Watching a play sitting in a dark house, the seats are packed, while you watch a cast act on stage is what the appeal of a live show has. It is like a movie, but one also understands that the night you watch the show is only one night, and that the show will change for other nights.
Mainly what theater is is that it’s exciting. Even a long detailed interpretation of Shakespeare is exciting because you are watching a show that is tailored to the moment that show’s night holds.
However, plays don’t bring in money like a musical does. Musicals have been popular for decades, even centuries. Broadway’s musical productions in the 70s however boosted the public opinion of theater, and brought in a lot of revenue.
Godspell was originally a college production that didn’t move to Broadway until 1976. However, its first highly acclaimed production opened in 1971. A year later in 1972, Godspell’s “Day By Day” hit number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, staying on the chart for thirteen weeks.
Then in 2011, Godspell was revived on Broadway at the Circle in the Square Theatre. It was a high energy production complete with pop culture references and audience interaction.
Though Godspell is already a lively show itself, the 2011 revival changed the idea of how we can modernize a musical. Godspell is about the retelling of the Bible’s Book of Matthews. Judas gathers a group of disciples and Jesus leads them in the retelling of various parables.
Now, it opens at Wofford Theatre on April 16th. A production with months of work behind it, Godspell at Wofford was a highly ambitious and monumental project.
Wofford has not attempted a musical since Cabaret, which was cancelled by COVID-19.
Wofford’s production, “The Missing Moon,” had musical elements, but it was an original play written by Kerry Ferguson. And though “Macbeth” last semester included music, it is on no level of Godspell.
This production required the time of a hard-working and creative director, and an experienced and adaptable musical director. Called to the plate was assistant professor of theatre, Abigail Dillard; and director of choral and vocal studies, assistant professor of music, and chair of music, Dr. Aaron Harp.
The process was a long parade of conceptual thinking and collaboration. Since July when the musical was announced to faculty, Dillard had dedicated her time giving Godspell the justice it deserves.
This musical highlights counterculture movements and the community within them. In the 70s, the counterculture was hippies, and then was portrayed onstage. Dillard asked the question of what a counterculture movement looks like now in 2026.
Her interpretation is an animated group of modern artists that use their art and music to aid their retellings of the Bible.
Dillard believes this specific cast is a perfect mix of personalities and backgrounds to bring the show to life. She states, “this cast is not just theatre majors, and that’s been really fun because we’re relying on the cast’s diverse backgrounds to put on the show.”
The non-theatre majors are her favorite as they challenge her in a new way.
“Theatre majors ask me questions about ‘what is my character’s motivation,’ but the non-theatre major members simply ask me why. It pushes me to teach and explain myself, so it’s been an educational production,” Dillard said.
What the directors had to rely on most was the way the cast chose to bring the show to life. The personalities in the ten person cast is the perfect mix for a lively group to watch on stage.
They often ad-lib and showcase a wide understanding of their text and relationships on stage. What’s really important though, is that every run of this show I have seen has been exciting, hilarious and interactive.
Other cast and crew members described the show in three words: “parables through art,” or the mix of “art and faith.” Many believe in the show’s message, “power of community,” or how “ensemble-driven” the production is.
It’s an exhilarating show with a long history, and it will be a fun night when you sit in the audience. There’s never a moment where you will be bored, and make sure to sit on the edge of your seat the entire time.
Godspell opens on April 16th, shows through 16th to 18th, and then the 22nd to the 25th. All shows begin at 7 P.M., and tickets for students are $5. Seating is limited, please visit https://www.wofford.edu/academics/majors-and-programs/theatre/box-office to purchase your tickets.
