Godspell is “All for the Best” at Haddonfield Plays & Players

by Josh Buffington

Day by day I was hoping for the chance to see an amazing production of Godspell and Haddonfield Plays & Players definitely delivered.  Godspell for those who do not know what it is, it is a musical telling the story of Jesus and his apostles, focusing on how his teachings create a community that carries on his message after his crucifixion. It uses songs, skits, and parables from the Gospel according to St. Matthew to illustrate his lessons. Whilst the resurrection isn’t shown, the ending emphasizes the community's determination to continue his teachings.  

Walking into Haddonfield Plays & Players with a warm welcome by the staff followed by getting to my seat I noticed something very different with the theatre.  The amazing Artistic Director Chris Miller designed the set along with Director Justin Walsh; together they were able to create a beautiful space that looks so realistic.  The set built by EZ Does It Flooring created walls on the wings (sides) to make it look like we were less on a stage and more in a warehouse/concert type feel which I thought was a very interesting touch to make the show more like you were at home.  Along the side walls were doors which you could use to access the side of the stage, but it wasn’t just me that thought they were real rooms behind them because quite a few people thought the one door was a bathroom!  In addition to the walls the set itself was very simple, but had an amazing curved LED stage that grabbed the attention of every person in the room as soon as the show started. And we of course cannot forget Prop Design by Zia Wallach which helped the tell the story.

Behind the LED stage was the Pit Band.  These talented people include Jared Moskowitz on Keys, Stephen Prontnicki on Guitar 1, Pierce Godshall on Guitar 2, Ron Bonilla on Bass, and Jackson Lott on drums.  For Pit subs Anthony Sinigaglio II on Bass (5/9-5/11), and Anthony Dittert on Drums (5/9).  Every single one of these talented artists blended so well together with every song and made the show so much better.  

In the beginning of the show the power outage and thunderstorm all felt so realistic with every light and sound cue.  This amazing display of technology was so good and felt almost interactive.  The Lighting Designer, Eric Baker and Light Board Operator, Nicole Plasket, manifested an amazing display that captured every person's attention.  With good lights also comes good sound with the help of the Sound Engineers, Kevin Salvatorelli and Ryan Mcauliffe.  From every time the power went out to when the emergency exit door was opened it was all flawlessly executed.  

To start off the show with the ensemble singing the "Tower of Babble" which was sung a capella, was a great way to set the mood for the whole show.  Every single harmony throughout the whole show was effortless.  The Music Director Anthony Sinigaglio II did an phenomenal job making sure the audience knew which actor was singing at any given moment and when put all together, it was beautiful.   Alongside the Music Director is Choreographer Allison Korn-Grivas who did an expert job.  One number I would like to point out that was perfectly choreographed was “All for the Best”.  With Jesus and Judas choreographing every movement they sing and then the last verse the ensemble joins them.  It was so perfectly chaotic that I personally loved it.  

Now onto the amazingly talented performers that made the show as is!  We have Philip Caracciolo who sang "Light of the World", Chidinma “Chidi” Chukwueke who sang "Bless the Lord", Emily Colón who sang "Learn your Lessons", Leah Herman who sang "Turn Back, O Man", Brian Herrick who sang "We Beseech Thee", Grace Long who sang "Day by Day", Kim Whitehill who sang "By My Side", and JP Zarukin who sang "All Good Gifts".  Rounding out the cast we have Gian Dante Verderose who was the incredible Jesus, and AJ Klein as the antagonist John the Baptist / Judas.  Every single one of these actors deserve a Tony for their amazing character choices, vocal abilities, and choreography.  In addition, the way each person delivered their lines were so good and the way that the actors were able to incorporate modern day references made the show feel so relatable and made me feel like I wasn’t there for a show, but a bunch of friends hanging out and chilling.  May I also just mention that the costuming was perfect. I literally thought each actor's costumes fit their characters so well!  This amazing work was done by Costume Designer Ryan PJ Mulholland. 

Of course this phenomenal show would not have been possible without the director Justin Walsh.  Without his ultimate vision and his casting decisions, this show would not have been as outstanding as it was, but Justin knows how Godspell should be brought to life and I couldn’t have asked for better.  He did a wonderful job directing this show and making the way it is.  Finally, this beautiful show could not have been possible without a few more behind the scenes people: Stage Manager Matilda “Tilly” Lubrant and Assistant Stage Manager Gabe Slime.  Without their contributions this show would simply not have been possible.

Thank you to Haddonfield Plays & Players for having me at their show!  If you have the chance to see it, I would definitely come see the show and you will NOT regret it!  Godspell runs May 9th-24th.  Get your tickets while you still can because I think this show will sell out fast!  https://haddonfieldplaysandplayers.csstix.com/event-details.php?e=547