Have you seen a performance by the Lakeland Community Theater lately?
Here is a tidbit - little history - about one of Lakeland's finest art group. A group of Lakeland citizens approached the City of Lakeland in 1985 to develop a children's theater known as Pied Piper Players. Since then, the repertoire, such as Grease, The Fiddler on the Roof and The Sound of Music has vastly expanded and with the 2007/2008 season the name was changed to "Lakeland Community Theater." The theater is a non-profit organization and has over 800 volunteers participate throughout the year. Events, such as main stage productions, theatre for youth series and classes are being attended by over 19,000 people. The talent that this Lakeland Community Theater provides is immensely.
You Don't Want to Miss this - Lakeland Community Theater is proudly presenting "Godspell"
Godspell is an old word for Gospel. The music is written by Steven Schwartz who wrote Children of Eden and Wicked. The show is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. It features a group of young people (16 cast members). In this modernized version they are all gathered in an urban alleyway with their leader Jesus.
He tells them stories (the parable) which they act out including The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal 
Son. The show is packed with great songs and hysterically funny reenactments of the parables. There is also a wonderful scene based on Stomp! Where they all play instruments found on the street like trash can lids, car engines and oil barrels. As the story progresses Jesus is betrayed by Judas Iscariot and is crucified. This is a very moving part of course. At the end Jesus is resurrected and they all sing Long Live God.
Some great parts such as Benedict's song - "All Good Gifts" which is a Gospel type song and very good, and "By My Side" sung by Meaghan McGowan which is a folk type ballad, it's really lovely too. The show is very bright and colorful; the cast are full of energy and are excellent singers and dancers. It is certainly a great evening's entertainment.
Photos were taken by Jeff Luty and being used with his permission
Meet The Cast: Daniel Ballard, Rae Bartley, Jerrel Burton, Dean Cantu, Marta Cavana, Seth Cox, Benedict Heaps, Meaghan McGowan, Carly Nix, Leslie Redman, Grant Reynolds, Kristi Robinson, Harry Russo, Drew Sebastian, Noelle Stewart, and Joe Strickland III.
Director is Alan S. Reynolds, Musical Director is Patrick Fleitz and Choreographer is Laurie Wood.
Performances are from July 10th-27th. Thursday, Friday, Saturday @ 7:30pm and Sunday @ 2pm at the Lake Mirror Theatre. Adult Tickets are $20 and $10 students 18 and under. The Lake Mirror Theatre is located on historic Lake Mirror at 121 S. Lake Ave.
Petra Norris - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc. - Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker -
PO Box 92050 - Lakeland, FL 33804-2050 - Telephone (863) 619-6918
I hope you found this post useful! If you need help finding or selling your Lakeland, Florida home, please contact Petra Norris - REALTOR at 863-619-6918. If you’re new to Lakeland, I’d especially like to extend a warm welcome. I value my clients and provide them with honest, reliable service. Allow me to introduce you to the Lakeland real estate landscape and all it has to offer.
Petra, thanks for keeping us up-to-date on the arts. I haven't been to a Pipe Piper Players show since I was child. It may be a good idea to go back and take my family, too.
Dustin - I'll try to do my best - It is a great show you don't want to miss.
Petra...
Excellent hyper local content here. This is a fine example of what the AR Editors will be looking for.
Too bad I have a full plate right now...You definately sold me the show :)
TLW...ROAR!
TLW - nice to see you commenting here, I completely understand that you have a full plate right now. I'm thinking about you.
:)