Godspell delivered powerful messages, showcased local theatrical talent
Photos by Tom Rivers
MEDINA – Daniel Doctor starred as Stephen and Jesus in Godspell at the Medina Historic Theatre. He is singing “Save the People” during Saturday night’s show.
A cast of nine performed the musical, a production of WSA Theatrics. There were five shows from April 4-6, and then April 11-12.
Doctor also served as director of the musical, which reimagines the Gospel of Matthew and tells the story of Jesus’s life, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice on the cross. The performers tell the story through parables, games and songs.
The show begins with the “Tower of Babble” with the characters portraying famous philosophers. They talk over each other creating a cacophony of noise.
From left include Meggan Wakefield, Joseph Lederhouse, Brielle Lederhouse, Eric Flugel, Natasha Hill and Steve McQueen.
This is the second show by WSA Theatrics. The group debuted last September with Nunsense.
Doctor has been leading the West Side Academy of Visual and Performing Arts at 417 Main St. for nearly 20 years.
He wanted to bring theatrical productions to the community, open to people of all ages. The Medina Historic Theatre provides an ideal home for the group, set up as a “theater in the round” where the audience can see performers from three sides of the stage, Doctor said.
“We want to bring live entertainment back to the community,” Doctor said. “I think it’s needed. The goal is to transform young and old alike.”
WSA Theatrics has three more shows planned: Annie, with auditions on May 23; Showstoppers on Broadway, a musical revue with auditions May 23 and the show in August 2025; and Steel Magnolias, with auditions Nov. 16 with shows in April 2026. Click here for more information on WSA Theatrics.
Tammy Wilder portrayed John the Baptist and baptizes the prophets, signaling a new beginning and urging the group to move toward a community. She sings, “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.”
Meggan Wakefield plays the character Robin and sings, “Day by Day.” Wakefield was in the school musicals as a student at Medina and is grateful for the chance to return to the stage in her hometown as an adult. Eric Flugel is at right.
Natasha Hill, a Medina native, played the role of Gilmer, a goofy character. She sings, “O Bless the Lord.” She said the cast developed strong camaraderie in putting on the show.
“It is powerful,” she said about Godspell. “It is moving and very inspirational.”
Eric Flugel, administrator of The Villages of Orleans Health and Rehabilitation Center, said he welcomed the chance to sing, dance and act in Godspell. He watched his father Raymond in many shows and saw the joy it brought his dad.
“It is very different from my normal day,” Flugel said. “I love it. They’re great people and it’s great energy.”
Daniel Doctor and the cast close out act one with “Light of the World.” Behind him from left are Natasha Hill and Holly Lederhouse, and Joseph Lederhouse, at right.
