Trustus Theatre to Stage GODSPELL

Trustus Theatre is bringing Godspell to the Thigpen Main Stage this spring with an updated score and contemporary staging. This revival promises to show audiences a new side of this classic musical from 1971. Under the direction of Dewey Scott-Wiley and with the choreography of Caroline Lewis Jones, this production pits the sterility of an electronic world against the vibrancy and color of humanity to portray the gospel according to Matthew. The Trustus production also boasts a contemporized score that incorporates rock and even hip-hop into the well-known tunes from this popular musical. Godspell opens Friday March 20th at 8:00pm and runs through April 11th, 2015. Special Saturday matinees start at 2:00pm. Tickets may be purchased at www.trustus.org.

Some audiences might think that it is a little out-of-character for Trustus Theatre to produce a play that tells the story of Jesus. After all, the theatre has made its name by producing bold programming that explores modern humanity, often times examining the dark side of it. However, this production of Godspell certainly fits into the theatre's artistic mission as it examines the contrast between authentic humanity and the bleakness of the information age where true connectivity is being diminished.

Godspell is composed of various musical parables from The Gospel According to Matthew. A small group of people help Jesus Christ share different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and 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. This two-act revival modernizes the story of Godspell by making references to Facebook, iPhones, and modern day celebrities. The cast frequently enters the audience and utilizes improvisation, which adds to the spontaneous atmosphere.

Trustus Theatre is thrilled to welcome nationally-known dancer Caroline Lewis-Jones as she choreographs her first show for Trustus. Caroline Lewis-Jones, from South Carolina, has been dancing for over 28 years. At the age of 18 she moved to New York City where she performed for six years. Her credits include the VMA's with NSYNC, the Latin Grammy Awards, WNBA National Commercial, a French Energy Commercial, Disney Industrials, Britney Spears' "Me Against the Music" video featuring Madonna, MTV's Body Rock Fitness Video, and more. Lewis-Jones' trademark high-energy movement will be a thrilling addition to the Trustus production of Godspell.

Director Dewey Scott-Wiley has constructed a cast of local favorites along with some new faces to bring Godspell to life on the Thigpen Main Stage. Playing Jesus is local actor Scott Vaughan, last seen on the Trustus stage as Harry Houdini in the theatre's production of Ragtime. Playing Judas is Mario McClean, known at Trustus for his portrayal of The Youth in Passing Strange. Joining him are Trustus Company Members Catherine Hunsinger (2014 Jasper Artist of the Year in Theatre) and Chase Nelson (See Rock City). Familiar faces to the Trustus stage Devin Anderson (Ain't Misbehavin'), Courtney Selwyn (Workshop Theatre's Young Frankenstein), Mark Ziegler (Ragtime), Kayla Cahill (The House of Blue Leaves), and Michael Hazin (Evil Dead) round out with cast with Shannon Earle making her Trustus debut.

Trustus Theatre's Godspell opens on the Thigpen Main Stage on Friday, March 20th at 8:00pm and runs through April 11th, 2015. Showtimes for Godspell are 7:30pm on Thursdays, 8:00pm on Fridays, 2:00pm and 8:00pm on Saturdays, and 3:00pm on Sundays. No performances during Easter weekend. Tickets for musicals are $27.00 for adults, $25.00 for military and seniors, and $20.00 for students. Half-price Student Rush-Tickets are available 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Trustus Theatre is located at 520 Lady Street, behind the Gervais St. Publix. Parking is available on Lady St. and on Pulaski St. The Main Stage entrance is located on the Publix side of the building.

For more information or reservations call the box office Tuesdays through Saturdays 1-6 pm at 803-254-9732. Visit www.trustus.org for all show information and season information.

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