Alixandra Cowman (left), Amy Burks, Joel Stephanson, Lauren de Graaf, Bill Hamm, Ryan Schroeder, and Nathan Schmidt will get your toes tapping in Cotton Patch Gospel, playing until August 24 at Rosebud Theatre. The musical retells the story of Jesus in 20th century rural Georgia and is filled with great songs and laughs.
Rosebud Theatre said thank you last week to those who tirelessly battled the flooding in Southern Alberta.
On Thursday evening, Rosebud Theatre invited emergency responders and city staff from Calgary, and members of the Carbon, Rosebud, Rockyford, and Standard Fire Departments to see Cotton Patch Gospel.
Among those who attended was Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi.
“It’s fantastic. I’ve been wanting to come for over ten years and I’m excited to finally come out. The talent is incredible, the harmonies are tight, and the acting is great,” said Nenshi. “I’m happy to be here, especially with my colleagues from the city. The theatre was kind enough to invite people, who have been working really hard with the flood, to have a night out with their families. It was so generous of them,” “It’s terrific. We’ve got some of our firefighters, police officers, emergency services, and social services.”
The show was a toe-tapping bluegrass retelling of the life of Jesus, set in 20th century rural Georgia. The show stars Amy Burks, Alixandra Cowman, Lauren de Graaf, Bill Hamm, Nathan Schmidt, Ryan Schroeder, and Joel Stephanson as a band telling the story of Jesus.
Each band member takes upon different roles as the story progresses. For example, Burks might be representing one of the 12 apostles one moment and then the corrupt Governor of Georgia the next. Luckily, the story usually makes it clear who is who as things move along.
The best part of the show is undoubtedly the music, which was written by Harry Chapin, writer of “Cat’s in the Cradle.” The songs range from the humerous to the moving, and each is expertly performed by the band on stage.
Another highlight is the humour interspersed throughout the show, which comes from transposing the story of Jesus to a modern setting.
However, through the music and the jokes, the message rings out loud and clear.
Cotton Patch Gospel is still running at Rosebud Theatre until August 24.
