BWW Reviews: GODSPELL Inspires Sold Out Crowd

I decided when I took this job that I was not going to review college productions. Having just been through that process, I knew how much you are learning, experimenting and relying on your professors to help you navigate a very difficult creative undertaking. That is no time for someone to come in and judge your work!

Last night I went to Birmingham-Southern College to present them with BroadwayWorld.com awards for best actor and best production. I also wanted to see their production of GODSPELL, running January 27-30. I was glad we had planned ahead and gotten reservations because we were met with a big SOLD OUT sign on the box office.

I changed my mind about reviewing college shows within the first few minutes of the show's opening. This production is on par with anything I have seen recently, professional or community theatre. The ensemble, who all deserve a mention here, is energetic and talented. Jacob Abbott, Emily Buff, Jada Cato, Spiro Gerontakis, Macy Ladner, Kiona Reese, David Strickland, and Savannah Weidman dance, sing and tell stories with enthusiasm and feeling. They act out parables, listen to the teachings of Jesus, resist God at times and in the end mourn His loss all with heartfelt emotion.

Bee Hall as Jesus is the right blend of stern teacher and loving friend. He seems to exude caring and a sly sense of humor, something I believe fits this part perfectly. DeCorian Cobb as John the Baptist in the beginning and Judas at the end of the play, has a strong voice and presence. He is able to capture the duel feelings of greed and remorse when selling Jesus out at the end.

At this stage in an actor's life they look to the director/teacher more than at any other time. In high school, kids tend to think they know more than they do and after college graduation you realize that ready or not, you better at least act like you know what you are doing. But in college you look to your director to help you navigate the role you get and explore the different directions you can take that character. Obviously this group is in excellent hands with Todd L. Underwood, the director/ choreographer. Although he doesn't look much older than his cast, he is able to pull good performances out of every single cast member, keep them engaged even when they are not participating in a scene, use wooden cubes to their maximum potential (when the wooden sides were laid out to form a cross, I almost cried) and choreograph ten people to move seamlessly in a very small performance space. Every aspect of the play is top notch. From interesting lightening to a band that knows how to be heard, but not overpower the cast, the whole experience is enjoyable.

Unfortunately, the only negative thing I can say is that there are only two more opportunities to see this gem. The play runs through Friday, January 30 so go now to the BSC website for ticket information, www.bsc.edu or call 205-226-4780.

 

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