GULF SHORES, Ala. — SummerTide Theatre, the professional summer theater of The University of Alabama, returns for the sixth year to the George C. Meyer Theatre Arts Center in Gulf Shores.

The company will perform the musical “Godspell” from June 5 to July 3. Performances are at 8 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday.

“Godspell,” based on the Gospels and parables of Jesus, features a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (composer of the Broadway hit “Wicked”), and boasts a string of recognizable songs, led by the international hit “Day by Day.”

The show was a hit when it opened in the spring of 1971 at an off-Broadway theatre. Written with John-Michael Tebelak, the show went on to win rave reviews and a Grammy award for Best Score.

Tickets may now be purchased online at www.summertide.org, or by calling The University of Alabama’s box office at (205) 348-3844.

Beginning Tuesday, tickets will also be available at the George C. Meyer Theatre Arts Center Box Office by calling (251) 968-6721, or by going online.

Tickets prices are $16 for adults and $10 for anyone 12 and younger. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more.

Send an e-mail to theatre.dance@ua.edu for details, or call the box office beginning Tuesday.

The theatre is located at 2022 W. Second St. in Gulf Shores.

SummerTide Theatre is made possible by the Herbert Clark West Endowed Support Fund at The University of Alabama, with additional support from the George Meyer Foundation of Gulf Shores, The University of Alabama National Alumni Association, The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama Office of Academic Affairs, the Alabama Credit Union and Capstone Village Inc.

Additional support is provided by the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, South Baldwin Community Theatre and Sunset Properties.

The UA Department of Theatre and Dance is part of the College of Arts and Sciences, UA’s largest division with 6,600 students and 360 faculty. It is the largest liberal arts college in Alabama.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010.

This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students.

UA, the state’s flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.