Pioneer Productions is proud to present a bold and captivating production of the beloved musical Godspell across two weekends (June 14-16 and June 21-23, 2024) in Morristown. This masterful retelling of the original sensation Godspell from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, the 2012 revival is injected with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements.
A small group of people helps Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. The show features an eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, including “Day by Dy," “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man,” and “By My Side.”
Pioneer Productions co-founder Shanna Levine-Phelps is directing this production. “At its core, the show is about building community,” said Levine-Phelps. “There is a greater energy than what we can see and feel, and it connects us all. I hope our audiences will embrace that energy and leave inspired to live life to the fullest.”
Leading the cast on this journey and making her Pioneer Productions debut is Luana Cook Scott, whose “day” job happens to be as the Senior Pastor of Morristown United Methodist Church, where the show will be performed.
“Playing the role of Jesus is a gift and a privilege,” said Cook Scott. “I applaud Pioneer for having a vision that goes beyond gender and for giving me the creative space to bring compassion and joy to the role. Whether you meet Jesus as a historical figure or as Christ (as I do in my life and vocation), I promise you will leave feeling that we can indeed build a “Beautiful City.”
Rounding out the cast is an array of talented performers and storytellers, including Tiffany Bizub, Sean Coyle, Patrick Comey, Lauren Mangine, Sarah Emaline Melton, Robert Stevens, Margaret Summer, and Jade Virginia. Hannah Comia provides musical direction, and Jon Mantes choreographs. Pioneer co-founder and Artistic Director Dan Visser is producing.
The show runs for six performances: June 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 8:00pm and June 16 and 23 at 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. Performances take place at Fellowship Hall at Morristown United Methodist Church (50 S Park Place) in Morristown, New Jersey.
Funding for this show has been made possible in part by funds from Morris Arts through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Pioneer Productions was incorporated in 2003 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company by founding members Dan Vissers, Shanna Levine-Phelps, and Jon Mantes.
The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "ICE SS" by the Central Jersey punk act Sally Draper.
