Review

If you're not a Christian yet, you may be by the end of the Aurora Fox production of Godspell, a version so engaging and entertaining it's hard not to feel healed.

El Armstrong directs a visually sophisticated, emotionally exuberant and above all playful performance of the Stephen Schwartz musical. Its songs, so many of them memorably beautiful, are given harmonious interpretation by a vocally gifted cast conducted (along with a rocking four-piece band) by musical director David Nehls.

The production is a fully professional effort with the intimacy of a community theater. There are magic tricks and a spirit of joking among the performers, frequently reaching out into the audience and enrapturing children and adults alike.

As Jesus, Patric Case is unassuming and sweetly smiling, like the coolest teacher in high school, growing to righteous indignation with a rock-inflected voice and eventually despair.

His compatriot is John the Baptist, who invites the Apostles to Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord when he enters through a manhole in the stage. Jake Williamson, dressed in army surplus gear, is a slightly menacing John, nicely complementing Case, particularly on the modified vaudeville of All for the Best.

That number is missing its soft-shoe, though, one of the few moments where formalized dance would have enhanced the production. Other than Alas for You, choreographer DeAndre Carroll's work here is too rehearsed-looking; this ragtag group would convey a lot more passion with more organic, less synchronized movement.

Godspell is truly an ensemble piece, and this group brings frequent moments of delight. Debbie Johnson Lee opens the second act with a slinky Turn Back O Man. Jodi Kimura brings comic appeal throughout and makes a beautiful match with Kelly Twedt on By My Side. David Wygant offers a United Nations of accents and far more laughs than are usually found in that facility.

The entire cast bounces around Jen Orf's set, which looks like a highway underpass but offers itself as a jungle gym to the performers. Seth Allison's lighting design makes the final moments particularly powerful.

With so much joy and grace, it's a shame Armstrong goes for a cheap laugh by making two men kiss, and a few performers play too cutesy for such an already-sweet show.

In a nation marked by prodigious Bible-thumping, it takes a nearly 40-year-old musical to remind us of this teaching: "Be sure not to make a show of your religion before men." Unless your songs are really good.

Godspell

* Grade: A-

* When and where: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays, through Dec. 21, Aurora Fox, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

* Cost: $19 to $26

* Information: 303-739-1970 or aurorafox.org