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POPE! An Epic Musical
Reviewed by Pauline Adamek
Theatre Unleashed
Through Nov. 17.
These are exciting times for Catholics worldwide. Ever since their current religious leader, his Holiness Pope Francis was appointed last year, he has been making headlines for his lenient doctrines and humanitarian proclamations, ushering in a new era for this notoriously hard-line religion.
Unfortunately Justin Moran and Christopher Pappas’ new work POPE! An Epic Musical only superficially touches on contemporary political issues, preferring to tell a slight and resolutely upbeat comic-book story of a young man’s dream being dashed and his heroic battle to restore it.
Jase Lindgren plays the ironically-named Pope, a nerdy yet handsome young man who’s always yearned to be the Pope. In the course of his first song (“Oh I Hope”), time accelerates rapidly from an awkward teenage party — where Pope refuses to kiss a girl because he wants to remain celibate — to his magically ascending to the prestigious post as head of the church. Pope reveals his goal of having all the Catholics in his control but then proceeds to alienate and bore his clergy to death with homespun, off-the-cuff homilies that use blueberry muffins as analogies for one’s faith and life’s path (“Muffin Mass”). Nevertheless, beyond the grumbling inner sanctum his general approval rating is high — 98% — so Pope goes on tour to win over the remaining 2% of his flock. He has every confidence he will succeed, stating, “I have faith — duh!” and sings about how it’s “dope being the Pope.”
Meanwhile his arch enemy from school days, muckraking journalist Dexter (Jude Evans) schemes with the evil Archbishop (Shawn Cahill) to smear Pope’s reputation and ruin his life. The Archbishop “takes the crown” and becomes the reigning Pope only to reintroduce draconian rule. A megalomaniac, he even has the Vatican bankroll a murderous altar boy bionic army, aka A.B.B.A. It’s silly stuff.
Pope holes up with a gang of nuns (the Sisters of the Order of the Immaculate and Divine Aim) who eventually assist with clearing his name. His childhood sweetheart Mary Elizabeth (now a nun and played by Sammi Lappin) inspires Pope during his darkest hour with the reminder that “…being Pope doesn’t change who you are inside.”
Much like Theater Unleashed’s previous presentation of Justin Moran’s satirical The Spidey Project, POPE! An Epic Musical is a fun romp with numerous up-tempo and catchy, if a bit same-y songs throughout. Book and lyrics are by Moran; music is by Christopher Pappas. Gregory Crafts directs with verve, maintaining a good pace and eliciting fine performances from his troupe and, above all, milking the broad comedy at every turn without going overboard. Musical Director Luis Antonio Gonzalez provides sprightly live accompaniment on electric piano, playing every style from vague do-wop to hymns and gospel-infused pop songs. Kire Horton does a great job as an intermittent narrator, bringing an incongruous yet welcome raunchiness with her husky voice and gutsy singing. Act 2 feels protracted, but every character in the 12-strong cast gets a song, even God (Mark Lopez) and, of course, Jesus (“What Would Jesus Do?”). While it’s a great little, bare bones — if overlong — musical featuring a company of decent voices, the lack of edgy contemporary commentary and its soft and deliberately simplistic storyline disappoints.
Theatre Unleashed at The Belfry, Upstairs at the Crown, 11031 Camarillo St., N. Hlywd.;
Sat. & Mon., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.; through Nov. 17. (818) 849-4039, www.theatreunleashed.com
Note: As part of its ongoing work with local and national charities, proceeds from the Pope! box office will be going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
