Wednesday, October 22, 2003
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Wednesday, October 22, 2003 |
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FCHS brings 'Cotton Patch Gospel' to local audiences By MICHAEL
BOYLAN It has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Retold” and few would disagree. The show is “Cotton Patch Gospel,” and it is a musical version of the Gospel of Matthew set in modern-day Georgia with modern language and themes. The original “Cotton Patch Gospel” was written by Clarence Jordan in the late 1960s. It was a way for him to teach the Gospel to people in a language they could understand and relate to easier. Actor Tom Key liked it so much he created a one-man show based on it and musician Harry Chapin, of “Cat’s in the Cradle” fame, liked Key’s version so much he added a rollicking country soundtrack to the show. Since then, the show has been performed all over the world and finds new fans each year. Now drama students at Fayette County High School get to produce the show and according to director Fred Bobbitt, everyone involved is having a blast. The cast features Tia Bittner as Maddy, the narrator, Conrad Michaels as Joe, Brad Cottle as Rock and Jason West as Jesus with Suzanne Clark, Sean Graham, Chase Leonard, Andrew Puckett, Lydia Myers, Lindsey Outlaw, Courtney Cannon, Megan Free and Tess Menchinger rounding out the cast as disciples, who also tackle many different roles in the show while telling the story. In addition to the cast, there will be a full bluegrass band under the direction of Kenny Beard. The musical director for the show is Casey Huggins, while Annette Tomasi serves as the choreographer and Bobbitt ties it all together. The show features 21 songs with titles like “There Ain’t No Busy Signal on the Hotline to God,” “Spitball Me, Lord, over the Home Plate of Life,” and the opening and closing number, “Something’s Brewing in Gainesville.” “This is a great show and we always try and give the kids something different to do,” said Bobbitt, who has helmed productions of “Pippin” and “The Fantasticks” in recent years for Fayette County High School. Performances of “Cotton Patch Gospel” are set for Thursday and Friday, Oct. 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. at Sams Auditorium. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the front office of the high school, from any cast member, at the Fayette County Public Library, Desert Moon Cafe or at the door. If you bring a non-perishable food item to the show, you will get $1 off your admission. Items will be donated to the Fayette Samaritans. Info Box FCHS presents “Cotton Patch Gospel” Sams Auditorium Oct. 23 and 24, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 26, 3 p.m. $8, $1 off if you bring a non-perishable food item to donate. |
