Chicago Reader
- Recommended
"...Godspell is, as a friend succinctly put it recently, the "silly" one of the three. Indeed, it's often presented with actors in bright clothing and literal clown makeup. (The 1972 Toronto production launched the careers of a comedic murderers' row, including Gilda Radner, Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Dave Thomas, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, and Paul Shaffer.) Composer Stephen Schwartz went on to write Pippin and an obscure little show called Wicked."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The musical "Godspell" with its modern twist on the Book of Matthew has been around since 1971. Its purpose then was to make the Biblical story of Jesus and his disciples relatable to young people. Over fifty years later, Music Theater Works in conjunction with Curt's Cafe and the Whirled Peas Foundation has recontextualized the story to take place inside a modern-day coffee shop. Based on the music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and the book by John Michael Tebelak, this production is notable for Amanda Hope's choreography, Justin Kono's music direction, and Matthew Silar's fine directing. The cast features a fabulous array of spirited performing artists who do a great job revving up the audience with their loud and charismatic approach to the Gospel."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...It's hard to believe that a musical that began life as a college thesis project, created by drama students at Carnegie Mellon University, ultimately become an Off-Broadway theatrical sensation. It was 54 years ago that the production moved to the LaMaMa Experimental Theatre Club, in New York's East Village. The Stephen Schwartz musical, loosely based on the life and parables of Christ, as depicted in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, continues to be popular today. If audiences aren't familiar with the Biblical text, or the entire musical, they'll be charmed by the show's inventiveness and comic moments. Ultimately, theatergoers will be moved by the dramatic finale, and probably be familiar with some of the score. But really, this musical, in Music Theater Works' inventive new production, is entirely and delightfully "All For the Best.""
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Godspell is a musical based on the Gospel of Matthew, which tells the story of Jesus through a modern-day group of non-Biblical characters symbolizing his "disciples" who enact his parables through song, dance, and comedy. This production of Godspell finds a fractured and disconnected community gathered at a local coffee shop discovering the transformative power of forgiveness and embracing radical love."
Third Coast Review
- Recommended
"...The musical Godspell was a colossal hit off-Broadway, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John Michael Tebelak. It was 1971, and the news trumpeted stories about the "Generation Gap." Then along came Godspell, with a jaunty and moving retelling of the Gospel of Matthew. Music Theater Works' rendition of Godspell is now on stage at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts. A lot of memories from that era came flooding back as I watched a talented cast perform in the contemporary setting of "Curt's Cafe." Godspell is directed by Matthew Silar."
NewCity Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...The coffee-shop conceit is brilliant and the production, directed by Matthew Silar, is a wonder. "Godspell" is a terrific show-fresh, inventive, timeless and rich in charismatic performers, with creative choreography by Amanda Hope and a rousing score led by Justin Kono. Every actor is a triple threat, and some are quadruple threats, playing instruments to accompany the off-stage band. The cast members seem to genuinely like each other and throw their whole personalities into the action, bringing the audience along for the fun."
