Ahmanson Takes Leap of Faith

Leap of Faith
book by Janus Cercone and Glenn Slater
music by Alan Menken; lyrics by Slater
directed &choreographed by Rob Ashford / Ahmanson Theatre / through October 24

After hearing several rather negative comments about the state of the world premiere musical Leap of Faith at the Ahmanson, I wasn't sure quite what to expect. Well, I was pleasantly surprised. Production values, direction, cast, music and book are all at prime level. If one thing is certain it has a fantastic creative team behind it and based on audience reaction the night I attended, it's a crowd pleaser and a heart tugger with its issues of desperation, faith and belief in miracles welcomed... with open arms.

Let's start with Jack Newton (aka Jonas Nightingale) a charismatic con man not unlike Elmer Gantry or The Rainmaker's Starbuck, all of whom take advantage of the public need and along the way get a crack at true love. In Nightingale's case, there's also an unexpected chance for personal salvation. Nightingale as played by Raul Esparza, in a full-out brilliant performance, is a dynamic, half-crazy but intelligent criminal that knows how to prey, not pray, to get what he wants, including money and women.

When he arrives in Sweetwater, Kansas, ready to set up his revival tent, he soon sets his eyes on Marva (Brooke Shields), a waitress with a young crippled son Boyd (Nicholas Barasch). She plays hard to get, but his sense of game play is aroused by her refusal and common sense. The tide turns for her, in time, but not without Sheriff Will (Jarrod Emick) creating an obstacle, proving Nightingale a fraud and threatening arrest. Nightingale's sister Sam (Kendra Kassebaum) helps him run the show and is loyal to a fault. But opposition does arise within the minister's camp with choir members Ida Mae (Kecia Lewis-Evans) remaining faithful but honest son Ricky (Leslie Odom, Jr.) pulling out. The plot is old hat, but the sentiments are sincere and many will be pulled into the story, particularly the plotline involving Boyd's strong Christian beliefs. It's always good news as well when an old fashioned love story looms large.

The entire ensemble is terrific with Esparza leading the way, stealing the hour especially in his over-the-top 'work 'til you drop' sweaty revival scenes. Unexpectedly impressive is Shields as Marva, who knows how to use restraint; her singing voice may not be up to Broadway's best, but it's strong and focused.

Barasch is genuinely engaging as Boyd as are Emick, Kassebaum, Lewis-Evans, Odom and the entire cast under Ashford's jubilant direction. The revival scenes are appropriately rousing and Menken and Slater's music spirited with "People Like Us" and "Last Chance Salvation" most winning. Robin Wagner's scenic design and Donald Holder's lighting beautifully adapt the bright Kansas daylight to the revival's starry night sky. William Ivey Long's costumes shine, in particular Esparza's sparkly revival jackets.

Leap of Faith was originally a 1992 film dramedy starring Steve Martin and Debra Winger. Not having seen it, I cannot make comparisons. But I can say that this production, its heartwarming story and stars, especially Esparza, are commendable. Whatever its fate, it's worth a peek.