Cardinal Spellman High School

6
Spellman Casts
A “Godspell”
Over Standing
Room Only
Audiences
After wowing audiences with Broadway-worthy performances in
Les Miserables last year, Cardinal Spellman’s Drama Department
had a tough road to follow—and the team sought to pave new
pathways with its production of “ Godspell”.
The play rose from book writer/lyricist John-Michael Tebelak,
who sought to author his master’s thesis project back in 1971, and
he fixed his sites on a musical presentation of the Gospel of St.
Matthew. Ideal for Easter season, the show depicts the teachings
of Jesus, backdropped by ‘60s-style flower children, spirited music, and a focus on community.
The performance opened with such philosophers as Socrates (Catherine Hawes), whose clear, powerful
voice reflected sentiments of a simpler time, while Aquinas’ (Charlotte Murray) staccato-delivery and
Luther’s (Joshua Potcner) mellow tenor complemented the delivery.
Nietschze’s (Stephen Fortin) deep voice complemented
Sartre’s (Katelyn Kazlauskas) clear commentary of
“I seem to be a verb…” as the black-clad philosophers
shortly closed the first scene. The scene changed to
“Tower of Babble”—where a cacophony of discontent
was evident as the actors crooned their own parts amid
a funky backdrop. Thomas Aleo, in the role of John the
Baptist, vocalized a peaceful tenor as he sang “Prepare
Ye the Way of the Lord” amid the tie-dyed frenzy of the
full-cast party atmosphere.
what’s happening on the hill
Paul Whelan, in the role of Jesus, offered a refreshing
image of peace and serenity in his white robe, as he
crooned “Save the People” and delivered messages of
inspiration, comfort, and hope to his avid listeners. His
pristine attire and calm voice resembled Henry Fonda’s
good-guy character in “Twelve Angry Men”, and the image was a stunning contrast among a costume
rainbow of tees, headbands, jeans, flower patches, peace signs and beads. He conveyed Jesus’ teaching about
those who keep God’s law having the highest place in the Kingdom of Heaven and cautioned those about fair
treatment of others. “He who abuses his brother must answer for it in the courts but he who sneers at this
brother will end up in the fires of hell,” noted Whelan of Jesus’ lessons. “If someone slaps you on the right
cheek, turn and offer him your left cheek,” he continued. “When you do an act of kindness, don’t let your
right hand know what your left hand is doing…your good deed must be done in secret.”
Maureen Azor, in the role of Robin, delivered a clear and convincing rendition of “Day By Day” in a face-to-
face stage prayer with Jesus. The lyrics continue to be a timeless plea of God’s guidance and companionship:
“Day by day, oh, dear Lord, these things I pray… to see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee
more nearly… day by day.” The Samaritan scene offered some humor with the “beast” played for comedy by