COTTON PATCH GOSPEL

Musical. Music, lyrics, score by Harry Chapin. Book by Tom May and Russell Treyz
Lambs Theatre, Off-Broadway - 21 October, 1981 (193 perfs)

This "Greatest Story Ever Retold" is based on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John by Clarence Jordan in which the Gospel is presented in a setting of. rural Georgia with country music songs, the final and perhaps best work of Harry Chapin. As this Gospel begins, they sing that "Somethin's a-brewin' in Gainesville." Herod is the mayor of Atlanta and, inevitably, Christ is lynched by local thugs only to rise again. Drama critics loved this show and so did a broad spectrum of religious commentators. "A dream come true" wrote Contemporary Christian Music. "A breath of fresh air." Something good is happening. A reverential retelling of the book of Matthew. It takes the Bible's passionate intensity and directness for contemporary meaning into the popular vein without diluting it." The Episcopalian called it "Powerful drama and a joyous celebration. This musical succeeds mightily." The American Baptist Magazine said, "The show offers a vivid witness This is the Gospel." The Long Island Catholic summed up with, "Entertaining and inspiring, it will lift your spirits and renew your hope," and The Messenger concluded with, "Rollicking foot-stomping, hand-clapping new musical."

Cast: May be done by large, variable cost with male and female roles to suit your group, or by doubling with as few as five.

One ext. Set. Orchestration available.

For information on the Koinonia community's founder "Clarence Jordan" and the "Cotton Patch Gospel" contact http://www.koinoniapartners.org