BWW Reviews: A Mixed Bag of Blessings in York Little Theatre's GODSPELL

A new production of GODSPELL is usually a treat, especially in the ability to see and hear young performers at work. Since it burst on the scene in 1971, with music by Stephen Schwartz (with a little help from the Episcopal hymnal) and a book by John-Michael Tebelak, it has been one of the great launchers for musical actors. It's also been controversial - some originally disliked a cast full of "hippies," while others have looked askew at its way of retelling parables, but it's normally accepted now as a show with great music and a wholesome book. However, its 2011 Broadway revival at Circle in the Square was perceived as a mixed bag at best. Similarly, York Little Theatre's production is a mixed bag - some parts, especially some of its cast, however, are excellent.

For starters, there's "Ben" - Ben Long, who has starred as Bobby Strong in Susquehanna Stage's production of URINETOWN, among other shows. Here is a fine younger performer who certainly has the musical and acting chops to carry a show. One hopes that he will remain on the area stage for some time, as he is indeed a strong performer and gives a great rendition of "All For The Best". And that raises The Mixed Bag question - a typical performance of GODSPELL has two characters specifically delineated as Jesus and as John the Baptist/Judas. Ben is carrying the part of Jesus, but the director, Mark Arner, has deliberately not designated him as such. There's no shame in a fine performer playing Jesus on stage or in film; it's worth acknowledging the part for what it is. Similarly, Arner has chosen to eliminate the magic tricks associated with the part, which represent The Miracles performed by Jesus. Given that GODSPELL has an outdoor park/playground setting, their loss as either harmless amusement to an outdoor crowd, or a proof of miracles by the Redeemer, is inexplicable.

Also worthy of note are Aiyana Holton and April Harrison, two young belters who can also dance. April, at 19 already a YLT veteran, provides a rousing "Learn Your Lessons Well" that should have audiences ready to be on their feet. Aiyana, notable throughout the show, delivers a carried-in-on-the-piano diva version of "Turn Back, O Man" that's as fine a piece of vamping as anything in SWEET CHARITY. Aiyana is a senior at Susquhanna Township High School who is looking at Shenandoah Conservatory at Shenandoah University after graduation, and who should indeed be there. In other moments of excellence related to Aiyana, the piano on which she enters the stage is played by Lindy Mack, the pit band director, who displays his well-known talents once more, this time on stage. His work is always a delight, and seeing him on stage is well worth it.

Nik Olson plays "Nik", who in another production would be John the Baptist, arriving with bucket, sponge, and a noble "Prepare Ye (the Way of the Lord)" as he arrives on stage. His costuming in a hunting vest and cammo seems a bit odd, but his work is solid for a relatively new young performer. The part formerly known as Judas is played by "Angie," Angela Wise. This splitting of the characters, who are written to be played by one character in two guises, does allow the actors to share the spotlight, but the decision to do it feels untrue to the play itself.

Bradlee Alan Gorrera provides much of the comedy on stage, as well as a fine singing voice. It is a pleasure to see him on the YLT stage, of which he, like April, is a veteran.

There are also a few fine comic notes in the show, added since the original, which are both original to this production and borrowed from the revival, which are nods to contemporary entertainment. Look for Harry Potter, Les Miserables, and even a bow to Texas Chainsaw Massacre as the show moves along, and see what others you can find.

This is a show with some fine performances - expect to enjoy the parable of the prodigal son more than you ever have, and to see the story of the Good Samaritan in an entirely new and very modern light. It's a show with some exceptional vocal talents. And it has a pit band worthy of its own spotlight, with Lindy Mack at its helm. But I spent certain moments of this show not feeling that it had been updated, but that I was watching something unfamiliar and not altogether clearly articulated which wasn't exactly GODSPELL. Some directorial vision isn't always unflawed, and that appears to be the culprit in this instance. YLT can and does do better, and I look forward to seeing YLT displaying its talents far more fully in its next production (a black box production of CABARET).

See this for the songs, the music, and the Good Samaritan. The parable of the blind men and the elephant is Buddhist/Hindu, rather than Christian, but you may find it at work, unstated, in other moments here. Still, if you have children, the show is a good way either to introduce them to or to remind them of certain moral and religious principles in a colorful, musical way that may have some sticking power (especially in the well-known, happily hummable score). At York Little Theatre through March 24. Call 717-854-5715 for tickets, or visit www.ylt.org.

Photo Credit: Rene Staub

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