Last weekend, I had the pleasure of seeing Godspell on Broadway. The new revival is full of energy, inspiration, and heart. I’ve never seen a more engaging or encouraging show.
The show follows the book of Matthew in the Bible, and Hunter Parrish (Weeds, Spring Awakening, 17 Again) stuns as Jesus. He shares the stage with a small but remarkable ensemble of other young actors. Each ensemble member has a big solo number. I enjoyed several of the numbers in particular – “Prepare Ye, the Way of the Lord,” “Day by Day,” and “Light of the World,” but the highlight of the show for me was “We Beseech Thee,” led by the magnificent Nick Blaemire. During the song, the cast manages to sing excellently while jumping on trampolines – no easy task. You might recognize some ensemble members from TV appearances, like Anna Maria Perez de Tagle from Camp Rock and Telly Leung from Glee.
The shows joyful message will leave you aching for more. I loved it so much that I got tickets immediately to return three times, which is a lot considering I don’t live in New York City. I was especially lucky the night I went because I won the post-show lotto and received a free backstage tour. I saw the dressing rooms, props, stage, and backstage. I even met Hunter Parrish, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and Telly Leung on stage! The show incorporates trampolines, which I had the pleasure of testing the bounce on, and water pits, which I checked out because I could. After seeing what’s behind Godspell, I want to see it again even more.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Love Is Everlasting
It's been a while, and that's largely because I've been supporting my love, my passion - musical theatre. Most of October, I spent my free time seeing the Les Miserables 25th Anniversary Tour. My love for that show is endless and amazingly, it keeps on growing. J. Mark McVey, the current John Valjean, does an excellent job of portraying the story's themes of love, hope, and redemption. Les Miserables genuinely depicts one's ability to create a better life despite harsh, uncaring circumstances.
The entire ensemble is incredible. Chasten Harmon, Eponine, sings "On My Own" with amazing vigor. When she sings "pretending," I got chills every time, and I've seen her as Eponine 13 times. Betsy Morgan's Fantine is heartfelt, strong, and honest. Her rendition of "Dreamed a Dream" was magical and moving. Every night watching her die was very moving, and I loved when she returned from the dead to welcome Jean Valjean to Heaven. Andrew Varela almost made me a convert to Team Javert, almost. He rejuvenated the role of Javert and when he sang "Stars," I shivered from the power and talent behind his words. Joseph Spieldenner was the best Grantaire I have ever seen, and I have seen the show 31 times. His Grantaire had heart, courage, and joy. Watching him as Gavroche died was one of the highlights of the show. He also played a blind man exquisitely during "Master of the House." I looked forward to hearing him sing "Drink With Me" at every performance. I was fortunate to see many of Justin Scott Brown's final performances as Marius. He resembled the character portrayed in Victor Hugo's books magnificently. One of my favorite additions to this new version of the show was Kylie McVey, who played a young girl that was added to the ensemble. She is wise beyond her eight years. Her character made the show more believeable and realistic overall.
The show has many lyrics that are touching. My favorite line is "...for love is everlasting, and remember, the truth that once was spoken, to love another person is to see the face of God," I loved the tour so much, I already have plans to see it multiple times next year.
The entire ensemble is incredible. Chasten Harmon, Eponine, sings "On My Own" with amazing vigor. When she sings "pretending," I got chills every time, and I've seen her as Eponine 13 times. Betsy Morgan's Fantine is heartfelt, strong, and honest. Her rendition of "Dreamed a Dream" was magical and moving. Every night watching her die was very moving, and I loved when she returned from the dead to welcome Jean Valjean to Heaven. Andrew Varela almost made me a convert to Team Javert, almost. He rejuvenated the role of Javert and when he sang "Stars," I shivered from the power and talent behind his words. Joseph Spieldenner was the best Grantaire I have ever seen, and I have seen the show 31 times. His Grantaire had heart, courage, and joy. Watching him as Gavroche died was one of the highlights of the show. He also played a blind man exquisitely during "Master of the House." I looked forward to hearing him sing "Drink With Me" at every performance. I was fortunate to see many of Justin Scott Brown's final performances as Marius. He resembled the character portrayed in Victor Hugo's books magnificently. One of my favorite additions to this new version of the show was Kylie McVey, who played a young girl that was added to the ensemble. She is wise beyond her eight years. Her character made the show more believeable and realistic overall.
The show has many lyrics that are touching. My favorite line is "...for love is everlasting, and remember, the truth that once was spoken, to love another person is to see the face of God," I loved the tour so much, I already have plans to see it multiple times next year.
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