'Godspell' Butler High School's Spring Musical Production

Butler High School students will perform "Godspell" as their spring musical on March 22, 23 and 24.

The show's story is based on the New Testament of the Bible, with apostles portrayed as hippies singing popular music songs. Butler has even created a special Biblical lobby display for performance attendees to see under the direction of Rebecca Dalloway. A pre-show slide show from the Abdelsalams' 2012 Middle East vacation entitled "From Jerusalem to Bethlehem" will be presented prior to each show performance.

Performing in the Butler show are 25 cast members, in addition to an orchestra, crew and production staff totaling more than 100 students. Rich Lovallo will return as vocal/orchestra director and Terese Opiela is choreographing the performances. Shawn Bennett is the show's technical director and Stephanie DeSensi, a former BHS graduate, is the assistant director and Emma Gilardi is assistant choreographer.

The cast includes: Jesus-Brandon Bennett

John the Baptist/Judas-Russell L. Tovig, Jr.

Robin-Kaitlyn Allison

Gilmer-Kaila Vickers

Joanne-Alyssa Podolec

Lamar-Sam Sanchez

Herb-Cody Fischer

Sonia-Emma Gilardi

Peggy-Chloe Bogert

Jeffery-Matthew Heese

“Light of the World” Soloists-Jenny Bogert, Chris Leet, Sarah Endres

“By My Side” Soloist-Jenny Bogert                 

Ensemble-Samantha Allison, Lauren Bisanti, Jenny Bogert, Robert “Bert” Kevin Dollaway, Sarah Endres, Emma Nafz, Chris Leet, Alex Leet, Miranda Podolec, Jess Reul, Brielle Rozmus, Nadia Tadros, Ashley Victor, Carlee Zita

"In addition, the show's Performing Arts Parents are providing excellent support this year," Sylvia Abdelsalam said.

Many parents helped put the production together, including Alison Allison (parent co-coordinator, t-shirt/sweatshirt chair, headshot chair), Karen Bogert (parent secretary, ticket chair), Chris Podolec (refreshment/concession chair), Rebecca Dollaway (lobby, publicity chair), Sue Bennett (program chair, advertising), Lynda Vickers  (cast party chair), Tere Leet (banner chair), Kathy Ruel  (usher chair), Chris Gilardi, Barbara Victor, Debbis Zita, Lynn Rozmus and Joe Endres.

In addition to the performances, cast members will be touring local nursing homes

Showtimes will be at 7 p.m. on March 22 and March 23 and 2 p.m. on March 24. A free performance for senior citizens wil be held Thursday. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. For tickets call 973-492-2000 ext. 200.