In March 2004, Provision Theater debuted
with Harry Chapin’s
off-Broadway smash hit Cotton Patch Gospel. This entertaining
musical features the reverential retelling of the Gospels
of Matthew and John in a contemporary southern setting, set
to bluegrass music. The award-winning production is based
on the book The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and
John by Clarence Jordan, a Bible scholar and Civil
Rights activist. Tom Key and Russell Treyz adapted Jordan’s
writings and worked with the late Harry Chapin to create
this musical
stage version.
Chapin, composer of such well-known hits
as “Cat’s
in the Cradle” and “Taxi”, created the
production’s musical score. Dave Marsh of Rolling Stone
describes the songs in Cotton Patch Gospel as “some
of the best songs Harry Chapin ever wrote.”
Cotton Patch Gospel played to packed houses and unanimous
critical praise from numerous publications, including: Chicago
Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Reader, Lerner Publications
Chicagocritc.com and Salsachicago.com. The Joseph Jefferson
Award Committee also recommended Cotton Patch Gospel.
Cotton Patch Gospel is the only off-Broadway show to receive
praise from both Rolling Stone and Christianity Today.
Due to its tremendous success, Cotton Patch Gospel will
be remounted in 2005.
For additional information on
Cotton Patch Gospel:
Press Quotes
Guest Appearances
Audience
Comments
Joseph Jefferson Award Committee
