by Neil Batra
The Story Collective’s Godspell opens with a strong song and dance number that immediately pulls the audience in. The full cast of 17 moves confidently across the stage, creating a lot of energy right from the start. Directed/choreographed by Susan Jung, Godspell runs July 24 to 26, 2026 at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy and is worth seeing. The choreography works well with the live band, and the cast brings a strong presence to the stage. Combined with strong technical elements and attention to detail throughout the show, the production feels well-rehearsed and thoughtfully put together
Godspell has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak. It explores the teachings of Jesus through an ensemble of performers who bring these stories to life in a playful and engaging way. The production uses humor and movement to create a connection between the performers and the audience, including moments that extend beyond the stage. While this version stays true to the spirit of the original show, its modern updates help the story feel fresh and relevant.
The Cast, The Performers
The large cast does a great job navigating the stage and working together without ever feeling crowded. The blocking is well done and each performer seems aware of where they need to be while still staying connected to the action around them. The cast works well as an ensemble, but each individual performer also gets moments to stand out. The show does a great job highlighting the different talents of the cast throughout the performance.
Sam Hoyer’s portrayal of Jesus gives the production a strong foundation. He brings a calm confidence to the role and his presence helps guide the audience through the story while allowing the rest of the cast to shine around him.
Musical Numbers
The combination of the live band and cast creates a full wall of sound that immediately grabs your attention. Standout numbers from the performance included “Save the People,” “All for the Best,” and “By My Side,” but it was “On the Willows” late in the show that hit the hardest emotionally.
Bottom Line
Go see it!
The show is a great choice for audiences of all ages, especially those who enjoy musical theatre and stories about kindness and acceptance. While Godspell draws from biblical stories and teachings, it presents those ideas in a modern way that feels accessible to today’s audiences. Through its music and humor, the production creates a meaningful experience that encourages audiences to think about friendship and how we treat the people around us.
Godspell is presented at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, 11525 Snider Rd, running July 24 to July 26, 2026.
Tickets cost $35 per person and are available online through The Story Collective’s box office – Purchase Tickets. Additional information is available at The Story Collective website.
Runtime is approximately two hours with an intermission.
Neil Batra is a Cincinnati-based theatre artist, director, and producer who returned home after six years in Baltimore, where he worked as a clinical researcher. He is the Director of OTRimprov and the Improv Festival of Cincinnati. Over the past decade, he has worked across many areas of theatre, including stage management, house management, technical roles, and the occasional bartending at Know Theatre. His experience on both sides of the curtain shapes how he approaches and writes about performance.
