Tag: Reviews

Local Spotlight: How Harlingen Community Theatre Breathes New Life into ‘Godspell’

Gospell is now playing at the Harlingen Community Theatre.

This year the Harlingen Community Theatre is celebrating its 50th Season and its current production is Godspell. Godspell, the beloved musical with music and new lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by John-Michael Tebelak, has charmed audiences since its debut in 1971 with its joyful energy, imaginative staging, and heartfelt message. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Matthew, the show reimagines biblical parables with a modern twist, blending pop-rock music, imaginative characters, and a vibrant, communal spirit. Its universal message of love, compassion, and forgiveness—values that transcend religion and remain deeply relevant today.

Locally, it opened on Thursday April 10 and features a talented cast that brings this classic musical to life. Over the years, Godspell has retained its appeal through its adaptability and emotional sincerity. Each production is encouraged to reflect the times, making it ever-fresh for new generations and this one is no exception. There are a couple of added scenes and dialogue to add relevance to modern times and the cast is encouraged to bring their own flavor to the scenes.

Stephen Rodriguez is a natural in the role of Jesus and David Laughlin’s portrayal of Judas is haunting and poignant. The show’s upbeat songs like ‘Day by Day’ and ‘Prepare Ye’ resonate across eras, reminding audiences of the enduring power of kindness and connection in an often divided world. Highlights include when Jesus defends the woman accused of adultery by challenging those accusing her that if any one them is without sin, to cast the first stone. He does this by playing a card game with them in which they are each given a card that has the word ‘SIN’ on it. Another is in Act Two, the emotional ‘Beautiful City’ by Jesus, which turns the tide of the show and sets the stage for the heartbreaking finale. The catchy musical numbers, humor, and humanity makes it a must-see production.

In today’s society—marked by social unrest, isolation, and a longing for meaning—Godspell serves as both a celebration and a call to action. Its themes of community, inclusion, and moral courage strike a powerful chord. Whether experienced as a nostalgic favorite or a first-time discovery, Godspell continues to inspire reflection and hope, proving that its message is not just timely, but timeless.

There are still two chances to catch this unforgettable production: Saturday and Sunday at 2:30p.m. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children and are available online and in person an hour before showtime.

Cast:
Jesus – Stephen Rodriguez
John the Baptist/Judas – David Laughlin

Vendors and Customers:
Xochitl Carmona, Alyssa Christiansen, David Dillon, Beth Ensign, Kathy Eunice, Justin Evans, Vicky Fultz, Amy Gonzalez, Ariel S. Gonzalez, Jorge Gonzalez, Stephanie Jackson, Trinity Minson, Carmen Montalvo, Ian Montalvo, Damian Moseley

Gospell stage.

Harlingen Community Theatre
1209 Fair Park Blvd
Harlingen, TX

Cowboys, Romance, and Frontier Life: ‘Oklahoma!’ Takes the Stage at the Camille

‘Oklahoma!’ is now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville. Photo: Sandra Cruz

Now playing at the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville is “Oklahoma!” – a timeless American musical that combines a compelling story with vibrant music, offering a celebration of frontier life and the complexities of love and community. It features a score by Rodgers and Hammerstein, including unforgettable songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'” and “People Will Say We’re in Love.” Set in the early 1900s, it follows the lives of two rival groups—farmers and cowboys—in the Oklahoma Territory, with romance blossoming between the spirited Laurey Williams and the charming Curly McLain.

From the brilliant minds of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, the Camille takes a trip to the turn of the 20th century with “Oklahoma!” With the rivalry between local farmers and cowboys, the setting of this show is full of conflict, but it’s also a love story of a farm girl and her choice between a cowboy and a farmhand. (Camille Playhouse, 2025)

Tickets are $25 for ages 3 and up and are available online or avoid the service charge and buy them at the box office. The lobby opens 30 minutes before the curtain and seating opens 30 minutes before curtain. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis.

Cast includes:

Brandon Binder – Curly
Leah Hollingshead – Laurey
Daniel Ramirez – Will Parker
Grecia Ortiz – Ado Annie Carnes
Valentina Capistran – Aunt Eller

Opening night on Friday was a wonderful start to the Camille’s presentation of this foot-stomping musical. The narrative strikes a balance between lighthearted moments and deeper themes and explores issues like jealousy, societal norms, and personal independence. The character-driven plot shines with its dynamic, well-developed roles, with excellent portrayals of Laurey by Leah Hollingshead and Curly by Brandon Binder. Their relationship stands at the forefront of the emotional core. A standout performance comes courtesy of Dean McElyea (Jud Fry) during the melancholy “Lonely Run” where Jud sings about his longing for a woman of his own and showcases the depth of the character. The lively choreography, paired with the energetic ensemble, brings the world of Oklahoma to life at the local level. Outstanding performances all around.

Despite some of its dated views on gender roles, “Oklahoma!” remains an important part of American musical theatre history. Its infectious energy, catchy tunes, and memorable characters continue to captivate audiences, making it a must-see for lovers of classic musicals. Do yourself a favor and stop by the Camille to experience this magical performance at its very best and discover the talent that Brownsville has to offer. Try and get the catchy “Oklahoma” tune out of your head. Congratulations to the cast and crew!

Now playing – February 1, 2, 7,8, and 9

Showtimes:

Friday 7p.m.
Saturday 2p.m. and 7p.m.
Sunday 2p.m.

