Photo Flash: NextStop Theatre Presents GODSPELL

NextStop Theatre Company, located near Reston Town Center, opens "Godspell" on March 1, 2018. Director Lorraine Magee brings a modern twist to the musical, setting the new production in a coffee shop.

The show, whose writers include Stephen Schwartz, creator of Broadway's "Wicked," retells parables of love, understanding, and tolerance from the Bible. The play is frequently set in an abstract, timeless environment or city street.

"Our Godspell is not in a limbo--it is in the here and now" said Magee, enjoying the ubiquitous nature of an impersonal coffee shop filled with device-clutching patrons as a backdrop for the tales of enlightenment. "In the 21st century, the internet and the coffee shop were supposed to be places to bring us together and connect us to one another, but they seem to have had the opposite effect."

Despite the title and source material, "Godspell" doesn't cater to solely religious audiences. "You don't have to be Christian, or even a believer in any higher power, to find meaning in this story," noted Magee "The message is about compassion, understanding, and building a community despite our differences. And we need that now."

The cast includes Angeleaza Anderson, Philip Da Costa, Javier Del Pilar, Tess Higgins, Jennifer Lambert, Bobby Libby, Alan Naylor, Jolene Vettese, Chani Wereley, and AJ Whittenberg.

"Godspell" is the first of a pair of shows about religion in NextStop's 2017/2018 season. Its counterpoint, the play "Bad Jews," will provide an irreverent take on faith in America. "Bad Jews" finishes the season in May and is the capstone to a year-long commitment by NextStop to provide different perspectives on similar topics.

In addition to directing, Magee also choreographs the show, joined by a creative team including Music Director Elisa Rosman, Scenic Designer Jack Golden, Sound Designer Neil McFadden, Lighting and Projections Designer Brittany Shemuga, Costume Designer Maria Bissex, Properties Designer Colleen O'Brien and Stage Manager Rebecca Talisman.

Performances are Thursdays through Sundays from March 1 to April 1, 2018. Tickets range from $35 to $65 and are available online at www.NextStopTheatre.org or by calling 866-811-4111. All seating is General Admission. Additional fees may apply. Performance popularity determines ticket prices and advance booking is strongly recommended.

Photos by Lock & Company