Reflection on Godspell

I recently did some choreography for Grace International School’s production of Godspell.  It runs this week and I couldn’t be more proud of the students or excited for the community to see this show.

There’s this scene at the end of Godspell: Judas has left to betray Jesus, the disciples and Jesus have finished having their Passover meal.  Judas then sings this beautiful lament while each disciple has a moment with Jesus to say goodbye.

This may very well be my favorite scene in the show (even though my choreography is pretty boss and the students are killing it!).  It’s the calm before the storm.  I believe I find it so moving because of the fun, personal nature of the show.  Jesus has brought each of these people to himself – they’ve grown together, they’ve had fun, they’ve fought, they’ve learned, they’ve journeyed together to this point.  While the disciples don’t know or fully understand what is about to happen, they have a chance to say goodbye.  In their moment each disciple does their unique thing with Jesus … a bit of choreo from their song, a sign only they did with Jesus … whatever it is, it’s theirs.

In reading the gospels, I think it’s easy to forget how approachable Jesus is.  I know that when I read the gospels he seems distant and not necessarily very personal.  His teachings maybe seem lofty, his standards maybe unattainable.  It’s easy then to become like the Pharisees Jesus was constantly chastising – to get wrapped up in doing the right things, without the right attitude. Without seeking God in everything.

This is part of why I have enjoyed going to Godspell practices.  Parables and teachings are acted out in fun, different ways.  Hearing it day after day, practice after practice after practice … just soaking in the words of Jesus. It becomes easier to see yourself as one of the disciples. You have fun alongside the disciples and Jesus; you feel Jesus’ frustration. You, like the disciples, don’t want to say goodbye.  The weight of what Jesus has done falls fresh again.

I personally couldn’t think of a better way to prepare for Easter then helping out with this musical. It's been such a blessing.

PS – Thanks mom and dad for paying for dance classes for all those years, it definitely paid off to put those skills to work for this production.  Also thanks to all who made MASH musicals possible when I was in high school, especially Mr. Dundore, Shoe, and Miss Catherine – not sure I would have helped out with this production if you hadn’t been such an inspiration/encouragement.