HEMBREE: I am simply in awe

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, June 29, 2022

I am once again left pretty speechless by a performance. 

The cast of “Godspell” is made up of 15- to 25-year-olds — quite the age gap — but somehow this program, the Broadway Intensive, has produced two magical shows. Last year, “Once Upon A Mattress,” and this year, “Godspell.” 

I won’t lie, I have never seen a live production of “Godspell.” I grew up in the theater and have heard some of the songs, and of course, seen some clips of the movie, but had never seen a theater performance of the musical. 

I truly did not know what to expect. Last year, I was a part of the production, so I knew the show like the back of my hand. This year, I got to experience as a regular ole audience member. And I thank God for that. 

You see, this show is not just your typical happy-go-lucky musical. These young adults made you feel something. They made you feel a sense of nostalgia, a sense of longing for more love. They captured some really tough emotions that only theater could make you feel. 

The Broadway Intensive happens over two weeks. The cast learns their lines, music, blocking, gets costumes and props … everything happens in just two short weeks. They work with a Broadway veteran director, Henry Scott to put something truly great together. If you don’t believe in the power of hard work and determination, this will make you a believer! 

I left the show feeling both proud to work at The Plaza, but also proud to have a small fraction of an impact in these actors’ lives. The overwhelming feelings that this production of Godspell brought was incredible. This is truly a professional level production. 

The theater takes you away for a moment into another life, another moment. Let Godspell take you away for an evening. You will not regret it. 

Get your tickets now at plazacenter.org. 

Taylor Hembree

Marketing Director, The Plaza Arts Center

Eatonton