'Godspell' lead plays Jesus as a regular guy

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

Chris Veatch, center, hopes his portrayal of Jesus in the Army Community Theatre's production of "Godspell" will strike a chord not only with devout churchgoers but also with general theater fans. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser 'Godspell' A musical based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, with songs by Stephan Schwartz; produced by Army Community Theatre Premieres at 7:30 p.m. Thursday; repeats Fridays and Saturdays, through March 15 Richardson Theatre, Fort Shafter $17 and $14 general, $10 and $8 for children 438-4480 Note: Security measures make reservations essential to enter the Army post; ACT people will have a roster of names, near the post gate, and a picture ID will be required.

"My looks as Jesus may confuse people," said Veatch, 27, a managing and engineering consultant for the Air Force here. "I dress normally, like the other characters. Everyone in the cast is a hodge-podge of eccentricities. It's not the usual clown thing, often the look for this show, since we wanted to focus on creating a community, of random people forming a strong bond through teachings of this central character, Jesus."

At a time of world uncertainty and unrest, Veatch feels "Godspell" — exploring the last seven days of Jesus' life — offers a measure of hope and a message of peace. He hopes his Jesus connects, too, not only with devout churchgoers who will embrace him but the general theater-going crowd who will be entertained by him.

"I think viewers and audiences are really going to be moved by our presentation, and we're putting a fresh spin on it," said Veatch. "With real people in an real setting, performing a little left of center (politically speaking), this is a more easily accessible Jesus."

No long hair, no beard, he said. That's his personal look — and that's what his stage Jesus will look like.

Veatch last appeared in Hawai'i Pacific University Theatre's "Death of a Salesman," portraying Barney; Brad Powell, who is directing "Godspell," was Ben in the drama.

Veatch was casually asked by Powell one day, "Do you sing?"

That started it.

He auditioned.

He got the Jesus nod.

His theatrical credits date back to his University of Arizona days in Tucson. More recently, he worked and lived in Las Vegas, but community theater was not an option because of time and distance. His last musical was six years ago, so there was a bit of reorientation for "Godspell."

"Musicals are lot more taxing (than dramas)," he said. "You not only have to learn your lines for your character, but there's choreography and the singing. But it all keeps me out of trouble and the rehearsal process has been very good. We've enjoyed each others' presence, hanging out outside the rehearsal time, too, making new friends."

Veatch said he had a church upbringing, so he was familiar with the Book of Matthew. "I knew the composer's (Stephen Schwartz) other show, 'Pippin,' but not this, but I now love this one," he said.

"My favorite song is 'Alas for You,' " said Veatch. "It's similar to what went on in the Book of Matthew, in which Jesus is not condemning but chastising, because he cares. He knows the right words."