ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Those looking for a good and rousing show during this Easter season will soon have to look no further than Seward County Community College.
The Seward County Community College Drama Department will be presenting "Godspell," with performances taking place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10; 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11; and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, and all the performances will be in the Clifford and Irene Pepper Showcase Theater in the Shank Humanities Building on the SCCC campus. Tickets are $10 for community members and free for SCCC students with a student ID. Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, the show follows the last days of Jesus and includes dramatized versions of multiple well-known parables.
As director Jamie Francis tells it, choosing “Godspell” as the spring musical was a somewhat interesting process.
“When we were planning what show to do, we had a couple options, and we were originally going to produce 'Mamma Mia!' but that fell through since that show is actually touring right now, and there are various rules for that, which we hadn't realized when we originally picked it,” Francis said. “'Godspell' was our backup choice, and since we'd already done the casting and everything else for 'Mamma Mia,' we were wondering what we could do and what changes would be needed. Ultimately, however, we already had the exact cast size we needed, and after some consideration, we went with 'Godspell.' It's also just a great show about bringing people together, which really stood out to me given the current political climate in the U.S., and that message of togetherness is something that needs to be heard.”
In spite of those unexpected circumstances, however, Francis said the rehearsal process has gone very well.
“Rehearsal has been somewhat crazy, but we're getting it done. Starting with one show and then having to switch to another show a few weeks later was not something we'd anticipated, but I think everyone's worked really hard and done really well putting this together,” Francis said. “It did take a little while for scripts to come in, and we had to piece a few things together before we got those, so we've actually done a few things backwards compared to how we usually work. Typically, there's a couple weeks of music rehearsal and learning that, and then there's a choreography week where all of that is put together, and then after that is when we do more run-throughs and go through the show, but we went out of order. I'm really proud of my actors for the work they've been able to do though, and they've done really, really well. There are a lot of challenges we've had to overcome, and it's been great seeing how my cast has been able to work hard and really inhabit their characters. There are some great comedy bits in the show, which has been great to see, and there are also some more dramatic moments. It's been great seeing everyone go from 'I'm not sure what to do here' to interacting with each other and making the show one cohesive thing.”
With opening night next week, Francis said there is an overall positive vibe among the cast and crew.
“There are definitely some nerves still, and I know there's also some stress due to the compressed rehearsal schedule, but I know everyone will be ready to go onstage on opening night,” Francis said. “There are still a few rough edges to smooth out, but it's all coming together. We're at that point where things seem rather rough and ready, but I know the students will totally bring it come opening night and the rest of show weekend. We recently did our cue-to-cue show and we're working on straight run-throughs of the show, and then next week is officially showtime, so we're excited for all of that. I'm excited for the show to officially be onstage in front of the audience so everyone can see these fantastic actors tell this neat story.”
Francis added she hopes to see large turnout for the show.
“'Godspell' is a really fun show, and it's something great for people to do here in the community. Not only is it live theatre, which can be somewhat rare in this area, but you're also supporting the college and these students and the work they're doing,” Francis said. “I know it's got a special place in a lot of people's hearts, and it's a great family show everyone can come and see, and it's a story that's pretty well known. It's a good one for the community to come out and see, and I think it'll be enjoyed by everyone in the audience. There are definitely some songs I particularly enjoy, and it's also been fun being in charge of the choreography. It's just been really great putting it all together, and I think the community will really enjoy it. I know there will be that nostalgia factor for some people since the show was originally produced in 1970, and then the film came out in 1973, so some people will definitely be taken back in that regard. SCCC shows tend to have pretty good crowds, and I'm hoping to see more of the same for 'Godspell,' and I hope everyone has fun watching this classic.”
Overall, Francis said, she is excited for opening night next week.
“Come out and see the show, we'd love to see you in the audience!” Francis said. “I'm really proud of what the students have been able to do and I hope to see a lot of people in the audience. We've had really great support so far, and I'd like to see that trend continue.”
