The cast of “Godspell.” Photo courtesy of McLean Community Players.
Joining Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Jesus Christ Superstar,” is the third in the trinity of classic, religious musicals: Stephen Schwartz’s “Godspell.” The musical is currently being presented by McLean Community Players (MCP) and directed and associate directed by Cody Boehm and Beck Webster, respectively. Originally conceived for a master’s thesis project at Carnegie Mellon University, “Godspell” first premiered as an off-Broadway musical in 1971 and has since seen one revival in 2011, which included new, more acoustic and contemporary orchestrations, as well as the song addition of “Beautiful City,” following its inclusion in the 1973 “Godspell” movie. Based on the New Testament’s Book of Matthew, the show follows Jesus’ adult ministry, beginning with his baptism by John the Baptist, moseys through some of the Bible’s most iconic parables (The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son, of note), and ends with his death and assumed resurrection (depending on a specific production’s take on the often, open-ended finale).
…a supported and unified ensemble, pouring out a lot of visible love and care…sets a refreshing tone as a show that promotes love, compassion, and a return to those human values that bring us joy and community…
Music Directors Boehm and Brandon Morris chose to use the revival orchestrations which richly allowed for the cast members’ individual musicality to shine. At its core, the musical is an ensemble show. Whether it was a capella-esque vocal backings (“Tower of Babel”), tight, several-part harmonies (“All Good Gifts”), or their own musical accompaniment (Max Newman’s ukelele solo in “Light of the World” and piano solo in its reprise), the cast each stood out in their own right not just as individual musicians, but as a supported and unified ensemble, pouring out a lot of visible love and care to their audience. The cast arguably shined the most during the moments they sang and performed altogether, and shone that much brighter when enhanced by Melanie Campbell’s fresh and gripping choreography. Not only did Campbell’s choreography bring life and energy to each musical number, it served the storytelling well, creating moments of happiness, sorrow, awe, and gleeful anticipation, helping to punctuate the emotional highs and lows of the story. It was also plainly evident the number of talented dancers amongst the cast, most notably Grace Miller and Philip Smith-Cobbs, whose stunning pas de deux during “On the Willows” was nothing short of gorgeous.
While the show excelled most during ensemble moments, it would be a disservice to not shoutout soloist Thea Simpson-Diaz for her soulful and engaging rendition of “Bless the Lord.” While easily showing off smooth runs with excellent breath control, her real talent shown in the effortless way with which her charisma and magnetism captivated the audience, making it difficult to take your eyes off of her even in the smallest of background moments.
Though Boehm’s set design was a little bare and pushed back on such a big playing stage, the execution and construction by Peter Marsh, Dino Vergura, and Karen Veltri was solid, complete with a working swing set and slide, which begged to be utilized more throughout the show. Similarly, the spotty sound coming from the body microphones was a tad distracting in some instances, but the addition of the live orchestra, under the direction of Morris, was a treat, as always, and held a stable balance that didn’t drown out the performers.
With its catchy tunes and spirited cast, MCP’s “Godspell” sets a refreshing tone as a show that promotes love, compassion, and a return to those human values that bring us joy and community, whether or not you identify religiously with the text. If you’re looking for a night full of smiles and song (and perhaps some sneaky audience participation if you’re up for it), I beseech you to go and hear them.
“Godspell” runs through October 11, 2025 presented by McLean Community Players at The Alden Theatre in the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
