MOUNT CARROLL, ILLINOIS (May 26, 2026) — Timber Lake Playhouse, Illinois’ premier professional summer theatre, opens its 65th mainstage season with Godspell, playing May 29 through June 7, 2026.
Based on the Gospel According to St Matthew, the groundbreaking musical conceived and originally directed by John Micheal Trebleck. Featuring the global hit “Day by Day” among many others by the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz.
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 the international hit, "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 by 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 made up of Timber Lake Playhouse alumni is 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), and Malaika Wanjiku (‘24).
(*) Member of Actors’ Equity Association
Audiences can extend their time at Timber Lake Playhouse by enjoying a meal in the Beer Garden before the show and joining us for our pre show cabarets or by visiting the theatre’s gift shop for exclusive branded merchandise. With only ten performances and the amazing returning alumni, demand is expected to be high, and we encourage patrons to purchase tickets now!
Tickets are available at the Timber Lake Playhouse Box Office, open daily, 10AM-5PM, and through intermission on performance days, by calling (815) 244-2035, or online at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org.
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 a conscious effort to give back in every way we can.
We are so thankful to them for sponsoring Godspell at Timber Lake Playhouse.