Blood Incantation’s Absolute Elsewhere: A Mind-Bending Exploration of Death Metal’s Boundaries

Blood Incantation is: L-R Paul Riedl (Guitars, Vocals), Morris Kolontyrsky (Guitars), Jeff Barrett (Fretless Bass), Isaac Faulk (Drums). Photo: Julian Weigand, used with permission

Death metal is a subgenre of extreme metal characterized by its aggressive, fast-paced sound, often featuring growled or screamed vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and complex drumming. Its appeal lies in its raw energy and cathartic nature, offering a way for listeners to release pent-up emotions. Fans are drawn to the technical skill required to play the intricate rhythms and fast tempos, as well as the intensity of the performances. The dark themes, often exploring death, decay, and existential questions, provide a sense of escapism for some, while the sheer heaviness of the music creates an adrenaline-fueled experience.

If you’re a fan of the genre, there’s a new album out by Blood Incantation worth noting.

Blood Incantation is an American death metal band from Denver, Colorado formed in 2011. Their new album Absolute Elsewhere is the sound of a star being born. (another side, 2024)

“The Stargate” Side One: A violent storm invokes the familiar before a grand cosmic key turn for a hint of sweeping scope to come with spiritual acknowledgement and accompaniment by Tangerine Dream’s Thorsten Quaeschning on synths on the song’s second tablet. Musically as violent as it is mediative, with subtle spoken passages flitting between Nicklas Malmqvist’s (Hällas) busy synthesizer keys and Mellotron strings invoking both the modern and ancient, and it is all given sharp focus by Arthur Rizk’s powerfully dynamic and enveloping mix. Blood Incantation depart Extreme Metal’s traditionally antiquated waystation, warping their way towards “Genre of One” stature, as “The Stargate” intones the disembodiment of consciousness itself, careening through the stargate towards Samsara-like reincarnation, punctuated by the occasional growl from Sijjin/ex-Necros Christos main man, Malte Gericke.

“The Message” Side Two: A step through doorways of unearthly beauty, playfulness, quirk and horror. As if David Gilmour jams beside Chick Corea and Trey Azagthoth melting together through psychedelic hyperspace, eliciting mystical vibes and a tangible metaphysical transcendence. Dalos briefly reengages with this track in his native language, alongside star-riding Malmqvist, whose iconic synth/keys work throughout the album adds to the unearthly atmospherics that with Absolute Elsewhere defines a new musical epoch for Blood Incantation, as much as 21st century Metal itself. 

In total the piece hovers at nearly 45 minutes, their longest full length recording yet, the album’s two movements are as confounding as they are engaging, exponentially expanding upon the formulas laid down by their scene-shattering debut Starspawn (2016) and landmark follow up Hidden History of the Human Race (2019).

For inspiration, the group looked to the mid-70s progressive rock collective, Absolute Elsewhere as the album’s namesake. For the uninitiated, Absolute Elsewhere’s obscure 1976 album, In Search of Ancient Gods, was constructed as a musical accompaniment to the works of Chariots of the Gods author, Erich Von Daniken, and his theories of non-terrestrial humanoid prompts towards mankind’s evolution. The subject matter of which should serve as no surprise to anyone familiar with Blood Incantation’s cosmically philosophical leanings. But make no mistake, the four musicians working under the Blood Incantation banner for the past decade – guitarist and vocalist Paul Riedl, drummer Isaac Faulk, guitarist Morris Kolontyrsky and bassist Jeff Barrett – have successfully left the microgravity of genre behind and are re-writing the Rosetta Stone of extreme music with a new language entirely. 

Absolute Elsewhere is available from Century Media. Its physical version features a 73 minute feature film All Gates Open: In Search Of Absolute Elsewhere which tells the story of their time in Berlin during the summer of 2023, while recording at the legendary Hansa Studios. It is available on Blu-Ray with the album’s deluxe media book package and includes the documentary’s original soundtrack, All Gates Open (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) which includes 60 minutes of exclusive new music distinct from the new album.

This special edition will also include Blood Incantation’s 2023 maxi-single, “Luminescent Bridge” for the first time ever on CD, and of course, Absolute Elsewhere in both standard and Dolby Atmos / 5.1 mixes, alongside exclusive liner notes, exclusive interviews, behind the scenes photos and a forward by Ross Dolan of Immolation. Underscoring the classic Progressive Rock vibe, the album is adorned with contemporary visionary paintings by the iconic and reclusive 70s Sci-Fi artist Steve R. Dodd.

Blood Incantation sets out on an extensive North American tour crossing both coasts and more with support from Midwife. All tickets are on sale now here. A full list of dates is available online.

Blood Incantation Absolute Elsetour Dates:

Nov 27: Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall ~
Nov 29: Montreal, QC – Fairmount ~
Nov 30: Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace ~
Dec 01: Detroit, MI – Magic Stick ~
Dec 03: Chicago, IL – Metro ~
Dec 04: Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line ~
Dec 05: Omaha, NE – Bourbon Theater ~

~ w/ Midwife

Early Praise For Absolute Elsewhere:

“the metal album of the year” NPR 

“an amazing, proggy, thrilling death metal epic” The Needle Drop

“This album is the work of a band who have proven themselves capable of anything. It belongs on the shelf alongside Pestilence’s ‘Testimony Of The Ancients and Spheres’, The Orb’s ‘UFOrb’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘Wish You Were Here’. It’s a goddamn masterpiece.”  The Wire

“the ultimate Blood Incantation album” Brooklyn Vegan

Courtesy photo, used with permission.