Godspell (2019) Impressions

The musical play, Godspell opened on November 1, 2019 at the Amelia Center the Arts Gulf Coast campus in Panama City. The cast gathered onstage, and it seemed to me that they were still getting things ready. However, their dialogue began and the play was underway.

What a way to start November, with a kick in my step and a rhythm in my heart!

Godspell was a delightful experience from beginning to end filled with bursts of song, music and dance. Starting with the Tower of Babble sequence, the use of phones were extremely fitting. Up to the point where Jesus, played by Cullen Heuman, took each phone for “safekeeping” before moving onto the rest of the parables featured in the play.

Creativity

The creativity that went into every parable is to be commended. The subtle references to pop culture were appreciated despite a few misses here or there. I was especially curious about how the next parable would be performed. We are all used to listening to these stories in a straightforward manner in the form of a sermon. Seeing each parable told in a new way kept me engaged, filling me with curiosity as things went on. “What would be the next parable, and how would it be performed?” Going into this play with a fresh set of eyes is highly recommended and worthy of the “No Spoilers” prefix before any conversation. 

Cast

While Jesus is often the one who explains the parable, it is his followers who perform the greatest task in getting the message across to the audience first. Suzane Nelson, Amy Tinch, Drew Rowell, Tyler Kent, Susana Lloyd, Morgan Hamby, Mia Malaveria, Michael Anthony Butler, and Christian Sullivan, as John the Baptist and Judas, deliver wonderful and exhilarating performances throughout the play. One thing I adored is how everyone had their own personality and mannerisms. It’s not enough to focus on the character that’s speaking. Therefore, make sure sure to pay attention to everyone onstage or you might miss a subtle joke here or there. Every cast member had their time to shine in the spotlight (literally), and they embraced every opportunity with a joy and enthusiasm that was near infectious. 

Design, Music and Tone

The musical performances throughout the play were spectacular,  covering different genres and styles tailored to each scene. The orchestra consisted of Eric Krebs (Percussion), Jim Nichols (Guitar), Carissa Hosea (Vocal Director, Pianist), and Mariah Brown (Pianist), led by John Divine as the Musical Director. Godspell was filled with cheerful music, and it’s most somber moments were accented with great visuals and sound. Above all, the brief callback to “Day By Day” was emotional, and one of the stronger moments for me. Bravo!

Verdict

Director Hank Rion, and his production team have put together a wonderful performance! Godspell is a special performance that everyone should take the time to see in the coming weeks. If anything, you’ll want to see it so you can take that mental snapshot of the times it was performed in. Every interpretation of Godspell is different, influenced by different ways of performing the parables, dress, and types of music. Years from now, you could end up seeing Godspell again, and the performance will be strikingly different to this one.

It was a great night for everyone at the theater and it still has the potential to reach more and more people in the area. Best to see this one while you can!

Godspell:
Fri Nov 1 @ 7:30pm
Sat Nov 2 @7:30pm
Sun Nov 3 @ 2:30pm
Fri Nov 8 @ 7:30pm
Sat Nov 9 @ 7:30pm
Sun Nov 10 @ 2:30pm

Tickets at gulfcoast.edu/arts

Tickets are free to GCSC/FSU students, faculty and staff.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR