Repertory Company Theatre Presents Godspell

Godspell

Directed, Choreographed, and Costumed by Michelle Levall

Music Directed by Laura Alley

Scenic Design by Michelle Levall and Loree Westbrooks

Lighting Designed by Josh Hensley

Sound Operated by CJ Partin

Light Board Operated by Hawana Townsley

Spot Operated by Abigail Alley

My thoughts on Godspell or…they’ve got magic to do

Repertory Company Theatre presents

Godspell

by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak

Directed, Choreographed, Costumed and Co-Scenic Designed by Michelle Levall

Godspell is not an easy musical to innovate. Almost every possible concept has been used and having the actors be clowns has certainly been done before. However, in this production the character of Jesus is not a clown, but the ringmaster of the circus in which the clowns appear, and this works beautifully for the retelling of the Gospel of St. Matthew. Indeed, almost everything about this Godspell feels fresh and updated, from the current references to the dance steps to the staging.

This Godspell must be a labor of love for Director Lavell. She not only directed, but also choreographed, costumed, and co-scenic designed with Loree Westbrooks. Levall’s vision has certainly paid off here as she has done all of her tasks extremely well. The scenes are inventively staged and there are many surprises and fun magic tricks. The costumes are colorful as are the set and props. The dance steps are often humorous and always fun to watch. There are so many clever touches in this show that I don’t want to spoil, but I will say that the first act closer “You Are the Light of the World” uses flashlights in a way that is thrilling.

Also thrilling are the voices of the cast. Music Director Laura Alley has gotten tremendous sounds from this talented group and each number scores. I wish I knew which cast members sang what songs, but there was not a list in the playbill, and since they were all in clown make up, I could not identify their photos in the bios. I enjoyed every number and “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back O Man,” and “By My Side” were especially appealing as was the duet with Jesus and Judas. “All for the Best.” Among these phenomenally talented “clowns” are Laura Alley, Brooke Bishop, Chelsea Catalano, Jared Duncan, Ashley Sanders, Phillip Slay, Jacob Waters, and Loree Westbrooks. I also admired both the singing and acting of Garrett Holton who brings a sympathetic humanity to Judas. As Ringmaster Jesus, Christian Black is not only a heavenly (pun intended) singer, but also a consummate actor, whose expressive face can lead an audience anywhere. The quiet tenderness he brings to Jesus is genuinely moving.

I have nothing but admiration for Levall’s Godspell. It is a fast paced, novel take on this modern classic musical. It’s great fun, but don’t be surprised if you leave with a bit of a lump in your throat and moist eyes. If you have “learned your lessons well,” you won’t miss this Godspell.