Evergreen Playhouse: Steampunk Setting, Relevant Message in 'Godspell"

If you think you’ve seen “Godspell” before, you have definitely not seen the “Godspell” opening at the Evergreen Playhouse this weekend.

Instead of the typical 1970s setting, Director Rich Garrett decided on a Steampunk theme where goggles and guns stand in for bell bottoms and colorful apparel. Garrett said the choice to switch things up with “Godspell” came about when he suggested the show to the non-profit’s board.

“Some of the people on the reading committee balked at it because it’s this cheesy, hippy show,” Garrett said. “So, I said, ‘What if we did it differently?’”

Written in 1970 by John-Michael Tebelak, with music by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” tells the story of a series of parables from the Gospels of Matthew in the Bible. It features modern music and settings, though interspersed with traditional hymn lyrics and scriptures. Jesus (portrayed by James Alviar) works to turn the hearts of a group of non-believers while ultimately heading toward his end, which is helped along by Judas (portrayed by Steven Walker). These are the only two named characters in the play, with all others being ensemble members and given their own name.

The Evergreen Playhouse’s version centers on a group of reclusive outcasts in a steampunk world. Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction that imagines a world set in the Victorian era but where advanced technology, usually steam-powered and fashioned after actual 19th century machines, is present.

Garrett, who has been working on the concept for about a year now, noted that when you strip away the aesthetics of how the show is usually staged, you come down to a story that is extremely relevant to today. Garrett said he chose the show before this year’s election but sees many echoes in the story to today’s political landscape. He said he ultimately wanted the show to be a commentary on how it is important to be part of a community during dark times.

“In the end if we don’t treat each other with humanity, we’ve lost the purpose of being human beings,” Garrett said.

Lucy Page, a member of the ensemble, said she was only moderately knowledgeable about “Godspell” before auditioning for the show and had no idea Garrett’s intended direction for the staging until their first rehearsal.

“I think it’s a really neat take on the show and right now in 2017 the setting feels like it fits, it’s a little darker, a little more serious,” Page said. “The focus is on these more violent, intense individuals and how they come together as a community. That is very poignant for me.”

As the parables unfold, one by one the inhabitants of this harsh world are converted by the words of Jesus. A central tree with branches that spread out into the audience, serves as the place where each convert lays down their weapons and garb and take up new clothing that binds them to one another. Costuming is by Shawn Riley, of Seattle, who created an entire steampunk wardrobe for the characters. A central geared clock, designed by Garrett, and circular patterns throughout the stage enforce the concept of unity.

“I think the audience is going to enjoy the costumes and the music and the cast is a great group of people, they’re so outstanding in this show,” said Alviar, who plays Jesus. “Then there’s just the dynamic quality of the set. There’s so much to it, just so many levels. I think they will be awestruck when they see this set.”

Walker, playing Judas, said he thinks anyone who has previously seen the original version of “Godspell” will be intrigued by the Evergreen Playhouse version. He said the original telling of the story involves many comedic moments, which are not present in this show, giving the same words almost new meaning in some instances. But in the end, he said, the core message is the same.

“Hopefully what they’ll take away is the feeling of community that Jesus is trying to set up,” Walker said.

The Evergreen Playhouse version of “Godspell” which plays May 5-21, has all of the same language and music of the original “Godspell” including the crucifixion of Jesus. But even in this story that many will think they know, Garrett said he has a twist that had some of his cast members in tears when he first shared his vision for it.

Garrett said he would rate the show a PG rating for family friendliness. He said there is nothing explicit in the show but there are some themes of violence.

A special opening night gala is planned before the Friday May 5. Open to all ticket holders, the event will open at 7:15 p.m. at the theater and will include refreshments, door prizes and the announcement of the 2017-18 season lineup. Flex passes and season tickets for the 2017-18 season will also be available for purchase for the first time during all performances of “Godspell.”