presents
GODSPELL MUSIC DIRECTION
Shawn Kelly
CHOREOGRAPHY
Erin Gannon Guerrera
DIRECTED BY
Bradley Ellis & Alayna Ellis
August 13th thru 16th, 2026
Whitneyville Cultural Commons
1253 Whitney Ave, Hamden CT 06517
www.magnoliatheatre.org
Location 1660 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06517 Contact (203) 745 - 3651 cantean1660@gmail.com
Open Wednesday – Saturday 10a – 7p Open later for special events and during gelato season. Please check google or @canteancafe on instagram for emergency and holiday closures.
DIRECTOR'S NOTES The excitement around GODSPELL for me has always been about questions! What if the story of Jesus happened today? How would this impact my family? How would this impact my community? How would we, as a society, in today’s modern age, react to someone creating the chaos that occurred nearly 2,000 years ago? GODSPELL is a story about the individuals who are captivated by one man’s message of love and slowly are constructed into a community of believers. So how do we build a community? We start with a foundation. One man with a message that individuals need to hear. However, unless you have the schematics to build a perfect community (which no one does), your process will be messy, painful, and slow. It will feel awkward and confusing. But that is necessary to build trust and reliance on each other. We must struggle to be strong, and we must build off our failures to see success. This project has been a wonderful journey of exploration, faith, and community, and we are thrilled to bring this community’s struggle to you today. What happens when a group of individuals are thrown into a world where one man says “trust,” and then the majority of the people say … “why”? GODSPELL is not about the story of Jesus Christ, nor is it a story about religion. We live in very tumultuous times where one trying to reshape the world must rely on more than their message or their beliefs. How do you ensure that your story doesn’t become a fad, a GIF, a meme that passes into the aether of social media? One must rely on the exact tools that every faithful leader has always utilized, built, and cherished; they all built and relied upon a community. That is the story we present to you. The story of GODSPELL.
Bradley Ellis, Co-Director
The show is dedicated to Joan Christensen. Our presence in the community is due to our friendship and we wish you a speedy recovery hoping you know your absence is felt!
Click through to the GODSPELL Case Book!
Magnolia Theatre Company presents
GODSPELL Conceived and Originally Directed by JOHN-MICHEL TEBELAK Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ Originally Produced on the New York Stage by EDGAR LANSBURY / STUART DUNCAN / JOSEPH BERUH
SONGS ACT I
Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord) Save the People Day by Day Learn Your Lessons Well O Bless the Lord My Soul All for the Best All Good Gifts Light of the World
John the Baptist, The Original Five Jesus, Company Katie, Company Roseanne, Dani Sandra, Company Nathan, Jesus, Judas Amber, Company Nathan, Claire, Company
There will be a 15-minute intermission featuring a non-essential, passage-of-time video.
Turn Back, O Man Alas for You By My Side Beautiful City We Beseech Thee On the Willows Finale
ACT II
Everley, Company Jesus Claire, Molly, Gwen, Katie Jesus Jonathan, Company Gwen, Sandra, Molly, Amber Jesus, Company
Godspell Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
CAST LIST in order of appearance John the Baptist / Judas: Jacob Gannon
Jesus: Christopher Pecci
The Original Five: Amber Woodward Jonathan Langdon Claire Langdon Sandra Fernandes & Judas (Jacob Gannon)
Participants: Nathan Langdon Katie Durham Gwen Murdock Roseanne Krzanowski Dani Heller Zero Molly Davis Everley Ellis
PRODUCTION LIST Co-Director: Bradley Ellis Choreographer: Erin Gannon Guerrera Resident Artist: Jill Butler Marketing Team: Erin Guerrera, Katie Durham, Alayna Ellis, Shari Rahamim, & Bradley Ellis Video Content Creators: Maddie Stallings, Alder Gogue, & Everley Ellis
Co-Director, Assistant Choreographer, & Digital Content Director: Alayna Ellis Music Director: Shawn Kelly Video Director: Reagan Jensen Stage Manager Intern: Kyrie Fullton Program: Dani Heller Zero
Location 1842 Whitney Avenue Hamden, CT 06517 Archive Hours Mon – Wed: 11a-7p Thur – Sat: 11a-9p Sun: 12pm-6pm
Contact (203) 287-9286 Café Hours Mon – Fri: 7:30a-6p Sat – Sun: 8a-6p
Open later for special events
MEET THE CAST Christopher Pecci, Jesus: This is Christopher’s first full production with Magnolia. He has participated in the past few cabarets with Magnolia. He has been a performer on the North Pole Express in Essex for the last 10 years. Some of his favorite roles have included Arpad in She Loves Me, Cocky in The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd, and Jane Seymour in an original drag version of the musical Six!, in which he was also music director and choreographer.
