First Reformed UCC, 76 S. Third St. in Hamburg, hosted Sing for America’s performance of the 1970s Broadway musical Godspell in July.
The performance was the first locally for these thespians. It was also the first performance on the Church’s Auditorium stage in some time. The group has performed in the Lehigh County area for years and occasionally in Berks.
Since 2005, Sing for America have performed more than 1,200 concerts, produced 20 musicals, had more than 750 actors on stage with them, and donated more than $51,000 to charity. The group provides professional artistic outlets and training to under–served communities. Their initial and continuing mission is to raise money for the families of active serving military, but the mission has grown to revolutionize community through entertainment, to reveal a colorblind world on stage so as to live it after curtain call, and to unite over love of God, country, and fellow man. A non-profit group, proceeds go to charity other than their own group.
First Reformed UCC has a history of appreciation of music and the arts. This is easily seen by the presence of its Auditorium stage complete with stage lighting, foot lights, and prompter window all of which were additions made back in 1952. This stage saw many performances decades ago by children with their skits and songs, and the locally famous Burkey Band.
Performances on this stage dwindled in the past decade or two but recently, a church committee was looking for ways to revitalize its use and bring the arts back to life in the Church and in the community. As if a message from above, Bruce Gilbert, director and proud father of Sing for America performers, made a call to First Reformed Pastor Darryl Hamm. Bruce proposed the Godspell performance at the Church because the group is trying for a greater presence in Berks County. His timing was perfect! The Church took him up on his offer and hope this the first of many performances.
The next performance by Sing for America at First Reformed UCC will be on Oct. 13, performing “Hamilton” followed by a spaghetti dinner. There will be a cost for this event.