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“Godspell” at Theatrical Outfit
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Godspell,” the early ‘70s musical based on the Gospel of St. Matthew, is supposed to reflect the current culture, so maybe it’s appropriate that the new version by Theatrical Outfit sometimes verges on the hyperactive.
It’s always been a piece that calls for busy-busy staging— capturing a youthful glee and aiming at a youthful audience — but there’s so much energy here you may need some calming breaths. Which is at least better than lacking energy.
As Jesus and his disciples bring his parables and teachings to life, there’s not just singing and dancing, but cartwheels, silly accents, celebrity impersonations, slo-mo running, leaping and bounding into the audience. Decaf anyone?
Get past that — or embrace it for that matter — and there is much reason to rejoice. The cast of 10 can blend their voices into heavenly harmonies, and when they all sing out on big choruses of songs like “Day By Day,” “O Bless the Lord” and “By My Side,” there are moments of bliss you want to linger forever. (Thank you, musical director Ann-Carol Pence.) And when it comes time for the Last Supper, the acting and staging could not be more simple and elegant, as it should be. (Thank you, director Tom Key.)
Christy Baggett, Eric Moore, Justin Tanner and Katie Kneeland lift their strong voices the highest in the cast. Jahi Kearse not only has to play Jesus, which is hard enough for an actor, but to play “Godspell’s” Jesus, which is tougher still. We project so much onto what we want Jesus to be (stronger! more peaceful!) that no actor can satisfy everyone.
You don’t have to be Christian to enjoy “Godspell,” nor do you have to be young. It probably helps a bit in either case, but like the guy it’s based on, all are welcomed.
7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Sundays. 2:30 p.m. Saturday matinees April 26 and May 10. Through May 11. Tickets: $25. Theatrical Outfit, Balzer Theatre at Herren’s, 84 Luckie St., Atlanta. 678-528-1500. Theatrical Outfit.
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