Texas A&M University-Kingsville music major Robert Posey plays Jesus, while chemistry major Michael Lee Mendez plays John the Baptist and Judas in the university’s production of Godspell. It is one of the most widely recognized stories in the world, but the Gospel of Matthew, detailing the life of Jesus Christ, takes on a new modern tone in the classic Broadway musical Godspell— the next production of the 2009-2010 Texas A&M University- Kingsville theatre season.

Godspell recounts the story of the birth, life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, using a lighthearted and comical approach incorporating styles of vaudeville, blues, folk, rap and rock with a theatrical flair..

Godspell performances are:

· 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, Wednesday, March 31 and Thursday, April 1

· 2:30 p.m. Thursday, March 25 and Sunday, March 28

Tickets are $5 and performances will be in the Little Theatre.

A cast of nearly 15 students will perform in the production, under the direction of assistant professor Corey Ranson.

“We all know how the story ends with the Passion of the Christ, but the show is about the journey of how we get there and the solid theme and idea of community,” Ranson said.

“I have produced this show three times and it has always attracted many types of audiences and the students are doing great. We are in for a treat.” The script is based on the book Feast of Fools by Harvey Cox, former head of the Harvard Divinity School. Godspell became a hit—on Broadway and off—during the 1970s.

The Godspell cast includes the following students:

Jesus: Robert Posey, music major from Victoria

John the Baptist/Judas: Michael Lee Mendez, chemistry major from Corpus Christi

Ensemble: Miguel Venegas, theatre major from Pharr;

Rick Saenz, theatre arts major from Falfurrias;

Aaron Adame, theatre arts and communication major from Corpus Christi;

Taylor Maupin, theatre arts and history major from Falfurrias;

Melody Gaines from Corpus Christi;

Leah Lizzett Luna, communications major from Del Rio;

Katelyn Cotton, theatre arts major from Kingsville;

Cassandra Clarke, theatre major from Three Rivers;

Bianca Martinez, education major from San Antonio;

Laurie Guajardo, theatre arts major from Bishop;

For more information, call 593-3401.