Broadway comes to Ivoryton in “Godspell”

IVORYTON — Why take a train or drive into New York City when just an hour away at the historic Ivoryton Playhouse you can see a top notch Broadway-quality production of “Godspell” for a fraction of the price of Broadway tickets.
What a show. The youthful cast supplies enough energy to light up a town, and they invest every bit of enthusiasm and joy they have to their various parts.
“Godspell” is an archaic form of the word “Gospel,” and the musical is based on the on the Gospel of St. Matthews, with parables and teachings from the bible, such as the story of Noah and the Ark, the Prodigal Son, and central to all is the story of Jesus and his eventual betrayal by Judas, his death, and rebirth.
The show begins with the cast members dressed in dark and somber clothing, speaking as philosophers about thought and logic, when John the Baptist, played by Chris Gleim, who also makes a fine and tormented Judas, enters and sings the simple and beautiful “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord.”
Next thing you know, everyone is dressed in a riot of greens, blues, oranges, purples, and yellows, and love is in the air.
All of the songs, which range from ballads, to rock, to vaudeville, and even some rap, are really fantastic, with lyrics and music by Stephen Schwartz, but probably the one most recognized because it made it to the music charts in its time, is “Day by Day.”
The 1970 musical was first conceived as a master thesis by John Michael Tabela at Carnegie-Mellon University and took off from there, moving to off-Broadway, a film in 1973, eventually heading to Broadway in 1976, and has been on the community and church theater circuit ever since.
Jesus, lovingly played by Joshua Isaacs, narrates the acted-out biblical stories. The rest of the cast members, who are identified by their real names and also play various parts in the bible, are on stage for the entire two acts.
Tiana Checcia gives a fine clear performance singing “Day by Day,” while Elisabeth Cernadas who sings “O Bless the Lord My Soul” has a lovely voice you want to hear again.
Robert W. Scwartz Jr. too is super in his rendition of the powerful showstopper “All Good Gifts,.”
Not to leave anyone out of this fine ensemble group, Brent Barker sings the closing first act song, the rousing “Light of the World,” and Patrick H. Dunn is potently energetic singing “We Beseech Thee.”
Starting the second act with a bang is Nicole Heriot who does a campy, vampy bit singing the sultry “Turn Back, O Man.” Jorie Janeway sings the lovely and melancholy “Where Are You Going?” with backup by the perky and pert Hillary Ekwall.
Just as in the original production, at intermission the cast members gather near the stage and offer wine to the audience — a nice touch.
The set, designed by Daniel Nischan, is dominated by a massive, impressive chain link fence, a simple but useful backdrop for the actors to variously play with, struggle against, and climb.
What a great way to say goodbye to winter and welcome in spring in this upbeat, life-affirming, timeless production of “Godspell.”

GODSPELL

3½ Stars
Location: Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main Street, Ivoryton, CT
Production: Written by John Michael Tabela. Music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Directed by Lawrence Thelen. Choreography by Lisa Niedermeyer. Musical direction by John S. DeNicola. Scenic designer Daniel Nischan. Lighting designer and production manager Doug Harry. Costume designer Pam Puente.
Running time: 2 hours plus one intermission.
Show Times: Wednesday and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Wednesday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. through Apr. 5.
Tickets: $35 for adults, $30 for previews and seniors, $20 for students, and $15 for children 12 and under. Call the box office at 860-767-7318, or visit their website at www.ivorytonplayhouse.org
ACTOR…CHARACTER
Joshua Isaacs … Jesus
Chris Gleim … John/Judas
Tiana Checchia … Tiana
Patrick H. Dunn… Patrick
Elisabeth Cernadas … Elisabeth
Jorie Janeway … Jorie
Robert W. Schultz Jr. … Robert
Hillary Ekwall … Hillary
Brent Barker … Brent
Nicole Heriot … Nicole