THEATER REVIEW: The show, performed by Playful Theatre Productions at Kelsey Theatre, is as fresh and sassy and deeply moving as ever.
By: Stuart Duncan
WEST WINDSOR Godspell opened in mid-May 1971, which means it is celebrating its 30th year. The work was written by John Michael Tebelak as a master’s thesis for Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and later tuned into a musical with Stephen Schwartz, a classmate of Tebelak’s, adding the score.
It premiered off-Broadway at the tiny Cherry Lane Theatre, was immediately dubbed "nauseating" by Clive Barnes of The New York Times, and thus carries the distinction of being one of only two shows ever to become hits without the support of the Times‘ man-on-the-aisle. The other, incidentally, is The Fantasticks.
Since that evening, Godspell (the title comes from the ancient word for Gospel) has played seven years in New York, three in London and Boston, and had extended runs in Chicago, San Francisco, Paris, Australia and even Japan. One of the latest revivals is by the Newtown-based Playful Theatre Productions, using the stage at Mercer County Community College in West Windsor. The show is as fresh and sassy and deeply moving as ever.
This particular production uses a dozen performers. The original had only 10, but high schools sometimes add as many as two dozen. Each of the 12 parts has its own particular charm. Bob McDonald, as Jesus, has a sweet tenor voice and graceful movements. Bill Pessel, as Judas, is in his first musical (at age 43) and is a real standout super stage presence, a fine baritone voice and strong dance skills. The various singing assignments for the evening are nicely handled by Kerrin Paul, Carrie Denito, Carol Ann Murray, Bob Lewandowski, Cara Scharf and Paul Lasky. The best comedy bits go to Mark Viola, Danny Giglio and Jordan Etheredge. Veteran Diane Wargo not only belts out "Turn Back O Man" and travels through the audience, riveting most of the senior citizen men, but gets to vamp the company most of the show.
Godspell works best when there is a hint of faith to it, and director Ken Ambs has provided the Judas/Jesus scenes with a great feeling of intimacy. There is a sense that indeed the "prophecies must be carried out." Mr. McDonald’s delivery of the simple line: "Do quickly what you must do" is heartbreaking. Likewise, moments later, of Mr. Pessel’s sense of being trapped in an act he does not want to finish. After 30 years, the play holds up. Of course, it had 2,000 years in rehearsal.
Many readers perhaps know, but it should be repeated, that I am not entirely unfamiliar nor necessarily impartial with any production of Godspell. I was one of the producers of the original off-Broadway show and later of the film for Columbia Pictures. That works both ways. I am a sucker for a strong performance and super nasty with the dull ones. This one was a pleasure.
Godspell plays at Kelsey Theatre on the campus of Mercer County Community College, West Windsor, April 6-8. Performances: Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m.; Sun. 3 p.m. Adult tickets cost $12; Seniors, students and children $10. For information, call (609) 584-9444.