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Oh my Godspell
1st July 2008
By Angie Bedford
Brunswick Street?
Female Jesus? And not a clown in sight! Welcome to ARC’s
not-so-average Godspell!
Whatever you may or may not know about Godspell, Amateur
Repertory Company’s (ARC) upcoming production of Godspell is
sure to surprise and delight.
Godspell
was originally conceived and directed by John – Michael Tebelak,
with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked).
Godspell is based upon the Gospel of St. Matthew, and through
song and dance tells the story of Jesus through a number of well –
known songs, such as ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Turn Back, O Man”. In 1973,
two years after its off-Broadway opening, Godspell made it onto the
big screen, starring Victor Garber (Alias) as Jesus.
ARC was formed in 1996, and has since involved young people in all
aspects of theatre, including performance, production and direction.
ARC is based at Banyule Theatre and
Viewbank
College in Melbourne’s north-east.
So, what is so different about ARC’s Godspell? According to
ARC President and Cast Member Mark Kearney, it is a “daringly
different interpretation” – so I sat down with Mark, Director /
Choreographer Carla Gianinotti, Musical Directors David Howell and
Glen Barnett as well as Cast Members Diana Perini and Noni Garratt
to find out how!
 TP:
How is ARC’s Godspell different to other productions?
Carla:
For starters, the usually male roles of Jesus and Judas are played
as females. We have decided to explore the maternal side of Jesus
and the sibling rivalry of Jesus and Judas -
The rise and fall, and rise again of the relationship between Judas
and Jesus strikes me as a representation of the volatility that
characterises many relationships between sisters.
We have also created a setting where everyday people are taken away
from reality momentarily, and then forced to face that reality has
its goods and bads.
Glen:
We have also increased the cast size from 10 to 18. This has allowed
us to play out the scenes using more people to demonstrate the
stories being told.
David:
We’ve also done away with the hippie/clown identity associated with
the show. Ours is set in a grungy Fitzroy backstreet, like the ones
off Brunswick St. We have focussed on building a community of
artists, musicians and dancers.
TP: Diana and Noni, how have you both approached playing the roles
of Jesus (Diana) and Judas (Noni)?
Diana:
It has been difficult to approach Jesus as a character itself and
not as typical male Jesus or female Jesus. Jesus in the story is
very maternal and nurturing in her approach to the teachings of the
bible and the way that she interacts with the other characters.
There’s a great connection between Noni and I that allows us to look
like the best of friends, but we’ve also worked hard on perfecting
the ‘death stare’ attitude towards each other. It’s been great fun.
Noni:
When I auditioned I never imagined I would get the role of Judas,
it's definitely very challenging to play a role traditionally played
by a male but I guess I don't think I've necessarily approached the
character any different than a male would. Whether male or female
Judas still goes through the same issues and struggles with his or
her loyalties towards Jesus. It's been great having Diana as Jesus
though especially since we are both female because I think we really
show a loving and emotional side to our characters and that Jesus
and Judas really loved each other as friends but they had their
differences just like any other friendship does!
 TP:
Glen and David, what can you tell us about the music of Godspell?
Glen:
Dave and I have worked very closely on the musical vision for this
show. While a majority of the songs have remained unchanged, we
have altered the feel of them to match the modernisation of the
concept. Other songs we have completely changed. Dave made ‘Day By
Day’ into a Samba and I arranged ‘We Beseech Thee’ to include more
difficult harmonies and counterpoint. Schwartz’s music is a breath
of fresh air for its elegant simplicity. The words and context of
these songs and music speak to the audience yet at the same time
there is a deeper meaning behind the songs.
David:
I
wanted to do a true interpretation of Schwartz’s music. Although the
composer states the music can be performed in any way, I thought of
sticking close to score. As this is a religion based musical, I
wanted to use elements of gospel and keep the music bright and full
of energy. We are very fortunate to have a very talented cast and
are therefore able to have performers play instruments on stage as
well as sing. We’ve also ‘grunged’ up the music a little and have
introduced a few surprises.
