Godspell 2025 Program

FACULTY BILL GABELHAUSEN | FULL PROFESSOR Bill Gabelhausen, from Peoria, Illinois, is a full Professor at Piedmont University. He received a BFA in Drama from Illinois Wesleyan University, an MFA in Acting from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master’s in Education from UGA. He spent 11 years working as a professional actor performing in National Tours (A Chorus Line, 1776, The Elephant Man, & Taming of the Shrew) and Regional Theaters throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.

JOHN F. SPIEGEL | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR John Spiegel is an Associate Professor of Theatre and comes to Piedmont University after a short stint at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. He is a Georgia native who grew up in Atlanta. After graduating high school from the Westminster School, he received his BA from Davidson College and his MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. John has directed over fifty shows, including a piece at the Kennedy Center. He also serves as a board member of the Southeastern Theatre Conference as well as the SETC Chair for the Endowment Fund. Most recently John was inducted into the SETC Hall of Fame.

KATHY BLANDIN | DEPARTMENT CHAIR Kathy Blandin is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre at Piedmont University where she works closely with the Drama Ed majors. She holds a PhD in Theatre Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MFA in Children’s Theatre/Creative Drama from the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, Kathy was the Executive Director of the Sautee Nacoochee Center and the head of the Cliff Valley School in Atlanta. Kathy also consults with several professional Children’s Theatres and arts non-profits nationwide helping with everything from marketing to educational programming.

JOSHUA DEVANE | MUSIC DIRECTOR Joshua DeVane is in his second year as the Associate Professor of Voice at Piedmont University, working individually with a studio of over 25 students each week in the Conservatory of Music. Before starting at Piedmont, he was a collegiate voice instructor at Baylor University. For the last decade, Josh has worked across the United States and Canada as an operatic baritone, vocal coach, choir director, and collaborative pianist. He holds an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder. Josh moved to the area in 2024 with his wife, Kat, from Montréal, QC, where he was engaged as a doctoral fellow for three years at McGill University.

WHAT’S INSIDE Director’s Note Artistic Team Cast of Characters Musical Numbers Production Team Meet the Players Musicians Become a Friend of the Arts Friends of the Arts Donors List Upcoming Theatre Production

3 4 5 6 7 8-11 12 13 14 15

DIRECTOR’S NOTE As a director, I am thrilled to be revisiting the world of Godspell, where the Book of Matthew is gloriously brought to life. From the first production to the present day, Godspell has been a collaboration, uncovering the power of “The Word” through experimental theatre. John-Michael Tebelak created this musical for his Master’s thesis at Carnegie Mellon University in 1970. It was one of the first musicals where the original cast helped create characters and action that illustrate each parable or lesson. From 1970 to 2025, Godspell has been about the power of “community” I love a quote from Steven Schwartz (Composer & Lyricist), “Godspell is about the formation of a community, and when the show fully works, every night the actors form a community and then include the audience. I think this is why many people who have been in productions of Godspell together become friends for life.” I am so grateful to this cast and production team for creating a community that is caring, honest, beautiful, and heartfelt.

Working with them daily has, once again, taught me the power of togetherness, joyfulness, and the ability to conquer anything with a community that cares for its members.

So, on behalf of the Piedmont University Theatre Department, welcome to our community! We are thrilled you are here and hope that, as a member of the community, you will continue to support the Fine Arts at Piedmont University.

All the best, Bill Gabelhausen, Director Ethan Spinks, Assistant Director

Godspell Artistic Team Director

Bill Gabelhausen

Assistant Director

Ethan Spinks

Music Director

Joshua DeVane

Set Design

John F. Spiegel

Costume Design

Mary Gaines

Light Design

Joshua Farmer

Choreographer

Haylie Collins

THIS SHOW RUNS APPROXIMATELY TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS INCLUDING A 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION • • •

•

No photography or videotaping of any kind is permitted during the show.

Please refrain from the use of all electronic devices.

Women’s restrooms are located outside of the house right lobby doors and to the right.

Men’s restrooms are located outside the house left lobby doors and to the left.

