City Players, Inc. Presents "Godspell"!
Online, March 26, 2014 (Newswire.com) - City Players is proud to announce their inaugural show of 2014 - "Godspell!", running at The Palladium Theatre in St. Petersburg, FL, April 17-19, 2014. Based on the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and featuring an amazing score by Stephen Schwartz (the composer of WICKED and PIPPIN), GODSPELL boasts a string of well-loved songs including "Day By Day," "Prepare Ye," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All For The Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man," and "By My Side." Cast includes Stephen Fee, Jay Morgan, Michael Shurtz, Ryan Sturm, Amber Phillips, Lisa Stanforth, Jana Swenson, Amy E. Phillips, Sandie Walters, and Zane Talkington! GODSPELL is directed by Rand Smith and Choreographed by Amy Phillips.
Revived in 2011 for another Broadway run, Stephen Schwartz's re-orchestration of GODSPELL gives the beloved score a fresh, new sound, while maintaining the original melodies and underscoring the unique heart of the show. Godspell remains a cherished reflection on the teachings of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance, and love.
Theatergoers may have been wondering what is happening with City Players. Betty Jane Pucci formally retired in 2013 after sharing 45 years of excellence in the performing arts with all of us. That same year, City Players moved their venue away from Ruth Eckerd Hall to St. Petersburg College's Clearwater Arts Auditorium. Following that production, Patrice Pucci, then President, also announced her retirement at a meeting to elect new officers of the Board of Trustees.
City Players' leadership team now includes Rand Smith - President, and Artistic & Managing Director, Bob Booth - Vice President, Sam McClelland - Finance Director, and Nathan Daugherty - Marketing and Development Director.
Without letting go of their tradition of the big summer musical, but with a new business model, City Players is (1) raising the company's visibility - in print, on air, and online; (2) making a determined push for corporate sponsorship; (3) looking to secure a permanent rehearsal space; and (4) moving the performance venue as needed, to (a) target additional demographics, and (b) reduce operating costs, in the ambitious hope of producing not one but two shows before the end of the current season, and aiming to produce a four-show season for 2014-15!
Their new mission statement: City Players exists to enrich, educate, and entertain the community by bringing together, from diverse cultural backgrounds, artists, audiences, and volunteers committed to collaboratively creating and experiencing exceptionally excellent theatre.
The rich tradition created by the partnership of Betty Jane Pucci and Scottie Michael, begun in the 1960's and carried on by "BJ" beyond the 1980's, gave many theatre lovers throughout Tampa Bay their first community theater experience. In keeping with that tradition, Patrice helped smooth the transition to Rand Smith and the rest of the team, ensuring the readiness of City Players to entertain Suncoast audiences for years to come.
For ticketing information, visit CityPlayersInc.com and click "Current Production". Tickets are also available at MyPalladium.org or calling (727) 822-3590.