THE BETHANY COLLEGE THEATRE - MESSIAH FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS PRODUCTION OF THE 2012 REVISED VERSION OF GODSPELL

March 1, 2022

LINDSBORG, KAN., 02.28.2022 – “Prepare ye the way of the Lord!” 

 

Godspell the 1971 off-Broadway musical hit that caused a sensation and went on to become an international hit, is coming to the Burnett Center stage this Palm Sunday weekend to kick off the 2022 Messiah Festival of the Arts. The Bethany College Theatre – Messiah Festival of the Arts production of the 2012 revised version of the musical, goes up Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 10, at 3:00 p.m. in Burnett Center. 

 

Godspell was conceived by John-Michael Tebelak, who based it on the gospels of Luke and Matthew. A group of eleven individuals gather; into their midst comes Jesus, who begins to tell them stories--parables. Before long, the members of the group join in to help Him, using a combination of song, dance, pantomime, vaudeville, and the techniques of story theatre. Slowly, throughout Act One, Jesus is attempting to build a community. 

 

Act Two begins on the same high note of fun and coming together as a community. Things begin to change, however, as the upbeat mood “[dissolves] hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.” Will this newly formed community be able to withstand the loss of its charismatic leader and take His “message of kindness, tolerance, and love” into the wider world? 

 

Stephen Schwartz, the Tony Award-nominated and Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer/lyricist whose works include Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden, and The Prince of Egypt, made his musical theatre debut with Godspell in 1971. The musical is packed with great songs:  "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," "Learn Your Lessons Well," "All for the Best," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man,” and the international hit “Day by Day,” written by Schwartz, and the beautiful “By My Side,” written by Peggy Gordon and Jay Hamburger. 

 

The revised version of Godspell reflects the changes made to the 2012 Broadway revival of the musical. According to Schwartz, the revised edition includes “slight cuts, changes, and structural reorganization.” There are some new orchestrations, and some references have been updated to better reflect “current sensibilities.” Schwartz notes that “the character names of the 2012 version have been changed to those of that Broadway cast, rather than the names of the original cast in the original version,” to help better distinguish them from the characters in the original script. 

 

Prof. Greg LeGault, Associate Professor of Theatre and the production’s director, stated that the selection of Godspell for the 2022 Messiah Festival of the Arts reflects this year’s festival’s theme: servant leadership. “Who better displays the qualities attributed to a servant leader—empathy, honesty, foresight, healing, community building—than Jesus Christ?” LeGault asked. “Godspell seems a perfect fit.” 

 

The Bethany College Theatre production features a cast of thirteen. Caleb Hildebrand (Sapulpa, OK) a History-Political Science and Music Major, is cast as Jesus. Amaya Dungan (Salina, KS) majoring in Vocal Music Performance playing the dual role of John the Baptist and Judas. The eleven disciples-in-training include Maya Herrera (Brighton, CO), Ben Turner (Colorado Springs, CO), Madison Price (Salina, KS), Elyse Boden (Goessel, KS), Tony Robb (Westmorland, KS), Aubrey Larson (Russell, KS), Carla Aguilar (Salina, KS), Christian LaCourt (Wichita, KS), and Addison Haiden, Gracie Gaskill, and Elise Nelson (Lindsborg, KS). 

 

Prof. Leslie Mangrum, Assistant Professor of Music, is the musical director. Others lending their considerable talents to the production include Julie Holk (costumes), Eric and Michele Johnson (lights); Angela and Lauren Dolezal (choreography), John Wood and Indigo Guise (sound), and a group of talented Bethany College students and alums on set construction and painting and props. 

 

“We are also grateful to Broadway RFD, Eric Lundstrom, and Smoky Valley High School Drama Department for their help and generosity with the production,” said LeGault. 

 

The curtain rises on Godspell on Saturday, April 9, at 7:30 and Palm Sunday, April 10, at 3:00 in Burnett Center on the Bethany College campus. General admission tickets are $20.00 for adults and $10.00 for students under 12. Tickets are available at www.messiahfestival.org. Seating is limited so please order them ahead of time. 

 

Masks are required regardless of vaccination status. 

 

Bethany College, established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881, is a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The mission of Bethany College is to educate, develop, and challenge individuals to reach for truth and excellence as they lead lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who walk alongside them as they discover, explore, and navigate the path to their purpose. Bethany College is on the Web at www.bethanylb.edu and is located in Lindsborg, Kansas, the fine arts and crafts capital of the state. 

