Meet the Seisen Cast of GODSPELL

The Spring Musical with a combined cast representing International School of the Sacred Heart, St. Mary's and Seisen is a decades long tradition. The last production the three schools were able to share with the community was 2019's "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown". After three years live theater returns next week with an energetic and inspiring production of "GODSPELL". 

Dozens of Seisen students have been involved in the production since December preparing props, costumes, sets, lighting and sound. Today we introduce the Seisen students you will see on stage during the show. Ticket information below.

 

Kotori Fukai -  (Callyn)

What do you love about your character?

I love how my character is open, sweet and loving. Her warm character leads the individuals together into Jesus’s community, which is represented during the song, “Day by Day”. 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

Theatre productions always hold a very special place in my heart. It is what encouraged me to discover myself. I have always loved performing in musicals ever since I first did it when I was back in grade 5. Performing experiences has inspired me to express myself to inspire others. When I was first informed about the musical, I could not keep in my excitement and listened to the soundtrack over and over. Although I am not religious, hearing the songs of “GODSPELL” has encouraged me to understand the beauty of building a community. What I especially love is how I get to be a part of every scene, songs and dances!

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite lyric or line of dialogue from the show?

“When your trust is all but shattered, When your faith is all but killed, You can give up bitter and battered, Or you can slowly start to build… A beautiful city, yes we can, yes we can!” 

What was challenging about bringing this production to life?

Due to the pandemic situations, we were online for the first two months. Because theatre production is about creating the “musical” as a community of casts and crews, not being able to be in person with them has really become a burden when trying to promote depth and meaning into the “musical”. What I found most challenging was learning the choreography as the zoom call would constantly glitch. However all cast members were excited that we would get together one day, and kept working hard together. Furthermore, the directors were all very supportive, so shifting into in-person rehearsals were done very smoothly. 

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Everyone! I would like to encourage everyone to come watch the musical. Although it may seem like it, “GODSPELL” is not a musical about religion. The heart of the musical expresses the theme of “love” to bring people together, building a community. Because our sense of connection with one and another has been lost due to the pandemic, I hope watching this musical will bring out those feelings back into our hearts. The songs are lively, heartwarming, and I will promise that those who watch the performance will be fulfilled with “love”! 

Lula Hanari -  (Flora)

What do you love about your character?

I love how my character commits all the way once she understands what is happening. My character has an “earth mother” kind of warmth to her which is represented through the costume and manturisms. 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I love all the elements associated with being in a musical. The singing, dancing, acting, as well as cast relationships are what make a show really special. I have always loved performing on stage, and with the past couple of years being challenged with the Coronavirus, I jumped at the opportunity of being part of this musical. I have never heard of Godspell prior to the auditions but since then I have learned to love every component, whether it be serious or humorous. Being part of such a lively and exciting cast makes me excited to attend every rehearsal!

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite lyric or line of dialogue from the show?

“I’ll put a pebble in my shoe, and watch me walk *watch me*,I can walk, and walk.”

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone would enjoy watching the show since it is lively and interactive. Although the image may cater more to a religious (Catholic/Christian) audience. Godspell is about coming together as a community, so whether or not you are religious, you should definitely come see this show on April 8th, 9th, or 10th! 

Maya Dale -  (Olivia)

What do you love about your character?

I like how my character is care-free and is full of ambition. She is very confident and is spontaneous in some situations, but supports the other people on stage at all times.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I have always loved to perform on stage, and after hearing some songs from Godspell, I wanted to take part in it. My favorite songs are ‘By My Side’ and ‘Beautiful City’. Although I have been in productions before, many of them got cancelled because of covid-19, and I wasn’t able to perform on stage for a while. Out of all different types of on-stage performances, musicals have always been the most appealing to me, and I thought that this was a great opportunity for me to be able to enjoy what I want to do. 

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite lyric or line of dialogue from the show?

“We can build a beautiful city, yes we can, yes we can”

What was challenging about bringing this production to life?

It was hard to remember the blocking for each scene, because even though not all of us have lines in a scene, we are all participating in them. It was also very challenging at the beginning of the production, since many of the schools went online due to covid. We weren’t able to meet face to face until the end of February. It was hard to practice by myself in front of a screen, especially when we had to practice the dance choreographies on zoom. Many technical issues arose, but I am very glad that we have been able to practice together physically and perform in front of an audience. 

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Any person who enjoys listening to music or watching musicals will like watching this show. The harmony under every song is very pretty, and I think that all of our voices combined will be pleasing to listen to. The set is also very creative and playful, and it is visually appealing overall. 

Tanaya Nag -  (Melody)

What do you love about your character?

