Steadstyle Chicago
	September 2009 Theatre Review by Alan Bresloff
	Cotton Patch Gospel Religion is not an easy topic for a theater troupe to tackle, but Provision Theater Company, a company devoted to producing works of hope, reconciliation and devotion finds ways of doing this through humor and music with its revival of "Cotton Patch Gospel".  The show was Jeff nominated back in 2004.  They now have a new home with a larger stage and much more comfortable seating and have made the show bolder and bigger.  This is the retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and John in a Hillbilly setting, set to bluegrass music (probably composer and lyricist Harry Chapin's best work) and a quick paced book by Tom Key and Russel Treyz. Directed by Lou Contey on a striking set by Courtney O"Neill, "Cotton Patch Gospel" is a fun evening of entertainment filled with wonderful music and some cute choreography by Priscilla Hummel.  It is staged to perfection in this new venue (on the campus of The University of Illinois Circle/Chicago) where the audience is close enough to the action to feel involved.  And this cast of eight ensemble members behind the leadership of Timothy Gregory (recreating his role as the story-teller and all the other major characters) is a marvelous mix of talents.  Voices that will send a chill down your spine and movement that is as graceful as one might find at a hoedown (remember, this is the retelling of the biblical stories in contemporary Georgia).  Christian David, Whitney Clair White, Krystal Metcalfe and Dora Marie Washington are the choir members and the rest of the ensemble are the musicians, who sing and dance as well, Shaun Whitney (bass fiddle), Farley Masterson (fiddle), Trey Maclin (guitar) and the very funny Alex Goodrich ( ho also plays a mean banjo).  They are one heck of a band to back up some great songs. This is a fun filled production no matter your beliefs.  The biblical stories are just simple interpretations based on how people might react to what we have read in the past.  In our scenario, Joe and Mary are the Davidson's who are off to Atlanta for an IRS audit when she gives birth to her little boy, who they name Jesus.  Because they can't get a room at the local motel (a bible convention must be in town) they break into an abandoned trailer at a trailer park (a different type of manger) and the gifts that are brought are a little more updated including a "gold" American Express Card.  The trials and tribulations of Jesus trying to prove his worth is a comedic look and Gregory pulls off every character he plays with great skill.  A less skilled actor might become very stagnant and lose the audience.  Gregory's charm and talent overcome all this as he wins over the audience.  The energy level of this cast can only be defined as a pure workout as they move about the stage, leap up onto the back of an old truck and move tables and chairs about the stage, all while singing and playing.  They are a true delight to watch. This is a production that will have you tapping your feet to Chapin's music and wanting to sing along and clap your hands.  It is an opportunity to get away from the things in life that worry you and although these are the Gospels according to Key and Treyz, with a little help from Chapin, you might just get a little feeling out of what they are saying in their exploration of life's meaning and purpose.  But I can guarantee you will have a fun time.  I had such a great time, I plan on going back again.  You will know that I am there by the roars of laughter because I found this production to be truly hilarious.  Thank you Provision for revitalizing "Cotton Patch Gospel" in this new bigger and bolder edition and thanks Tim Gregory for being Tim Gregory! "Cotton Patch Gospel" will continue through November 8, 2009 at Provision Theater Company in their new home located at 1001 West Roosevelt Rd on the campus of University of Illinois Chicago just two blocks west of Halsted.  Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. ($24) and Sunday at 3 p.m. ($22).  Tickets include parking.  To reserve your seats call 1-866-811-4111 or visit www.provisiontheater.org.  If your not-for-profit organization is looking for a fund raising outing ou can join Provision's "affiliate program" where your group will get $5 donated back to your organization for every ticket you sell.  Contact Mike Schuppe at 847-529-8440 or mschuppe@provisiontheater.org.   About Alan Bresloff Alan Bresloff, once an actor himself, has been covering the Chicago Theater Scene since 1993, first as the Theater and Arts critic for LaRaza newspaper, then with Salsachicago.com and then onto Extra Newspaper and The Epoch Times.  He also writes for ElImparcial and TeleGuia.  His reviews can also be seen on www.theatreinchicago.com.  Alan does not call himself a "critic" but a "reviewer" as he tries to educate the reader about theater itself, what is a good value, what to look for in a play or musical and more.  "Exposure to theater is a very important part of a young person's life" he says. "Learning about the arts and culture is in fact learning about life" and he tries to explain more in his reviews than just if it is good or bad.  Even some of the poor productions have some value, he often says and he would love your feedback on shows that you have seen.  You can write him here or at albresloff@sbcglobal.net.