Westchester Broadway Theatre Proudly Presents GODSPELL - River Journal Online

Written by Pia HaasFriday, 03 July 2015

Photo by Pia Haas.Top to bottom: Devon Perry, Gilbert D. Sanchez (Jesus), Xander Chauncey(Judas), Karley Willocks.

July 9th – August 9th, 2015 • Press Opening: July 10th, 2015Book & Concept by John Michael Tebelak • Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz • Directed byJohn Fanelli • Musical Direction by Bill Stanley • Choreography by Jonathan Stahl

This immensely successful rock opera was the first major musical theatre offering from 3-timeGrammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden).It is based on the Gospel according to St Matthew. It focuses on the last days of Jesus, andincludes dramatized versions of several well-known parables. At once, a demonstration of joy,and a celebration of the family of man, Jesus's messages of kindness, tolerance, and love comevibrantly to life. The cast are conceived as clowns, improvising scenery and costumes, and using a wide varietyof games, storytelling techniques, pantomime, comic timing and varied musical styles tointerpret one of humanity's greatest events.The score, an eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, features manybeloved songs including "Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "AllFor The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side".

The show opened Off-Broadway, on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touringcompanies and revivals many times since.  GODSPELL opened on Broadway in 1976, it wasdirected by John Michael Tebelak (who wrote the original book for his thesis at CarnegieMellon) and was met by much critical acclaim. There was a 2011 revival on Broadway in 2011. Several cast albums have been released over the years and one of its songs, "Day by Day"from the original cast album, reached #13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of1972.

We are thrilled to bring this timeless classic to the WBT stage!  Director John Fanelli, who hasdirected SOS productions of Peter Pan, Big River and Ragtime, here at WBT, will be at thehelm. The Associate Director/Choreographer is Jonathan Stahl. The Musical Director is Bill

1 / 3

Westchester Broadway Theatre Proudly Presents GODSPELL - River Journal Online

Written by Pia HaasFriday, 03 July 2015

Stanley.

Our production stars:  Kareema Castro, Xander Chauncey (as Judas), Josh Kenney, GretaKleckner, Nicholas Park, Devon Perry, Nathan Andrew Riley, Gilbert D. Sanchez (as Jesus),Corinne Scott, Sarah Smithson, Karley Willocks and Jonathan Stahl.

Set Design is by Steve Loftus, Lighting Design is by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design is byJonathan Hatton, Costume Design is by Matthew Hemesath. The Production Stage Manager isVictor Lukas, Properties are by Grumpy Props. As with all our productions, Lisa Tiso is theAssociate Producer.

John J. Fanelli (Director) holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of California, SanDiego. Mr. Fanelli has had more than seventeen successful years directing, teaching andcreating programs for young people in theatre arts. John helped to establish a network oftheatre programs for young people that spanned the coast of California and reached to NewZealand. He returned to NY in 2004 and developed Young Artists of the WBT. He expanded hisreach and scope of programming by taking over as Artistic Director for the Times SquareGroup, NYC, where he developed and implemented educational theatre programs for the publicschools of NYC.  In 2006, He founded his own non-profit educational theatre company calledLighthouse Youth Theatre and Education. Inc. LYT is an amalgamation of John’s professionaland educational talents that blend into one organization dedicated to training young people inthe arts and giving them the tools necessary to succeed not only in the arts, but in life.  He hasdirected PETER PAN, BIG RIVER, SEUSSICAL, and RAGTIME with Standing Ovation Studiosat WBT.

Gilbert D. Sanchez (Jesus) Godspell is Gilbert's WBT debut and marks his 4th time playingJesus. Past Messiah credits include Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar and the 4th gradePassion Play at his Catholic school. New York Credits: Cherchez la Femme (La Mama), Evita(John W. Engeman) and Allegro (APAC). Bless the Lord for my family, Mulgee and my Barbutoclan.

Xander Chauncey  (Judas) is stoked to return WBT where he was last seen in Titanic, as wellas the title role(s) in Jekyll and Hyde and as Buddy in It Happened One Christmas Eve.  InNYC: The Magdalene (Peter, Original Off B’way, dir. Richard Maltby); Perfect European Man(Cherry Lane). REGIONAL FAVS: Titanic (Hangar Theatre, 2012 Best Actor in a Musical:Broadwayworld.com); Phantom (Phantom); The Full Monty (Paper Mill, Keno); Altar Boyz(Matthew); West Side Story (Bernardo, Riff); Footloose (Ren, Chuck); Cats (Munkustrap);Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere); Joseph...Dreamcoat (Joseph); Urinetown (Bobby). Xander hasbeen seen on CW, Food Network and Spike TV as well as many national commercials.

Reservations:  Call (914)-592-2222. Also at:  www.BroadwayTheatre.com Group Reservations:  Discounts for Groups of 20 or More: Call 592-2225.Luxury Boxes:  Call 592-8730, for private parties of 6 to 22. Enjoy dining and theatre in anelegant private box. Additional features include an expanded dinner menu, hot and cold horsd'oeuvres, private powder room, and Luxury Box reserved parking. Additional cost, call fordetails.   

2 / 3

Westchester Broadway Theatre Proudly Presents GODSPELL - River Journal Online

Written by Pia HaasFriday, 03 July 2015

Ticket Prices Dinner & Show range between $56.00 and $84.00 PLUS TAX depending on theperformances chosen. Beverage Service & Gratuities are not included in the ticket price.Discounts are available for children, students, and senior citizens at selected performances.Also check the website for on-going Special Offers! More news at: www.BroadwayTheatre.com

3 / 3