Life On the Wicked Stage: Act 2

Cotton Patch Gospel Diaries: Remounting Expectations

Since our next production of Cotton Patch Gospel is a remount, we are battling our own and others' expectations. We had a dress rehearsal last night and things are moving right on pace to our first audience last night. We had a few board members sitting in last night, one is our excellent theatre photographer, John Westervelt, and their comments after the dress were telling.

Those that were familiar with the earlier production are looking to have their memories revived. Those of us working on the show are looking to add and enhance those memories by adding a few new twists, as just recreating the old is well, not very fulfilling. That said, nothing was broken the first time, so there's no point in fixing what isn't broke.

This is always a fine line to walk, and as our first audiences arrive tomorrow on the way to opening night on Sunday, we'll be tip toeing along that fine line for most of the weekend.

Cotton Patch Gospel Diaries: Kicking It

Now that Southern Crossroads has closed, we're already well under way with our next production which opens this Saturday, Cotton Patch Gospel. As one of the local papers headlined its preview article its a mix of Jesus and Bluegrass, but in reality it is so much more. With music by the late Harry Chapin and a book by Tom Key and Russell Treyz from he book of the same name from Clarence Jordan, this is a toe-tapping trip through the Gospels of Matthew and John. This was the last music Harry Chapin wrote before he died.

Set in Georgia, CPG puts a down home spin on the familar story of the Gospel, and interestingly enough while many of our audiences include church groups who love this show, it gets on some folks' nerves. We receive complaints because the show "makes fun of the gospel." I have to disagree, but will say that it does poke a few sharp sticks at those who hold their religion and faith too close to see the bigger picture.

In any event it should be a fun trip, as good friend and amazing actor, Ray Ficca, will take the stage in what promises to be a lot of fun.

Note: Pictures are from a previous production and photographed by John Westervelt.