The crashing of waves and cawing of seagulls fill the theatre as Huntington Beach residents swarm on stage just before the arrival of John the Baptist. Face-melting riffs of the electric guitar introduce the first of many spectacular songs, “Ivory Tower of Babble.”
“Godspell,” a musical retelling of Jesus’ life and teachings takes a new approach to Bible stories and parables. Brethren Christian performs a modern adaptation of the story, which now takes place at the Huntington Beach pier. Interaction with the audience and connections to present-day pop culture are just two of the countless ways Brethren Christian makes “Godspell” a larger-than-life production.
Although the cast consists of numerous unexpectedly talented performers, there are a few individuals who manage to stand out even while part of the ensemble. Conrad Wong (as Jesus) has great delivery, such as that of a genuine preacher, and wows the audience with his impressive dancing. Spencer Stong never breaks character as the deceitful Judas, experiencing great cognitive dissonance through his conflicted thoughts and feelings.
Jazzi Roque, Emily Yang, and Ginger Luckey (as disciples) each execute outstanding solos, with their own distinct, powerful voices. The audience is taken aback at the witnessing their remarkable talent and professional stage presence.
Danielle Henry’s over-the-top comedic acting has the audience constantly laughing. Her various facial expressions and voice changes are anything but predicable.
The lighting design by Erik Alkire fits perfectly with not only the desired mood, but also the dialogue, of each scene. Daring color choices, such as bright red, elevate this production to the next level. A pleasantly surprising original element implemented by Brethren Christian is a silent film entitled, “The Good Samaritan” (created by Dawson Hoppes). This vintage short movie adds yet another element of comic relief, while still captivating the audience and contributing to the overall story.
The large, exuberant cast of “Godspell” pour their heart into each and every joyful melody, creating harmonies with lasting impressions. Brethren Christian showcases the talent found in the entire cast through this excellent production of “Godspell.” Their efforts are truly “All for the Best!”
