Tunes and Tomes: Aspects of GODSPELL
Tunes and Tomes: Aspects of Godspell
Jan 17, 2001
By: Michael Portantiere
A perennial on the stock, community, and school theater level, Godspell (music and
new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, original book by John-Michael Tebelak) has seemed
even more present in 2000-2001 via two high-profile, professional productions. Cast
recordings of both of these have recently been released, and together they
demonstrate just how far producers and directors—and musical directors!—should go
in updating classic shows in revival.
From Fynsworth Alley comes what is billed as
“The 2000 Off-Broadway Cast Recording” of
Godspell. This is the fabulously well-sung,
hilariously funny, deeply moving production that
started out Off-Off Broadway under the aegis of a
group called the Third Eye Repertory and later had
an Off-Broadway run in the Theater at Saint Peter’s
Church. The CD is a wonderful memento of a
theatrical happening that should still be happening;
the show itself boasted a wonderful cast, intelligent
direction by Shawn Rozsa, and sensitive yet
creative musical direction by Dan Schachner.
The cast is just about perfect. Barrett Foa’s appealing, extraordinarily
youthful-sounding voice brings a wonderful dimension to the role of Jesus; though he
wasn’t 100% vocally consistent in the three performances of Godspell that this
reviewer attended, he’s in top form on the recording. As Judas/John the Baptist, Will
Erat shows that he’s one of those rare individuals who’s able to adapt a full, rounded,
legit voice to pop/rock music without sounding ridiculous. (Erat was wisely handed the
hauntingly beautiful “On the Willows” to sing in this production, aside from the
character’s usual songs.) Though it’s difficult to single out other highlights, Eliseo
Roman deserves a special nod for his magnificent rendition of “All Good Gifts.”
Catherine Carpenter’s “Day by Day” is warm and sincere, Capathia Jenkins’ “Turn
Back, O Man” is almost as much fun as it was in the theater, and Shoshana Bean’s
“Bless the Lord” is a roof-raiser. (Note to Paper Mill Playhouse attendees: This
recording offers an aural teaser of Leslie Kritzer, who’ll be playing Fanny Brice in the
Playhouse’s upcoming production of Funny Girl. You can hear her singing “Learn Your
Lessons Well” here.)
f you’re a die-hard aficionado of Godspell, you’ll want to add both of these new CDs to
your library. But those of you who are less than obsessive about the show and/or are
on a budget should go with Fynsworth.
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