Feature Story and Photos by Larry H. Oskin
The Clermont Performing Arts Center is host to the Moonlight Players’ performances of Godspell on April 16-18. This musical was originally composed by Stephen Schwartz with the book by John-Michael Tebelak. The show first opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971 and it has since been produced by multiple touring companies and in many revivals.
Godspell is a timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based upon the Gospel of Saint Matthew. The Moonlight Players theater production of Godspell follows the story with a small group of people who help Jesus Christ tell different parables in a new age through games, storytelling and silliness. An extensive blend of songs is shared ranging from pop to vaudeville, including the big international hit, “Day by Day.” Jesus’ life story is played out on stage here in Clermont. Closing with the Last Supper and ultimate Crucifixion, Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance and love comes vibrantly to life and continues to live on. The name Godspell is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words for a “good story”. The classical Greek word means “a reward for bringing of good news” or the “good news”
Godspell Cast: William Pratesi as Jesus, Tad Kincade as Judas. The ensemble cast includes Emily Grace, Manolo Hernandez, Madison McGrew, Cori Menzies, Mayra Rivera, Tiana Sandh, Kyle Stone and Timothy Torres.
Director Lavonté Rogers, Musical Director Leesa Williams, and Stage Manager Trista Fouts along with a large cast, crew, and musical ensemble are excited to bring its local theatrical production to the CPAC Black Box stage.
Purchase tickets at www.ClermontPAC.com or 352-394-4800.
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About the Moonlight Players: Now in its 26th season, the Moonlight Players is a non-profit organization that was founded in Clermont by Jan Sheldon and Sara Ackers. Moonlight Players Executive Board of Directors includes Trista Fouts, President; William Pratesi, Vice President of Production; Tom Kline, VP of Operations; Lavonté Rogers, VP of Administration and Ro Alexander, VP of Finance.
Learn more about the Moonlight Players by visiting: www.MoonlightPlayers.com.
About the Clermont Performing Arts Center and its Upcoming Lineup
Clermont Performing Arts Center’s Mainstage has been home to numerous legendary acts from Broadway and bluegrass, opera to comedy, famous stars from the worlds of rock and roll, theater, movies and television. Upcoming CPAC Shows will include the Winter Dance Party on May 1. John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party is a re-creation of the final tour by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. Each concert performance includes over two hours of entertainment featuring all the hit songs of the 50’s era. The Golden Gals will be on stage May 14 featuring Ginger Minj as Blanche, Gidget Galore as Rose, MR MS Adrien as Sophia, Divine Grace as Dorothy and special guest Doug Ba’aser as they recreate three original Golden Girls episodes. The Little Mermen will be on stage June 5. The Little Mermen are the Disney cover band. The band’s repertoire covers all 82 years of the Disney repertoire including favorites from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins” and “Frozen.” They are encouraging guests of all ages to dress up as their favorite Disney character or princess! This 1000 seat auditorium theater is the largest in Lake County, yet offers an intimate setting that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Black Box Theater: For one night only, the SAK Comedy Lab will appear at the Clermont Performing Arts Center. SAK Comedy Lab has been a local favorite for over 25 years. They specialize in audience-interactive and improvisational comedy that’s good fun for all ages. SAK was voted “Best Comedy” in the Orlando Weekly Reader’s Poll. Award-winning cast members include Aaron Shure, writer and executive producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “The Office,” Wayne Brady of “Let’s Make a Deal” and “Whose Line is it Anyway?” SAK founder Clare Sera and Karey Kirkpatrick have been writers of the Warner Brothers hit animated musical “Smallfoot.” Check out all of the additional upcoming entertainment with the Friday Night at the Black Box and You Are Still There Series.
The Clermont Performing Arts Center, located at 3700 S. Hwy 27, Clermont, has a most entertaining season planned with classics from the world of theater, music and pop culture. Tickets for all shows are on sale now and can be purchased at https://clermontperformingarts.com/ or by calling 352-394-4800.
(COVID guidelines are in effect)
