Musical 'Godspell' to run 3 weekends at ECC

"Godspell," a groundbreaking 1970s musical based on the gospel according to St. Matthew, begins its three-weekend run at Elgin Community College today.

Performed by ECC Musical Theatre, "Godspell" will be held at the intimate SecondSpace Theatre located in the ECC Visual and Performing Arts Center, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

ECC Musical Theatre has updated "Godspell" to fit today's times, said Konnie Kay, the musical's director and choreographer. While past productions featured a park setting, the ECC production is set in an attic. A cast ranging in age from 16 to 50 also helps the musical become more relatable to today's audiences, Kay said.

What will remain consistent about "Godspell" is its messages of kindness, tolerance and love. Memorable songs composed by Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked") such as "Day by Day," "All Good Gifts" and "Turn Back, O Man" are intertwined with scenes depicting parables told by Jesus, his passion and resurrection. ECC professor John G. Slawson is the artistic and musical director.

Cast will feature: Steven Lugowsky of Lake Barrington as Jesus and Vince Cortese of Elgin as Judas/John, as well as Milo Ellis of Geneva, David Lai of Streamwood, Charlie Rucker of South Elgin, Lola Badmus of Algonquin, Pamela Gianakakos of Lake in the Hills, Pamela Decker-Nelson of Geneva, Kaitlin Armstrong of Addison and Blythe Gillio of Batavia.

The musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24; Saturday, July 25; Monday, Aug. 3; Friday, Aug. 7; and Saturday, Aug. 8. Sunday matinee performances will be held at 3 p.m. July 26, and Aug. 2 and Aug. 9. A 2 p.m. matinee performance will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors.

Tickets are available online at tickets.elgin.edu or at the ECC box office, located in the Arts Center. Box office hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. To purchase tickets by phone, call (847) 622-0300. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted.