Godspell
Repertory Company Theatre
Reviewed by David Ellivloc
“Why are we at a circus? Isn’t this a musical about Jesus?”
You might very well ask those questions upon entering the Repertory Company Theatre (RCT) to watch Godspell, a 1971 Broadway musical about Jesus based on the book of Matthew in the Bible, particularly the parables and the Sermon on the Mount. Godspell, especially the 2011 Broadway revival upon which this production is based, affords a director great leeway in staging. And in Director, Choreographer, Costumer and Co-Scenic Designer Michelle Levall’s creation, Godspell is a big 3-ring circus full of whimsy, wonders, and wow!
Upon entering the theater, greeted by an usher in a ridiculously large bowtie, there will be merry circus music playing as you’re awestruck by the large circus big top set that is awash in the bold red, white and blue colors of a circus on the steps, curtains, and carnival games that fill the stage. You might even spy a mime peeking around a part of the set before the show begins.
And just whom does Levall have telling this story set in a circus? Well, Jesus, as you might expect, played by the charismatic and honey-voiced Christian Black clad as the circus ringmaster for most of the show, along with nine eclectic clowns in full clown regalia and makeup. That’s right, nine clowns, seven of whom have character names that are inconsequential, as they each do multiple duties as Jesus’ followers and characters in the various parables. Indeed, as credited in the RCT program, these seven of the nine clowns have character names that are merely the first names of actors who appeared in the 2011 Broadway revival, rather than the character names from the original Broadway production.
Now, the remaining two of our nine clowns play major characters from Jesus’s life story, in addition to also being key members of Jesus’ nine clown posse. Garrett Holton is a tortured Judas while Philip Slay is a humble and rough-hewn John the Baptist. Slay’s lead vocals on “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” are classically beautiful and moving, especially juxtaposed to the entire company’s truly dynamic and complex “Opening” and “Tower of Babel” prologue, which immediately precede his song. Right from the top of the show, you will be blown away by the complex harmonies, beautifully sung by a very vocally talented cast, coupled with their precision dancing, high-stepping, and comedy hijinks.
Jared Duncan (Telly), Jacob Waters (Nick), Laura Alley (Lindsey), Loree Westbrooks (Cerise), Chelsea Catalano (Uzo), Brooke Bishop (Anna Maria), and Ashley Sanders (Morgan), along with Holton and Slay, are all exceptional onstage in their abilities to sing, act and dance. And while each gets a moment or more to shine individually, as a group they are amazing. While each solo is excellently delivered, the backing chorus to each song is also consistently excellent. Brooke Bishop, a beautifully passionate vocalist, sings a prayerful “Day by Day.” Ashley Sanders delivers a thrilling performance of “Turn Back, O Man.” And the duet “Learn Your Lessons Well” between Black and Loree Westbrooks is grippingly heartfelt, as is Black’s rendition of “Beautiful City.”
Music Director, Laura Alley, has done a marvelous job. The 50-year-old songs are fresh and exciting and include rap as well as vaudeville and pop numbers.
Godspell is wonderfully engaging– you will laugh, smile, toe-tap, and hum along! This is a production full of light and joy, as well as respect for Jesus’ life and ministry. Make plans and buy tickets today! Find ticket information at https://www.rcttheatre.com/
Accessible seating: Yes
Hearing Devices Available: No
Sensory Friendly Showing: No
Audience Rating: PG-13 due to sexual references and innuendo
Production Sound Level: Comfortable
Noises and Visuals to Know About: No
See you at the theater!
David Ellivloc
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