MURDOCK – Elmwood-Murdock students are bringing New Testament parables to life with their production of a famous musical on stage.
Thirty E-M teenagers will perform “Godspell” during the 2018 one-act season. The play focuses on the life of Jesus and his disciples as they proclaim their message across Israel. The storyline includes parables such as the Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Casting of First Stones and Repenting Tax Collector.
Elmwood-Murdock play production director Keri Hogue said she was excited about the progress the Knights have made on stage. She said their work ethic had helped them fine-tune a production that includes many moments of singing and dancing.
“We have a great group of kids this year,” Hogue said. “They’ve put in a lot of hours getting all of the details down pat for this. I’m happy with how far we’ve come with this show.”
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Hogue said she selected “Godspell” for both its music and message. Many students in this year’s cast have earned either conference or state awards for their singing abilities. The show also highlights lessons about subjects such as compassion and grace for audiences to consider.
“I knew we had a lot of students with musical talents this year, and I wanted to capitalize on that,” Hogue said. “I also remember doing this show when I was in high school, and I was struck back then by what a great message it had. It talks about hope and love and kindness and how we can put those traits into practice. That message is just as important today for everyone.”
Cody Bornemeier, Hannah Mather, Andy Meyer, Valerie Miller and Hayden Ernst are the five seniors in this year’s production. Bornemeier, Mather, Meyer and Miller all have speaking roles on stage and Ernst is responsible for all of the lighting effects.
Noah Arent, Constence Baker, Molly Feile, Rylee Hogue, Gus Pope, Maggie Richter, Bre Romero and Ham Vidaurre all fill speaking parts in the play. Vanessa Callaway, Alyssa Closner, Sophie Frank, Azael Mbantayne, Nate Lockman, Rylan Meyer, Mallory Pavlik, Sergio Rikli, Riley Rose, Abby Shannon, Harlee Wilson and Kylee Wilson all appear on stage.
Kaitlynn Ashlock is responsible for all of the play’s sound effects. Tucker Oehlerking, Sela Rikli, Tessa Robertson and Norina Higuchi are members of the stage crew.
The Knights began their season Nov. 3 with an appearance in the Lofte Theatre Invite. E-M will travel to Elkhorn South for the Acting Up a Storm play production festival on Saturday, Nov. 10, and the group will compete in the East Central Nebraska Conference Invite at the Lofte Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 13.
Elmwood-Murdock will travel to Nebraska City Lourdes for the District C2-1 Meet on Tuesday, Nov. 27. Archbishop Bergan, East Butler, Howells-Dodge, Humboldt-Table Rock-Steinauer, Nebraska City Lourdes and Weeping Water will join the Knights at districts. The district winner will compete in the Class C-2 State Meet at the Johnny Carson Theatre in Norfolk on Thursday, Dec. 6.
Elmwood-Murdock will host a community dinner theatre on Saturday, Nov. 17. A table-service meal will begin at 6 p.m. at the high school gym in Murdock. The student production will take place on stage at approximately 7 p.m.
Cost for the dinner will be $12. All proceeds will be used to help fund Elmwood-Murdock’s play production program. Residents who wish to make reservations must contact Kim Arent by phone at 402-525-9824 or e-mail at kimarent73@gmail.com by Nov. 13.