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Godspell
Presented by: Amateur Repertory Company
(ARC)
Venue: Banyule Theatre, Heidelberg
Reviewer: Drew Downing
Date Reviewed: 5th July 2008
“What In Gods Name…?”
‘Godspell’ is
a retelling of the greatest story ever told according to the
Gospel of St. Matthew. Being a composition of the early 1970’s, the
production itself is experimental yet meaningful. I bet a young
Stephen Schwartz never imagined a ‘Wicked’ world when ‘Godpell’ hit
the stage. ARC (Amateur Repertory Company) is now presenting this
crazy classic at the Banyule Theatre,
Heidelberg.
I have worked
so hard over the last few years to understand pieces by Beckett,
Artaud, Ibsen and even Shakespeare. Eventually, through research,
analysis and persistence, I’ll ‘get it’. ‘Godspell’ still baffles
me. I have now seen three productions, all differing in style and
sound, yet still feel like I’ve missed four pages of script
somewhere in Act One!
Director/Choreographer Carla Gianinotti delivered a good
interpretation. Visually, the production was spiffy. Conceptually, I
found it to be a little complicated. Primarily, I was confused about
the ages of characters. Staging was excellent for the most part and
the little choreography used was effective. Some excellent gags were
added to the script whilst encompassing what the actual ‘point’. I
really enjoyed Carla’s vision in general.
I feel a
little bombarded when cast enter through the auditorium. It was
clear that this matinee audience also felt shy towards the cast once
they entered/exited. The theatre was so intimate anyway that an
audience member can quite easily lose their sense of security. More
companies should identify this.
Glen Barnett
and David Howell’s musical direction was also good. Harmonies were
gorgeous throughout. Some clever arrangements were worked into the
score - time consuming to say the least, so well done to these boys.
The band levels were of course excellent, through Marcello Lo
Ricco’s mixing perfection.
As a whole,
the production team added some excellent elements to the show. A
Dean Perry-esque ‘Stomp’ routine, complete with trash cans, broom
handles and tap shoes, was a good idea to break up the density of
the script. Regular delivery of text through percussive beats was a
strong point for the staging. Ultimately, the casting of an
outstanding ensemble proved the true success of the show.
Diana Perini
as Jesus was wonderful. We simply liked her from her first
moments on stage. And what a gutsy voice! Noni Garratt as Judas was
subtle in her delivery of the infamous role. She did not command
attention, but earned it. These girls rocked! Well done!
I truly mean
it when I say this ensemble was strong. They worked together.
Whilst I won’t name the entire cast, I would like to acknowledge
some stand outs. Felicity Bender as Gilmer was a success based on
her consistency alone. Her naivety also added charm. Lucy Leek as
Sonia sang the guts out of ‘Turn Back O’ Man’. She also seemed to
understand everything going on around her.
Now I come to
Julian Campobasso as Lamar. Julian continued to impress me
throughout the show. Sometimes he pushed a little too hard for
audience approval, but this guy is one to watch out for. A natural
rock-tenor in musical theatre!
Congratulations to ARC on a good production. I look forward to their
2009 presentation of ‘West Side Story’.
Drew is an
instrumental music and drama teacher, and is also completing a
Bachelor of Applied Music. On stage credits include Mickey in ‘Blood
Brothers’ (Limelight – MTGV Nomination / Lyrebird Award for Best
Lead Actor in a Musical), Ugly in ‘Honk!’ (Fab Nobs – Lyrebird
Nomination), Sonny in ‘Grease’ - (Windmill – MTGV Judge’s Award /
Lyrebird Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical), RENT (Devanesen),
Albert in ‘Bye Bye Birdie’, ‘Fame – The Musical’ (Panorama), Ryan
Evans in ‘Disney’s High School Musical’, ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (PLOS),
Greg in ‘Sum of Us’ (FTG), Standing Room Only’s return season of ‘I
Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ and his cabaret ‘Seemingly
Most Innocent – The Songs of Alan Menken’ which featured at the 2007
Midsumma festival. Drew has also musically directed shows for Fab
Nobs, Panorama, People’s Playhouse and numerous school productions.
He is currently in rehearsals for Limelight’s ‘Into The Woods’. |