Robinson, who also toured as Collins in the 2007 NETworks non-equity tour of Rent, will play Jesus in the Stephen Schwartz musical that will run Nov. 25-Dec. 28 under the direction of Syracuse Stage associate artistic director Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj. "I am thrilled to be directing this exciting, new production of Godspell. The cast, led by Anwar Robinson, represents the very best of the next generation of American musical theater artists," said Maharaj in a statement. "The infusion of culture and world issues makes this classic American musical even more relevant today as we look at the world around us. I'm proud to be part of the Syracuse theatrical community, and I am doubly proud that this will be my directorial debut at Syracuse Stage with this extremely talented, gifted and dynamic cast."

Joining Robinson onstage will be Brandi Chavonne Massey (Actors' Fund Hair) in the role of Sonia, Timothy Ware (Goodman Theatre's Purlie) as Judas and Jasmin Walker (Zanna, Don't!) as Joanne.

Godspell's cast will be completed by theatre students from Syracuse University, including Michael Howell as Lamar/Davinci, Nadine Malouf as Robin/Buckminster, Lauren Nolan as Gilmer/Gibbon, Frank Paparone as Jeffrey/Thomas Aquinas, Brendon Stimson as Herb/Nietzsche and Tinuke Oyefule as Peggy/Jean Paul.

Complete creative duties will be announced shortly.

Tickets, priced $24-$48, are available by phoning (315) 443-3275, or by visiting SyracuseStage.org.