I love how lively and energetic my character is! Her attitude and mannerisms exhibit her sassy nature, and she always wants to have fun! My character is also accompanied by her favourite ukulele, which I play in a few songs - something I have super fun doing. 

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I love singing, I love dancing, and I love acting! After years of not being able to perform a musical due to the pandemic, I had to get back on stage!  I had never heard of Godspell before, and listened to all the songs right before the audition process. I was immediately attracted to all the songs especially, We Beseech Thee and Light of the World, as they were so captivating, catchy and memorable. All the musical numbers from the show have been stuck in my head ever since, and I was so happy to be given the opportunity to be a part of something so special. Being on stage and performing is what I am passionate about- weekly rehearsals are my ultimate motivation right now and definitely my favourite part of the day.I love all my fellow cast mates from the bottom of my heart, and I feel so lucky to have met all these talented people. We were all able to strengthen our relationships throughout this experience and I am proud to say that we are one happy family:) The entire cast and crew is extremely talented, and I am so excited to share our journey with everyone on performance day!! 

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite lyric or line of dialogue from the show?

'You've got to stay pretty in the city of God' :)

What was challenging about bringing this production to life?

Keeping the energy up at 100% throughout the whole show!! Godspell is a musical where the entire cast is involved and on stage the entire time. Aside from the short break we have transitioning from Act 1, to Act 2, we are always on stage performing. With all the musical dance numbers, we are all out of breath by the second dance. Since we are all present on stage the entire time, we have to ensure that our energy is through the roof, in order to bring the whole show to life. Without giving it our all, the production would appear dead and boring, lowering the viewing experience for the audience. Although the whole thing may have seemed tiring at the beginning, after several rehearsals, I feel more energised than ever. The whole cast is out there doing what we love, as we bounce energy off each other, energising each other! Additionally, it is unfortunate that we have to wear masks, so the audience is unable to see the expressions on our face. Although this is challenging, we have to make the most of it by exhibiting our expressions and emotions through energy and body gestures. 

What sort of person is going to love this show?

Anyone and everyone. Godspell is targeted towards people of all ages.The stories shared throughout the show may be biblical and serious, however, they are presented in such a colourful and fun way, and that makes it easier for younger audiences to understand. The songs are absolutely beautiful, and it varies from head bopping rock and roll, to tear shedding ballads. I guarantee that by the end of the show, audience members will have a tune or two stuck in their heads for a while!! Godspell is also a highly engaging and interactive musical, where the audience is in a sense, 'part of the show'. There are several scenes where the cast directly engages with the audience, which enhances their viewing experience. Don't miss the opportunity to come watch the show for a lively and unforgettable experience! 

Robert Graham - Director

Why did you choose this show?

I actually directed a production of the original version of Godspell about 20 years ago in Australia. Some of the cast were my high school students, but the others were adults. Here, we have a talented, energetic and lively group - all high school students - who get to stay onstage for the whole performance, singing and dancing in every song. The show we are doing now is a 2012 revised version with a couple of new songs added  - and I like them very much. Also, due to the pandemic restrictions, we could only do a show with a relatively small cast. Our cast is 13. The narrative involves the forming of a community, the teachings of Jesus, his betrayal and subsequent crucifixion. So, though I wouldn’t call it a “religious” musical, the important messages are central to the Catholic ethos of each of our three schools - SIS, ISSH and SMIS. But that’s not the only relevance. Godspell works beautifully in lots of different places and contexts because it is primarily about community, and values essential to humanity. This is the right time to present Godspell - not just because it is great fun, with really catchy songs - but because it offers hope for a better future. We could all do with that right now, don’t you think?

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

It won’t be a surprise to see just how talented the cast and crew are, but what might surprise people is how much fun can be had with essentially “serious” stories being told. Also, how such incredibly fun, tuneful songs and music can carry these serious messages about how we should live our lives with each other - about respect, forgiveness and charity. I suppose there is a didactic element to it, but audiences certainly won’t see this show as proselatizing, but more of a joyful celebration of the good things about our lives.

What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they go home after this show?

I hope they will be thinking “Isn’t it great that we can finally see these wonderful students performing on stage and in-person again? It’s about time!” And, “I haven’t seen anything quite like that before!” I suspect that at least one song will have stuck with them and that they will be tapping, or clapping and humming the tune in the car - not the driver, but the passengers!! Maybe even a lyric, or  line or two will have resonated with them. Hopefully, they will also be thinking about how inventive the staging is. Not only is it a great show to listen to, but to see - the movement and visual images are energetic, powerful and striking.

Wow! What a colourful and kinetic experience!