Cape Cod theater: Music in 'Godspell' and a psychological thriller in 'Death and the Maiden'
There's one show on the Upper Cape and one on the Mid-Cape available to go out and see this weekend, with proof of COVID-19 vaccination and masks required for both.
New is "Death and the Maiden," a dramatic, timely show that was almost ready to bow at Cotuit Center for the Arts when the pandemic started nearly two years ago. It's now on the Main Stage with a chilling story to tell. At Highfield Theatre, Falmouth Theatre Guild is presenting a reimagined version of "Godspell," a 1970s musical that tells Biblical parables through song, games and storytelling. We have a review:
What's new
'Death and the Maiden' in Cotuit
Audiences ready for a psychological thriller can find Ariel Dorfman’s “Death and The Maiden” playing at Cotuit Center for the Arts (4404 Falmouth Road, or Route 28) at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Jan. 27-Feb. 13.
The story is set in the early 1990s when a man has recently been appointed a Minister of Justice and his committee is charged with investigating human rights atrocities committed by the previous regime. According to information from the center, the man’s wife was a victim of those atrocities 15 years earlier and a doctor who arrives may be one of her tormenters.
At the movies: Family's pandemic-born horror thriller gets weeklong run at Chatham movie theater
Although the actual country is not named, center information notes, Dorfman is a native of Chile, wrote this play soon after the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet was deposed from power and has not denied the historical connection.
Center officials warn some of the language is raw and graphic, but that nothing is “very different than testimony presented in recent high-profile court cases and on the national news.” The play explores the themes of remembering, believing, forgiving, justice, and revenge.
Bob Bock directs the three-person cast of Sara Sneed, Steve Ross and Joe O’Connor.
Tickets: $35, $30; 508-428-0669, artsonthecape.org. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is required to attend: https://artsonthecape.org/news/covid-recovery-plan.
Review
The show: “Godspell”
What it's about: This musical features a small group of people helping a man named Fred (actually Jesus) tell Biblical parables using games, storytelling, comedy and a vaudeville number. There are references to the last days of Jesus’ life throughout this non-linear script that then lead to a re-creation of the Last Supper and his crucifixion.
See it or not: Director Alex Valentine has reimagined the 51-year-old show of Bible lessons by referencing whimsical and nostalgic characters (no spoilers here), and he and music director Katie Koglin have pulled the 10-actor cast into a tight and appealing ensemble both vocally and in making the audience believe their friendship and sense of fun. The group has cleverly worked in a variety of gags, jokes and pop-culture references along with the unusual costumes, so pay attention to the small and background moments.
Highlights of the show: Jake Venet is wonderful as the Jesus character, with a beautiful and pure voice and a warm and easy manner. His rapid-pace song and softshoe duet number “All for the Best”’ with Nathan Molina as Captain Steve (the Judas character) is a show-stopper.
Fun facts: "Godspell,” which debuted off-Broadway in 1971, was the first major musical theater offering from Grammy and Academy Award winner Stephen Schwartz, who went on to write the scores to “Pippin,” “Children of Eden” and "Wicked." Songs that became well-known in the theater canon include "Day by Day," which reached No. 13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in summer 1972.
Side note: Katie Beatty has one of the strongest voices in the ensemble and “All Good Gifts” is a great showcase for her range – as well as her flute-playing!
One more thing: While all have past stage experience, of the 10-member cast, seven actors – including Venet, Molina and Beatty – are new to performing with the Falmouth Theatre Guild.
If you go: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through Jan. 30 at Highfield Theatre, 58 Highfield Drive. Tickets: $23, $21 for age 62+, $19 for under age 18; www.FalmouthTheatreGuild.org
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod theater: 'Godspell' musical, 'Death and the Maiden' thriller
