Godspell
Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Directed by Justin Been
Choreographed by Sara Rae Womack
Stray Dog Theatre
August 4, 2023
Kevin Corpuz (Seated) and cast of Godspell
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre
Just take a close look at the logo on the posters and program for Stray Dog Theatre’s new production of Godspell, and I think you may be able to guess its setting. Unlike more traditional productions of this well-known musical, SDT and director Justin Been have chosen to go with a drastically different concept and interpretation. Still, even if it isn’t what you may have been expecting, this is a fascinating, well-thought-out production that offers a lot to think about, inventive staging, and a host of excellent voices and performances.
As is suggested by the World Trade Center towers featured as the two “L’s” in the logo, this is a Godspell set in New York City on September 11, 2001. I don’t need to remind viewers what that means, because even those not old enough to remember this world-changing event firsthand have most likely been hearing about it all their lives. It seems an odd setting for Godspell, but director Justin Been and this excellent cast have made it work about as well as I can imagine for this concept. Here, as a the various characters assemble at the Cortlandt Street Subway station on what starts out as a normal Tuesday morning, things become gradually more unusual as the tragic events play out outside the station, while inside, a stranger arrives and plays the role of Jesus (Kevin Corpuz) while leading the collection of office workers, artists, tourists, and everyday New Yorkers in a series of parables from the Bible. That’s it, basically. That’s the story, and though the overarching concept may seem odd or unrealistic, I don’t think realism is the aim here. Like a lot of the tales being depicted from the Gospel of Matthew, the framing device here plays out as something of a parable–a story that’s more about what it means than any literal situation it depicts.
Like SDT’s 2018 production of Jesus Christ Superstar, also directed by Been, this production seems to major more on universal underlying concepts than any particular religious interpretation. This production benefits from a more cohesive theme, though. The styling and setting are impeccably done, with Rob Lippert’s detailed set expertly representing an early 2000’s New York Subway station, and the costumes coordinated by Been help differentiate the characters well from their first appearances onstage. There’s also a remarkable use of effects in the finale, and stunning lighting design by Tyler Duenow. The band, led by music director Leah Schultz, adds a terrific accompaniment to the cast of stellar voices assembled here.
As for that cast, everyone excels. Its such a cohesive ensemble, and the sense of connection everyone builds throughout the course of the show is believable and compelling. Corpuz is a engaging as Jesus, with a strong presence and excellent voice; as is Alexandar Johnson in a dual role (or is it?) as John the Baptist/Judas. Johnson, a newcomer to SDT, is a promising talent who brings a great deal of talent and charisma to the stage. There’s also a strong supporting cast of mostly SDT “regulars”–Rachel Bailey, Sarah Gene Dowling, Stephen Henley, Laura Lee Kyro, Grace Langford, Chris Moore, Kevin O’Brien, and Dawn Schmid. With wonderful voices and energetic choreography by Sara Rae Womack, this cast makes the most of the memorable score, with especially strong moments for Dowling on “Day by Day”, Kyro on “Learn Your Lessons Well”, Langford on “All Good Gifts”, Henley on “Turn Back, O Man”, and a haunting duet for Schmid and Dowling on “By My Side”. The build-up to the intense finale is also done well, although a sound mishap on the night I saw the show slightly undermined the intended effect, and the way the show ended could be a bit confusing in itself.
Overall, Godspell at SDT is a fascinating exercise in concept, musicality, and movement. Even if you would prefer a more “traditional” performance of this show, there’s a lot here to think about, and a powerful emotional impact especially in second act. It’s well worth seeing, talking about, and pondering.
Alexandar Johnson, Kevin Corpuz (center) and cast of Godspell
Photo by John Lamb
Stray Dog Theatre
Stray Dog Theatre is presenting Godspell at Tower Grove Abbey until August 26, 2023
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