I laughed. I cried. What else can I say? The ASU Lyric Opera Theatre's production of 1970s religious musical "Godspell" is miraculous.
"Godspell," which opened Friday night, is the first show of the 2006-07 Lyric Opera Theatre season.
It is based on the original off-Broadway production but has been updated to make it more relevant to viewers today.
"People should not expect to see a man in a Superman T-shirt with an Afro," said Richard Leigh, "Godspell" director, in a press release.
Instead, the Macarena dance, a rap song and the memorable "I'm not touching you" phrase - made popular by annoying younger brothers - appeared in the play. Even the iPod got a mention.
The play also incorporates humor into familiar Bible stories - such as the "Parable of the Good Samaritan," the "Parable of the Prodigal Son" and the story about Lazarus being brought back to life - by acting them out and using the occasional hat-and-cane routine.
Amid all the lightheartedness and laugh-out-loud humor, though, there were some solemn moments. After all, the play is about the last seven days of Jesus Christ's life.
The most serious parts - Judas' betrayal and Christ's beating and Crucifixion - take place after the intermission. Some parts may be dramatic, but the play is appropriate for all ages.
"I think the play is a good learning tool for young people," said Carlye Buxton, 29, of Gilbert. "It isn't overly graphic and it tells the Bible story of Christ's last week according to St. Matthew."
Buxton also said she thinks the play can be understood by people who do not have a religious background.
"It is a good story," she said. "Also, the talent was amazing. This was the best production of 'Godspell' I've ever seen."
Based on the play's ability to keep me and the numerous children in the audience pleasantly entertained for two hours - I never heard one child cry - I give it five halos out of five.
Future performances of "Godspell" are at ASU's Evelyn Smith Music Theatre on Oct. 4, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. Student tickets are available online for $7.
Reach the reporter at Jennifer.Oconnor.1@asu.edu.
