Huddle close my little bookies.  I am sending out into the world with very good reason.  It is time to go to The Theater (yes, especially now.)  I went Thursday night to see Godspell at the Ivoryton Playhouse and ... oooh, did I love it. Godspell was a huge hit on Broadway and you will immediately remember all the songs.  “Day by Day” was stuck in my head for years before it was replaced by lord only knows what.  I’m glad to have it back. 

I looked forward to seeing an old favorite in a slightly different venue. The Ivoryton Playhouse is not the West End nor Broadway, but that is more reason to go , not less.

Godspell at the Ivoryton Playhouse is a ball.  A veritable whirlwind of emotion, humor, singing and staging.  The staging and lighting were very well done.  The small stage is designed and lit impeccably for its size.  It perfectly encapsulated a small young hothouse of a cast.

What fun to see so much talent on such a small stage.  It was like cutting a cross-section of theater diversity.  Powerhouse voices (Robert Schultz), Mae West vivaciousness (Nicole Heriot) and some hilarious character channeling (Patrick Dunn.)Other members of the cast are just as strong.  It is the amalgamation of these varied strengths that makes this cast dynamic.

 

The fun of Godspell is the contemporary interchangability.  Topical references are a riot in these religious environs.  Will God really know what happens in Vegas?  Can Cookie Monster teach us morality?  Judas Iscariot is in top hat and cane riffing with Jesus.  The vaudevilllian parables take flight with Patrick Dunn’s lisping prodigal son.  When the audience is laughing too hard for him to continue, he asides,” Was it thomthing I thaid?” and it started again.  Lazarus masquarading as a valley girl (Jorie Janeway) is a hidden treasure.

 

The juxtaposition of the dark moments (well done by Judas - Chris Gleim) serves to remind us of the seriousness of the story. Godspell presents us with a living, breathing, culturally relevant, hip version of events.  You may be laughing but Jesus on the cross is serious business.

 

I mentioned recently in a few very clever* columns that what we need to focus upon in times of social and economic crisis is the ties that bind us.  Like Laura Ingalls and World Made By Hand, the return to basics will be our safety.  Local theater is the physical manifestation of this idea.  Revel in the talents of others.  Support the community and its dreams before taking off to see the world. 

The West End is great. but there is nothing there that can not be found at the Ivoryton Playhouse.  Wild horses won’t keep me from going back!

 

Oh, I should mention that Mr. Dunn has very nice legs indeed.

* Didn’t Mother warn you that, if the wind changes, the face you are making might stick?  What then, my friend?