NYMF: Judas and Me: Jesus is Coming!

I feel like I’ve seen the token Biblical story festival show before – maybe too many times. There always seems to be one. So, forgive me for saying I was a little skeptical. But I chose to see Judas and Me on account of its multi-layered pedigree – cast, creative team, all around were packed with names I love. And maybe that’s why, of all those Bible story musicals, it’s definitely my favorite.

We all know the story: Jesus, Judas, the birth of Christianity. But this time, there’s a stage mother. Judas’ mother Rheba (Barbara Walsh) is mistakenly visited by angels who think she is Mary. Not wanting to let go of the idea they’d briefly imparted that her son was to be the Messiah, she spends her life pushing Judas to outshine Jesus – obviously an impossibility.

I won’t beat around the bush: I love Barbara Walsh. She rocked my world as Joanne in Company in 2006, after which I’d be glad to see her in anything. And she does not disappoint: she brings to Judas’ mother that sardonic edge I’ve come to love her for, adding a perfect touch of ironic humor. She and Leslie Kritzer (as Gabriel, an angel who seems to channel Mariah Carey) constantly steal scenes from one another – not an easy task for either actress. The cast is jam-packed with talent right down the list: Nick Blaemire (who acts and sings much better than he writes) and Doug Kreeger are perfect as Judas and Jesus, embodying the young men from their teenage years to adulthood. Nikki Snelson plays Mary Magdalene, who ultimately tears the two friends apart, in a portrayal clear on its interpretations. Jennifer Laura Thompson’s wide-eyed sweetness as Mary lands some of the biggest laughs, as does Anne Harada as Judas’ underappreciated sister, Elke. It’s easy to say that the cast definitely makes the show.

The writing could use some tweaks, but is overall strong, particularly with its wit.  I enjoyed The Wedding Singer, and I’m not ashamed to admit it – so I was eager to see what was next from its writing team. The score is fun, but lighting hasn’t struck twice, although I did find myself doing some toe and finger tapping. Director Jeremy Dobrish and choreographer Dan Knechtges are two of my up-and-coming favorites, and I expected better of them – or, at least, more evidence of what I know they can do. But their work here is by no means a blunder, and Dobrish in particular is perfectly suited for the piece.

The inherent problem, it seems, is with the central idea. The show presents a new spin on the story, and it’s a ton of fun, particularly in its somewhat irreverent treatment of the characters. In thinking about it, I find myself torn between the belief that there’s much to be said for such a good time, and wondering, well, what’s the point? What does the story gain by being told this way, other than laughs? I find the most succinct way of looking at festival shows to be considering whether or not they could have a viable future. I don’t know where I see this one going; but maybe a producer does.

Judas and Me
By Chad Beguelin and Matthew Sklar
Part of the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival

American Theatre of Actors (Chernuchin)
314 W. 54th Street

Remaining performances:

Friday, 10/9 at  7:00 pm

Sunday, 10/11 at 5:30 pm

Tickets can be purchased online at www.NYMF.org