FACULTY
BILL GABELHAUSEN | FULL PROFESSOR
Bill Gabelhausen, from Peoria, Illinois, is a full Professor at Piedmont University. He received a BFA in Drama from Illinois Wesleyan University, an MFA in Acting from Pennsylvania State University, and a Master’s in Education from UGA. He spent 11 years working as a professional actor performing in National Tours (A Chorus Line, 1776, The Elephant Man, & Taming of the Shrew) and Regional Theaters throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States.
JOHN F. SPIEGEL | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
John Spiegel is an Associate Professor of Theatre and comes to Piedmont University after a short stint at Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C. He is a Georgia native who grew up in Atlanta. After graduating high school from the Westminster School, he received his BA from Davidson College and his MFA from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. John has directed over fifty shows, including a piece at the Kennedy Center. He also serves as a board member of the Southeastern Theatre Conference as well as the SETC Chair for the Endowment Fund. Most recently John was inducted into the SETC Hall of Fame.
KATHY BLANDIN | DEPARTMENT CHAIR
Kathy Blandin is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Theatre at Piedmont University where she works closely with the Drama Ed majors. She holds a PhD in Theatre Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MFA in Children’s Theatre/Creative Drama from the University of Texas at Austin. Previously, Kathy was the Executive Director of the Sautee Nacoochee Center and the head of the Cliff Valley School in Atlanta. Kathy also consults with several professional Children’s Theatres and arts non-profits nationwide helping with everything from marketing to educational programming.
JOSHUA DEVANE | MUSIC DIRECTOR
Joshua DeVane is in his second year as the Associate Professor of Voice at Piedmont University, working individually with a studio of over 25 students each week in the Conservatory of Music. Before starting at Piedmont, he was a collegiate voice instructor at Baylor University. For the last decade, Josh has worked across the United States and Canada as an operatic baritone, vocal coach, choir director, and collaborative pianist. He holds an M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Colorado Boulder. Josh moved to the area in 2024 with his wife, Kat, from Montréal, QC, where he was engaged as a doctoral fellow for three years at McGill University.
WHAT’S INSIDE
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
As a director, I am thrilled to be revisiting the world of Godspell, where the Book of Matthew is gloriously brought to life. From the first production to the present day, Godspell has been a collaboration, uncovering the power of “The Word” through experimental theatre. John-Michael Tebelak created this musical for his Master’s thesis at Carnegie Mellon University in 1970. It was one of the first musicals where the original cast helped create characters and action that illustrate each parable or lesson. From 1970 to 2025, Godspell has been about the power of “community”
I love a quote from Steven Schwartz (Composer & Lyricist), “Godspell is about the formation of a community, and when the show fully works, every night the actors form a community and then include the audience. I think this is why many people who have been in productions of Godspell together become friends for life.” I am so grateful to this cast and production team for creating a community that is caring, honest, beautiful, and heartfelt. Working with them daily has, once again, taught me the power of togetherness, joyfulness, and the ability to conquer anything with a community that cares for its members.
So, on behalf of the Piedmont University Theatre Department, welcome to our community! We are thrilled you are here and hope that, as a member of the community, you will continue to support the Fine Arts at Piedmont University.
All the best, Bill Gabelhausen, Director Ethan Spinks, Assistant Director
Godspell
Artistic Team
Director Bill Gabelhausen
Assistant Director Ethan Spinks
Music Director Joshua DeVane
Set Design John F. Spiegel
Costume Design Mary Gaines
Light Design Joshua Farmer
Choreographer Haylie Collins
THIS SHOW RUNS APPROXIMATELY TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS INCLUDING A 15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
• No photography or videotaping of any kind is permitted during the show.
• Please refrain from the use of all electronic devices.
• Women’s restrooms are located outside of the house right lobby doors and to the right.
