Musical to depict life of Jesus

By Jenny Schuster
Staff Writer

On the second floor of the Purdue Christian Campus House, brightly colored park benches dot a stage with a vivid painting of a sunrise in the background. Here, a group of students has spent countless hours during the last few months rehearsing a full-fledged Broadway musical, and the hard work is just about to pay off.

The Campus House's production of "Godspell" opens today, and those involved couldn't be more excited.

Sarah Devers, a junior in the School of Liberal Arts who portrays Sonia in the show, said, "It's been a favorite production of mine for a long time, but this is my first opportunity to be a part of the cast."

Set in New York City, "Godspell" is based on the life of Jesus Christ according to the Book of Matthew. It is stylistically comparable to other '70s rock musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Tommy," according to Brian Dunn, who plays Jesus. "The show is an intertwining of Jesus' teachings, parables and life in a very laid-back, '70s kind of way with lots of bright colors," said Dunn, a senior in the School of Technology.

Andrew Jones, a senior in the Schools of Engineering who portrays John the Baptist, said, "I love musicals and singing, and this seemed like an opportunity that doesn't come along very often. It's a unique show."

According to Mark Nelson, campus minister at the Campus House and the show's director, the cast members of "Godspell" were chosen by audition during the first semester, and rehearsals began during Winter Break.

"We'd like to be involved in the arts at Purdue because arts are a way to express any kind of truth, and that's what we're trying to do. Theater is a powerful thing," said Nelson.

Devers said, "I've seen a lot of professional secular productions of 'Godspell,' but because of my religious beliefs, I was very happy to do this with a cast that believes what they are portraying. It takes on a personal level for each of us because of our belief in Jesus Christ."

Heather Ault, a recent Purdue graduate and former member of University Choir, portrays Robin in the show and recently returned from New York City, where she applied for Musical Theatre at New York University.

She said her reason for auditioning for "Godspell" stemmed from the dedication of the cast.

"My favorite part of the show so far has been putting all the vocal parts together for the first time. It was amazing."

Besides the cast of "Godspell," student musicians and crew members help make the show a reality. "The band is awesome. We call them the 'All-Stars' — they're that good," Dunn said.

Christopher Svec, a graduate student and the show's music director, said, "I've played in jazz bands and cover bands, but as a musician, you don't get to play Broadway music very often. It's time consuming but fun."

Dunn said, "I've been surprised how talented, creative, fun and smart everyone is. They've all contributed a little spark to what 'Godspell' should be — a fun community of people. We've spent 80 hours here in the last two weeks. You'd think it would be stressful, but it's been a blast. We're like a family."

Ault said, "Out of all my theater experience, I think this is the coolest show I've ever been in. We have a good time."

Tickets to "Godspell" are free; however, due to the limited number of seats, those interested must make reservations by calling Nicole Evanson at 743-3612. Shows are at 8 tonight and Saturday and Feb. 9, 14 and 24 at the Purdue Christian Campus House, located at 1000 State St.

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