Godspell

 Imagine, if you can, a Sunday school class, straight out of the 1970s, taught by Jesus and his 12, foot-stomping, hand-clapping disciples. In musical form. On Ritalin. Godspell, Hoof ‘n Horn’s fall musical, takes viewers on a campy ride through the whole gamut of Jesus’ teachings, from loving thy neighbor to sharing with others less fortunate. 

A crazy production, Godspell wouldn’t have been much more than a restating of the Bible if the cast hadn’t done all they could to make it entertaining—and entertaining it was. Complete with interactive cast-audience charades and a very relevant, albeit slightly cheesy, crack about swine flu, this performance promises to keep audience on the edge of their seats.

The musical spreads the Gospel of St. Matthew, teaching about parents forsaken by their sons, good samaritans and goats that failed to invite Jesus into their homes when he was naked and homeless through a series of peppy song-and-dance numbers. Any unifying plot takes a back seat to the actual lessons of each scene. But the lack of plot does not detract from the overall appeal.

Godspell boasts a strong cast, at its height vocally during group numbers. It has unwaivering energy through the entirety of the performance—at times singing right in your face if you’re lucky enough to snag a front row seat (though, be prepared for some collateral spit damage). At times, the energy level tip-toes the thin line between enjoyable and overwhelming, but tends toward enjoyable. 

I never went to Sunday school as a child, but I can imagine that if it had been more like Godspell, I probably would have. A solid musical performance, if you want to laugh along with thy neighbor and brush up on Bible lessons at the same time, seeing Godspell should be on your to-do list.