Delivering theatre at its finest, Nevada Repertory Company Summer Festival and Reno Little Theater present "Godspell."

"Godspell" will run on July 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on July 7 at 1:30 p.m. All performances are in the University's Redfield Proscenium Theatre in the Church Fine Arts Building.

Directed by Sue Klemp with musical direction by Damon Stevens, "Godspell" was conceived and originally directed by John-Michael Tebelak, and features music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

Told almost entirely in song, Nevada Repertory Company and Reno Little Theater's production of 'Godspell" presents the Gospel According to St. Matthew updated to the hustle and bustle of a modern hospital setting.

Performances feature a kaleidoscope of characters clad in brightly colored scrubs, banding together in a celebration of the spirit in song and dance that has captivated audiences for nearly four decades.

Originally produced on the New York stage in 1971 by Edgar Lansbury, Stuart Duncan and Joseph Beruh, "Godspell" sends a message of kindness, opting for a lighter tone than the thematically similar "Jesus Christ Superstar," but featuring just as many hit songs, including "By My Side," "Day by Day" and "Prepare Ye (The Way of the Lord)."

The original "Godspell" became one of the longest-running off-Broadway musicals before moving to Broadway in 1976.

"Godspell...still has the giddy rapture that made it a hit," Bruce Weber of the New York Times said of the play's revival in August 2000.

Nevada Repertory Company Summer Festival at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Reno Little Theater present "Godspell" as part of the 12th annual Artown Festival, July 1-31.

The month-long summer arts festival features more than 300 events produced by more than 80 cultural organizations and businesses in more than 90 locations city wide, with major funding provided by the City of Reno.

Since 1973, Nevada Repertory Company has been committed to excellence in theatre. It thrives on a company concept that a core group of students, faculty, staff and community members support one another in the various phases of theatrical activity.

Each semester, Nevada Repertory Company offers opportunities to participate in varying versions of theatrical performance and production.

Now in its 34th year, the company has seen hundreds of people from actors to technicians contribute their work over the seasons, ensuring one thing that remains constant: the existence of the company itself.

Reno Little Theater is the area's longest-running community theater, now completing its 72nd season.

The mission of Reno Little Theater is to produce high-quality theatrical experiences that inspire, entertain and enrich our diverse community.

Reno Little Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all-volunteer organization; all donations are tax-deductible. Reno Little Theater encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about and participate in the "magic" of theater.

Funding for Nevada Repertory Company at the University of Nevada, Reno is provided in part by the City of Reno Arts and Culture Commission.