A gem of musical theatre, “The Cotton Patch Gospel” is based on Clarence Jordan’s book, “The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John,” with the familiar stories transplanted to rural Georgia. Gainesville stands in for Bethlehem, Valdosta for Nazareth and Atlanta for the fateful Jerusalem. “The Cotton Patch Gospel” is a progressive and musically joyous look at the Jesus story through a modern lens; asking the question, what would have happened if Jesus’ arrival had come in the middle of the 20th century in the Southern U.S.
Tom Key and Russell Treyz adapted Jordan’s writings and worked with the late Harry Chapin (“Cats in the Cradle,” “Taxi”) to create this bluegrass musical full of the powerful drama and the joyous celebrations of the Gospel stories, with enough character and contemporary meaning to lift your spirits and renew your hope. Toe-tapping, sing-a-long songs fill the soundtrack which includes “Somethings Brewin’ in Gainesville,” “Sho Nuff,” “We’re Gonna Love It While It Lasts,” and more. The Cotton Patch Gospel is for everyone who wonders if the peace and love promised by the Gospels is possible in our modern world.
At the Croswell, The Cotton Patch Gospel stars James Swendsen (Adrian) as Jesus, and Mark Hyre (Tecumseh) as Matthew. The ensemble cast also includes from Adrian: Ava Hanley, Ivy Hanley, James Hanley, Johanna Hanley, Olivia Hanley, Josie Miller, Michelle Miller, Barb Vaught and Rick Vaught. From Tecumseh: Margaret Hyre, Charlie Steffens and Marianne Steffens From Clinton: Nathan VanAtta. The bluegrass band for the show, which joins the cast on stage, and mixes up in the action, is led by Music Director David Rains (Adrian) on keyboard and includes Amy Marr (Britton) on fiddle, Nate Bagby and Jeremy Blaska (Tecumseh) on guitar, Chris Livesay (Saline) on bass, and Mark Palms on banjo.
Joyce Cameron of Clinton serves as director “The Cotton Patch Gospel,” with scenic design by Keith Holloway. Costumes are by Michelle Inclan, light design by Tiff Crutchfield, sound design by Tyler Miller and stage management by Cindy Farnham.
Performances for “The Cotton Patch Gospel” are Fridays and Saturdays April 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30pm and Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors over 60 and students (with ID). Children 12 and under are just $15.
The Croswell is offering special pricing for groups of ten or more patrons, with tickets priced at $22/ticket for groups of 10 to 19, $20/ticket for groups of 20 to 39, and $15/ticket for groups of 40 or more. For information about tickets, call the Croswell at 517-264-SHOW (7469), stop in to the box office at 129 E. Maumee, Adrian, MI, Mon-Fri, 9-5 pm or visit the website www.croswell.org.


Two six-week non-credit courses in wheel throwing and sculptural ceramics will be offered between Feb. 11 and March 17 at
ulver’s of Adrian