The Chattanooga Salvation Army 614 Corps is expanding its ReCreate Café Arts Program by producing the musical “Godspell” with a cast of performers from both the homeless and housed parts of the local community. The leadership of ReCreate Café has joined with theatre professors from Covenant College and UTC to create a production that opens July 20 and runs through July 24.
The partnership between the team of diverse artists excites local Salvation Army captain Jon-Phil Winter. “’Godspell’ is a gift we’ve been given, a chance to enhance creativity at the café. Our aim is to make it a celebration of all people in Chattanooga.”
“The artistic collaboration is groundbreaking not only for The Salvation Army and the Chattanooga arts community but also in the area of applied theatre. To our knowledge, there might not be any other organization creating productions like this,” said Tenika Dye, ReCreate Café artistic director.
The Salvation Army 614 Corps and the ReCreate Café are dedicated to providing creative opportunities for the homeless community as well as area artists. This unifying idea is a hands-on way of bringing people together from all segments of the community, regardless of their housing situation, said Dye.
Performances for “Godspell” will be held at ReCreate Café, located inside The Salvation Army 614 Corps at 800 McCallie Avenue. Show dates and times are July 20, 21, 23, and 24 at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee on July 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at The Salvation Army Area Command Office at 822 McCallie Avenue Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., by calling 423-756-1023, or online at www.csarmy.org.
“Godspell” is a musical inspired by the Gospel of Matthew. It was originally created and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Many songs from “Godspell,” such as “Day By Day” and “All for the Best,” have become musical theatre standards. The musical has been revived many times on Broadway and remains a favorite at theatres across the country.