Students participating in a rehearsal of the play Godspell take the stage at Lincoln Christian University. Written by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak, the musical strings together a series of parables mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew. The play will be performed for the public on February 25th, 26th and 27th at 7:30 p.m. each evening at the Earl Hargrove Chapel on the campus of LCU.
 

GODSPELL
Students Take the Stage in Celebration of Community

 

[February 22, 2016]  LINCOLN - One of the great things about attending a small college or university, is that you don’t have to be a theater major to be cast in the spring musical. And, you don’t have to be a faculty member to direct it. You can find a perfect example just down the road in Lincoln, Illinois.

Lincoln Christian University (LCU) is a small Christian university/Bible college that’s been around for more than 70 years. This spring, they will be presenting the musical Godspell with a cast of 13. The mostly student cast members represent six different majors and range from freshmen through senior levels of study. Their director is the Associate Vice President of Development.

Godspell is an inviting tale about community and fellowship. And that’s what you’ll find at Lincoln Christian University. The diversity of this cast creates a unique community where the players can truly enjoy themselves as they perform.

“I like that we always work together,” said Intercultural Studies major, Carissa Davis. “We can laugh at basically anything, whether it is at ourselves or with other cast members.”

The lead is being played by junior Cody Lane. Lane is a Worship Ministry major from Herscher, IL. The BA in Worship Ministry program is the closest thing to a theater program that LCU offers. It focuses on preparing students to be leaders both musically and theologically. LCU helps them grasp the skills of a professional musician while gaining the tools needed to lead worship in culturally dynamic ways to serve the church of today. Other Worship Ministry cast members are CJ Whitten (Plainfield, IN/sophomore) and Prudence Bickhaus (Quincy, IL/senior).

Senior Antonio Gayton, a Spiritual Formation and Ministry major from Peoria, Illinois, has been cast as John the Baptist/Judas. The remaining student cast members are Carissa Davis (Manteno, IL/Intercultural Studies), Thea Stephens (Grayslake, IL/Intercultural Studies), Kameo Krienke (Rockton, IL/Spiritual Formation and Ministry), Jacob Duffin (Keokuk, IA/Youth and Family Ministry), Cameron Halpin (Middletown, IL/Preaching Ministry), Heather Newnum (Markle, IN/Children and Family Ministry) and Grace Salm (Metamora, IL/Elementary Education). Rounding out the cast list are LCU Academic Probation Advisor Stephanie Hall and Assistant Director Brandon Davis.

Gayton said, “I have never worked with more talented people. Everyone is working so hard, especially with the short amount of time we have!”

“This musical celebrates Christian community,” explained Director Tim Searby, who joined the LCU staff almost a year ago in his leadership role with University Advancement. Seminary Professor of Worship Studies Dr. Dinelle Frankland is assisting as Musical Director/Accompanist. Gary Shull is providing choreography.

Auditions were held in November, before the semester break in December. Rehearsals began shortly after the spring semester began in January. Performance dates are Thursday, Friday and Saturday, February 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Earl C Hargrove Chapel Auditorium on the campus in Lincoln, IL. The public is invited to attend. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (through college).

Godspell is a musical by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak that strings together a series of parables, mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew. It opened off Broadway in May of 1971 and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since, including a 2011 Broadway revival. This is the fourth time the show will be presented at Lincoln Christian, with previous productions in 1979, 1998, and 2009.

Established in Lincoln, Illinois, in 1944, LCU’s mission is to equip Christians to serve and lead in the church, the workplace, and the world. In its 70 year history, 16,000 Lincoln Christian alumni have gone on to serve in every one of the 50 United States and in more than 160 countries worldwide. Today, LCU offers a variety of degree programs for undergraduate, graduate and seminary students. Classes are offered on campus, at three extension sites in three states and online around the world. To learn more, visit www.lincolnchristian.edu.

[Chris Thomas, Lincoln Christian University]