From the opening solo of Judas (Kevin Wright), it was clear this was not your grandfather’s Godspell.  This was Jesus living in and confronting the issues of today.  Kevin sang this first solo in a strong yet chilling way, bringing in high emotion from the beginning.  The dancers also helped throughout the play to bring home each message in a powerful way.  Danny Hochstatter brought Jesus to life with his warm smile and easygoing presence.  He made you feel like this is a person you would like to hang out with.  Throughout the play, Jesus looked up into the sky as if looking to God. He gave you the feeling there was constant communication between them.  He also shows great compassion to his companions, the children and others around him, even the Pharisees.  His voice is strong and pleasant.

The cast of disciples each brought different gifts to the stage, helping to make you both laugh and cry.  John the Baptist (Matt Silar) did a great job of bringing the disciples to the water while he sang and baptized them.  His humbleness as he baptized Jesus was very realistic. Also, playing his character in hobo like clothes put a great touch on his character.  A number of times a background of Stomp-like beats using drums, cans, brooms etc. helped to set the stage for the next song.  Sam (Beth Chapius) sang a lovely version of Day by Day.  Her character, as well as the other disciples, were all very individualistic, and they each came off as Totally Devoted Disciples of Jesus. 

As various parables were told, humor was used as well as some very touching moments.  One of the disciples brought in her “theatre friends” to help with the Good Samaritan story using different songs and costumes from other musicals to tell the story.  The Good Samaritan himself was a Sam’s Club worker whose line was, “I’m here to help.”  Tamera (Kathryn Madigan) sang O’ Bless the Lord, My Soul.  Her voice is very soulful, strong and she sang with amazing sincerity and feeling.  Her dancing is also amazing – even adding a little break-dancing.  All For The Best was a show-stopping duet by Jesus and Judas, and the dancers again really helped to make this scene.  The dancing in this musical was some of the best around. With such an awesome stage to work with, dancers were on three levels and in the aisles during many of the songs.  The choreography was stupendous.  I enjoyed Mia’s (Olivia Bus) voice as much as the rest.  She had a great presence when she sang, and danced beautifully as well.

The scenes with the young children were very touching.  They sang and danced with Jesus and looked like they loved every second they had on stage, as if it was real time with Jesus.  Zander (Pete Almeida) showed off his skills of comic delivery in his portrayal of the rapper/Prodigal son.  Brynn (Jane Layoff) also showed her adeptness in comic relief in the parable of Lazarus and the rich man.  In her dancing as well as her acting, she showed fantastic stage presence.  Her singing is phenomenal. She has a strong clear voice and sings with a haunting tone perfect for the songs she did in this musical.  While on stage, her facial expressions actions helped to make her a disciple you wanted to be like.

Performed May 11-20, 2007.

Roshelle Hall
National Youth Theatre

Jesus: