Cotton Patch Gospel

By Book by Tom Key & Russell Treyz, Music and Lyrics by Harry Chapin

Directed by Frank Peot

A joyous, musical adaptation of the Gospels of Matthew and John! The story of Jesus is translated into the mid-20th-century American South and considers what might have happened had Jesus been born in Georgia — with Gainesville standing in for Bethlehem, Valdosta for Nazareth and Atlanta as the fateful Jerusalem. Jesus is from Georgia, his disciples are a bluegrass band and King Herod is the mayor of Atlanta in this "Greatest Story Ever Retold.” The story begins with the story of a young couple. Mary is engaged to Joe Davidson. Even though she is a virgin, she is found to be with child before they are married. This child is conceived of the Holy Spirit. Joe considers not going through with the marriage, but is visited by an angel who tells him that it is the will of God that is occurring and not foul play, so he marries his girl. Due to an income tax audit, they must then travel to Gainesville; on the way, Mary suddenly goes into labor. There's no room for them at the Dixie Delight Motor Lodge, but the manager helps Joe break into an abandoned trailer out back, where the baby is born. Jesus grows up like no other child in Georgia with his neighbors befuddled and his parents often at a loss as to what to do. Jesus then is baptized by a wild preacher named John the Baptizer, and begins to teach the people and convince the disciples. He shares with them the love and peace he offers, and miraculously heals and feeds many. During this time Jesus gathers a band of constant followers -- known as the Apostles in the Bible. This group eventually heads off to Atlanta with a mixed air of excitement and foreboding.

Produced by Sun Prairie Civic Theatre at Cardinal Heights Upper Middle School (The Old High School), 220 Kroncke Drive, Sun Prairie

Performances: December 5-14, 2014

Performance Times: December 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7:30 PM
December 14 at 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $10 Student, $12 Senior, $14 Adult

Call 608-837-8217 for reservations or more information.

Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

10/6/2014
10/7/2014

Auditions 7:00 - 9:00 PM on Monday and Tuesday October 6 & &, 2014 at the SPCT Rehearsal Facility, 500 South Bird Street, Sun Prairie, WI

Cast of approximately 15, including musicians, men and women, most with multiple roles - acting musicians needed fiddle, banjo, mandolin, bass, guitars

Based on the Book The Cotton Patch Version of Mathew and John by Clarence Jordan

Persons auditioning should bring a prepared song in the bluegrass style and will be asked to read from the script.

For further information contact FRPOET@aol.com