It will take a leap of faith, and many revisions, to get the new musical at the Ahmanson Theater to Broadway. There is nothing dull about “Leap of Faith,” which has a vibrant cast, tuneful music and snappy lyrics. However, the bouncy enthusiasm of the first act decelerates in the second act, which becomes repetitious and predictable. Here is where a bit of pruning would be profitable.
“Leap of Faith” tells the familiar story of the phony evangelist who gets religion through love and (can it be possible?) makes miracles happen. Set in Kansas, it gets to be a bit corny.
Fortunately, the musical has Raul Esparza as the faith healer and a more athletic performance will be difficult to find. He rocks, he rolls, he jumps and swivels as he tries to dig up as much money as he can from the innocent town folk of Sweetwater. How can he not fall in love with the beautiful waitress played by Brooke Shields? The members of the cast are all talented actors and make important contributions, especially Kendra Kassebaum, Kecia Lewis-Evans, Leslie Odom Jr. and young Nicholas Barasch.
Rousing numbers are performed at the tent gatherings by the Angels of Mercy choir who really let loose. The music by Alan Menken fits the joyful, uplifting mood and often tempts the audience to do some foot stomping. However, anyone older than 30 might be put off by the constant thump, thump, bang, bang of the orchestra. Glenn Slater has provided a plethora of clever lyrics including a lovely finale called “Leap of Faith.”
Janus Cercone, who wrote the movie on which the musical is based, collaborated with Glenn Slater for the book. The residents of Sweetwater are called upon to do some dancing to the excellent choreography of Rob Ashford, who also directed.