Pope John Paul II, the musical, in Rome 

Two priests, two dancers and a team of young actors are bringing John Paul II to the stage this month, with a musical  version of the pope's life and work. The musical maps out the key developments in the life of Karol Wojtyla, who led the Catholic Chur- ch from 1978 until his death in 2005, through acting, dance, music and singing. The earliest scenes look at his life as a youth in Poland, when he enjoyed a  passion  for  football,  languages  and   acting, followed by the years under German occupation, when he held down a variety of tough labouring jobs.

Wojtyla entered a seminary not long after the death of his father, the last surviving member of his immediate family, where be began secretly studying to be a priest. The play looks at his later elevation to bishop and cardinal, and the conclave that even- tually made him the first Polish pope in history. It moves on to consider his voyages, speeches, teachings and his role in major international  developments,  before  concluding  with  his final  days, when Catholics travelled to the Vatican from around the world to be near him.

Father Giuseppe Spedicato, a prolific writer, started developing the script the year after John Paul   died. "Writing a newspaper article or a book is a fascinating experience because  you are  also sharing part of  your  own life,"  he said  in an online state- ment. "But writing a musical about a figure like John Paul II, the pope that changed the world, is an intense, unique and deeply moving experience". Spedicato said he chosen John Paul  because he had  meant so  much  to so many  people and left such a rich heritage.

"He visited over 300 countries, circling the globe at least 30 times," explained Spedicato. "He met millions of people in order to spread the message of Christ, love and hope". The play is staged by 21 actors, following weeks of  casting and rehearsals.  The lead role is played by  Simone  Sibillano,  who has  starred  in a  host  of  other  musicals,  including  Jesus Christ Superstar, the Phantom of the Opera and Robin  Hood.    Dancers  Flavia Astolfi and Caterina Felicioni choreographed the musical, which was directed by actor and director Gianluca Ferrato, who is also one of Italy's top voiceover dubbers. Father Biagio Mandorino, who wrote the music, said he had been overjoyed with the project. "I had  been  waiting  for so  long  for the opportunity to express through music my deep  esteem  for  the pope,  who  accompanied  me through adolescence, my youth and the 15 years I have spent in the priesthood," he said. An earlier version of the  musical  ha s been staged in other parts of the country over the last two years but the Rome production has been entirely revamped, with new direction,  choreography  and  cast, as well as chan- ges to the script. Entitled Non Abbiate Paura (Don't Be Scared), it will be staged in Rome's Teatro Italia on June 11 and 12 befo- re embarking on a nationwide tour.