Review of 'Godspell' by Sacred Heart University TAP

Pictured above: The cast of GODSPELL AT SHU All photos courtesy of SHU Theatre Arts Program (TAP)

Dedicated to the memory of my father Austin Sasso who encouraged me to learn my lessons well at Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT - Sacred Heart University Theatre Arts Program in conjunction with Chartwells and Pepsi are presenting GODSPELL as part of this year’s Summer Repertory Theatre. Equity member Jim Schilling served as director with this group of SHU students and Anthony Patino (BARNUM) was the producer; Jerry Goehring is the Director of Performing Arts at my alma mater.

It is no secret that this musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John Michael Tebelak is one of my favorites, and I am quite picky about all things GODSPELL. I could not stop smiling at the joyful performances of the talented university students that brought to life this musical series of parables based mostly on the Gospel of Matthew. I realized that I have seen this show so many times that not only do I know every lyric, I have also memorized a significant amount of the spoken lines.

So what did I love about this production? Just about everything. Wonderfully joyous lighting by SHU junior Kevin McVeigh highlighted the traditional chain link fence set designed by all the students in this Theatre Arts Program. Paper cups inserted into the fencing in the shape of a heart was a nice touch; they did not survive the wailing of the cast during the crucifixion scene. One had to appreciate the topical references inserted into the script, including a running gag involving the current President that began in the Lazarus parable and was carried off very well by the multi-talented Justin Weigel. Other riffs I noted were a nod to the Broadway show WICKED (love it!,) the Hotel California and a plea to “occupy Bridgeport,” although technically SHU is located in Fairfield.

Costumes by Jenna Sheridan were cheerfully GODSPELL-appropriate without being over the top, and were even better than the ones in the promotional photos released prior to opening night. Jesus distributed unique vests out of an old suitcase to each of his followers at the top of act one and then collected them at the beginning of his Passion in act two. The onstage musicians under the skillful direction of Music Director Len Carusone covered the new score by Stephen Schwartz; at times I still miss the old version that I love. Joyful choreography by Simone DePaulo was the finishing touch. My one quibble would be with the sound design of Joey Marriot that was spotty at best and that I hope has been corrected for the remaining shows.

I was so proud of the SHU students that I have come to know, especially the three that graduated in May but returned to appear in the summer theatre series. In alphabetical order were junior Jake Doble (BARNUM, IN THE HEIGHTS, BE MORE CHILL, JCS, WORKING,) whose “All Good Gifts” was simply outstanding. This solo was the perfect choice for his wonderful tenor voice. Junior Hannah Jones (BARNUM, WORKING) took the lead adorably in “Learn Your Lessons Well.” Zachary Thompson Lane (BARNUM, IN THE HEIGHTS, TICK, TICK, BOOM!”) was of course superb in the role of Jesus in his final production at the university. His rendition of “Beautiful City” was well, beautiful. This young actor will head to Terry Knickerbocker Studio in the fall.

Junior Delaney Lynch (BARNUM, NEXT TO NORMAL) brought her sultry best and the requisite feather boa to “Turn Back, O Man” and engaged the audience well. Jordan Norkus (BARNUM, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, MACBETH) sang beautifully on the duet “By My Side” in her 14th and final SHU production. I can’t imagine anyone else than junior Courtney O’Shea (BARNUM, IN THE HEIGHTS, BE MORE CHILL, AVENUE Q) singing the iconic “By My Side.”

Stachakay Silvera (IN THE HEIGHTS, AVENUE Q) took the lead with plenty of stage presence on “Bless the Lord.” Tori Vacca (BARNUM) lit up the stage as the other part of “By My Side” and signed along on “Day by Day.” Senior Serge Valcourt (IN THE HEIGHTS, JCS, MACBETH) arrived on a razor scooter in the dual role of John the Baptist/Judas and brought fine acting skills to both roles. As John, he baptized the cast and audience using a water bottle during “Prepare Ye” and he charmed his way through “All Through the Best” with Zach. Rising junior Mike Villanueva (NEXT TO NORMAL, IN THE HEIGHTS) brought his memorable stage presence (“Question!”) and a great singing voice when he led “Light of the World.” And finally, SHU junior Justin Weigel (BARNUM himself, NEXT TO NORMAL, AVENUE Q, CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF, and more) always stands out and his lead on “We Beseech Thee” was no exception.

To Zachary, Jordan and Stachakay: I will miss seeing you perform on this stage and Godspeed in all of your future endeavours.

Remaining performances are Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3pm in the Edgerton Center for the Arts auditorium at SHU. Click the link or buy tickets at the door. http://edgertoncenter.org/buy_tickets.php

Nancy Sasso Janis (Look Dad, I'm on the radio!) Photo by J. Timothy Quirk

Nancy Sasso Janis, a SHU graduate '81, '89, has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewe