The Theater Arts Department at Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange will present a bold and thought-provoking spring production of the beloved musical Godspell, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
WBGO's Doug Doyle spoke with head of the theater department and Godspell director James W. Lemon and three student cast members Londyn Rodgers (Jesus), Kevin Barton Jr. (Judas) and Jordan Davis (Nick).
Lemon says this student production places the story within the setting of a modern “No Kings” protest rally, exploring themes of community, compassion, justice, forgiveness, and the power of unity during times of division.
"Our students take theater history and we noticed lots of similarities of today's time to the Roman Era which is the time of Jesus. There are a lot of things that are quite similar. We thought it was a good idea put the parables of the Gospel according to St. Matthew within the context of what's happening in the world around us today."
Lemon stresses the student actors have been able to look at today's situation from a different perspective.
"We are setting it literally at "No Kings" rally. All of the characters are protestors at this rally. Throughout the play they are surrounded by students playing ICE agents. The play also explores just the humanity that Jesus teaches us through the Gospel according to St. Matthew."
Rather than presenting the story as a traditional biblical period piece, the production highlights how the moral lessons of the parables continue to resonate in today’s world. Through vibrant staging, modern imagery, and powerful musical performances, students bring to life messages about caring for marginalized communities, loving one’s neighbor, and building bridges across differences.
Lemon says received some pushback when he cast Londyn as Jesus being a female.
"I've gotten some feedback from parents and students about that choice. For me, it was simple and in some ways spiritual. I said I don't know how this casting will work out, let me see the students. When London auditioned and sang the song "Save the People" I just began to cry. I knew that she should (be Jesus). After I heard the feedback, I said maybe it's time we stand up to these restrictions that we have on gender, race and sexuality. These teachings go beyond the messenger."
For London Rogers, landing the role of Jesus has given her the belief she needed in her abilities on stage.
"This is actually very funny. I've been on this journey because I've always been self-conscious of my singing voice. This production has definitely shown me the true power in my voice and helping me build that confidence to be able to go out there and put on a show for people, make them laugh, make them cry, make them feel something."
Musical numbers such as “Day by Day,” “All Good Gifts,” and “Beautiful City” emphasize hope, collective responsibility, and the belief that communities can rebuild and heal.
Kevin Barton Jr. says "Beautiful City" means the most to him.
"It's a song I sang freshman year. Even hearing Londyn sing it now, I'm almost in tears. It really means a lot to me. I feel like it brings so much hope and invokes so much hope in me. We can build a beautiful city. We can make a better world for ourselves.
Kevin also says he was inspired by Michael B. Jordan's Oscar win for his dual role in the vampire thriller Sinners.
"Once I saw him win that award, I was like yeah, I'm going to be up there one day. I'm going to be great."
Jordan Davis was also excited about Jordan's rise from going to Arts High School in Newark to eventually become an Academy Award winner.
"I think it's so important that people of color in general take up space at these award shows. We see them winning. It really does give so much hope to other people of color that there is a path for you to get there."
Davis admits he's caught "the theater bug"
"I definitely did. One of the best parts about being here is you learn a lot about different productions. This has expanded my love for musical theater."
Godspell runs Friday March 27 through Sunday , March 29 at the Jean L. James Theater (35 Winans Street in East Orange, NJ)
Friday, March 27 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 28 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 29 – 3:30 PM
You can SEE the entire interview with James Lemon and the student actors below:
