Youth cast to present 'Godspell '

Patrick Reagan and Pen Chance draw on their real-life experiences to play the central characters in the Augusta Players Youth Theater production of Godspell.

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"I've known Patrick my entire life of theater, about 10 years," said Chance, a Richmond County home-schooled rising senior. "We are able to get more in touch with the characters."

Reagan, a rising senior at Greenbrier High School, plays the part of Jesus, and Chance plays the part of Judas Iscariot in the 1970s musical retelling of the biblical book of Matthew.

Reagan calls the show an "experience" rather than simply a performance.

"It's fast-paced, fun, upbeat and emotional," he said.

The cast of 10 teens ages 14 to 19 have been rehearsing the show since early May. All of the cast, except for Jesus and Judas Iscariot, use their own names during the show, but they take on many characters.

"I like the stories of Jesus coming to life. It's colorful, fun and crazy," said Grace Bellmer, a rising senior at Lakeside High School. "You have to change, and you have to be a different person, using different voices and different facial expressions."

Composed by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the musical Wicked , Godspell has a timeless score, according to the cast.

"It has great music," Chance said. "Music of today has not evolved that much. I think people will be able to relate."

"Retro is definitely it," Reagan said.

Godspell will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 3 p.m. Saturday at Augusta Preparatory Day School's Hull Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

For information, call (706) 826-4707 or visit www.augustaplayers.org.