EODS Young EODS SECTION
2005
GODSPELL
Music and New Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz
Conceived and originally directed by John Michael Tebelak
REVIEW
by Laura Sonier
from Eastbourne Herald October 28th, 2005After a few minutes of Young EODS' performance of 'Godspell', it was clear the youngsters were preaching to the converted. We are lucky enough in Eastbourne to often see young performers of similar calibre singing, dancing and acting on the stage - but rarely do you see a young cast who can also boast such confidence and charisma along with plenty of talent.
The show, based on the Gospel according to St Matthew, needs the audience to feel fully engaged in the humour and emotion of the piece, and Young EODS had the audience in the palm of their hands from start to finish.
All of the cast ooze energy and professionalism and it is almost a shame to highlight certain members of the cast, but Jayson Wheatley was particularly impressive as Jesus, handling the light comedy of the musical number 'All For the Best' and the motive finale with equal aplomb, and Dan Garnham as John the Baptist/Judas was also a standout.
Will Hawkesworth, Adam Elliott, Jonathan Stephens, Samantha Fillery, Catherine Anderson, Megan Mason, Becki Fillery and Florence Chisholm - the rest of the main roles - are all excellent, with a natural, compelling stage presence, as were the chorus. Directors Linda and Chris Thompson manage to make the show appear simultaneously slickly well-rehearsed and so fresh it seemed almost ad-libbed.
And choreographers Debbie Hackett, Jane James and Linda Thompson, and musical director Sue Burton and the band, are also to be congratulated for making some fairly difficult material look easy for the young performers.
Directors
LINDA & CHRIS THOMPSON
Choreographers
DEBBIE HACKETT, JANE JAMES
& LINDA THOMPSON
Musical Director
SUE BURTON
