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Campus House presents lively production

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PUMP UP THE VOLUME: The cast of "Godspell" performs at the Purdue Christian Campus House. The play will run at 8 p.m., Feb. 9, 14 and 24.

By Jenny Schuster
Staff Writer

"Godspell," written originally in 1971, has been performed innumerable times, but it would be difficult for theater goers to find a production of this lively musical more creative and fun than the production by the students and staff of the Purdue Christian Campus House.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, known for writing the scores of "Pocahontas" and "The Prince of Egypt," "Godspell" is in the same musical vein as other ‘70s musicals such as "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Tommy" with its upbeat songs and bright colors.

The plot is loosely based upon the life and teachings of Jesus as depicted in the Book of Matthew but comes across as casual, especially in the first act.

The beginning of the show consists of skits in which the actors use pantomime and witty narration to retell some of Jesus' well-known parables in unexpected ways.

For example, fingers walking on a board reenact the tale of the good Samaritan, characters play charades, Jesus pretends to be a ventriloquist and a green "monster" with hubcaps as eyes and a lampshade as a hat represents the Pharisees, who constantly question Jesus and his actions.

The songs of "Godspell" have great variety — one is a rap, others are slow ballads; some are more rock-oriented. The highlight of the first act is the song "All for the Best," a fun ‘20s-style number in which Jesus (Brian Dunn, a senior in the School of Technology) and John the Baptist (Andrew Jones, a senior in the Schools of Engineering) tap dance.

In the second act the show gradually takes on a more somber mood as the plot becomes more focused on events in the latter part of the Book of Matthew, as Jesus faces the betrayal of Judas (also portrayed by Jones) and his crucifixion. However, the show ends on a hopeful note as Jesus is resurrected in a surprising and delightful way.

The set of "Godspell" reflects a creative and well-planned use of space. The background consists of three panels, which at first reveal an aerial photograph of a city, then rotate to display a brightly painted sunrise and, as the show becomes more serious in its second act, a blue sunset.

A brightly painted scaffold serves as the set's centerpiece, used as, among other things, a jail, a raised stage for the actors to dance on and, in the final scene, the cross for Jesus. Creative lighting also helps to accentuate the moods of the show.

Under the direction of campus minister Mark Nelson, the student actors — Heather Ault, Amber Beal, Sarah Devers, Dunn, Kristi Holly, Mitch Jacquay, Jesse Janowiak, Jones, Susan Miller and Jenni White — prove themselves to be singers and dancers of professional quality. Even though most in the cast don't portray any specific character, they still turn in great performances that display a talent for comedic shtick and tragedy alike.

And as the two central characters, Dunn and Jones turn in especially strong performances.

In the end, the cast and crew of the Campus House's production of "Godspell" have made the show into something wonderful — hilarious and heartbreaking at the same time — and it's something any theater lover will want to experience.

Tickets to "Godspell" are free, but those interested must make reservations with Nicole Evanson at 743-3612 because of the limited number of seats available. Shows are 8 p.m. on February 9, 14 and 24 at the Purdue Christian Campus House, located at 1000 State St.