Moorestown resident delivers Jesus message of love in modern adaption of ground-breaking musical, Godspell

 When John Comegno of Moorestown takes the stage playing Jesus in Mainstage Center for the Arts' Blackwood production of Godspell on April 1and 2, it will mark his fourth leading role in three years. Quite an accomplishment considering that until 2008, this tenor/attorney had been on a long hiatus from theatre, building his law firm, raising a family, and volunteering in the community.

He returned to theatre because his daughter, Sarah, now 11, asked him to be involved in a local summer production with her. He auditioned and landed the role of the King in the King and I.

      “Though I had performed with a band, I hadn't performed theatrically in between college and the King and I. Now, I've definitely been bitten by the theatre bug. With theatre, there's such a creative energy – you push past boundaries that exist in the business world.”

      Renee Chambers Liciaga of Mount Laurel, director, choreographer and Broadway veteran felt Comegno was perfect for the part of Jesus with his commanding, yet gentle presence.

      “Renee's asked us to use our own spiritual experience in forming our characters. I'm playing Jesus true to my perspective from my Church's theology,” said Comegno. “To me this is the most compelling story in the world.”

Godspell, written by John Michael Tebelak and based on the Gospel of Matthew, focuses on Jesus' message of love, hope and sharing. In this interpretation, Jesus renovates an abandoned house to use as a community shelter in the present day. It features Stephen Schwartz's original musical score including the international hit, “Day By Day,” and other songs like “All Good Gifts,” and “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” which bring the parables to life.

      “This idea to have Jesus come in modern times and fix up a shelter with support of the community is based on what I've seen happening across South Jersey during the rough economic times of the last few years. I've seen communities pull together to support local families in need. Godspell is all about that sense of community and about teaching how to share and how to love,” said Chambers Liciaga.

      Personally, Comegno demonstrates a strong sense of community. As president of Comegno Law Group, which specializes in education law, he counsels many local boards of education, educational clients, and schools. He serves as chairman for the Burlington County Bridge Commission and volunteers for organizations including the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center in Camden and Bancroft NeuroHealth in Haddonfield. And, for nearly a decade he has taught adult religious education classes at St. John Neumann Roman Catholic Church in Mt. Laurel.

      “You know, we are only here for a limited time and my feeling is that we need to take advantage of that time to make an impact. My faith guides me in life,” said Comegno. In addition, Comegno's family provides him with a strong support. “I couldn't be involved in theatre if it weren't for the support of my wife, Marsha and children Sarah, Jack and Annie. They recognize my love for performing. It's a passion they share with me,” he said. Also sharing that passion are Comegno's fellow Godspell cast members: Lauren Parsons, Amanda Frederick and Sarah Sauff all of Delran; Andrew Rimby and Jennifer Diodato of Washington Township, Linette Lamonica of Williamstown, Billy Hart of Laurel Springs, and Jarrett De Stouet of Philadelphia.

       Godspell runs April 1 and 2, 8 pm., in the newly-renovated Dennis Flyer Theatre, Lincoln Hall Camden County College, Blackwood, NJ. Ticket prices are $13 for seniors/students and $16 or $21 for adults. Group rates are also available. To purchase tickets, visit www.mainstage.org, or call (856) 227-3091.