MANASSAS — The Rooftop Productions presentation of Godspell, the 2012 version, is a joyous celebration of what a true ensemble cast can achieve, together.

The original, classic 1970’s, “Jesusical,” from a young Stephen Schwartz and the late John-Michael Tebelak was retooled, in 2012, as “a masterful retelling of the original sensation with contemporary references and dazzling new arrangements,” according to Musical Theatre International.

All too often the insertion of Capitol Steps satirical humor has damaged the original, childlike innocence that was central to Schwartz and Tebelak’s iconic show. However, the Rooftop cast, despite these contemporary intrusions, transcends these inherent drawbacks, and deliver a truly wonderful theatre experience, and manage to retain the timelessness of the show.

The prologue, which is unique to the stage show, was delightfully chaotic, with eight of history’s most notable philosophers competing to have their individual “truths” win out over the competition.

Jay Tilley’s John the Baptist effectively cuts through the noise and calls for all to “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” and he begins baptizing the philosophers into the family. When Ryan Walker’s Jesus arrives, to get “washed up,” the ensemble is complete, and Walker implores “God Save The People.”

Walker’s Jesus is kind, loving and approachable. One can easily envision little children swarming to just be near him. But, when confronted by the hypocrisy of the “Pharisees,” he is quick to pass judgment and proclaim, “Alas For You.”

Likewise, Tilley displays great depth, as he transitions from the mad prophet, John, to a dutiful member of the childlike “disciples,” to the anguish and betrayal of Judas. The remainder of the cast is equally sharp.

Each effortlessly assumes, then passes, the baton of featured players in the various skits, games, and songs. A fitting testament to the outstanding talent of this cast is that this reviewer is unable to single out any individual actor as standing out.

Their flawless vocal harmonies are just one aspect of how well this ensemble blends with and complements one another, throughout the entire show. Not even an inadequate sound system dampened their energy and the emotional impact of what is Godspell.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays through April 20 at 8 p.m. in the Kellar Theater at the Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 703-330-2787.

Tickets will be held at “Will Call” under purchaser’s name.

The show is directed by Ted Ballard, and musically directed by Daniel Holmes. The show is choreographed by Maureen Hagerman.

Disney’s smash Broadway adaptation of the cult hit movie musical, Newsies, is coming to the Pied Piper Theatre in Manassas.

Winning the rights to do the show is a coup for the Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory Director Beverly Hess and Pied Piper Theatre Director Anne Ridgeway.

Earlier this year as both attempted to build the 2018-2019 Pied Piper Theatre season, they got frustrated. It seemed that every show they were interested in was on tour, and the rights were not available, at any price.

That is until Ridgeway had a crazy idea.

“What about Newsies?” asked Ridgeway.

Not expecting to win the show, she went online. Sure enough, the performance rights for the show were not available until April 1, 2018. Hoping against hope, she called Hess, and the pair worked to prepare a licensing proposal.

March 31 proved to be a long day, for Ridgeway, and at precisely 12:01 a.m, on Sunday, April 1, she hit the send button, and transmitted Pied Piper’s application to New York City.

She settled in and prepared to wait. But she didn’t wait long.

Bright and early, Monday morning, Ridgeway got to work and opened her email and learned they got the rights to the show.

Ridgeway rushed into Hess’ office, where the two women sat down and, with the helpful addition of popcorn from an excited coworker, watched a video of “Newsies: The Broadway Musical.”

As the credits rolled, they made their final decision to do the show and wrote the check to secure the rights.

Broadway dance classes sell out

“Newsies” is chock full of multiple high-energy dance numbers, and the excitement about the show was instantaneous.

As soon as word went out about the coming musical, which, many of Pied Piper’s summer classes, such as Broadway Dance for Actors, sold out—leaving the Center for the Arts the Candy Factory staff scrambling to add more sessions.

With new sessions added, the center opened additional seats for children and teenagers ages 5 to 18 who might be interested in any of the Center for the Arts educational and camps.

