GODSPELL Cast Announced

04/28/08 (The Woodlands, TX) -  Town Center Theatre is pleased to announce the cast for its 2008 summer musical, Godspell. Based on the gospel according to St. Matthew, Godspell has been an enduring musical theatre hit since its debut Off-Broadway in 1971. A Toronto run starring Victor Garber, Martin Short, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy helped to elevate the profile of the show, and a movie starring Victor Garber as Jesus followed shortly after. Off-Broadway and National Tour revivals in 2000 and 2001 re-established its popularity.

Joseph Milillo, director of Godspell and Town Center Theatre’s Artistic Director, believes that the show is most effective when it addresses the immediacy of the Christian message by setting the show in the here and now. “Our production of Godspell will play in The Woodlands; therefore, it will take place in The Woodlands,” he says, referring to the concept of setting the show in The Woodlands Market Street Square. “A representational set meant to convey Market Street will fill the stage at The Woodlands College Park High School theater, helping to illustrate the message of the show, which is that the teachings of Christ are relevant to every place and time, particularly our own home.”

In addition to the design elements of the show portraying Market Street, Milillo, along with musical director Christopher Burt and choreographer Jacquelyn Oldham, worked hard to select a cast that reflected The Woodlands and Montgomery County. In particular, they have sought to give the disciples a “youth movement” feel, stocking the cast with the very best young musical talent in the area and beyond.

Making his Town Center Theatre debut in the role of Jesus is Sam Houston State senior theatre major Craig Foster. Originally from the Dallas area, Mr. Foster has appeared in several musicals and plays at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, as well as having appeared recently with TUTS (Hello, Dolly!) and HITS theatre (Little Women). “Craig brings a rockabilly approach to Jesus that’s very refreshing – it’s certainly something I’ve never seen anyone do before. It’s delightful how well it works, and his performance in our previews has exhibited a great deal of both humility and conviction,” remarks Milillo.

2007 Tommy Tune Award winner John Ryan Del Bosque (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown) plays Jesus’ chief disciple, a character modeled after John the Baptist and Judas Iscariot. Says Milillo, “there’s a tremendous pathos to the role, as the character makes the transition from being a leader to being a follower. It’s a role we could tell from the auditions that John Ryan could embody with ease.”

Helping to round out the cast is Meg Schneider, who returns to Town Center Theatre after a year at Ithaca College in New York. Ms. Schneider previously appeared in TCT’s inagural musical, Quilters. Meg is joined by Blythe Herring-Kirkwood of The Woodlands (of TheatreLab’s upcoming Bright Lights, Big City), David Allen of North Houston, Brannon Boswell of Houston (MSYT’s James and the Giant Peach), Meredith Tyler of The Woodlands (John Cooper’s Hello Dolly!), Amber Bennett of Alvin (Arneson Productions’ Side Show), Rebecca Cansler of Dickinson, and Nelson Fernandez of Houston (UST’s Guys and Dolls, Little Shop of Horrors), all of whom are newcomers to the Town Center Theatre stage.

The design team for Godspell features sets and lights by Gino Chelakis (Night and Her Stars), costumes by Arlina Giles, sound design by Fred Schoppe, and properties by Morgan McCarthy. Travis Bryant is the production stage manager.

Godspell combines rock ‘n roll with hymn and improvisation with parable to create an exciting, rollicking atmosphere for a powerful religious and theatrical experience. Well-known songs from the show include God Save the People, Bless the Lord, All Good Gifts, We Beseech Thee, All for the Best, By My Side, and the show’s signature standard, Day By Day.

Godspell runs July 11 – August 3, Friday and Saturday nights at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m., at The Woodlands College Park High School theatre in The Woodlands. The show is part of TCT's four show season, which also includes All in the Timing,  Julius Caesar, and Merry Christmas, George Bailey. Individual, group sale, and season tickets are available. For more information or to purchase Season Tickets, call the Town Center Theatre box office at (832) 592-9697 or e-mail tctinfo@yahoo.com.