Godspell

Stephen Schwartz & John Michael Tebelak’s groundbreaking dramatization of the Gospel According to Matthew, “Godspell,” will play the Mac-Haydn Theatre August 3 – 13.

The first major hit for three-time Grammy and Academy Award-winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), “Godspell” is a contemporary take on the iconic religious figure’s core principles of kindness, love and tolerance. Through games, parables, and comedy a group of players accompany Jesus on a mission to teach his lessons to today’s world. As they cover each teaching, they explore how the lessons resonate with current times, and continue Jesus’ message of respect, faith and forgiveness, even in instances of betrayal.

Director Trey Compton and choreographer Elizabeth McGuire reunite on the Chatham stage following their collaboration on critically-acclaimed “Urinetown” last season. They are joined by Music Director Eric Shorey and Assistant Music Director Alessandra Alcala. 

The production will feature scenic design by Tania Barrenchea, making her Mac-Haydn design debut, along with lighting design by Andrew Gmoser, costume design by Angela Carstensen, sound design by Sean McGinley, hair and makeup design by Emily Allen, and props design by Adriana Ayala.

Leading the production as Jesus and Judas are Mac-Haydn favorites Conor Fallon and Andrew Burton Kelley, respectively. Fallon, returning to Chatham for the first time since 2018, will be remembered by audiences for his standout roles in “The Wedding Singer” (2018), “Into The Woods” (2016), and “Hairspray” (2015). Kelley earned audience praise for his performances as Sonny in last season’s “Xanadu” and Henry in the critically-acclaimed “Next to Normal.”

Rounding out the cast of ten are 2023 Company Members Bella DePaola, Jake Koch, Amber Mawande-Spytek, Kassi McMillan, Matthew Harper Stevenson, and Stephanie Prestage; Anthony Velez (“A Chorus Line,” “Man of La Mancha”) returns to the Mac-Haydn for his third season, and Cydney Gleckner makes her Mac-Haydn debut in this production.

The Tony Award-nominated score features some of musical theater’s most iconic anthems such as “Day by Day,” “All Good Gifts,” and “Beautiful City,” Godspell promises to be a touching, sensational addition to the 2023 season.

“Godspell” features a book by John Michael Tebelak, and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The show was conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak, and is based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew.

For tickets and information, please visit www.machaydntheatre.org or call the box office at (518) 392-9292.