'Godspell': Performed up close and personal at CRT

The Palm Coast City Repertory Theatre prepares for the first show of the season, 'Godspell.'

By Anastasia Pagello
| 8:19 p.m. August 20, 2015

The actors expertly play out one of many parables. Photography by Anastasia Pagello

Andre' Maybin Jr. playing Jesus with one of his disciples Jamie Irvine.

Andre' Maybin Jr. stands atop the altar to sing God Save the People.

Disciple Carrie Thornton is given a blessing by Jesus, acted by Andre' Maybin Jr.

Actor Frank Anello practices singing his lines.

All the actors sing together Love Thy Brother.

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Sounds of laughter and high emotions drift from the second story of City Marketplace at the City Repertory Theatre. "Godspell," which is scheduled to be performed from Sept. 18 to Oct. 11, marks the start for the new season.

The musical is based off the Gospel of Matthew, and was originally written in the early 1970s by playwright and director John-Michael Tebelak, with the rock musical base by theater lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz. Thirty different parables are acted out throughout "Godspell" in an entertaining and sometimes controversial manner.

“If you walk out of our theater and we haven’t ticked you off, made you think or inspired you, then we haven’t done our job,” said CRT Artistic Director John Sbordone.

The City Repertory Theatre has been at the City Marketplace for five years and has successfully preformed 33 plays. As a 501c3 nonprofit facility, funds come from community support, FlaglerLive, the city of Palm Coast and Dolphin Printing & Design. Over the course of a year, the theater sees on average 150 passionate volunteers on stage and behind the scenes.

The nine-person cast for "Godspell" rehearses four days a week, for six weeks, prior to the actual show. Each day, the dedicated crew rehearses a minimum of three hours. "Godspell" will be performed in a peculiar manner with the actors drifting all around the room. Poles are set up along the walls to allow the actors to elevate themselves behind and in-between members of the audience. The City Repertory Theatre always strives to provide a unique and exceptional experience. To purchase tickets visit crtpalmcoast.com.