To be successful, Godspell must be upbeat, energetic, and youthful. Director John Fanelli supplies all these attributes in abundance in this current Westchester Broadway Theater production. He keeps the action colorful and moving, and what’s even better, his talented performers really seem to having fun; their joy is contagious, and the audience has a great time.
Leading the cast of engaging clowns is Gilbert D. Sanchez as Jesus. Sanchez looks like a young Daniel Sunjata (what could be bad?), and projects all the warmth, humor, and decency needed to draw us in and make us care about this youthful preacher. He enters in his underwear, which I’m assuming is supposed to convey humility, with a bright red heart drawn on his forehead. He has a strong, clear voice, and is an engagingly physical performer. In fact, all of the young actors are distinctive talents, and it’s endearing that each gets a special turn. Kudos to the entire troupe.
I especially enjoyed pigtailed Sarah Smithton, and I found my eye constantly seeking out Devon Perry, too. Xander Chauncey brings an almost hypnotic intensity to his challenging dual role of John/Judas.
The subway car and tenement background is fitting for what could be a ragtag gang of street kids. Love the colorful costumes, and the special bits, especially Karley Willocks’s turn with shimmering hula hoops.
At first, the seemingly adlibbed lines in this 2012 version of the play are a bit jarring. Ultimately, the jabs at Donald Trump and Obamacare, the take-offs on Sweet Charity and Lion King, and Forrest Gump’s “Mama says life is like a box of chocolates” do add spice and fun to the evening.
This production of Godspell is exactly what it should be: gently instructive life lessons bathed in love and celebration, and a chance to watch very gifted young people at the start of what I predict will be some very noteworthy careers.
