The Charleston Community Theatre will perform the musical “Godspell” on the weekend of April 20.

The director of the musical, Cathy Sheagren, said directing the musical has been something she has wanted to do for a while.

“I had wanted to do the show for a long time,” Sheagren said. “It’s a really great musical with awesome music in it.”

Sheagren said the Charleston Community Theatre usually performs at Eastern’s Tarble Arts Center; however, Sheagren said she approached her church, Wesley United Methodist Church, to host the performance.

Sheagren said she thought the timing of the show was right to present the story of “Godspell.” Sheagren said the musical explores the Gospel of Matthew and the story of the New Testament.

“It’s more than that,” Sheagren said “‘Godspell’ is about community; it’s about the formation of a community.”

Sheagren also said the musical is not just for those who are religious.

“I don’t think the musical is meant to be for people who are overly religious,” Sheagren said. “I think ‘Godspell’ speaks to everyone.”

Sheagren said the show is comprised of a cast of about 29 people from all walks of life.

“It would make sense to include people of all ages in the show,” Sheagren said.

Sheagren said the cast includes a core cast of 15 people, a children’s chorus of 10 and an adults chorus of four members.

“Every ‘Godspell’ cast is a little different,” Sheagren said. “You can kind of play with it and have fun with it.”

Sheagren said it made sense to include many different types of people, considering the theme of the show is about community.

Sheagren also said “Godspell” is one of the hardest productions that she has ever directed.

“It’s one of the hardest things I think I’ve ever done,” Sheagren said.

Sheagren said the show was particularly hard for her because she felt the need to be creative with choreographing and mapping out actor’s movements on stage.

The majority of rehearsals were devoted to choreography and mapping the movements of the actors, she said.

The Rev. Ken Hull, voice coach for the production and a cast member, said the cast working together has made the actors excited about presenting the message of the show.

Hull also said he was happy with the sound of the show.

“We have such a talented group of singers,” he said. “so it makes my job easy.”

Sheagren also said the proceeds of the show will go to the Charleston Food Pantry.

“People have been really awesome about donating time and help,” Sheagren said. “It’s really been almost more than a person can take in. It’s been really positive.”

Kathryn Richter can be reached at 581-2812 or kjrichter@eiu.edu.