SPC’s “Godspell” Is A Must See!
L.A. | The Atom
South Plains College Theatre presents its stellar production of “Godspell” this weekend, and it is the kind of show that should not be missed. Go see this. Directed by Dan Nazworth with music directors Debbie Gelber and Annie Nichols-Burge and choreography by Travis Burge, “Godspell” is a remarkably beautiful encounter with art in its most sincerely hopeful form.
Started as a project by drama students at Carnegie Mellon University that became an off-Broadway production opening in 1971, this beloved musical has been produced for audiences worldwide for over 50 years. It is based on familiar parables from the Gospel of Matthew and acted out in a way that sets modern and Biblical characters together in a common experience. Aside from Jesus, John and Judas, character names are typically changed to the names of the actors in the production. John-Michael Tebelak is credited as the creator of the book with the music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
SPC music directors Gelber and Nichols-Burge contribute to this production as pianists with Jacob Blackmon on guitar, Aiden Garnett on bass and Al Gardner on drums. The combination of these musicians, the supporting harmonies from the cast and the impressive lead vocals and portrayal of Jesus by Evan Watson lock this show’s overwhelming success.
Joshua Lopez does a wonderful job in multiple roles as John and Judas and Teagan Henson is also a standout. Her performance throughout the show is fantastic and especially notable in “Bless the Lord.” James McCue and Kyle Schledwitz have some nice solo moments. Madison Jaco performs “By my Side,” very well, and Dylan Frishman gives a nice performance during “On the Willows.”
The entire SPC cast, including Kevin Wright, Keely Munguia, Charlee Sanchez, Taylor Reed and
Marissa Resendez is to be applauded. This group is assembled so well to achieve a very sweet balance and a genuine quality in its commitment to telling the story that just doesn’t happen all the time.
Other noticeable choices in this production are the well-orchestrated opening moments for both acts and the fun ways the cast uses physical motion to convey meaning during the parables. Kudos to the drama practicum students who built the adaptable set.
For the final curtain on the 43-year theatre career of South Plains College Fine Arts Department Chair and Theatre Professor Dan Nazworth, students, colleagues and audiences offer their admiration and reply. “Selah.”
Performance dates continue this evening through April 13. Purchase tickets through SPC Marketplace at https://secure.touchnet.net/C20027_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=381&SINGLESTORE=true. Students can use this link to purchase discounted tickets: https://secure.touchnet.net/C20027_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=390&SINGLESTORE=true.
