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| Trent Sauders (middle) as Jesus and his followers in "Godspell." |
The show Is loosely organized as a series of parables from the
Gospel of Matthew with the Jesus figure and his followers participating in the
oratory. In addition to the spoken words is the iconic Stephen
Schwartz score that bubbles over with passion and vitality. They
include “Save the People,” “Bless the Lord,” “All for the Best,” “Light of the
World,” and the classic “Day by Day.” The songs are powerfully
delivered by the strong cast and backstage combo. It is one of
Schwartz’s most satisfying efforts for the musical stage.
The production is centered in an abandoned church, beautifully and
imaginatively rendered by Scenic Designer Reid Thompson. Lighting
Designer Jack Mehler and Sound Designer John Salutz strikingly augment the
production values of the musical.
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| The cast of "Godspell." |
Among the garbage, clutter and ramshackle interior reside a group
of squatters and ragamuffin children. Their impishness and good
humor is suddenly interrupted by a group of developers that enter the former
house of worship. They are there to survey the building’s core with
plans to raze the structure in order to build high-priced condos. In
quick succession, with a spark of fantasy, the well-healed white-collar workers
are transformed—in both awareness and dress—into followers of “The Lord” as the
teaching and learning begins. The accomplished child actors, for
most of the performance, are perched above the goings-on, serving as innocent,
silent observers with occasional levels of participation.
Levine has incorporated cultural, political, and musical
references to aid the storytelling. Some work extremely well such as
the Hamilton and Wicked tie-ins. The Games
of Thrones nod is underwhelming and a prolonged scene parodying Harvey
Weinstein’s misogynistic behavior is a miscalculation.
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| The cast of "Godspell." |
Even with these ups and downs, the Director’s inventiveness and
creativity never lets up. The ideas and inspired choices come fast
and furious, mostly with positive results. Choreographer Sara Brians
contributes engaging dance numbers to keep the show lively and enjoyable.
Every nook and cranny of the performance space is utilized and
Props Designer Abigail Bueti deserves kudos for the variety and amount of
objects she has assembled for the production.
Again, while Godspell is thoroughly entertaining,
some pruning or reconceptualization of some passages would have made the show
more fluid and nimbly paced. For example, the beginning of the
musical, while a novel and interesting approach—Levine states the property
developers “see money as their God and the high-rise condos as their
church”—the scene is overly long and could have been trimmed or quickened.
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| The cast of "Godspell." |
The show is truly an ensemble piece with each of the first-rate
cast members deserving recognition—Shaylen Harger, Jacob Hoffman, Katie Ladner,
Alex Lugo, Cameron Nies, Andrew Poston, Monica Ramirez, Phil Sloves, Morgan
Billings, and Emma Tattenbaum. In addition to working as a cohesive
unit, each performer is given a star turn through song, dance, or
narration. Still, two of the actors do warrant singular
attention. Trent Saunders, as Jesus, brings a subtle, introspective
aura to his portrayal. He has a penetrating insight that commands
attention and respect. Jaime Cepero, brings a diversity of talents
to his roles of John the Baptist and Judas. He exerts a high level
of confidence and showmanship.
Godspell, overall, a charming and
winning production. Playing at A Contemporary Theatre in Ridgefield
through March 8. For information, go to: https://www.actofct.org/
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