TALLADEGA — He’s sporting a special hairstyle these days, but it’s just for the show.Former Lincoln resident Chris Sams says the Mohawk hair he has right now is just part of getting into character for the parts he plays in this week’s production of “Godspell” at the Ritz Theatre.
The play is one that lends itself to lots of interpretations and presentations, and director Keith Cromwell and the cast from Red Mountain Theatre Company have taken a contemporary approach.
Thus, the funky hair for Sams and the modern costuming, along with a set that definitely speaks “today.”
“Godspell” is based on parables found in Matthew, but it’s not simply a message of religion, Sams said.
“There’s so much room for interpretation,” he said. “But to me, it’s about loving each other and accepting others, told through certain parables.”
There are two performances, one tonight at 7 and another Saturday night at 7.
The production in Talladega is a premiere for the play, which will open in Birmingham next week.
The cast has been in rehearsal at the Ritz all week.
“They’re Birmingham’s best,” said George Culver, executive director for the Ritz and Antique Talladega. “This works well for both of us and we’re working toward future collaboration together with other shows.”
Sams attended Lincoln Elementary School and later was a student at B.B. Comer.
After high school, he attended the University of Montevallo where he completed a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in acting and directing.
Sams said his interest in acting and directing, which he plans to pursue as a career, was something he sort of fell into.
“I was in the choir at Clay Chalkville High School and the school was putting on its first musical,” he said. “They asked some of us in the choir to try out, so I did.”
The show was “Oklahoma,” and Sams ended up with the lead role.
He’s been hooked on theatre since.
Ask Sams if there’s a certain role he’s enjoyed and the smile he flashes shows the enthusiasm for his work.
“The emcee in ‘Cabaret,’ definitely,” Sams said. “I’d love to do it again.”
Sams played the part for Center Stage Productions in Birmingham.
Sams is cast as Judas and John the Baptist in the Red Mountain production of “Godspell”, but played the role of Jesus in the play in a production at the University of Montevallo.
Acting, for him, is a challenge to create a completely different person “and getting lost in that,” he said.
“It’s an amazing journey, no matter the size of the part you have,” he said. “I think you learn more about yourself by doing it.”
Sams said he’s planning to move to California before too long and continue his acting and directing interests.
“That’s where I feel you need to be, where most of the opportunities are,” he said.
So far, though, he said he’s been fortunate in Alabama to find professional work and “pay the bills.”
Sams’ parents, Rick and Lisa Sams, still live in Lincoln.
As for what he hopes the play does for the people who see it, Sams said he hopes they “just leave feeling something positive. There’s so much room for interpretation with this play.”
Cromwell said he often asks a potential cast member for a production what they think the particular play is really about.
Thinking about the meaning of “Godspell,” Cromwell said he has a certain thought that comes to mind.
“I wonder what would we do, what would society do today if there was a Jesus who walked into our lives today,” he said.
There’s a cast of 14 in the Red Mountain production, and tickets are available at the door or by calling The Ritz at 256-315-0000. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. Group rates are available.
Play dates in Birmingham are May 8 through May 18 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and there’s a matinee on Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $30, available by calling 205-324-2424. The play is performed at the Red Mountain Theatre Company Cabaret Theatre at 301 19th Street North.
