‘Godspell’ Director Earns Praise

Mitchell Thomas, professor of theater arts, won a coveted Indy Award for Directing for his role in staging “Godspell.” The May 20 event was the first time the Santa Barbra Independent has hosted the awards since the pandemic.

Thomas was most recently awarded an Indy for directing “Pride and Prejudice” in 2019.

The jazz band Helios also won an Indy for its live performance in “The Capulet Black-and-White Ball,” John Blondell’s version of “Romeo and Juliet.” Helios is lead by saxophonist Simon Blondell, the son of John.