By Andrew Gans
30 Jun 2009

Eric Kunze

Casting is now complete for the upcoming production of the Stephen Schwartz musical Godspell, which begins performances July 13 at the St. Louis Muny, the nation's oldest and largest outdoor theatre.

Directed by Jen Bender and choreographed by Darren Lee, the cast will be headed by Eric Kunze as Jesus and Demond Green as Judas/John the Baptist. The company will also feature Uzo Aduba, Adam Kantor, Chelsea Krombach, Tracy McDowell, Orville Mendoza, Ruth Pferdihirt, Rashida Scott and Chris Spaulding.

Performances continue through July 19.

The creative team also includes musical director Michael Horsley, set designer Stefanie Hansen, lighting designer F. Mitchell Dana, sound designer Jason Krueger, production stage manager Gary Mickelson, assistant stage manager Zoe Chapin and associate producer Mike Bosner. Paul Blake produces for The Muny.

Godspell features a score by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak. Based on "The Gospel According to St. Matthew," the musical features such songs as "Day By Day," "Save The People," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man" and "By My Side."

After a five-year run Off-Broadway (the musical opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre May 13, 1971, and transferred to the Promenade in August of that year), Godspell opened at Broadway's Broadhurst Theatre in June 1976. It eventually played both the Plymouth and Ambassador theatres before closing Sept. 4, 1977, after 527 regular performances. Godspell was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak.

The Muny season also includes Meet Me in St. Louis (July 6-12), The Music Man (July 20-26), Camelot (July 27-Aug. 2) and Hairspray (Aug. 3-9).

For more information call (314) 361-1900, ext. 550 or visit www.muny.org.