THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS

Review by Celia Ipiotis

There’s no denying the beauty of Little Island Theater. Perched above the Hudson River, the amphitheater welcomes dance, theater and music performances. One of the great musical drama experiences, Gospel at Colonus, enthralled audiences who followed Oedipus’s fall from grace and wanderings through ancient Greece. Written by Lee Breur to a captivating score by Bob Telson, the production is reformed for Little Island by Shayok Misha Chowdhury.

Premiering in 1983 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, Gospel was an unconditional hit. Breur brilliantly re-cast the epic Greek myth through the lens of Pentecostal church music with its addictive call and response format.  For this iteration, the cast is stripped down, but the story’s essence remains intact as well as the full-blown gospel music.

When Oedipus, (separated from his parents at birth) unknowingly kills his father, he rides to Thebes, solves the fiendish Sphinx’s riddle, wins the queen’s hand (his mother Jocasta) and becomes King. That aside, when Oedipus ingests the consequences of his deeds, he gouges out his eyes and wanders the earth guided by his daughter, Antigone until they reach Theseus, the king of Athens who provides refuge.

Wearing a hat, dark glasses and cane at his side, Frank Senior portrays Oedipus. Chorus members dressed by David Zinn in loose gray and tan dresses, pants and shirts; carry fans, form a ring around the stage’s center and comment on Oedipus’ tragic journey. 

A power band sits on stage including one original member, the organist Butch Heyward.  The Preacher, Stephanie Berry, shouts “Welcome Brothers and Sisters” and from that point on, we are all invested.

Oedipus, is performed by both the golden voiced Davone Tines and Frank Senior sporting dark glasses. In a nod to Oedipus’ bling wanderings (and the Oedipus role originally played by the Blind Boys of Alabama) Senior, Tines and Berry form a procession walking in front of one another, arms outstretched holding each other’s shoulders and snaking throughout the amphitheater.  

Positioned on the ring of seats stage level, the choir, choreographed by James Hall, fan themselves and rise to execute ecstatic quick footed movements, turning, and jumping jubilantly around the musicians.

Although Antigone, the smooth voiced Samantha Howard remains Odeipus’ major guide, her sister, Ismene makes an appearance. Another major voice in this production is  Serpentwithfeet as the friend releasing a  shimmering soulful voice and Dr. Kevin Bond as Creon who confronts Theseus, Kim Burrell.

Much of the magic comes from the setting. The simple crimson set by James Hall combines platforms of different heights and a staircase that rises to one of the higher platforms framed by the Hudson River and NYC and NJ skyline.

Tickets to Little Island Concerts quickly sell-out, so move fast for a tremendous, theatrical summer experience.

EYE ON THE ARTS, NY — Celia Ipiotis