Godspell - Garrick Theatre

Godspell must now be one of the most challenging musicals to pull off successfully. You need to be modern enough to be relevant, while at the same time embracing the spirit of a time and place unfortunately long gone (well the time and place aren't LONG gone, but the spirit certainly is!). In this I think Garrick's Godspell has succeeded admirably. The very simple and sparse set, combined with bright costumes help the audience to focus their attention exactly where they should be, with the actors! Luke Taafe gives his best performance yet as Jesus, maintaining an openness and childlikeness that can really only be compared to Alannis Morisette in Dogma. He exudes joy and wisdom, while avoiding the arrogance that can so easily creep in to this role. The entire ensemble also deserve kudos for their full on embracing of the innocence required to pull this show off successfully, which is very difficult in this all too cynical world. Special mention must go to Leesa Crosby, who seems like she was born to play this style of theatre... a flower child in real life perhaps?! Well done to all involved, especially director Carolyn, a difficult task achieved well.