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Since this is a review of a religious musical, I’ll start with a confession. My daughters and I are big fans of the 1973 movie “Godspell,” and it’s a ritual at my house to watch it during Holy Week.
When we heard that Music Theater Works had set the show in a coffee shop, we were skeptical. It sounded hokey—what are they going to do, drink lattes instead of wine?
There was no need to worry. The coffee-shop conceit is brilliant and the production, directed by Matthew Silar, is a wonder. “Godspell” is a terrific show—fresh, inventive, timeless and rich in charismatic performers, with creative choreography by Amanda Hope and a rousing score led by Justin Kono. Every actor is a triple threat, and some are quadruple threats, playing instruments to accompany the off-stage band. The cast members seem to genuinely like each other and throw their whole personalities into the action, bringing the audience along for the fun.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John Michael Tebelak, the 1971 musical is based on the Gospel of St. Matthew. Cast members act out humorous interpretations of the Good Samaritan, Lazarus and the rich man, etc. It was the launching pad for many actors, including Victor Garber, Martin Short, Gilda Radner and Eugene Levy.
The Skokie production starts in a funky, colorful coffee shop, designed by Bob Knuth. The cast members are doing their own thing in modern isolation, reading books, scrolling on phones, tapping on laptops. This sets up the first song, “Tower of Babble,” with the cast singing various philosophies over each other.
Then John the Baptist (Jacob Simon) comes to the microphone, and feedback imitates the sounding of the shofar. He baptizes everyone out of the water cooler to the song “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.”
As the cast sings, Jesus (Eldon Warner-Soriano) appears with a guitar. Though he’s physically slight, his presence is mesmerizing. Warner-Soriano is warm, funny and passionate, speaking Christ’s lessons with authority.
This “Godspell” doesn’t shy away from modern politics and leans left. Jesus presents each apostle with a pin reflecting a different progressive theme—Black Lives Matter, LGBTQ+ pride, women’s rights, etc. In the Good Samaritan story, as the priest passes the injured traveler, she murmurs “thoughts and prayers.” As the judge passes, he asks “where are your papers?”
Dani Pike mocks Trump in the story of the rich man who wants to build bigger barns to store his grain. “They’re the best barns,” Pike tells us in a puffed-up patter. “Many people say so.” Then she launches into an all-stops-out rendition of “O Bless the Lord, My Soul.”
In another modern twist, Nicholas Ian, who shone last year in Theo Ubique’s “The Secret Garden,” performs “Turn Back, O Man” in drag. The costume is astonishing—a tall hat depicting coffee being poured into a cup (designed by Melanie Saso), and a puffy skirt like an upended cappuccino (designed by Kristen Brinati). Ian channels their inner Mae West and Marlene Dietrich—strutting across a table, showing their legs and handing out cookies to the audience.
One problem with this number is that it was hard to hear Jesus’ quiet solo in the middle. The music should pull back a bit to focus on Warner-Soriano’s voice and cello playing. The same problem arises in the next song, “Alas for You,” as the band overwhelms Warner-Soriano’s lyrics. He’s not a belter. This was likely an opening-night issue and will be cleaned up in future performances.
As John the Baptist/Judas, Simon is a terrific counterpart to Christ, enthusiastic but conceited. The betrayal in the garden is genuinely moving.
Another emotional high point is “By My Side,” led by Concetta Russo and Tafadzwa Diener. It’s so haunting that the audience at first didn’t applaud, as if reluctant to break the spell.
To highlight the rest of the cast: Kaitlin Feely, also a fine physical comedian, sings a lovely “Day By Day;” Ben Woods leads a touching “On the Willows;” Maxwell J. DeTogne plays guitar and leads “All Good Gifts” in a sweet tenor (with Ian on flute), while bouncy Connor Ripperger (who can lift an eyebrow like John Belushi) turns “We Beseech Thee” into a chair-thumping, cup-banging party.
If you have been scarred by seeing or performing in an awkward school production of “Godspell,” try this one. It’s a showcase for great songs and a story that has certainly stood the test of time. Let all who have ears, listen.
Music Theater Works’ “Godspell” runs through November 16 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie. Tickets are $19.50-$106, available at musictheaterworks.com.
