Ever since its off-Broadway opening in 1971, “Godspell” has been a godsend of a musical for theater communities all across America.
Whidbey Children’s Theater joins the ranks and tackles the musical, based on the gospel of St. Matthew, to present its first ever production of the play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 23 and running through Sunday, April 8, on the Martha Murphy Mainstage.
Directed by Allyson Brown, with musical direction by Linda McLean, the directors are in the lucky position of having a deep pool of talented South End teenagers to round out the Bible-belting cast, who will be backed by a live rock band.
Director Brown said her goal was to send the cast on quest for the very heart of the show, hoping that they could convey to the audience the huge sentiment of the play.
“I’ve been trying to get the cast to listen closely to the lyrics and realize that they have the ability to forge something really meaningful with this piece,” Brown said.
She also said that she has noticed that even if these young actors don’t get everything she says at first, she sees it register with them later on. And that’s very satisfying.
“This play is a chance for these students to work as an ensemble and they’re really showing their camaraderie as a group,” she added.
The show traces the path of Jesus Christ as he preaches through parable and storytelling.
The non-traditional plot is played out with clowning, pantomime, charades, acrobatics and vaudeville to tell the story of Christ.
In the original production, the company donned their clown makeup to signify their allegiance to Christ and his teachings. Frequently, modern productions use the clown face or some object — a pin, a scarf, or a badge — as a theatrical device to denote that the company has become followers of Jesus.
“Godspell” opened at the Cherry Lane Theatre in New York on May 17, 1971 and was an immediate hit with audiences. The production later moved uptown to the Promenade Theatre where it played 2,124 performances until it moved to Broadway in 1976. “Godspell” then played for an additional 527 performances on Broadway.
With colorful costumes, by Valerie Johnson, and some acrobatic choreography by Suzanne Kelman and Marta Mulholland these actors looked revved-up and ready to create a rock ‘n’ roll extravaganza for island audiences.
The original lyrics for the show were taken directly from the Episcopal Hymnal although they were changed by the time the show hit Broadway, some of them remain. “Day By Day,” “Light of the World,” and “By My Side,” are just a few of the uplifting numbers that make this a show of vibrant musicality with a spiritual spine. It’s safe to say that “Godspell” has become an American theatrical tradition.
The director wants the audience to know that “Godspell” is dedicated to the memory of Karen Gervais Boone, a beloved volunteer in the community who passed away earlier this year.
“Godspell runs at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, March 23 through April 8 and at 2 p.m. March 25, April 1 and April 7.
For more ticket information call 221-2282 or visit www.WCTonline.com.
Patricia Duff can be reached at 221-5300 or pduff@southwhidbeyrecord.com.
