Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois’ premier professional summer theatre, opens its 65th mainstage season with Godspell, playing through Sunday, June 7, 2026. Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, the groundbreaking musical was conceived and originally directed by John Micheal Trebleck. It features the global hit “Day by Day” among many others by the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz.
With only ten performances and the amazing returning alumni, demand is expected to be high. We encourage patrons to purchase tickets now! Tickets are available at the Box Office, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and during intermission on performance days. Call 815-244-2035 or visit online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.
Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden), and it took the world by storm. Led by “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man,” and “By My Side.”
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables, using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life.
With a cast and crew made up of Timber Lake Playhouse alumni, Godspell establishes a vibrant ensemble of performers celebrating human connection, compassion, and heart. Through a series of parables, blending vocals, and inventive staging, this interpretation reimagines classic teachings–while interweaving the universal message of working together to build a compassionate world.
Director Sawyer Coffin leads an acclaimed creative team, joined by Music Director Matt Surico and his Associate Music Director Lucas Finley, Choreographer Marquez, Costume Designer Thomas Gluodenis, Lighting Designer Cameron Strandin, Sound Designer Evan Lettieri, Props Designer Ryan Birnbaum, Technical Director Luke Francis, Production Manager Thomas J. Coppola, Stage Managers Julia Gangemi, Emma Flanagan, Marilisa Koon, and Umaya Loving.
The ensemble is made up of Timber Lake Playhouse alumni [(*) Member of Actors’ Equity Association.] They include Errol Service, Jr. (’22) as Jesus; Grant Alexander Brown (’15 and ’17) as Judas/John the Baptist; Gabriel Argate (’22); Carly Censi (’25); Gabby Hernandez* (’24); Conor Jordan (’19); Morgan Milone* (’24); Gabe Salazar (’25); Tori Tiernan (’24 and ’25); Malaika Wanjiku (’24.)
Audiences can extend their time at Timber Lake Playhouse.
• Enjoy a meal in the Beer Garden before the show.
• Join our pre-show Cabarets.
• Visit the Gift Shop for exclusive branded merchandise.
GODSPELL – 2012 REVISED VERSION is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) www.mtishows.com.
This show is sponsored by Sauk Valley Bank. At the center of what Sauk Valley Bank stands for is community. They strive to serve our communities with the highest quality of service, with innovative solutions, and with a conscious effort to give back in every way we can. We are so thankful to them for sponsoring Godspell at Timber Lake Playhouse.