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THE BETHANY COLLEGE THEATRE - MESSIAH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS PRODUCTION OF THE 2012 REVISED VERSION OF GODSPELL

March 1, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., 02.28.2022 – “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” 

 

Godspell the 1971 off-Broadway musical hit that caused a sensation and went on to become an international hit, is coming to the Burnett Center stage this Palm Sunday weekend to kick off the 2022 Messiah Festival of the Arts. The Bethany College Theatre – Messiah Festival of the Arts production of the 2012 revised version of the musical, goes up Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 10, at 3:00 p.m. in Burnett Center. 

 

Godspell was conceived by John-Michael Tebelak, who based it on the gospels of Luke and Matthew. A group of eleven individuals gather; into their midst comes Jesus, who begins to tell them stories--parables. Before long, the members of the group join in to help Him, using a combination of song, dance, pantomime, vaudeville, and the techniques of story theatre. Slowly, throughout Act One, Jesus is attempting to build a community. 

 

Act Two begins on the same high note of fun and coming together as a community. Things begin to change, however, as the upbeat mood “[dissolves] hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.” Will this newly formed community be able to withstand the loss of its charismatic leader and take His “message of kindness, tolerance, and love” into the wider world? 

 

Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-nominated and Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer/lyricist whose works include Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden, and The Prince of Egypt, made his musical theatre debut with Godspell in 1971. The musical is packed with great songs:  "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man,” and the international hit “Day by Day,” written by Schwartz, and the beautiful “By My Side,” written by Peggy Gordon and Jay Hamburger. 

 

The revised version of Godspell reflects the changes made to the 2012 Broadway revival of the musical. According to Schwartz, the revised edition includes “slight cuts, changes, and structural reorganization.” There are some new orchestrations, and some references have been updated to better reflect “current sensibilities.” Schwartz notes that “the character names of the 2012 version have been changed to those of that Broadway cast, rather than the names of the original cast in the original version,” to help better distinguish them from the characters in the original script. 

 

Prof. Greg LeGault, Associate Professor of Theatre and the production’s director, stated that the selection of Godspell for the 2022 Messiah Festival of the Arts reflects this year’s festival’s theme: servant leadership. “Who better displays the qualities attributed to a servant leader—empathy, honesty, foresight, healing, community building—than Jesus Christ?” LeGault asked. “Godspell seems a perfect fit.” 

 

The Bethany College Theatre production features a cast of thirteen. Caleb Hildebrand (Sapulpa, OK) a History-Political Science and Music Major, is cast as Jesus. Amaya Dungan (Salina, KS) majoring in Vocal Music Performance playing the dual role of John the Baptist and Judas. The eleven disciples-in-training include Maya Herrera (Brighton, CO), Ben Turner (Colorado Springs, CO), Madison Price (Salina, KS), Elyse Boden (Goessel, KS), Tony Robb (Westmorland, KS), Aubrey Larson (Russell, KS), Carla Aguilar (Salina, KS), Christian LaCourt (Wichita, KS), and Addison Haiden, Gracie Gaskill, and Elise Nelson (Lindsborg, KS). 

 

Prof. Leslie Mangrum, Assistant Professor of Music, is the musical director. Others lending their considerable talents to the production include Julie Holk (costumes), Eric and Michele Johnson (lights); Angela and Lauren Dolezal (choreography), John Wood and Indigo Guise (sound), and a group of talented Bethany College students and alums on set construction and painting and props. 

 

“We are also grateful to Broadway RFD, Eric Lundstrom, and Smoky Valley High School Drama Department for their help and generosity with the production,” said LeGault. 

 

The curtain rises on Godspell on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 and Palm Sunday, April 10, at 3:00 in Burnett Center on the Bethany College campus. General admission tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students under 12. Tickets are available at www.messiahfestival.org. Seating is limited so please order them ahead of time. 

 

Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. 

 

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is on the Web at and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state. 

 

Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Former Governor John Carlin Speaks to Bethany Education Students

March 27, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 27, 2025 — Students in Professor James Baker’s Elementary Social Studies Methods class had a unique opportunity to hear from distinguished guest speakers, the Honorable John Carlin and Bethany College alumnus Ryon Carey '95, during a recent session focused on history, government, and education. The event brought together students from both Professor Baker’s course and Dr. Rana Razek’s class for an engaging discussion on the branches of government, the role of the U.S. Department of Education, and the importance of civic understanding in the classroom. Governor Carlin, who also served as the Archivist of the United States following his tenure as Kansas Governor, offered students a personal perspective on his career in public service and shared insights into the responsibilities of preserving key national documents such as the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. His reflections underscored the value of historical records in shaping democracy and educating future generations. Ryon Carey, a 1995 Bethany graduate, also contributed to the discussion, offering his perspective on leadership and public service. “It was a privilege to welcome Governor Carlin and Ryon Carey to speak with our students,” said Professor James Baker. “Opportunities like this deepen our students’ understanding of the material and remind us all of the importance of connecting real-world experience to classroom learning. I’m incredibly grateful to both of our speakers for sharing their time and insights.” You can learn more about our Education Department at bethanylb.edu/education . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany Backers Raises More Than $72,000

March 25, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 25, 2025 — Bethany Backers has achieved its most successful fundraising effort to date, raising more than $72,000—more than double any previous year’s total. Thanks to the generosity of over 200 donors, these funds will directly enhance the student experience at Bethany College. Each year, Bethany Backers selects a project based on student suggestions, with donations traditionally starting at $50. A portion of the funds raised also supports student scholarships. Past projects have included creating a mock courtroom for criminal justice students, adding additional seating in campus greenspaces, and purchasing games for common areas. The first project funded by this record-breaking total will be the purchase of new cardio equipment for the college’s fitness center, providing students with upgraded resources to support their health and wellness. Additionally, because of the unprecedented amount raised, Bethany Backers will be able to complete a second project, which will be determined through a vote among this year’s donors. “On behalf of the Bethany College Alumni Association, I want to extend my enthusiastic gratitude to every Bethany Backer who contributed to the 2025 “Swedes Around The World” campaign,” said Olivia Peterson, President of the Bethany College Alumni Association and a 2013 graduate. “This year marked our most ambitious project yet, and our alumni and friends exceeded our goals! Not only will this effort provide upgraded training tools for our student-athletes but, most importantly, it will encourage and motivate all students to move their bodies!” Peterson continued, “I especially want to thank Kelly and Alan Clayton for the generous $10,000 matching grant opportunity and Angie Gaeddert for her wonderful $25,000 gift in honor of her late husband, Dr. Wade Gaeddert. Their generosity inspired others to give and helped us fund the project in full. I am humbled by the collective spirit and commitment of our community. Bethany has shaped us all—and now, we’re ensuring that future generations of Swedes have access to the same transformative experiences. The future is bright, friends! Tusen täck!” The goal is to have both projects ready to launch when students return to campus this fall. Bethany Backers extends its heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed, making this milestone achievement possible. For more information about Alumni projects and how to get involved, visit bethanylb.edu/alumni Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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