THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 30, 1995 TAG: 9503290116
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Theater review
SOURCE: MONTAGUE GAMMON III
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
The swirl of colors that explodes across the Lake Taylor stage in the opening moments of ``Godspell'' can, for all its brilliance, only hint at the wealth of talent brought to bear on this show.
It has long gone without saying that the Norfolk Public Schools Performing Arts Repertory, that group with the ungainly name and the graceful performers, fields shows that are full of good singing, good dancing and good acting. Their choreography has been memorable, their staging and musical direction imaginative, their designs eye-catching. ``Godspell'' is no exception.
The Performing Arts Rep draws its strength from a troupe of Norfolk students who meld their talents into the most unified sort of ensemble. At the same time, every show features solo and choral performers who demonstrate individual abilities that are outstanding, even in the company of such an accomplished group. Here too, ``Godspell'' more than meets expectations.
Enthusiasm, and infectious glee, are hallmarks of those on stage during ``Rep'' productions. The exuberance filling the ``Godspell'' cast may be especially contagious because it is so perfectly attuned to the play's subject, the ministry of Jesus as related in the Gospel according to St. Matthew.
It is that joyous approach, and the projection of sincerity behind it, that begin to lift this latest show above even the level expected from this group.
Added to that spectacular look of the vibrant group numbers is a breathtaking climax. The crucifixion scene, with crashing cords sounding as Christ and the disciples huddled at the foot of the makeshift cross are bathed in lurid red light, and smoke jets upward around Him, is nothing less than breathtaking. One need no allegiance to Christianity to be transfixed by the stunning theatricality of this scene.
Derrick Williams opens the show with a strong-voiced ``Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,'' and later has a duet with Steven Claiborne in ``All for the Best.'' For all his singing talent, Williams' athletic, robust dancing may be his greatest contribution to ``Godspell.'' Certainly his tap dance number with Anthony Green, again part of ``All for the Best,'' was the crowd pleaser of the show.
Stephen Claiborne uses his sweet tenor voice to good effect in the role of Jesus. More importantly, he anchors his performance in a gentle sincerity that gives his character depth and a sense of being real.
Lisa Hillian is prominent on the stage for her dancing and for her vocal skills, which are especially well used in ``Day by Day.'' Sandye Smith has a solo of exceptional beauty in ``Bless the Lord.'' Altorrin McIntyre gets lots of applause for his strongly styled rendition of ``All Good Gifts,'' but really shines when he brings his touch for comedy to bear on some of the non-musical interludes.
Dwayne Larkin, Stacy Russell and Damian Griffin, join Smith for a poignant ``On the Willows.''
Deon Ridley doesn't get to sing a solo until ``We Beseech Thee'' in Act II, which he renders admirably, but his exceptional dancing has been dominating the stage long before that. He possesses uncommon grace, a rare sense of line, and the ability seamlessly to blend power and lightness.
Two performers who have no solos but still remain in memory are the flashy, energetic dancer Dianna Uransky and young David Hayes. Freshman Hayes will be a dominant member of his troupe in the years to come.
The lighting design of James Cooper, using strong colors and lots of side, top, and back light, is one of the major reasons the group dances carry the kaleidoscopic power they do. Fran Parlett is credited with the costumes, which combine broad areas of primary colors with sharply chosen accents. With the set of Mark Curtis, and the urban murals painted by Marcus Outten, these designs give ``Godspell'' a visual coherence rarely found even in collegiate or semi-professional theatre.
Anamaria Martinez choreographed ``Godspell,'' Gary Spell was the musical director, Bruce Hanson the Assistant Director, and Connie Hindmarsh director and producer.
Public performances of Performing Arts Rep shows are usually limited to one weekend. Theater fans, and local adult performers who might just learn something from these youngsters, will have a chance to see ``Godspell'' this Sunday afternoon. by CNB