Existentialism and popcorn: Godspell makes brief run in Talladega
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Jesus Christ is still a superstar. Even scientifically, there's no arguing the fact that no figure in history has remained more consistently relevant and, at times, controversial. From ocean to ocean, wars are fought in the name of, and in the name of everything against. Jesus even became a bit of a fashion icon a few years ago, with the explosively popular "Jesus is My Homeboy" T-shirts (and coffee mugs, hats, wallets and so on). Red Mountain Theatre Company's production of the 1970s musical Godspell subtly poses perhaps one of the more important questions of our time (if for nothing more than the answers it warrants) — how would we treat someone like Jesus Christ now? "I would love the show to cause a conversation about how we would receive someone like Jesus Christ in today's world," said director Keith Cromwell. With America's emphasis and fixation on the importance of celebrity, would we give him more than just a reality show and a great time slot behind American Idol? With the immediacy of live performance, such questions are given new life and, hopefully, new answers. "Art and theatre are great conduits for societal views and social commentary," said Cromwell. "My hope and expectation is that people will challenge the very essence of what each person believes at their very core." The story of Godspell is rooted mostly in the book of Matthew, touching on everything from Judas's betrayal to the crucifixion. Jesus, played by Davis Haines, moves through each sequence as more or less a statement of hope for infinite possibility in the future. The message is entirely universal, further cemented by the rest of the talented and experienced cast, including Chris Sams as John the Baptist/Judas, and also featuring Audrey Cardwell, Dany Egli, Emily Ethridge and Ashley Guin. Many remember Godspell for the Billboard Top 200 hit "Day By Day," accurately quoted and spoken as a prayer by Ben Stiller in the hit film "Meet the Parents," but Keith Cromwell insists this new version is even fresher. "We even beat-box!" mused Cromwell. Sometimes, it's simply more fun to experience these questions, and the endless possibility of their answers, with a crowd of strangers. Keith Cromwell and the rest of RMTC have put everything and more into their rousing production of Godspell, apparent immediately and with each subsequent word from Cromwell. "I hope that the audience leaves with a renewed sense of hope — a sense that anything is possible," he said. Join Keith Cromwell and the rest of the cast of Godspell for an inspiring, fresh revival of the original superstar. Trace Cowen is a future Academy Award winning screenwriter who currently resides in Eastaboga, crafting words that will inspire a revolution of the mind. He is also quite the Seinfeld aficionado. GodspellWhat: Musical |
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