Members of the cast of Heights Youth Theatre's "Godspell" perform at The Cleveland Clinic.

Unlike double knit polyester, Godspell survived the seventies. First performed in 1971, this joyous musical allegory represents goodness and love, values that never go out of style. Lasting ideals along with Godspell's singular hippie happiness and genre-jumping Stephen Schwartz score are why it remains a timeless toe-tapper still today.

Based on the Gospel According to Saint Matthew, Godspell aims to change the world one theater-lover at a time, a goal that, in our often uncertain social, political and economic climate, is one of the reasons Heights Youth Theater chose to perform this powerful show. The ebullient cast romps through "Day By Day," "Save the People," and "All Good Gifts" while presenting modern day retellings of the parables through pantomime, vaudevillian acrobatics, comedy, song and dance. Innocently fun while at the same time profoundly appropriate, the show's colorful depictions of compassion, forgiveness and generosity illuminate Jesus' eternal teachings by altering the means through which they are normally delivered, making them accessible and real.

Musicals are famous for creating copious good cheer. But Godspell takes that sense of mirth a step further, bolstering both actors and audiences with feelings of friendship, hope and benevolence. HYT's guest director, Sean Szaller, recognized the power and value in these collective emotions and created a momentum-building outlet called "Godspell Gives Back," a community service program for his actors.

Szaller issued a cast call to action, inviting his charismatic ensemble to go off Broadway, HYT style. Groups of actors will take selected song and dance numbers on the road, spreading merriment, infectious enthusiasm, and high-hopes all across Cleveland. They have already entertained audiences at the Cleveland Clinic and Whole Foods, and are preparing to bring down the house at the Hospice of the Western Reserve and the Children's Museum, proving once and for all that actions sing louder than words.

Heights Youth Theater presents Godspell on Friday, Jan. 16, 23 and 30 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 17, 24 and 31 at 2:00 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 25 at 2:00 p.m. at Wiley Middle School, 2181 Miramar Blvd.

Susan is a freelance writer, the editor of the Web site Ladies Who Launch, and a Heights Youth Theater board member.