By A
This is a marvelous work in each area of attempted endeavor: the music is rich, the jokes are humorous without detracting from the aroused affect of the performance, and the demonstration of the core elements of Christian faith as staged in the gospel of Matthew are somewhat precise and fantastically accessible.
It’s simplicity may be deceptive: it may be tempting to write this demonstration off as overly simplifying the message or the content of the Cotton Patch sermons, but repeated viewings reveals that the simplicity results not from a lack of depth, but rather from focus and clarity. This work feels like a heartfelt undertake to commune the richness and joys of Christian faith, and it does so wonderfully.
Despite the age of the show, the jokes still feel relevent and fresh, the fools it pokes fun at familiar, 20 years later. The humor is a well staged moral admonition: while it’s easy to laugh when we recognize the reputation who resembles an individual we know, the activity of formally presenting something is so frank and tame that one oftentimes sees the fool in oneself: the best accomplishment a satire may claim.
The music is merely wonderful. The performers are accomplished musicians (incidentally, this group is STILL on tour with this show), the lyrics alternately witty and poignant, and the melodies are unforgettable and beautiful. This is what folk/old country is meant to be: musical communication.
This is not a film to rent, or to see once then pass along (although it is surely worth sharing). While the primary watching may be sentimental and amusing, the potence of the message grows each time it is viewed. Much like reading scripture, I come away with a new clear or deep perception each time I watch it.
20 of 23 persons found the following review helpful.
Very well done, perfective for anyone!
By A
I’ve seen the Cotton Patch Gospel twice now and, as astounding as it was the introductory time, it’s gotten better. This video is a must-have for any Christian looking for a good laugh and a touching rendition of the Gospel.
Tom Key is excellent; he bounces back and forth among the dissimilar characters he plays flawlessly and gives each their own distinguishable personality. The backup band is exceptional, both as singers/players and as actors. Harry Chapin’s music is top-notch as well.
14 of 16 humans found the following review helpful.
Exactly as advertised – the biggest story ever retold
By Daniel Jolley
As a Southern Baptist fundamentalist, I don’t in general like people fooling around with the Gospel – I’m a KJV-only kind of guy – but I think Cotton Patch Gospel is just fantastic. It moves the story of Jesus from Israel to the American South and retells the story in the Southern vernacular, but it still tells the Gospel story – and it does so in an immensely entertaining, breathtakingly powerful way. The roots of this musical genuinely extend back to man named Clarence Jordan, a Georgia native and social activist who translated the Gospels of Matthew and John into the Southern vernacular as a means to extend the reach of the Gospel story. Later, Tom Key (who stars in this production) wrote a play based on Jordan’s Cotton Patch Gospels, and then Harry Chapin supplied the music that turned the play into a full-blown off-Broadway musical.
The story follows Jesus from his birth in an abandoned trailer in Valdosta to his lynching in Atlanta, resurrection, and ascension. Mary becomes Mary Hagler, Joseph Joe Davidson, while the disciples include Rock, Tad, Andy, etc. – and Judd. At twelve, Jesus stays behind to talk about the Lord with leaders of the Baptist Sunday School Conference in Atlanta. He’s baptized by John the Baptizer in the Chattahoochee River, he gives his Sermon on the Mount on Stone Mountain, and his appointed hour comes not for the duration of Passover but for the duration of the Believe in the Bible Society Convention in Atlanta. His teachings reinforce the Gospel message, and, in this modified form, prove exceptionally applicable to the social and cultural difficultnesses of our own time – including racism. Tom Key has emphasized the fact that he wanted to show audiences just how radical Jesus’ message was – and I think he succeeds wonderfully. The show strips bare the glitzy, too-often selfish façade of televangelism, challenges believers to refocus and make sure they are living veritably Christian lives, and reminds us that we will have to never let ourselves become complacent but will have to stay permanently excessively affected emotionally with regards to Jesus and His outstanding love and sacrifice for us.
And it’s funny. I daresay even atheists would take pleasure in this show in spite of it is message. There are galore jokes and funny lines along with a great deal of fun, toe-tapping, hand-clapping songs from the musicians. The music is largely bluegrass, but you don’t have to like bluegrass in order to take delight in yourself here, peculiarly since assorted of the songs feature agreeably diverting lyrics. Christians ought to be the happiest humans on Earth, and Cotton Patch Gospel veritably does make joyful sounds unto the Lord.
This production is actually a tour de strength by Tom Key. While four gifted musicians play a percentage and furnish a number of songs, it’s actually a one-man show by Key, as he portrays a whole cast of characters: Jesus, the disciples, John the Baptizer, angels, Judd, Dr. Caiaphas, Governors Herod and Pilate, and others. Besides the musician’s instruments (two guitars, a banjo, and a bass fiddle), the props consist of little more than a table and chair. This is a stage production of the show before a live and very appreciative audience – simple and spare for the most part, it likewise features galore genuinely effective camera angles that add terrifically subtle power to the whole performance. Key is a consummate actor with unbelievable range. The power of Jesus’ sacrifice and the terrible events surrounding his death are delivered with great aroused depth, and that’s when you genuinely know that this agreeably diverting performer is genuinely a outstanding actor. Key veritably brings the Cotton Patch Gospel to life.
It does aid to have galore familiarity with the Gospel, but this show is in truth for any person and everyone. It’s apparently as general in the North as it is here in the South, and I would let my fellow proud Southerners know that the play is in no way condescending to Southerners. Cotton Patch Gospel is a video you will want to watch time and time again.
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