Leechburg High School brings ‘Godspell’ to the stage
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Leechburg Area High School drama students will bring to life parables from the Gospel, with an updated twist, as they present “Godspell” on March 13-15.
Think punk meets rock in this remastered 2012 version of “Godspell,” created by Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz.
“Godspell” features a myriad of beloved songs, including “Day by Day,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.”
“We’re not denying that it is a religious musical, however we are telling a story — about a group of humans who meet this guy and their life is changed by him,” says returning musical director Alyssa Bruno Walls.
“I knew that we had so many talented kids this year that I had to feature as many as possible in different way than we did last year with ‘Anything Goes’,” Walls says.
Walls chose a present-day garage space with biker and punk rock influences as the setting for the production.
In his last high school stage role, senior William Camp plays Jesus and says it’s been emotional and stressful.
“It’s a really big role and it’s a lot. This entire program has been my family for four years,” Camp says.
Junior Tucker Spiering takes on dual roles of John The Baptist and after the first scene, as Judas.
Spiering says musicals are his life and “Godspell” will mark his fifth musical performance.
“There’s a lot of improv and the leads have to add their own little spin to it. Going from Disney, to a comedy last year, then to a suspenseful and dramatic show is different— and more stressful,” Spiering says.
The following students step into the remaining roles of Jesus’s apostles: Lexie Vigna, John Rowan, Logan Heilman, Halle Reed, Bella Reed, Bailey Spiering, Jennifer Hanz, Alyssa Foley, Olivia Shimer, Blake Foster and McKenna Pierce.
“The cast has a lot of rockin’ out, it’s edgy and we have a lot of leather, fishnet stockings, combat boots and punk rock. It’s a lot of fun,” Walls says.
“Godspell” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 13-14 and 2 p.m. March 15 at the high school.
Details: leechburgdramaclub.com