TP: How have you approached the challenge of females singing the
roles of Jesus and Judas?
David:
The hardest thing about a female singing a male role is that the
writing is not idiomatic for the voice – that is to say, a male
singing at the top of their range can be a lot lighter than a female
at the top of theirs. We spent a lot of time working with the
soloists and finding the right transposition for their voices and it
works! We are also very privileged to have a Jesus who can sing
really low. I think the key to understanding the idea of a female
Jesus or Judas is to not to think of them as female but more so an
actor playing a role.
Glen:
It was a little shaky at first, but after the initial few mishaps,
we found our feet. The fact that these characters are female
doesn’t really come across. You get so engrossed in the story and
characters that you don’t even realise. Having worked with both of
these performers on previous shows, I knew that I could rely on them
to pull through and make this show amazing, and they have done just
that.
 TP:
What are some of the audition and rehearsal highlights?
Carla:
Having been able to block and run Act One in three weeks, by our
rehearsal camp. Also, seeing the cast in costume for the first time.
Glen:
It’s been great having the show ready for full runs over a month out
from opening. We’ve been working extremely hard on this show, but
have still managed to be laughing most of the time as well. I know
it’s corny, but I love the fact that we are all like a family rather
than a cast of people.
Noni:
Definitely working with this cast. They are the greatest group of
people; I've never been so close to a cast before. You really need
to love the people in the show to show the sense of community on
stage and I think we've definitely been able to establish that!
Diana:
The fantastic new people that I have met, and the feeling of
accomplishment that I have felt over the last few days when lines
were learnt, costumes have been worn, and so on. It now looks like a
show and a fantastic one at that.
TP: What is your favourite moment in Godspell, and why?
Carla:
That’s a really tough question to answer, I love the whole show! But
especially The Sower Story, The Good Samaritan Story and the last
ten minutes of Act 2 – the absolute raw emotion that the cast give
in these last few minutes is beyond amazing! I can also reveal a
spoiler – Jesus is not crucified on stage!
Mark:
Nick Durbridge’s physical comedy is outstanding. It represents the
playfulness that Godspell is all about. Portia Chiminello’s
performance of ‘By My Side’ is also very special.
David:
There are a few! When the chorus comes in for the first time
in ‘Prepare Ye’ because right from the beginning you know you’re in
for a good show. The moment the flute enters on ‘All Good Gifts’
musically and choreographically it’s just so right and oh so
beautiful. The story of the Man with Two Sons is comic genius by the
guys on stage and will definitely have you in stiches. ‘Light of the
World’, ‘On the Willows’ and the Finale will leave the audience gob
smacked.
Diana: ‘By
My Side’ – during this song Judas betrays me and it brings me to
tears every time. I think it is one of the most moving songs in the
whole show. Also ‘Bless the Lord’ - It’s just a fun filled song
which will always bring a smile to your face, and I could listen to
Lauren Seymour sing those notes all day!
 TP:
Mark, what’s next for ARC?
Mark:
Audiences should be excited to hear that July 2009 will see ARC
present West Side Story, one of the most loved musicals of
all time. We also hope to produce a November variety performance for
your enjoyment.
TP: Finally, why should TP readers come to Godspell?
Mark:
This production is a daringly different interpretation of Stephen
Schwartz’s Godspell. The show is made even more affecting by
the performances of the leads and the incredible support they
receive from the ensemble. ARC seeks to give as much opportunity to
the community as possible and your support is vital to broadening
the horizons of this decade-old company.
Carla:
I
seriously believe that there has not been a Godspell production like
this! For the first time, I believe people will be able to relate to
each character and I can guarantee you will laugh and a cry.
Diana:
The Cast and Production Team are extremely talented; every single
person in this show deserves to be praised. You will also support a
youth theatre company. Come along so ARC continues to put on shows
that involve all people who love musical theatre.
Godspell
will be performed at Banyule Theatre,
Heidelberg
from July 4th - 12th. See
What’s On for more
details. |