Hope Summer Repertory Theatre will open the final production of its 47th season, “Godspell,” on Friday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the DeWitt Center main theatre.
Following the opening, there will be performances at 7:30 p.m. on July 21, 24, 26 and 30; and August 1, 4 and 6. There will be an additional 1:30 p.m. matinee performance on August 4.
The timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (“Wicked,” “Pippin,” “Children of Eden”), “Godspell” took the world by storm. Led by the international hit “Day by Day,” “Godspell” features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.”
“Godspell” is directed by HSRT’s artistic director, Lenny Banovez, who joined the company earlier this year.
Banovez is excited to take on the challenge of directing this compelling piece. “Love is the most important thing we can give to others,” he said. “It is why I am thrilled to be directing this production. As I enter a new chapter in my life, as the new artistic director of HSRT, it is the gift that I want to be able to give most, and theatre is such a unique way to give the gift of love.”
In addition to Banovez, the creative team includes Julia Gomez as assistant director, Alex Thompson as music director, Jeff Rebudal as choreographer, Sarah Pearline as scenic designer, Leslie Vaglica as costume designer, Peter Sargent as lighting designer and Haley Borodine as props master. Rayne Kleinhofen serves as stage manager while Shea Hittman and Ciera Flinkenshelt serve as assistant stage managers.
The cast includes Brandon A. Wright, Benjamin Lohrberg, Eric Robinson, Emily Trask, Kristin Conrad, Jeremiah Beasley, Madeline Jones, Sara Ornelas, Marcus Martin, Teresa Cameon, Rebekah Santiago Berger, Jasmine Walker, Donavon Chambers, Rachel Davenport, Maya Lagerstam, Austin Winter, Chaz Sanders, Devri Chism and Brynne Fritjofson.
Individual tickets for “Godspell” range from $28 to $35 for balcony/orchestra seating and from $32 to $40 for mezzanine seating. Tickets for children under the age of 18 are $15. Tickets and season packages may be purchased through the ticket office in the Events and Conferences Office located downtown in the Anderson-Werkman Financial Center (100 E. Eighth St.). The office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be called at (616) 395-7890. Tickets can also be purchased online.
The DeWitt Center is located on the campus of Hope College at 141 E. 12th St., facing Columbia Avenue between 10th and 13th Streets.
Hope Summer Repertory Theatre’s 47th season runs June 13 through August 10 and includes “The Wiz,’” “The Odd Couple,” “An Iliad,” “Godspell” and “Dragon Pack Snack Attack - The Musical.” More information can be found online or on facebook.