‘Godspell’ shines for silver anniversary on ORR stage

Apr 15, 2022

MATTAPOISETT — “Godspell’’ made a triumphant return to the Old Rochester Regional High School stage after a 25-year absence, Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Mike Devoll reported.

More than 60 students participated in the cast and crew of the production, which was staged by the Old Rochester Regional High School Drama Club April 7 to 10.

This year's production marks the 25th anniversary of the ORR Drama Club’s previous staging of the show. The show starred senior Max Tucker as Jesus and freshman Calder Eaton as John the Baptist/Judas.

The cast also included: Sakurako Huynh-Aoyama as Jeffrey; Nico Parker as Lamar; Tyler Trudeau as Herb; Breigh Christopher as Robin; Molly Dupre as Joann; Chloe Bean as Peggy; Kathleen Dunn as Sonia; and Emily Wyman as Gilmer

The ensemble included: Christopher Bell, Thomas Berry, Eloise Casi, Tiago Duarte, Eden Dupre, Connie Friedman, Taylor Green, Lee Grondin, Jimothy Harrington, Bella Hunter, Amaya McLeod, Christian Pedulli, Jack Pepin, Sienna Roveda, Savannah Texeira, Kinsley Trout, Lizzie Higgins, Kira Sakarati, Corinne Robert and Aveil Ward.

Members of the production crew, including those who worked on promotional materials, costumes, lighting and spots, set, props and sound, included: Bailey Gosse, Arianna Bessey, Camryn Manatis, Cattarinha Nunes, Kelley Lopes-Bell, Patricia Carrington, Michael Eaton, Maria Lynch, Jasmine Andrade, Amanda Armanetti, Riley Arruda, Alice DeCicco-Carey, Amelia Trout, Cassandra Tseki, Jake Cronin, Brady Kidney, Beverly Morse, Ethan Scully, Katelyn Fisher, Logan Hart-Bonville, Jillian Martin, Christine Shultz, Sylvie Benson, Nicole Londergan, Gabriela Matthews, Katherine McIlmail, Will McIlmail, Brenna O'Donnell, Jaxon Resendes, Roznoy, Emily DellaCioppa, Hannah Furtado, James Kippenburger, Abigail Paulette, Michael Bean, Taylor Green, Madeline Dugas, Isabel Friedrichs, Dillon Furtado and Nathan Yurof.

"Godspell" was directed by Maxx Domingos and Assistant Director Sarah Whinnem with costume design by Maria Lynch. Musical direction was by Michael Barnicle and sound design by John Farrell. The orchestra included Renee Hersee on piano, Don Legge on guitar, Kate Rose on Bass and Neil Sylvia on Drums.

Farrell and Rose were also members of the 1997 ORR "Godspell" production.

"It was great to have 'Godspell' back at Old Rochester after 25 years," Principal Devoll said. "The cast, crew and production team did an excellent job with the show, and it was exciting to see all of the community members who came out to enjoy the performance and support our students."

A synopsis from Music Theatre International, a theatrical licensing agency, describes "Godspell" as a story about a small group of people who help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing.

An eclectic blend of songs is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage, dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.

Songs featured as part of the show include "Day by Day," "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side." "Godspell" was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

The ORR Drama Club thanked the Cultural Councils of Rochester, Marion and Mattapoisett for their support.