Bellmore Movie Theater Is Under a "Godspell"

Once the doors opened at Bellmore Movie Theater on Sunday, March 14, the waiting crowd made their way to their seats in anticipation of being charmed by the cast of "Godspell."

While torrential rain, high winds and massive power outages could have been reason to stay home, that didn't seem to be the case for those in attendance.

In the audience were Joanne McHenry and her daughter Crissy Mullooly from with her 3-year-old daughter, who was already enjoying her bag of popcorn. McHenry said that three generations of her family have already seen "Godspell" while McHenry has seen it no less than 12 times and was as eager to see the latest performance as if it were going to be her first time. Mullooly was happy, as well, especially since she was worried that the inclement weather was going to ruin the day.

"At 3 a.m. during the storm, all I could think of was that, I hope I don't miss 'Godspell,'" Mullooly said.

Mullooly said her favorite part was the music.

She said they had the soundtrack in her car and that her young daughter was familiar with all the songs.

"And they always update it [the musical] for the times," she continued.

Then the lights dimmed and the show began.

"Godspell", produced by Kevin and Phyllis Harrington and presented by The Plaza Players, Ltd. for Plaza Theatrical Productions, Inc., is a boisterous, colorful musical based on the Gospel of Matthew. If one expects the scenery and costumes to be from biblical times, however, they will be in for a surprise, especially when Jesus, played by Keith Panzarella, is helped to slip into a Superman shirt.

Panzarella of Malverne told Patch he has been acting since a little kid and remembers his first play was when he was in third grade. According to his bio from the program, he is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.  

The rest of the cast, a lively group that plays a variety of characters from the Bible, including goats and sheep, keeps the action going from onstage and off, since they occasionally bring the show into the audience for participation. Mallory Berlin, Ariel Bethany, Lauren DiLorenzo, Diana Henenberg, Meghan Miles, Phil Provenzano, Jeremy Smith, who plays both John the Baptist and Judas, Jennifer Szakolczay, and Dan Stalter implement a variety of theatrical tools that include rapping and tap and soft-shoe dancing. Berlin gives a touching performance when she sings "By My Side." Berlin, who is from Northport, recently graduated from Ithaca College with degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education.

By the time the cast sang, "Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord," signaling the show's end, the audience had been given a taste of broadway in Bellmore and applauded mightily. "Godspell" will be performed again at the Bellmore Movie Theater on Sunday, March 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Also look for other productions at the theater, as well as the latest movies.

As the lights went up, McHenry called the show "wonderful."

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