"Godspell," which opened Thursday night at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center, is a different show with every production.

Yes, "Godspell" is always about the teachings of Jesus as told through the Gospel of Matthew. And yes, it always features a rollicking crew of disciples who sing, act silly and crack wise but also listen intently to Jesus preach.

But the show is designed to be open to improvisation, to go off on goofy and funny tangents. Just how good any one production is depends on those goofy and funny tangents.

The gang at Ephrata, directed by Jody Reppert, is a funny bunch.

Topical and pop humor abounds in the show, with references to "Spring Awakening," the "Peanuts" comic strip, Yoda, "The Lion King," PETA, the Fulton and even the lamb chops at the Hilltop, an Ephrata restaurant.

The mostly young cast is filled with energy, and all seem comfortable with one another on stage. That allows the audience to sit back and enjoy the repartee among them.

Nick Smith plays Jesus. He has a nice voice and a calm presence on stage, which works well with the rest of the ensemble. He is part of them but also apart from them.

In this production, Jesus does not dress like a clown. Instead, he wears a simple white shirt and jeans.

The rest of the ensemble is dressed in funky rags, assorted hats and lots of boas. They each have a personality built somewhat out of their own, but also as part of the show.

Karyn Reppert is the sassy one who's always flirting with the men. Her standout number is "Turn Back, O Man."

Wendi Stoltzfus does a nice job with the lovely song "O Bless the Lord, My Soul," and Eric Hassell, who sings "All Good Gifts," has a beautiful voice.

And in the more emotional second act, when Jesus is preparing for his death, Cara Ditzler has a wonderful scene singing "By My Side."

Erin Lampart and Caleb Seip are the comic standouts, and Chris Cannon, who plays Judas and John the Baptist, has a strong stage presence and even plays the cello in one scene.

Rounding out the fine cast are Shannon Christmann (who sings the song's best-known number, "Day By Day") and Dave Brubaker.

Some of the parable skits work better than others. The highlight is the story of the Prodigal Son, which is truly inspired by local and pop humor.

The first act is filled with youthful wonder and faith as Jesus tells his parables and celebrates God, love and forgiveness.

But the second act gets darker, with the Pharisees questioning Jesus' authority; the Last Supper; and ultimately his death. In the final act, the ensemble sings "Long Live God," in anticipation of his resurrection.

The band, led by John J. Brackbill, is small but solid. I was bothered by a general fuzziness in the sound; I have faith it will not persist in upcoming productions.

"Godspell" is very much of the era in which it was born (the early 1970s), but its best strength is in its ability to be timeless, too.

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"Godspell" is playing through Nov. 25 at the Ephrata Performing Arts Center.

• CONTACT US: jholahan@LNPnews.com or 481-6016

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