“Good news often sneaks into our lives on the wings of laughter.” It’s hard to find good news these days. Headlines are anything but good; the job market isn’t great; folks don’t get along; sometimes it is hard to see good things anywhere.

Luckily, this year’s dinner theater offering by the Jefferson Street Youth IS good news! Godspell is the teachings of Jesus from the gospel of Matthew, told through parables which are sometimes funny and often joyous. It is a celebration of the family of mankind.

The core principles of the play mirror those that our society seems to have lost: “Anything you do for one of your brothers here, you do for me,” “never set yourself against the man who wrongs you,” “no man can serve God and money.”

Overlying these messages is a soundtrack containing such famous selections as “Bless the Lord,” “Prepare Ye the Way” and the iconic “Day By Day.”

Beautifully performed by talented young people from our area, Godspell uses various styles of theater to convey one of humanity’s greatest moments. Pantomime, vaudeville and musical theater are all incorporated in this rich retelling.

As the play progresses, it is evident that through Jesus’ teachings the cast becomes a community, overcoming their differences for the good of the group.

This resonates with clear relevance for our world today. Perhaps, the messages of Godspell will pass through those of us who come to see the performance and out into our community, creating ripples of hope among the people of our town and carrying on the wings of our young people into the wider world.

Seniors in the performance include Trey Hand, playing Jesus, Preston Bradshaw, playing Preston and Maggie Kelley, playing Gilmer.

Dinner includes roasted pork loin, sweet and tangy green beans, wild rice pilaf, warm rolls, and apple dump cake for dessert.

The play will run today at 6 p.m., Thursday and Saturday, April 23 and 25, at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 26, at 12:30 p.m.

Admission for adults is $17, youth is $12, and children is $5.

Call the church office at 601-442-3795 for information or reservations.

 

Linda Rodriguez is a Natchez resident.