, Jesus used parables-­ instructive stories-­ in

order to translate complex philosophical ideas into stories that were re-­

latable and easy to understand. In Godspell the character of Jesus does

the same thing, but the parables are updated for modern audiences. The the same thing, but the parables are updated for modern audiences. The

show uses the original text of the Bible, but relates it to pop culture ref-­

erences and modern slang that is familiar to people. The parables are

presented in a variety of modern ways: sketch comedy, rap and improv,

to name a few. Though the parable presentations are fun and interesting,

they are still attempting to define a moral code.

 

At the beginning of the show, John the Baptist arrives amidst the

bustling background of a backstage theatre. The people there are diverse

yet average, disconnected, and searching for something. Not only do they

represent Jesus’ disciples who are brought together and called to follow

Him, but they also represent the audience members, who are called to

come along for the ride and experience the show. When His followers

change from their drab clothes into their new, colorful outfits, they are

signifying that they are setting themselves apart from what the world signifying that they are setting themselves apart from what the world

deems as “normal,” and they are now living by God’s standards. Each of

their shirts represent a “fruit of the spirit,” a biblical attribute that is rep-­

resentative of their character. When Jesus paints His followers' faces, he

is recognizing that they are unique individuals taking separate parts in

His community. Eventually, the others will come to a point where they no

longer need this visual reminder to know that they have engaged

themselves in the family of Christ. 

Each disciple will individually commit to Jesus over the course of Each disciple will individually commit to Jesus over the course of

the show, through their own song that they sing with the group. But over

the course of the show, it becomes obvious that Judas has difficulty in

committing himself to Jesus’ teachings. His character helps us remember

that Judas was a loved, important part of the group prior to the betray-­

al; on a larger scale, it helps us remember that most “villains” have a

story that is more complex than their worst deed. The inner conflict

within Judas, and the grief that results from his decision, shows us that within Judas, and the grief that results from his decision, shows us that

even the tightest communities can experience crippling loss. But Jesus’

promise allows us to celebrate our salvation and continue His work.

  

  

Kitsap Children’s Musical TheatreKerby Criss-­ Executive Director Steve Criss-­ V.P. Theatre Operation

Presents

GODSPELLConceived and Originally Directed by John-­Michael Tebelak

Music and New Lyrics by Stephen SchwartzOriginally Produced on the New York Stage by   Originally Produced on the New York Stage by   

Edgar Lansbury / Stuart Duncan / Joseph BeruhDirected by Terry McAuley

Choreography by Havilah Criss, Scott Breitbarth, and Cole Zieser

Godspell is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.

MUSICAL  NUMBERSAct I

“Prepare Ye”............................................................................John & Company“Prepare Ye”............................................................................John & Company“Save the People”..............................................................Jesus & Company“Day by Day”.....................................................................Havilah & Company“Learn Your Lessons Well”.........................................Lauren & Company“Bless the Lord”..............................................................Christie & Company“All For the Best”..............................................Jesus, Judas, & Company“All Good Gifts”......................................................................Cole & Company“Light of the World”......................................................William & Company“Light of the World”......................................................William & Company

INTERMISSIONAct II

“Turn Back, O Man”.............................................................Kelli & Company“Alas For You”...................................................................................................Jesus“By My Side”.....................................................................Carolyn & Company“We Beseech Thee”............................................................John & Company“Beautiful City”...................................................................................................Jesus“Beautiful City”...................................................................................................Jesus“On the Willows”...............................................................Judas & the Band“Finale”.......................................................................................Jesus & Company

ChoreographyHavilah Criss: Day by Day, Light of the World, Turn Back O Man, FinaleScott Breitbarth: Prepare Ye, Save the People, All For the Best, By My

Side, We Beseech TheeCole Zieser: Cole Zieser: Learn Your Lessons Well, Bless the Lord, All Good Gifts

STAFFDIRECTORS

Executive Director Kerby CrissProduction Director Terry McAuleyAssistant Director Kelli Kirkman

Production Manager Lauren WolbaumChoreography Director Choreography Director Hava Criss

Choreographer Assistants Scott Breitbarth, Cole ZieserMusic Director Susan PetersVocal Director Kelli Kirkman

DESIGNERSSet Designer Scott BreitbarthCarpenters Larry Wolbaum

Costume Designer Costume Designer Heather BarrettProp Designer Lauren WolbaumProp Manager Laura Callender

TECH  CREWTech Director Eli Criss

Body Mic Manager Jennifer HunterBody Mic Staff Danielle Bradford, Hailey Hunter,

Shannon Janssen, Julie Pennoyer Shannon Janssen, Julie Pennoyer Lighting Designer Gillian Gregory

Spotlights Roger Criss, Sirena McKinleyStage Crew Emily Anderson, Josh Staker

Move-­In Manager Larry Wolbaum

FACILITIESFacilities Manager Karen TrostadLobby ManagerLobby Manager Angela Wolbaum

Concessions JoAnn FitchUshers Shannon Bossom, Annie Sutherland

Box Office Managers Ryan Black, Jane Teller

MARKETINGMarketing Director Lauren Wolbaum

Photography Madison EddyPoster DesignPoster Design Lauren WolbaumProgram Design Lauren Wolbaum

Website Victoria Miller

BOARD  OF  DIRECTORSExecutive Director Kerby Criss

President Gene JohnsonTreasurer Greg Salo

Secretary Secretary Gillian GregoryV.P. Theatre Operations Steve Criss

Members at Large: Laurie Adams, Tim Adams, Ryan Black, Rebekah Davidson, Stuart Davidson, Aaron Logdahl. Roz Owen, Chris Price,

Dierdre Prince, Debbie Sorensen, Katie Staker, Lindsey Still