MunOpCo Music Theater returns to the stage producing full-length musicals with a heartfelt production of “Godspell” that is playful and passionate.
“Godspell” runs through Sept. 20 at Between the Lines Studio Theater, 725 N. 15th St., Allentown.
The entire cast brings energy and spirit to the show which is structured as a series of parables, primarily based on the Biblical book of Matthew, interspersed with songs.
Ryan Zickafoose is well cast as Jesus. Zickafoose radiates joy and righteousness as he bounces around Between the Lines intimate stage. He delivers the show’s many parables with enthusiasm, as well as a deep sense of conviction and sincerity.
He has a compelling voice on “Save the People,” and “Alas for You” and displays his falsetto during the last words of Jesus in the finale.
Colin Sergent has a brooding gravity in the dual role of John the Baptist and Judas. He delivers a rousing “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,” as John the Baptist, and is engaging as Judas, along with Zickafoose’s Jesus in the spirited “All For the Best.”
As the apostles, Matt Redline, Elizabeth Marsh-Gilkeson, Lori Sivick, Moriah Faith, Lisandra Espiritusanto, Deb Jacoby, and Tracy Weaver provide a lively and amusing backdrop for the lessons.
Dressed in eye-catching outfits, the apostles employ physical comedy and topical jokes around the Biblical stories. Each also gets a solo moment in the spotlight.
Faith performs a stirring “Day by Day” and she and Marsh-Gilkeson have a lovely duet on the poignant “By My Side.” Marsh-Gilkeson also displays her soaring soprano on “O Bless the Lord my Soul.”
Sivick shines on an amusingly come-hither “Turn Back O Man.”
Adams humorously brings a puppet to “Learn Your Lessons Well” and “Espiritusanto” enthusiastically brings her belt leading the apostles on “We Beseech Thee.”
Director Rody Gilkeson makes the most of the small black box space, bringing the cast to interact with the audience (who also can join in a cup of communion grape juice at intermission), and keeping the pace brisk.
Choreography by Kayla Courtney is uncomplicated, but fun to watch.
Lighting and sound designer Jon Tobias creates am appropriately somber atmosphere with lighting as the story takes a more serious turn.
The show features musical direction by Nancy Shumaker, and stage management by Michelle Cerrone.
It is a welcome return of Allentown’s oldest community theater, which had been on hiatus since it staged “Rock of Ages” in September 2024. With a reorganized board of directors, the group plans to hold a fundraiser in November and bring back “Tree of Lights” in December, as well as plan for MuOpCo’s 100th anniversary in 2027.
“Godspell” performances are 7 p.m. Sept. 12, 18 and 19; and 2 p.m. Sept. 13 and 20.
Tickets are $25.
For information, call 610-437-2441, or go to our.show/4b8ywjth6s.