'Godspell: In Concert'
The all-student cast of 'Godspell: In Concert' features members from all four classes at Appalachian State University, from Freshmen to Seniors. Pictured above are, bottom row, from left, Natalie Carpenter, Rachel Leishman (reclining) and Madeline Hintz; middle row, from left, Michelle Bucci, Sarah Duttlinger, Laura Levine and Freddy Perkins; and, top row, from left, Duvey Rudow, Corey Roe, Daniel Bukin, Will Allen, Luke Schaffer and Kelli Letner (over shoulder).
To celebrate Holy Week in the High Country, a concert
production of the award-winning musical, “Godspell,” will be presented March 23 and 24 by two
Appalachian State University student groups.
The Appalachian Musical Theatre Ensemble and
Appalachian Spiritual Life Association have partnered for the event, which will be presented at 7
p.m. on Saturday, March 23, and 3 p.m. on Palm Sunday, March 24. Both performances will take place
at First Baptist Church in downtown Boone. The production involves more than two dozen students in
the cast, crew and live orchestra.
Admission is free, but seating is limited. Doors
open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
Based on the Gospel of Matthew, “Godspell” brings the
parables of Jesus Christ humanly and hearteningly to life through music, song and dance. This
production is the regional premiere of the newest version of the work, which appeared on Broadway in
2012. It features a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz and boasts a string of well-loved songs,
led by the international hit “Day By Day” and such classic tunes as “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.”
The production is co-directed by Appalachian senior theater major Tyler Quick
and Keith Martin, the John M. Blackburn Distinguished Professor of Theatre, with choreography by
junior Kellie Letner. Musical direction is by Dr. Joby Bell, with vocal direction by Dr. Linda
Larson, both faculty members in the Hayes School of Music.
“While this type of ‘town
and gown’ relationship between the university and the community in which we are based has long
been a cherished tradition in Boone, ‘Godspell’ takes it to a whole new level,” said the Rev.
Tommy Brown, Presbyterian campus minister. “The excitement about this joint venture is palpable,
and we are all looking forward to the production.”
First Baptist Church is located at 375
W. King St. in downtown Boone, adjacent to the Appalachian campus. Parking is available in surface
lots beside and behind the church, as well as on King Street and in the College Street parking
deck near Belk Library and Information Commons.
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