THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 24, 1996 TAG: 9602240331
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B2 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Theater Review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
If you feel that religion must be stodgy, staid, sober, sedate, settled and steady - steer clear of the Gallery Theatre.
Its players are offering exuberance, energy and excitement. This weekend, they're offering ``Godspell.''
As far as sets are concerned, all you need is a pile of trash and a crudely painted backdrop. As far as performance is concerned, you need a lot of talent and a lot of dedication to make ``Godspell'' work.
It works well at the Gallery, thanks to a uniformly fine cast. Big parts, small parts - everyone has a good time. And that feeling transfers to the audience.
``Godspell'' is an uptempo version of the Gospel according to Matthew. The setting is a playground filled with childlike characters - clownish figures from Holy Scripture who make God's word come alive.
The clowns are appropriately dressed in outlandishly delightful costumes. Clowns have been used in many cultures as sacred images. Some theologians have used the image of the clown to describe Christ - happily, not insultingly.
Christ is portrayed by stage vet Phil Glick - loving when he needs to be, powerful when he must be. As always, this performer, an Episcopalian minister, is a commanding figure - appropriate considering his role.
Danny Vancil portrays John the Baptist. He is another attention-getter whether singing or clownin' around.
Since clowns are so prevalent, there is a great deal of mime, usually accompanied by song or recitation.
For the most part, ``Godspell'' is a fast-paced production, usually reverent - sometimes irreverent, not with disrespect but with love. There are parables, there is the teaching of Christ. Lessons are learned, easily and happily digested.
Many of the ``teachers'' represent various denominations from local churches. Director Karen Knowles had this wonderful idea that such depictions would be ideal. She was right. They work wonderfully. Most of the singers have good strong voices and get their messages across with vigor.
The performers are aided and abetted by a fine band, under the direction of Tom Kiff. In this production they are behind the stage, rather than on the side - a much better set-up acoustically.
The opening night audience loved this production of ``Godspell.'' Their favorite song seemed to be the minstrel-y ``All For the Best,'' sung by Jesus and John.
John the Baptist was involved with another favorite tune, working with the cast on ``Prepare Ye the Way Of the Lord.''
``Bless the Lord'' features Marilyn Brantley reaching for some Sandi Patty high notes. Keith Urquhart as DaVinci - yes, the guy with the paint brush - does well singing ``All Good Gifts,'' beautifully accompanied by a little girl, Meredith Brown, on recorder.
There is some wonderful harmony by Angela Harrell, Sue Tripp and Krista Caryn Wilson on ``By My Side.''
Wilson, an attention-getter with her pert smile and Betty Boop voice, leads the group in the play's best-known song, ``Day By Day,'' the most exuberant piece of ``Godspell's'' groovy music.
The Gallery Theatre production is pure delight. Eve? ILLUSTRATION: AT THE GALLERY
WHAT: ``Godspell.''
WHEN: 8 tonight and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Gallery Theatre, Main Street, Ahoskie.
by CNB