'Godspell' by Northwestern Regional 7 Theatre - My Review

Godspell in one of my all-time favorite shows. I know I probably have more all-time favorites than most, but Godspell was the first musical that I saw on Broadway, so it will always hold a special place in my heart. Back in the seventies I saw a cast that included Sesame Street's Sonia Manzano.

The Northwestern Regional 7 Theatre is up in Winchester/Winsted, another of those "take Route 8 to the end" locations. The high school itself is extremely easy to find and the small theatre is named for the venerable Les Ober, who recently directed the Warner's A View from the Bridge. Parents sporting psychedelic Godspell shirts and manned the concessions in the hallway. I got the tip about the production from CJ Barber's family and I was glad that I attended.

Guy H. Hayes directed this joyful group of teens with the assistance of technology teacher Keith Winegar, another Warner person. Dr. Hayes is a physicist and teacher of Integrated Science, Physics and Astronomy, oh and he has directed theater here for nine seasons. I liked that the show began with the philosophers that I don't recall seeing in any other production and the choreography by Kristin Mudge on the raked stage was perfect. Mr. Winegar designed the simple black set that set off the colorful costumes worn by the characters designed by Sue Zygmont. Students helped with costumes, set, lighting and painting.

I own the soundtracks of both the Broadway show and the movie, so I know the lyrics to all of the songs and predictably I notice when they are changed. There were a few changes, and "Beautiful City" was omitted, but overall I loved the music. I thought the dancing in "Oh Bless the Lord, My Soul" was perfect and the staging of "All Good Gifts' was impressive. The small pit band conducted by Pam Aseltine sat onstage and was perfect for the space.

This cast of 22 students included many great voices and fine actors. The boys were outnumbered, but Adam Rivera, Jacob Taylor and Liam Maltby (as John the Baptist) were so much fun to watch.

Senior Skylar Zygmont began the show by asking a young man in the audience to go to the prom with her. She also did a fine job in the tricky role of Judas. Alanna Sinclair, a senior from Norfolk, was also strong in the role of Jesus; she sang, danced and pulled off the magic tricks. This talented young lady will be heading to UCONN to study photography.

Senior Angie Bosse played the sultry Sonia extremely well and senior Ashley Ryan was luminous as Joanne.  CJ Barber, a sophomore from Colebrook and a young veteran of the Warner and the Thomaston Opera House, was adorable as Robin. She is such a natural onstage and rocked her solos on "Day by Day" and "All Good Gifts." Mia Famularo, Caroline Bremer, Jenna Noell, Jackie Chase and Trinity Hagan all did well in featured roles, as did all the members of the ensemble.