A series of rockin’, rollickin’ parables celebrating the Gospel according to Saint Matthew in the current production of Godspell also delivers some very timely messages to the Cayman Islands.
The rousing Cayman Drama Society production stays true to the themes of forgiveness and justice, as well as some timely messages – including love your enemies and pray for your persecutors – all striking a chord in the wake of recent violence on island.
Of course there are many lighter moments throughout in this inventive staging of the 1971 off-Broadway musical, which marks the directorial debut of the multi-talented Teri Quappe. Putting a modern twist on the original concept, Quappe sets her characters in a night club with Jesus as – what else – the bartender.
“He becomes the leader and in normal life in some cases the bartender can also be our ‘counsellor,’ that helps people sort through problems,” Quappe says in the playbill’s director’s notes.
Shane Allenger’s strong vocals draw the focus to Jesus, backed up by an entire virtuoso cast – with many familiar faces, including director Quappe, who, remarkably, acts, sings, dances and directs in one fell swoop.
The energetic production, backed by superb local musicians (including Quappe’s parents), maintains some of the elements of the original musical by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, but adds original and creative twists that make it a special staging for Cayman theatre-goers.
Cast
Shane Allenger – Jesus
Joe Roberts – Jeffrey
Neil Hamaty – Herb
Kate Allenger – Joanne
Jacoline Frank – Robin
Lisa Bowyer – Peggy
Valerie Hoppe – Gilmer
Teri Quappe – John, Judas, Sonia
Barrie Quappe – Babble Voice
Significant others
Director Teri Quappe
Producer Leo Bloom
Stage Manager Mary Anne Kosa
Band – The Holey Spirits
Chuck Quappe
Barrie Quappe
Bugs Wilson
Mark McTaggart
GODSPELL
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