By Henry Nickerson | Associate Editor
On Friday, March 31st, Salve’s theatre department’s production of “Godspell” premiered at the Casino Theatre. After just a month of intensive rehearsals, director Reggie Phoenix debuted a fun and colorful production of the immortal Stephan Swartz classic.
Just before the Saturday night performance began, the air about the room was one of excitement and energy. One could see stage hands running back and forth above the audience’s heads and band members tuning their instruments toward the back of the stage. The band was completely visible on the minimalistic set, which featured simple pyramid steps.
Portraying sketches about biblical parables, “Godspell” takes the audience through a journey of peace, love, and religious renewal. Although the show is known for its music, strong performances by actors brought life to the show’s plot line, that is, the story of Jesus Christ.
The performance began with a lament of philosophical and nihilistic beliefs of religion. The actors on stage were dressed as different occupations. The music seemed rushed and there were some small technical difficulties at first. However, after the baptizing sequence, the cast returned to stage in the traditional hippie garb for which “Godspell” is recognized. From there, the performance took off.
Young talent in the department played a major role in this achievement. A charismatic and lively portrayal of Jesus by freshman Zach Bailey instantly connected with the audience. Bailey’s raw vocal chops and skilled dancing stole numbers such as “A Beautiful City” and “Save the People”. Freshman Bradley Simpson played an emotional and complex Judas opposite Bailey, producing great chemistry in the playful “All for the Best”. Likewise, freshman cast members Daniel Landino and Julia Curtin produced hilarious and heart-warming moments throughout the production.
While the freshman performers showed up strong, so did the upperclassman. Junior Kenny Benell provided a lavish and lively performance of “We Beseech Thee”. Sophomore Vanessa Sciolto gripped the audience with her performance of “Turn Back, O Man”, which showcased her mesmerizing deep-alto voice. Senior Raquel Jean-Louis and sophomore Madisyn Mugavero gave a heartbreaking and show-stopping performance of “By My Side.”
While the individual performances were brilliant, group musical numbers stole the production. The most recognizable number in “Godspell”,“Day by Day”, brought audience members on stage to dance. Phoenix took a gamble on making “On the Willows” an ensemble number. However, the gamble payed off. The ensemble did great justice to the famous number.
Through improvisation and deep character work, the ensemble related to the audience and created a relationship between the viewer and performer. Director Phoenix utilizes a series of costume and lighting changes during the climax to represent religious doubt and rebirth. For these reasons was the crucifixion sequence so emotionally effective. There were not many dry eyes in the house.
“Godspell” was the theatre department’s last main stage production of the year. If this show was any indication of the department’s potential, then they are on a pretty bright track for the future.
