Everybody by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins was Goshen College Theater’s 2022 fall Main Stage production with 5 performances, November 11-20.
This 2018 Pulitzer Prize finalist is a modern riff on the fifteenth-century morality play Everyman. It’s a true classic! Jacobs-Jenkins’ version follows the character Everybody as they unravel humanity’s greatest mystery: the meaning of life.
Our production featured an ensemble of nine exceptional actors, five of whom learned the entire play by heart and drew their role on stage from a hat at every performance.
Professional guest artists Andrew Moggenberg and Zack Bennett designed scenery and sound, respectively. Local youth Poppy Dee Bland-Kendall, age 10, played the dual role of Little Girl/Time. All other acting, design, and technical positions were filled by Goshen College students.
Assistant Professor Amy Budd, who directed, said “GC students continually astound me with their courage and dedication. I expected to modify the show to make it easier to manage. We never did. The team came through with steely determination at every turn.”
Usher/God/Understanding, just before transformationDeath thinks God is a terrible bossDeath summons a somebody from the audienceThe somebodies attempt to bribe DeathUsher explains the casting lotteryEverybody and FriendshipASM Katie delivers props with styleEverybody, Kinship, Little Girl, and CousinKinship and Little GirlEverybody and Cousin Somebodies and Everybody discuss their dilemmaUnderstanding steps in to assistEverybody and StuffA Veil Falls“Two High” in the black light skeleton raveMind, Beauty, Senses and StrengthBeautyEvil1StrengthDeath herds Love, Everybody and Evil into the next worldUnderstanding glimpses something beyondDeath, Time, and UnderstandingFirst costume rehearsal of black light skeleton raveOrientation the trapdoor exitDesign and tech team having fun while they get set up.Spot Operator Benji at workIsabella hand paints skeleton costumesAmy Budd with guest Sound Designer ZackLead Electrician Joseph at the light boardStage Manager Bailey at the helmASM Blair back stageThe stage setting for the play consists of scattered concentric circular platforms with draping. Looking like stepping stones in a pond.