July 15, 1999

KU SUMMER THEATRE TO STAGE MUSICAL 'GODSPELL'

LAWRENCE -- "Godspell," the popular musical adaptation of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, will be staged by Kansas Summer Theatre at the University of Kansas in late July. Performances are at 8 p.m. July 23 through 25 and 29 through 31 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall.

Originally conceived and adapted by John-Michael Tebelak, "Godspell" features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the award-winning writer of such hits as "Pippin" and "Children of Eden" as well as the Disney films "Pocahontas" and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

The Kansas Summer Theatre production of "Godspell" is being directed by John Staniunas, assistant professor of theatre and film, with musical direction by Jack Roller, Tulsa, Okla., doctoral student. Scenic and costume designer is Delores Ringer, associate professor of theatre and film, with lighting design by Dennis Christilles, assistant professor of theatre and film.

The musical follows the life of Jesus as described in the Gospel, but puts its own spin on the story. It puts the spotlight on the magic and showmanship of the parables of Jesus.

Staniunas, who also choreographed the production, said the story in "Godspell" is timeless so he focused his energy in how the story is told.

"Whenever you approach a musical like 'Godspell', you have to find a concept that is relevant to the here and now. You have to find something that is happening in the world to make the parables fresh and entertaining."

Staniunas' concept for the production is the upcoming millennium and how it affects mankind. And he is not following the tradition of having Jesus and the rest of the ensemble dressed as clowns.

Members of the ensemble play a variety of characters and are costumed to represent the 2,000 years of man's history on earth. Staniunas is using lots of color and light to complement the music, which he said is a "highly energetic, eclectic score." A five-piece on-stage band will accompany the music and dancing, which ranges from rock and roll to swing to country and western, and includes the hit song "Day By Day."

Reserved seat tickets for "Godspell" are now on sale in the KU box offices: Murphy Hall, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and SUA, 864-3477. Tickets are $16 for the public, $8 for all students, and $15 for senior citizens. Both VISA and MasterCard are accepted for phone orders.

Members of the ensemble for "Godspell" include (listed by name, KU class if applicable, parents' names and home address):

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Geneva M. Ewert, senior, daughter of Tony and Becki Ewert, 958 E. 1100 Road.
JOHNSON COUNTY
From Olathe
Bevin Wynne Hamilton, sophomore, daughter of Melissa and Doug Hamilton, 14298 W. 124th.
From Overland Park
Gina Grad, junior, daughter of Marlis Grad, 11506 W. 101st.
Tom Picasso, sophomore, son of James and Arlinda Picasso, 11516 W. 101st Terrace.
From Roeland Park
Xavier Rice, junior, son of John and Anne Rice, 4934 Briar.
SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Adam Groves, son of Vicki Groves, 1310 Pembroke Lane.
Silas Emerson Hoover, May 1999 KU graduate, son of Robin and Jenith Hoover, 1301 Jewell.
IOWA
From Waterloo
Nick Probst, junior, son of Cathy Strempke, 3744 Hammond Drive, and Mark Probst.
NEBRASKA
From Omaha
Emily Griebel, senior, daughter of David and Nancy Griebel, 12035 Washington Drive.
OKLAHOMA
From Stillwater
Sarah S. Graalman, senior, daughter of Robert and Diane Graalman, 2224 W. Sunset.

-30-

| KU Home Page | KUfacts | KU University Relations' Home Page | KU News
This site is maintained by University Relations, the public relations office for the University of Kansas Lawrence campus. Copyright 1999, the University of Kansas Office of University Relations, Lawrence, KS, U.S.A. Images may be reused with notice of copyright, but not altered. KU news releases may be reprinted without permission.
kurelations@ukans.edu, (785) 864-3256.