Theatre companies invariably end their seasons with a bang, which explains why the Walnut Street Theatre has chosen "Godspell" -- the youthful, high-energy musical which not only set longevity records going back to the 1970s but has also encouraged producers to build atop its Biblical theme a spirit of friskiness that is part vaudeville, part circus.

Over the years there have been Godspells set in all manner of locales. This one is supposedly a gathering of artists and musicians living under the Ben Franklin Bridge.

I can't visualize this locale, but the spirit of the Gospel According to St. Matthew encourages a talented cast to whoop it up in a musical funhouse closer to junkyard than bridge.

There are moments when when the energy level almost wears you out.

Hats off to Michael Gruber (fourth from left, above), who plays Jesus, and Jenny Lee Ramos (third from left), whose body seems a collection of independent parts.

The Stephen Schwartz score is still memorable.

Bruce Lumpkin directs as if Godspell, while not exactly a winning musical comedy, hangs in there as spirited child's play.

"Godspell" runs through July 9th at the Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut Street, in center city Philadelphia.