Godspell at The Bijou Theatre

Spring is finally here! With the coming of warm weather and the Easter season, one of my not-so-guilty pleasures has always been tuning in to watch movies based on the Bible.  From Charlton Heston over-acting his way through The Ten Commandments to King of Kings and Jesus of Nazareth, I’ve repeatedly fed my spiritual side with these Biblical films.

Not to be outdone by Hollywood, Broadway has given us its own version of faith-based musicals.  Andrew Lloyd Webber gave us Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jesus Christ Superstar, while Vinnette Justine Carroll, Mickie Grant and Alex Bradford bought us Your Arms are Too Short to Box with God.

Godspell, the musical by Stephen Schwartz with book by John-Michael Tebelak, opened off-Broadway in 1971 and has been revived and performed countless times since.  Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, the music and lyrics of this spirited show combine to convey a message of love.

Local audiences will love the Bijou Theatre’s innovative and creative production of Godspell, which opens Friday, April 11th at the Bijou Theatre in Bridgeport.  According to Artistic Director Maggie Pangrazio, this production “…celebrates well-known parables and songs as a metaphor for the strength of theatre and collaboration.  Through the lessons of the Gospel and the songs of love in their musical incarnation, Godspell teaches us that peace and community are universal.” Ms. Pangrazio goes on to say that, “Directing Godspell is a dream come true for me.  It's the ultimate example of collaboration and creativity, and I've been so fortunate to share it with an amazing, risk-taking cast.”

The cast is truly amazing. Featuring the multi-talented Heather Abrado, Kathy Alexander, Juan Ayala, Jenifer Condon, Marc Improta, Jim Norton, Kevin Pelkey, Rene Ragan, Sean Reynolds, and Jennifer Subtil, these actors help make the uplifting songs by Stephen Schwartz soar to new heights. Each performer adds just the right touch of their own personality into their characterizations, modernizing and making the parables more accessible to today’s audiences.  

Also adding a touch of modernization to this musical is Bill D’Andrea, the production’s Musical Director.  He skillfully leads the cast through the varied musical styles of Schwartz’s songs, including gospel, pop, a spirited vamp number, and a vaudevillian patter song.  Along with show classics like “Prepare Ye,” “Day by Day” and “Bless the Lord,” he has also cleverly interspersed the score with surprising hints of current artists and hit songs. 

Choreographers Cynthia Rivera and Heli Vaher add toe-tapping fun to the lively score.  Colorful and eclectic costumes by Rebecca Craig and the innovative use of miscellaneous props and set pieces complete the look and feel of the show, making it feel like an awesome party that I certainly wanted to be a part of.

Like all parties, this one unfortunately has to end.  The elevated tones of the first act begin to dissipate as the show briefly touches upon the passion of Jesus. The stage is cleared of its playful props, and even the costume palette darkens.  The beautiful song, “On the Willows”, and the heartbreaking “Finale” mark the solemnity and somberness of Jesus’ death, but we do not linger in sadness for long.  With a rousing chorus proclaiming, “Long Live God,” the show ends with a celebration of Jesus’ message of love and hope. 

If Godspell is a metaphor for the strength of theatre and collaboration as director Maggie Pangrazio wishes, then there certainly is hope for the arts in the greater Bridgeport area.  We can all be thankful for the Bijou Performing Arts Center for bringing this production to our community.

Godspell runs from April 11th through April 19th at the Bijou Theatre. Tickets can be purchased on their website: http://thebijoutheatre.com. You can also call the box office at (203) 332-3228.