Elmhurst College opens its 2015–2016 theater season with Godspell, the joyous retelling of the parables of Jesus from the Gospel of Matthew.

Conceived in 1970 as a master’s degree thesis project by John-Michael Tebelak, Godspell opened off Broadway in 1971 and soon became a classic. The musical score launched the career of Stephen Schwartz, who went on to write hit musicals such as Wicked and Pippin.

Alan Weiger, associate professor of theatre at Elmhurst College, will direct the play, with musical direction from Scott Uddenberg and choreography by Amy Lyn McDonald.

Godspell will be performed at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8, through Saturday, October 10, as well as on Thursday, October 15, through Saturday, October 17. There also will be a 2:00 p.m. performance on Sunday, October 11. Performances will take place at the Mill Theatre. General admission is $7; students are $5; senior citizens, Elmhurst College faculty and staff are $6.

Mill Theatre subscriptions and individual tickets are available for purchase by phone, mail and in person. To purchase tickets, please call (630) 617-3005 or visit the box office, in the theater. The box office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 5:00 p.m., and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.