Gospell Jr. is a musical theater Workshop for ages 12-18. Drawing from various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomine, charades, and vaudeville, Godspell Junior is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance, and love.

Godspell Jr. played in the Lyric Theater to an enthusiastic audience on August 15 and 16, 2008. The performance featured a cast of kids ranging from 13-18 years old. It began as a workshop on June 23, 2008, when the kids started meeting two times a week or more to learn about the basics of theater and voice. The workshop also gave the kids an opportunity to develop skills that will serve them for the rest of their lives.

When asked what was learned while preparing and performing Godspell, one of the kids stated, "I actually started performing not just going through the motions. I have learned how to have fun, let go, have confidence."

The performance of Godspell had an effect on the audience as well. "We were blown away", said Jan Badovinac when asked to comment on the performance. "Those kids put so much heart and soul into their performances, and gave everything they had to the audience.  The energy they gave off was palpable!  The kids brilliantly conveyed humor, cleverness and poignancy, turning in a performance that deserves to been seen more than the two nights it was featured.  This production…needs to be brought to the public in as many forms as possible to showcase the great things going on at the Lyric and also the phenomenal talent of the directors and actors."

Read the article in the Harrison Daily Times (subscription required).


Thanks to Jamie Stevens for taking the photos.