Godspell
Information
- Date
- 18th May 2018
- Society
- Jarrow Musical Theatre Company
- Venue
- Christ Church, Jarrow
- Type of Production
- Musical
- Director
- Michelle Coulson
- Musical Director
- Freda Carney
- Choreographer
- Catherine Hymers
The beautiful renaissance building that is Christ Church, Jarrow was the inspired setting for Jarrow’s production of Godspell. With their usual venue in the throes of remedial works they used the opportunity to transform the church into the ideal theatrical setting for the production. It turned out to be a clever move .With inspired choices in lighting and sound and singing and movement of the highest calibre it had an ethereal setting that was perfect for the biblical story of Jesus Christ’s last days leading up to his crucifixion. It also drew the audience more directly into the show with the stage prominently at the front of the church and the aisles being used by the cast to mix and interact with the audience. Behind that the High Altar and the beautiful stained glass window were lit in a variety of colours that reflected the musical pieces being performed.
This was due in the main to the artistic imagination of Director Michelle Coulson, Musical Director Freda Carney, Choreographer Catherine Hymers and a Stage, Sound and Lighting Team second to none.
To paraphrase the Director the production not only reflects Jesus’ last few days on earth but includes the dramatisation of well known parables and uses many theatrical styles such as mime, improvisation, vaudeville and physical theatre all of which were brilliantly dealt with by the cast as a whole.
There was a really happy feel to the event with the ensemble working to perfection. In addition we had ten Principals who represented the disciples and parable story tellers. These were Helen Bell, David Bruce, Lia Challoner, Lawrence Clark, Lily Cooke, Catherine Hymers, Jilliane Reay Hindson, Danielle Roche, Alan Tomkins and Frances Wood all of whom gave stellar performances. Fronting these were Michael Curry as Jesus and Joe Coulson as John/Judas who in these crucial roles not only performed to the same high level as the other principals but added that extra element which gave us the finished product.
Finally one cannot end the report without a mention of that vital element the musical numbers. There are many wonderful numbers in the show but the stand out ones for me were “Prepare Ye”, “Day by Day” “All for the Best” “Light of the World” “By My Side” “We Beseech Thee” Beautiful City” “On the Willows” and of course “Finale”
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