Features Editor

The Troy State University department of speech and theater will present the hit musical, "Godspell" this weekend at the Claudia Crosby Theater on the campus of Troy State University.

Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday with a matinee at 2:30 on Sunday. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for TSU students with an identification card.

Each year, the TSU department of speech and theater teams with the John M. Long School of Music to present a major musical.

"This year we selected ‘Godspell’ which is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew," said Adena Moree, director. "’Godspell’ tells the story of the life of Jesus and his disciples by using music, comedy, mime and slapstick."

"The play features some of the best-known tunes of American theater, including "Day by Day," "Save the People" and "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord."

"’Godspell’ was conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak. It opened at the Cherry Lane Theater in New York City on May 17, 1971. The play moved to the Promenade Theater where it played for 2,124 performances before moving to Broadway in 1976. "Godspell" then played for an additional 527 performances on Broadway.

The cast of "Godspell" includes two local talents, Michael Lang of Banks and Jenny Davis of Brundidge. Both are majoring in theater at TSU.

Other cast members include Marc Alewine, Eclectic; David Sewell, Ozark; Jason Thomason, Montevallo; Casey Drinkard, Cullman; Detris Ward, LaGrange; Georgia Mallory, Prattville; Kelly Brooke Blackwell, Section; Sarah Looney, Marion; Tommy Newman, Hawkinsville, Ga.; John Jackson, Valrico, Fla.; Jill Herring, Donalsonville, Ga.; and Amy Phillips-Redcliff, San Antonio, Texas.