I can still remember the first time I saw the video of Cotton Patch Gospel. It was a televised version that was broadcast sometime around 1994. I laughed so hard I cried. And the music was bluegrass, which appealed to me even then, before I begun to pursue bluegrass music in a serious way.

So when I saw that Wayside Theater in Middletown, VA had announced a performance schedule for the play, I thought I’d share.

The play is based on 2 things.

1) A book written by Clarence Jordan called The Cotton Patch Version of Matthew and John.

2) Music written by the late Harry Chapin.

Setting the gospel in rural Georgia of the 1970’s, the musical is funny and inspiring at the same time.

If you have the opportunity I encourage you to see this enjoyable musical. If you don’t think you’ll be able to make it to Middletown, VA for a performance, you can always buy the original on DVD.

Cotton Patch Gospel will begin performances on Saturday, March 21 and. Opening Night is Sunday, March 22 at 6:30pm. The remaining performance schedule lists performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday’s at 2:30pm. There is No performance on Sunday, April 12, Easter Sunday. Cotton Patch Gospel will close on Saturday, April 25. Ticket prices are $23 and $28 dollars with tickets for children 17 and younger set at $10.00. Discounts for students, seniors and groups are available with information available at the box office, (540) 869-1776.

Wayside Theatre is the second oldest professional theatre in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and is celebrating its 47th season of presenting high quality, professional entertainment.

More info here.