|
|
|
|
WCBS TV 2
GODSPELL
by LEONARD HARRIS
I’m told that almost everyone connected with this musical, “Godspell” has come out of Carnegie Tech, Stephen Schwartz, who wrote the music and those lyrics not supplied by the New Testament; John Michael Tebelak, who conceived and directed the musical, most of the cast.
Well, they must be doing something right at Carnegie Tech. “Godspell” takes on a dangerous conceit. It’s based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, and it starts in a collegiate tone of voice...but before long it turns into a delight. .a genuine, bright-. eyed, dewy cheeked, bouncy delight. Five young ladies, five young men; their subject the life, the teachings, the parables of Jesus. . .according to St. Matthew. It could have been tasteless; it could have been pretentious. It’s neither. First credit must go to Mr. Tebelak. The idea and the staging are remarkable • If this is not a fluke, we have ourselves a real director here . Next, Mr. Schwartz. His songs are marvelous, even if he had help with the lyrics.
And the cast…all of them wonderful. I do want to single out Gilmer McCormick, who hurt her foot badly in the first act...I could see the blood under her shoe…and yet not only carried on, but was superb. Maybe somebody up there liked “Godspell.” I know that somebody in the fourth row on the aisle did.
(Click the picture below to return to the Reviews section.)
bravenet.com