Review by Kirsten Fowler, Front Row Reviewers
Back for its third year in a row, Gideon vs. the Gods of Cool is an original play by Stephen Gashler that expands the mind and brings on a new meaning to the word “supernatural.” It begins with a nerdy teenager named Gideon who is trying to survive boy’s PE. But things get complicated when the scary “gray lady” steps into his world with rules and regulations Gideon doesn’t want to comply with. When his best friends, Dwight and Wanda get involved, they soon discover that the school is actually run by Greek Gods posing as teachers. Norma (Goddess of normality), Ms. Primple (Goddess of fashion), Sportacus (God of sports), Muza (Goddess of Music), Coolar (God of coolness), and Nerdacus (God of nerds) band together to try and take over the school, controlling the teenagers like zombies. But Gideon and his friends fight back by disrupting the “normal” flow of high school cliques. Gideon joins the football team with jocks Doug and Kyle, nerds go out with jocks that are “out of their league,” and Doug even becomes a nerd, learning to play the accordion. Soon everything is turned upside-down as Gods fight against teens in epic battles that end in an explosion of surprise. In the end, Gideon and his friends break down social barriers and find the true power within themselves to conquer all.
Ben Anderson (Gideon) makes the audience laugh with witty lines and hilarious acting skills, alongside Aaron Rindlishbacher (Dwight) who plays a very convincing nerd that uses his inhaler, glasses, braces, and books to keep his nerd vibes going strong throughout the scenes. Sydney Lane (Wanda) shines with her beautiful trained vocals and sweet disposition. Together, this three-some makes this play an out-of-this-world experience.
The jocks and popular kids, including Jaicie Graham (Joan) and Olivia Hatch (Kimberly) step in to bring fresh new talent while seasoned Angelus favorites, Parker Brook (Doug) and Jenna Rhodes (Cynthia), add their ever-amazing voice talents and fantastic acting skills. Of course, bad boy Kyle, played for the third year by Darin Erickson, brings an air of strength and villainy when right and wrong battle for the upper hand.
The practiced ease in which Lori-ann Cunningham (Norma) sings every line with precision and power is convincingly evil. She works alongside her partner in crime, Taryn Aron (Ms. Primple), who displays poise and sass while lording over the students. Matthew Davis (Sportacus) is natural on the stage and makes the audience want to join in the fun. Adella Op’t Hof (Muza) uses her musical prowess to bring power and fun to the show while Stephen Gashler (God of coolness) shows what it truly is to be cool-or does he? Let us not forget the last God we meet, Nerdacus, played by Isabel Op’t Hof who surprises with her ability to sing a range of notes while acting as the biggest nerd of the universe. Each of the cast members brings a cohesive energy the audience wants to be a part of.
This is a must-see if you want something new and fresh next to all the same old plays you’ve seen a thousand times. The music is addicting, the laughter contagious, and the talent genuine. Even if you’ve seen this play before, Director Stephanie Featherstone and Dance Choreographer Katia Dengin Whitlock have brought some new surprises and improvements you won’t want to miss. There are only two more chances left to see this amazing show.
Great Hall Theatrical presents Gideon Versus the Gods of Cool, by Stephen Gashler.
The Angelus Theatre, 165 N Main St, Spanish Fork, UT, 84660
July 29 to Aug 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $16-$18
Great Hall Website
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