Reviewed by Tony Annicone
Footlights Rep’s Jr. Divisions first show of the year is “Godspell.” Based on the Gospel of St. Matthew and featuring a score by Stephen Scwartz, “Godspell” brings the parables of Jesus Christ to life. The show draws on various theatrical traditions, such as clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville. It is a groundbreaking and unique reflection on the life of Jesus, with a message of kindness, tolerance and love. “Godspell’s” timeless message has always been about finding your quiet, unshakeable faith amid a very cold and very shallow modern world. The comic and poignant moments are blended together splendidly by directors Neil Jeronimo and Tricia Rodrigues. They assemble a 22 member cast to fit all these roles while Kasey Jeronimo taught the music to them with a topnotch 6 piece orchestra lead and conducted by Jameson Ward. The choreography by Barry Pereira contains many different styles of dance including soft shoe, modern and jazz. The show is rewarded with a resounding standing ovation at the curtain call.
The unique thing about the production is that it is performed in the round, making it a more intimate musical to tug on your heartstrings as well as make you laugh at all the right moments. Matt Macy stars as Jesus and is wonderfully cast in this role and has a terrific voice. One of his most powerful numbers is “Alas for You” where the words still resonate to this very day. “This nation, this generation will bear the guilt of it all! Alas, Alas, Alas for you! Blind Fools.” It rings true in 2019 as it did back in biblical times as well as in the 1970’s when this show was first written. Matt’s first song is “Save the People” where the cast dances around him. He also has some light and funny moments during the parables and during “All For the Best” duet with Judas. However it is during the Last Supper tableau and the death scene that strike a chord with the audience, leaving not a dry eye in the house including mine. A new song written for the updated show is “Beautiful City” a beautiful ballad which is rendered marvelously by Matt. Emily Nunes also displays her lovely voice in it, too. Matt and the whole cast give heartfelt performances in this production.
The opening Philosophers section has pretty harmonies and is well performed. Neil and Tricia give each of their performers their moments to shine in the show. The first act is more vaudevillian then the second which turns more somber after “Turn Back O Man.” Nicholas Lannigan sings the role of John the Baptist with his powerful gospel voice as he walks through the audience. I last reviewed him as Shrek. Luke Sylvester does a dynamic job as Judas who betrays Jesus later in the show. Joe and Luke stop the show with their comic “All For the Best” number while they sing in counterpoint with each other. Luke is very comical interacting constantly with the audience including me to keep the show fresh and alive. “Day by Day” is given a lovely rendition by Rylan Costa, Abbie Monte and Rachel Ochoa with their lovely voices while the Apostles learn to share with each other. Nathaniel James LeBoeuf plays Socrates and sings “O Man of Athens.” A rousing number is “We Beseech Thee” with a dynamite dance and lead vocals also by Nathaniel. A group dance occurs as Maia Millard sing out “Bless the Lord” with her powerful soprano voice.The betrayal scene is a stunning moment, too with a dynamic and poignant rendition of “By My Side” with Stephanie Baxter. Avery Weber belts out “Learn Your Lessons Well” with her strong gospel voice. She also plays the ukulele during it. Matt sings the middle section of the song while the cast does a dynamic dance to it.
Luke Sylvester also sings the tear jerking “On The Willows” during The Last Supper as Jesus says goodbye to each of his Apostles. Kylie Howard also sings harmony with him on it. My favorite comic song in the show is “Turn Back O Man.” It’s a show stopping number rendered splendidly by Isabella Manchester. She enters through the crowd while interacting with them. Another comic performer is Derek Rivera who also sings “You Are the Light of the World” to end Act 1. John Garcia’s voice soars off the charts in “All Good Gifts.” He has a dynamite voice. I last reviewed him in “Shrek” as Lord Farquad. The whole cast sings the poignant “Long Live God” and “Prepare Ye” in counterpoint to close this version of the show as well as the meaningful “Beautiful City”, too. Another heart wrenching scene is “The Crucifixion.” The ending of the show will leave you emotionally drained at its intensity but uplifted because Jesus left us hope for the future. In these trying and tumultuous times who could ask for anything better for this world. So for a splendid production of “Godspell” be sure to catch it at Case High School performed wonderfully by Footlights Junior Division.
GODSPELL (10 to 13 January)
Footlight’s Repertory Junior Division, Case High School, 70 School Street, Swansea, MA
1(774)644-4539 or www.footlightsrep.net
