Godspell: we laughed, we cried
By Sarah Lockwood

Anyone who works around theatre can tell you that shows really tend to lose their punch by the last matinee. And everyone who works around theatre was pleasantly surprised by the ORU Drama and Music Departments' performances of "Godspell" this weekend. From Thursday night to Sunday afternoon, this musical only seemed to get better.

Incorporating an incredibly talented cast, this re-invention of the gospel of Matthew moved all over stage, up ladders and around the audience, with terrific energy and professionalism. The cast included Chris Crawford as Jesus, Chris Martin as Lamar, John Owens as Jeffery, Joel Swails as Herb, Larry Wilson, Jr., as John the Baptist/Judas, Erin Wilson as Sonia, Angela Dyer as Joanne, Leslie Goshko as Gilmer, Melody Hutchinson as Robin and Lindsey Miller as Peggy.

Throughout the entire production, these performers jumped, climbed, slid, danced, sang and pantomimed inside the backstage of a theater that Jesus visited as a fellow actor. Dazzling choreography by Jessica Vokoun interwove fluidly with Professor Laura Holland's superb direction. The lighting design incorporated a strobe light while other technical aspects of the show included a video camera, an onstage rock band and laptop computers. These adaptations gave the audience a glimpse into how live theatre is becoming intertwined with multimedia.

Spectacular as this production as a whole was, Crawford's voice and Goshko's many personalities were a treat by themselves. The general consensus was that a better sound system would've served the actors and the audience better. The cast and crew adapted beautifully to the sound obstacles, however, and produced something that every audience member enjoyed.

Holland's vision for "Godspell" was realized by drawing the audience into the world of an acting troupe with Jesus as their lead storyteller. Crawford managed to dominate the stage without dominating the action, something that is rarely seen in any show and requires a very talented lead and supporting cast. Each member of this troupe had his or her stint as lead of whichever parable was being performed at that moment.

Austin's shining moment was definitely near the beginning of the second act with her incredibly convincing nightclub routine that started near the back of the theatre. Miller's portrayal of a little child telling the story of the seeds and the soil was as hysterical as it was cute. Martin and Swails captured the parable of the prodigal from a convincing older brother's point of view, with Owens as a delightful younger son.

Larry Wilson's transformation from John the Baptist to Judas was stunning in its believability while the talent he displayed in the dance number "It's All for the Best" left the audience completely floored. Dyer's best number was the single spotlight performance of the rich man who died alone and Hutchinson's was her rich man in "The Rich Man and Lazarus." Leslie Goshko's energy knew no bounds and her characters were so outrageous they remained amusing even through the second viewing.

The cast, crew, musical talent and directing craftsmanship should all be extremely proud of a job well done.

Finals Schedule