Caption: Aaron Blandino and the cast of “Godspell” at Cumberland Players.
VINELAND — “Godspell”, which opens Friday, April 1, at the Little Theatre in Vineland N.J., is a tricky show to produce. I’ve seen it more times than I remember, but the two best I recall were youth productions — it’s nearly impossible for children to go over-the-top — children are already full of wholesome energy, so it’s believable and enjoyable to watch.
Adult productions, though full of great performances, sometimes run the risk of appearing, for lack of a better term, corny. Everything is in the script and score; it need not overcompensation. The energy might feel forced.
Be that as it may, however, the Cumberland Players version (an adult production) nails it.
I looked forward to seeing the show but I admittedly expected the same schmaltz I’ve seen in regional, college/university, and Broadway versions (which is fun, too; don’t let me discredit that). To my delight, however, Director Michael Blandino does not overproduce or ask too much of his performers. His “Godspell” carefully strikes a gentle balance with a blend of soul and nuance. The Little Theatre is an intimate space, so that balance makes the performances especially believable and impactful — both as individual performances and as an ensemble piece.
We’re drawn in with “Tower of Babel”, a polarizing and dissonant observation of a world without a god, only to be interrupted by the triumphant “Prepare Ye” [the way of the Lord] by John the Baptist, played by Phillip Blandino (who doubles as Judas), with a baptism (pardon the word) in song. Phillip Blandino carries us through the full-range of his arch without ever eclipsing his fellow performers — a feat achieved, also, by the entire cast. He sets the standard at the outset of the show and his vocals soar in sync with his tremendous work as an actor in both roles.
His real life brother, Aaron Blandino, is our Jesus. And, is he the King of Kings in this production. Aaron Blandino gives an earnest introduction with “Save the People”, guides us through the parables, only to break through some of the more devastating parts of the character in “Beautiful City”, culminating in an effective conclusion. Again, however, he give equal respect and credence to his ensemble, letting them shine, never pulling rank — a real Jesus move. His acting through this journey is nothing short of emotionally stunning.
Highlights include a wonderful “Day by Day” by Anna Johns, a honky-tonk “Learn Your Lessons” by a great Maddie VanMeter, a powerhouse “Bless the Lord” by Shania Egan (yes, she nails the note!), a soulful, yet gentle “All Good Gifts” by Eric ‘Swifty’ Acierto, a show-stopper (but never over-the-top) “Light of the World” by an excellent Christian Milazzo, a “Turn Back O Man” by Eva Brescia in a sultry romp with the audience (she slays it!), and a breathtaking journey through “By My Side” by the outstanding Nicole Perri and Morgan Kahn.
“On the Willows” performed by Milazzo and Egan, “ Beautiful City” by Aaron Blandino, and the betrayal by Judas, left me in tears — and the chilling but hopeful ending left me emotionally drained and satisfied. I did not prepare or expect to be rendered as such. But, this one hits a special chord. Karen Johns does wonders with the stellar vocals in the cast, and the technical elements reveal layers to Jesus’s profession as a carpenter — and a builder of community. The director, Michael Blandino, respects the text and music while also allowing his performers just enough freedom to make it new.
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Performances: April 1-9, 2022
Tickets: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35692
The Little Theatre
66 E. Sherman Ave.
Vineland N.J. 08360
GODSPELL
BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ
DIRECTED BY MICHAEL BLANDINO
MUSIC DIRECTION BY KAREN JOHNS
AARON BLANDINO AS JESUS, PHILLIP BLANDINO AS JOHN & JUDAS, ENSEMBLE STARS NICOLE PERRI, MORGAN KAHN, EVA BRESCIA, CHRISTIAN MILAZZO, ERIC ‘SWIFTY’ ACIERTO, SHANIA EGAN, MADDIE VANMETER, AND ANNA JOHNS.
