GODSPELL JR

Godspell is always a joyful show with deeper meaning, and the Junior version gave us this, with the joy and energy of a confident cast of young people.

The setting was good, performed in the round, with just a platform in the middle of the performance area, which allowed the featured performers the chance to stand out.  The props were good and suitable.

Costumes were colourful and loved the colour with the cast investing in make up and hairdo’s in keeping with the ethos of the production.

Choreography was simple but made use of the various abilities of the cast, which I enjoyed. 

I was impressed with the general level of improvement from all the performers, it is great to see this increase in the standard attained, so well done to everyone.  A small point…. mostly everyone was engaged in the expressiveness required, but there were a couple of girls who kept their eyes downcast, and didn’t engage with the audience although being expressive in other ways.

Lighting was atmospheric, helping to create the relevant scenes, and mostly sound was good, although there were a couple of places when the track was a little too loud for the singer, particularly in Jesus’ first number, but after that it was mostly good.  I liked the use of hand mics for the cast members who needed them.

It was interesting that the only named parts were Jesus, Judas and John the Baptist, played by Lucia Kidman, Isabelle Georgesou and Callum Bird, this enabled the rest of the ensemble to take on the smaller parts that were suited to them.

I would have liked Lucia to project a little more at the beginning of the show, but she gained in confidence and volume over the course of the show, telling the story well.

Callum Bird was excellent in the opening song, a fantastic start to the show, he has grown in his performance skills.  The Company joined in with gusto.

Isabelle Georgesou performed her song extremely well, creating the necessary anguish for Judas, and a good contrast to the joy of the rest of the cast.

I felt that sometimes the exuberance of the performers went a little over the top, and overshadowed the form and structure of the number concerned, sometimes it is more effective if the action is slightly reined in.

 

Lovely to see increased numbers – all giving their best.  Space precludes me from mentioning everyone by name, but be assured I have noted each and everyone’s performance and was impressed not only with the improvement overall, but also the quality of performance.  Some very accomplished young people, which it is a joy to see.

My thanks to Parados for their hospitality, always a pleasure to see their productions and chat with everyone involved and get a flavour of the work put into making this a successful show, which the audience loved.  Very well done to you all.

Nova Horley

NODA Representative - NODA East District 3

 

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