• Men’s restrooms are located outside the house left lobby doors and to the left.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jesus Judas
John the Baptist
Gaby La Rosa
Parker Skillen
Laurana Layton
Nealy Webster
William Dewey Peeples IV
Steven Herring
Lyric Rogers
Soloists
Dakota Rose Chen
Raquel Berghoefer
Betsavetl Hernandez
Christina Aleman
ENSEMBLE
Shelby Mowbray
Josalyn Hallman
Willow Cannon
Jenna Meinberg
Avel Vance Archer
Michael Chandler
Jayleen Frausto-Lona
Robert Wright
MUSICAL NUMBERS
Act 1
Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord)
Save the People Day by Day
Learn Your Lessons Well
O, Bless the Lord, My Soul
All for the Best
All Good Gifts
Light of the World
Act 2
Learn Your Lesson (Reprise)
Turn Back, O man
Alas for You By My Side
We Beseech Thee
Day by Day (Reprise)
On the Willows
Finale
PRODUCTIONTEAM
Technical Director
John F. Spiegel
Stage Manager
Kattie Smith
Assistant Stage Managers
Jazz Mote
Meredith Fell
Patron Services Office Manager
Ava Kerpics
Patron Services Box Office Manager
Parker Skillen
Patron Services Office Team
Laurana Layton
Dakota Rose Chen
Avel Vance Archer
Willow Jade Cannon
Stage Magic
Henry Johnson
Audio Engineer
Reece Watson
Assistant Sound Engineer
Kinsley Hodges
Master Electrician
Steven Herring
Light Board Operator
Leasia Finley
Spotlight Operators
Eleanor Quinlan
Aiden Defoor
Light Crew
Laurana Layton
Parker Skillen
Ethan Spinks
Props Master
Aubrie Burrell
Props Crew
Alexis Barfield
Willow Jade Cannon
Haylie Collins
Clarissa Waltrip
Nealy Webster
Master Carpenter
Sara Bjerke
Set Crew
Avel Vance Archer
El Bickham-Okoniewski
Mackenzie Cain
Dakota Rose Chen
Emily Duke
Betsavetl Hernandez
Gaby La Rosa
Queen-Neyarriye Miller
Shelby Mowbray
Jana Nagel
William Dewey Peeples IV
Ireland Seagraves
Ori Walters
Robert Wright
PLAYERS
Alpha Psi Omega is the National Greek Theater Honor Society. Membership into Alpha Beta Gamma, Piedmont's cast of Alpha Psi Omega, is based on the number of cumulative hours each individual has spent in various college theater productions.
Christina Aleman is a Sophomore creative writing major from Lilburn, GA. This is her first season at Piedmont University, and she is beyond excited. In the past, she has performed as Cosette in Les Misérables, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, and Karen in Mean Girls, among others. She has enjoyed getting to know everyone in the theatre department and hopes you enjoy the performance!
Avel Vance Archer is a theatre acting/directing and a neuroscience double major here at Piedmont University. He is passionate about the art of theatre and helping people wherever needed. He has worked backstage during 9 to 5: The Musical and is excited for the opportunity to perform this season.
Raquel Berghoefer is a first-year music education major from Cleveland, GA. She is thrilled to join her peers onstage this season here at Piedmont University. She has been in many shows before, including her first musical experience being in Godspell at White County High School. Her more recent performances were in Nunsense and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Please enjoy the show!
Willow Jade Cannon is a sophomore acting/directing and psychology major from Flowery Branch, GA. You may have seen them in previous productions here at Piedmont University, such as Catherine Connolly in The Laramie Project and in the ensemble of 9 to 5: The Musical; or in productions at Johnson High School such as When She Had Wings and Godspell. Thank you for supporting the arts!
Michael Chandler is a first-year music education major from Gainesville, GA. He is very excited about the Piedmont shows this season. You may have seen him in shows at East Hall High School, such as Merlin in Camelot and Mr. Gibbs in Arsenic and Old Lace. He thanks you for joining us and hopes you enjoy the show!
Dakota Rose Chen is a fourth-year musical theatre major from Athens, Ga. She is very excited about what Piedmont University has to offer this season, as it is her last year. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Truvy in Steel Magnolias, Judy in 9 to 5: The Musical, Mimi in RENT, and Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Jayleen Frausto Lona is a freshman at Piedmont University. She is majoring in acting/directing, with a minor in forensic psychology. She is so excited to be a part of bringing this year's season to life. She hopes you enjoy the show and looks forward to seeing you next time.
Josalyn Hallman is a sophomore here at Piedmont University, majoring in psychology with a minor in business. While new to the Piedmont Theatre Department, she has been involved in music, dance, and theatre most of her life. She hopes you enjoy the performance and take the joyful experience home with you.
Betsavetl Hernandez is a first-year drama education major from Winder, GA. She is extremely happy and excited to continue her love and passion for theatre here at Piedmont University!
Steven Herring is a sophomore acting/directing major from Jefferson, GA. He recently played Joe in Piedmont University’s production of 9 to 5: The Musical. He also played many roles in his high school career, including Mr. Mushnik in Little Shop of Horrors at 2023’s Region One Act competition. He hopes you enjoy the show and the season.
Gaby La Rosa is a first-year musical theatre major from Hialeah, FL. She is ecstatic to be attending Piedmont University to continue her theatrical career. She has previously played roles such as Blake in “The Humans” and many more. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Laurana Layton is a third-year technical theatre major from Valdosta, GA. She is excited to continue her theatrical training at Piedmont University. You may have seen her as Maria and Dance Captain in 9 to 5: The Musical, Claire Ganz in Rumors, and Reggie Fluty in The Laramie Project. Her technical credits include Props Master for Steel Magnolias, Light Board Operator for A Piece of My Heart, and set crew for various productions. She hopes you enjoy the season.
