‘Godspell’: Great show, Wise move

“It makes me want to get up and start preaching,” is what a friend of mine said during the intermission of the NMSU Theatre Department’s production of “Godspell.” That’s pretty high praise, as he is a retired minister, and an actor.

I say amen to that!

Shawn Pirkle was outstanding as Jesus. This is a huge and challenging role, and this freshman absolutely rocked it.

Peyton Womble, as always, was also outstanding, in the roles of Judas and John the Baptist – and also served as assistant music director.

This is an ensemble cast, and they all deserve the highest praise: Sage Drake, Eva Cullen, Aslan Longoria, Athena McPeake, Omar Moreno, Angelique Reagan, Reagan Szulc’ Camryn Wharff, Marissa Arevalo and Isabella A. Candelaria.

Gold stars all around for director Wil Kilroy and the entire “Godspell” crew, including guest choreographer Monique Foster, guest scenic designer José M. Díaz-Soto, costumes and props design Chloe Cappuccilli, lighting designer James Padilla, sound designer Jim Wilkinson, intimacy and fight choreographer Chelsea Pace, scenic artist Bob Diven, dramaturg Alycia Herrera and, in his last production for NMSU before he moves into retirement, stage manager Mike Wise.

The “Godspell” band is Lisa Hermanson (who is also the production’s music director – bravo!) on keyboards; Tim Wilbur and Ethan Trujillo on guitar; Ben Ramsey, guitar and keyboard; Will Reeves, percussion; and Abe Gomez, bass.

Remaining performances of “Godspell” are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 5-6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, May 7. Performances are at the ASNMSU Center for the Arts, 1000 E. University Ave.

Tickets are $20 adults, $18 students, $16 seniors and military and $10 under age 18.

For tickets, visit theatre.nmsu.edu. You can also call the box office at 575-646-4515 or send an email to melisd23@nmsu.edu. And, you can buy tickets at the box office before each performance.