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'Godspell' a powerful performance that will linger in reflection
By
DAVID DOW BENTLEY III
“The
People’s Critic”
(The Courier
04.04.01) | 
As
I take pen in hand at 1 o'clock in the morning, I am still riding
high on the joyful energy displayed in Thursday night's opening of
the Montgomery College musical production of "Godspell." |
The
play, nicely directed by Jami Hughes, was presented at the
Woodland's campus theater building and will have additional
performances at 7:30 p.m. April 5, 6 and 7, with Sunday matinees
April 1 and 8 at 2:30 p.m. (Call 936-273-7021 for ticket
information.) If you need a head start on the joy of the Easter
season, don't miss this fun-filled Broadway revival.
The eclectic stage set (Scenic/Lighting Designer, David Marco)
looks like a cross between a garage in need of a good clean-out,
and a messy artist's studio. Led by Lorne Kelly, the cast enters
through the audience with a resonant "Prepare Ye the Way of
the Lord" that is full of enthusiasm, but regrettably
over-amplified. The cast designed their own pleasantly offbeat
costumes. (My spies tell me some outfits came from the popular
"Hot Topic" shop at The Woodland's Mall.) The five
member backstage band does fine work under the musical direction
of David Englert.
Handsome Kyle Kutter is well cast in the demanding role of Jesus;
and if (as is the case in his opening vocal, "Save the
People") he has not yet reached the peak of perfection as a
singer, he never fails to bring joyous enthusiasm, fine stage
presence, and an excellent speaking voice to his sensitive
characterization. As Jesus shares his parables throughout the
show, a variety of sometimes zany, sometimes touching sketches and
vignettes emerge. Scripture passages are treated as the poetry
they truly are; and one sometimes senses a Shakespearean
atmosphere in the dialogue. Meanwhile, speaking of dialogue, this
young cast occasionally rushes the delivery of lines or lyrics
making them difficult to hear.
Lovely Lindsay Arnold arrives with a stellar rendition of the
show's biggest hit, "Day By Day." It brings gentle order
to the zany fun that precedes it, and her sweet, bird-like voice
is most endearing. The cast joins in the cute, soft-shoe
choreography. Then there are amusing spoofs of T.V. talk shows,
and others like "Twilight Zone," "Family
Feud," and Sumo Wrestling. The production even allows for
current day updates like commercials for Kit-Kat bars and
references to computers.
Pretty Megan Kane leads "Learn Your Lessons Well" in
pleasant voice. Attractive blonde, Holland Vavra, has equally
attractive wine-satin slacks. She leads a "Bless the
Lord" that wends its way into a funky dance number with good
choral support. Mr. Kutter offers an animated "All For the
Best." The optimistic song features Mr. Kelly with catchy and
melodic counterpoint as the boys dance nimbly atop the loud
speakers, and the full cast chimes in for a big finish.
David Kerr sings a touchingly beautiful "All Good Gifts"
that suddenly lifts the production to new heights of excellence.
Earlier in the show he proved he has a decided knack for comedy.
Now he lights up the room with a tender, yet powerful vocal
performance that is a highlight of the evening and verifies his
Music Major credentials. Then, from Bill Jack Davis, we get a
hilarious impression of the Rev. Billy Graham. Mr. Davis is an
Assistant Dean at Montgomery College.
In Act II Leslie Harlton does a sultry "Turn Back, O
Man" with a touch of Mae West, while the cast threatens to
overtake the Radio City Rockettes with some high-stepping
kicks.(Ms. Hughes was also Choreographer.) Kutter has a weak
moment with an "Alas for You" that is aptly named
because it is painful to listen to. The young actor has so many
assets, and hopefully some further vocal training will complete
the package. Kane and Amy Kelley pair up for a "By My
Side" that is at its best when the fine full chorus joins in.
Ryan Cowles offers another promising voice that will probably grow
with training as he offers an exuberant "We Beseech
Thee" that featured an interesting choreographic tableau.
A terrific choral reprise of "Day By Day" left me
wanting more. The Last Supper, the betrayal by Judas, and an
eerily convincing Crucifixion were all well staged. As the Lord
writhes in pain on the cross, a hopeful chant of "Long Live
God" arises. There is a dramatic removal of Christ from the
cross that seemed a fitting reminder of the current Lenten season.
On some mystical level we come to realize that this effervescent
theatrical offering is about something serious after all. Then,
suddenly, there is a full cast return to "Prepare the Way of
the Lord," and at the curtain call Jesus returns in the white
raiment of Resurrection.
E-Mail
David Dow Bentley III
Bentley’s columns, featured in newspapers
from the East Coast to the Gulf Coast, may be viewed on the website at
www.ThePeoplesCritic.com
while E-mail may be addressed to
ThePeoplesCritic@earthlink.net
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