WordPlayers' musical sets sacred story in modern-day South

Photo by TOM MINTER/SPECIAL TO THE NEWS SENTINEL

Performing in The WordPlayers' "Cotton Patch Gospel" are, from left, D.J. Morrison, Matthew Lloyd, Kent Bilbrey and Terry Phillips.

Most Christians know the story pretty well. But what if, instead of Bethlehem, Jesus had actually been born in Georgia? And what if, instead of a manger, he was laid in an apple crate? A Knoxville theater company is giving a sacred story some Southern charm with "Cotton Patch Gospel."

"This musical is about the life of Jesus set in the American South," said Jeni Lamm, managing director for The WordPlayers, a community of Christian theater artists dedicated to Judeo-Christian ministry through theater performance.

Lamm said the troupe's production of the "Cotton Patch Gospel" is set in modern-day, rural Georgia. It follows Jesus after he was born in an abandoned trailer in the back of the Dixie-Delite Motor Lodge and laid in an apple crate - far from a manger in Bethlehem.

"It is done in a story-telling style, almost a one-man show, with three musicians adding in as disciples and others," explained Lamm. "The music, by the late, great Harry Chapin, is very entertaining. Bluegrass and other styles are used."

Based on the book "The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordon, the musical is steeped in Christian theology - but Lamm is confident a variety of audiences will love it.

"It will appeal to a wide audience because it is clever and has a lot of comedic moments," Lamm said. "It is quite different from the traditional story. In fact, we hope Christians will not take offense!"

Anne Millett is directing The WordPlayers' production of the musical, and Matthew Lloyd - whose role Lamm describes as a "tour de force"- will star. "Cotton Patch Gospel" enjoyed a successful run off-Broadway in 1981 and has since been performed in many venues.

Whether audiences find the musical heretical or hilarious, The WordPlayers thought putting it on made perfect sense.

"We picked 'Cotton Patch Gospel' because we really like it," Lamm said. "We have produced this play before, years ago at the Bijou (Theatre), and just felt it was time to do it again."

The WordPlayers kicked off its production Feb. 27 and 28. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. March 5-7, March 12 and 13, and at 2 p.m. March 14 at The WordPlayers' Theatre at Middlebrook Christian Ministries, 1540 Robinson Road, in Knoxville on the south side of Middlebrook Pike.

Stephen Woodward is a freelance contributor to the News Sentinel.

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