Opening at 7:30 p.m. today and continuing through Saturday, March 28, the Waynesburg University Department of Fine Arts will present the 2026 spring musical: “Godspell.”
Tickets are $3 per student, faculty or staff and $5 per general admission. The production will take place at the Waynesburg University Goodwin Performing Arts Center.
When he first began preparing for the spring musical, director of theatre productions and part-time instructor in theatre Ted Watts Jr. knew he wanted to lean in the direction of “Godspell.” He explained that he saw that he knew “Godspell” was known for being casted with comedians and saw an interesting parallel with the students at Waynesburg, who love improv and comedy shows.
Sophomore business entrepreneur major Larry Ronstadt echoed that “Godspell” is very reliant on improv. According to him, the main difference between musicals Waynesburg has put on in the past and “Godspell” is that the whole cast is on stage the entire time. Throughout the whole show, Jesus teaches the disciples through lessons and parables.
Ronstadt was cast as both John the Baptist and Judas in this production. He explained that he is often cast as the villain of the show, which he feels showcases his talent as an actor.
“The villain, they always get to, you know, have those ebbs and flows of the regrets they have, the decisions they have to make, the reasonings they make those decisions,” Ronstadt said. “So those kinds of aspects make playing the villain a lot more fun, and at the end of the day, a lot more rewarding.”
Similarly, sophomore sports media major Tyler Kerner shared that he has also felt rewarded in his role as Jesus.
According to Kerner, playing Jesus is more than just acting to him.
“It’s more of me using my heart and my emotions throughout the lines,” Kerner said. “Me trying to feel what he felt, and feeling some sympathy…or empathy for him when he died on the cross for us.”
This feeling of sympathy surrounding the crucifixion is a major theme in Watts’ mind as he directs this musical. He explained that while “Godspell” aligns well with Waynesburg University’s mission with its faith-based message, the musical is also a great way to remind people of what it all really means.
According to Watts, as Christians, “we’re separated from it somehow, in some ways, and you have to remember that these things actually occurred,” Watts said. “It’s not symbolism. It’s real.”
Ronstadt feels similarly, stating that “Godspell” is an important story to tell at Waynesburg.
“One of the things I’ve learned with faith is that no matter where you are in your faith journey you could always be a storyteller in faith,” Ronstadt said. “We’ve all learned that wherever you are in your faith journey, stories this powerful need to be told and can be told by anyone.”
One of the most impactful, grounding moments for Kerner this semester was when someone told him that they saw Jesus through him.
“I’m really trying to be an example,” Kerner said. “I want people to be like Jesus. I want people to know that Jesus loves you and that he died on the cross for you.”
Kerner and Ronstadt affirm that despite the questions involving program prioritization, they hope to continue acting in university productions, and are determined to advocate for the future of performing arts at Waynesburg.
“It’s a really awesome experience to be able to play my Lord and Savior who died on the cross for not just my sins but everyone’s sins so we don’t fall short of the glory of God,” Kerner wrote in an email. “I’m really grateful that I get to cherish these moments in this musical specifically, and with the people also in the theatre production with me as well.”
The musical will take place Wednesday through Saturday from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Students, faculty and the community are welcome to purchase tickets in house or at /events.ticketleap.com.