John Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz's 37-year-old musical, “Godspell,” has been slightly revamped and modified with contemporary epitaphs added to its dialogue and a 21st-century disaster as its setting.

The Hermosa Beach Playhouse and director Stephanie A. Coltrin have set the show in New Orleans, La., right after Hurricane Katrina.

The concept adds an edge and desperation to the piece that lifts it out of just a simple, cheery, celebratory feeling. The consequences and devastation of the setting magnify thematic aspects of spiritual contemplation that the hymns, zealous songs of worship, can, at times, overshadow. The time and setting of the piece is not simply window dressing; they give the show a deeper, richer tone by giving good news during a bad situation.

An ensemble of players, led by Elijah Reyes (Jesus), presents many of Jesus' parables with a story theater presentation: pantomime, improvisation and song. The conditions of this genre accompanied by the soft rock choral hymns juxtaposed with the devastation and anarchy of Katrina would seem to be in direct conflict - imagine “Up with People” touring Baghdad. However, the setting detracts from the Pollyanna feeling that is indicative to the story theater presentation and inadvertently italicizes Jesus' message that faith and unconditional love derive from moral strength and courage.

Besides a well-thought-out concept, Coltrin has cast her show with passionate and diverse talent. Lateefah DeVoe, Ted Escobar, Marianna Frendo, Jessica Gisin-Mosley, Matthew Koehler, Chuck Pelletier, Ken Robinson, Aileen Marie Scott, Robert Steinmiller, Anne Fraser Thomas, Lola Ward and the aforementioned Reyes were fully committed to their respective roles. Conductor Jeffrey Rockwell and his band are placed at right center, giving Schwartz's music a fresh New Orleans jazzy sound. Choreographer Karen Nowicki creates memorable images on stage; and the sights and sounds of the production team of Karen L. Cornejo, Michael Tushaus, John Feinstein and Erik Bleuer are also well-conceived. “Godspell” is an inspiring representation of what Easter is all about.

Theatre Preview:
"The Nerd"
EASY READER - Mar 27, 2007