"Godspell" - by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz - Gateway Players (Southbridge, MA.) - REVIEW
(Cover Photo: The CAST of the musical "GODSPELL" by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, now playing at Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. until March 22, 2026. Photo Credit David Corkum)
Kevin T. Baldwin
METRMag Reviewer
# 774-242-6724
"Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors."
- ("Jesus") / The Book of Matthew 5:44
Gateway Players
Presents the Musical
"GODSPELL"
Written, Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tebelak
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Basis on the Gospel of Matthew
Directed by Lynn Boucher
Music Director Chris Rubenacker
Choreographer Valerie Agos-Langlais
Producer Lou-Ellen Corkum
Cast Includes: Alex Gardner as “Jesus,” Mark Lammert as “John the Baptist/Judas.”
Ensemble: Billy Bolster, David Yutzler, Davyn Walsh, Deb Hollett, Erin Simpson, Hannah Bilis, Maritza Cordero, Kirsten Smaltz, Robyn De Gennaro.
Additional Creative Team:
Stage Crew - Chris McTigue, Kaitlyn Donais; Tech - Dave Corkum.
Performances:
March 20, 2026 through March 22, 2026
(Contact Box Office for Exact Times)
Performances to be held at Fellowship Hall of Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street in Southbridge, MA. Entrance is on Park Street (around corner).
TICKETS:
Online credit card ticket sales are available at www.gatewayplayers.org
For more information call # 508-764-4531 or visit www.gatewayplayers.org
BUY TICKETS
This program is supported by a grant from the Southbridge Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
COVID 19 PROTOCOLS
Contact Venue for Most Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Information.
(Warning: The following review contains spoilers)
Gateway Players presents an enthusiastic, devoted staging of the Stephen Schwartz iconic musical "GODSPELL" playing for this weekend only in Southbridge.
The musical, featuring an enthusiastic cast that varies in level of proficiency, is being performed in conjunction with the group’s 2026 season as a benefit for the Elm Street Congregational Church in Southbridge which the Gateway Players have called home now for several years.
What some cast members may lack in experience they more than make up for in enthusiasm and dedication to make the show fun and it is.
Conceived and Originally Directed by John-Michael Tabelak, "GODSPELL" is famed for its music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.
While filled with many memorable fun and upbeat tunes, the musical also retains its somber side for the story of the final days of Christ as conveyed by the Book of Matthew.
"GODSPELL" includes faithful renditions of songs such as “By My Side” (sung for Gateway Players by Robyn De Gennaro and Maritza Cordero) written by Peggy Gordon with lyrics by Jay Hamburger.
Staged by Gateway director Lynn Boucher, the show’s music direction comes from Chris Rubenacker with choreography provided by Valerie Agos-Langlais.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical "GODSPELL" by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, now playing at Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. until March 22, 2026. Photo Credit David Corkum)
"GODSPELL" began at the end of the 1960s as a project by drama students at Carnegie Mellon University, during an era where conscientious objectors, war protesters and socially conscious immersed themselves in various communes and communities professing for a world where only peace and love exist.
Then, the musical developed a cult following as it transitioned to Off-Broadway and, over the years, became one of the most often staged shows of all time.
The above seems odd, as it has a lot of structural things and religious elements which should not have worked, in theory, yet audiences around the world grew to adore the show.
Structured as a series of parables from the Book of Matthew and other Biblical sources, the score of "GODSPELL" consists mostly of Bible-based lyrics.
Many of the parables are performed in highly amusing ways by the multi-generational cast, which provides the show with an intimate, friendly, almost “campfire stories” feel to it.
The show takes place in what appears to be a simple trash-filled alleyway.
The alley has chain link fencing along the back wall, adorned by many assorted items one would find in an alley:
Rags, sawhorses, newspapers, planks, milk cartons, one sneaker, assorted t-shirts, a myriad of funny looking hats…again, typical alleyway items.
The ‘through line’ for the musical contains very little by way of a substantial “plot,” save for a Christ figure (Alex Gardner) appearing to a group of outcasts or denizens, lifting them from their respective suffering, elevating them to a higher plane.
Gardner does a fine job projecting the amiable nature of Christ and exudes much charm in the songs for which he is assigned, including “God Save the People” and “Alas for You.”
(Photo: Members of the CAST of the musical "GODSPELL" by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, now playing at Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. until March 22, 2026. Photo Credit David Corkum)
There is flexibility in the material that allows each member of the Gateway ensemble a moment or two to shine.
In addition to Gardner, the Gateway Players’ "GODSPELL" ensemble of supporting players includes: Billy Bolster, David Yutzler, Davyn Walsh, Deb Hollett, Erin Simpson, Hannah Bilis, Maritza Cordero, Kirsten Smaltz and Robyn De Gennaro.
Beginning with the show’s bizarre, babbling opener, “Prologue/Tower of Babel” (which even the most die-hard of fans find annoying) cast members hold up large white cards displaying the names of philosophers they are quoting.
This number has never really worked in "GODSPELL" as the show’s initial audience “grabber.”
