GODSPELL, the musical originally produced for the New York Stage in the 1970’s, has been adapted by members of First Presbyterian Church of Saline and others from surrounding communities, to bring the art form and message to local residents. Directed by Leo Babcock, the show ran April 15 and 16, with two performances on April 17.

Marc McVey led the show as the Superman-t-shirt-wearing Jesus. A full cast of singers, actors and dancers work through the stories of Jesus accompanied with heavy base, funk and 1970’s rock and roll. Original music and lyrics are by Stephen Schwartz.
The Rev. Dr. Judy Shipman is the Pastor of the church.

“Godspell is a first for us,’ she noted. “Leo Babcock approached me last fall with the idea, and the church board enthusiastically endorsed it as another way this church can serve the community. It is our gift to you.” 

The church moved from New York to Michigan in 1831 and has survived struggles through the Civil War and Great Depression.

GODSPELL is family friendly, taking stories from long ago and adapting them to modern times and everyday life. There are a lot of metaphors that keep the crowd laughing and expecting the unexpected. For example, Fred Lupton, who plays The King in one of the scenes, is not dressed like a royal king, rather as an Elvis Presley impersonator.

Becky McVey, wife of Marc McVey, stole the show in the first half with her hilarious rendition of a rich woman sent to Hell for her greed. She kept the audience roaring with laughter as she over-dramatically was sent to her doom.

The only seriously dramatic scene was of the Crucifixion, dark and solemn, but not too heavy for young viewers. Children in the crowd stared wide-eyed and transfixed. The production keeps the scene brief, and is followed by a huge celebration when Jesus rises again.

Director Leo Babcock discussed his vision for the project.

“My artistic concept for presenting this production is to do it in a simple way with emphasis being on the message of the gospel,” he said.  

He has been a fan of the show ever since seeing it in the 1970s.

Soloists for the show were Timothy Brayman, Kelly Fielder, Leo Babcock, Marc McVey, Dawn Clark Johnson, Nancy Klein, Kelly Fielder, Erin Fielder, and Erica Brown. Flute soloist is Nancy Ryan.

The show lasted two hours, with a brief intermission where gold fish crackers and grape juice were served (to take the place of fishes, loaves, wine).  The cast gathered in the reception hall after the show to mingle with the audience.  

The First Presbyterian Church of Saline is located at 143 E. Michigan Ave. in Downtown Saline.