The Chattanooga Salvation Army 614 Corps is expanding its ReCreate Café Arts Program by producing the musical Godspell with a blended cast of performers from both the homeless and housed parts of the local community. The leadership of the ReCreate Café has joined forces with theatre professors from Covenant College and UTC to create a unique production that opens July 18 and runs through July 22.
Salvation Army 614 Corps Officer Captain Jon-Phil Winter said he is thrilled by the emerging partnership with this diverse team of artists. “Godspell is a gift that we’ve been given, the chance to enhance creativity at the Café. Our aim is to make it a celebration of and inclusiveness for all people in the Chattanooga area.”
“The artistic collaboration is unusual and groundbreaking not only for The Salvation Army and the Chattanooga Arts Community, but in the area of Applied Theatre in general," said Tenika Dye, ReCreate Café artistic director. "To our knowledge there may not be any other organization creating productions like this.”
The Salvation Army 614 Corps and the ReCreate Café is 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.
Performances for Godspell will be held at ReCreate Café located inside The Salvation Army 614 Corps at 800 McCallie Ave. Show dates and times are July 18-21 at 7:30 p.m. and a Sunday matinee on July 22 at 2 p.m. Seating is limited, so advance ticket purchase is suggested. Tickets are $10 for general admission. Tickets for senior citizens (65+) and all students are $8. Tickets may be purchased at The Salvation Army Area Command Office Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. at 822 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403; by phone 756-1023, or online at recreatecafegodspell.eventbrite.com.
Godspell is a musical inspired by the Gospel of Matthew and was originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Many songs from Godspell have become musical theatre standards, such as “Day By Day” and “All For The Best.” The musical has been revived many times on Broadway and remains a favorite at theatres across the country.
The Salvation Army 614 Corps is also reaching out to the community to ask assistance in funding this project. Donations may be mailed to or dropped by The Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga, TN 37403. Please earmark donations for Godspell.
For more information, contact Ms. Dye at 756-1023 ext. 137 or tenika_dye@uss.salvationarmy.org, www.csarmy.org, or www.facebook.com/recreatecafearts.