Godspell at the First Baptist Church of Bradford, NH

April 13, April 14, and April 15, 2007

Godspell has always been a show that I enjoyed watching, but I never thought I could direct it.  Given the power of its message and the magnitude of its story, I never felt worthy of taking it on.  My husband, Peter, however, loved the show and both directed and musically directed it numerous times.  I always marveled at his confidence and his ability to take this show and make it shine.

Last year, he made a promise to Pastor Lynne from his hospital bed that he would bring this show to FBC Bradford in 2007.  Although he returned home to Our Heavenly Father on June 1, 2006, Peter kept his promise.  He left behind beautiful recordings of the entire score of the show, which we used for this production. And, through the power of our Father In Heaven, he sent me a vision of how to stage the show.  Through that vision, and this entire production process, I have come to the realization that it is not important that I am not worthy of taking on this story.  Nobody is.  That is why there is a story to tell.  Clearly, Peter understood that.  He knew that the story makes the show shine—– and what a story it is.  It is a story of the greatest love and the greatest sacrifice of all time.  It is a story of promise and of hope.  It is a story that makes all things possible.

If you are familiar with Godspell, you will no doubt recognize that our setting of this story was a bit unconventional.  The show is normally staged in a junkyard setting with a chain link fence for a background.  Our story took place in the conference room of the fictional gossip magazine, “The American Inquisitor, “ where J. Iscariot is CEO.  The reason for this choice was simple.  It is easy to think of dirty, undesirable places as being morally bankrupt and in need of Christ, but the truth is that everyone everywhere needs Him whether they are rich or poor, weak or strong.  CEOs and magazine editors need to hear the Word of God as much as young kids hanging out in a junkyard. 

His Message is for everyone and it is very clear:  "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."  (John 8:11-13)  It was my sincere hope that this message would shine through our production.

I offer my work on this performance up to Our Father In Heaven for all that He does for us—– He is an Awesome God.  I pray that it was a joyful noise that was truly pleasing to Him.

I also dedicate my work on this production to my precious husband, Peter, who, although gone from this earth, continues to help me grow in my faith.  I love you and miss you more than words can express, my darling.

-  Heather J. Bridges, Director, Godspell   

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