Far from the musical theatre comfort food that Goodspeed Musicals is known for, the latest offering at the popular East Haddam venue may be an uncomfortable sit for many of the theatre’s loyal subscribers. “The 12”, a gritty and mostly downbeat new musical about the aftermath of the Crucifixion when the disciples of Jesus gathered together in fearful hiding, is 85 minutes of panic, angst and lots of shouting. You’ve been warned.
With book and lyrics by Robert Schenkkan and music/lyrics by Neil Berg, “The 12” is adventurous theatre to be sure and with renowned director John Doyle at the helm (he also created the vivid scenic design), you will not be bored. But the show is difficult to embrace, it holds you at a distance until its central theme of love comes through in a strong final number (“Our Love”). The staging is often frantic without much purpose. Doyle has the actors scurrying about the stage picking up and moving oil drums, crates and a ladder several times and it begins to resemble unmotivated busy work for the company. And even at its short running time (especially for a musical), the book seems repetitive and overlong.
What makes “The 12” worth seeing, however, is Doyle’s exemplary cast and a score that includes a handful of really moving and powerful numbers. There are only two women in the cast, Adrienne Walker as Mary Magdalene and Rema Webb as “Mother Mary”, but both make a significant impression. In the larger role, Walker handles three solomasterfully (“What Kind of Friends”, “I Did” and “Empty”). The regal Webb also stops the show at midpoint with the gospel-inspired, “Rain”.
But there are no weak links in the company. Etai Benson as Jimmy duets beautifully with Walker on a tender ballad, “Magdalene” while Kyle Scatliffe’s dynamic John commands the stage leading several company numbers with effortless bravado. Wesley Taylor also registers strongly as “Doubting Thomas” serving as a voice of reason with “Your Own Way”. The remaining cast members, Wonza Johnson, Matt Caplan, Kelvin Moon Loh, F. Michael Haynie, Akron Lanier Watson, Brandon J. Ellis, Gregory Treco, Mel Johnson Jr. and Westley Taylor all contribute memorably to the evening.
Doyle’s graffiti stained warehouse setting features a stunning steel gurney that bisects the stage in the shape of a cross with Japhy Weidman’s expressionistic lighting and Ann Hould-Ward’s rag-tag costuming completing the grimy stage picture. No, it’s not your daddy’s Goodspeed nor does it all work. But it is deserving of praise for the chances taken with very risky material.
“The 12” continues at the Goodspeed Opera House, 6 Main Street in East Haddam, Connecticut through October 29. For further information, call: (860).873.8668 or visit: www.goodspeed.org.
Tom Holehan is one of the founders of the Connecticut Critics Circle, a frequent contributor to WPKN Radio’s “State of the Arts” program and the Stratford Crier and Artistic Director of Stratford’s Square One Theatre Company. He welcomes comments at: tholehan@yahoo.com. His reviews and other theatre information can be found on the Connecticut Critics Circle website: www.ctcritics.com.
