NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

7/3/2001

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES - Rehearsals are under way for "Cotton Patch Gospel," which will be presented by the NSU Summer Theatre July 31 ­ Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Theatre West. Tickets are $10 which includes dessert and drinks at intermission.

"This show is different, but I can't wait to see how our local audiences take to it," said director Dr. Jack Wann, head of the NSU Theatre program. "It is both moving and hilarious and I can't help but feel it will strike responsive cords here."

The show features the music of Harry Chapin, one of the most philanthropic song writer-performers of the 70's. Chapin wrote "The Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi" among other hits. A founder of the World Hunger Year and many times turning half of his appearances into benefits for various causes, Chapin worked diligently throughout his life on environmental and consumer issues for the MS Foundation. It is any wonder that he considered himself "born to write the music for 'Cotton Patch Gospel.'''

According to Wann, the folk-rock style of the show features story songs (hearkening back to the earlier "talking blues" genre) which "create a leg slappin', toe-tappin, hand-clappin' hoe-down of a story that retells the Gospels of Matthew and John into present day Southern vernacular."

The play brings the far-away places of Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem closer to home- Atlanta, and Valdosta, Ga. From his birth in a Gainesville, Ga. trailer to His Good Friday lynching and Easter Sunday victory, the story of Mary Davidson's son, Jesus, is presented musically with zest and uninhibited joy. It is a rare dramatic presentation that succeeds in both entertaining and sharing fresh insight into the Gospel.

Reviewers were impressed with the play. The New York Times called it a "joyous triumph!" Christianity Today said "drop everything and see 'Cotton Patch Gospel.'''
The Episcopalian called it "Powerful drama and joyous celebration."

"The play covers familiar territory ­loving your neighbor, helping others and so on," said Wann. "The modern context gives these teaching a new urgency. Anyone of any denomination or no denomination at all will find a wonderful evening of what brotherhood and living the good life is all about."

To make reservations or to get more information, call (318) 357-6891.

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