Arts Centre Melbourne, Bold Jack International and The Australian Shakespeare Company present Godspell Reimagined. Image via Arts Centre.
Godspell Reimagined may have the word ‘God’ in the title, tell the parables from the Gospel of St. Matthew, and feature Jesus and Judas but surprisingly it doesn’t feel like an overtly religious show. As Director and Producer Glenn Elston says the production sets out to explore the ‘concept of developing human nature to be caring and tolerant’ without an affiliation to any particular religion.
The show was originally conceived and performed in the 70s but the messages and themes are just as relevant, if not more so, for today’s audiences. Acceptance, tolerance and love are all explored through various gospel stories and songs throughout the show. There isn’t a plot to be followed, rather just scenes and stories and songs which have been seamlessly interwoven.
The production gives off a transient troupe vibe – buttons fall off, props break, audience members don’t cooperate – but it is all in a very relaxed and welcoming atmosphere where the audience engages with the eight versatile performers as they sing, dance, act, play instruments and mime their way through the show. While there are technically four ‘Cast’ members and four members of the ‘Band’ it is definitely an ensemble piece and all eight performers work very well together in a multitude of roles. A real highlight of the show is ‘We Beseech Thee’ in Act II which sees everyone on stage playing percussion and singing. The genuine joy they all have for performing together is very evident in this number.
Godspell Reimagined goes out of its way not to belong to any particular time, place, or religion, which is supported by the costumes, sets, props, accents, references. The simplicity of the design also adds to the travelling troupe feel. It seems like the show could move from town to town sharing its songs and spreading its message, which would have really suited the production’s run earlier this year in the Royal Botanic Gardens. It works very well in the intimate setting of the Fairfax Theatre, although at times being so close to the serenely happy and smiling faces of the performers makes you question if you’ve accidentally walked in to a cult recruiting meeting. The downside of the performance space is at times it is quite difficult to hear vocals over the drums. It is of course first and foremost a rock musical, but it was a shame to not be able to hear the great vocal arrangements (and vocals) of Musical Director Lucy O’Brien clearly.
Those who know and love Godspell are often very nostalgic about the show, and Godspell Reimagined can easily be enjoyed by those fans, but is also very accessible to those who are new to the world and have no expectations.
Spoiler alert: don’t buy an aisle seat if you don’t like audience participation. You’ll probably be fine, but if you don’t want to risk it.
Rating: 3 stars out of 5
Godspell Reimagined
Conceived and originally directed by: John-Michael Tebelak
Music and new lyrics by: Stephen Schwartz
Directed and Designed by: Glenn Elston
Producers: Simon Myers (Room 8 Productions) and Glenn Elston (The Australian Shakespeare Company)
Musical Direction: Lucy O’Brien
Fairfax Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne
Showing until 6 November 2016
