International twist to 'Godspell' succeeds in plot line, acting

By: PennyMaria Jackson

Posted: 12/4/08

Jesus and his disciples traveled around the world visiting various nations of Cuba, Haiti, South Africa, Sudan, India, China, Iraq and New Orleans.

Well, at least in Rajendra Ramoon Maharaj's version of "Godspell" they did.

"Godspell" was originally written in 1970 by lyricist and composer Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked," "Enchanted") and playwright John-Michael Tebelak, but Syracuse Stage's new and innovative production featured remixed versions of some of the original songs that were reworked to fit various cultures and genres of music.

The cast included SU Drama student performers Michael Howell, Nadine Malouf, Lauren Nolan, Tinuke Oyefule, Frank Paparone and Brendon Stimson.

Equity actors Brandi Chavonne Massey, Jasmin Walker, Timothy Ware and American Idol finalist Anwar Robinson were also featured in the production.

This show was a collaboration between the SU Drama department and Syracuse Stage which gives students a chance to perform in an equity show.

It was difficult to differentiate the equity actors from the student actors, who seemed ready for Broadway.

The show began at the United Nations with Jesus (Anwar Robinson) speaking words from God. Next, the disciples introduced themselves and the nations they represented.
Although the opening scene was vibrant, the show didn't get started until Judas (Timothy Ware) performed a tribal drum song, which was completely unexpected. He then beckoned the rest of the cast to sing the opening number, "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord."

Anwar Robinson has a long way to go before becoming a triple threat. His lack of theater experience weakened his performance, but his melodic tones were almost enough to make up for it.
Being that "Godspell" is a musical, everyone had wonderful voices, but the clarity was sometimes lost when they sung together, perhaps due to a lack of diction.

Even though continual technical difficulties with microphones threatened to disrupt the show, the performers endured. The production kept the audience interested by encouraging audience participation and even invited people to come to the stage to meet the cast during the intermission.

The second act started with a lust-filled "Turn Back, O Man" performed by Brandi Chavonne Massey, signaling that the mood of the show was about to change.

The stage was decorated with warm colors and draped in fabric. There was no doubt that Jesus and his disciples' voyage had brought them to India.

One of the best scenes in the show followed as the disciples acted out parables of the Pharisees questioning Jesus.

In this scene, the set, blocking, comedic timing and movement all worked together, creating an intriguing and successful scene.
The choreography by Anthony Salatino and movement consultants Leslie Noble and Lauren Unbekant enhanced the show by establishing different countries through movement and specific styles of dance. The actors' physical portrayals of various characters in the parables such as old woman, glutton and king were perfect.

No matter the genre of art, the crucifixion scene is difficult to recreate, and unfortunately this production didn't get there.
In the "Finale," the strobe lighting, hard rock music and un-coordination of the pile of actors at Jesus' feet detracted from the seriousness of the moment. But once again, the show resumed its previous joyous mood, ending with a reprise of "Day by Day."

The colorful costumes enhanced the energy of the show and seemed to be culturally specific representing indigenous people from various nations. Lanterns flew in from the top of the stage to set the scene for China, adding ambient light to an already nearly perfect lighting scheme.

A circular spinning stage that mirrored the globe and a similar huge round back drop center stage unevenly cut into seven segments that may represent the seven continents of the world.

"Godspell" has been produced time and time and time again, yet director Maharaj's concept of world unity gives the show a refreshing makeover that comes at an appropriate time in world history, placing this production on a thematic pedestal.

pmjackso@syr.edu.