Want to go?
WHAT: “Godspell Jr.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. July 26 and 27, 2012
WHERE: Sandusky State Theatre, 107 Columbus Ave., Sandusky; reservations:
COST: $12/person
INFO: 419-626-1950 or sanduskystate.com
As God is slowly disappearing from schools, stamps and money, God is alive and well as children ages 10 to 17 perform “Godspell Jr.” at The Sandusky State Theatre.
“They love the meaning, the music and the songs,” Director Vicki Bickley said. “It brings the Gospel message to their level.”
The performance will be a culmination of a three week workshop involving building the set, tie dyeing shirts and applying stage makeup, to name a few.
“It’s a highly choreographed show with all styles of music – beatnik, hoedown and rap,” Bickley said.
Choreographer Pamela Shirtz has them doing some country line dancing, and one person will be performing a lyrical dance to “Beautiful City.”
“It’s intense and I’m amazed at the dedication and work ethic these kids are showing me,” Bickley said. “We end the day with the dance numbers and they’re exhausted, but still smiling when they leave.”
The only difference between “Godspell” and “Godspell Jr.” is that some songs have been removed to shorten the show to about an hour. The meat of the show is still there.
All the beloved songs, including “Day by Day,” “You are the Light of the World” and “God Save the People,” remain. However, Bickley claims after every song the kids declare it their favorite so she has come to the conclusion that they love the whole show. Each song is style-specific.
“Godspell Jr.” was chosen by Executive Director Thomas Kazmierczak.
“It has good lessons for the kids in singing, acting, dancing and even pantomime,” Bickley said.
As if the 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. schedule wasn’t tight and focused enough, some of the children are also simultaneously rehearsing “Annie,” which will be performed at the State in August.
“They are enthusiastic and giving me 100%,” Bickley said. “As of this week, I’m gonna let go and let them take ownership of it.”
