 |
| Michael Sample and cast photo by Reg Madison Photography |
Click here for more information on this production that runs through May 20th.
"....Running for over 2,100 performances in its original Off-Broadway run in 1971, Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak's musical Godspell was clearly a hugely successful show....However, as good as Schwartz's score is, Tebelak's book is a bit of a slog; it's slightly repetitive, a little bland and very uneven. Fortunately, when you have a stellar cast like the one director Michael Barnard has assembled for Phoenix Theatre's current production, the shortcomings of the script are made up for by the sensational vocals from this truly gifted cast....If you aren't religious or spiritual you will probably have a completely different reaction to this show and may even come out thinking it's too much like a preachy and comical "Up With People" songfest—even slightly manipulative. But I urge you to focus on how the show is heartfelt, engaging, and incredibly hopeful. If the lessons prove a bit tiring, just sit back and wait for the next song in the awesome score by Schwartz to wash over you with superb melodies and lush lyrics, all of which are exceptionally delivered... " -Gil Benbrook, Talkin' Broadway (click here to read the complete review)
"...an inoffensive bit of religious fluff...a lively production led by artistic director Michael Barnard...The ensemble..brings all the childlike energy one could wish in soft-rock numbers... " - Kerry Lengel, Arizona Republic (click here to read the complete review)
"...Godspell may rank as one of the more successful though oddest musicals ever to emerge ... Purists of the original may not be entirely happy, but on reflection, updating things is exactly what the show required... the cast is an attractive looking troupe... all with strong voices that blow the dust off the catchy, seventies pop/rock Stephen Schwartz score..." -David Appleford, Valley Screen and Stage (click here to read the complete review)
"...a disappointingly dated view of Jesus and his downfall even though the cast is good and the small orchestral ensemble bangs out Schwartz’s now well-known score with snappy pizzazz. Michael Barnard’s production uses too many old fashioned clichés ...Some of the casting even plays into the tried and true show qualities...Chanel Bragg brings a big sound to her songs, Michelle Chin whips out “Day By Day” with poised élan, and Eddie Maldonado is hyper in the dual roles of John the Baptist and Judas. The rest of the ensemble brings explosive gusto to the people who assist Jesus tell his story...Phoenix Theatre is the Valley’s premiere musical theater producer but their usual magic fails to make the now tired “Godspell” relevant today. " --Chris Curcio, KBAQ (click here to read the complete review)
No comments:
Post a Comment
In order to avoid spam, comments will be moderated. Anonymous comments no longer will be allowed. If your comment is from an actual person it will be approved and posted in a timely manner.