The WHS theater department will be streaming Godspell on April 30 and May 1 with both shows at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $14 per person. 

Godspell debuted off-broadway in 1971, was on Broadway in 2011-2012 and is a lighthearted and comedic musical. The show is based on the Gospel according to Matthew and portrays Jesus Christ teaching parables through song and dance. “Godspell is first and foremost about community, and that love and unity carries on,” said WHS junior Kayla Louison, who plays Peggy.

Due to COVID-19 precautions, preparing for this year’s musical was drastically different from years past. The cast had 16 days to practice on stage, which included days that their performance was filmed. 

“We had to learn the music and choreography entirely online and about one or two Google Meets for each piece,” said WHS senior Olivia Ebel, who plays Joanne. “The most challenging part for me was combining all of the elements once we were able to be on stage. We knew the songs and the dances and the lines, but we had just two weeks to connect all of those dots and create a story.” 

The cast couldn’t sing live on stage, so songs were pre-recorded from virtual rehearsals. Additionally, they couldn’t touch each other, and Director Dr. Daniel Devlin remained on a screen in the back of the auditorium.

 “It was super nice to see friends, and in the grand scheme of things, the in-person rehearsals were pretty normal,” said WHS senior and member of the ensemble Maeve Collins. 

Another part of production that was able to remain the same was the quality of the set. “Despite all of the challenges, Mr. Chambers and the set crew made a beautiful piece of art for us to work on,” said Ebel. 

Although many aspects of the production were altered this year, the cast and crew worked hard on Godspell. “I’m proud of how we were able to put the show together in a short time and pick up the blocking so quickly,” said WHS senior Sarah Rappoport, who plays Gilmer. 

WHS senior Matt Meixner, who plays Jesus, said, “I’m looking forward to everyone watching this streamed musical and seeing all the hard work everyone put into it. I think minds might be blown.” To purchase tickets and receive a link, click HERE.