Godspellbinding

Billy McGuigan stars as Jesus in “Godspell”

Experience the teachings of Jesus and His sacrifice as told by the Gospel of Matthew in Godspell which is currently playing at Benson Theatre under the auspices of Rave On Productions.

In a sense this show marks the full circle of my theatrical life as this was the first show that made me aware of theatre waaaaay back when I was in the third grade and we listened to “Day by Day”.  However, this was my first time actually seeing the production.

I was very glad to see Rave On tackle a show outside of their usual métier and they passed the challenge with flying colors.  This show is a load of fun due to an incredibly talented cast and deft handling of Stephen Schwartz’s score.

The actual script is surprisingly simple.  There’s very little originality in the dialogue as it’s a nearly verbatim lifting of the Gospel of Matthew.  The originality comes in the handling of the dialogue and the music (many tunes were actual hymns) and that’s where the show’s strength lies. 

Many varied styles of storytelling are utilized in the production:  spoken word, pantomime, charades, vaudeville, even a bit of performance art and it all makes the words of the Gospel come alive.  Matthew McGuigan’s musical direction is especially superb as he brought many genres into the music from Gospel to rock to a bit of blues and jazz and even adult contemporary.  Yet he still gives it a flavor as if the music were just written today.

Kimberly Faith Hickman is a triple threat for this production as she not only directed and choregraphed the piece, but she also designed the costumes for the actors. 

As director, Hickman does no wrong.  The actors are always lively and energetic and each story has its own unique flavor.  She well guides the ensemble who often have to play many different roles and each one is unique and well-defined.  Hickman also handles the more emotional scenes, especially Jesus’ Passion, with power and grace.

As choreographer, the numbers each have their own indelible mark.  Whether from the purely fun vaudevillian dancing of Jesus and a follower in “All for the Best” to the use of flashlights and arms in a most literal kind of line dancing in “Light of the World” to the spontaneous freestyle of “We Beseech Thee”, each number is just as much fun to watch as it is to listen to.

As costumer, the costumes are very casual and bring the characters into the modern times though some have a definite taste of the show’s 1970s roots with the vests.

The show has a strong ensemble which features powerful performances and singing from Jonathan Berger who does double duty as a jubilant John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord and a tragic Judas who calmly offers to betray Jesus, yet has a moment where he nearly reconsiders that’s going to punch you in the gut.  Megan Berger can belt a song like few can and gets the freight train rolling in “Tower of Babble”.  Brittney Thompson nails the show’s signature number “Day by Day” with a light bluesy interpretation with a voice as soothing as running waters.

The bulk of this show lies on the shoulders of the actor playing Jesus and Billy McGuigan proves he’s as formidable an actor as he is a musician as he turns in a performance likely to have him in the mix for Best Actor in a Musical at next year’s OEAs.  His energy and versatility are astonishing as he can be light and amusing in one moment and then tell a simple story in the next.  But his best moments are his dramatic ones in Act II as Jesus’ death draws near.  His simple, clean request to the Father to avoid death will melt your heart.  His refusal to succumb to Satan’s temptations are fused with a desperation to hold onto God’s truths in Jesus’ darkest hour.  And his agony on the cross will silence you with its sadness.

If you’re a person of faith, you’re apt to find this show wonderfully worshipful.  If you’re not, I’m betting you’ll really reflect on this show’s message as you’re being entertained.

Godspell runs at Benson Theatre through Feb 26.  Showtimes are 7:30pm Fri-Sat and 2pm on Sundays.  Tickets start at $35 and can be purchased here.  Benson Theatre is located at 6054 Maple St in Omaha, NE.

Photo provided by Rave On Productions

‘Godspell’ Opens Third Season of Rave On Productions’ “The Omaha Series”

Omaha, NE–Prepare ye for Godspell, the beloved classic from three-time Grammy and Academy Award winner, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Pippin, Children of Eden). Led by the international hit, “Day by Day,” Godspell features a parade of beloved songs, including “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All for the Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side.”

A group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques, and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love come vibrantly to life. 

Boasting a score with chart-topping songs, a book by a visionary playwright (John-Michael Tebelak), and a feature film, Godspell is a sensation that continues to touch audiences.

THE VENUE:
Benson Theatre, 6054 Maple Street, Omaha NE

SHOW DATES:
Friday February 10, 2023
Saturday February 11, 2023
Friday February 17, 2023
Saturday February 18, 2023
Sunday February 19, 2023
Friday February 24, 2023
Saturday February 25, 2023
Sunday February 26, 2023

Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30pm. Sunday shows are at 2:00pm.
Doors open 30 minutes prior to performance.

TICKETS:
Tickets start at $35 | Reserved Seating
Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount. Contact Kate Whitecotton to reserve your group tickets at kate@billymcguigan.com.

