With NSW in drought comes the timely musical Leap of Faith performed by the North Shore Theatre Company at the Independent Theatre, North Sydney until 14th October 2018. This Tony-nominated musical is based on the 1992 American movie of the same name which starred Steve Martin. The music is by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Glenn Slater and a book by Janus Cercone and Slater.
The musical tells the story of ‘Reverend’ Jonas Nightingale, a part-time reverend and a full time con artist, who is travelling with his ministry. When his bus breaks down in the middle of small drought-ridden Sweetwater, a Kansas town, Jonas plans an impromptu revival to take the entire town for a ride within 3 days. Forced to pitch a tent, he invites the townspeople to his revival. However, the sheriff, Marla McGowan, is determined to stop Jonas from taking the people’s money. Yet her son, Jake appears to idolise Jonas. It’s a story about how people respond to being dealt a variety of ill fortune. It’s a story of resilience, inspiration and redemption.
The music was composed by multi-Oscar winner Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Disney’s The Little Mermaid) with lyrics by Grammy winner Glenn Slater (Disney’s Tangled). Genres include rock, gospel and pop appealing to a wide range of audience. Andrew Beban as musical director ensured consistent good performance. The song ‘Are You on the Bus?’ showcased the lead voices in harmony, with the opening song ‘Rise Up’ setting the tone for an uplifting show.
There’s sex, love, money, gospel, rock and roll, psychological manipulation and high levels of energy, colour and optimism.
Director Chapin Ayres, who is also a professional musical theatre performer, fell in love with the show while visiting New York six years ago. “I saw Leap of Faith on Broadway in 2012 not knowing anything about it, and I just fell in love with the music and heart of the show immediately,” she said. “It has the perfect balance of being both funny and touching, and each character is crafted perfectly.”
The 17 cast members each crafted their own character. A few of those who stood out on the opening night were: Mateo Morchio as Jonas sustained energy levels throughout the two acts and was particularly poignant in ‘Jonas’s Soliloquy’ when dazed and confused by what happens to Jake in Act two.
Rachael Gillfeather as Ida Mae. Her strong voice and stage presence packed a revivalist punch and kept her fractious family in line.
Grant Loxton as the true believer Isaiah fresh from Bible College enchanted vocally and emotionally.
Michaela Leisk as Marla McGowan combined her beautiful vocals with expertly portraying the emotions in her roles as mother, sheriff and lover.
Nile Sturzaker gave a credible performance as young Jake McGowan.
Choreography by Olivia Cathro was particularly engaging during the early scene when luggage was being off loaded and tossed around energetically. The costume crew added sparkle and enhanced mood with costume variety and colour.
Ayres notes that audience members who think they are coming to get ‘preached at’ will get a good surprise. “Leap of Faith is not about religion, it’s about your own personal belief systems and whether you believe miracles really can happen,” she said. “I think we have all met someone like Jonas at some point in our life – cocky, gifted, persuasive, good looking – he’s like that ‘bad boy’ that every girl wants in their teens but we know are flawed and in terrible emotional trouble.”
As rain descended both on and off stage on the opening night, the audience cheered enthusiastically for their favourite revivalists. Along with these flawed characters on stage, they enjoyed taking the ‘leap of faith’.
For more about LEAP OF FAITH, visit {Website:10}