By the end of the number, the cast exits the stage upon hearing the blat of a horn which ushers in the show’s actual opener, “Prepare Ye,” sung zealously by John the Baptist (Mark Lammert, who later plays Judas - more on that later).
As they exit the stage after the show’s opener, these suffering denizens and outcasts return wearing garments implying them to be hippie-like free spirits…at least for the next two-and-a-half hours.
While not representative of the original cast “mime clowns” of 1971, the costumes are still intentionally worn purportedly to be representative of a freer spirit, meaning a person hoping for a world sought where no person is judged by appearance.
(Photo: Members of the CAST of the musical "GODSPELL" by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, now playing at Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. until March 22, 2026. Photo Credit David Corkum)
There is a reason "GODSPELL" is a show loved by many, and it has less to do with religion and more to do with humanity and, more specifically, how humans inter-relate and treat one another.
There is also an inherent “Bohemian” quality to the show, making it acceptable and fun to experience no matter how a show may vary in quality and performance skill level involved.
"GODSPELL" can be seen on stage at a professional level or at a summer campground with young, inexperienced “non-theatre” campers who are just trying to have a good time while doing their best.
Like many productions, this Gateway show falls somewhere in between those two extremes - but as long as everyone involved in "GODSPELL" is having a good time executing the material, audiences will equally enjoy.
If you read the script, most of the character names assigned come from the names of the actual performers, consistent with the show’s original 1971 cast.
“God Save the People” sung by Jesus (Gardner) lifts the show out of the murky depths of "Babel."
First Jesus is baptized with water by John then, by the end of "GODSPELL," (spoiler alert) Judas betrays Jesus who is then crucified.
Lammert gives a noteworthy performance in the role of John the Baptist, split with the Biblical character of Judas.
Why the combining of characters?
Well, there have been several theories, one being that Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak combined the roles to establish a “special, intimate relationship between Jesus and his betrayer.”
Supposedly, by having the same actor as John commence the mission of Jesus and then ultimately end it as Judas, the show leans more into the betrayal of Jesus by a friend rather than a total stranger.
Personally, I think that entire explanation is complete and utter hogwash, and I suspect they were instead short (as in $$) hiring a qualified actor to play one of the two parts.
As scripted, the split ultimately worked though, as any actor playing just John the Baptist would most likely be required to exit the show after the opening number, or continue as part of the ensemble, which lessens John’s impact.
(Photo: The CAST of the musical "GODSPELL" by John-Michael Tebelak and Stephen Schwartz, now playing at Gateway Players in Southbridge, MA. until March 22, 2026. Photo Credit David Corkum)
Almost every musical number written by Stephen Schwartz in "GODSPELL" has merit.
The most famous song from the show, “Day by Day,” is sung respectably for Gateway Players by Hannah Bilis.
Similarly, the number “Learn Your Lessons Well” is sung by Kerstin Smaltz.
Another show favorite, “Turn Back O Man,” is a saucy Burlesque-styled number cheerfully performed with tongue-planted-firmly-in-cheek by Deb Hollett.
David Yutzler is assigned the unenviable task of singing one of the most somber and vocally challenging numbers in the show, “All Good Gifts” but not only does he meet the challenge, he triumphs over it.
Choreography is sorely limited due to spacing constraints but stand out full cast numbers include “O, Bless the Lord, My Soul” led by Erin Simpson and Kerstin Smaltz and “Light of the World” sung by the full cast led by Gardner.
Another one of the more somber tunes is the intimate and solemn “On the Willows” sung offstage by Lammert and Linda Bouthillier.
Like an old friend, "GODSPELL" continues to remind folks of why the almost 60-year-old material still resonates in a time when compassion is in short supply and intolerance seems rampant.
"GODSPELL" continues in Southbridge until March 22nd, 2026.
Coming up over the summer for Gateway Players will be the Jimmy Buffet musical “ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE” from July 31st, 2026 through August 2nd, 2026.
For tickets and information, contact Gateway Players at # 508-764-4531 or visit www.gatewayplayers.org.
BUY TICKETS
Approximately two and a half hours with one intermission.
Kevin T. Baldwin is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association (ATCA)
@MetrmagReviews
@Theatre_Critics
ABOUT THE SHOW
Prepare ye for the timeless tale of friendship, loyalty and love based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew.
A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing.
An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage.
Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus' messages of kindness, tolerance and love come vibrantly to life.
ABOUT GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE OF SOUTHBRIDGE
GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE, INC. is an all-volunteer community theater providing quality live theatre performances and workshops to Southbridge, Sturbridge, and Charlton, Massachusetts and surrounding areas. GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE, INC. started in 1975, when a group of interested community members decided that Southbridge needed a theater group to bring live productions to the area. First using local schools and borrowed rehearsal and storage space, GATEWAY then moved into its current home in 1978, when Ruth Wells (of the American Optical Company Wells family) donated her home on Main Street as a cultural center in Southbridge. GATEWAY PLAYERS THEATRE offers a full season of productions, usually performed at Elm Street Congregational Church, 61 Elm Street, Southbridge, MA. as well as workshops for youths and adults. Auditions are open to all, and new members are always welcome.
P.O. Box # 171
Southbridge, MA. 01550
# 508-764-4531
