Newsguy
11-30-2006, 10:20 PM
Hattiesburg -- Taking advantage of the newly opened Thad Cochran Center at the University of Southern Mississippi, the 86th Symphony Orchestra season will open with the Broadway favorite “Godspell” in the center’s ballroom.Presented Sept. 28, 30 and Oct. 1 in cooperation with the Southern Opera and Musical Theatre Company, “Godspell” is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, with a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak. “’Godspell’ is a crowd-pleaser all over the world,’ said director Rob Mulholland. “The music is infectious and largely upbeat, and our approach at Southern Miss will emphasize the vaudeville nature of the piece with lots of comedy and physical action.”Staging the performance in a non-traditional venue has had it challenges, according to Dr. Maryann Kyle, producer and director of the company. “Our normal facility, the Mannoni Performing Arts Center, was slated for much needed renovations during this time, so we knew we had to come with an alternate plan when planning the 86th season.”The ballroom will be configured for a thrust-style stage, playing to the audience on three sides, according to marketing director Michael Lopinto. Performing in a ballroom was part of the overall design of the Southern Miss production, allowing for interaction between the cast and audience.Schwartz’s score was originally written for a small band to increase the sense of intimacy in the production. Since the large size of the Southern Miss orchestra did not lend itself to the original score, the production will use a small orchestra combo of two keyboards, bass, drums, percussion and guitar. In the Gospel, Jesus Christ preaches through parables and storytelling. The show, which is not built on a traditional plot, utilizes clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville to tell the story of Christ. A pageant that moves from moment to moment, “Godspell” is a reflection on the life of Jesus by a cast of performers who are dressed as clowns.“’Godspell’ takes the stories from the Gospels and tells them from a youthful perspective, making them more accessible and relevant to modern life,” Kyle explained.Mulholland clarifies that the show’s lasting appeal is “not limited to its religious aspects by any means, as it has been a secular hit since its opening.” He also describes the production as an “ensemble piece, with the feel of spontaneity and a wide variety of musical styles.”Broadway enthusiasts will sing along to the show’s many well known numbers, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Save the People,” “Day by Day,” and “Learn Your Lessons Well,” among many more.Showtime for Sept. 28 and 30 is 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. for the Sunday matinee on Oct. 1. Tickets are $16 general admission and $6 for students. Call the Southern Miss Ticket Office for tickets at 601.266.5418 or 1.800.844.8425 or order online at www.usm.edu/tickets (http://www.usm.edu/tickets).For more information, visit the Web at www.usm.edu/arts (http://www.usm.edu/arts) or contact Angela Kilcrease at 601.266.4988.PRODIGAL SON – “Godspell” cast members, from left, Benji Morgan, Brad Gilmore, Adam Riser and JessThomas, rehearse for the opening production in the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra’s 86th season. Showtimes are set for Sept. 28, 30 and Oct. 1 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus. (Southern Miss Photo)BAPTIZING JESUS – University of Southern Mississippi students, from left, Bret Lunsford and Hinter Graybeal, rehearse for an upcoming scene in “Godspell,” the first production of the 2006-07 Symphony Orchestra season. Showtimes are set for Sept. 28, 30 and Oct. 1 at the Thad Cochran Center on the Hattiesburg campus. (Southern Miss Photo)
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