View Godspell Photo Album Here
Each year, thousands of high schools across the state take the stage for winter musicals. This year, Frenship Memorial High School stepped into the spotlight with its inaugural production, Godspell.
Frenship Memorial Theatre Director Lindsey Pierson explained that Godspell felt like a good choice for their first musical because it can be as simple or complex as you want to make it, and its stories transcend time.
“The message of community, kindness, and forgiveness aligns beautifully with the values we want to establish in our program,” said Pierson. “Godspell emphasizes collaboration rather than spectacle, it gave our students the chance to focus on storytelling, connection, and growth.”
The success of this beautifully touching musical is a testament to the new school's drive and cross collaboration between several fine art programs. From theatre to choir and dance, students and staff from these fine arts programs came together to create a memorable performance.
Assistant choir teacher Emily Chavez led musical instruction, while lead choir director Tim Algate supported sound engineering and microphone technique. Memorial dance teachers Callie Wilson and Anyssah Holland choreographed the production, bringing movement and energy to the stage. Lindsey Pierson directed the show, with technical director Jennifer Cagle-Gillmore coordinating set, lighting, and backstage logistics to ensure a seamless production.
Pierson explained that success in collaboration comes from a shared goal of creating something meaningful together.
“When all fine arts groups are invested in the same project, students gain a deeper appreciation for each other’s disciplines,” said Pierson. “It also makes executing the show easier because responsibilities are shared, creativity is multiplied, and students feel ownership over the final product.”
The preparation for any show begins months in advance, and Godspell was no different. Peirson explained that they hit the ground running at the beginning of the year, selecting the show, figuring out rights and budget, coordinating schedules, and planning logistics.
One of the main challenges of the production was that the entire cast was made up of novice actors. As Memorial High School currently serves only freshmen and sophomores, many of the performers had little to no prior theatre experience.
Pierson explained that there was a definite learning curve, not just with singing, dancing, and acting, but with rehearsal etiquette, collaboration, and time management.
“We overcame this by building a supportive environment,” said Pierson. “Breaking things down step by step and lots of repetition, so the show was in their bones by the time we performed. The students rose to the challenge and exceeded expectations.”
The young cast banded together to deliver a remarkable performance that inspired audiences and set a precedent of excellence within Memorial Fine Arts. Moments when the actors connected with one another and the audience were especially powerful. Pierson noted that the moment near the end of the performance, when the cast sings through the aisles as confetti falls, is pure magic.
Pierson said her favorite part of the production was seeing students step outside their comfort zones and support one another. She found it remarkable to watch them encourage each other, calm nerves, and celebrate small victories.
“The show came together and did what it was supposed to do: build community and provide hope,” said Pierson. “We learned that we really could build a beautiful city ‘brick by brick and heart by heart,’ as Steven Schwartz wrote in the music of Godspell.”
This production set the foundation for what musical theatre at Memorial hopes to become, inclusive, collaborative, and full of heart. Godspell was more than a show for MHS, it was the beginning of a tradition, and Pierson is excited to see where the fine-arts team and students take it next.
“The students showed up unapologetically, and I am so proud of our entire team,” said Pierson.
Congratulations, Memorial Fine Arts! Stay up to date with Frenship Fine Arts HERE.