THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 22, 1996 TAG: 9602210163
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: AHOSKIE LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
IN THE BEGINNING, he baptizes Jesus. In the end, he betrays Him.
Danny Vancil portrays John - and Judas - in ``Godspell,'' running Thursday through Sunday at the Gallery Theatre.
``Portraying them really makes the Scriptures come alive,'' said Vancil, director of music ministries at First Baptist Church, Ahoskie.
About half the performers in this production of ``Godspell'' are pastors, their wives and families, organists, youth directors, music directors, choir singers.
Director Karen Knowles assured representation from various denominations and nondenominational churches.
While they are old hands at facing audiences, some are newcomers to the stage. Others are veterans.
The Rev. Phil Glick, rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Ahoskie - and a performer in several past Gallery productions - portrays Jesus.
Many of the ``Godspell'' lyrics were borrowed from his denomination. ``About half of them are from the 1940 hymnals of the Episcopal Church,'' Glick said. Among them is the play's best-known song, ``Day by Day,'' written by Richard Chichester, a 12th Century monk.
``As far as playing Jesus is concerned, that's scarey - tough,'' Glick said. ``All of us have to play Him from time to time. I might as well take my chance onstage.''
Glick, a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, worked on a production of the musical there. ``The play helped to deepen my faith,'' he said. ``I was struck then, as now, with how it tells the gospel story with power and simplicity.''
The play is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew.
Keith B. Urquhart, a Hertford County 4-H agent who is also youth leader and praise and worship leader of the Soul Saving Station Evangelistic Center in Ahoskie, said: ``At first, I was skeptical. Being in the church, I have to watch what I'm doing. Later, I got some understanding.''
Sue Tripp said: ``I never saw `Godspell,' and I had mixed feelings. My husband reviewed it and said it was all right.'' He is the Rev. Tommy Tripp, pastor of Bethany Baptist Church in Perrytown, and is working backstage.
``I hope people focus on the message and not get bent out of shape about the clown costumes. Clowns were considered sacred in the 16th century,'' Glick said. ``They had a sacred image. It was the image medieval theologians had for the Christ.''
``Godspell'' characters are endearing and fun, and most of the music is upbeat.
``I'm immersed in church music,'' Vancil said. ``My church is formal, so I'm going from being reserved to carrying on.''
Darin Mize, a Gallery stage vet who is director of music at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Aulander, describes ``Godspell'' as ``a perfect union of Scripture, music and theater.'' MEMO: ``Godspell'' will be performed at 8 p.m. Feb. 22 to 24 and 2:30 p.m.
Feb. 25 at the Gallery Theatre, 115 W. Main St., Ahoskie. Tickets are $7
for adults in advance (Chamber of Commerce), $8 at door; students $5 and
$6; group rates available. For more information, call (919) 332-2976. ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
The Rev. Phil Glick, center, has the starring role of Jesus in
``Godspell.''
by CNB