George C Marshall High School - Columbian Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

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Performers leap on stage, dressed in colorful clown costumes. They dance to blaring rock music under psychedelic lights. It must be a wild, futuristic play, right? Wrong. It's Godspell, the popular music based on events that occurred almost 2000 years ago, as related in the Gospel according to Matthew. Unlike the typical stereotyped classic school musicals, Godspell proved to be something different. Stylized makeup was applied during the performance rather than before. There were no elaborate props to aid performers. The energetic and enthusiastic script and musical score attracted large audiences. Stage construction was relatively easy with the exception of the three main platforms projecting into the audience. Designing and building were already under way before school began. Tryouts were held two weeks into the school year, with ten-hours-per-week rehearsals following. As time ran out, the cast and crew found themselves staying after school and practicing later and later. What mostly determined the show's success was the performers' abilities to act and sing well. Emphasis was also placed on pantomiming and dancing to a new stereo sound system. Extensive publicity elicited a good response. Bulletin boards were decorated, and lighted Godspell signs adorned the halls and cafeteria. The climax for the musical's promotion was a dress-up day for the entire cast and crew, who paraded around the halls before class. For the first time, five performances were scheduled, with the supplement of a sixth condensed edition presented the following week for visiting school evaluators. Unable to understand why people can't love thy neighbor as thyself, Jesus (Scott Pierce) appeals to the audience. In queued formation, Mary Bellor, Gene Schrecengost, Brian Moravitz, and Matt Rau prepare for their skit while scripture is read. 24 Godspell

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Impressed by a creation of the bricklaying A critique of Marshall is serious business, but class, Ms. Mary Jo Martin tours the trowel Mr. Caroll Alexander enjoys a conversation trades room. with Principal John T. Broaddus. Evaluation 23

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An exuberant finale for the song It's All for the Best brings most of the cast to its knees. A wild variety of costumes adorn hypocrites Emotionally involved with the lyrics of the Kevin O'Brian, Erik Zenone, and Jane Gil- song, Jeoffrey (Erik Zcnone) sings his solo, more, who placed their burdens on David AH Good Gifts. Platforms extending into the (Scan Ford). Various skits were performed auditorium enabled the cast to be closer to the throughout the musical. audience. In a final goodbye before his crucifixion, Jesus (Scott Pierce) embraces Judas (Sean Ford). GodspeU 25