Godspell
By: John-Michael Tebelak
Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
Director: Renee Norris
Choreographer: Autumn Robinson
Have you heard the Good News? If you have, I’m sure you haven’t heard it the way it’s being presented at Artisan Theater Center! Their presentation of Godspell is high energy and packed with more young talent than you typically find on a single stage.
Giving the story a modernized spin, this show is presented as the set of Good News Media – where Goodvibes Podcast is recorded and broadcast across the world. Jesus (Matthew Bird) appears as just a regular guy, here to spread the good word to his people. But it only takes a song or two to realize this is no ordinary man. Bird has a commanding presence and a strong voice – a calming demeanor that’s very Christ-like. He’s surrounded by an ensemble of 16 young men and women who each portray many different characters as they assist Jesus in telling his tales.
The set – designed by Dominic Norris and Hayden Casey - sprawls out to every corner of the room, with the audience sitting in the round. Every bit of space is expertly used as actors move in and out of scenes from the sidelines. On the walls there are tweets projected – all attributed to famous philosophers both critiquing and praising religion in all its forms. And before Jesus doles out hugs, he provides each person with a squirt of hand sanitizer.
Musical numbers flow from one to another smoothly as different parables are presented. While the dancing was fun and lively, a personal favorite moment of mine was the song Day By Day which was presented with sign language in addition to song and dance.
Director Renee Norris and choreographer Autumn Robinson make what could be chaos look seamless. Each actor is given several opportunities to take the spotlight and show us their talent from one character to another.
Godspell runs through August 12th – be sure to catch this talented cast while you can.
Support local theater!
Sara Jones
Audience Rating: PG
Run Time: 2hr 30 min (including one 15 min intermission)
Accessible Seating: Available
Hearing Devices: Not available
Sensory Friendly Performance: Not available
ASL Performance: Not available
Production Sound Level: Average volume
Noises or Visuals to Prepare For: None
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