If you thought you knew the story of Jesus and His followers, get ready to experience it like never before. Matthew Muns directs Godspell, the hit musical of the 70s written by John-Michael Tebelak with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. While its clowning origins are iconic to both the stage debut and film premiere, Arsène’s interpretation is wildly modern. 

The story of historical figure, Jesus, is a globally known tale and Godspell crafts this journey uniquely. With the primary focus on the parables of His teachings and His life during His time of ministry leading to his penultimate death. Godspell puts a twist on these legendary parables featuring: comedic-pantomime, clowning, improv, energetic dancing, and breathtaking music. 

A band of societal outcasts form an intense bond with this man, Jesus, who ultimately becomes their closest friend and ally. Though it is no secret to most that one of his closest compatriots, Judas Iscariot, is the betrayer who sells out Jesus and causes turmoil among the community.

Jump into Arsène’s black box venue, The Cathedral, to experience the story in an intimate setting with pure light, a graffiti-street setting, and a band of unlikely friends that grip the audience with sincerity. The audience is immediately met with historical figures aimed at causing confusion and contradicting beliefs in the, “Tower of Babble,” before being met with a glimmer of hope from John the Baptist (Jacob Stoliker) with “Prepare Ye.”

Shortly after, the arrival of Jesus (Matthew Muns) catapults the group into action with the uplifting, “Save The People,” as they claim their signature articles of red clothing to mark their commitment to following Christ. 

Each of the disciples demonstrate their love of the forming community through different interpretations of scripture and truth: “Day By Day,” (Hailey Eriksen) is a folk-like ballad of grace, while “Learn Your Lessons Well,” (Megan Vandeberghe) is a charming plea that calls for change among the group. “Bless The Lord,” (Mallorie Green) is a heart pounding, gospel classic in contrast to the vaudeville-esque, “All For The Best,” (Matthew Muns, Jacob Stoliker, and Company) featuring choreography with umbrellas and tap. The audience is brought into the loving embrace of, “All Good Gifts,” (Lucas Thieme) and dazzled by the flashlights of Act One’s closing number, “Light Of The World,” (Sydney Carroll). 

And then a shift begins to take place as a more serious tone befalls the story in Act Two featuring a reprisal of, “Learn Your Lessons Well,” (Megan Vanderberghe and Lucas Thieme), the playful woe of, “Turn Back, O Man,” (Isabelle Grima), and the rock anthem rebuking of, “Alas For You,” (Matthew Muns). 

In what could largely be considered the third phase of the story, we see the closing hints of tearful goodbyes as, “By My Side,” (Shannon Lafrate) begs for Jesus to stay before, “We Beseech Thee,” (Daniel DeRey) gets the audience clapping and dancing along once more. “Beautiful City,” (Matthew Muns and Company) sets the takeaway message of the show: building a community of love and compassion that surpasses the parting of Christ, to carry on His message. Judas (Jacob Stoliker) laments his decision in the gut-wrenching, “On The Willows,” (Jacob Stoliker, Zach Andrew, Zena Kissinger, and Olivia Wofford). Which leaves the, “Finale,” to feature the most Arsène-styled twist on this classic musical as Jesus ascends aerial silk and performs the final number, high above the audience.

Religious or not, Godspell has a prevailing message that is applicable to all audiences: love for humanity. Godspell promises to bring laughter, joy, and even sadness through its 2-hour run time.

Godspell runs through May 26, 2024 at The Cathedral in Macomb, MI. For tickets and information, go to: www.arseneperformingarts.com