Alan Naylor (center) is Jesus in Godspell at NextStop Theatre/Photo by Lock & Company
Godspell is so good that on his show last Thursday night, Stephen Colbert carried around a Barbie doll who was wearing a Godspell t-shirt!
Talk about great press!
The performance in Herndon at the NextStop Theatre Company is like watching a party of Jesus freak college kids dance and sing non-stop while they present his parables in high kickin' fashion.
The cast's chemistry and enthusiasm can't help but infuse audience members with a good dose of the power of the message
and reminders to "let the one of you who is faultless cast the first
stone" and "no man can serve two masters—God and money," and the most
important:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind
and
Love your neighbor as yourself.
You don't have to be Christian.
It all started in 1970 with a master's thesis by John-Michael Tebelak
at Carnegie Mellon University who wrote the script, and Stephen
Schwartz, another Carnegie Mellon alumnus, who was hired by producers
the next year to compose music and lyrics when the show moved to
off-Broadway.
Mr. Schwartz based many of the songs on selections from the Episcopal Hymnal, like "Save the People," "Bless the Lord," "All Good Gifts," "Turn Back, O Man," "We Beseech Thee," and the most popular, "Day by Day."
Most of the parables are from the Gospel of Matthew.
Alan Naylor is "Jesus," and he authentically looks the part and has no trouble convincing anyone on stage or in the audience that he's the man to follow.
The
production opens on the interior of a modern day, used furniture,
locally owned coffee bar (you've been there), this one aptly named the
"Holy Grounds CafƩ," found in Everywhere, USA, and occupied by solo
guests attached to their devices, all heads down, please.
(On the backdrops projectionist Sean Cox casts their words to insure their non-privacy.)
Jack Golden has created a single effective set whose actors deftly move furniture pieces to side shows, their actions almost undetected until the lights (by Brittany Shemuga) shine on the next artists who let loose in melody.
With plenty to fill eyes and ears, the audience is never left yearning for more.
That the director, Lorraine Magee, is also the choreographer demands considerable acclaim since constant dancing and action pack the production, quite a role.
Jennifer Lambert is a member of the ensemble in Godspell at NextStop Theatre/Photo by Lock & Company
The delightful ensemble is essentially nameless but Jennifer Lambert as the sexy "come here, Sugar Boy" tease is memorable, and the baseball player (A.J. Whittenberger) wearing a Washington Senators uniform (he said at the play's end) makes him easy to pick out.
Costumer Maria V. Bissex fits everyone in varied and typical millennial styles.
Willing audience participation is invited to play "Charades."
Elisa Rosman on keys directs the hidden six-piece orchestra who add depth and enjoyment although the musicians occasionally eclipse some of the soloists.
Everyone has a good time, and the show's infectiousness quickly transmits to the audience who gradually realize that despite the mostly merry mood prevailing, the Last Supper and the crucifixion loom.
The scene in Godspell reminded me of Salvador Dali's The Sacrament of the Last Supper, 1955, on view in the West Building at the National Gallery of Art
At the closing a member of the audience was overheard to say: "This is great timing for Easter" which is the last day for the show (April 1).
Stadium seating means there is not a blocked view in the house.
The ensemble includes Angeleaza Anderson, Philip da Costa, Javier del Pilar, Tess Higgins, Bobby Libby, Jolene Vettese, and Chani Wereley.
Other creative team members are Neil McFadden, sound; Rebecca Talisman, stage manager; and Colleen O'Brien, assistant stage manager and properties.
What: Godspell
When: Thursday through Saturday nights at 8 p.m., Sundays, 7 p.m., and weekend matinees at 2 p.m., through Easter, April 1, 2018.
Where: NextStop Theatre Company, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon, VA 20170 in the back right corner of Sunset Business Park, near the intersection of Spring Street/Sunset Hills Road. Right off the Fairfax County Parkway. A wee big hard to find on a first visit, so allow an extra 15 minutes. The program notes that GPS map systems often give incorrect driving directions once inside the Sunset Business Park. From the "Taste of the World" restaurant, circle counter-clockwise
around the building and look for maroon awning.
Free parking: Available near the door.
Admission: Tickets start at $35 with dynamic pricing which fluctuates with demand. Groups of eight or more get a 20% discount, and student rush seats, if available, sell for $5. See FAQ or call 866-811-4111 to purchase, however, online ordering is recommended.
Duration: Under two hours with one intermission.
Rating: G without any adult language although the crucifixion ending may be too intense for young guests .
For more information: 703-481-5930 or info@nextstoptheatre.org
patricialesli@gmail.com
The sign says "The Grandmas Have Your Backs!" March For Our Lives on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie
The toddler in the pink on the left holds a sign while napping. See pictures below. March For Our Lives on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C./Photo by Patricia Leslie
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