The final show of the season at The Arts Club Granville Island Stage, Godspell, is now playing, until August 1st.
The award winning musical, based on the gospel according to St Matthew, is a thoughtful, fun and eclectic telling of a series of familiar biblical parables. The Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) penned show debuted over 40 years ago but Sara-Jeanne Hosie direction and choreography keeps it fresh, making me forget the 2011 Broadway revival minutes into the performance. The show is designed to be contemporary, each production updating it to fit its time and setting. The Granville Island Stage turning into a bustling Jerusalem Train Station and like a busy station the varied demographic of passengers turn into the disciples of Jesus. In this show, a female Jesus, played by the charismatic Jennifer Copping, felt completely natural as did a child John the Baptist. In many productions, The Baptist and Judas Iscariot are the same player but here, Andrew Cohen leant a mature and conflicted nature to Judas.
This show frames the parables with references to Star Wars, TEDx, a yoga class and a game of charades with an audience member, making them relative to a modern audience.
The songs have maintained a familiar timeless quality while being adapted to various styles of pop, rock, swing and rap. Leading off with gospel fused “Prepare Ye” the cast filled the stage singing, dancing and playing the instruments, oft while doing both of the later. The whole cast filled the theatre with their energy and powerful voices but when called for, simplicity and peace reigned as with Craig Salkeld’s touching rendition of the ballad Beautiful City.
While the content may be biblical the show doesn’t come off as preachy, the message of love and community shining through. Feel the love of Godspell for yourself at the Arts Club Theatre’s Granville Island Stage until August 1st.