Review: The Bible Preaches, But GODSPELL Asks

By Emmanuel Evan Alba

Manila, Philippines--If you're expecting to find your corner of the sky, you will not. Just because this is a Stephen Schwartz musical does not mean there will be someone painting with all the colors of the wind, nor will there be any gravity-defying witches, nor a hunchback. Yes, this is a Bible story, but do not expect Moses to be there even if you believe. And yes, there could be ever, ever after but there are no singing animals present. This is simply MusicArtes Inc.'s production of GODSPELL.

GODSPELL is a modern musical created with a series of parables mostly from the Gospel of Matthew, incorporating different genres: pop, folk rock, gospel, and vaudeville. Unlike Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar," GODSPELL does not focus on the Passion of the Christ, although both offer a free interpretation of the characters with contemporary attitudes and sensibilities in a contemporary and sometimes very modern Filipino situations. This is made more apparent with the characters retaining their real-life names and personalities, except for Jesus and John the Baptist/Judas. Do not be surprised if they just randomly talk to someone in the audience, breaking the fourth wall.

You will see the actors around the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium mingling with the audience until Jesus and his circline lamps silence the crowd. The cast then channels different philosophers: from a classical Greek philosopher to a priest, a polymath, a historian, an artist, an architect, and so on. This part is nothing but nerves. The hands of the actors are shaking, probably from a mixed feeling of excitement and anxiety [on opening night]. The vocals are not superb (5/10).

"Day by Day" is sung. It is at this moment that the momentum starts to pick up. It is probably the song, but this part is joyous and celebratory. What is even more interesting is when the kids from the audience are invited onstage to participate in a charade game. So for all the parents who have theater ambitions for their children, they better be bringing their kids to this production. This will surely give birth to their dream of becoming part of something like this. They will probably become more religious as Jesus will introduce himself to them personally. This is the most engaging part of the show.

You will see more Bible stories you probably have been hearing in school and during the Holy Mass re-interpreted in GODSPELL: the baptism of Jesus, the Widow and the Judge, the story of the Pharisees and the tax gatherer in the temple, the parable of the Good Samaritan (or on this version, a Good Magtataho), the parable of the Sower of the Seeds, the parable of the Prodigal Son, the Last Supper, and many more. GODSPELL puts an interesting Pinoy hippie flavor to these stories, plus references to personalities such as Donald Trump.

The beatitudes are also briefly presented, but given more context with the song "All For The Best." With this, the show presents thoughts that are not aligned with the common concepts of the Bible. They could have given this more emphasis though, musically and conceptually.

Act 2, like most musicals, presents a conflict, hence the darker part of the whole show. This is when the cast starts to question Jesus' authority. Jesus, himself, gives in to this by calling them hypocrites. "We Beseech Thee" is the only light number despite the context of the song. Although controversial, GODSPELL does not need an obvious Resurrection of Jesus. The lighting plays the crucial part in the finale to metaphorically send God's grace to the people.

All the 10 actors are onstage almost the whole time, with each taking a moment in the spotlight. The show's Jesus [Jef Flores] and John the Baptist/Judas [OJ Mariano] are effective two pillars that make sure the whole show is balanced. Jef Flores is appropriate for the role of Jesus; he successfully shows GODSPELL's version of Jesus. And oh, he juggles and plays the violin!

"Bless The Lord" is sung wonderfully. It is vocally demanding, yet it is sung skillfully. Most of the women's solos are standing ovation material. Even the song "By My Side," although not requiring vocal acrobatics, is sung with such passion. For the males, Poppert Bernadas steals the spotlight with his killer vocals during his solo number, while Red Concepcion and Topper Fabregas are unforgettable with their moments of brilliance even with this big talented ensemble.

The sets and props are tight. Although channeling the hippie look of the '60s, it is made a bit Pinoy with the seemingly recycled garments and a decrepit set design. The screen though sometimes distracts. The first time you see the sets and the costumes, you will instantly get that is no conventional theater--no glitz and glamor.

The Bible preaches, but GODSPELL seems to ask questions, to deviate, to understand what it means given the modern problems people face today. People who are not familiar with the Bible may appreciate this, but people who are conservative may find this offensive. I give this production 7.5 out of 10. It is not perfect, but its theme is timeless.

GODSPELL features musical direction by Ejay Yatco, production design by Otto Hernandez, and lighting design by John Batalla.

Directed by Anton Juan, the show runs until this Sunday, June 26, at Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium in Makati City.

Purchase tickets at TicketWorld.com.ph and SMTickets.com.

Photos: Erickson Dela Cruz

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