Social - September 2003

Play adds humor and music to biblical sagas

Gospel, Guitars and Georgians

By DIANE TURBYFILL, Staff Writer

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Guitars, Gospel and Georgians combine for an upcoming performance through the Lincoln Arts Council.

Musicians Barrie Howard and Ron Van Lente will perform “Cotton Patch Gospel” Sunday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

“It’s the retelling of biblical stories,” says Howard.

The production originated when biblical scholar Dr. Clarence Jordan, the scholar-turned-novelist wrote a series of books in the 1960s transporting characters and sites of Matthew’s Gospel into rural Georgia.

The stories were later adapted into “Cotton Patch Gospel” by Tom Key and Russell Treyz, with music and lyrics by Harry Chapin.

Howard says the creative storytelling mixes well-known lessons with humor and rhythm.

“The whole thing starts when this girl from Clayton winds up pregnant,” says Howard.

As with the original biblical story, the situation becomes clearer when angels appear.

Howard says he also has made a few changes to the script — adding in sing-along opportunities for the audience.

“It really is a fun show,” he says. “There’s a lot of humor.”

Howard and Van Lente have been performing together for years. They are featured each year in the Blowing Rock for the Fourth of July celebration and Christmas tree lighting.

They combine a mix of both six and 12-string guitars, banjos, harmonicas and vocal harmony.

Howard is a writer, composer and director, and Van Lente is an ordained Methodist minister.

The performance will be held Sunday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of Cedar and Pine streets. No admission fee will be charged, but a $5 contribution is suggested.

Howard says he and Van Lente hope the Sunday show will not be the only performance of “Cotton Patch Gospel.”

The musicians hope to take the show on the road, performing for church fund-raisers, arts groups and others.

“I have a cash investment, so of course I would like to do it in other venues,” he laughs.

Howard says the show is ideal because it does not require detailed sets and props.

“And I think it’s good theater,” he says.

For more information about the show, call the Lincoln Arts Council at 704-732-9044.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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