Eshika Tangri ’23
This spring, EA students will perform a production of Godspell, with opening night projected for May 20th, 2021. Dan Clay, producer of the musical, chose this show specifically for the message that it portrays, one that is especially important during these unprecedented times. He says, “We chose it because it’s a small to medium sized cast musical with an Episcopalian message of kindness, love, and community, something that we really need right now because of everything that’s going on in the world. So many of us are struggling to find joy and connection. This is a musical that celebrates those things and more.” Clay also notes that Godspell was chosen as this spring’s production because of its adjustable format, as both its cast size and composition allow for COVID safety regulations to be intertwined with the script. “Godspell happens to be a very flexible musical in a lot of ways that we’ll need to take advantage of this year, so that we can still do a musical with all the current restrictions. There’s a way to incorporate social distancing and masks directly into the show without it seeming forced or out of place.”
Unlike typical years, there will be cuts. “This year we can only perform safely and within the guidelines if we keep our numbers low, so we are anticipating some cuts. That is unfortunate, but it’s only for this year and the alternative is not to do a musical at all. We are using the same published casting policies and considerations as we do every year, but we’re also keeping in mind that this is the last opportunity that our seniors, who weren’t able to do a musical last year as juniors, will have to perform at Episcopal,” says Clay. Due to the limited indoor space on campus, the traditional Crawford Theater may not host the production this year. Clay explains, “Things could always change, but right now we’re planning to hold the performance outdoors on campus. This way we can perform for a live, socially-distanced audience, especially if things look better in the late spring.” Clay also hopes that the outdoor space will allow for greater normalcy despite COVID, adding, “This also allows for full-voiced singing, which is essential for a musical. We’ve pushed the dates forward, so the musical will take place later than usual this year. The thinking is that the later it is, the better the COVID situation will be. We’re just keeping our fingers crossed.”
A member of the cast, Logan Schlitt ‘23, describes a downside of this year’s restricted musical. . “I think it will be different with the smaller cast because normally I look forward to meeting people from all different grades and creating connections with a wide variety of people. However, with the limited cast, it will restrain the social interactions as Godspell will not have a large ensemble,” says Schlitt. Despite the unusual format of this Godspell production, Schlitt is still excited for the experience. “Even though we will not be performing in the theater, I am looking forward to being a part of this live musical, as I have not done this since the beginning of freshman year.” Should circumstances change and EA returns to remote learning, Clay plans to continue the production. “We have to be creative this year. We will be doing a lot of our rehearsing outside where some singing is allowed under certain circumstances. We’ve built in extra rehearsal time to factor in the possibility that the school might go back to being virtual for a time, so there’s a bit of flexibility if we happen to be unable to rehearse in person for a period of time.” Clay emphasizes the need for adaptability with this year’s production, adding, “I suppose if we do [return to remote learning], we’ll find a way to make some version of Godspell happen. As they say, the show must go on!”