Simone de Haas returns to direct Godspell

Renowned Queensland theatre professional, Simone de Haas, will return to USQ this month to direct one of the biggest Broadway successes of all time.

The USQ Performance Centre's production of Godspell will also draw on the talents of USQ Opera Studio singers and an exciting backing band featuring electric guitars, a drum kit and percussion.

Simone said she is looking forward to returning to USQ.

'I directed the 2003 opera program (Don Giovanni, Orfeo and Carmen), the Children's Opera season of Mozart's Magical Flute in 2004 and The Land of Shush in 2005.

'I really enjoy working with the Opera Studio because we always have a lot of fun and this show in particular is very good because there is something for everyone,' said Simone.

Conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Godspell is a modern-day musical based on the Gospel according to St Matthew.

Drawing on various theatrical traditions, including clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville, Godspell is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love.

A sparkling score and a string of well-loved songs including Day By Day, Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord, Learn Your Lessons Well, All For The Best, All Good Gifts, Turn Back, O Man and By My Side bring the parables of Jesus Christ to life in a humane and heart felt manner.

'There is a lot of variety so the students are exposed to different styles of acting and explore different ways of telling each parable.

'And it's something that audiences seem to relate to because they don't feel like they are been preached to,' said Simone.

Godspell will run in the USQ Arts Theatre for 4 performances only:

Tickets are $20.50 Adult, $16.50 Concession and $5.50 for Children.

Media Contact: Amy Cass, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2092
USQ Performance Centre Contact: Michelle Fox, Box Office Manager, +61 7 4631 1111