Reveille United Methodist Church presents ‘Godspell’ July 15th through 18th

The performances are free and open to the public, but donations are greatly appreciated.

July 13, 2015; 10:15 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Reveille United Methodist Church will present the musical Godspell, a high-energy presentation of the parables of Jesus as told in the Gospels of Mathew and Luke. The musical is based on the book by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It opened off Broadway in 1971, and produced hit songs such as “Day by Day.”

The cast ranges in age from 11 to 75, and includes members of Reveille’s youth choir and several adults from Reveille’s staff and congregation, including Senior Pastor Doug Forrester as one of the eight philosophers. The 80 cast and crew members are from throughout the Richmond region, with a production team from Midlothian High School in Chesterfield County. A live rock band of local musicians will accompany the cast.

Performances will take place nightly July 15th through 18th at 7:30 PM, with an additional matinee performance on July 18th at 2:00 PM. All performances are free, open to the public, and will take place at the church, located a few blocks west of Carytown at 4200 Cary Street Road. Free parking is available.

While admission is free, donations will be accepted at all performances to benefit Reveille’s Swansboro Community Ministries. These ministries do vital work with partner organizations in Richmond’s Swansboro neighborhood, including support of the Dancing Classrooms program for fifth graders at Swansboro Elementary School.

“The Dancing Classrooms mission is to build social awareness, confidence, and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance,” said Maria Vysotskaya, Executive Director of Dancing Classrooms Greater Richmond.

“Dancing Classrooms is more than simply teaching ballroom dancing; it is about improving lives. Children learn about honor and respect. They learn to value themselves and others as they increase their communication skills. Through dance, children learn cooperation and acceptance, and regard for others,” Vysotskaya continued.