ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Friday, September 27, 1996             TAG: 9609270007
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
DATELINE: RADFORD
SOURCE: ANNE DAUGHERTY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES 

RADFORD PLAYERS HAVE FUN WITH 'GODSPELL'

"It's just good fun" is the catchword from everyone involved in Radford University's upcoming production of "Godspell." From director Charles Hayes to each of the 11 cast members and the stage crew, everyone is enthusiastic about this show.

"Godspell" is a logical choice for a university environment. Based on the gospel of St. Matthew, the free-wheeling and humorous musical began as a college show at Carnegie-Mellon University in 1970 before winding its way through off-off-Broadway, to off-Broadway and finally to Broadway.

The cast performing the play at Radford is an eclectic bunch, united by enjoyment of the show. The six women and five men include four seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and three freshmen.

"Imagine if they were a football team," says Hayes, an associate professor in the college's theater department. "Wouldn't it be impressive if three of the starting lineup were freshmen? That's what I've got in `Godspell.'''

Together, however, they appear as friends of many years as they bound around the stage and auditorium like loose balloons.

Like much American musical theater, "Godspell" mirrors the time period from which it springs. The costumes and characterization of the original 1970 show reflect the counterculture of the '60s.

Hayes took this aspect of the musical as a challenge. Rather than strictly follow the traditional "clowny" costumes, Hayes and costume designer Laura Wiggington have gently molded this somewhat dated aspect of the play into a piece that could be happening now. Since Jesus was a Jewish carpenter, his costume is akin to that of a construction worker, complete with denim coveralls. For the most part, however, he wears jeans, T-shirt and work boots.

Hayes encouraged his 11 actors not to think of adopting a role for "Godspell," but rather to allow themselves to become a part of the play. Each character, for example, uses his or her own name on stage, and they

typify the populace of the college campus in the '90s.

Three of the actors are senior theater majors with hopes of pursuing acting careers: Robert Len Trent, Liz Lee and Pat LaFleur. Music major Heidi Anderson is also a senior, and plans to follow a career in music therapy.

Stacy Hatcher is a speech pathology major who thought she didn't have time to be involved in theater. That was until "Godspell" came along. Rebecca Hitchcock is a newcomer. She thought she would pursue a career in "serious theater," but the draw to musical comedy, and in particular this musical comedy, was too strong. She's typecast as a blond bombshell, but says she can deal with it.

Dave Burns and Jennifer Tarleton are familiar to Radford audiences. Burns has learned to dance for this show because he has the famous "soft shoe" number "All for the Best." Tarleton's "Day by Day" is certainly a highlight of the show.

All three freshmen of the cast, Mike Burnette, Brandon Miller and Ailee Steele, claim they were attracted to Radford because of the opportunities to become involved in theater.

Teamwork is something the theater department at Radford take seriously. A group of five students formed a play selection committee last year, surveying theater audiences and students about the type of plays people

would like to see and perform at Radford. The committee recommended to the faculty that "Godspell" be included in this year's season.

And the show, of course, is all about teamwork. The audience will see 11 people on stage, but some 60 have been involved in putting this show together.

"We don't have stars at Radford," Hayes says. "If the actors start to behave like they count more than anyone else on the team, I tell the lighting operator not to turn on the lights. The actors quickly learn they are not the only ones with important roles to play.''

``Godspell" will be performed in Radford University's Porterfield Theatre at 8 tonight and Saturday. Admission for the general public is $5. Radford University students, faculty and staff are admitted free.

LENGTH: Medium:   80 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  Wendy Grigg. Radford University students Len Trent and 
          Rebecca Hitchock rehearse "Jesus Resists Temptation." a scene from 
          the current production of the popular musical, "Godspell." The play 
          continues today with performances at 8 p.m. in Porterfield Theatre. 
          color.