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Theater review: ‘Godspell’ has good, bad news

By Ariel Waterman/Times Staff

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Michael Jenkinson, as John the Baptist, and Colum Parke Morgan, as Jesus Christ, perform a number from “Godspell.” / Luis Escobar/Reflections Photography Studio

I bring you good news. PCPA is performing “Godspell” at the Marian Theatre at Hancock College, and will bring it to the Festival Theater in Solvang next month.

PCPA’s production of “Godspell,” one of the most popular rock musicals of the 1970s (along with “Jesus Christ, Superstar” and “Hair”) coincides with the musical’s first Broadway revival scheduled for this summer.

“Godspell,” an Old English mispronunciation of the word ‘Gospel,’ is based loosely on the Gospels and parables of Christ, as told by St. Matthew. “Godspell” was written, as the Psalms suggest, to “make a joyful noise,” especially in light of the times in which it was first performed. The 1970s saw a growing disillusionment with government, a heightened concern for the environment, the country divided by involvement in the Vietnam War, and increases in crime and immigration. So what’s new?

It’s why a “Godspell” revival is so appropriate for our time, and presents such a wonderful chance for an company of actors, such as PCPA has assembled, to really shine.

So, despite the obviously huge talent of the cast, why is this show so dull? PCPA’s version comes off like a first read-through rehearsal, as if the cast is trying to improvise without direction.

“Godspell” is a show that has always been filled with broad humor, boisterous physical comedy, robust choreography and skilled singing. Songs such as “Day by Day” and “Turn Back, O Man” represent the words of Christ being shared with the masses in a joyful, lively manner.

The show is traditionally directed physically at the audience, who are the target of the play’s message. Although this cast plays from the theater aisles, among the audience, they never acknowledged its presence or participation in relaying the message “Godspell” conveys. The immediacy of Christ’s parables and their relevance to our own time now was lost.

Equity actor and guest artist Colum Parke Morgan sleepwalked his way through the role of Jesus Christ and often could barely be heard. This was also the case with other actors, despite their microphones. However, the cast, when singing, was remarkable. This was especially apparent in the heart-achingly beautiful song “By My Side.” Nine of the 12 players are students, a rarity in PCPA professional productions, and this group is clearly filled with exceptional raw talent.

The strongest number was the vaudevillian-styled tune, “It’s All for the Best,” with Morgan, Michael Jenkinson and the cast. Jenkinson, in the dual roles of John the Baptist in Act 1 and Judas in Act 2, proved to be the finest actor and singer in the show, along with the comical Jerry Lee, who played multiple roles, including the father of the Prodigal Son. His rubbery body and expressions ranged from that of an old man to the pomposity of a rich merchant. And his clear tenor gives wonderful range to “All Good Gifts.”

All in all, in spite of its flaws, “Godspell” is worth spending a spell to hear great voices sing wonderful music. Should you go? Indeed, do not “Turn Back, O Man.”

BOX OFFICE:

Godspell” plays through May 11 in PCPA’s Marian Theatre on the Hancock campus, at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets cost $16.25 to $27.75 for students, and $10.25 to $17.75 for children, with senior discounts available. Info: 922-8313 or www.pcpa.org.