Godspell gives every cast member a chance to shine

The curtain is set to go up on another production by the King’s Players Theatre Company.

Godspell will be performed in the Joanne and Peter Kenny Theatre from January 31 - February 3, 2024, starting at 7 p.m. each evening. The musical, composed by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin) and based on the stories in the Gospel of Matthew, is a timeless ode to friendship, love, and community.

“While many people immediately talk about its religious elements and its source material, the Gospel of Matthew, it is truly so much more than that. The parables are told through song, dance, and some extremely dynamic storytelling,” says Eden Eidt, a first-year master of English graduate student at Western and the production’s director.

Audiences will enjoy Godspell because of its incredibly catchy music and its timeless themes. “It is hilariously funny and there are even some magic tricks along the way! Godspell is exceptionally moving and leaves the audience feeling something – which I think is a sign of a great show,” says Eidt.

Godspell was chosen because Eidt wanted everyone involved to feel a part of a community, adding that she is “thrilled at the amount of talent and dedication the cast and creative team is willing to lend to Godspell.”

The quality of King’s Players productions attracts talent from across King’s, Western and the affiliates.

Ridley Smith, a second-year honours specialization Sociology student with a minor in Family Studies at King’s, is an “On the Willows” soloist. After participating in musicals off and on since he was eight, becoming a part of the King’s Players felt like a natural progression.

“Some of my high school friends were also a part of it, making it a safe space for me where I knew people but could also make new friends. The King’s Players provides an opportunity to meet a bunch of awesome people,” says Smith.

Nella Christensen, a fifth-year Criminology and Film Studies student, is one of the production’s stage managers. By booking space, helping run auditions and rehearsals, and aiding with prop, set, and costume design and selection, Christensen has had the opportunity to enhance her leadership skills and learn more from her friends about theatre.

Looking to continue her passion for theatre in her post-secondary career, she has enjoyed working alongside some of her best friends. “We have been on stage together before, but Godspell has given us the opportunity to work together behind the curtain, which has been just as fun.”

Tai Jan Novak, a second-year Psychology specialization student at King’s with a Biochemistry minor at Western, sings the solo “All Good Gifts.” She wanted to be involved with the King’s Players even before she came to King’s, having researched the club before her first year.

What Novak enjoys about this particular production is the freedom to develop her character. She says she can put a lot of herself into this character while adding some fun elements.

“I love being on stage and being able to feel proud about something I, and so many other people, worked so hard on. Seeing everyone’s time, creativity, and talent come together is quite possibly my favourite thing on the planet,” says Novak.

Brittney-Lee Lowey is a Western alumna, having graduated last summer with a BA in Theatre Studies, and the soloist of “We Beseech Thee.” After her sister took her to an improv night, Lowey says “King’s Players hasn’t been able to shake me ever since!”

Lowey says one of the great things about the show is that every member of the cast gets a chance to shine.

“Godspell has given me the chance to really explore myself as an artist (and) allowed me to do things I don't typically do. I've had a wonderful time finding out new things about myself. I get to rap, speak in silly accents, and even have my foot read… and that’s all just in Act I,” Lowey says, encouraging people to find out the context by attending a performance.

Christopher Swyer, a second-year student in Popular Music Studies and Media, Information and Technoculture in the Don Wright Faculty of Music, will be playing Jesus, and leading the show through different parables, songs and teachings. 

“Being onstage is just something that I deeply love,” he says. Because the show requires the entire cast to be in almost every scene, Swyer says, “it feels like we perform as a unit rather than separate.” He adds the biggest highlight “has been working with the incredible team on and off stage.”

To make the production accessible, tickets have been priced at $15. “We are looking forward to seeing you in the audience!” says Eidt.