The Easter season is undoubtedly ideal to present a show like GODSPELL, a musical created in 1969 by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and John-Michael Tebelak (libretto) based on the Gospel of Saint Matthew.

The increasingly prestigious Off-West End´s Union Theatre of London has hit the mark again with this new show directed by Michael Strassen, responsible of the acclaimed productions of Sondheim pieces COMPANY and ASSASSINS presented in this venue during the last seasons.

GODSPELL is a collage of stories - Biblical parables, explained through songs and mythical characters, such as Jesus and Judas. The piece itself is not sublime, but it contains a number of iconic songs such as "Prepare Ye", "Save The People" or "Day By Day". The theme may not appeal to a mass of people, but the many details added by the director and the high artistic level of the performers shape the edges and make this show enjoyable.

Strassen has devised a simple and contemporary staging, introducing several nods tribute to the musical genre (in particular to LES MISÉRABLES and A CHORUS LINE) as well as many touches of humour, techniques to break the fourth wall that easily get the audience´s complicity.

The empty stage with an effective lighting, enhances the ability of performers to focus attention. The young and energetic cast includes Billy Cullum as Jesus and Brooks Davis as Judas, the spiritual leader and the apostle who sentenced his death, the two most charismatic figures in the story.

But if there´s performer who shines with her own light is Madalena Alberto. The actress, who already shone bright as Fantine in the recent 25th anniversary production of LES MISÉRABLES, again demonstrates in this show her charisma and superb skills on stage. Strassen has had a brilliant idea to start the second act: Madalena receives the audience with her guitar, playing one of the themes of her album ´Foreign Sketches´ that also plays on the speakers while people retrieve to their seats, and she creates a funny clash with some actors which results in the performance of the first song of the second act of GODSPELL "Turn Back Old Man ", performed by the actress with strength and seductive passion.

It´s also brilliant the work in the musical direction of Michael Bradley, who runs a four-member band that remains hidden in a corner of the stage.

The audience leaves the theatre moved and pleased for this new hit of the Union Theatre, this small theatre located under a bridge in the London borough of Southwark which is certifying a seal of quality on each show they present.