Directed & Choreographed By: Kimberly Faith Hickman
Musical Direction By: Matthew McGuigan

Cast

Billy McGuigan as Jesus
Jonathan Berger as Judas/John the Baptist
Megan Berger as Gilmer
Carly Frolio as Sonia
Brandon Fisher as Lamar
Ejanae Hume as Peggy
Brittney Thompson as Robin
Cullen Wiley as Jeffrey

Flash! Bam!! Alakazam!!

The Wicked Witch of the West is one of the most iconic villains in both literature and film.  But, what if we’ve all been fed a line about her evil?  What if the official history was simply a lie?  Discover the true story of the Wicked Witch of the West in Wicked which is currently playing at the Orpheum Theatre.

I’m definitely of two minds about this show.  I was entertained.  The show is beautifully sung and strongly acted.  But the story lacks a certain punch.  The idea is definitely intriguing, but Winnie Holzman’s script based off the novel by Gregory Maguire fails to hit a home run and has to settle for a double. The first act tends to drag a bit though the developing friendship between Elphaba (Wicked Witch) and Glinda helps to sell it due to the work of the leading actresses.

The story picks up considerable steam in the second act once Elphaba has been deemed the Wicked Witch and an enemy of Oz.  The script introduces multiple storylines and even wraps them all up, but some storylines aren’t developed enough and are just bluntly ended.  However, there is some considerable skill with the way the story weaves in the characters of The Wizard of Oz where it’s clear that that story isn’t a complete lie, but a version manipulated by the true powers in Oz. 

Joe Mantello gets as much out of the script as is humanly possible.  From a technical standpoint, the show is solid as a rock.  The pace is on point.  Cue pickups tight as a drum.  The actors have been coached into strong performances and each has a well-developed character.  Mantello has a real gift for duet scenes as some of the show’s strongest moments are when just two characters are interacting and they can be full of tension and pain or dripping with tenderness and sweetness.

Some strong supporting performances come from John Bolton who plays the Wizard.  He’s more (or should I say less) than a weak man.  He’s a power addict responsible for most of Oz’s problems.  Jake Pedersen excels as Boq, a Munchkin doomed to a dire fate due to his fawning over Glinda and his angering of a powerful foe.  Lisa Howard is downright sinister as Madame Morrible, the power behind the throne.  Kimberly Immanuel has a wonderful arc as Nessarose, the crippled sister of Elphaba who seems sweet, but hides a vindictive nature that makes her worthy of her never revealed title of Wicked Witch of the East.  Michael Genet is sympathetic as Dr. Dillamond, the last animal allowed to teach at the university and a tragic victim of the elite’s desperation to hold on to power.

There’s a lot under the surface of Jordan LItz’s Fiyero.  Fiyero puts on a good front of being a lazy gadfly, but it hides a tortured unhappiness.  Litz is wonderful as he comes off as a not overly intelligent jock until an act of kindness towards a lion cub starts to peel back his layers to reveal the honorable and heroic man lurking beneath the façade.  Litz has a beautiful tenor and knows how to act through the numbers and can be delightfully humorous when he sings about “Dancing Through Life” or heartfelt and loving as he pledges love to Elphaba in “As Long As You’re Mine”.

Jennafer Newberry shines brightly as Glinda.  Newberry does a remarkable job showing us the true Glinda.  She isn’t good.  She’s a rich, stuck-up, vapid airhead used to getting her own way with a bent for malapropisms.  But it’s a joy to see how her friendship with Elphaba helps her to truly become a better person and to inspire her to overthrow the true wickedness in Oz.  Newberry also has a stunning soprano which she can use to comedic effect evidenced by “Popular” where she tries to help Elphaba fit in or use to tug your heartstrings in “I’m Not That Girl” and “For Good”.

Lissa deGuzman is stunning as Elphaba.  She is brilliant at portraying the outcast who hides her pain under the mantle of responsibility as she cares for her sister.  It’s a treat to watch her slowly work her way out of her awkwardness until she claims her role as the Wicked Witch of the West (though not in the way you may think).  deGuzman has a stunning lower soprano and she nails the show’s hallmark song “Defying Gravity” to the floor.

Evan Roider and his orchestra never miss a note in their performance.  Susan Hilferty’s costumes recall the film version of the story with its fantastical clothes and characters.  Chic Silber’s special effects add that crucial bit of magic to the show.  Tony Meola’s sounds help bolster the show with sounds of magic and raging storms.  Eugene Lee’s sets are very impressive with the ever present clock and gears and the homunculus used by the Wizard to seem all powerful.  Kenneth Posner has a good use of lights especially when acts of magic are enacted.  James Lynn Abbott’s choreography is solid, but lacks any huge moments.

In spite of the story not quite being all it could be, Wicked is definitely a pleasant evening of theatre with strong musical performances and splendid acting.  It is also certain to enthrall the kids and the kids at heart.

Wicked runs at the Orpheum Theatre through May 15.  Performances are Tues-Sat at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and Sundays at 1pm and 6:30pm.  Tickets range from $43.50 to $188.50 and can be obtained at www.ticketomaha.com.  The Orpheum Theatre is located at 409 S 16^th St in Omaha, NE.