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| The cast of "Godspell" |
Directed by Emma White - Musical Direction by Jenna Hinton
Choreographed by Belinda Hassell - Set Design by Emma White
Presented by Queanbeyan Players -
The Q, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre - November 2 - 11th 2018
Reviewed by Bill Stephens
Based on the Gospel according to Mathew, “Godspell”
was originally conceived towards the end of the hippie movement in the 1970’s,
as a school drama project. Composer Stephen Schwartz recognized its potential,
and together with John-Michael Tebelak developed the original show into a Broadway musical which has enjoyed
considerable success ever since. Essentially a series of parables with the
passion of Christ depicted towards the end, and an infectious score by
Schwartz, “Godspell” lends itself to various interpretations, depending on the
imagination of the director and the talents of the cast.
Queanbeyan Players production unfortunately suffers
from a surfeit of ideas and a lack of clear directorial vision, making it
difficult to discern what this production is actually trying to say.
It starts off promisingly with the 10 person cast,
augmented by 30 member choir, performing an impressive version of the prologue
above the heads of the audience in the Q theatre foyer. The audience then filed
into the theatre where director/designer, Emma White has set her production in
what appears to be a city alleyway, where her op-shop costumed characters
congregate. These characters pass the time sharing parables, but so
off-handedly that it’s difficult to work out why, particularly as they
continually interrupt the teller with smart-ass comments and badly executed
mime.
Even Jesus (Alexander Gorring) seems uninterested in,
and unconvinced by, his own stories, sometimes haranguing the listeners with
wildly exaggerated gestures, sometimes sending up the content. The cast work
hard. Too hard. Their responses appear switched-on and mechanical. Relentlessly
cheerful, they pat each other’s backs and hug, but neglect to listen and react to what is being said
around them. When, in the second half, Jesus says “Let’s form a circle”, they
stand in a straight line. Elsewhere, in a hopefully unconsciously offensive communion
scene, Tim Tams and Coca Cola are substituted for bread and wine, despite the
dialogue describing the drink as the
“juice of the vine”.
Goring looks good as Jesus. Anthony Swadling as John
the Baptist and Judas, Sarah Hull, Emily Ridge, Alyce King and Kirsten
Haussmann all have good opportunities, but none are vocally equipped for their
solos, which were often swamped by the over-enthusiastic rock band. So much of
their dialogue was lost through poor delivery and unfocussed staging, and
apparent technical difficulties with the lighting which resulted in their faces
being totally obscured for much of the show, any efforts to create believable
characterisations were defeated.
Because of the religious overtones, “Godspell” is a
notoriously difficult show to bring off, demanding as it does, total sincerity
and believability from each member of the cast to succeed. These qualities were
missing in this production on opening night.
Photo by Janelle McMenamin - Captured Moments
This review first published in the digital Edition of CITY NEWS on 3rd November 2018
