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We have filled 8 of 10 named cast positions for Godspell including the lead role of Jesus. Call 530-575-7420 for new times.
About godspell
The Director, The Rev. Philip Wiehe
I am a 75-year-old retired Episcopal priest and have lived here in Hendersonville for over ten years. My first experience of theater was in a Christmas pageant when I was 5 years old. This event was held in a 1500-seat auditorium with an orchestra, choir, and a cast of over 100 men and boys. I remember the hair rising on the back of my neck when torchbearers for the Three Kings entered the darkened space to ethereal notes high in the violins. That was also my first “God moment.” I have been a lifetime recreating that moment for others.
I had a gifted drama teacher in grade school who knew how to teach and encourage play. We improvised stories around props and costumes, acted them out, and performed them for our parents. In middle school and high school, I started out backstage with lighting and then stage managing, acting, directing, and producing in that order. In college I led the drama club, mostly producing and directing as well as taking basic courses in theater arts. While I was aiming for a career in the theater or possibly film, I felt “the call” to ministry. I was keen on social justice and my church was involved with the Civil Rights movement and protesting the War in Viet Nam. I embarked on the journey toward ordained ministry by enrolling at Yale Divinity School for the M. Div. degree and tacked on an additional year studying and performing liturgical drama.
Rather than several pages of titles of plays I have directed, written or produced, I will describe the rest my theatrical journey that includes one act and full-length plays, musicals, and an opera. Scripts have covered secular and religious themes; casts range from amateur to semi-professional, with performances held in proscenium theaters, black boxes, church sanctuaries, and on the street. Many of the titles would be obscure, but some are not: I have directed Waiting for Godot (Beckett), Murder in the Cathedral(Eliot). Noye’s Fludde (Britten) – these last two with pro and semi-pro casts.
In every play I have directed since I entered ministry fifty years ago, I have made a point of building ensemble productions. Even when there were paid actors in lead roles, I insisted on a team approach from rehearsal to performance. Initially I did this as a practical matter of good technique for working with a cast consisting of people who are just starting to know each other. Now I see this as central to my approach to the theater that goes back to that “God moment” in the Christmas pageant. For me the best art in any medium is transformational. In performance art, all performers must be on “the same page of the script” – an orchestra, cast, or corps de ballet.
The notion that a good play can be transformational was driven into me in high school. The school drama coach directed Our Townwhen I was in the eleventh grade, and I was deeply moved by this script and production. This was my first time as stage manager (backstage – not the role) and I was pleased to be part of a team offering a play that always offers a high-level perspective on what it means to be human in a vast universe. I wanted to do more of that. And I have.
The Concept
The original concept for Godspell fifty years ago was the story of Jesus gathering a group of young adult disciples set in a gritty urban landscape, and it has has worked well for decades. I would like to bend that a bit. For this production the cast will be inter-generational; senior adults will be residents in a senior living center while young and middle-aged adults are workers in the center or perhaps visitors. The setting will be the Physical Therapy area of the center with various pieces of exercise equipment, including a Pilates ball or two, an exercise bike, a set of stairs, and a ramp with rails. At least one member of the cast is wheelchair bound, perhaps one uses a walker. The key concept is having half of the cast be people who were in their teens when Godspellfirst became a “thing.” We know the music! I have assembled a top-of-the -line music director, design team, most of the cast and band members, and the start of a fundraising team. We are poised to proceed into 2026.
cast and musicians
Jesus Joff Masukawa
John the Baptist/Judas
TBD
The Eight
This is the ensemble that interacts with Jesus and tells the stories and parables ialphabetical order:
Nolleen Kelly
Polly Morrice
Krista Mosser
Matthew Rogers
Jessy Swinkford
Steve Tipps
+ 2 more!
Additional Chorus and Swing
TBD
The Band
keyboards. Deb Bridges
Lead Guitar Doug Woofter
Bass Philip Correll
Percussion. John Barrett
and special guests
PRODUCTION TEAM
Deb Bridges Music Director
Deb Bridges Music Director
Karma is a concept in Hinduism that refers to the law of cause and effect. It holds that every action has consequences, either in this life or the next. Hindus believe that by doing good deeds and avoiding bad ones, they can improve their karma and achieve a better rebirth.
