Bishop Kevin Vann Cast in High School Musical to Raise Awareness for Homelessness
Bishop Kevin Vann of the Diocese of Orange will take the stage in Santa Margarita Catholic High School’s fall musical production, “Godspell,” performing as a member of the homeless community to support a school-wide effort to address homelessness in Orange County.
This marks the bishop’s third performance with the school’s acclaimed Talon Theatre program, having previously appeared in “Fiddler on the Roof” (2017) and “Guys and Dolls” (2016).
A Performance with a Purpose: “Godspell” for a Cause
Set in a homeless encampment, this production of “Godspell” is a partnership with the school’s campus ministry department to raise awareness and funds for the local homeless community. Based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, the show explores social justice issues through parables and the story of the Passion of Christ.
The partnership includes several key initiatives:
- Fundraising: For every ticket purchased, $1.00 will be donated to the Illumination Foundation to cover the first and last month’s rent for a local family in need.
- Hygiene Drive: The cast and crew have undertaken a service project to fill 650 backpacks with hygiene products for the Illumination Foundation.
- Community Outreach: Students visited the Illumination Foundation’s Children’s Resource Center to play theatre games with children and visited the Isaiah House of the Orange County Catholic Worker to perform for residents.
Ticket Information
Tickets may be purchased online at: www.seatyourself.biz/smhs
Information for Media
Members of the media are welcome to attend, film, and photograph the performance.
- RSVP Required: Please RSVP to [email protected] as all showings have limited availability.
- Photography: Flash photography is not permitted.
- Arrival/Departure: We ask that you arrive before the show begins and exit only at intermission or after the production has completed.
About Bishop Vann’s Lifelong Passion for Music
Music has been part of Bishop Vann’s life since 1961 when he began piano lessons. He studied piano for nine years, played baritone and jazz in his high school band, and studied the pipe organ in the seminary, where he played regularly for liturgies. His love of music also led him to community theatre, where he played the role of Nicely-Nicely Johnson in a 1999 production of “Guys and Dolls.”
About Santa Margarita Catholic High School and Talon Theatre
Santa Margarita Catholic High School is a coeducational, college-preparatory school of about 1,750 students under the leadership of the Diocese of Orange. The school’s Talon Theatre program, directed by Amy Luskey-Barth, has won numerous awards, including multiple MACY Awards for its productions. The school’s Thespian Troupe was also recognized as the California State Honor Troupe for excellence in theatre.