Nazareth’s fall production of Godspell has made it to state for the Illinois Theatre Festival. The Naz cast and crew will be leaving school at 11 am on January 10th to go the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana campus for the fest from January 10th to the 12th. It is a big accomplishment as Naz hasn’t been to state since 2008. Judges, or Judicators, come from high schools to evaluate how the play would contribute to the theatre festival. After evaluation, the judicators give their feedback to the cast in the dining hall. When they got the news later on that they had made it, the cast and crew celebrated by going downtown and out to dinner. Matt Serafin, the lead of the play, comments, “Godspell is a great show, the cast was really connected on and off stage and I think that was apparent to the audience.”

This year the theme of the theatre festival is social justice, which Matt adds, “is a perfect theme for Godspell, since the play has to do with the works and teachings of Jesus.” When they arrive at the fest, they have to set up the stage and attend the opening ceremony that night. The next morning they have two performances in the morning and afternoon. They also get the chance to attend the other shows at the festival that weekend. They can attend various workshops and seminars held at the fest in their free time. After everything, they have to take down their set and pack their bags. Mrs. White is very impressed with her students as well stating, “Going to state is quite an honor. It is our 7th time being chosen. I am very proud of this cast. They are very special. They are a very respectful group, wonderful to each other and to me, their director. Their hard work has paid off, and this is a huge honor for us and our school.” Nazareth is excited for the cast and crew of Godspell and wishes them the best of luck!