Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Tim Gregory tries to pep up this 40-year-old musical--a ragtag collection of parables and melodrama based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew--by throwing in a lot of novelties: puppets, charades, hip hop, vaudeville, a live version of a dubbed martial arts movie. But since he offers no discernible point of view on the show's hippy-dippy religiosity, his inventiveness comes across as nothing more than indiscriminate horseplay."
Centerstage - Somewhat Recommended
"...The exceptions are Syler Thomas, who makes a pleasant if distant Jesus, and Justin Berkobien as a boyishly earnest John the Baptist. Both bring moments of strength and honesty to their portrayals and offer well-trained singing voices, particularly Berkobien. However, Gregory's initial promise of a fresh, unique staging never materializes. Instead we get an uninspired rehash of past productions. What would Jesus do?"
Chicago Stage Review - Somewhat Recommended
"...Director Tim Gregory is lucky to have such an endearing ensemble that works overtime to connect the audience to the material and energize the show. They make for an entertaining production but still, you ask yourself “Why?” from the very beginning of this hokey Godspell and the answer never comes."
Time Out Chicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...
Gregory sets his staging in an abandoned warehouse full of books and novelty toys, where a group of 11 preternaturally perky young people dressed like Punky Brewster takes refuge during a thunderstorm. After somebody opens what appears to be an enchanted Bible, they act out the Gospel of Matthew, using songs, magic tricks, vaudeville routines and frequent interpolations—all performed with so much relentless enthusiasm that even the kids from Barney and Friends might recommend dialing it back a bit. Among the cast members who manage to cut through all the sickly sweetness are Sarah Grant, who has a facility for Borscht Belt gags, and Tiffany Yvonne Cox, who injects some slinkiness and sass."
ShowBizChicago - Somewhat Recommended
"...To be sure, there is plenty of contagious love to go around in Gregory’s production. But amid the incessant slapstick, improvisatory fun issued by the wholly willing ensemble, the text’s invitation to introspection is an offer that never quite materializes. Syler Thomas renders an all-too mellow Jesus in his “Lifeguard on Duty” t-shirt and unworriedl khakis. Consequently, the notion of a community’s penchant for following rock-star leaders and eventual aptitude to debase those whom they have revered is never entirely achieved."
ChicagoCritic - Recommended
"...I feel as though every person who sees this show will have a different reaction because the content of the show has a lot of personal connection for a lot of individuals, spiritual or otherwise. Perhaps since my background is less religious I didn’t find the stories as impactful, but for someone more devout they may resonate on a deeper level. In spite of some serious flaws in the earlier parts of the performance, this show is worth seeing for the musical numbers alone and the feeling of joy and goodwill the show promises to bring. It was an interesting first encounter, and it’s nice to finally be out from under that rock and caught up with the rest of the theatrical world."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Somewhat Recommended
"...Gregory hasn't done anything revolutionary. There are a couple of modern references to the stimulus plan and Facebook, but that's about as revelatory as we get. The problem is that the whole show suffers from a terminal case of cuteness. Watching a bunch of twenty-something adults acting like juveniles can wear out its welcome pretty fast, and the energy and momentum feel forced. Worse yet, there is no dynamic centerpiece to offset the silliness. Any "Godspell" needs a charismatic Jesus, which this production is sorely lacking. Syler Thomas is utterly bland, his voice is weak and we care very little for him or his message."
Around The Town Chicago - Recommended
"...Provision Theater Company is devoted to producing works of hope, reconciliation and redemption. Works that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose. “Godspell” certainly does this, and yet it does so without offending any one’s religious beliefs. I was impressed by the “Passover” meal where Jesus said the blessings over the Matzoh ( unleavened bread) and wine in Hebrew. I don’t recall seeing this done in previous productions. As I said, this is not one of my favorite musicals, biblical or not, but I found it to be an entertaining production and left the theater feeling good ( and humming “Day by Day”) and isn’t that what theater is supposed to do? If you have never seen “Godspell” , this is a production worth seeing and at a very affordable price."