Jenna Meinberg is a fourth-year forensic science major with a theatre minor. You may have seen her in previous roles such as Micha in Brother Bear or the ensemble in RENT. She has also been the Assistant Stage Manager for Rumors and 9 to 5: The Musical. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Shelby Mowbray is a second-year musical theatre major from Gainesville, GA. She is very excited for this incredible season. She has previously played Kathy in 9 to 5: The Musical and Karen Smith in Mean Girls. She is excited for you to watch the show!
William (Liam) Dewey Peeples IV is a first-year drama education major from Helen, GA. He is eager to see what Piedmont University has to offer this season. In the past, he has won first place in the GISA-AA oral interpretation competition in both the Humorous and Dramatic categories. He would like to shout out to his family from the Washington Little Theatre for their support. He also hopes you enjoy the show!
Lyric Rogers is a senior acting/direct major from Athens, GA. They are so excited about this next season! You may have seen them as the 1000-year-old Monk in Hair, Beatnik Chick in Hairspray, and the Blanket Person in Rent. They’re so glad to be back onstage, and they hope you enjoy the show.
Parker Skillen is a second-year drama education major from Dacula, Georgia. She is so excited for this year’s season! You may have seen her as Jess Newstead in 9 to 5: The Musical and in The Laramie Project. Please enjoy the show!
MUSICIANS
Conductor/Keyboard 2
Keyboard 1
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Percussion
Joshua DeVane
Camille Alden
Kayla Beggs
Zach Futch
Curt Sanders
Piedmont University’s School of Fine Arts and Communications would like to extend a special thanks to all of the Piedmont Alumni and Friends for their time, talent and willingness to share their expertise for this production of Godspell.
FRIENDS OF THE ARTS
SUPPORTERS AS OF OCTOBER 3, 2025
Platinum ($5,000+)
Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms
Deloitte Foundation Matching Gifts
Bill and Carolyn Gaik
Gold ($1,000+)
Sandra G. Borrow
Gainesville Coca-Cola Bottling Company
Lewis and Dianne Cody
President Marshall and Kimberly Criser
Rev. Dr. Phil DeMore
Bob Glass
Habersham County Chamber of Commerce
Holden Oversoul
Chris and Kathryn Kelly
Larry and Kendra Rasche
Dr. Larry and Dinah Peevy &
Tallulah Falls School
Weidner Law Firm
Mary Hart Wilheit and Philip Wilheit
Thomas J. Wigley
Robert M. and Coleen D. Williams
Silver ($500+)
Dr. Walter and Jeanie Daves
Drs. Shannon and Jennifer Gilstrap
John F. Spiegel
Ann Sutton
Alex Thomlinson
Peach State Federal Credit Union
Bronze ($250+)
Edward and Ann Banke
Alicia Barton
Kathy and Todd Blandin
Brenda M. Boonstra
Shirley H. Burton
Christal Craig
Bill Gabelhausen
Zack and Hailey Hoopaugh
Bobby and Tammy Ivey
Barbara Johns
Ms. Patricia Louko and Dr. Herb Johnson
Dr. Robert Lutz
Make Mom Proud, LLC
Richard and Billie Monroe
Thomas and Margaret Rasmussen
Mignon Brown Ridings
Dr. Katrina G. Short
Palmer and Elizabeth Weeks
Patron ($100+)
Delores Anderson
Temme Barkin-Leeds and Stephen Leeds
Jeff and April Bowers
Joseph Campion
Jonathan and Dr. Martha Cantrell
Gary and Stephanie Cortellino
Dr. Edwin and Nancy Hendricks
Deborah Hill
Thomas and Tara Hinshaw
Nolan Howren
Cheryl Lower
Mylle and Bill Mangum
Richard Meissner
Drema Montgomery
Jane Pellegrino
William and Kathy Pharr
Crystal J. Potthoff
Marissa Rodriguez
Pedro and Jessica Ruiz
Curtis T. Shirley
John Templeton and John Siegel
Dean Slusser
Charles Snider & North Georgia Culture
Dr. Stephen and Jo Whited
Thank you for supporting the PiedmontTheatre Department. We hope to see you for our next production of the 25-26 MainstageTheatre Season
Written by Lauren Gunderson Directed by Kathy Blandin
Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.
Thursday Saturday, February 19-21, 2025 at 7:30 pm Sunday, February 22, 2025 at 2:00 pm