Imagine Jesus Christ dressed in tie-dyed T-shirt while teaching against a backdrop of colorful, graffitied Galilean walls.
Now imagine his band of followers breaking out in song and dance and the occasional rap, folk song or conga line.
The good news is that Chaparral High School Bobcat Drama is staging a production of Godspell with shows at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 and 7 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here: https://chaparralhighschoolbobcatdrama.ludus.com/index.php.
Godspell is a musical retelling of parables based on the gospel of Matthew with modern effects that first appeared on stage in 1970.
Check out our photo gallery from a CHS drama rehearsal here/
Chaparral’s award-winning drama team has prepared a wildly entertaining showcase of song, dance and storytelling.
It is inspiring, uplifting and set against a huge, colorful backdrop straight from the show’s 1970 origins.
Those familiar with the New Testament will delight in the modern retelling of the Prodigal Son, the Good Samaritan, the rich man and Lazarus and elements of the Sermon on the Mount.
Even the less Biblically literate will be entertained and informed by the timeless and redeeming messages of kindness and love for others told uniquely and humorously and respectfully.
Throughout the two acts, different actors narrate the familiar stories while others in the large cast act out each scene. Many storylines culminate with big song and dance numbers.
Alyza Dorsey, a senior drama student serves as assistant director alongside theater directors Chad Moore and Samantha Dunaway.
“This production is one of our brightest I would say,” she said. “This is probably the most beautiful (in the school’s four years).”
“(Audiences) will love the set and there are different story lines so they will be entertained. I think they will be surprised at some of our actors and their choices. They will have a lot of fun.”
“I’m very excited,” she said. “I’m proud of my cast and I can’t wait to see them perform at their full potential in front of a big crowd.”
Natalie Mallet, a senior and one of Jesus’ followers said that audience members will draw a wide range of emotion from the large, ambitious production.
“I really like the community and how a good group of people can bring you up,” she said. “It’s about community and family and togetherness.”
The colorful sets and lights and overall message will entertain and speak to the audience.
“We have some very talented people here. I love everyone’s songs. Everyone is so talented. It’s a little nerve racking, but mostly it’s exciting.”
“We’re bringing stories I’ve known my whole life to life, and we get to show it to an audience. I’m empowered and excited to bring something to people that’s different.”
This is an exciting year for Killeen ISD high school theater. In addition to a fresh season of dramatic productions, drama groups for the first time may qualify for a prestigious scholastic honor called The Heller Award.
The Texas Performing Arts and Impact Arts is expanding the Austin-based awards northward to this area and judges will be attending performances in KISD high schools to consider actors for awards in 19 categories.
Area residents have numerous opportunities to support KISD’s talented drama students.
Ellison High School theater is presenting a musical concurrently with the Chaparral production.
The Ellison production of Descendants, based on the Disney show, is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 6 and 8 and 2 p.m. Nov. 9.
Check back next week for a full promotional story on the Ellison musical.
Shoemaker High School theater is set to produce Mean Girls at 7 p.m. Nov. 18 and 19.
Earlier in the fall, Killeen High School theater staged Aliens vs. Cheerleaders Oct. 28-29 and Harker Heights High School theater produced Beetlejuice Oct. 9, 11 and 12.