"Godspell" is a hit in Bellmore

For two weeks now theater lovers have been flocking to The Sbow Place in Bellmore – also known as the Bellmore Movie Theater – to share the energy of that jubilant Broadway hit “Godspell.” Produced by Plaza Theatrical Productions, under the leadership of Kevin Harrington, the show concludes its brief run on Sunday.
Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, and featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz, “Godspell” is one of the biggest off-Broadway and Broadway successes of all time. It boasts a string of well-loved songs, led by the international hit, “Day By Day.” As the cast performs “Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “All For The Best,” “All Good Gifts,” “Turn Back, O Man” and “By My Side,” the parables of Jesus Christ come humanly and hearteningly to life.
Audiences have responded warmly to the show, said Keith Panzarella, who portrays Jesus, his first role with Plaza Theatrical Productions. “People are very moved,” Panzarella said. “We’ve been playing a lot of churches and they often come up to us after the show to tell us how much it has meant to them.”
Panzarella, who ranks “Godspell” as one his favorite shows, is a 2006 graduate of Malverne High School. He went on to study at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and is currently pursuing a professional acting career. In additional to performing in other local productions, Panzarella has just finished an independent film “Weary Sun,” scheduled for release in June.
Other members of the energetic cast, who play a variety of biblical characters, include Jeremy Smith of Baldwin, Dan Slater of Bellmore, Diana Henenberg of Valley Stream, Kevin Sweeney, Phil Provenzano, Ariel Bethany, Jennifer Szakolczay, Megan Miles, Lauren DiLorenzo, and Mallory Berlin.

Audiences relate to the human touch Panzarella brings to his performance of Jesus. “It’s very easy to play the role of Jesus as a guy you hear about in church, as a person so far away from everything,” Panzarella explained. “You have to play him as a human with human emotions. I have made an effort to personalize him, to not convey him as a caricature.”
The upbeat production, with its themes of love, forgiveness, humility, integrity, sacrifice, and tolerance, resonates with audiences. “The show has universal themes and is dramatically compelling which appeals to all people regardless of their religious beliefs,” said Harrington, Plaza Theatrical Productions’
executive producer. “It has a life-affirming message that we thought would be beneficial to audiences during these difficult times.”
This is Harrington's fourth time directing “Godspell,” which was last presented by Plaza Productions 10 years ago. The boisterous production is a work that is continually evolving, as it draws from various theatrical traditions, including improvisation, pantomime, and clowning. “When you work on a production of “Godspell,” the script is loose so it allows actors to improvise and ad-lib,” said Harrington. The result is an updated version that throws in some contemporary humor into the Biblical setting.
“We’ve added some topical references to the show, including Sarah Palin, Tiger Woods and the reality series “Survivor,” Harrington said.
“It’s a show that has many messages,” he added. “It appeals to kids on one level and to adults on another. It’s fast paced, funny and dramatic. A feel-good show.”
Plaza Productions’ 2009-2010 Mainstage season concludes with Neil Simon’s “Chapter Two” in April and “Annie Get Your Gun” in May. The final children’s production this season features the “Wizard of Oz “in April.

Godspell
Sunday, March 28, 2 p.m. $20, $15 seniors and  students ages 6-17.
The Showplace at Bellmore Movies, 222 Pettit Ave., Bellmore (directly across the street from the Bellmore Train Station). (516) 599-6870 or www.plazatheatrical.com.