Newtown High School Drama is still ramping up to stream Godspell and The Mystery of Edwin Drood, but the expected streaming dates have been postponed.

The announcement was made after the April 29 print edition of The Newtown Bee's Education section of the paper, which includes a version of this story, went to press.

Godspell will now stream online May 14, at 7 pm. The Mystery of Edwin Drood will stream June 6, at 7 pm, according to producer Janice Gabriel.

Freshmen and sophomores are now readying Godspell and juniors and seniors are preparing The Mystery of Edwin Drood. There will be no in-person audience performances for either show.

The productions are being prepared at the same time.

Tickets can be purchased now for Godspell at showtix4u.com/event-details/47760. A ticket entitles the purchaser to a streaming pass to watch the performance online. Tickets are $25.

A description for the show on the ticket website reads, “Godspell was the first major musical theatre offering from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden); and it took the world by storm. Led by the international hit, “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man,” and “By My Side.” A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life. Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak) and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences. Because of its small technical demands and minimal cast size, it has become a staple of theatre companies, large and small.”

According to NHS Choral Director Jane Matson, who is directing and choreographing both musicals, in order to make the production possible, safety protocols were included in every aspect of it.

“Our protocols are that we are distancing when we are standing still to sing and we are wearing masks at all times,” Matson explained in an e-mail on April 19. “Students are also given their own hand sanitizer... It hangs on their costume using a carabiner so that they can use it right after touching a prop or set piece.”

Along with Matson, other production crew members include musical director Anna Demasi, technical director Brian Tenney, producers Alysia Caffrey, Tegan Famiglietti, and Janice Gabriel, pit rehearsal director Kurt Eckhardt, and Marie Armstrong overseeing costumes. Organizers note that the show would not be possible without the support of Newtown Public Schools Director of Visual and Performing Arts and NHS Orchestra Director Michelle Hiscavich; the high school’s administrators, custodians, and central office staff; Todd Ingersoll and Ingersoll Automotive; and the NHS Choral Parents group.

Cast members for the production are Ava Baroody, Jocelyn Bazuro, Leah Crebbin, Joseph Crosby, Cate Dalton, Julia Forlenzo, Sadie Gureasko-Moore, Morgan Harrison, Penelope Jackson, Emily Joyce, Jules Kessler, Brooke Kinsey, Sarah Kirkman, Kirtana Kunzweiler, Kristin Lageman, Grace Lynch, Ali Powers, Madeline Roe, Andrew Sposato, Madeleine Talluto, Reese Wheat, Nick Williams, and Malcolm Zimmerman.

Members of the crew are stage managers Leah McCafferty and Katie Murphy; crew heads Maren Leyva, Abby McCafferty, Claire Nalajala, Lily Swansiger, and Sammy Vertucci; and crew members Owen Browne, Erin Connor, Annika Fogal, Kallianna Kalamas, Treasa O’Sullivan, Erika Rohr, Lauren Smiley, Carissa Soriano, and Dante Verna. Pit members are Anna DeMasi and Roger Post.

Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.