January 25, 2005

Cotton Patch Gospel Bluegrass musical comes to TROY

Bible stories with a southern drawl. That’s what audiences will see when the Troy Arts Council presents Cotton Patch Gospel at Troy University ’s Claudia Crosby Theater Feb. 8.

Called by its creators, “the greatest story ever re-told,” Cotton Patch Gospel is a moving, exuberant bluegrass musical that tells the story of the life of Jesus – but set in modern-day rural Georgia . It’s produced by Springer Opera House, the official State Theatre of Georgia.

“People will enjoy it if they come,” said Troy Arts Council President Don Crapps. “It’s serious but funny and we need some fun in our lives.”

The musical was adapted by Atlanta actor Tom Key from the Rev. Clarence Jordan’s book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew. A farmer, civil rights leader, Bible scholar and seminary professor, Jordan founded Koinonia Farm in the 1950s, an interfaith farming community near Americus, Ga., which spawned numerous other ministries including Habitat for Humanity. With songs by the late Harry Chapin (who wrote Cats in the Cradle), the musical ran off-Broadway in 1983 before setting off on a four-year U.S. tour and was the longest-running show in the history of Dallas, Texas.

“This show is a true Southern treasure,” said Springer Artistic Director Paul R. Pierce. “This show captures so much of what the South is all about – not just the country-fried qualities but the personal values and humor, too. It also recognizes the South has urban qualities. Folks all over the South are loving this show.”

Tickets for the Feb. 8 performance are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and may be purchased from the University’s School of Music , WTBF Radio, Regions Bank and Troy Bank and Trust. For more information, contact the school of music at 334-670-3322 or the Troy Arts Council at 334-670-2288.