Florida Players rehearsing day by day for ‘Godspell’

March 27, 2007

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Players, the University of Florida’s student-run theater company, is excited to present “Godspell,” the first of two musicals in its spring 2007 season. The production will be staged in the Nadine McGuire Black Box Theatre March 29 through April 1. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. March 29, 30 and 31, and 1:30 p.m. March 31 and April 1.

All performances are free and open to the public. A special “preview performance” also will be available to the public on at 7:30 p.m. March 28. To reserve tickets, send an e-mail to tickets@floridaplayers.org.

Based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew, “Godspell” is a musical that explores the book’s parables in a modern setting. Director Alisha Giampola, a senior theater major, wanted to avoid presenting “Godspell” in an overdone manner. Originally, “Godspell” was done with a cast of “clowns.” Wanting to shy away from that approach, Giampola has kept her production simple. The actors on stage will play themselves. The set will not be extravagant or over the top. The focus will be on the words and music that writer John-Michael Tebelak and composer Stephen Schwartz created over thirty years ago.

Florida Players is a student-run theater company funded by UF Student Government that provides opportunities for students of all majors to explore the world of theater and showcase their talents in doing so. The organization offers various opportunities to its members through all aspects of theater, including direction, design, performance, playwriting and administrative positions.

For more information on Florida Players, visit their Web site at www.floridaplayers.org.