Putting the audience under their ‘Spell’

Posted

WARWICK — In August, Summer Stage at Bishop Hendricken presented the Stephen Schwartz-composed musical “Godspell” at the Dr. Daniel S. Harrop Theater as its mainstage production.

The updated production, which centers Jesus and his disciples presented as characters grounded in today’s headlines, featured a company of more than 70 student actors, technicians and musicians from various Catholic, public and private schools from around Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The production was launched by a creative team featuring Summer Stage at Bishop Hendricken alumni currently pursuing the arts, and experienced theatrical professionals.

"This musical is one that has some powerful, beautiful messages that need to be shared now more than ever,” said Director Julia Paolino. “The piece’s themes of love, community, compassion and acceptance are issues the world is struggling with right now, making our work as artists all the more important. I’m deeply proud to see how our student artists — as future generations of leaders — have handled the challenge of putting this production up.”