5 things to know about hit ‘Godspell’ at Porthouse Theatre

Kerry Clawson, Akron Beacon Journal
·4 min read
Akron resident Brian Hirsch, center, a recent Kent State graduate, portrays George in the Porthouse Theatre product of "Godspell."
Akron resident Brian Hirsch, center, a recent Kent State graduate, portrays George in the Porthouse Theatre product of "Godspell."

Porthouse Theatre has a hit on its hands with its ultra-animated, fun-loving production of the classic musical "Godspell," featuring a highly talented cast of 10 at the outdoor summer theater adjacent to Blossom Music Center.

Audiences, who are encouraged to pack a picnic and nosh at one of the many tables or under a pavilion on the beautiful grounds before the show, should know these details about the production.

Modernized version: This rendition is the Broadway revival version of "Godspell," which ran in 2011-2012. (The Stephen Schwartz musical premiered on Broadway in 1976.) Porthouse's show starts with cast members glued to their cellphones but then renouncing them and throwing them to the ground to follow Jesus (Ben Piché ).

More: ‘Pippin’ wows with high-flying circus artistry, dazzling performances

The musical, directed and choreographed by Kent State University alum Dylan Ratell, has a number of modern pop cultural references, including a musical reference to Carrie Underwood, a rapping story of the Good Samaritan and a comical bit spoofing Donald Trump. The show also features some different instrumentations from the original and even has a slower tempo and different rhythm for part of the vaudevillian-style number "All For the Best," when Judas (Tyrell Reggins) is singing.

Contrasting acts: "Godspell" starts out in a lighthearted vein, with the fun-loving ensemble cavorting with bubble machines and dancing with ribbons as they throw themselves into learning Jesus' parables in the first act. The show takes a dramatic turn in the second act, as the story takes on much more gravitas and heartbreak leading to the crucifixion of Jesus.

Ben Piché stars as Jesus in Porthouse Theatre's "Godspell."
Ben Piché stars as Jesus in Porthouse Theatre's "Godspell."

No one illustrates the shift between acts more clearly than Ben Piché as Jesus, who seems like just one of the gang who has some lessons to share in the first act but becomes a clear spiritual leader in the second act. Piché sings lightly in the first act, but as Jesus becomes angry and frightened in the second act, shows the depth and power of his voice as he pulls out all the stops with his singing.

More: Theater Review: 'Little Shop' more than a little fun at Porthouse Theatre

Great singing: This musical is the ultimate ensemble piece and success depends on a fabulous blend of voices, which this show achieves. The cast, made up of nearly all current KSU students or graduates, entertains with excellent harmonies in genres ranging from R&B to pop, including the very complex "Tower of Babble."

Of special note, Brian Hirsch of Akron, a recent KSU grad, brings rock star-like dance moves and explosive singing to "Light of the World" as George and KSU student Charlie Adair of Bath brings beautiful emotion to "All Good Gifts" as Telly.

More: 'Newsies' an exciting celebration of young underdogs at Weathervane Playhouse in Akron

Splashy costumes: Designer Victoria Mearini's are cute, eclectic and quirky. She's created a cool blend between 1920s-looking circus wear and hippy, dippy looks. Those costumes range from red pants, yellow shoes and suspenders for Evan Waggoner's Nick to patchwork jeans, a halter top and platform sandals for Megan Polk's Lindsay.

Dramatic final staging: The lights and staging for the final scenes depicting the Last Supper and the Crucifixion will take your breath away. One moment, the cast is seated on the ground for the Last Supper, gathered around a long, flat, irregular-shaped piece of wood that had sat on top of a bench. Next, that same piece of wood is used as a board to lift Piché's Jesus up to standing position to be crucified atop a costume trunk. Incredible lighting by Jason Potts, combined with Ratell's simple but highly effective staging, leaves those final moments etched in memory.

Arts and restaurant writer Kerry Clawson may be reached at 330-996-3527 or kclawson@thebeaconjournal.com.

Details

Musical: "Godspell"

Where: Porthouse Theatre, 3143 O'Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls

When: Continuing through July 23, 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays, sold out Sunday

Where: Porthouse Theatre, 3143 O'Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls

Onstage: Brian Hirsch, Charlie Kadair, Sean McCrimmon, Rylie McIntyre, Aylah Khi-Reign, Jennie Nassar, Ben Piché, Megan Polk, Tyrell Reggins, Margo Tipping, Jocelyn Trimmer, Evan Waggoner

Offstage: Stephen Schwartz, music and lyrics; John-Michael Tebelak, book; Dylan Ratell, director/choreographer; Alexandre Marr, music director; Jason Potts, lighting designer; Devin Gallo, technical director/scenic designer; Victoria Mearini, costume designer; Annabell Mallard, sound designer; Dani Vanasse, props manager; Faith Roush, stage manager; Tom Humes, production stage manager

Cost: $34-$45 general admission

Information: www.porthousetheatre.com or 330-672-3884 

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: ‘Godspell’ a breath of fresh air at Porthouse Theatre