Auditions will be Oct. 12 from 5 to 9 p.m., and October 13, beginning at 9 a.m. Callbacks will be on October 14 at 12:30 p.m.

The show opens at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas on January 12, 2019.

“Newsies” is being directed by David Johnson, who grew up performing with Pied Piper starting in 2003, and who graduated high school in 2011.

If you would like more information on all the Center’s offerings, check them out at center-for-the-arts.org.

Here’s the rest of the theater season at Center for the Arts at the Candy Factory:

Pied Piper 

Enchanted Sleeping Beauty:  Auditions Aug. 30 and Sept. 1, 2o18

Performances:  October 27, 2018, at 2 pm and 7 p.m. and October 28 at 3 pm at Metz Middle School

“Annie” Auditions TBD

Performances: May 11, 2019, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and May 12 at 3 p.m. at Hylton Performing Arts Center

Pied Piper Theatre casts singers, dancers and actors ages 8-18.

Rooftop Productions,

“A Christmas Carol” (Broadway Version) Nov.24 through December 9, 2018

“Murder on the Menu” opening Feb. 8 through 16, 2019

“Godspell” (revised 2012 version) April 5 through 20, 2019

In the topsy-turvy world of the Addams Family — where black is the brightest acceptable color, roses are harvested for their thorns, and Morticia expressing dreadful unhappiness delights her husband — the Rooftop Players production of The Addams Family Musical is entertainingly horrifying.

Based upon Charles Addams’ comic characters and, of course, the iconic TV series and film franchise, the show finds paterfamilias Gomez Addams firmly skewered upon the horns a the dilemma of keeping faith with the two greatest loves of his life.

Daughter, Wednesday has felt the sting of cupid’s arrow and swears her doting father to secrecy. Unfortunately, Gomez has never kept anything from his “Cara Mia” and is quite abysmal in the secrets keeping department.

The plot develops as Wednesday’s true love, Lucas, his mother, and father arrive at the Addams’ home for dinner. Lucas and Wednesday’s dream of weaving their disparate families together immediately begin to unravel.

Not just is the boy “normal,” but he and his parents actually wear brightly colored clothing. Wednesday even arrives in a sympathetic yellow blazer.

Not to fear as Uncle Fester, Grandma, and a host of departed ancestors dedicate themselves to getting these kids hitched.

Overall the show was entertaining, with plenty of good laughs and some good musical moments. Jay Tilley plays a wonderfully kerfuddled Gomez Addams, with excellent timing and a host of facial expressions that immediately capture and hold the empathetic attention of the audience.

Sarah Jane Scott’s Morticia is statuesque, and haughtily icy, just waiting for Gomez’ fiery, Latin touch. Abby Dahl does a wonderful job of balancing the serious, menacing Wednesday Addams, with her brand new feelings of, dare we say, joy? And, when she and Ryan Walker’s Lucas’ voices blend, it would thaw even the ancestors’ cold, long-dead hearts.

The audience asides are wonderfully done, especially as Daniel Holmes’ Festus serves as narrator, and Betsy Hansen’s Grandma asks a few pointed questions of those on the front row. Holmes’ vocal performance is exceptionally strong, as are the ensemble numbers, with the ancestors.

The cast handles some intricate harmonies quite well, as the ancestors do an excellent job of remaining in ghostly character, throughout, and are a vital (if predominantly silent) element of the show’s success.

All-in-all, The Addams Family is an enjoyable evening of community theatre, with plenty of things to crow (or raven) about.

The Addams Family runs for one more weekend at The Candy Factory, in Manassas. More information and tickets are available at center-for-the-arts.org.

David Britt is a notorious thespian and an unrepentant technical theater junkie. Locally, David has been involved with the Prince William Little Theatre, and for the past few years, he has been lost in The City of Fairfax Theatre Company. He enjoys all aspects of community theater.