The first musical Revival of the new season has arrived---and confidently put its foot down as a strong, vibrant contender for the Awards season.
Let’s jump to the scrutiny-
“it’s a revival! GODSPELL is classic. Why bother going if I've seen it before?” Well, imaginary reader o’mine, Stephen Schwartz has completely re-tooled the score and book. Updating it and giving it new life and new sounds.
And. It. Is. Wonderful.
A balance of ballad and blasting rock, to everything in between, we see a new look at an old favorite, achieving what American Idiot and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson fell short of truly encapsulating, in their attempts to make Broadway rock, while keeping its core concerns. The band is scattered around the audience seating, and the pianist planted center stage has as much fun (and occasionally sneaks in his own laughs) as the cast. This piece is very fluid in its humor and its music, and it is very clear that this cast has grown to work as-one, a small circle that brings 100+% every time they take the stage.
From the get-go, this In-the-round production of GODSPELL launches into a prologue entirely vocal-driven; from philosophy to cell phones, we are given a full spread of colors, in costumes that harken back to the original production without copying--- In fact, the choice to ‘clothe’ Jesus in not typical robes, Superstar garb, or even Original Godspell superman tee-shirt but instead opt for a baby-blue baseball jersey, we are firmly informed that this is a Messiah who’s ushering in his storytelling right here in the New Millenium. The age-appropriate cast, which I would mark no older than twenty-six years of age at most, brings an enthusiasm that would seem forced if a larger-name-filled or more-expected-broadway-aged cast were to have been in its place. The youths bring enough gravity to act Two and enough vibrancy to act One that you have a wonderful combination of story and spectacle.
The first act enables a truly terrific ensemble to showcase voice, humor, and parable while pummeling the audience with a rapid-fire string of Pop Culture references, all tasteful if silly at times. While you’re growing to enjoy this cast, the traditional lessons brought by Jesus (played with utter sincerity and engaging, wholehearted eagerness by Hunter Parrish in his powerful return to Broadway) are modernized just enough that the younger audiences can learn via metaphor while those more versed in the text can appreciate a wink and a nudge to the necessity of these nuggets of wisdom in our current society.
After starting act two with a roundhouse of fun (this reviewer was treated to an amazing rarer performance by amazing swing Julia Mattison stealing the first beltings and having a blast as you’re guided back in after intermission), we return to the meat and bones of the Passion of the Christ, uniquely portrayed and while simple, very raw and pointed in its execution. I am not one to enforce a religion on anyone, and I don’t aim to here; but , whether Christian in faith or not, this stage spectacle is a wonderful treat- and if you’re a fan of the original, and a music lover, then do yourself a favor and see what Stephen is refreshing- this graffiti’d god is a new coat of paint on a sure thing.
I won't divulge the pop culture bits as I'd rather you see the show for yourself and appreciate the surprises this cast offers. Suffice to say that the creative use of set, and reimagined musical interpretation paired alongside a recognizable show should sway new theatregoers to a positive future of broadway (if any other famous minds are willing to re-approach material like Schwartz has, here) while regulars will not be disappointed in the least by a far-from-droll revival that bounds onstage, gets your toe tapping, and lets your mind appreciate the intricacy.
One thing's for sure- this production of Godspell is here to play.
five out of five Proverbs.
