GODSPELL

 

CATS Youth Theatre are back with Godspell created by John-Michael Tebelak and Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. A letter at the beginning of the programme from Chairman Martin Roche quotes Einstein “Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world” Of this production - what well-chosen words! This show demands imagination of the cast and crew to deliver all the drama and theatrics. Louise Cohen Direction and Em Cohen Choreography make sure they take us on a journey of such imagination - energy backed up with an explosion of colour in the costumes with vivid primary colours (psychedelic and joyful) in an almost circus flare-look.

The costumes contrasted effectively with the bare brick back wall lined with construction fencing.  A ladder and two long planks of wood with sawhorse would become the world the actors inhabit. Set Design Louise Cohen, Alan Dodd and Simon White. Set Artist Simon White and Drew Hogben.  Large disco type uplighters lined both sides of the stage and the back was pink and turquoise. The ladder and planks would be used for all manner of things in different scenes. The lighting was particularly effective and put to good use throughout. Sound - they did have issues, which was a shame. I have to say the cast dealt with it in a very mature way. Lighting and Sound by Alan Dodd and Louise Cohen.

With nearly 30 young people in the cast, whose entrances were through the audience some great moments were created in tableaux and very effective.  This was more or less an ensemble piece with the chorus almost another character.   The prologue with the signs letting the audience know who had said what like Galileo and Jean Paul Sartre was executed well. The goats and sheep scene was hilarious and loved the Lazarus scene too - well done! Musical Director was Louise Cohen with Guest Conductor David Wilson putting them through their paces.

Madison Dilworth was Anna Marie, Rhianna Foster was Lindsay, Nathan Dodds was George, Ava Deveney was Morgan and Eve Bolton was Uzo. Some great characters and singing - loved Eve’s opening for By My Side.

Amy Costello as Celisse gave a great performance and was one of the cast members who didn’t let the sound issue phase her. Harry Fenwick as Telly - lovely performance and loved All Good Gifts. Harry Cohen as Nick gave a great comic performance with accents thrown in too, singing We Beseech Thee - Harry is fast becoming a very confident performer. Ethan Browne as Judas worked well with Jonathan as did all the cast. His On The Willows was beautiful and great energy in All For The Best – brilliant!

As I said before this was such an ensemble piece but I must mention Jonathan Allen as Jesus. It is very rare to witness such a mature measured performance and vocal expertise in one so young. He clearly delivered the message and you were with him every step of the way. I have to say I was so taken aback with the death scene - it was truly shocking - and that’s a good thing. I am all for theatre that makes an impact like it or not and this had impact - Brecht would be proud! Jonathan is definitely one to watch out for – excellent!

The cast, crew and committee have come out fighting and seeing so many young people on stage carrying the future of theatre before us was wonderful. I commend you - you should all be proud! Thank you from my guest and I for your hospitality

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep.

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