Beverly Theatre Guild Presents Final Show Of Season 'Godspell 2012'

CHICAGO — The Beverly Theatre Guild (BTG) hits the boards this weekend with its spring musical and final show of the season – Godspell-2012 Revival – starring a talented local cast at Morgan Park Academy’s Baer Theater in Chicago.

Directed and choreographed by Tor Campbell, of Rogers Park, this production promises to be a not-to-miss rendering of the Broadway smash hit that originally debuted in 1971.

Based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, “Godspell 2012” is the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love in a masterful retelling of the original sensation. It uses song, dance and a variety of storytelling techniques to relay the parables that Jesus shared with his disciples. Filled with high spirited musical styles ranging from pop to vaudeville, this theatrical celebration is a reminder that kindness, tolerance and love should live on vibrantly.

Godspell was the first musical by award-winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz, whose body of work includes Pippin and Wicked. The 2012 Revised Version has dazzling new arrangements and lyrics of its beloved songs, such as "Day by Day,” “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” and “Beautiful City,” that will be humming in your head long after the performance is over.

This final show of BTG’s 2023-24 Season is produced by Tony Zawila (Scottsdale) and Richard Lara, Jr. (Scottsdale), with an artistic staff that includes Kathryn Cargill (Palos Heights) as assistant director, Sharon Mason (Ashburn) as music director, Michael Barr-Schinzel (Beverly) as assistant music director, and Britta Schlicht (Roscoe Village) as assistant choreographer.

Starring in the lead role as Jesus will be Forest Park resident Sterlin Johnson. The role of John the Baptist/Judas will be played by Ben Walker, of Blue Island. The ensemble cast consists of Rachel Berlinski (Worth), Lauren Bourret (Mt. Greenwood), Andy Breitbarth (Evergreen Park), Katie Beth Davis (Andersonville), Macoe Davis (Andersonville), Michael Gerardi (Beverly), Kallie Givens (Washington Heights), Hannah Hayes (Oak Lawn), Hannah Kennedy (Beverly), Betty Kort (Evergreen Park), Meg Massaro (Beverly), Sydney Milligan (Calumet Heights), Dan Murphy (Darien), Rose Murphy (Kenwood), Danielle O’Malley (Mt. Greenwood), Victoria Sanders (Ashburn), Joelle Singer Jensen (South Loop), Paul Wagner (Hammond, IN), Leandra Ward (Steger), and Gretchen Woell (Lakeview).

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. May 3 and May 4, with afternoon matinees at 2 p.m. May 4 and May 5. Tickets are $25 adults; $23 seniors, students and active military. Purchase them at the door; by calling the box office 773-BTG-TIXS (284-8497); or online at BTG Tickets.

The Beverly Theatre Guild is Chicago’s longest running community theater company, dating back to the 1920s. BTG shows are performed at the Baer Theater, a 425-seat venue with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, located at 2153 West 111th Street on the campus of the Morgan Park Academy. For more information about BTG auditions, future or current shows, and subscriptions visit Beverly Theatre Guild.