Review: Godspell (Marriott Theatre)

  
  
Godspell

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz 
Conceived by John-Michael Tebelak
Directed and Choreographed by Matt Raftery
at Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire (map)
thru Aug 10  |  tickets: $40-$48   |  more info
  
Check for half-price tickets 
  
  
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Beautiful but slightly over the top

Marriott Theatre presents

Godspell

Review by Lauren Whalen 

The 1970s saw two excellent rock operas about Jesus, both of which could be enjoyed by hippies, atheists and cooler Christians alike. While Jesus Christ Superstar takes a darker look at the last week of Jesus’ life, through the eyes of betrayer Judas, Godspell explores the teachings of the New Testament in a lighthearted manner. Both have been adapted into films and yielded successful tours and Broadway revivals – most recently for Godspell in 2011, starring Hunter Parrish as Jesus and featuring new music from the now-iconic Stephen Schwartz. Marriott Theatre’s new production celebrates the timelessness of Godspell while bringing a fresh new energy, though at times it tries a little too hard to be relevant.

Based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, Godspell (which translates to “gospel” or “good news”) illustrates many of Jesus’ parables, from the Prodigal Son to the Good Samaritan through a colorful song-and-dance lens. The dynamic Jesus (Brian Bohr) teaches his eager disciples the power of kindness and acceptance for all, while tearing down the Old Testament ideals. Things get more serious in the show’s second half, as Judas (Devin DeSantis) decides to sell out his friend and leader, who’s under suspicion from the old guard. Songs such as “Day by Day”, “We Beseech Thee” and “Turn Back O Man” have since become musical theater staples, and the show’s religious overtones are comforting rather than overwhelming.

Director and choreographer Matt Raftery capitalizes on Godspell’s frenetic energy, beautifully utilizing Marriott Theatre’s in-the-round space for maximum effect. Raftery employs multiple props in innovative ways (the cast has a lot of fun with “We Beseech Thee”) and his choreography of “All for the Best” is nothing short of revolutionary. Supplemented by Thomas M. Ryan’s all-encompassing rainbow of a set, Jesse Klug’s gorgeous lighting, and Erin Wuorenma’s vibrant costumes, Rafterty creates a living, breathing portrait of youthful energy and passion.

However, the production isn’t without its faults. The show’s prologue (sometimes known as “Tower of Babble”) doesn’t fit with the other songs and is rather clumsily executed by the cast. Many times, Rafterty gets too frenetic: adlibs and pop culture references are flying at breakneck speed, superfluous to a score and script that are strong on their own. The extra flourishes get overwhelming, and the cast’s mugging becomes too much.

  

Despite this, the players are a joy to behold. Working as an ensemble, they sing, dance and play with a boisterous vitality that never ceases. Bohr is a loving and compassionate Jesus, with a voice to rival Norbert Leo Butz. DeSantis provides a slightly edgier counterpart, setting the show’s spiritual tone with exquisite renditions of “Prepare Ye” and “On the Willows.” Zachary Piser makes “We Beseech Thee” a glowing and tuneful entreaty, and Nate Lewellyn’s “Light of the World” (Act I’s closing number) is nothing short of excellent. And standout Lillie Cummings projects a wide-eyed devotion throughout, delivering a truly stirring, unforgettable “Day by Day.”

This Godspell is well worth the ticket price and trip to the suburbs. I left with my heart warmed and my whole being energized. If Rafterty had let the source material speak for itself just a bit more, and embellished a bit less, this would have been a thoroughly stellar production.

Rating: ★★★

Godspell continues through August 10th at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire  (map), with performances Wednesdays at 1pm and 8pm, Thursdays and Fridays 8pm, Saturdays 4:30pm and 8pm, Sundays 1pm and 5pm.  Tickets are $40-$48, and are available by phone (847-634-0200) or online through Ticketmaster.com (check for half-price tickets at Goldstar.com). More information at MarriottTheatre.com.  (Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes, includes an intermission)

Photos by Peter Coombs 

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artists

cast

Brian Bohr (Jesus), Devin DeSantis (John/Judas), Christine Mild (Dance Captain), Lillie Cummings, Elizabeth Lanza, Nate Lewellyn, Eliza Palasz, Samantha Pauly, Zachary Piser, Tom Vendafreddo (ensemble), Nick Graffagna, Molly Kral, Patrick Rooney, Betsy Stewart (understudies)

orchestra

Patti Garwood (conductor, keyboard), Scott Reed, Tom Logan (guitars), Scott Rosenthal (bass), Joe Ludwig (drums)

behind the scenes

Matt Raftery (director, choreographer), Ryan T. Nelson (music director), Thomas M. Ryan (set design), Jesse Klug (lighting design), Erin Wuorenma (costume coordinator), Robert E. Gilmartin (sound design), Sally Weiss (properties design), Michael Hendricks (production stage manager), Patti Garwood (musical supervisor), Peter Marston Sullivan (artistic associate), Peter Blair (producing associate),  Terry James (executive producer), Aaron Thielen (lead artistic director), Andy Hite (artistic director), Peter Coombs (photos)

  

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