SHS Drama Announces Winter Musical 'Godspell'

CowDung January 14, 2013 at 01:35 pm

Funny how we can't have crosses on the Messwood football team helmets, but SHS drama can put on a production of Godspell...

N. Peske January 14, 2013 at 01:54 pm

Can you list show times? I'm curious about the matinees--but will email the box office.

N. Peske January 14, 2013 at 02:05 pm

Good point. This came up in the 70s with the comedy "The Butterfingers Angel" in the 70s, which was written by William Gibson, the author of The Miracle Worker and was based on the old European practice of teaching laymen about the Christmas story through a play. I felt the SHS director at the time made a good case for doing this type of play just as we did Commedia del Arte, Shakespeare modernized, & the like. I would guess there have been times when the choir has performed Christian or other religious music by way of studying musical genres and forms. That is very different from using a religious symbol in a sports or team logo. That said, I can totally understand why some would disagree on the value of studying certain forms and types of theater if it crosses over into religious territory given that it's a public school. I know some Jewish students at the time were not entirely comfortable with Butterfingers Angel. I think it's a topic to discuss when a play is picked. I'd be curious to know what the internal reaction was in the school, and if any parents were uncomfortable, and how that got discussed and resolved. I would not be eager to revisit the hysteria and paranoia that was present in the thread on the helmets, with angry & false accusations, certain people engaging in cross talk about posters that was inappropriate, etc. A thoughtful, civilized discussion seems appropriate.
BTW, I'm not Christian. Always loved Godspell as a work of art.

Adam W. McCoy (Editor) January 14, 2013 at 03:01 pm

7 p.m. for all showings except for the Sunday matinee which starts at 2 p.m.

Joe Peterlin February 6, 2013 at 10:04 pm

Will there be protesters? I love protesters! How about a boycott? Those are great also!