[NEohioPAL] Review of "Godspell" at Mercury SummerStock

[Bob Abelman]

Mercury offers 'Godspell': the next generation 

 

Bob Abelman

News-Herald, Chagrin Valley Times, Solon Times, Geauga Times Courier

Member, International Association of Theatre Critics 

 

This review appeared in the Times papers 7/16/09

 

In 1971, John-Michael Tebelak engaged in a mild form of blasphemy.  He transformed the Gospel of Saint Matthew into an off-Broadway pop musical.

 

The musical, Godspell, depicted apostles as irreverent flower children in clown costuming, who frolicked about the stage in a state of childlike, unabashed joy.  They cavorted, they game-played and, in the course of doing so, spouted puns, engaged in broad slapstick humor, and acted out Biblical tales as told by a very playful Jesus in rainbow suspenders and a Superman "S" on his chest. 

 

In truth, the show was merely a collection of parables and wonderfully melodic tunes by Stephen Schwartz, without much connective storyline or character development.  It was the brazen, good-natured counterculture irreverence of these young actors that gave this show its ambiance, charm and popularity among other young adults.  This show was a love fest.

 

Most contemporary productions of Godspell attempt to recreate that irreverence, and fail miserably.  Today's generation of young adults tend to be more cynical and self-conscious than their 1970's counterparts.  Watching actors attempting to frolick like their parents did in their youth is a charade and comes across as terribly contrived.  

 

Although the story has not lost its charm, the message has not lost its significance and the combination of soft rock, R&B and gospel music has not lost its appeal, this show is woefully dated.  Its original spirit is lost and its soul cannot be recaptured. 

 

Unless, of course, you are Pierre-Jacques Brault, the artistic director of Mercury Summerstock and director/choreographer of its current production of Godspell. 

 

Mr. Brault has, himself, committed a mild form of blasphemy.  He has tampered with this show's script by transporting it into modern times, infusing it with contemporary references to the news and new technology, and drawing humor from today's popular culture.  Employing his trademark imagination and flair for creative interpretation, Mr. Brault has created a Godspell 2.0.

 

This Godspell is set in a library and cleverly uses all its furnishings and properties as playthings.  These apostles reflect all that is playful and irreverent in today's young adults and embrace the spirit and soul of their own generation.  This production is still a love fest, but one tempered by our turbulent times and the events that have come to define us. 

 

This Godspell also touts a collection of exceptionally talented performers.  As a collective whole, their voices bring intensity and texture to this musical, and blend nicely with the four-piece orchestra under the direction of Eddie Carney.  They flawlessly execute all of Mr. Brault's clever choreography and fill the stage with unbridled energy and life.

 

Although an ensemble production, this show is comprised of musical numbers that place individual performers in the spotlight.  Here, the very gifted Sara Masterson, Kate Michalski, Kelvette Beacham, Jen Myor, Brian Marshall, Stewart Tabler and Shane O'Neill shine.

 

Rounding out this wonderful cast is Brett Parr, Molly Richards, W. Bryant Campbell, Annie Hickey, and Andrew Miller.  Zach DeNardi is less of a singer and dancer than the others, but his portrayal of Jesus is absolutely charming and endearing.  

 

Audiences will leave this production uplifted, potentially enlightened, and thoroughly entertained.

 

Godspell is a story about love, forgiveness, morality and community and, thus, is still a story worth telling.  In fact, it is worth telling now more than ever.  It is being told very well in nearby Parma until July 25. 
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