Godspell – REVIEW

This is every kind of awesome packed into two and a bit hours of theatre. The Hayes Theatre Company’s new mounting of Godspell is a near-religious experience, with the entire cast exhibiting a miraculous level of God-given talent. 

Gushing aside, this truly is a creative and intelligent updated treatment of a musical written in and redolent of the 1970s. Although the costumes and sensibility still feel retro, this production of Godspell has a self-aware quirkiness, humour, frenetic energy, and knowing winks with delivery of the text that make it fresh and relevant. 

Godspell  was written in 1971 by John-Michael Tebelak as his Masters Thesis at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pennsylvania. The music was composed by Stephen Schwartz, who later also revised the lyrics. It was a success from its first staging in a small Manhattan theatre before going on to Broadway, followed in 1973 by a film adaptation. Sadly, Tebelak died of a heart-attack in 1985 aged only 36. 

The title is a play on “gospel” and the text is loosely based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew from the Christian Bible and set in a modern big city. The characters are not addressed by name but anyone familiar with the New Testament will recognise Jesus, John the Baptist, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Peter, and sundry apostles. 

In this Hayes version, directed by Richard Carroll, “Jesus” is female (or perhaps non-binary) and played with charismatic presence by Billie Palin in an Elvis-like white sparkly jumpsuit. 

John/Judas is played by Abe Mitchell, and the rest of the mixed-gender ensemble switches out different characters. The ensemble is:  Stefanie Caccamo, Jeremi Campese, Gillian Cosgriff, Alfie Gledhill, Chaya Ocampo, Quinton Rich, Jane Watt. (Swings are Mae Li Cowell and Gus Noakes). 

If there was an Arch-angel Gabriel (which there isn’t) it would be Victoria Falconer who shines like a hallowed creature on stage – while also being musical director. Falconer is ludicrously talented, stealing some of the most memorable moments which include an hilarious walk-and-play while cast members carry a keyboard for her. 

In fairness, the entire cast is multi-blessed with talent, which includes singing, dancing, comedy, pole-dancing, and playing instruments that range across a strapped-on cello, various percussion instruments, recorders, midget banjo, laser harp, saw and more. 

It is like a fast-paced variety show with killer vocal solos pretty much from each cast member, amazing dance, comic routines, quiz shows, harmless audience interaction, and just a sprinkling of proselytising. 

The narrative is built around the story of Jesus Christ and the apostles with all the usual beats (miracles, the last supper, crucifixion and stuff). But it is mostly made up of reenactments of parables which does take some of the preachy edge off, although that can’t be avoided altogether. 

Having a female messiah and diverse cast helps this feel more relevant. Ultimately, though, it’s entertainment – and that it has in spades. 

Emma White has designed the stage to look like a common room or vintage pub, with bar in the back corner, upright piano, old-school duke-box, rainbow-flag bunting, RSL-club red with black/gold print carpet, bar stools and lots of easter eggs among the props and decor. 

This is as enthralling and uplifting as a classic revival with one magical number after another. 

See this and be converted to the glory of musical theatre. 

Until November 6

Hayes Theatre, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Elizabeth Bay

hayestheatre.com.au/event/godspell