The Southwestern College Summer Theatre Festival will present the musical “Godspell” on Friday and Saturday, July 28 and 29, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, July 30, at 2 p.m., in Messenger Recital Hall in the Darbeth Fine Arts Center.

The structure of the musical is that of a series of parables, mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew. The parables are interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns.

Southwestern College graduate Meagan Morrow is directing the show while current student Matthew Porter is the musical director.  Morrow says that the production will take on a carnival theme.  One hour before the show starts, the cast and crew will create a carnival atmosphere on the lawn of the Darbeth Fine Arts Center.  Morrow says that families are encouraged to attend and participate in games, face painting, live music, ring toss, and fortune telling.

“‘Godspell’ can be done in a variety of ways,” Morrow says.  “The cast and crew will participate in the carnival games outside of the recital hall.  From there, the carnival atmosphere will move inside Messenger and the show will begin.”

Jesus will be played by Tanner Schartz and John/Judas will be played by Jack Warring, both current Southwestern College students.  The ensemble will include current SC students Ondreya Seahorn, Kaela Massey, Jonathan Lane, and Shawn Knepper.  Other ensemble members are SC graduate Carlene Dick; master’s student Juliana Smarsh; Scarlet Green, Wichita; and Nathan Coordsen, Bartlesville, Okla. 

Morrow says that this production of “Godspell” should appeal to everybody from preschool age to adult.  The music style will range from pop to rock to gospel.  

Tickets are $6 for youth, $10 for seniors, and $12 for adults.  To reserve tickets, call (620) 221-7720, email boxoffice@sckans.edu, or go online at www.sckans.edu/summertheatre.