Jesus and his followers graced the stage of EHS’s auditorium on Thursday, March 14, with the Drama Club’s spring production of “Godspell”—a show that blessed the audience with fantastic musical numbers, dramatic performances, and stunning set design.
“Godspell” is a vivid and passionate show from start to finish. Covering many common Biblical parables, from the Good Samaritan to the betrayal of Judas, it chronicles the life and work of Jesus Christ among followers and non-believers alike.
The magic of “Godspell” begins the moment you set foot in the auditorium and lay eyes on the set and stage. Soaring panels of Technicolor fabric rivaling the beauty of Joseph’s coat hang from the rafters; stained-glass montages that hint at the vibrant attitude of the production to come. A curved set of platforms raise the actors above a yawning sun stage that slopes easily into the crowd, and colored spotlights lend an ethereal tone to the entire collection.
The set and stage is only the first part of “Godspell” to make an impact, however. As the actors take their places on stage, projections of historic philosophers and scientists fall on the walls to either side of the stage. The actors embrace the persona of each figure in turn and speak to the audience, beginning the show in a deeply powerful fashion.
As resplendent as the set and stage are, though, they serve mostly to glorify the voices and acting of EHS’ Drama Club. Filled with numbers that burst with emotion and passion at every turn, “Godspel”l demands the best of those presenting it to the public—which is exactly what lead performers Brennan Davis and Logan Sherrill bring with them, along with eight disciples, played by Abby Goeckner, Mikhaela Romoser, Aaron Johnson, Hannah Andres, Connor Lewis, Abby Davis, Erika Clark, and Destin Woods. The script technically calls for a cast of ten, but an ensemble of 18 rounds out the cast for the production.
Sherrill plays Judas alongside Davis as Jesus throughout the show, and the two make for a truly dynamic duo. Their performances are powerful and well-executed, at some points even eliciting tears from the audience. Both perform solo pieces, later augmented by the rest of the ensemble to create an extremely well-done performance.
Not all the scenes involve only Jesus and Judas, however—nor, even, an entirely serious tone. The ensemble rolls through scene and song, seemingly without a pause for breath, gaining momentum at every turn. Bright and exciting pieces make the audience gasp, and more comedic sections have some viewers rolling in their seats. Twice during the show, the ensemble brings the show off-stage and into the audience, once to distribute piles of glowsticks, and again for hundreds of vividly colored carnations.
The show culminates in an emotionally charged depiction of the crucifixion, after which the ensemble lifts Jesus (Davis) above their heads and carries him among the crowd and out of the auditorium, their voices rising in a song that, rather than grief-filled, is hopeful and speaks of love and new beginnings.
Godspell is truly worthy of praise, from the set, to the actors, to the voices. Each scene brings out the best in its performers, resulting in a piece of theater that is both touching and exciting. It tugs decidedly at your heartstrings, and I promise…you don’t mind it a bit.