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***image2***The 2004 Star of Tomorrow, Chris Sears, stars as “Jesus” in KMC Onstage’s current production, “Godspell.”
Mr. Sears, a KMC family member, won Best in Show and first place in the Vocal Soloist Self-Accompanied category at the Installation Management Activity-Europe’s Stars of Tomorrow competition held in August in Illesheim, Germany.
And, now he is in his second production with the 415th Base Support Battalion’s KMC Onstage performing in his first leading role. He was cast in KMC Onstage’s last production, “Annie.”
“It’s so much fun. This play in particular is a lot of fun,” said Mr. Sears, a software developer with Northrop Grumman Information Technology in Mannheim. “It’s a different take on Jesus and the disciple story, and I think a lot of people are going to enjoy it.”
“Godspell” is based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew. It opened in the spring of 1971 at an off-Broadway theater. This classic rock musical was written by then-college student John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, who went on to write “Pocahontas” and “Prince of Egypt.”
“This play is about community, and I think that’s something that people particularly in the KMC can relate to because we are a big community,” said Sarah E. Bright, 435th Services Squadron’s personal trainer and aerobics instructor, who is performing in her third KMC Onstage production. “I think people will come and see themselves on stage and that’s a neat thing.”
Mrs. Bright was the one who first got the Star of Tomorrow on the stage at Kleber Kaserne.
“We needed more guys for “Annie,” and Sarah Bright said that she knew somebody,” said Laurie Ellington, 415th BSB entertainment director who provided information and handled the paperwork for the KMC Stars of Tomorrow contestants. “As soon as she said his name, I said, ‘I know who he is, and I know he can sing. Bring him in.’”
KMC Onstage’s production of “Godspell” has 10 adult actors and four children who portray angels. Aside from the roles of Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas, the rest of the adult ensemble plays a multitude of roles out of the stories from the Gospel of St. Matthew.
“Chris’ performance is very sincere,” said Mrs. Bright. “It’s really easy to take this part in this play and make it into a cartoon, but he manages to teach us without being condescending in the context of the play, which I think is really admirable.”
Mr. Sears said it is a tough role to play.
“You have to be so many people in one,” he said. “You want to be the teacher, but yet, you want to be the disciplinarian, but you don’t want to be too heavy-handed. You have to be betrayed; you have to be crucified.”
It may be awhile before KMC audiences see Mr. Sears on stage after “Godspell.” He and his wife are expecting their first child in May.
“I may sit out for a little while, adjusting to the new life of having a baby, but I’m hoping to get back into it as soon as I can,” he said.
“Godspell performances are 7 p.m. Friday, Saturday and March 25 and 26, and April 1 and 2, and 3 p.m. Sunday and April 3 at KMC Onstage, Bldg. 3232 on Kleber Kaserne. This show is not recommended for children younger than 5 years old. Tickets are available at the door. For details, call 483-7127 or 0631-411-7127 or e-mail kmconstage@yahoo.com.
