Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- The biblical musical "Godspell Jr." was performed on July 24 and 25 at the Center for Arts on the University of Wisconsin-Platteville campus. The performance is part of the Heartland Festival, which is in its ninth year of bringing theatrical productions to summertime Platteville. A cast of middle and high school-aged actors sprinkled the teachings of Jesus with singing, choreography and humor to provide a charming and entertaining version of the Gospel according to Matthew.

"Godspell Jr." featured retellings of familiar parables followed by musical numbers. The tale of the Prodigal Son, the Sermon on the Mount and the Last Supper were among the biblical scenes recreated in the production. During many scenes, cast members often found themselves at odds with each other. The character of Jesus quelled the discord. Cast members also occasionally took turns retelling Jesus' lessons and quieting the arguing cast members. The musical numbers that followed each parable scene drew from a wide variety of influences; hints of rock and roll, blues and show tunes could be heard throughout the performances. The play concluded with a depiction of Jesus' crucifixion, before cast members joined for a final song.

During the play's final song, a second performance of "Day by Day," the audience was clapping and singing with the cast. Julie Schoonover, of Platteville, came to opening night to watch her son's performance as Jesus. "The whole ensemble did a great job, and everyone worked really well together." said Schoonover. "I think that's very important in a show that involved a bunch of kids."

Peter Melby of Montfort also had kind words for the performance and the Heartland Festival in general. "We come every year, and we've seen every show this year except 'And The Killer Is.' I thought this was an excellent play, especially considering the age of the actors. The singing and choreography were phenomenal." said Melby.

The Heartland Festival is running through the first week of August. Visit www.uwplatt.edu/arts/heartland for more information. Tickets are available through the University Box Office at (608) 342-1298 or www.uwplatt.edu/arts/cfa/information/office.html.

Contact: John Hassig, director of UWP Performing and Visual Arts, Programs and Facilities, (608) 342-1267, hassigj@uwplatt.edu Written by: Ryan Broege, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, broeger@uwplatt.edu