CAST OF CHARACTERS Jesus

William Dewey Peeples IV

Judas

Steven Herring

John the Baptist

Lyric Rogers

Soloists Gaby La Rosa

Dakota Rose Chen

Shelby Mowbray

Parker Skillen

Raquel Berghoefer

Josalyn Hallman

Laurana Layton

Betsavetl Hernandez

Willow Cannon

Nealy Webster

Christina Aleman

Jenna Meinberg

ENSEMBLE Avel Vance Archer Michael Chandler Jayleen Frausto-Lona Robert Wright

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Act 1

Act 2

Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord)

Learn Your Lesson

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

(Reprise) Turn Back, O man Alas for You

By My Side We Beseech Thee Day by Day (Reprise) On the Willows Finale

PRODUCTION TEAM Technical Director John F. Spiegel Stage Manager Kattie Smith Assistant Stage Managers Jazz Mote Meredith Fell Patron Services Office Manager Ava Kerpics Patron Services Box Office Manager Parker Skillen Patron Services Office Team Laurana Layton Dakota Rose Chen Avel Vance Archer Willow Jade Cannon Stage Magic Henry Johnson Audio Engineer Reece Watson Assistant Sound Engineer Kinsley Hodges Master Electrician Steven Herring Light Board Operator Leasia Finley

Spotlight Operators Eleanor Quinlan Aiden Defoor Light Crew Laurana Layton Parker Skillen Ethan Spinks Props Master Aubrie Burrell Props Crew Alexis Barfield Willow Jade Cannon Haylie Collins Clarissa Waltrip Nealy Webster Master Carpenter Sara Bjerke Set Crew Avel Vance Archer El Bickham-Okoniewski Mackenzie Cain Dakota Rose Chen Emily Duke Betsavetl Hernandez Gaby La Rosa Queen-Neyarriye Miller Shelby Mowbray Jana Nagel William Dewey Peeples IV Ireland Seagraves Ori Walters Robert Wright

PLAYERS Alpha Psi Omega is the National Greek Theater Honor Society. Membership into Alpha Beta Gamma, Piedmont's cast of Alpha Psi Omega, is based on the number of cumulative hours each individual has spent in various college theater productions.

Christina Aleman is a Sophomore creative writing major from Lilburn, GA. This is her first season at Piedmont University, and she is beyond excited. In the past, she has performed as Cosette in Les Misérables, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, and Karen in Mean Girls, among others. She has enjoyed getting to know everyone in the theatre department and hopes you enjoy the performance!

Avel Vance Archer is a theatre acting/directing and a neuroscience double major here at Piedmont University. He is passionate about the art of theatre and helping people wherever needed. He has worked backstage during 9 to 5: The Musical and is excited for the opportunity to perform this season.

Raquel Berghoefer is a first-year music education major from Cleveland, GA. She is thrilled to join her peers onstage this season here at Piedmont University. She has been in many shows before, including her first musical experience being in Godspell at White County High School. Her more recent performances were in Nunsense and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Please enjoy the show!

Willow Jade Cannon is a sophomore acting/directing and psychology major from Flowery Branch, GA. You may have seen them in previous productions here at Piedmont University, such as Catherine Connolly in The Laramie Project and in the ensemble of 9 to 5: The Musical; or in productions at Johnson High School such as When She Had Wings and Godspell. Thank you for supporting the arts!

Michael Chandler is a first-year music education major from Gainesville, GA. He is very excited about the Piedmont shows this season. You may have seen him in shows at East Hall High School, such as Merlin in Camelot and Mr. Gibbs in Arsenic and Old Lace.

He thanks you for joining us and hopes you enjoy the show!

Dakota Rose Chen is a fourth-year musical theatre major from Athens, Ga. She is very excited about what Piedmont University has to offer this season, as it is her last year. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Judy in 9 to 5: The Musical, Mimi in RENT, and Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Jayleen Frausto Lona is a freshman at Piedmont University. She is majoring in acting/directing, with a minor in forensic psychology.

She is so excited to be a part of bringing this year's season to life.

She hopes you enjoy the show and looks forward to seeing you next time.

Josalyn Hallman is a sophomore here at Piedmont University, majoring in psychology with a minor in business. While new to the Piedmont Theatre Department, she has been involved in music, dance, and theatre most of her life. She hopes you enjoy the performance and take the joyful experience home with you.

Betsavetl Hernandez is a first-year drama education major from Winder, GA. She is extremely happy and excited to continue her love and passion for theatre here at Piedmont University!

Steven Herring is a sophomore acting/directing major from Jefferson, GA. He recently played Joe in Piedmont University’s production of 9 to 5: The Musical. He also played many roles in his high school career, including Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at 2023’s Region One Act competition. He hopes you enjoy the show and the season.

Gaby La Rosa is a first-year musical theatre major from Hialeah, FL. She is ecstatic to be attending Piedmont University to continue her theatrical career. She has previously played roles such as Blake in “The Humans” and many more. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Laurana Layton is a third-year technical theatre major from Valdosta, GA. She is excited to continue her theatrical training at Piedmont University. You may have seen her as Maria and Dance Captain in 9 to 5: The Musical, Claire Ganz in Rumors, and Reggie Fluty in The Laramie Project. Her technical credits include Props Master for Steel Magnolias, Light Board Operator for A Piece of My Heart, and set crew for various productions. She hopes you enjoy the season.

