Michael Dotson has created something very special at the Studio Theatre at Carmel’s Center for the Performing Arts. He is the director of Godspell, a presentation of Actors Theatre of Indiana, which features a first-rate cast of performers who bring freshness and relevancy to a show some might consider a bit dated. Seen Sunday, the production opened Friday and continues until Feb. 26.
Currently enjoying a revival on Broadway, Godspell, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak, premiered off Broadway in 1971 and has played in various touring companies and revivals frequently ever since. It is now also a staple of high school, college and community theatre groups.
The show consists of a series of sketches dramatizing parables from the Gospel of Matthew. Between them are songs with lyrics from traditional hymns set to rock music. One of its most well-known songs is Day by Day.
In this particular production, the show’s usual clown or hippie garb has been replaced with street clothes worn by its characters. They are customers from all walks of life who inhabit an Indianapolis bar called The Studio. What they all have in common is that they’re searching for a purpose and meaning to their lives.
Brandon Alstott led this multi-talented cast as Jesus, the savior, who carries his message to these troubled men and women who eventually become his followers. The wholesome-faced Alstott, who also appeared in Phoenix Theatre’s acclaimed production of Spring Awakening last fall, demonstrated both the vocal and acting chops to make him believable as the charismatic son of God. Alstott gave a sympathetic and emotionally felt performance during those scenes that depicted the passion of Christ.
Standing out in a cast where there were absolutely no weak links was Claire Wilcher. Celebrated for her skills as an improv performer, Wilcher exhibited her rare gift for comedy during clever sketches which proved to be perfect vehicles for her talent. Wilcher was no slouch as a singer either, belting out Oh, Bless the Lord, My Soul, with Judy Fitzgerald and Carol Worcel (both seasoned performers) as girl group back-up singers.
Matt Patterson, who also made a strong impression in Spring Awakening, played the apostles John and Judas. His ease as a performer was no more evident than in his vaudeville soft shoe duet with Alstott in All for the Best.
Paul Nicely, who introduced himself to the audience as the bartender of The Studio at the opening of the show, was also moving during his solo of All Good Gifts, which recounts the parable of the Sower of the Seeds.
Brent Marty, together with Tim Hunt, Mackenzie Travers and Lincoln Slentz, reached deep and captured the heart-wrenching content of On the Willows, sung by the apostles during a scene in which Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray the night before his crucifixion.
Marty is the music director for Godspell and the pianist in the show’s very fine band which included Greg Wolff on drums, David Hartman on guitar and Greg Gegogeine on bass.
Showcasing the considerable talent and sharp dancing skills of the company was Carol Worcel’s impressive choreography which added luster to a high-energy production in which there was never a lull.
Such is the sincerity, likeability and high level of talent possessed by these performers that even non-believers could find themselves engaged with this highly entertaining theatrical work. Filled with universal truths, it inspires rather than proselytizes.
For tickets and information about Godspell, presented by Actors Theatre of Indiana, call (317) 843-3800 or visit www.actorstheatreofindiana.org.
