Evanstonians Involved in Oct-Nov Production of Godspell

The Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) open the company’s 33rd season by returning to its origins, producing the musical Godspell (2012 revised version). Performances are October 18–November 10, 2013 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, Chicago.

Featured in the cast is Evanston native Alexander Walker, who recently graduated from Syracuse University and is thrilled to mark his return to Chicago with this production. 

In addition, current Evanston resident Kristen Smiley is choreographing the production. Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, she has spent the past four years choreographing and performing in the Chicagoland area, with much of her time in the camp-parody world of Hell in a Handbag Productions. Kristen carries her passion for dance and theatre into her “day job,” having worked as a teaching artist for Lexington Children's Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Dream Big P.A.W., to name a few, and currently serving as the program manager for Education and Creative Engagement at the Auditorium Theatre.  

Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak and features music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), including the hit song “Day by Day” and other memorable tunes that bring the biblical parables to life with humor and humanity.

Godspell is significant to SSP's history. A group of St. Sebastian parishioners produced the musical in 1981, leading to the company’s founding; Godspell also was the last show SSP produced at its original home, St. Sebastian Church, before the parish closed in 1990 and SSP relocated to its current home at St. Bonaventure.

Directing Godspell is Dan Foss, whose credits include Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride for Babes With Blades Theatre Company, Vanishing Points for Point of Contention and Erratica for American Demigods. The cast includes Megan Buckley, Ali Delianides, Amy Dellagiarino, Alyssa A. Digges, Nick Van Hill, Mallory Jandrists, Nicole Lambert, Elizabeth MacDonell, Jason Aaron Mackel, Aaron Page, Tyler John Rood and Alexander Walker. SSP company member Barbara Murphy-Sanders is music director, and Kristen Smiley is choreographer. Nicci Schumacher is set designer. SSP member Beth Bruins is stage manager, and Derek Rienzi Van Tassel is assistant director. SSP members Jim Masini and Steve Walanka are producers.

SSP began producing theatre in 1982 at its original home, the St. Sebastian parish, at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue on Chicago’s North Side. When the parish closed, SSP relocated to its current home, St. Bonaventure, at 1625 W. Diversey. During its history, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation mysteries for special events; and the Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members. A complete list of mainstage productions is available on SSP’s website.

SSP’s 33rd season continues with In the Matter of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Heinar Kipphardt, running February 14–March 9, 2014, and Death Defying Acts, three one-act comedies by Woody Allen, David Mamet and Elaine May, which runs April 25–May 18, 2014. 

Godspell runs October 18–November 10, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Full-priced single tickets are $20, $15 for students with valid IDs and $10 for seniors and children younger than 12. Subscription packages for the three-play season are $40, $25 for seniors. Group rates also are available. All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.

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