Sarah Emery Choreography
Deb Bridges Music Director
Music has been used in religious worship for thousands of years. It can evoke powerful emotions, create a sense of community and help connect worshippers to the divine. Different faiths have their own styles of music and instruments, but all recognize the importance of music in spiritual practice.
Linda McFadden Designer
Gratitude is an attitude of thankfulness and appreciation for the blessings in one's life. It is a key aspect of many faiths and can help cultivate a positive mindset and outlook on life. Practicing gratitude can also improve mental and physical health.
Chuck Place Lighting Director
Alan Phillips, Sound Service Audio Director
Islam has a rich tradition of mysticism, known as Sufism. It emphasizes the inner, spiritual dimension of Islam and seeks to achieve a deeper understanding of Allah and the universe. Sufis use practices such as meditation, chanting and dancing to connect with the divine.
Tom Cramer Set Construction
Alan Phillips, Sound Service Audio Director
Alan Phillips, Sound Service Audio Director
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the unity of God and the oneness of humanity. It teaches that all people are equal and should be treated with respect and compassion. Sikhs strive to live a life of service to others and to work towards a more just and peaceful world.
Alan Phillips, Sound Service Audio Director
Alan Phillips, Sound Service Audio Director
Alan Phillips, Sound Service Audio Director
Sikhism is a monotheistic religion that emphasizes the unity of God and the oneness of humanity. It teaches that all people are equal and should be treated with respect and compassion. Sikhs strive to live a life of service to others and to work towards a more just and peaceful world.
donors sponsors. Program ads
Donors
Donor Levels & Benefits
FRIEND — $50
Listing in the program under “Friends of Godspell”.
SUPPORTER — $100
Listing in program; priority ticket access (1 week early).
PATRON — $250
Listing in program; 1 complimentary ticket; priority ticket access.
BENEFACTOR — $500
Listing in program (bold); 2 complimentary tickets; priority access.
ANGEL — $1,000
Premium listing; 4 complimentary tickets; special posted recognition.
PRODUCER’S CIRCLE — $2,500+
Top-tier listing; 6 complimentary tickets; recognition every night; optional half-page ad; invitation to final dress rehearsal.
Sponsors
Corporate Sponsors & Vendor Partners
TITLE SPONSOR — $5,000+
Full-page ad (inside front or back cover); logo on all marketing; onsite signage;
stage recognition nightly; vendor exclusivity (if applicable); 8 complimentary tickets.
GOLD SPONSOR — $2,500
Full-page ad; logo on website & social media; stage recognition opening night; 6 tickets.
SILVER SPONSOR — $1,000
Half-page ad; logo in program sponsor section; 4 tickets.
BRONZE SPONSOR — $500
Quarter-page ad; 2 tickets.
Donations can be specified as tax deductible for 2025 if received by December 26, 2025.
Program Ads
Program Ads
Program Ads
sizes and rates not final
Full Page: 7.25" × 6.75". $250 2 tickets
Half Page: 7.25" × 3.25" $150 1 ticket
Quarter Page: 3.5" × 3.25" $75
Logo Placement: Vector file or 300 DPI PNG/PDF recommended.
All ads appear in our 8.5" × 7" program using a clean, modern serif layout.
HOW TO MAKE A DONATION
DONORS AND CORPORATE SPONSORS
There are two paths for payments to PilgrimQuests for donors, corporate sposors, and block ticket buyers.
1. Send a check payable to PilgrimQuests LLC to PilgrimQuests, 3676 Laurel Park Highway, Laurel Park, NC 28739.
2. Pay by credit or debit card, or ACH to Fractured Atlas online. Fractured Atlas is a 501 (c) 3 organization endorsed by the North Carolina Arts Council as a gateway for tax deductible donations to artists and arts organizations. The service fee is 8% which the donor or PilgrimQuests can pay. Go to FRACTURED ATLAS (https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/) and open an account . Select "Godspell Production" as the recipient for your donation. You may choose to pay the service fee for which we will be doubly grateful.
3. The box office will open in March with other options.