Godspell: Energetic performances emphasize the didactic side of the show
Godspell by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
9th Hour Theatre Company
Directed by Jonathan Harris
Godspell was a major hit when it premiered 47 years ago. In 1971, writer John-Michael Tebelak — who also directed the original — delivered a rock musical of the “make love not war” era, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (whose later works included Pippin and Wicked.)
In its earliest version, Jesus was a flower child and the focus was on the parables, the teachings of Jesus and the music. The 9th Hour Theatre Company version is presented as being “adapted and reconceived for a contemporary audience.”
Here, Jesus is a homeless man in ragged clothes who uses a stepladder as a prop and the 12 remaining members of the cast — sometimes the disciples, in a boardroom setup (with a reminder of the Last Supper thrown in) and sometimes a group swirling around carrying chairs or moving tables — retell the parables from the Gospels or ask faith-based questions. The action stops frequently to toss in recent headlines.
Such songs as Day by Day, Save the People, Beautiful City and We Beseech Thee lose some of their punch in the confusion of distracting choreography and the many pauses for shouted headlines. This production, as directed by Jonathan Harris, becomes more of a lengthy sermon with music than a rock musical with the songs front and centre.
The good news is that the performers are energetic, in good voice and having a good time on stage. Inclusiveness is clearly one of the aims and, in most cases, the wide representation works out well. While some of the dialogue is not always intelligible, the musical numbers are well delivered.
Because of the format of the program, which does not list the songs or distinguish cast members, offering kudos to individuals is something of a challenge. Standouts for their beautiful singing voices are Jerusha Lewis and Mckenna Mellon. Jacob Segreto is also noteworthy for both his flexible movement and his singing.
This adaptation of Godspell (which began life as the writer’s master’s thesis) fits in with the 9th Hour Theatre Company mandate “to engage theatre in order to explore, examine and express questions, ideas and stories relating to faith.” The message of the show is worthy, but the repetitive result is more focused on teaching than entertaining.
Director: Jonathan Harris
Musical director Chris Santillan
Dramaturge: George Dutch
Choreographer: Allison Burns
Lighting/technical director: Cameron A. MacDonald
Costumes: Ruth Allison
Cast:
Troy Arsenian, Johnanne Boisvenue-Henry, Sylvain Bouchard, Tom Charlebois, Trish Cleyn, Antonio Dirienzo, Jerusha Lewis, Mckenna Mellon, Adam Moscoe, Sean Nauth, Michelle Sangalli, Jacob Segreto, Xylia (no last name given)
Musicians
Guitars..………………………………John Corkett and Corey Thomas
Percussion…………………………….Trevor Curtis
Bass……………………………………Chris Lucas
Keyboard………………………………Chris Santillan