Godspell: The Musical — Review

Godspell at the Culver City Elks Club: An Intimate, Heartfelt Revival

Reviewed by Frank Barwah- I recently attended Godspell, directed by John K. Wilson and presented by Expedition Entertainment, at the Elks Club in Culver City.

From the moment you step inside, the venue sets an unmistakable tone. Built in the mid-1950s, the club retains its original, unfurbished charm—its lobby, bar, and auditorium feel preserved in time. Walking through the front doors, I had the distinct sensation of entering a film set, and that atmosphere carried seamlessly into the performance itself. The space evokes a kind of yesteryear Americana, as if transporting the audience to an earlier, more rural chapter of American life.

The auditorium’s long, narrow shape was used inventively. Rather than performing on the raised stage at one end, the company staged the action at ground level in the center of the room. Audience members sat in chairs along the two long sides, facing inward, which created an intimate, close-up experience. The band remained set up on the auditorium’s stage, anchoring the sound and lending the evening a live, communal feel. This configuration brought the performers within arm’s reach at times, making the storytelling feel personal and immediate.

The cast performed with passion and abundant physical and musical energy. As with many ensemble-driven productions, there were varying levels of vocal strength and acting polish across the group, but the overall spirit was undeniable. A few minor sound issues surfaced during the show, but they never became distracting and did not diminish the enjoyment of the performance.

What stood out most was the cast’s clear affection for the material—and for one another. Each performer fully embraced their role, and the group seemed to genuinely treasure the experience of making this piece together. The production carried an endearing, small-town charm, full of personality and buoyed by a freewheeling, light-hearted humor.

Ultimately, this Godspell felt like a subdued, heartfelt take on the origins of the 1960s countercultural musical—one originally envisioned for a large Broadway stage, but here reimagined in a setting that made it feel timeless and surprisingly intimate.

With 2 performances left Friday January 16th and Saturday 17th. Tickets at Tickets are on sale now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/expeditionentertainment/1918478.

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