BWW Reviews: Mustard Seed Theatre Presents Compelling and Entertaining Production of GODSPELL

Ever since I produced the music for a production of the musical Godspell it's held a special place in my heart. Working as a one-man band, I became intimately familiar with Stephen Schwartz's genre-hopping score. Ever since, I've been a unabashed fan of the work, and try to catch as many productions of it as I can (which isn't easy with my busy schedule). Mustard Seed Theatre is presenting an exceptional presentation that's distinguished by an excellent cast, sharp musical direction, and absolutely expert ensemble direction.

Essentially, this is a musical exploration of the Gospel according to St. Matthew, that utilizes the parables as a jumping off point for sketches, songs, and dance numbers. What makes it so fun, is that the script allows each group that produces it a certain amount of leeway in the presentation. And, each company utilizes their own modern cultural references to bring out surprising moments of humor. In fact, there's a reference to the career of Katie Holmes that's so accurate it rates a raucous response. Godspell is certainly filled with laughs, but it also has some truly touching moments that are actually quite moving.

J. Samuel Davis is superb as Jesus, taking command of his followers and gently guiding them down the righteous path while relating tales designed to make them understand what faith really means. His strong and soulful voice comes through clearly on numbers like “Save the People”, “All for the Best” and “Alas for You”. Charlie Barron as John the Baptist/Judas also does strong work in a role that's essential to the overall tone of the show.

A terrific supporting cast includes: Justin Ivan Brown, Laura Ernst (who adds a lovely bit of ukelele and flute to “All for the Best” and “All Good Gifts”, respectively), Justin Leibrecht, Isabella Liu, Amy Loui, Khnemu Menu-Ra, Deborah Sharn and Anna Skidis. What's unique about this cast is that it's rare that anyone truly takes a song as a solo performance. Unlike most productions, these songs come off as a group effort (for the most part, and with the exception of some of the songs Jesus sings), and that really adds to the sense of community that Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and John-Michael Tebelak (conception and original direction) were intending to capture with this musical presentation.

Deanna Jent's direction is smartly conceived and executed by a wonderful cast, and she's aided by the choreography of Julie Venegoni and Laura Ernst (and the rest of the ensemble). Dunsi Dai's scenic design (with assists from Kyra Bishop and Anthony Boyajian) is a great example of urban decay with multiple levels (stoops, rooftops, and a spiral staircase) for the actors to work with. Michael Sullivan's lighting neatly illuminates the action, while Jane Sullivan's costumes are good character fits. Meg Brinkley's props are well chosen, and Shaun Sheley's fight choreography is performed with aplomb.

Joe Schoen solely accompanies the cast on piano, and that adds a delicacy and intimacy lost in other productions. If I have any quibble, and it's a minor one, it's the exclusion of the music for the Prologue/Tower of Babel, which I think is very interesting. Even though it's listed in the program, it's been reduced to the cast causing a cacophony by babbling. Still, that's nothing to hinder my enjoyment of this entertaining production.

Don't miss Mustard Seed Theatre's stirring production of Godspell, which continues through December 11, 2011 in the black box theatre at Fontbonne University.

 

 

 

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