New York Daily News
"Nothing can deny the power of this music to make your
spirits soar,
especially when delivered by such a dynamic ensemble
of 10 youthful newcomers.
Unlike his score for "Pippin," which just received
a mediocre revival at the
Paper Mill Playhouse, Stephen Schwartz' songs for
"Godspell" have only
improved with age. From the rousing "Day by Day" and
"Light of the World" to
the infectious "All for the Best," most of these
numbers stir a sense of
religious experience.
With references to Johnnie Cochran, MetroCards and
Reeboks, the material
clearly has been updated. And if the original
"Godspell" had elements of a
circus act (Jesus appeared in clown makeup), this
version seems sharper and
more straightforward. Special kudos also to Dan
Schachner's contemporary
musical arrangements.
Under Shawn Rozsa's often inventive direction, every
member of the exuberant
cast gets his or her moment to shine. Particularly
noteworthy are Tim Cain,
with his booming bass, and the endearing Chad Kimball.
Barrett Foa and Will Erat excel with their winning
straw-hat-and-cane number.
Also, Capathia Jenkins and Shoshana Bean have the kind
of voices that angels
might envy." ~David Kaufman, NY Daily News,
August 3, 2000
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