Island teens rock the stage

More than a dozen eager young thespians will sing and dance in a fully staged production of “Godspell” this weekend.

More than a dozen eager young thespians will sing and dance in a fully staged production of “Godspell” this weekend.

The family-friendly show, one of the most exuberant rock operas of the 1970s, tells the story of the Gospel of Matthew, and includes musicalized versions of many well-known New Testament parables.

“Godspell,” often billed as a celebration of the family of humankind, has toe-tapping tunes that range in styles from pop and folk rock to gospel and vaudeville.

The Vashon cast of “Godspell” includes Quinn McTighe as Jesus, Max Lopuszynski as Judas and a chorus comprised of Salena Biro, Hannah Fellbaum, Maria Gilmour, Ellie Hughes, Isaac Hughes, Maya Krah, Luther Marinez, Marisol Marinez, Roman Marquez-Twisdale, Louisa Moody and Torin Record-Sand.

Drama Dock Theatre’s artistic director Elizabeth Ripley directs the show and Elizabeth Schoen contributed high-stepping choreography. Island chanteuse Maggie Laird is the show’s band leader.

“Godspell” is the third installment of Drama Dock’s Youth Theatre Initiative, a program that aims to provide meaningful stage time for Island youth in middle and high school. Auditions for the next show in the series, “All Night Strut: A Jumpin’ Jivin’ Jam,” will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, and 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7, at McMurray Middle School. The show is a musical revue, with roles for up to 30 singers, dancers and actors. For more information about that show, call Marita Ericksen at 463-0995.

“Godspell” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at Vashon High School’s theater. Tickets, $10 and $7.50, are on sale at Island book stores and at the door.