by Nancy Baron
7/6/2014

            Brian Hickey, director of Holliston High School theatre program, is happily excited as he describes the inauguration of Theatre 370 Summer Stock.  “I’ve wanted to start a summer theatre program for a number of years,” he says.  “And this year felt like the right time.  Holliston has shown such great support for our theatre program over the years that we wanted to ‘give back’ to the community by presenting a fun and memorable summer production.  I chose Godspell  because it’s a fun, free-wheeling show that lends itself to a lot of creative improvisation—both for the performers and in its overall look and approach.”

Originally a 1971 Broadway hit, the show is presented as a series of parables, mostly based on the Gospel of Matthew, interspersed with musical numbers by composer Stephen Schwartz (Pippin, The Magic Show, Wicked).  Many of the numbers from its tuneful score will be familiar to audiences, such as: “Day by Day”, “All for the Best”, and “Turn Back, O Man”.

Just two weeks after being cast, the actors are already deep into rehearsals.  The ten dedicated performers represent some of Holliston’s best young talent—selected not only for their skill on stage but for their ability to put together a top-notch show in only a month.   Leading the ensemble are junior Jake Barber and 2014 graduate Nick Lynch, who were most recently seen as Nicely-Nicely Johnson and Sky Masterson in last fall’s production of Guys and Dolls. 

“This is a fantastic opportunity to bring together a strong group of dedicated individuals who are interested in doing theatre for the sake of doing theatre,” explains Hickey.  “We’re fortunate, for example, to have Maddy Murphy, who’s one of our new grads.  Maddy’s done shows with us since her freshman year but has never done a musical before because she played field hockey each fall.  Godspell will give audiences the chance to enjoy her beautiful voice as well as her strong acting abilities.  We’re also thrilled to welcome Amanda Willis and Jeff Meyers, who played Golde and Tevye in the Adams’ School production of Fiddler on the Roof this spring.”

Rounding out the skilled ensemble are senior Ben Rutberg (Rusty Charlie in Guys and Dolls and Le Fou in Beauty and the Beast);  juniors Lanie Meyers (Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls), Nolan Murphy (Mr. Salt in Museum)  and Anya Ostapovicz (Peter Ziff and Billy Plaid in Museum),  and sophomore Emma Milligan (Big Jule in Guys and Dolls).

                        “In addition to our cast, we’re also welcoming back some of our talented alums,” says Hickey.  “Shortly after announcing Godspell, I heard from Ariel Holman, who graduated in 2012 and is studying directing at Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania.  Ariel is on board as assistant director and is doing a great job working with our cast.  Her classmate, Andrew Mades will be playing bass for us.  Our stage manager is Diana Waterman, a 2013 grad.  Another 2013 grad, James LeFavre will play guitar and drums will be played by new grad, Bobby Martin.

            “I should also single out Meg Dooley, another 2014 grad, who is our music director.  She’s taken on a very demanding role and is handling it like a pro,” adds Hickey.  “I can’t emphasize enough how challenging and intense our rehearsal period is for everyone.  We work three evenings a week, only 9 hours most weeks, and from our first read-through to final dress are only 16 rehearsals.  But everyone involved is intensely focused and I’m confident Godspell will be a terrific show!”

                 Godspell promises to be a not-to-be-missed summer treat.  Two performances only: Thursday July 31 and Friday August 1, at 7:30pm in the Holliston High School auditorium.  Ticket prices are $15 for adults, students and seniors.   Tickets go on sale July 14.  Watch Holliston Reporter for more information.  Come join us and be a part of summer theatre in Holliston!

(front) Emma Milligan; (second row) Lanie Meyers, Jake Barber, Maddy Murphy; (third row) Nolan Murphy, Anya Ostapovicz. Amanda Willis, Jeff Meyers; (back) Nick Lynch, Ben Rutberg