Godspell: Students Share their Faith through Theater

The HSU Theatre Department will be performing the award-winning Broadway musical “Godspell” to share the story of Jesus in time for Easter.  

The musical will be open for two weekends: March 30-April 1 and April 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. with a final matinee on Sunday, April 2 at 2 p.m.

Instead of the traditional 1970s setting, the show will be set in a modern day New York subway station. The audience will be enveloped by tile walls, stairs, graffiti, platforms, entryways surrounding the theater.

“It’s probably to date the largest set that has been built in Van Ellis theater. We’re really excited to share it,” said Dr. Hollingsworth, Professor of Voice and Director of the show.

Of all the musicals, Hollingsworth chose to direct “Godspell”because of its unique story.

Every character except for Jesus and John the Baptist goes by his or her actual name. They each sing a song that tells a parable from Jesus’ ministry.

Sophomore Kristen Pickop who will be singing “Learn Your Lessons Well” described her excitement to share her faith through theater.

“We basically get to just be onstage and talk to the audience about Jesus, which is something theater majors hardly ever get to do. It communicates a message of community that I think is really important in today’s world,” she said.

The show is double casted, meaning that there are two different sets of cast in the leading roles depending on the night. Hollingsworth chose to cast the show in this way to showcase the talent of the department.

“We have a really talented group of theater and musical students here. As an educational institution where we have that talent I wanted to give as many people the opportunity as possible,” he said.

Several local church groups will be in attendance including the Primetimers from Pioneer Drive Baptist Church. Tickets are selling quickly, so those who are interested should buy them ahead of time by going to https://www.hsutx.edu/tickets/ or the box office in Van Ellis Theater. General admission tickets are $15 and students are $5.