In its fifty-third season, the PM&L Theatre in downtown Antioch is ready to entertain audiences once again with “Godspell” beginning the week of Nov. 22.
“The arts are what we are alive for,” said director Adam Armstrong, and his upcoming show “Godspell” is no exception. The PM&L Theatre in downtown Antioch, the longest-running live theatre in Lake County, is proud to present this classic show in their fifty-third season.
“Godspell” will be Armstrong’s eleventh show directing in total, although he has only directed at PM&L for two years and it will be his first major musical. Previously, Armstrong has worked with the Round Lake Park District Theatre and done shows at the Christ Community Church in Zion.
“Godspell” is from the award-winning composer Stephen Swartz, most famous for his music in “Wicked.” First performed in the seventies, “Godspell” is what Armstrong calls an “organic,” upbeat” and “enthusiastic” retelling of the Biblical gospel stories.
Adam Armstrong and Sterling Baran rehearse for the show “No Sex Please, We’re British” at the PM&L Theatre.
PM&L is performing the 2012 updated version to retain relevancy for a modern audience.
“It’s a very exciting way to look at the same story,” said Armstrong of the updated “Godspell.” He stressed that although the newer version is “fresh,” the lyrics and story that audiences are familiar with have not changed. The show is lively, involving audience participation and cast members moving throughout the house. Another unique trait of “Godspell” is that all of the characters except for Jesus and Judas go by the actor or actress’s real name.
“The opening number, “Tower of Babel,” is excellent,” said Armstrong. The PM&L production will utilize their new technology during this scene, including an elegant new projector and scrim, a large fabric screen onto which images are projected onstage. For a few years now, PM&L has been working to improve show quality through new technology, costumes, and special effects.
The PM&L Theatre seats about 160 patrons and has undergone many recent improvements.
“My favorite thing about theatre is that it’s so collaborative,” said Armstrong. Although he enjoys all drama, Armstrong prefers acting to directing “simply because it’s easier.” The amount of effort put into any production is enormous; Armstrong said that prepwork for “Godspell” has been going on for over a year.
“The most common thing we hear is, ‘I’ve been living here for so many years and I’ve never been in your theatre.’ It’s an amazing resource to have right here in your own town—take advantage of it,” said Armstrong. He encouraged residents to audition for shows, saying it is the mix of old and new actors that “keeps us vibrant.” Students are also invited to be a part of productions.
“The arts are really the best way to gain perspective,” said Armstrong. “They shine a light on issues without being blinding. They allow [patrons an] escape. They need to be a priority.”
Opening night for “Godspell” is Nov. 22 and the shows run through Dec. 8. Tickets can be purchased online at pmltheatre.com or by calling the box office at (847) 395-3055.
