New troupe launches updated ‘Godspell’

Hillsborough resident recruits

actors from high school shows
By:Alec Moore
   The Saint Genesius Players, a new Hillsborough-based theatrical troupe, will debut its modern remake of the hit Broadway musical "Godspell" this weekend.
   Matt Viola, director and musical director of the production, said this rendition of the play — which opens Friday at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Millstone — offers some new twists to the original 1976 Broadway production.
   "I tried to stay away from the typical ‘hippy’ concept of the show, making it a little less campy than the original production, and abandoning innuendoes relative to the ’70s," said Mr. Viola, who resides in Hillsborough. "Instead, the cast is wearing everyday clothing from today, and we have added up-to-date things, such as a ‘Who Wants to Be A Millionaire’ sketch, and hints to ‘The Matrix.’"
   "I’ve directed the show before, and the last time I did it, it was in the traditional manner with the chain-link fence and hippy clothing," he added. "I wanted to try something different with this production. It is, however, the same show that young and old have come to adore."
   While the play is comprised of cast members from throughout central New Jersey, Hillsborough residents are adding a wealth of experience and depth to the production.
   "Hillsborough has afforded this show some superb talent," Mr. Viola said. Key players and some of their recent appearances include Karissa Amorossi who played "Reno Sweeney" in the Hillsborough High School Spring Musical "Anything Goes;" Jen Guhl, who performed as Anne Frank in the school’s production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" last fall; and Aubrey Botsko, who performed in "Turn Back, O Man."
   Mr. Viola noted "Godspell" centers on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and is broken down along two separate plot lines — the first act deals mainly with the parables that Jesus taught about getting into Heaven, and the second act is mainly the Passion of Jesus — the Last Supper, the Agony in the Garden and the Crucifixion.
   The Saint Genesius Players established itself as a full-fledged theater company last October. Unofficially, however, the group got its start last summer when they mounted a production of "You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown — The Revival" at Playhouse 22 in East Brunswick.
   "The Saint Genesius Players originally was never a consideration," said Mr. Viola. "The original concept of doing ‘You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown — The Revival’ at Playhouse 22 was to afford them some extra money in a refurbishing campaign.
   "However, after much consideration and discussion with the playhouse, we decided that we would give them a cut of the revenue from the ticket sales," Mr. Viola said. "And with the rest of the money, go off on our own and start a group, subsequently named the Saint Genesius Players, after the patron saint of the theater."
   As for the future of the SGP, Mr. Viola noted things are currently "up in the air," but that the group is looking into a number of productions for the future.
   "We’re considering several possibilities, of which are ‘South Pacific’ and ‘Annie,’" he said.
   "Godspell" will be performed at 8 p.m., Aug. 16 and 17, at Saint Joseph’s Church Parish Hall, 34 Yorktown Road, in Millstone. Additional weekend performances will follow throughout the month of August.
   All tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance or at the door. To buy tickets or for more information on the Saint Genesius Players call (732) 251-7936 or visit www.saintgenesiusplayers.com.