Review: GODSPELL at Merrick Theatre & Center For The Arts

After performing in countless musicals across the island, Jae Hughes finally goes from scene stealer in the ensemble to full fledge star. The Merrick Theatre cast the terrific Hughes as Jesus in their entertaining production of Stephen Schwartz' "Godspell" and all is right with the world!

Not a Long Island theater season goes by without at least three productions of the popular biblical musical. Each one is vastly different and unique but maintains the classic score and intimacy. The multitalented cast of Merrick's "Godspell" are all seasoned theater veterans with beautiful voices and zany personalities.

Robins Prophete, who was dynamite in Smithtown's "Mamma Mia," gets the show going with his warm and melancholy Judas. Not only does he prepare us for the coming of the Lord with his beautiful voice, he also introduces us to what feels like a gaggle of old and familiar friends including Jesus. Hughes serves as ringmaster and unites the disciples in love and harmony while teaching lessons in right and wrong. One minute Hughes has us giggling in the comic song "All for the Best" and next our hearts are breaking in "Beautiful City."

Each cast member in "Godspell" has an opportunity to have their turn in the spotlight and display their special talents. Cassiel Fawcett makes "Day By Day" spectacular and you need to dry your eyes after Remy DeJoseph's "All Good Gifts." Katie Cassin expertly teaches us to "Learn Your Lessons Well" and Andrew Lenahan's energetic "Light of the World" nicely wraps up the first act.

Megan Cain seduces us with "Turn Back, O Man" and Meagan Materazo's "By My SIde" is chilling. Not only did choreographer Marquez create fun and lively banter on stage yet she also gets to perform the crowdpleaser "We Beseech Thee." She seems to be having the time of her life and I bet she's quite a character off stage as well!

Finally, you can always count on Samantha Rosario to bring down the house. She's another brilliant actress who pops up in musicals all over Long Island and has certainly made a name for herself. Here she tackles and conquers "Bless the Lord" with yet another powerful and memorable performance.

The key to a successful "Godspell" is finding and combining the right actors to retell the tale. Kudos to directors Mark DeCaterina, Meagan Materazo and Marquez for giving us their own creative twist on the legendary musical. The Merrick Theatre is blessed to showcase a winning ensemble and that Jae Hughes had time in a busy theater schedule to lead this acting troop to victory!

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Directed by Mark DeCaterina, Meagan Materazo and Marquez, Adaptation Mark DeCaterina, Musical Director Meagan Materazo, Choreographed by Marquez, Lighting Design by Nicholas Cariello, Assistant Lighting Designer Chris Damp, Lighting Assistant Daniella Cuttone, Sound Design Jessie Barenzano, Assistant Sound Design Chris Damp, Sound Assistant Ashley Dacanay, Projection Design Mark DeCaterina, Produced by Joe Mauro. Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz

Starring: Jae Hughes as Jesus, Robins Prophete as Judas. Ensemble: Megan Cain, Katie Cassin, Remy DeJoseph, Cassiel Fawcett, Marquez, Andrew Lenahan, Meagan Materazo, And Samantha Rosario.

For more information and tickets, please visit: http://www.merrick-theatre.com or call 516-868-6400

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