Bethany Art Series to feature 'Cotton Patch Gospel' Sunday
Bethany Lutheran Church will feature the bluegrass musical "Cotton Patch Gospel" as part of their 2017 Bethany Arts Series. Featuring the exceptional musical talents of John and Beth Chase, experience the soul-stirring power of excellent storytelling and inspiring music at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at the church, 76 W. Crystal Lake Ave. in Crystal Lake. This is presented by special arrangement with the Dramatic Publishing Company, Woodstock.
The production features the reverential retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and John in a contemporary southern setting, set to bluegrass music. The award-winning musical is based on the book "The Cotton Patch Gospels of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordan, a Bible scholar and Civil Rights activist. Tom Key and Russel Trevz adapted Jordan's writings and worked with singer/songwriter Harry Chapin to create this musical stage version.
The March 12 program will be performed in two acts by John Chase and Beth Nelson Chase. Both actors perform interchanging characters and voices throughout the two-act production, which is for ages 12 and older.
John Chase first performed Cotton Patch Gospel as Matthew with Studio Theater in Rockford. He is a regional actor in the greater Chicago area with Timberlake Playhouse, Artist's Ensemble and seen in a variety of films and commercials around the U.S. John's voice is heard in the national and international tours of The Great American Trailer Park Musical. Some of his works include "The Producers," "Working," "Sunset Boulevard," "Monty Python," "In Search of the Holy Grail" and "1776."
Beth Nelson Chase assisted John in the workshop
performances of Cotton Patch Gospel in 2010 at Camp Arcadia, Mich. Other recent venues include musical direction for "Annie Get Your Gun" and directing "1776" with the Performing Arts Guild in Illinois. She was the director for Soul Notes, an a cappella jazz and spiritual septet, and is the current director of music and worship at St. James Lutheran. She serves as the U.S. executive director for Bright Stars of Bethlehem, the U.S. organization that supports their neighbors in Bethlehem, Palestine.
Bethany Lutheran Church is a community of faith committed to gathering people together for renewal and service. Bethany Arts Series presents several musical programs each year to inspire, comfort, entertain and engage the community. The concert is hosted by the church with a free will collection. A brief reception will follow the concert with the performers.
For information, visit www.BethanyCL.com or www.facebook.com/BethanyLutheranCL/.