Jenna Meinberg is a fourth-year forensic science major with a theatre minor. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Micha in Brother Bear or the ensemble in RENT. She has also been the Assistant Stage Manager for Rumors and 9 to 5: The Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Shelby Mowbray is a second-year musical theatre major from Gainesville, GA. She is very excited for this incredible season. She has previously played Kathy in 9 to 5: The Musical and Karen Smith in Mean Girls. She is excited for you to watch the show!

William (Liam) Dewey Peeples IV is a first-year drama education major from Helen, GA. He is eager to see what Piedmont University has to offer this season. In the past, he has won first place in the GISA-AA oral interpretation competition in both the Humorous and Dramatic categories. He would like to shout out to his family from the Washington Little Theatre for their support. He also hopes you enjoy the show!

Lyric Rogers is a senior acting/direct major from Athens, GA. They are so excited about this next season! You may have seen them as the 1000-year-old Monk in Hair, Beatnik Chick in Hairspray, and the Blanket Person in Rent. They’re so glad to be back onstage, and they hope you enjoy the show.

Parker Skillen is a second-year drama education major from Dacula, Georgia. She is so excited for this year’s season! You may have seen her as Jess Newstead in 9 to 5: The Musical and in The Laramie Project. Please enjoy the show!

Nealy Webster is a second–year musical theatre major. You may have seen her in previous roles at White County High School as Sophie in Mamma Mia, Luisa in the Fantasticks, and Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, or as Shelby in Piedmont University Theatre’s Steel Magnolias. She would like to thank her family for their constant support, and hopes you enjoy the show!

Robert Wright is a first-year musical theatre major from Toccoa, GA. He is excited to experience his first year at Piedmont University. You may have seen him in previous roles such as Shrek from Shrek the Musical and Ryan from High School Musical. He is excited to perform for you and hopes you enjoy the show!

MUSICIANS

Conductor/Keyboard 2

Joshua DeVane

Keyboard 1

Camille Alden

Guitar

Kayla Beggs

Bass Guitar

Zach Futch

Percussion

Curt Sanders

Piedmont University’s School of Fine Arts and Communications would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Piedmont Alumni and Friends for their time, talent and willingness to share their expertise for this production of Godspell.

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS SUPPORTERS AS OF OCTOBER 3, 2025

Platinum ($5,000+) Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms Deloitte Foundation Matching Gifts Bill and Carolyn Gaik

Gold ($1,000+) Sandra G. Borrow Gainesville Coca-Cola Bottling Company Lewis and Dianne Cody President Marshall and Kimberly Criser Rev. Dr. Phil DeMore Bob Glass Habersham County Chamber of Commerce Holden Oversoul Chris and Kathryn Kelly Larry and Kendra Rasche Dr. Larry and Dinah Peevy & Tallulah Falls School Weidner Law Firm Mary Hart Wilheit and Philip Wilheit Thomas J. Wigley Robert M. and Coleen D. Williams

Silver ($500+) Dr. Walter and Jeanie Daves Drs. Shannon and Jennifer Gilstrap John F. Spiegel Ann Sutton Alex Thomlinson Peach State Federal Credit Union

Bronze ($250+) Edward and Ann Banke Alicia Barton Kathy and Todd Blandin Brenda M. Boonstra Shirley H. Burton Christal Craig Bill Gabelhausen

Zack and Hailey Hoopaugh Bobby and Tammy Ivey Barbara Johns Ms. Patricia Louko and Dr. Herb Johnson Dr. Robert Lutz Make Mom Proud, LLC Richard and Billie Monroe Thomas and Margaret Rasmussen Mignon Brown Ridings Dr. Katrina G. Short Palmer and Elizabeth Weeks

Patron ($100+) Delores Anderson Temme Barkin-Leeds and Stephen Leeds Jeff and April Bowers Joseph Campion Jonathan and Dr. Martha Cantrell Gary and Stephanie Cortellino Dr. Edwin and Nancy Hendricks Deborah Hill Thomas and Tara Hinshaw Nolan Howren Cheryl Lower Mylle and Bill Mangum Richard Meissner Drema Montgomery Jane Pellegrino William and Kathy Pharr Crystal J. Potthoff Marissa Rodriguez Pedro and Jessica Ruiz Curtis T. Shirley John Templeton and John Siegel Dean Slusser Charles Snider & North Georgia Culture Dr. Stephen and Jo Whited

Thank you for supporting the Piedmont Theatre Department.

We hope to see you for our next production of the 25-26 Mainstage Theatre Season

Written by Lauren Gunderson Directed by Kathy Blandin Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris.

This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play.

Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.

Thursday—Saturday, February 19-21, 2026 at 7:30 pm Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2:00 pm