Presents
GODSPELL
January 12 – 22

The young performers in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ upcoming production of  Godspell are hard at work preparing for their January 12^th opening night at the Borland Center, but no one is complaining!  In fact, the actors and the production crew are all having a blast. “This show has made me remember how important it is to have fun not just in work, but in life,” enthuses Juan Gonzalez Machain, who plays Jesus in the show.

Director Gayle Coursol was attracted to the production for many reasons, but particularly because of Entr’Acte Theatrix’ mission to offer emerging talent a professional theatre experience:  “I was excited about working with Vicki Halmos, for everything I have seen her produce has been absolutely fantastic,” says Coursol. “Not only does she put on quality shows, but I really like the fact that she gives aspiring actors a place to learn all the many things that must be learned in this business. And regardless of whether an actor aspires to something greater or not, this company gives young people an opportunity to meet other young people coming from all walks of life; to have experiences which will strengthen communication and focusing skills; learn values necessary to form a strong community; and become productive partners of our society.”

The rest of the creative team is equally enthusiastic:

“It’s a joy to work with this young and talented cast,” says Roger Bankenship, Godspell’s musical director.  “They take direction with ease and the return is even greater than asked.” And Jeanne McKinnon, the show’s choreographer, agrees: “The cast of Godspell brings so much talent to the table that choreographing the show was more fun than work!”

One of the most successful Off-Broadway and Broadway musicals of all time (a current revival is playing to packed houses on Broadway), Godspell has been embraced by audiences everywhere since its 1970 debut. The story is based on the Gospel of Matthew, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (of Wicked and Pippin fame).

Godspell’s talented cast and creative team also includes Andy Christler as Judas, dance captain Lissen Ellington, Catie Bonk, Adele Zin, Jessica Kris, Samantha Etienne, Aumalia Otto, and Domenic Servidio.

The cast’s enthusiasm for Godspell is evident during rehearsals, and will no doubt be transmitted to the show’s audiences. As Juan Gonzalez Machain so rightly says:  “Godspell has reminded me that a good story can be told while having a CRAZY TIME!”

Godspell will run from January 12 through January 15 at the Borland Center, and January 19– 22 at in the former Unity Church on the Flagler Campus of the Palm Beach Day Academy.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 800-965-9324.  For Group Sales and Information call:  561-366-9033.

Tickets are $20 each/$15 for students and children.

Godspell  Performance Schedule:

At the Borland Center for the Performing Arts
4901 PGA Boulevard,
Palm Beach Gardens 33418

Thursday, January 12 – 8 p.m.
Friday, January 13 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 14 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 15 – 3 p.m.

At the Flagler Campus of the Palm Beach Day Academy
1957 South Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Thursday, January 19 – 8 p.m.
Friday, January 20 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 21 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 22 – 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Entr’Acte Theatrix has chosen Godspell as its next production. One of the most successful Off-Broadway and Broadway musicals of all time (a current revival is playing to packed houses on Broadway), Godspell is the perfect vehicle to highlight the talents of the company’s young performers.

“The goal of Entr’Acte Theatrix is to give emerging talents from South Florida the opportunity to get critical professional theater credits as they transition into the world of professional theater,” explains Vicki Halmos, Entr’Acte Theatrix’ Executive Producer. “And Godspell offers all our cast members the chance to use many aspects of their training, learn what it’s like to work in a true ensemble situation, and know what’s involved in participating in, and even producing a professional production.”

The joyful musical features a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin), and contains songs that have become an integral part of the American Broadway Songbook including “Day by Day”, “Learn Your Lessons Well”, and “By My Side”. The play draws on various theatrical disciplines such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics, and vaudeville.

Originally conceived by John-Michael Tebelak as his masters thesis, and performed by students at Carnegie Mellon University, Godspell’s playful enactment of parables as told in Matthew and other books of the New Testament has engaged audiences since its debut in 1971. The project was brought to the attention of Broadway producers Edgar Lansbury (brother of Angela!) and Joseph Beruh by Carnegie alumnus Charles Haid (associate producer), who wanted to open it Off-Broadway. They hired Stephen Schwartz, another alumnus of Carnegie Mellon’s theater department, to write score. Schwartz’s songs incorporate a variety of musical styles, from pop to folk rock, and gospel.

Godspell’s talented cast and creative team includes:
Juan Gonzalez Machain, (Jesus), was born in Mexico City, Mexico and entered the University of Miami as a Vocal Performance major. He was first seen as Betto in Gianni Schicchi. Since then, Juan has performed in The Music Man, The Winter’s Tale, Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, The Young Einstein, Jekyll & Hyde, The Fantasticks, columbinus, and the rolling world premier of Edith Can Shoot Things and Hit Them.

Andy Christler (Judas) has appeared in Palm Beach County productions of Rent, Oklahoma, and Big River. In Detroit, MI he played Seymour Krelbourn in Little Shop of Horrors, Prince Dauntless in Once Upon a Mattress, and Harry in Brigadoon. He won best supporting actor from the Detroit Area Theater Association for his role as Bud Frump in How to succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Andy is a speech-language pathologist with MedSpeech Inc, specializing in voice, airway and swallowing disorders.

Dance Captain Lissen Ellington is no stranger to the South Florida theatre scene – she has performed in productions at Actors’ Playhouse, Broward Stage Door, New Vista Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Rising Action Theatre, Slow Burn Theatre, Duncan Theatre, and in Entr’Acte Theatrix’ recent production of Cabaret. She is also a featured performer with Divas in Art at Delray’s Arts Garage.

Godspell’s multi-talented Director Gayle Coursol is a playwright, director, musical director, and stage manager. Her projects over the years have included co-writing and directing The Silk Road for the Norton Museum; vocal coach for The Magic Continues with Ben Vereen; musical director of A Night of Auction with Jay Leno; and Moroccan Nights with Goldie Hawn. Her playwrighting credits include A Night of Memories at the Lyric, and 2013’s From God to Gershwin. Her recent projects include stage-managing for The Palm Beach Centennial Follies, and founding and directing The Island Players of Palm Beach.

Musical Director Roger Blankenship teaches private piano, theory, and vocal coaching, and serves as Organist and Choir Master at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Delray Beach. He has been involved in the FAU music and theatre departments where he has assisted in numerous shows, Summer Rep, and has created, directed and played two musical revues.

Choreographer Jeanne McKinnon has an extensive theatrical background both on stage and behind the scenes. Her choreography credits included Bye Bye Birdie, Meet Me in St. Louis, and Big River at the Lake Worth Playhouse. Recent on stage roles include Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, and Miss Jones in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She has worked with many children’s theatre programs throughout Palm Beach County.

Godspell will run from January 12 through January 15 at the Borland Center, and January 18 – 22 at in the former Unity Church on the Flagler Campus of the Palm Beach Day Academy.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 800-965-9324. For Group Sales and Information call: 561-366-9033.
Tickets are $20 each/$15 for students and children.

For more information about Entr’Acte Theatrix visit:  www.entractetheatrix.org

Godspell Performance Schedule:

At the Borland Center for the Performing Arts
4901 PGA Boulevard,
Palm Beach Gardens 33418
Thursday, January 12 – 8 p.m.
Friday, January 13 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 14 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 15 – 3 p.m.

At the Flagler Campus of the Palm Beach Day Academy
1957 South Flagler Drive
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Thursday, January 19 – 8 p.m.
Friday, January 20 – 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 21 – 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday, January 22 – 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.