Once upon a time, circa late 60s and early 70s, a phenomenon literally rocked the nation. With titles such as Hair, Jesus Christ Super Star, Oh! Calcutta!, Tommy and Godspell, the genre of rock opera came into being. John-Michael Tebelak was just 22 when his Godspell rocked New York. This Master's thesis project based on the writings of apostles Matthew and Luke is alive and wonderfully well. As the program states; "the time is now and the place is here." Godspell is truly ageless.
Director Raylene J. Wall had the task of casting all triple threats (actors, dancers, and singers rolled into one person) in this ensemble production. We've come to expect the extraordinary from this talented director, and she comes through. Musicals, however, are more than just their director and cast. They require a talented musical director to bring the music to life. Dan Greenbush does just that. Godspell also requires the talents of a gifted choreographer to create effective full-cast dance numbers. (OnStage adds the challenge of a relatively small stage.) Lia Metz meets the obstacle with exciting routines.
Matt Whiffen's Jesus combines naive innocence in the opening of the show with his power in "Alas for You." Whiffen has just the right look and is contrasted with Brett Daniels' rough, yet humbled, John the Baptist. Daniels masterfully contrasts this role with his Judas. A highlight is a duet and soft shoe with Whiffen in "All for the Best." Lia Metz as Jessie (cross-gendering), in "All Good Gifts" with Whiffen, is very effective. Her talents as a dancer are accented by her every liquid move.
Strumpet Roxxy, delightfully played by Kristen Bauer, ias exceedingly lustful in "Turn Back, O Man." Rebecca Seubert plays Joanne. In her "Bless the Lord" her beautiful soprano voice echoes in the theater. Darrell Allbritton as Deondray electrifies with his dance moves and is moving in the trio, "On the Willow." Cornell Ellison, as Gilmer, gives a moving rendition of "Learn Your Lessons Well." Her reprise in the second act with Christopher T. Miller (Buddy) and company charges the beginning of the act. Miller produces much of the excitement of the production. Kym Pappas, as Robin, delivers a show-stopping version of the popular "Day by Day." Tisha Penny-Coull's lyrical "By My Side," as Sydney, scores an emotional hit.
OnStage's Godspell is very high in production values. Chris Warner's lights put glitz into the production numbers, as well as setting many dramatic moods. Wall's set design is an outstanding street scene looking like many of New York City's pocket parks. It incorporates several levels, the ubiquitous chain-link fencing, brick and galvanized sheet-metal walls. Tom Crenshaw's sound design sets the scene for the whole production. Marlene Wendell's graffiti art adds authenticity, while Teri Brown's costumes ably defined the characters.
OnStage is a small house, so make your reservations early. Godspell is as good or better than half of the road shows you'll see at the Civic Theater, and you aren't paying $100 a seat. Don't miss this production.
