It's a classic that found itself played out by the 90s. Stephen Schwartz' 1971 megahit Godspell ran off Broadway for 2,124 performances before transferring to the Main Stem for another 527. Every high school and community theatre performed it for decades, until it became dated and lost its draw. Banking that it is time for a resurrection, Tempe Little Theatre is producing it as their Easter musical. Director Teri Glaess has gambled a bit, adding modern elements and references while keeping much of the original hippie feel of the show. She has collected one of the strongest singing casts that TLT has assembled onstage. Overall, TLT has a potential hit on their hands, but there is a caveat: while nine of the ten cast members work very hard, sing their hearts out, and generally pull off their cute turns on Sunday school parables, one crucial performance just misses the mark, and that single fact makes it difficult for the audience to get into this revival as much as they could.
Godspell originated as a student show at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh. Long-haired theatre student John-Michael Tebelak was inspired to write a positive show about the persecution of Christ when, after attending early Easter services, he was stopped by a policeman and searched for drugs. Tebelak brought the show to New York, where fellow Carnegie Tech alum Schwartz was commissioned to write new songs. Among them were "Day by Day," which became a Top 40 hit.
Glaess has reinvented several images of the show, including the very effective opening, where she has her cast appear onstage spouting the various philosopher's comments of "Tower of Babel" in the clothing of modern Americans. Lighting designer Clare Burnett has them isolated in their own specials, accentuating their lack of connectedness. By the arrival of the classically costumed Christ in a Superman t-shirt (Gregory Hough), everyone has ditched the modern clothing for colorful and mismatched outfits. This segue helps ease the transition to the traditional look of the show. From there, Pascal Brown successfully and dynamically plays both heralder John the Baptist and betrayer Judas, while the ensemble dazzles the audience with their singing prowess.
Many of the new bits and references that Glaess adds work nicely, including a revisionist retelling of the Prodigal son story that incorporates a current talk show format. Also well handled is the new ending that incorporates a song from the movie to lighten the mood after the crucifixion. A few bits misfire, including an awkward attempt at rap. While the ensemble is excellent, standouts include sweet and innocent Melissa Romano, top-notch singers Amanda Nichols and Joseph Michael Topmiller, and the hilarious antics of both Rogers, Roger M. Prenger and Roger Csaki. Obviously hired for their great voices, none of the actors is particularly adept at presenting Maura Murphy's exuberant choreography, though that is minor compared to their vocal presentations.
The only problem with the show, potentially a big one, is the limited charisma from the amiable Hough, who is unable to command the stage the way a Christ-figure should. Hough is very sweet, and has a pleasant singing voice, but often gets overwhelmed by the others that surround him. Because of that, the audience seemed to take its time to warm up to the piece, never feeling the strength of leadership that is central to the role. By the second act, the events take over, and there are plenty of tears for "On the Willows" and the Finale, although a stronger presence in the role might have made these moments even more poignant.
Debra Jo Gunby-Davey's orchestra is very professional, and leads the singers well. Sharon Gonwa's set is excellent, although the fact that the floor of the terribly designed TPAC stage is used instead of a raised surface caused difficulties in seeing some of the action closer to the apron. Dave and Evelyn Gregor Durnil's props are excellent.
Despite the one drawback performance and a few gags that didn't work, this production is a must-see. After being done to death, it's nice to see that a classic like this might have a new lease on life.
Production Details:
Godspell Book by John-Michael
Tebelak, Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Tempe Little
Theatre
Tempe Performing Arts Center, Tempe (For a
map to location, click this
link)
(480) 350-8388
March 22nd - April 14th, 2002