Theo Ubique's 'Godspell' sure features some angelic voices
When wilt thou save the people
Oh, God of Mercy, when?
The people, Lord, the people
Not thrones and crowns but men!
God save the people, for thine they are
Thy children, as thy angels, fair
Oh, save the people from despair
God save the people!
Everybody sing! Because if we ever needed a little Godspell in our lives, it’s today. This fifty-year-old musical retelling of the Gospel of Matthew could teach Christian churches a thing or two. They could stop worrying about empty pews on Sundays if only they’d convey Jesus' story with the magnificent voices Director Christopher Pazdernik has assembled in his terrific cast now appearing at Evanston’s Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre.
The well-known Stephen Schwartz musical (with book by John-Michael Tebelak) opened off Broadway in 1971, and has played in some iteration ever since at a church or community theatre just around the corner, no matter where one lives. Centered on Jesus' parables from Matthew and set in modern settings, Godspell is best known for its catchy and tender songbook ("Day by Day," "All Good Gifts," "By My Side," etc.) that rocketed Schwartz's career heavenward (Pippin, Wicked, etc.). A history of Godspell may be read here, and more information about Schwartz and his work is found here.
Truly, the hallmark of the current Theo production is the angelic singing from every member of an eclectic cast. The show’s opening chaos (“Tower of Babble”) is broken by the dulcet clarion of Anna Marie Abbate as John the Baptist calls the disciples together to "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord" and be taught. This character takes on the second role of Judas the betrayer in act two. The teacher, Austin Nelson, Jr., donning a lion-head t-shirt, is a terrific casting choice for the Jesus character—warm, friendly and in control. The two slay the fun “All for the Best” duet and Nelson further adds a stirring rendition of “Beautiful City.”
Theo’s Godspell ensemble, like many of its shows, introduces a number of young future stage stars. Bryce Ancil’s fun solo on “We Beseech Thee,” Hannah Efsits terrifically engaged character acting and gorgeous duet with soprano Quinn Simmons on “By My Side,” Laz Estrada’s gift in deliverance of “All Good Gifts,” Matthew Hunter’s fabulous “Light of the World” (and a couple visits to this reviewer’s table), Izzie Jones’ lovely “Day by Day” solo, Alix Rhode’s strong “Bless the Lord” and Chamaya Moody (for Ashley Saul on opening night) delivering a wonderful rendition of “Turn Back oh Man” give each character a highlight. Together they create an experience that's immersive, captivating and intimate. Casting directors, write down these names. They deserve more opportunities—all of them.
To wit, this production marks the end of Jeremy Ramey’s tenure as Theo’s resident musical director. The pride of Tennessee has done forty-two shows (more than 1,400 performances) since 2012, never subbing out. While Ramey is looking to broaden his horizons with work in other Chicagoland venues and Theo will open its doors to different musical directing styles, there’s no doubt Ramey will be missed. Most importantly, he will be remembered. This reviewer can’t wait to see what’s next for Jeremy—a truly kind and gifted man.
Patrons considering this Godspell should know its book centers on Jesus' humanity rather than his divinity. And true to its origins, this staging includes no resurrection scene (directors sometimes choose to add one), though some suggest the final bows serve that function. While that directorial choice is of little consequence to this staging, it seems like a missed opportunity to not more clearly delineate the ensemble community. It’s a safe “every person” choice to make this group eclectic. But this musical theatre fan has seen gang Godspell on a playground, in a classroom, in a defined community and, in the original, as a clown brigade. Godspell's setting and ensemble community are a director's blank canvas. One wonders how the teachings of Jesus might be portrayed as friends awaiting the start of the Pride Parade, at a Black Lives Matter protest march or painted against the hypocritical backdrop of a MAGA gathering. Perhaps another time.
But that’s simply blue skying. The takeaway here is to go see these fabulous singers absolutely own Schwartz’s tuneful songbook while at the same time imploring the divine to save the people before it’s too late.
Godspell runs through July 31st at 721 Howard St, Evanston. For tickets or more information, please click here.
Photos by Carlito Chavez and Whitney Rhodes.