Spring is finally here! With the coming of warm weather and
the Easter season, one of my not-so-guilty pleasures has always been tuning in
to watch movies based on the Bible.
From Charlton Heston over-acting his way through The Ten Commandments to King
of Kings and Jesus of Nazareth,
I’ve repeatedly fed my spiritual side with these Biblical films.
Not to be outdone by Hollywood, Broadway has given us its
own version of faith-based musicals.
Andrew Lloyd Webber gave us Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar, while Vinnette Justine Carroll, Mickie
Grant and Alex Bradford bought us Your
Arms are Too Short to Box with God.
Godspell, the
musical by Stephen Schwartz with book by John-Michael Tebelak opened
off-Broadway in 1971 and has been revived and performed countless times
since. Based on the Gospel
according to St. Matthew, the music and lyrics of this spirited show combine to
convey a message of love.
Local audiences will love the Bijou Theatre’s innovative and
creative production of Godspell,
which opens Friday, April 11th at the Bijou Theatre in
Bridgeport. According to Artistic
Director Maggie Pangrazio, this production “…celebrates well-known parables and
songs as a metaphor for the strength of theatre and collaboration. Through the lessons of the Gospel and
the songs of love in their musical incarnation, Godspell teaches us that peace and community are universal.” Ms.
Pangrazio goes on to say, “ Directing Godspell
is a dream come true for me. It's
the ultimate example of collaboration and creativity, and I've been so
fortunate to share it with an amazing, risk-taking cast.”
The cast is truly amazing. Featuring the multi-talented Heather
Abrado, Kathy Alexander, Juan Ayala, Jenifer Condon, Marc Improta, Jim Norton,
Kevin Pelkey, Rene Ragan, Sean Reynolds, and Jennifer Subtil, these actors help
make the uplifting songs by Stephen Schwartz soar to new heights. Each
performer adds just the right touch of their own personality into their
characterizations, modernizing and making the parables more accessible to
today’s audiences.
 |
Jenifer Condon, Juan Ayala, Heather Abrado, and Kevin Pelkey
Kevin McNair Photography |
Also adding a touch of modernization to this musical is Bill
D’Andrea, the production’s Musical Director. He skillfully leads the cast through the varied musical
styles of Schwartz’s songs, including gospel, pop, a spirited vamp number, and
a vaudevillian patter song. Along
with show classics like “Prepare Ye,” “Day by Day” and “Bless the Lord,” he has
also cleverly interspersed the score with surprising hints of current artists
and hit songs.
Choreographers Cynthia Rivera and Heli Vaher add toe-tapping
fun to the lively score. Colorful
and eclectic costumes by Rebecca Craig and the innovative use of miscellaneous
props and set pieces complete the look and feel of the show, making it feel
like an awesome party that I certainly wanted to be a part of.
Like all parties, this one unfortunately has to end. The elevated tones of the first act
begin to dissipate as the show briefly touches upon the passion of Jesus. The
stage is cleared of its playful props, and even the costume palette darkens. The beautiful song, “On the Willows”,
and the heartbreaking “Finale” mark the solemnity and somberness of Jesus’
death, but we do not linger in sadness for long. With a rousing chorus proclaiming, “Long Live God,” the show
ends with a celebration of Jesus’ message of love and hope.
If Godspell is a
metaphor for the strength of theatre and collaboration as director Maggie
Pangrazio wishes, then there certainly is hope for the arts in the greater
Bridgeport area. We can all be
thankful for the Bijou Performing Arts Center for bringing this production to
our community.
Godspell runs from
April 11th through April 19th at the Bijou Theatre. Tickets
can be purchased on their website: http://thebijoutheatre.com. You can also call the box office
at (203) 332-3228.
