These days, it has become common to throw Bible verses at each other like poisoned javelins.
That is not necessarily a new phenomenon. Throughout history, the Bible has more often been used as a political weapon than as a teaching tool or true guide. That’s a big part of what keeps a show like Godspell relevant.
Lucky Penny has opened an all-female version of the 1971 musical adaptation of the Book of Matthew. Yes, there have been some updates to the time and place, but overall, the script’s main message of being good to others and leading with love is firmly intact. Directed by Barry Martin, it runs in Napa through March 22.
The original Godspell was conceived as a student production at Carnegie Mellon University. It has been remounted multiple times, and there are various versions, but the core is the same. Jesus (Sarah Lundstrom) and his disciples (Hannah Brudney, Andrea Davis, Arri Toshiko Glenn, Marjory Harper, Cait Pederson, Erin Smith, Emma Sutherland) take turns teaching parables while Judas (Daniela Innocenti Beem) waits for the right moment to strike.
This is an extremely talented and fearless cast. Even amongst the high level of talent, special note should be given to Erin Smith’s heartfelt rendition of “By My Side” and Hannah Brudney’s impressive (and energetic) dancing.
Lundstrom is a very gentle Jesus, which works well most of the time, but robs the power of songs like “Alas for You,” where the outrage necessary for the piece is missing. Similarly, due to Beem’s gravitas and stage presence, she is a magnificent Judas and a good John. But between those two roles, there is a lot of light-hearted whimsy in which she feels out of place. A lot of that out-of-place feeling comes from her costuming.
Godspell costumes have caused confusion and controversy from the very first production, where the concept of “Christ as Clown” from Harvey Cox’s Feast of Fools was taken literally. While the depth of this concept is quite interesting from an academic standpoint, it’s not easy to pull off in practice without everyone looking more foolish than rebellious.
Sadly, Taylor Bartolucci’s costumes for this production missed the mark, looking more incohesive than purposefully clownlike. Most importantly, choosing not to costume Jesus and John/Judas as clowns meant that the disciples’ costumes were actively working against the story of the disciples becoming Christ-like.
Despite these issues, this production gets the message right and, as storytellers, that’s what really matters.
‘Godspell’ runs through March 22 at the Lucky Penny Community Arts Center, 1758 Industrial Way, Napa. Thurs–Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 2pm. $25–$47. 707.266.6305. luckypennynapa.com.
