Cotton Patch Gospel

Between 1968 and 1973, Dr. Clarence Jordan, a Southern Baptist minister, published four books in which he translated the New Testament into colloquial Southern language. These "Cotton Patch" versions were brought to the attention of Tom Key, an Atlanta actor and playwright, when he was contemplating a play that would transplant the story of Jesus into the mid-20th century American South. Jordan's versions already featured the Southern-ized Christ that Key was thinking of. Jesus Davidson was born in the town of Gainesville, Georgia, and was laid in an apple crate. He was baptized in the Chattahoochee River, he preached to a crowd of thousands on Stone Mountain, and he met his end in Atlanta. Key built upon Jordan's work, making additions and changes such as the decision to have Jesus lynched rather than crucified.

With Jordan's versions as his source material, Key, together with Russell Treyz, wrote the book for the stage play. The music for the production was written and composed by the legendary Harry Chapin, in what would eventually prove to be his final musical work. In all, Chapin produced 26 songs for the show, many of them in a bluegrass style befitting the play's setting.

This show is truly enjoyable for the whole family! It is also a great opportunity to invite friends with whom you have wanted to share the Gospel as it tells the story in a way that is accessible to all, and with its bluegrass music and toe tapping songs it is a winner for everyone!

Read more on Wikipedia.

Preview clips of the show as broadcast on WROC Ch. 8 & WHEC Ch. 10.Cotton Patch Gospel on YouTube.

• Directed by Rob Sharman
• Assistant Directors: Deb Tompkins and Heather Colburn
• Vocal Direction: Charles Palella
• Band Leader: George Greven

Cast

• Michael Capehart
• Rochelle Pray
• Debbie Richardson
• Amanda Lobaugh
• Al Young
• Tom Jones
• Billy DeMetsenaere
• Chip Attwood
• Mary Reynolds-Failing
• Charles Palella

Details

Performances will be July 7, 9 and 16 at 7:30 pm. July 10 at 6:30 pm and July 17th at 6:30 pm at Christ The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 1000 N. Winton Rd (Google Maps).

• July 7 — 7:30pm
• July 9 — 7:30pm
• July 10 — 6:30pm
• July 16 — 7:30pm *
• July 17 — 6:30pm

* On July 16, Christ the Good Shepherd Church will be hosting a Barbeque / Strawberry Social Event from 3:00pm - 7:00 pm. the Barbeque will be done by Sticky Lips Barbeque! The cost is $10.00 per person and that includes your entree and two sides. The Strawberry Social is separate. So come on down and support the Church for this event also and then see the show at 7:30 pm. This does not include the cost of the show.

Questions may be directed to info@everyonestheatre.com or by calling
(585) 415-4747.