8/14/03
Broadway-style entertainment and a delicious homecooked meal will be served up when Camp Washington-Carver’s Family Homestyle Dinner Theater Series presents its last show of the 2003 season on Saturday, Aug. 23, with the Everyman Players’ production of “Godspell.” The dinner buffet begins at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m.
Based on the Gospel according to Matthew, “Godspell” tells the story of the last seven days of Christ’s life. This contemporary retelling of the story is a joyous celebration of music, mime, comedy and slapstick. Christ’s followers are flower children who sing the likes of “Day By Day.” This score for this musical ranges from rock and gospel to ragtime.
“Godspell” relates the story of the formation of a community led by Jesus and assisted by John the Baptist. Lessons and parables are enacted by the ensemble as individually they grow committed to Jesus and the community. The show is appealing to all age groups through the use of sophisticated verbal humor and broad physical comedy.
Stephen Schwartz wrote the music and lyrics for “Godspell,” and the book was written by John-Michael Tebelak. The play originally opened off-Broadway at the Cherry Lane Theatre on May 17, 1971. The show’s official Broadway opening took place at the Broadhurst Theatre on June 22, 1976. “Godspell” also was produced as a film in 1973.
The Everyman Players, Inc., is a relatively new Charleston-based theater group founded by the husband and wife team of Kevin Pauley and Tara Phares-Pauley. Jeff Haught, also of Charleston, serves as musical director of “Godspell,” while Phares-Pauley is directing the show.
The dinner theater buffet will include a selection of entrees, vegetables and bread. Iced tea, soda and coffee also will be served. At intermission, playgoers will be treated to homemade cobblers and ice cream.
Seating is limited. Reservations are required. Tickets are $20 per person for dinner and the performance; tickets for senior citizens are $17. Children five and under are admitted free. Camping is available at the additional rate of $15 per site with electric and $10 per site without electric.
For more information about the dinner theater series, to make reservations for the show or for camping information, call (304) 438-3005 or e-mail terry.hackney@wvculture.org.
A beautiful retreat listed in the National Register of Historic Places and operated by the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, Camp Washington-Carver serves as the state’s mountain cultural arts center and nurtures the cultural heritage embodied in the site since its dedication in 1942 as a 4-H and agricultural extension camp for West Virginia’s African Americans. The camp is located adjacent to Babcock State Park just off Route 60 (Midland Trail) on Route 41 in Clifftop, Fayette County.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, an agency of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, brings together the state’s past, present and future through programs and services in the areas of archives and history, the arts, historic preservation and museums. Visit the Division’s website at www.wvculture.org for more information about programs of the Division. The Department of Arts, Culture and History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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Ginny Painter
Director of Public Information
West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History
The Cultural Center
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, WV 25305-0300
Phone (304) 558-0220
Fax (304) 558-2779
ginny.painter@wvculture.org