8/30/07: Tickets on sale now for Godspell

Jon is in full rehearsals for his starring role in the rock musical Godspell. The theatrical production will run from September 13 - 23rd at the Redlands Civic Light Opera in California. For tickets and more information visit
Redlands Civic Light Opera.

You can also read Jon's report from rehearsals.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: artslvr,

I wish I could come and see Jon perform live in Godspell, but as you know, I'm geographically unable to make it, being Down Under and all.

Best of wishes to Jon, and to make up for my not being there, I'll do my ambassador thing again and let my musician friends know about Jon's show so they might go, you know?

Cheers, Mikey

A new article in the The Valley Chronicle gives more details on this production of Godspell. Here are two quotes from the article:

"‘Idol' contestant in ‘Godspell'

Former 'American Idol' contestant Jon Peter Lewis will star in the Redlands Civic Light Opera production of 'Godspell.'


'RCLO's production of "Godspell" is an incredible modern twist on the rock ‘n' roll classic from the ‘70s,' Executive Director Jeff Cason said. 'We've updated the show with contemporary orchestrations, dazzling effects, and a high-energy rock-concert feel. It's the Gospel as you've never experienced before!'"

I wonder if Jon will release a CD soundtrack for Godspell or perhaps film it for a DVD - that's what Lucy Lawless did for her Roxy concerts and they rocked!

Cheers, Mikey

Oh man, I wish I could go to this!

A new article and photo from Godspell have come out. I like this quote from Jeff Cason, executive director for Redlands Civic Light Opera:

"'Wherever people are in their life, whatever their religious background, the show resurrects the idea of hope, of taking any circumstance and brightening it with community and love,' Cason said. 'I think that's a universal message that transcends time and location.'"

Cool picture, thanks Arts!

That's a cool picture.

This makes me want to go see this so bad!!!!

Wish I was like Samantha, in Bewitched, and I could twitch my nose and be in that auditorium.

Idol’ contestant stars in Redlands musical

Redlands Civic Light Opera will present “Godspell,” starring Jon Peter Lewis of “American Idol” fame, beginning Thursday through Sept. 23, at Clock Auditorium on the Redlands High School campus.

Lewis, who will portray Jesus in the production, sang his way into the final 10 in the third season of “Idol,” along with contest winner Fantasia Barrino and future Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson.

Since then, he has released several hit singles, including “Turn to Grey” and “Man Like Me.” He has toured extensively since 2004, including the 50-city “American Idols Live” tour.


http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Loca...b2spot10.4ebe48.html

In a recent review of Godspell in the Highland Community News, writer Kathy Knox praises Jon's portrayal of Jesus. She gives a positive evaluation of Jon's performance and updates readers on his career. The article also includes a new photo of Jon. Jon has a very convincing expression on his face. Here is what Kathy Knox had to say about Jon:

"The key role is portrayed with genuine love by Jon Peter Lewis, known as JPL on Season 3 of American Idol. Lewis was in the 'final 10' alongside Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson and is now working on his second album."

I can certainly envision Jon portraying Jesus with genuine love. Kathy Knox not only has insight, she also is a good writer. Read the whole article and see. For instance, I appreciated the vocabulary and parallel structure of this sentence:

"Simple props of sawhorses, lumber and chain link fencing depict the Pharisees in the temple, portend the crucifixion and divide Jesus from his disciples."


So I'm wondering just when in the play Jon wears black and when he wears white. Perhaps Jon dons black in the Garden of Gethsemane to reflect Christ's lonely agony as He suffered for humankind's sins.

Great article and picture. Thanks Arts!

Yes thank you Arts! The show really does look amazing!

I HAVE SOME NEWS TO SHARE! Some of it sad but mostly very good!

I befriended the Redlands Civic Light Opera through myspace and have sent a few emails back and forth with Stacey the General manager. This is what she wrote to me in response to my request for a DvD of their production of “Godspell” 2007:

quote:

Thank you so much for the message. Jon is a wonderful performer and person. We have a had a great time with him both in the production and hanging out after rehearsals and shows. I also know that he really loves all of his fans and your support. Unfortunately we can not record and sell any DVD of the performance due to copy write laws. What we can do though, is post pictures of the performance on this page for people to see. It is not quite the same, but you can at least see what it looks like. I will probably be posting pictures next week, so keep watching. I also know that Jon is currently working on another album that should be out in less than a year, so keep a look out for it!!

Stacy Hennon
General Manager

Needless to say I was bummed there can be no DvD, but very pleased to hear of how well they think of Jon. Then again it is JPL and everyone who meets him always seems to think highly of him. Of course I being who I am, had to ask for some video footage of some sort and here is the reply I received from that:

quote:

Kat,
I printed out your letter and gave it to Jon, and he knew who you were. Thanks for being a fan. I do have clips that I have taken, and I would love to get them on the page. It usually takes a little time to figure out how to do that. But keep watching and eventually I will figure it out. Thanks.

Stacy

Um, I really need to stop sending JP so many myspace messages.
So again good news. While we might not be able to own a copy of this performance, we can be looking forward to seeing clips of it in the future. YEA!!!!

Thanks for the updates, arts and everyone. :-)

Thanks Kat. I look forward to seeing the clips.

Thanks Kat!

I'm sorry about no DVD however I am excited about the new JPL CD!

Jon rules!

Cheers, Mikey

Great work Kat! So many people really want to see Jon in this play. I hope they can figure it out and get the best video posted from one of Jon's solos.