GODSPELL

Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak

Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Originally Produced on the New York Stage by

Edgar Lansbury / Stuart Duncan / Joseph Beruh

Directed by Jim Bowen-Collinson

Produced by Kimberly Fry

July 29, 30, 31 and August 1, 13, 14, 15, 2021

Based primarily on the Book of Matthew, Godspell focuses on eight strangers, all from different walks of life, coming together to tell the lessons and parables of Jesus Christ through improvisation, various games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. By the end of the show, which features a reenactment of the Last Supper and Crucifixion, the strangers learn to carry Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance, and love. Featuring a score from Stephen Schwartz (famous for Pippin, The Prince of Egypt, and Wicked) with various contemporary genres from pop to rock and gospel to vaudeville, this show has made a lasting impression on American musical theatre since its New York premiere in 1971, and later film version in 1973. The version of the script Sterling Playmakers will produce comes from the 2011-2012 Broadway revival, which masterfully injects this story with contemporary references and dazzling new music arrangements.

When the show premiered in 1971, our country was very much divided. We had the Vietnam War and counterculture movement, which was highly politicized and a moment of social tension in our American history. It feels right to set the show in today’s time as we seem to be in need of healing during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the same unresolved social issues. Our group of strangers will begin the show divided in a black and white world as masked protesters during the pandemic. It’s not until the entrance of Jesus that they begin to be in a world of color. Through the teachings of Jesus, they learn to come together and build a beautiful city of man, and spread the message of tolerance, compassion, and love.

PERFORMANCES
OPENING THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021

The Theatre at Potomac Falls High School

46400 Algonkian Parkway, Potomac Falls, VA 20165

Evening performances at 8:00pm

Thursday, July 29 | Friday, July 30 | Saturday, July 31

Friday, August 13 | Saturday, August 14

Matinee performances at 2:00pm

Saturday, July 31 | Sunday, August 1

Saturday, August 14 | Sunday, August 15

American Sign Language interpretation provided by HIS Sign

for Matinee Performance on Saturday, July 31 at 2:00pm

General Admission $20

Group rate for groups of 10+ is $16 per person.

Group tickets must be purchased in one transaction.

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COVID-19 safety protocols will be observed. We follow CDC guidelines and request that for the safety of all patrons,

all individuals wear masks, regardless of vaccination status. Current detailed guidelines are available here.

Additionally, socially distanced seating will be available in parts of the auditorium.

Watch from The Comfort of Your Own Home

Streaming through ShowTix4U

August 11, 2021 through September 19, 2021

Streaming Ticket $25 per Household

Tickets On Sale Now

Meet The Cast

Noah Hamadé

Noah Hamadé (Jesus) is an actor based in NoVA and a rising senior studying Musical Theatre and Communications at JMU. Favorite credits include the Carner and Gregor Concert (The Kennedy Center) and Houdini in Side Show (JMU). Noah acts to learn about life through experience, and to inspire audiences to grow with him.

Lauren Baker

Lauren is originally from Baltimore, MD currently resides in Leesburg, VA. This proud alum from Shenandoah University enjoys finding her unique voice within theatre! Some of her previous roles include: Conrade (Much Ado About Nothing), Miss Jones (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), and a member of “On that Note”!

Kate Clark

Kate previously appeared with the Playmakers as Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing) and Humpty Dumpty (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland). Favorite roles in Austin, TX include Grace (Annie), Rosalind (As You Like It), Sarah (Company), Mimi (Guys and Dolls), Gwendolyn Pigeon (The Odd Couple), Isabella (Measure for Measure), and Lady Saphir (Patience).

Carson Hopkins

Carson is a rising senior Musical Theatre major who is ecstatic for his Sterling Playmakers debut. His credits include Songs for a New World, Frid (A Little Night Music), and The Newcomer (Avenue Q). Carson would like to thank his family and friends, his directors and instructors, and his vocal instructors.

Arista Michelle

This will be Arista Michelle's second time doing Godspell and her second production with Sterling Playmakers. You may recognize her as the Red Queen (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland) in February. Prior roles with other companies include Miss Scarlet (Clue: On Stage), Eliza Doolittle (My Fair Lady), and Marcy Park (Putnam Spelling Bee).

Stephen Soares

Stephen is a performing artist new to the DMV area. Previously, he studied and performed Theatre in Kentucky and this will be his first show in two years! He has acted in productions like American Idiot, Disgraced, and Dead Man's Cellphone.

Ashley Williams

This is Ashley's first show with Sterling Playmakers. Favorite past roles include Crystal (Little Shop of Horrors), Rusty (Footloose), Milly (Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), and Deloris (Sister Act)! When not on stage, you can find her enjoying karaoke, singing, and eating nuggets. She would like to thank her family, and God for always supporting her.

Joshua Finger

Josh (Judas & John the Baptist) has been singing for as long as he can remember. He is currently studying music and voice at NOVA. This is his first show with Sterling Playmakers. He is extremely excited and grateful for this opportunity to get back on stage in front of an audience and perform live.

Courtney Camden

Courtney Camden is a DC based writer and actress who is thrilled to be making her Sterling Playmakers debut with this incredibly talented cast. Past credits include Paulette in Legally Blonde, Mrs. Meers in Throughly Modern Millie, and Edna in Hairspray. Lots of love always to Lurry & Greg.

Chris Gray

Chris is a long time performer in the region and is thrilled to be working with the Sterling Playmakers again! Some favorite roles include Harold Hill in The Music Man, Caractacus in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Cornelius in Hello Dolly, and Tommy in Brigadoon.

Melanie Kurstin

This is Melanie’s Sterling Playmakers debut! Most recently seen as Charlotte Corday in The Revolutionists (LTA). Other favorite/notable credits include; NYC: American Idiot (Whatsername), Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Yitzhak). She would like to dedicate her performance of Godspell to her Mother who has always been a Light in her World.

Spencer Milligan

Spencer is a Loudoun county local who has a passion for musical theatre and could not be more thrilled to be making his Sterling Playmakers debut! In the rare moments he is not at rehearsal, he enjoys singing in the shower, martial arts, and reading the latest Star Wars novel.

Kareem Taylor

Kareem is glad to be back on stage after a COVID hiatus! His previous credits include Curtis Jackson in Sister Act (PWLT), J.B. Biggley in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (SP), ensemble in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (SP), and ensemble in Beauty and the Beast (SP).