Write a commentHeadlining the fifth anniversary of live theatre at CNY Arts Center, Godspell will open Friday, February 17 and run through Sunday, February 26. The popular musical commemorates the Arts Center’s first musical presented onstage in 2012 but will deliver many new faces plus a new set design.
With Music Director Ben Borenstein, Director Nancy Fox is assisted by newcomer Chad Lewis as Set and Lighting Designer, Stage Manager and Technical Director. “We are excited to have the expertise of Chad, and his wife Shelley as costumer,” said Fox. “Chad brings professional skills in technical theatre and directing from his background in Atlanta, GA. and is eager to work alongside our theatre professionals who have already been developing a strong performing arts program at the Arts Center. His bold set design for Godspell uses our stage in ways our audiences have never seen. It’s exciting and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!
“Shelley has also been hard at work making new lobby and stage curtains with a grant we received from the Community Foundation.” Fox continues. “The flame retardant curtains will also help block light for matinees and absorb sound between lobby and theatre so we can use both spaces at the same time without disrupting either activity. We are indebted to the Community Foundation and to Shelley for volunteering to sew the curtains and save considerable cost to the Arts Center. Both Chad and Shelley will be a great asset to CNY Arts Center.”
The pair will return in the fall to direct, design and costume The Hobbit, through special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing. The combined youth/adult cast will audition in early September with performances in November.
“We’re also welcoming new actors to the CNY Arts Center stage with this production. The musical based on the Gospel of Matthew has a natural attraction for actors and audiences alike,” said Fox. “It is a compelling piece of theatre that most actors and directors enjoy doing more than once in a career. It is a bonding experience in the truest sense of the word when lifetime relationships are formed. The audience is easily captivated by real transformations taking place onstage. We’re delighted to have the talents of many new faces including Matthew Gordon as Jesus and Josh Taylor in the dual roles of John, the Baptist/Judas."
The production will open Friday, February 17 and run through Sunday, February 26 with Friday and Saturday performances at 7pm, and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Because of potential weather issues, a 3pm matinee has been planned for Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 19 & 26 plus the traditional 7pm Friday and Saturday evenings, February 17, 18 and 24. In the event of bad weather cancellations, a performance will be added Saturday evening, February 25. Please see the website for more information.
CNY Arts Center is located at 11 River Glen Drive on the Cayuga College Fulton Campus. For more information, visit www.CNYArtsCenter.com or call 315-598-ARTS (2787).
