For his first season at the Wagon Wheel Theatre, Benjamin Maters appears in only two shows.
He was salesman Charlie Cowell in "The Music Man", and plays Jesus in "Godspell".
"It was definitely a shift in terms of rehearsal time," Maters said in an interview Monday afternoon about the two roles.
His role of Cowell in "The Music Man" was a smaller part for Maters. He didn't have any big song and dance numbers to learn. So when he wasn't at the theater for that musical, he was looking at his role for "Godspell".
Maters, 20, grew up in Detroit, Mich. He got into theater in middle school as his mom was a music teacher. He performed in numerous musicals growing up.
He played sports for a long time, too, being one of the few kids who did musical theater and athletics. His first lead was as the Beast in "Beauty & The Beast".
"My junior-senior year, I decided I wanted to follow this path for awhile," Maters said.
This past year at Western Michigan University, as a sophomore, he played Billy Bigelow in "Carousel". It was a role he was very excited to play.
"Godspell" runs through July 31 at the Wagon Wheel. It is a 1970 musical by Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked") and John-Michael Tebelak. It opened off Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals since.
The musical is based mostly on the parables found in the Book of Matthew in the Christian Bible. It includes, near the end, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The original production of "Godspell", Maters said, featured the dated humor and style of the 1970s. For the Wagon Wheel production this year, director Tony Humrichouser and choreographer Lesa Dencklau have done a good job of making it more contemporary, Maters said.
"There's a couple of numbers that completely have an arrangement different from what they were. They've done some amazing things with them," Maters said.
In "Godspell", the show lacks a set transition from parable to parable. Maters said it's up to the director to figure out how to make the transitions.
"Tony is fantastic," said Maters of having Humrichouser as the show's director. "He's really process oriented and he does a great job collaborating with us. I feel, with Tony, we're all creating something together. He knows what we're going through. He knows how hard it is to put a show up in 10 days."
Maters said in the Wagon Wheel's interpretation of the musical, each character was made into a contemporary archetype, such as the environmentally conscious girl. By having archetypes, Maters said, it shows how Jesus has appealed to different people of any age.
What makes "Godspell" special, Maters said, is that it embraces the Christian community. Everyone is a light to the world, he said, and "Godspell" illustrates that, appealing to Christians and non-Christians alike. Christ also is a symbol of humankind and its goodness.
"Personally, I find the history of the Bible and Jesus fascinating," said Maters. Christ's lessons have echoed throughout history, he said.
A Christian himself, Maters said playing the role of Jesus allows him to bring his work and his faith together. Being in Wagon Wheel's "Godspell" also gives him an opportunity to work with some great people, he said.
In order to drive home the crucifixion toward the end of the musical, Maters said the passion has to be earned beforehand. The performances have to make an impact.
"If they feel it from the get-go, it will stay for the entire show," he said.
The songs in "Godspell" have been around for almost 40 years, with "Day by Day" reaching the Top 20 of the Billboard music charts.
"I really do enjoy singing the songs," said Maters.
For the Wagon Wheel show, he said the music is well orchestrated.
"You're going to see a little bit of everything. Some are rock, there's techno dance and Motown style. They're pulling from several different genres," Maters said of the music. "It adds variety to the show."
Maters said the show is entertaining for the whole family, Christians and non-Christians alike.
"Anybody of any faith will enjoy it," he said. "I guarantee it will be one of the most high-energy shows people will ever see. It's a fun, fast-paced energetic show."Single adult tickets are $30 for all shows. Tickets for students 13 through college are $16, and children 12 and under are $12. Opening Nights and matinees are $22 for seniors. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more.
To order tickets for "Godspell" or for more information about upcoming events at the Wagon Wheel Theatre in Warsaw, call the box office today at 574-267-8041 or toll-free at 866-823-2618. You can also visit online at www.wagonwheeltheatre.com
