Lowell High School - Lowellian Yearbook (Lowell, IN)

Page 24 text:

“No one can be shy in this show,” com¬ mented Mrs. Ciochina. John the Baptist Judas played by Tom Gunning betrays Jesus, played by George Schmelter. Godspell—“A “A celebration of life” was the comment that Debra Ciochina, Lowell High’s drama director, used to sum up the message of GODSPELL, the winter produc¬ tion. GODSPELL, written by John Mi¬ chael Telebak, is a rock musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthews. The production used many forms of theatrical devices, in¬ cluding pantomime, charades, and dancing. However, one of the most important requirements for this show was energy. As Mrs. Ciochina explained at auditions, I’m looking for 12 peo¬ ple who can constantly give me 110%. With GODSPELL you can’t have a “down” rehearsal.” Although plagued by many problems, such as snow days which caused long double re¬ hearsals, the cast was very dedi¬ cated to the show. The production of GODSPELL was filled with many new ideas and first” attempts. There were many new methods introduced to both the spectators and partici¬ pants of GODSPELL. The winter production was a project undertaken by the Thespi¬ an Troupe. The entire show was put together by Thespians, Mrs. During a touching moment, Diana Jazwinski, one of the disciples, gives a final goodbye to Jesus. 20 Godspell

Page 23 text:

Roy Davis and partner warm up for a long football practice ahead. J InBf ' i Ht y jtsy v a2B 4 1 ' “Practice Makes Perfect” -a? —— r wXIm V ' a lIH “Practice makes perfect.’’ If this statement holds true, then | Lowell High has a multitude of ! “perfect” students. I After school one can always find 1 action in various parts of the school. Whether it be the band in the parking lot, teams in the gym¬ nasium, or actors in the theatre, there is always a “practice’’ 1 somewhere. I Students spend many of their after hours working for their orga¬ nization, or team. Through these hours of practice, discipline and responsibility are learned by the student. They also learn the pro- j cess of setting goals, working to¬ wards those goals, and seeing 1 those goals become a reality. $ HI vp f! ' P 55 1 ®3r p?p Why do students sacrifice many 1 hours of free time for volunteer [ work at practice? “Practice 1 makes perfect!” L v A line-up of LHS Thespians practice a dance for GODSPELL. Practices 19

Page 25 text:

Celebration Of Life” Ciochina, and two musical direc¬ tors, Mary Lou Merkner, and Pa¬ trice Martin. For the audience, the show in¬ troduced a new system of ticket sales. GODSPELL brought re¬ served seating to LHS instead of general admission. The audience also had the choice of attending one of four performances since the show was performed on two separate weekends. For the cast and crews, GOD- SPELL brought many challenges. One of the toughest challenges for the cast was the music. In past musicals, the accompaniment consisted of a piano. GODSPELL, however, utilized a full rock band for musical accompaniment. Finally the cast was tested on the basis of their acting ability. Un¬ like past shows where a role is as¬ signed and the actor plays a differ¬ ent person, GODSPELL gave the cast the chance to “play them¬ selves” as Mrs. Ciochina ex¬ plained. By revealing “themselves” to the audience the cast was able to transfer the message of GOD¬ SPELL—“celebration” to an in¬ volved and receptive audience. The cast joined together in the singing of Jesus Love Me in a scene from GODSPELL. The crucifixation proved to be one of the most emotional parts of GODSPELL. Above, the cast performs a parable from The Finale,” which ranged from a piercing guitar solo to intense pauses of silence, was St. Matthew. one of the hardest scenes to perform. Godspeil 21