Jacob Gannon, John the Baptist / Judas: Jacob Gannon is excited to be playing Judas and John the Baptist in Magnolia Theatre Company’s production of Godspell! A lifelong singer and actor, he made his debut on stage at the age of 5 in his mother’s production of Cinderella at Kaynor Tech High School. Most recently, he played Paul in Hole in the Wall Theater’s production of The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals (a dream role!). Previous work with Magnolia includes King Charles in Pippin, Stage Manager for The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Ricky Potts in Ride the Cyclone, and Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Jacob would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support, and the Magnolia theatre family for the opportunity to perform. Amber Woodward: This is Amber’s first production with Magnolia. Amber currently performs with the Connecticut Gilbert and Sullivan Society and is gearing up to play Kate in their production of Pirates of Penzance this fall, as well as with West Hartford-based barbershop ensemble Hartford Voices and Voce. Amber is a local of Hamden working in the area as a therapist. In her free time, she likes performing, spending time with her family, and reading. She would like to thank her husband, friends, and family for their continued support in her performance endeavors
Jonathan Langdon: Jonathan, previously seen in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (2024), is excited to be back for his second production with Magnolia. A late addition to the cast, Jonathan is grateful for the welcoming support of the rest of this cast during our rehearsal process.
Claire Langdon: Claire is so excited to be a part of Magnolia's production of Godspell this summer. This will be her second show with the company, having played the role of Beth in Magnolia's Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Claire is a rising Junior at Cheshire High. She would like to thank all of her cast mates, who have made putting on Godspell such a fun experience. Sandra Fernandes: Sandra is so excited to be participating in her very first Magnolia musical! She has participated in two cabarets with Magnolia in the past, has been seen in Into the Woods (Lucinda) and Masterclass (Sophie) at The Wilton Playshop, and is a frequent flyer at Center Stage Theatre in Shelton, where she has performed in shows like Jerry’s Girls (soloist), Oklahoma (Ado Annie), and All Shook Up (Natalie/Ed). Sandra would like to thank the directing team and this lovely cast for being so welcoming, as well as her voice teacher Michelle Lambert for her never-ending support. Nathan Langdon: Nathan Langdon has been with Magnolia Theater Company since The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in 2024, and he is so excited to be back for his second show. He wishes everyone the best of luck with the performance and hopes to participate in another Magnolia Theater Company production soon.
MEET THE CAST Katie Durham: This is Katie's fourth show overall with Magnolia, having just recently directed Pippin last summer and previously performed as William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Snoopy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. This is her fifth and favorite time performing in Godspell, the first being at age 8, when she was in the ensemble at her local church.
Gwen Murdock: Gwen is a Connecticut-based actress with a BA in Theatre from Southern Connecticut State University. She has been involved with Magnolia Theatre Company since The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) and is so grateful to be working with such a talented and kind group of individuals. Many, many thanks to her loving husband Jake for his unwavering support. Break a leg, everyone! Matthew 22:37-40
Roseanne Krzanowski: Believer, wife, mother, librarian, songwriter, theater geek, taekwondo novice. Roseanne is thrilled to be joining this gracious and talented cast for her first production with Magnolia Theatre. Many thanks to beloved husband Rob, dear sons Brian and Bill, and colleagues Ann and Liz for their support, and to Bradley, Alayna, Erin, and Shawn for their creative direction. She hopes that this distinctive production of Godspell will spark lively conversations about who Jesus is and how a perfect God relates to a beautiful but imperfect world. https://roseannekcom.wordpress.com
MEET THE CAST Dani Heller Zero: This is Dani's first time acting onstage since 2003, a return she lovingly refers to as her midlife crisis. But she's no stranger to performing, regularly appearing with Connecticut orchestras and serving on the board of the Civic Orchestra of New Haven. In her spare time, she's the Director of Faculty Affairs & Data Analysis at the Yale School of the Environment. All her love to Dominick, Millie, and Brue Bunderfluffle. Before you ask, Brue is a rabbit. What is a phylactery?
Molly Davis: Molly is a rising sophomore at New Haven Academy taking the stage with Magnolia for the first time in Godspell. She’s had a myriad of musical experiences, including Anastasia, Annie (twice if you count the illegal one), Legally Blonde, Heathers, and Seussical. Thank you to her family, her dad’s failing car, her voice teacher Brittany Hebel, and the whole Magnolia team. The phylacteries!
Everley Ellis: Everley has made an appearance in every single Magnolia show. Her highlights include Theo in Pippin and Imogene in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Everley has been dancing and acting for over 13 years and is now going into her junior year of high school. She’s excited to perform with this group of super talented actors and share their work with you!