 

Bethany College Baccalaureate and Commencement Speakers

April 2, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. APRIL 2, 2025 — Bethany College is pleased to announce its Baccalaureate and Commencement speakers for the 2025 graduation ceremonies. Commencement Speaker: Kelli Krase, MD Dr. Kelli Krase, a 2004 graduate of Bethany College, will deliver the Commencement address at this year’s graduation. A native of Hesston, Kansas, Dr. Krase earned her degree in Biology from Bethany College before attending medical school at the University of Kansas. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dr. Krase has since returned to the University of Kansas, where she currently serves as an Associate Professor, Residency Program Director for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at the School of Medicine. In her professional role, Dr. Krase has been a dedicated educator and clinician, shaping the next generation of doctors. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her spouse and their two children. Baccalaureate Speaker: Ellie Dieringer Ellie Dieringer will serve as the Baccalaureate speaker, bringing with her a passion for social justice, faith-based advocacy, and international service. An advocate for gender justice and intergenerational equity, Dieringer is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, where she earned degrees in Hispanic Studies and Global Studies, specializing in Development & Social Justice and International Affairs. Her journey has led her to travel extensively and engage in meaningful work with vulnerable communities around the world, including in Uruguay, Mexico, and Washington State.  Dieringer also served as a volunteer with the ELCA's Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Montevideo, Uruguay, where she collaborated with ecumenical organizations to promote fair treatment and social justice. Her work has also led her to serve as a delegate at the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women and to participate in the Lutheran World Federation’s Women’s Human Rights Advocacy Training in Geneva, Switzerland. Dieringer’s commitment to lifelong-learning and service will inspire graduates to continue making a positive impact in the world. About Bethany College Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany College Welcomes Over 60 Guests for Annual Waffle Day Preview Event

March 31, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 31, 2025 — In its 15th annual celebration, Bethany College Admissions hosted its “Waffle Day” preview event on Saturday, March 22, coinciding with Lindsborg’s “Våffeldagen” festivities. The event invited high school students and their families to experience a “taste” of college life—while also enjoying a sweet slice of Swedish culture. Over 60 prospective students and families from four different states attended the preview day, which included a campus tour, admissions and financial aid session, a faculty-led academic presentation, and a student panel highlighting campus life. “For several years now, Våffeldagen has been a crowd favorite for both future and current students at Bethany College,” said Sabrina Wollenberg, Associate Director of Admissions and Financial Aid. “Lindsborg is a special part of many students’ college experience—including my own. Families may visit other campuses and not feel a connection to the town, but when they come to Bethany, they fall in love with both the college and the community. For this event, we want to highlight not just the campus, but also one of the most exciting days of the year, giving prospective students a true sense of Bethany. It’s more than just residence halls and classrooms—it’s a vibrant Main Street with local shops and a welcoming community. Plus, nothing appeals more to a 17 or 18-year-old than waffles!” The History Behind Våffeldagen “Våffeldagen,” or Waffle Day, is a Swedish tradition rooted in the Feast of the Annunciation, observed on March 25. The day’s original name, “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day), over time morphed into “Våffeldagen,” which sounded similar in Swedish. The accidental shift became a beloved tradition of celebrating spring with waffles and gathering with friends. Lindsborg’s Våffeldagen has grown into a regional favorite, drawing visitors from near and far.This year’s planners for the downtown Våffeldagen event were Tara Killingsworth (The Ivory Thimble), Rachael Breen (Hairymolairys), and Samuel Finch (Blacksmith Coffeeshop and Roastery). The town-wide celebration features waffle-inspired treats and family-friendly activities all across Main Street. Bethany College invites students and families to return for three more hallmark events that showcase the college and community’s shared spirit: Messiah Festival of the Arts, April 11 & 13, 2025 Chalk the Välk, April 12, 2025 Svensk Hyllningsfest, October 17–18, 2025 These events highlight the strong ties between the college and the city, drawing visitors from across the country to experience the unique energy of Lindsborg and its beloved traditions. For more information on upcoming events or to schedule a campus visit, please visit bethanylb.edu/visit-campus To explore more about Lindsborg and its beloved traditions, visit visitlindsborg.com . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Bethany College Raises Over $168,000 for Student Scholarships

March 28, 2025
LINDSBORG, KS. MAR. 28, 2025 — Bethany College raised $168,167.87 during its annual Giving Day campaign this year, with every dollar going directly to student scholarships. The support ensures more students can afford a Bethany education and take part in the life-changing opportunities that come with it. This year, the Bethany Backers campaign ran separately. Combined, both efforts brought in a total of over $240,000, surpassing last year’s collective giving total and underscoring the strong support from the Bethany and Lindsborg community. “Both Giving Day and the Bethany Backers campaign have been an incredible success,” said Hayley Samford, Director of Alumni Development and Engagement. “We are incredibly grateful for the continued generosity of our alumni, friends, and supporters. We’re excited to use these funds to support the students who are here now—and those who will be joining the Bethany family soon.” If you are interested in giving and supporting Bethany College’s mission, please click here . Bethany College is a liberal arts institution located in Lindsborg, Kansas, and was established by Swedish Lutheran immigrants in 1881. For over 140 years, Bethany has been dedicated to educating, developing, and challenging individuals to pursue truth and excellence while leading lives of faith, learning, and service. At Bethany, students join a community of dedicated educators and caring mentors who support them as they discover, explore, and navigate their purpose. Bethany College is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
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