How I spent my summer vacation - The Cast of Souza's “Godspell,” in their own words

Highland Mills - It is fitting that the cast of Souza’s production of “Godspell” is composed entirely of young people. In many ways, it is a young people’s show, combining, as it does, the excitement and exuberance of youth and an underlying optimistic message. The show, which began as the masters thesis of John-Michael Tebelak, opened off Broadway in 1971, when Tebelak was only 22 and co-playwright Stephen Schwartz was just 23. Its many revivals throughout this country and indeed around the world feature mostly young performers, whether in high schools, colleges, or community theaters. In this Souza production, the talented young cast assembled by director Maureen Burt ranges in age from 15 to 22. Director Burt, in reference to her young cast, many of whom she’s worked with before, unabashedly states: “I just love them!” As you’ll see from their comments, the feeling is mutual. Sarah Fields (actor, vocalist) — This is my first show in a year - I took a year off to work in the tech area. I’ve discussed “Godspell” with a friend of mine, a man who is the leader of his Christian Praise band. I told him one night to always take the chance to be a part of the show. I said, “It completely re-affirmed what I believe in,” and I feel that’s true of anyone, regardless of what they hold faith in. It’s been great working with Maureen again. The last time I was in one of her shows, it was six years and twenty pounds ago. Did I mention that one of the reasons I was cast was for my sense of humor? Total love for “Godspell!” Sara Johnson (actor, vocalist) — I am currently a double bass major at Ithaca College. This is my first Souza show and my first show in two years. It is so wonderful to work with such a diverse and talented cast. We all connect and get along so well. And the vineyard is a perfect location for the production. Being outdoors in the vineyard is freeing and adds to the earthy feeling of the show. Chris Jones (actor, vocalist) — I am so blessed to be a part of “Godspell.” The talent of this cast is beyond amazing and is bound to bring some joy and some tears to its viewers. This is an experience no one no one should miss. Through the direction and determination of Maureen Burt, Steven Wing, Lenny Klopchin, and countless others, “Godspell” is destined to be great. The winery is such a great place to put on this show because of its earthy feel and beautiful scenery of vineyards, trees and mountains. “Godspell” should always be performed outside. Lissette Kortright (actor, vocalist) — Being in the cast of “Godspell” is an honor. The people putting on this production are absolutely amazing. I have learned an immense amount of things that will not only better me as an actor or singer, but also as a person. The members of the cast have become so close and I wouldn’t want to work with anyone else. Maureen Burt is so inspirational, and I love her to death. Adam LaSalle (actor, vocalist) - Adam was unavailable for comment, as he was attending his college orientation. We will eventually catch up with him. Olivia Melendez (actor, vocalist) — I was truly excited when I found out that I was in this production of “Godspell.” I have learned so much throughout the process and I absolutely love everyone that I have had the opportunity to work with. Maureen Burt has been such an amazing director, and I always love being involved in her productions. Angela Palaggi (actor, vocalist) — I first thought being in this show might be awkward being that my family owns the vineyard and that I wasn’t part of the same Monroe Woodbury crew, since I went to Cornwall. But Maureen Burt was so supportive, and we hit it off right away. I am even doing costumes for the show, which is great for me because in addition to majoring in Art History at Muhlenberg College, I am majoring in theater with a double concentration in performance studies and costume design. I’ve seen other Souza productions as well as M-W High School productions and am very excited and grateful to be working with such talented people. Plus having it put on at somewhere so familiar to me has been great. I get to share this amazing piece of my life not only with the cast and crew but with all the people who will come to see the show. Dominick Pascullo III (actor, vocalist) — I am privileged to be in this divine show. The cast is amazing, and I am honored to work with them. The directors are splendid - Stephen Wing has raised us to new heights vocally and Maureen Burt is nothing short of spectacular. In the future, I hope to continue theater in my future at college. One day, I hope to study to be a high school History teacher with a minor in Theater, so I can direct the shows. Theater has been such a major part of my life, I don’t know where I’d be without it. Daniel John Purcell (actor, vocalist) — I’ve just moved back to Warwick from New York where I graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. I’ve done theater professionally, and I am thrilled that there are performance opportunities for me right here in the Hudson Valley. I am very happy to know that there are people here, such as Maureen Burt and the Souza Scholarship, who have the tenacity to put on a production such as this. The production staff has been astounding in their attention to detail. Tim Purcell (actor, vocalist) — This show provides a great chance to come back and work with Maureen. She is wonderful, and the production staff is fantastic. I love the fact that Mo cast me to sing the song “We Beseech Thee.” She knows me so well and she is a perfect fit to direct this show. The cast itself has meshed together amazingly well, and I am honored to be involved with “Godspell.” I have done a lot of shows, but I’ve had the most fun with this cast. Brian Pei (guitarist, vocalist) — My experience with the “Godspell” pit has been different than my other pit orchestra experiences. I have rehearsed with the fantastic cast since the second week and will rehearse with them until the last show, as opposed to other shows where the pit practices separately from the cast until the last week. I’ve met new people in the cast and can now call them my friends, something others shows have not given me. I also have the opportunity to sing a song in the show. All in all, “Godspell” has been and will be an incredible experience. Ryan Ross (percussion, vocalist) — This show is unique in a very extraordinary way. As opposed to playing in the pit under the stage, the pit for this show has now been thrown into the mix and now is a part of the show. It is an awesome experience to not only play in the pit, but also sing in the same show. I am honored to take this role. If you go The Souza Scholarship Foundation’s production of “Godspell” is scheduled for four performances: • Thursday, July 31, Friday, Aug. 1; Saturday, Aug. 2; and Sunday, Aug. 3. • All shows begin at 7 p.m. • Rain dates may be scheduled if needed. • Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and seniors. • For tickets, call 845-928-2613 or 845-783- 8772.