Lampost Theatre Shines with Godspell Production
by: Matthew Hundley
A couple years back, Lampost brought their unique interpretation of the Godspell musical to Cedar Falls for a couple nights at First Baptist Church. At the time, Jesus Christ Superstar had just finished its run at the Waterloo Community Playhouse and Hair was just about to begin at Theatre UNI. Of the three, Lampost’s Godspell took the cake.
Now they have brought back the production again for a longer run with a new ensemble and a new venue.
The production itself dates back to the early 70’s. A time fraught with dichotomies: spiritual awakening and fleshly excesses; social activism and an explosion of consumerism.
Fittingly, out of this contradictory time, came two very popular yet contrasting musicals about Jesus.
Jesus Christ Superstar, the eclectic, high-energy rock opera, which casts aside traditional theology of Jesus and focuses on the “what ifs” of Christ's humanity in the days leading to crucifixion.
And Godspell, which focuses on the heart of Jesus’ teachings; sticking closely to the text of Matthew’s Gospel. Its folksy feel seeks to capture the heart.
It has been said that when John-Michael Tebelak first conceived of the play, it came from a desire to bring he Gospel to life for the people of the day.
The idea struck him during an Easter service that he later described as “seeming to endeavor to roll the stone back over the tomb rather than celebrate the resurrection.”
It is this spirit of celebration that Lampost seeks to capture in their production. To fully enjoy it, we may need to (as Jesus said) “become as little children.”
The Lampost production succeeds when it capitalizes upon the childlike nature of the players.
The production opens with a piece called “The Tower of Babble,” a great show opener that plays upon the consumerism, hypermedia and philosophic trends. A mix of video, computer screen shots, song, dance and sound effects that really pulls you into the world of the production.
There were many things that really worked in this production. I especially liked character acting bits; the times when the cast surrounds the audience – with flashlights for example; and, the scene where they are pretending to be children playing or when they launch into slapstick.
Other highlights for me are performances by Davis Michaelsen, who reprises his role for Lampost as Jesus. Betsy McGovern, the cheerleader, is an incredible character actor and her acting and singing performances really stand out in this production. Wartburg student Rachel Olson has a fantastic voice. The duet between Rachel and Carrie Reason in the second half is wonderful.
On the downside, the ensemble includes some fine actors who could use some vocal training, and some terrific singers who could use some acting help. (Granted a three day run at three different locations and winter starting to break could have a bearing on some of the voices involved.)
The venue poses its own challenges. When the cast plays off of the homey feel it works well - sitting with the crowd, pulling audience members in to participate.
Sitting back a couple rows some of the theatrics below waist level get lost (Lampost is now working to remedy this). The other challenge that this venue offers is sound. At times, the ability to hear soloist was difficult and the mix of voices and music gets muddled.
Overall I enjoyed this production and I enjoyed seeing it at Lampost – where else can I grab a double shot of espresso to enjoy while I watch a play.
I brought in high expectations having seen this production by Lampost in the past. For the most part the ensemble plays well off each other and the theatrics are pulled off well. There are a few weak singing voices, but in a play where audience and cast alike are called to be childlike, we can be forgiving.
More information at Posted: November 22, 2003  
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