A special thanks to Roseanne for teaching us all what phylacteries are.
PRODUCTION BIOS Bradley Ellis, Co-Director: Bradley is excited to return to the director’s chair as Co-Director of GODSPELL after a brief hiatus, but even more so because he gets to share the helm with the very talented up-andcoming artist Alayna Ellis (there might be a connection). When Bradley isn’t spending time with Magnolia, you may find him leading a scraggly crew of misfits in the Box Office at Playhouse on Park in West Hartford. Bradley loves bringing his passion to his cast and crew when he directs, and this experience was no exception. He sends a heartfelt thank you to his beautiful wife, Janna, for her patience and insight; his two daughters, Alayna and Everley; his fellow creative team; the cast and crew; and his mother, father, brother, and sister, who were unable to see this Magnolia production. Shawn Kelly, Music Director: Shawn is excited to serve as Music Director for Godspell! As a co-founder of Magnolia Theatre Company and its current Board President, Shawn is grateful for the opportunity to continue making music with this incredible community. Previous Magnolia credits include Music Director for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, as well as technical roles on Pippin, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged). Outside the theatre, Shawn has a background in arts administration and holds a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music (CCM). Shawn would like to thank the entire Magnolia family for making this such a rewarding experience, with a very special thank you to Averi, Harrison, and Austyn for their love and support throughout this production.
PRODUCTION BIOS Alayna Ellis, Co-Director: Alayna has had experience both on and off the stage since beginning her musical theatre journey in 2nd grade. She’s performed in Magnolia’s productions of Pippin and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, as well as choreographed for Ride the Cyclone. Most recently, she performed and stage managed for numerous shows at Wheaton College, including Urinetown and Amadeus. She is about to transfer to Ithaca College to major in Musical Theatre Dance and Choreography. This is her first time directing a serious production, and is proud of what the actors were able to accomplish with this piece. Erin Gannon Guerrera, Choreographer: Erin Gannon Guerrera is a Literacy Coach for Ansonia Public Schools. She is the Vice President of the board of Magnolia Theatre Company, and has been proud to choreograph three other productions for Magnolia: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; and Pippin. She has choreographed twelve student musicals, including, most recently, Annie, Jr. Erin has also taught adult tap at Neighborhood Music School in New Haven for eleven years. Erin is from Waterbury, CT, where she studied ballet, jazz, tap, and pointe. She has lived in Hamden for 19 years, and enjoys reading, travel, and adventures with her husband and two children. Her favorite thing about the performing arts is collaborating creatively with her friends and family members. Jill Butler, Resident Artist: Jill Butler has been Magnolia’s Resident Artist since 2022, when she accidentally rescued the director by helping to create the set for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, while picking her daughter up from a rehearsal. And the rest, as they say, is history. Magnolia Credits: You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Ride the Cyclone, Pippin, Stopping Here, and The Importance of Being Earnest.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President: Shawn Kelly
Vice President: Erin Gannon Guerrera
Secretary: David Christensen
Treasurer: Marcie Monaco
FOUNDERS Founding Artistic Director: Bradley Ellis
Founding Executive Director: Shawn Kelly
Founding Board President: Susan Nugent
CREATIVE Resident Artist: Jill Butler
Artistic Director: Bradley Ellis
Instagram Marketing: Alayna Ellis
Resident Choreographer: Erin Gannon Guerrera
General Manager: Gwen Murdock
Resident Sound Engineer: Jake Murdock
We aim to connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life - to truly be a community organization. We believe that everyone in the community has something to offer to the organization. Whether your interest is in performing, building sets, making costumes, directing, choreographing, marketing, fundraising, or simply enjoying performances, we seek to welcome you home.
PARTNERS
SPECIAL THANKS Magnolia Theatre Board of Directors Joan Lynn Dance Company Pilgrim Congregational Church Dr. Ben Doolittle & Dave Christensen Jaison Haines Alison Griffin Jasmine Calhoun Liv Fassanella Blue Screen Designs Advanced Lighting & Sound Solutions Diana Guerrera & Thomas Guerrera Kim & Kyrie Fullton Jill, Mia, & Chuck Butler Jeff Kalakay, Jake Murdock, Matt Bogen, & Marcie Monaco
Cardboard Window Artists: Cawley Family: Ryan, Makayla, & Sean Guerrera Family: Thomas & Diana Kelly Family: Harrison & Austyn Langdon Family: Claire, Natalie, & Melissa Rahamim Family: Yomaries, Jeremiah, Neshama, & Shari Zero Family: Millie, Dominick, & Dani
The families of the cast and crew for supporting their artists with their endeavors