NIDD-WEST CrODSPELL Director trusted cast would pull together under pressure

By Kyra Smith-Cullen ksmithcuUen@dailyitem.com

When it comes to high school productions, musical directors often work with few resources to make their production shine within their restraints.

For Midd-West High School Musical Director Adam Dietz, that means choosing a production with a small cast that really lets each character shine. A musical such as “Godspell.”

“It’s an ensemble-based show that utilizes a smaller group of talent, while still featuring all of the cast members. It also only requires one very barebones set and no costume changes,” Dietz said. “We're a little low on help right now and with this only being my second production as director, I thought it would be a good fit for us right now.”

He said he also liked the message of the show being all about love, community and human connection.

“Even though the subject matter is inspired by Scripture, its themes of kindness, mercy and forgiveness are universal and relevant yet today,” he said.

Through difficult rehearsals, Dietz said he knew the show had the potential to be great.

“These kids were fully capable to give it what it takes, but this group works much better under pressure and seems to come alive much more once they have an audience in front of them,” he said.

The Daily Item’s reviewer Jerri Brouse agreed.

“It was apparent each one of the actors on stage went all-in when it came to developing their individual characters and they managed to bring a little of their own unique personality to their roles,” she said in her review.

She praised the simple stage set up for letting the audience focus on the cast and the hard work they put in.

Dietz said the small size of the production puts a different kind of pressure on the cast and crew.“It’s a show for the ages, and one that can be adapted to reflect current trends and current events, with fantastic music and a revised score that keeps it fresh and sharp,” he explained.

See GODSPELL, Page 13

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If ever the term “small but mighty” could apply to a situation, It certainly applies to the cast of “Godspell” at Midd-West High School. With just 13 members of the cast, each one was tasked with carrying an equal share of the 1971 musical about Jesus and his apostles.

The central themes throughout “Godspell” are those of forgiveness, mercy, kindness and community. The cast of this show managed to organically generate those emotions in the audience — who had to have left the showing feeling better than they did when they arrived.

Part of that came in the form of the music, which Included an impressive show of “Learn Your Lessons Well” led by Eliana Hartley (who had a bold, powerful voice one wouldn’t expect to come out of a petite high school girl). Elisa Troutman’s “Bless the Lord” was also a standout and Kaitlyn Jefferys gave off serious Hollywood vibes with “Turn Back, O Man.”

It was apparent each one of the actors on stage went all-in when It came to developing their individual characters and they managed to bring a little of their own unique personality to their roles.

There were unexpected laughs from time to time throughout the show, including modern day references to pop tarts and humming the theme to Jeopardy, and regardless of whether or not stories of the Bible are your cup of tea, it was hard not to find yourself smiling In admiration for the obvious hard work these kids put In. They left It all on the stage.

The stage set up was practical and simple which Is exactly as It should be — keeping the focus on the cast. Kudos to the pit and all the backstage/behind the scenes workers as well — we all know none of It happens without them.

— Jerri Brouse

Director trusted cast would pull together under pressure

GODSPELL, from Page 12

“With a show this size it’s imperative that everyone pulls their own weight. When one person doesn’t show up to rehearsal it leaves a huge gap. I’ve always told my students that every part, despite the number of lines, is important to the story and vitality of the show,” he said. “But when crunch time approaches, I’ve seen this group rally together and help each other in a very healthy, supportive, and engaging way that reassures me that we’re doing something right.”

The show’s narrative also challenges actors as it is more like a series of scenes instead of continuous plot line.

“So, it’s a lot of bouncing around and quickly shifting gears in preparation to present the next vignette, or in this case, the next parable. With that said, it took a while for the students to adjust to constantly having to refocus

CnST HMD CREW

Kyle Boonie, Patrick Williams, Nathaniel Leltzel, Summer Martin, Lana Kratzer, Skyylar Epley, Elisa Troutman, Kaitlyn Jefferys, Eliana Hartley, Olivia Boritz, Matthew Hunsberger, Rebekah Osgood, Elliot Crabb; Crew: Katie Campbell, Katie Womer, Kylle Herrold, Damon Lullo, Simon Moyer their efforts and remembering which scene or “schtick” set-up/followed each song,” he said.

Despite this, Dietz said he thinks any thespian should be involved with a production of “Godspell” at least once in their careers.