Godspell
at Santa Margarita Catholic

Reviewed on November 3, 2017

Olivia Fu
San Juan Hills
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

Santa Margarita delivers an exuberant 'Godspell'
written by Olivia Fu, a senior at San Juan Hills High School

From the philosophers' squabbling in "Tower of Babble" to Jesus's agonizing crucifixion in the finale, Santa Margarita's "Godspell" offers a contemporary interpretation of Biblical parables that prioritizes choosing love amid the injustice and suffering faced by the marginalized.

Drew Schlingman is astonishing as Jesus, his rich vocals and intimate mannerisms illustrating his purpose as a teacher. From his passion and warmth as he preaches, to his agony and righteous anger as he confronts Judas's betrayal and his own death, Schlingman convincingly humanizes the Son of God as a young man struggling to fulfill his mission and guide his devoted followers.

One follower is the traitorous Judas (Griffin Webb), who masterfully emotes Judas's inner turmoil as he sells out his master for 30 pieces of silver, and then tearfully repents once Jesus's fate is revealed. Through his booming vocals as John the Baptist in "Prepare Ye" and as Alec in "Beautiful City," Alec Melosini contrasts Judas's faltering loyalty with constant devotion.

Still, it's the ensemble that steals the show through their deft ability to both shine as individuals and harmoniously blend as a group. Their energy and devotion is palpable as they reverently belt in "Save the People" and sprightly execute complex choreography in "We Beseech Thee." By contrast, their grief hangs in the air as they harmonize acapella "oh God, you're dead" after Jesus's crucifixion. All the soloists match the vibrancy of the ensemble in their respective solos, a standout being Ella Lao as she croons for Jesus to take her with him in "By My Side."

Praise is due to KC King for the set design, which modernizes the show to take place in a homeless encampment under a freeway underpass, addressing the social problems faced by the world today. Colorful handprints and graffiti adorn the gray cement-like structures, revealing the characters' hopefulness and joy despite their bleak circumstances.

The costumes by Hannah Loessberg further delve into the humanity of each character, who express their individuality through their kaleidoscopic, mismatched outfits. Also notable, the projection design by Colin McDonald ties the lessons preached by Jesus to modern day equivalents. As Jesus writhes on the cross in pain, images of headlines announcing recent tragedies flash on the screen.

Santa Margarita's "Godspell" presents the Bible through a heartwarming lens, where choosing love is the key to building stronger communities.

Megan Ross
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Santa Margarita Catholic's Godspell is the 'Light of the World'
written by Megan Ross, a junior at Capistrano Valley High School

Godspell tells the ancient story of the life of Jesus Christ, but with a modern twist that gives the plot a fresh and new perspective. The decision to revolve the show around homelessness in Orange County is not only original and creative, but hits everyone close to home. With ample heartwarming, energetic, and uplifting songs and stories, this show never fails to leave its lasting mark on the audience.

Jesus (Drew Schlingman) is brought to life with eloquently swift, sweeping movements and constantly opened arms. Schlingman beautifully exhibits raw emotion with consistency, and illustrates a welcoming expression that resonates divinely. His crisp, clear deliverance of both lines and songs helps to easily translate and understand the underlying messages of the show.

The ensemble as a whole serves as a force to be reckoned with. Each person had unique characteristics, mannerisms, and expressions that truly complete the show and tie the cast together. Sprawled out across the stage, every member of the ensemble energetically draws attention to them when acceptable, but also comes together as a single unit when the story calls for it.

Within the larger body, the Twelve Disciples, as portrayed by various ensemble members, all convey different personalities that are integral to the story. Each disciple gracefully made an evident switch from being part of the grander ensemble or the smaller, close-knit band of disciples.

The lighting, designed by Ella Lao and Brian Reyes, wonderfully demonstrates bright reds to represent Hell and sin, and soft hues of blues and green paired with Jesus's lessons of morality and love. Overall, an extremely alluring picture is composed and the mood of the show is further established through the impeccable execution of the lighting.

The immaculately detailed set, designed by KC King, features eye-catching graffiti and an impressive underpass.

Uncommonly seen in productions, the projections (by Colin McDonald) sublimely display images of homelessness, tragedy, and in one instance a picture of The Last Supper. The perfectly timed projections complete the show and add an extra wow factor to illustrate the modernized aspect of the show.

Packed with beauty, detail, and heartening messages, Santa Margarita Catholic's Godspell truly is the 'Light of the World'.

Olivia Wolff
Capistrano Valley
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A community is formed at Santa Margarita Catholic
written by Olivia Wolff, a senior at Capistrano Valley High School

Taking place in a homeless community underneath a freeway underpass, Santa Margarita Catholic's "Godspell" tells the story of Jesus and his twelve disciples in a unique, modern way. With harmonious songs, uplifting dance numbers, and an energy pulsing through the entire show, "Godspell" is ‘all for the best.'

Drew Schlingman is the righteous Jesus, encompassing his joyous nature. Remaining calm and collected in the first act, Schlingman shows the youthful side of his character, arms relaxed, at his side, and mouth in a content smile. Transitioning to more of a melancholy demeanor in the second act, Schlingman brilliantly captures his character's passion for what he is doing, yet knowledge about his Crucifixion that is going to happen in the end.

The ensemble as a whole, more specifically the ensemble of the twelve disciples, play a big role in telling the story of Jesus and his teachings. Keeping energy and spirits high, the ensemble provides a variety of different personalities that fill the stage. Whether they are coming out in full force in the group song "Tower of Babble," or singing the melodious background vocals to a slower song, "Finale," the ensemble is a force to be reckoned with. Standouts include Ella Lao, Brian Reyes, KC King, and Eric Renna, all of whom are constantly in the moment, bringing to life not only their characters, but the overall show itself.

The technical aspects of the show provide a great contrast to the captivating performers on stage. Costumes by lead designer Hannah Loessberg manage to encompass the personality of a character, allowing each person to have a story and a look into who they are just by what they are wearing. Taking into account the freeway underpass location, Loessberg mismatches costume items and allows colors to clash, showing the living condition of the people in the show.

Throughout the show, multiple projections, done by Colin McDonald, are shown to convey the overall message, and to bring to light all the horrible things happening in our world. McDonald thoughtfully projects pictures that affect the atmosphere of the show, whether it be feelings of sheer joy or of uttermost despair.

"Godspell" at Santa Margarita Catholic is a profound retelling of the teachings of Jesus, complete with an invigorating cast and an overall beautiful message about love and community.