Cirillo Summer Theatre's GODSPELL Opens this Friday

Starting August 1, The Cirillo Summer Theatre (CST) will present its summer production, Godspell. It will be performed on August 1, 2, 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 P.M. and on August 3 at 2:00 P.M. L.P. Wilson Community Center, 599 Matianuck Avenue in Windsor, CT. CST is sponsored by the The Windsor Recreation & Leisure Services Department. Tickets can be purchased at the door.

Godspell is under the direction of the CST's associate director, Jim Williams (Plainville). A veteran actor and director of several local theaters, this is Jim's CST debut. "I hope to continue the tradition of superb, one-of-a-kind Theater at CST and add my enthusiasm and love of the art form to its already storied history," said Jim.

Composed by three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), Godspell was a huge success when it first opened in 1971. Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, a group of people helps Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs ranging in style from pop to vaudeville is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life.

"Godspell is for everyone," said Adam Tortorello (Glastonbury) who portrays "Jesus." "It gives the audience a night of entertainment and laughter. For spiritual people, it gives them a chance to feel closer to their God....This show has given the cast a chance to express themselves in whatever way they see fit. The endless creative skits and parable teachings enable a number of personalities to come to life on stage."

Led by the international hit, "Day by Day," Godspell features a parade of beloved songs that include "Prepare Ye The Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man," and "By My Side."

Music direction is provided by Jason Ferrandino (New Britain), choreography by Keri Boe (Enfield), stage management by Jaime Williams (Plainville) and assistant direction by Rowan McDonald (Hartford). Susan J. Vinick (Windsor) is CST's Artistic Director.

"The show has been an incredible experience with an extremely talented cast and crew," said Jim. "I couldn't have dared to hope for a better experience."

Joining Tortorello on stage is Andy Colburn (Simsbury) as "John the Baptist" and "Judas." Other cast members include: Haley Higgins, Jade King, Emily Raven Lopez, Alaina Mueller (all Windsor), Miranda Grace Corrigan, Jeanie Wright, (both from East Hartford), Michael Gonsalves (Ellington), Kellie Comer (Granby), Jasmine Fedele, Joe "Bruce" Foran (both from New Britain), Amanda Gross (Bristol), Jenna Rondeau (South Windsor), Daniel Dietz (Southington), Becky Bank (West Hartford), Lindsay Gilbert (Wethersfield) and Julia Bussell (Westfield, MA).