By Grace Wanner, Alvernia University Community News Lab
Alvernia’s Godspell is being directed by one of the fiercest power couples: Timothy Shew and Jane Brockman. The duo brings years of Broadway experience, national touring credits, and the knowledge they’ve gathered from their remarkable careers in theater, film, and television to the stage. The husband-and-wife collaborators are graciously sharing their talents with the Berks County community and imparting their wisdom to the next generation of performers right here in Central Pennsylvania.
Shew and Brockman kindly sat down for an interview with student journalists to talk about the show, their careers, and their vision for the production. Shew and Brockman both have impressive track records, with Shew having been in 12 Broadway productions, most notably his role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, and Brockman most recently having appeared alongside Hugh Jackman as Maude Dunlop in The Music Man.
When asked what challenges they have faced in their careers and what advice they had for individuals currently going through the same experience, they responded with words of hope. “One of the many challenges of being in this industry is the constant auditioning for jobs and not getting most of them … What I would say to somebody new in the business is to keep going, keep working on your craft, keep studying, and keep working at it. Just because you got a few nos doesn’t mean you should stop. Just keep working at it, keep getting better, and eventually something will happen,” Brockman said.
Timothy added to his wife’s sentiment, reminding young actors that the competition is immense and that auditioning is one of the main jobs of an actor. He also encouraged actors to keep pushing because the payoff makes it all worth it. “Once you get that acceptance and the ‘yeses’ that job is paying off … when you do get that call from your agent or the casting director, your life kind of changes as you know it in that moment and what is on the other side is the glory of that experience,” Shew said.
During the interview, the love and admiration the co-directors have for each other were plain to see, and it’s certainly no act. The pair was asked to share their love story, and it is truly storybook-worthy. “We met in 1993,” Brockman said, “Tim was already well established on Broadway, and I was not. There’s a theater in the middle of Missouri where Tim got his start. He was out there to do a show they had hired him for, and they were looking for someone to play opposite him. I auditioned, got the callback, which was singing with him, and I remember standing around that piano singing, and he’s got kind of a strong voice, and so do I, and it was a little fireworky. That’s how we met.” Jane was then cast, and they did the musical together. Tim then detailed how his son, whom they now share, was with him that summer in Missouri. “Jane didn’t so much fall for me but for my son,” said Shew.
The rest of the interview focused on the show, their vision for the production, and the inspiration they drew from the cast and community. A great quote from Timothy was that “every night is opening night,” and that was the energy that the cast really brought to the show. To the question “Is there anything you find special about the Alvernia community?” Jane responded with kind words. “Everybody here has been so open and helpful. It’s nice to feel really supported.” Timothy added, “The President (Dr. Fitzgerald) has been so helpful too; it has been so refreshing to not be met with any kind of resistance and to have that support.”
Continuing with the theme of support and community, Godspell carries ideas of hope, connection, and community. The pair was asked what they hoped the audience would take away from the show, and their responses were inspirational. “That in the midst of this classic biblical telling of the book of Matthew, that it can be done in a fun, loving, human kindness way where everybody is accepted for who they are … and inclusivity that we’re all in this together,” Shew said.
The directors shared what they are most excited about in the production as well. “There are some really outstanding talents in this production, and there is no real musical theater study at Alvernia, so it is something they are trying on for the first time, and I think you’ll really be impressed and surprised,” Shew said. Jane then asked her husband what his favorite part of the show was, and of course, he said, “I’ve got to say, working with her (Jane).”
Alvernia’s Godspell is full of life, laughter, and love. It is clear to see that the directors love what they do and who they are doing it with. The opening night’s performance reflected that love, and the audience gave it right back with a standing ovation. The remaining shows are Thursday, April 16, Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 19, at 1:30 p.m., at Francis Hall Theater. So, do yourself a favor and get your tickets to take part in the joy that is this production of Godspell.
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