FHS drama bringing ‘Godspell’ to life
Farragut High School drama students are bringing the beloved musical “Godspell” to life Thursday through Sunday, Dec. 6 through Dec. 9 in the school’s Vicki B. Wells Auditorium.
“Godspell” is loosely based on the gospel of Matthew and was written by Stephan Schwartz. It was first performed off-Broadway in 1971 and has been a staple of high school, college and church productions ever since.
A cast of nearly 40 drama students and musicians have been rehearsing for several months under the direction of drama teacher Anthony Wooley.
Typically, the show is cast with 10 to 12 actors, depicting Jesus, John the Baptist and the disciples. However, Wooley decided to do things a little differently with this production.
“It is a small show,” he said. “I could have done the play with 10 kids, but that would have left lots of very talented children out. Since we are doing the show in December, there is risk for sickness, so understudies were a pretty good backup plan.
“The kids are so talented and work so hard that I thought that (the understudies) deserved their own production night,” he added.
Understudy production will be begin at 7 p.m., Dec. 7.
“This is a modern retelling of the book of Matthew,” Wooley said. “We are playing with the idea of homeless people. ... I wouldn’t actually call it a Christian play. It is a play that uses the story of Matthew to emphasize the importance of brotherly love.
“The cast and I have been very careful to not offend any religion with this production,” he added.
“Godspell” begins at 7 p.m., Dec. 6-8, and at 3 p.m., Dec. 9. Tickets are $10 each, and may be purchased at the door.
