Search for local choir
05/01/2015
Godspell, the legendary rock musical by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, is back! Godspell In Concert set to tour the UK in 2015, visiting Hull New Theatre from Monday 15 - Tuesday 16 June.
And for the first time in British theatre history, fully formed choirs from all over the country are being given the chance to take part in a professional touring musical production direct from the West End. This exciting opportunity to perform on the professional stage will see choirs chosen to perform at a local venue across the country* as part of the ensemble cast. Working with a West End cast and creative team, each choir will be coached to their moment in the spotlight.
Choirs will sing some of the most popular songs from the show, on the stage of some of the UK’s most prestigious theatres – accompanied by the fantastic Godspell In Concert band.
Producers are looking for mixed-voice Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass (SATB) choirs with an excellent musical and performance standard and choir members must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
Choirs at each performance venue will be comprised of 28 singers. Half the choir will be static and the other half will ‘move’ (not dance) and be directed by a choreographer. Four dedicated West End performers will make each choir’s number up to 32 and either one choir in total or two choirs will be cast for each venue.
Each choir will receive the expert tutelage of Musical Director Russell Scott, who is at the helm of the show’s spectacular new orchestration. Russell has worked in the music industry, professionally, for over 30 years, working in the worlds of Classical and Musical Theatre.
He is not only an accomplished singer, but also a vocal coach, producer, musical and choral director. As a performer, he has performed all over the world, as a soloist with leading choirs and orchestras. With over 100,000 record sales across his four solo albums, he’s also appeared on countless film soundtracks and opera, pop and musical theatre recordings. Russell is Chorus Director of Next Stage Choir and works regularly with choirs and ensembles.
The application process is simple – choirs can visit the show website www.godspellinconcert.com and apply online. The closing date for applications has been extended to Friday 9 January 2015 and after this date shortlisted choirs will be invited to one of six regional auditions this month, with a view to the successful choirs being informed at the end of January.
The UK tour will feature a brand new, modern-day rock score packed to the heavens with favourites such as Light of the World, All Good Gifts and Day by Day.
This timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love has touched the hearts of countless theatregoers all over the world. And now UK theatre fans can join in the celebration as a spectacular ensemble is set to stir souls and raise spirits, aided by a full live band.
Prior to the gala, the show last played the West End in 1972 at the Wyndham’s Theatre, where it turned David Essex into an overnight sensation and more recently Godspell has enjoyed a hugely successful run on Broadway.
By permission of Stephen Schwartz – the Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer of Wicked and Pippin – Russell Scott and Mark Pettitt for Godspell in Concert UK Ltd will produce the 12-week UK tour. Kenneth Avery-Clark directs the production, which was critically lauded at its London performance.
Tickets for Godspell In Concert at Hull New Theatre are priced from £22.50 to £27.50 and available for purchase from the Hull City Hall box office, the Wilson Centre on Alfred Gelder Street or by calling the Booking and Information Line on 01482 300300. Alternatively, you can book your tickets.
