Female Jesus for Manly Godspell.

Manly Musical Society (NSW) presents Godspell at the Manly Black Box Theatre @ Manly Selective from November 16 to 24 2012.

Director Ella Arundel has been involved in every Manly Musical Society production since the company’s inception in 2008, across a range of activities including performing in a number of shows, Make-up design, costuming, sound tech and assisting the director. Now she is directing the company's production of Godspell.

Ella told Stage Whispers she fell in love with Godspell a few years ago when she found the soundtrack on her ipod by accident.

“When I acquired the 1970 film with most of the original cast and found it more universal than I expected. It was about a week after that point when I decided I had to make it happen.”

What unique or personal spin has Ella put on the MMS production of Godspell?

“This particular show is about your own individuality and finding a personal connection and invigorating the show with your own flavour. We have been blessed with an amazing cast filled with personality and differences and they have been so inclusive and accepting that bringing them into the spotlight has been really rewarding. Also, we are doing a little something I like to call Guest Choreographers. We are working with two other choreographers in different numbers throughout the show and letting their individuality shine as well has been good fun.”

A woman is playing the role of Jesus in the MMS production. Ella said of this casting:

“We made a pretty radical decision in casting Lucy as Jesus, but I would make it again and again. Lucy may be young but she has a beautiful tranquillity and peace about her that caught us even at auditions. She is very kind and loving, but she is also a leader and someone you can draw strength from. She has been a joy to work with and I can’t wait to see her grow and mature with the company.”

How would Ella describe the mood of the production?

“Godspell is definitely a comedy. Obviously, it does look at some heavy subject matter, betrayal, death, the meaning of life, but it always comes back with a smile and song. The show wants you to go away feeling good, but it’s gonna make you cry before it lets you go.”

What has been the most rewarding moment working on Godspell? 

“Every moment in Godspell is a blessing. I’m directing a show I love, working with people I love and producing a show I’m proud of. I love the moments of improvisation and the little twists our performer put in new spots. They are constantly finding ways to surprise me with their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Lucy Allen, aged 17, plays the role of Jesus in the Manly production. She told Stage Whispers:

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe I would be cast as Jesus. I had previously never heard about Godspell until the audition call. I didn’t even realise Jesus was a character when I got a phone call telling me I’d got the part. I had no idea what I would have to do to play the role of Jesus and trust me, it’s been a challenge. I’ve never played a role like this and discovering who ‘my jesus’ was was definitly the most challenging part of this role by far. Traditionally, Jesus is played by a male but why not shake it up? I hope that by being a girl and playing Jesus I can convey a new side to Jesus that has not been seen so commonly in the performances of Godspell. I’ve enjoyed discovering this role so much and it evolves each time we perform and rehearse.”

Lucy has been performing since the age of 5 when she joined the Australian Girls Choir:

“Being in the AGC meant that at the age of five I sang a solo for hundreds of people at the Sydney Opera House, cementing that performing is what I love most in life. This year is my twelfth year in the choir and I have performed for people such as President Obama, the Queen, Oprah, Hugh Jackman and Julia Gillard. Each time I get given these opportunities my love for performing grows more and more. My love for performing has grown and grown since I have been involved in musicals. My first musical was with my school where I was in the chorus of The Wiz. I then performed in Knox Grammar’s Curtains where I had a supporting role. By far this year has been my biggest year of musicals with Little Shop of Horrors, where I played Crystal in the Shore musical, my own school then put on Little Shop of Horrors, where I landed the role of Audrey. After that I coulnd’t stand not being in the performance process constantly so I signed up for my next musical, Godspell and here I am!”

Godspell

By Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak.

Manly Musical Society

November 16 – 24.

Manly Black Box Theatre @ Manly Selective

138 Abbot Rd, North Curl Curl.

Production Team

Director: Ella Arundel

Assistant Director: Ryan Fogwell

Producer: Ben Mills

MD: Alex Wheeler

www.manlymusicalsociety.com