“Godspell” is a musical theater masterpiece! A Broadway blessing! It has incredible music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, exciting choreography by Christopher Gattelli and vibrant direction by Daniel Goldstein. The cast is one of the best you will find in a Broadway musical. They are outstanding singers and perform with a perfect flow.
The audience has a great time because the cast is having one. They capture the audience’s attention from the first scene and get everyone riveted. You find yourself singing with them, tapping your feet and clapping.
I haven’t experienced as much surprise, fun and laughing out loud in a theatrical setting as I did at Circle in the Square Theatre at 235 W. 50th St. “Godspell” is a marvelous time at the theater and one you will never forget. It is a brilliant musical, a blast and very contemporary.
A longtime favorite, the show’s current version has been totally updated to include hip-hop, audience interaction and an enormous amount of hilarious political commentary yet still manages to flow with the words of the Gospel. The musical wholly engages the audience, at times even having audience members on stage performing in the show.
There is no break in the entertainment, not even at intermission, as audience members can come on stage and mingle with the cast while enjoying a bit of wine. Yes, that’s right, wine.
The story of Jesus Christ is movingly told but done in an entertaining manner. It seems strange as you sit there engaged and in awe to realize that you are being told the Gospel and hearing the story of Jesus Christ and the disciples.
Hunter Parrish is wonderful as Jesus. He comes across as very sincere, loving and kind. African-American cast members include Wallace Smith as John the Baptist, Uzo Aduba and Celisse Henderson. Smith is amazing in the show, as are Aduba and Henderson. Their voices are marvelous to behold.
Another cast member who stood out a great deal was Telly Leung; he and many of the cast play various roles, but with each role he was outstanding and his voice was something that captures your soul. His vocal gift is truly one of the most impressive voices you will hear.
The rest of this phenomenally talented cast includes Nick Blaemire, Morgan James, George Salazar, Lindsay Mendez, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Hannah Elless, Eric Michael Krop, Corey Mach and Julia Mattison.
It was incredible to hear the songs made famous by this production, including “Prepare Ye,” “Day by Day” and “Bless the Lord.” There are many wonderful surprises in this production. You need to go and experience it. My 9-year-old daughter Jasmine laughed a great deal, clapped and couldn’t stop smiling. She thanked me for taking her to the show and said it was awesome because it was so energetic and fun.
For ticket information, visit www.godspell.com/tickets.html.