'Godspell' set as first production in new Albritton Mayer Center

SIKESTON - When it came time to decide on a play to open the new Imogene Ruth Albritton Mayer Center for the Arts with, one stood out from the rest: "Godspell."

"When I first heard the new theater would be opened with 'Godspell,' I knew that I had to be a part of it," said Dale Frame, who will once again play the part of Jesus, the role he played in the 1986 production. "Of all the productions I have ever been in, 'Godspell' has meant more to me than anything else I've ever done."

The play is a musical about the teachings of Jesus found in the book of Matthew. Conceived by John Michael Tebelik and based on music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, "Godspell" set attendance records for the Sikeston Little Theatre when they presented it for the first time in 1986 resulting in additional "command performances."

Frame is not alone in either his opinion of the play or his decision to reprise his role.

"There are four of us that were in the original Sikeston production," said Terry Sapp, who returns as music director and a cast member. "The reason I took this one on is because 'Godspell' is the most special show I have ever done."

Sapp will again perform the song "Day by Day," a hit song from the play which boosted its popularity in the 1970s.

Veteran performer Steve Beydler is returning not only to his role as Judas but also to the director's seat.

"When I directed this 15 years ago, the production that I came up with was a culmination of the many different 'Godspells' that I had both seen and been a part of," said Beydler.

This time around, having a different cast, there were things that Beydler liked from the previous production that he kept and new elements added. "It evolved into a new show," Beydler said.

This production features a completely new opening and the second act begins with dedication to the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and a song by Schwartz written for the movie version of the play.

Also returning from the 1986 cast for this production is Dennis Bohannon.

Joining the veterans for this production are Rick Lasley, Terri Jett, Maggie Pfefferkorn, Bryan Parker, Scott Nicklay, Ashley Ray, Micah Reese and Kate Hux.

"I'm very impressed and pleased with the talents and personalities of this cast and pleased with the way things have progressed in such a short period of time," said Beydler.

This production had only seven weeks to prepare, Beydler said - about half as long as the 1986 production.

"I'm excited to be in the new theater. I think it's great for it to be opening after so many years," said Hux.

The play is unconventional in several ways. "It's very different from most musicals," said Sapp. "Everybody is called by their own name in the show except for Jesus, and then later Judas. Even in the original Broadway show they used their first names."

In addition to people, the cast play animals, and even inanimate objects such as a rock while portraying parables. "I get to play a little kid, and in one parable I play a pig so it's a great opportunity to do different stuff," said Hux.

Sapp said both the cast and accompaniment provided by Harry Howard on piano, Jim Dumey on drums and guitar and John Engram on guitar are top-notch.

"Even greater musical talent is featured in this show than before," said Sapp. "And we've got a super band. They're all fine musicians."

What makes the play so special for many of the cast members, however, is the message behind the music.

"'Godspell' is not your basic musical like 'Oklahoma' or 'The Sound of Music,'" said Frame. "What makes 'Godspell' so special for me is we are paraphrasing scripture, mostly from the book of Matthew, in dialogue and song from start to finish."

Sapp agreed. "It's just a show that really blesses you to be in because you get to portray your Christian beliefs through your acting."

"The last time that I did 'Godspell,' there was a minister in the audience," said Frame. "After the show was over, he said to me, 'Your cast did more today on this stage than I've ever been able to do behind the pulpit. And that was exactly what we were trying to do.

"I personally am very excited by the opportunity to do this again," Frame continued. "It's my hope that the community of Sikeston will support this play and support the hard work of the many people who have worked so hard to bring this new cultural center to fruition."

"Godspell" is scheduled to run during two weekends. Shows will be at 8 p.m. Feb. 21-23 and March 1-2; and at 2 p.m. Feb. 24 and March 3. Seats are $5 each, available by calling Lynn Colley at 471-6888 or the cultural center at 481-0255.

Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door before shows.