Theatre UAB of the University of Alabama at Birmingham will open its 50th anniversary season with the revised 2012 version of “Godspell,” from Oct. 13-17.

Theatre UAB is the performance company of the UAB College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre.

Celebrate community and inclusion in this masterful retelling of the original sensation, injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements. The joyful 2012 revision of “Godspell” includes music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak.  This production is directed by Cheryl Hall and Roy Lightner, with choreography by Lightner and musical direction by Carolyn Violi. Cooper Ellis is student assistant director.
See the show
Performances of “Godspell” will be at 7:30 p.m. nightly Oct. 13-16, and 2 p.m. Oct. 17, in the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center’s Sirote Theatre.

Tickets are $15 and $20, students $6, UAB employees and senior citizens $10. To purchase tickets, call the ASC Box Office at 205-975-2787 or go to AlysStephens.org. Visit the UAB Department of Theatre online at www.uab.edu/cas/theatre, or call the department at 205-934-3236.

Performances will take place even for a limited audience, unless otherwise mandated. Safety is UAB’s priority. The pandemic is a fluid situation that UAB is monitoring, in consultation with infectious disease and public health experts; performances will be subject to change based on the latest COVID-19 safety guidelines.
About the play and production
“Godspell” is a jubilant, modern retelling of parables through the collaboration among Jesus, John the Baptist, Judas and mankind, Ellis says. The 2012 revision brilliantly demonstrates how these familiar parables translate into 21st century themes.

The show — full of classic musical theater magic — features 11 actors in fast-paced, energetic scenes and musical numbers full of joy, laughter and heart. “Godspell” uses skits, abundant comedy, and vibrant song and dance to interpret moral lessons and communicate the forgiveness, love and values that many religions advocate for, Ellis wrote.

“UAB’s production of ‘Godspell’ aims for inclusivity, tolerance and ultimately connection,” she said. “This show celebrates all kinds of people and reminds us to generate love out of our differences. In a world that can feel so disconnected, we need now more than ever to remember the simplicity of life and the joy we derive out of human connection.”
About the cast and crew
The cast, crew and creatives in UAB’s Department of Theatre are pouring their hearts and souls into this encouraging message, and work endlessly to create a safe, inclusive environment to bring theater back on stage. “We are so pleased to be able to have audiences once again,” Ellis said.

The cast is Tyler Arnold as John the Baptist, Ford Beshirs as Judas, Jalen Kirkman as Jesus, with Nina Ballon, Briana Hernandez, Sadie Farmer, Troy Serena, Jason Torrey, Kara Scullin, Terrell Miller, Morgan Tapp and Peyton Griffin, Kaleigh Jones, Ryan Charest and Rachel-Marie Strazza as swings.

Strazza is associate choreographer. Charest is assistant musical director. Stage manager is Bailey Dumlao. Assistant stage managers are Hannah Fulmore and Victoria Chaves. Crew is Matthew Ochoada, Michael Mercado, Angus Black, Matias Dupree, Katie Pulmano, Malik Muhammad, Sara Curren, Anna Stewart and Cade McCall.