Legendary musical ''Godspell'' will be brought on stage October 6-8

The energy during rehearsals is an example of the spirit that the students in the International Thespian Honor Society Troupe No. 5154 will showcase on stage when “Godspell’’ is presented the first weekend of October.

Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Theater Arts Department will present this iconic musical on Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7, at 7 p.m. The third show will be a matinee on Sunday, October 8, at 2 p.m.

The setting for this highly-popular production will be the auditorium at the Bridgewater-Raritan Middle School since renovations are currently underway at the high school auditorium.

Tom Gunning, who serves as the Director of the high school’s Drama Club along with his wife, Teresa Gunning, and first-year Bridgewater-Raritan High School Theater Arts Teacher, Heather Day, matches the excitement that the student actors display on stage.

"What is not to like about this musical,’’ declared Tom Gunning, who will serve as the co-director and choreographer with Teresa Gunning.

Teresa Gunning agreed with her husband’s claim.

"It has songs that people know and it is a fun show,’’ she said. “The kids know that it is a famous show and a rock musical that is appealing to them.’’

The excitement of the cast was clearly evident during a recent rehearsal one evening at the middle school’s auditorium.

Grant Beck is only a junior at Bridgewater-Raritan High School but he is a veteran of the stage. 

He sparkled in his portrayal of the gangster character, “Moonface Martin,’’ during the high school’s highly-acclaimed production of "Anything Goes’’ that was presented before large and appreciative audiences last April.

He explained his approach to playing a key role as "John/Judas." 

"I develop the character and I put emotions into that character," Grant said. "You have a responsibility when you are a main character."

He then followed with his own philosophy that he will bring on stage.

"I take the character," he said, "and character takes from me."

According to a press release from the Bridgewater-Raritan Theater Arts Council, this production will utilize the 2012 revised version of ‘’Godspell’’ and through a wide variety of song styles, the student cast tells the story of Jesus Christ as he teaches parables about tolerance, kindness and love. Audience members will bear witness to Jesus’ story as it is told on the way to his crucifixion.

Advance tickets are available online at: our.show/brhs-ths-godspell for $14/adults and $7/students and senior citizens. Tickets are also available at the door for $16/adults and $9/students and senior citizens.

Senior citizens who reside in the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District gain free admission if they show proof of residency. 

This musical is the first of three performances that will be presented by the high school’s drama club this school year.

The billboard for this school year is as follows:

• Thespian Honor Society Show: “Godspell” - October 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., October 8 at 2 p.m.
• Fall Play: “The Dining Room” on December 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., December 10 at 2 p.m.
• Spring Musical: Disney’s "High School Musical" on April 19 and 20 at 7 p.m., April 21 at 2 p.m.

The Gunnings will also direct "The Dining Room," while Ms. Day will serve as the Director for "High School Musical."  Both performances will be open for participation to all students. 

Linked below is a list of the high school students who comprise the cast, staff and crew.
 

Godspell Cast and Staff