![]() ![]() It helped me see things differently, and that is what I think people will see if they come to the show – something fresh that can help them see things differently.” “I bought a bible and read through it twice every night before going to bed to get a better understanding for myself. “When I came home from camp I was somewhat afraid of what I had been told, and there were things that I didn’t understand,” she says. Getting word that it wasn’t a mistake, Copping looked to her childhood and a trip to bible camp to draw some inspiration. “I didn’t immediately realize that this was on purpose, and if I’m really honest, I thought she was going to give me a different part.” “I actually thought I got the wrong sides,” laughs Copping. Not specifically auditioning for the role of Jesus, Copping admits that it did come as a bit of a surprise when she received her sides (audition monologues). I’m attracted to her energy and the way she invests herself in her art, and knew I wanted to work with her.” Jennifer Copping takes on the role of Jesus Christ in the upcoming Arts Club production of Godspell. “I saw the posting that the Arts Club was going to do Godspell and that Sara-Jeanne was directing. “It was almost like divine intervention from the beginning,” says Copping of her being cast as Jesus. That, and the opportunity to work with Hosie. Jennifer Copping, the actor who will play Jesus and just happens to share his initials, agrees. It allows the story to focus on the message of love rather than on religion.” “Everybody has their own vision in their minds about who Jesus was – and more often than not we picture a man because that is what all the illustrations show – but by casting someone that is female, or very different from what we would normally associate with Jesus, helps to create recreate a fresh take on things. Plus she can sing and dance too.”įor Hosie though it isn’t so much about creating controversy, but looking at the story from a different perspective. “She also has this ability, like great Shakespearen actors, where you understand every word she is saying. ![]() “Jen radiates a light, and her eyes radiate a compassion,” says Hosie. Hosie also admits that while it may sound a bit cheesy, there was an ethereal quality to Copping that she was immediately drawn to. “First and foremost I knew that whoever was to play Jesus would be someone we would want to follow, and when Jen walked in the room that is exactly what it was like – we knew we would want to follow her.” ![]() ![]() “I was looking to cast in a non-traditional manner,” admits Hosie during a break in rehearsals. “I think there is a longing for women to be in leadership roles in our world right now, and if there was a great leader or a Messiah to come into the world right now, I do feel it would be a woman.” – Godspell director Sara-Jeanne Hosie Director Sara-Jeanne Hosie continues that tradition in the upcoming Arts Club production, by casting a woman in the role of Jesus Christ. From early portrayals of Jesus’ disciples as clowns and hippies, to the 1973 film version set in a contemporary New York City, to the recent Vancouver production that saw it take place inside an episode of Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-in, there is an irreverence that has endured. The Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak musical Godspell has always been a bit controversial. ![]()
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