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Children's Theatre of Elgin's 'Godspell' opens June 13-16 at ECC Arts Center

This season, Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company celebrates 30 years of presenting family-oriented musicals performed by local youth, ages 8 to 20.

This summer, they will present an updated version of "Godspell," a musical featuring biblical parables shared with the audience by Jesus and his disciples and a supporting ensemble. Rather than having a traditional plot, this is accomplished through games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. With sensational music that ranges from pop to vaudeville, including the hit "Day by Day," the show will touch the hearts of audiences of all ages.

"Godspell" was the first major musical theater offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz featuring a parade of beloved songs, including the internationally acclaimed "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," and "All Good Gifts."

Although they are performing the 2012 Broadway revival version, director Becky Groth says that the theme of the show has remained the same. "(It) is primarily to communicate a message of what it means to be a community; what it means to be a group of people who go from different and even dissonant opinions and learning to listen to each other, to care about each other, to love each other and then to turn around and share that outward," Groth said.

Audiences of all ages will enjoy the stories through a wide variety of musical genres from pop to vaudeville combined with high-energy choreography. Producer Amy Zapata says of the production that "with so many talented performers, no one will leave without a smile on their face and joy in their heart!.The actors have worked so hard and the results are amazing!"

"Godspell" is on stage for six performances, one weekend only: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, June 13-15; 10 a.m. Friday, June 14; and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 15-16, at the Elgin Community College Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive Building H, Elgin.

The 10 a.m. June 14 performance is a sensory- and mobility-friendly performance.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets visit elgin.edu.arts or call (847) 622-0300. For more information about the organization, visit CTEelgin.com.

Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company is an Illinois 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center.

Follow the Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company on Facebook.

"Godspell" is sponsored in part by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the City of Elgin. The organization is supported by grants from the EFS Foundation, Palmer Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

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