FRANKLIN, NJ—Never having seen Godspell in a theater, this reviewer happily finds himself every half decade or so in a church waiting for the most recent update of Stephen Schwartz’s accounting of the first book of the New Testament.
The current 2012 version includes hip-hop, references to iPhones and a short parody of the Big Bang Theory, and is set in an abandoned New York City house of worship. Â Most recently, the popular show played to sell-out crowds at Middlebush Reformed Church in Somerset.
Unlike its contemporary—Jesus Christ Superstar, a passion play that accounts the life of Jesus from the perspective of Judas Iscariot—Godspell, a kinder and gentler musical remains faithful to Mathew’s gospel and takes us from John’s baptism of Jesus to the crucifixion.
Considering the limited theatrical resources of a church, one would expect this production to have something of a low bar. Â Not the case.
A high level of energy, solid choreography and strong vocal performances made for a spirited night of theater.
Under the good direction of CJ Carter, who also performs, Dylan Coker as Jesus, and Rafael Lozada as both Judas and John, led a fine ensemble cast including: Angie Francese, Sydney Wade, Kristen Welsh, Jillian Patla, Ricky Francese, Eva Michaylin and Kristen Seggio.
Keeping in mind this production was a fundraiser for a charity and staged in a church, it was impressive how the cast and crew utilized the resources available to them and presented to their audience a Godspell that could have been staged at any one of the noted community theaters in our area.
This rendition of Godspell finished its run on September 27. Â For more information about Middlebush Reformed Church, visit http://www.middlebushreformedchurch.com/.