On July 24 Ross and M & M bring back their original adaptation of "Cotton Patch Gospel" with music and Lyrics by Harry Chapin. Chapin, composer of such well know hits as "Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi", created this production's musical score. Dave Marsh of Rolling Stone describes the songs in Cotton Patch Gospel "some of the best songs Harry

Chapin ever wrote." Cotton Patch Gospel played to packed houses and unanimous critical praise from numerous publications, including: Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Reader, Lerner Publications

Chicagocritc.com and Salsachicago.com. The Joseph Jefferson Award Committee also recommended Cotton Patch Gospel. Cotton Patch Gospel is the only off Broadway show to receive praise from both Rolling Stone and

Christianity Today. It was one of the last things Harry wrote before he died in 1981. Rolling Stone magazine said that this is some of Harry's best work. Cotton patch was originally done as a one man show with a three piece

bluegrass band as back up. The script is so open that it can be done that small or with as many as 75 people as was done by M & M Productions in 1998. This time will Ross Music Theatre and M & M Productions has a

cast of about 14 and those 14 will play the 70 some odd parts. Director Mike Reinhart said" I think this adds to the entertainment value to see all these people change characters and make the audience believe in one

scene they are the villain, and the next scene they play one of the good guys." The cast members do not make complete costume changes as the show moves to quick for that they change hats or put on glasses etc to let the audience know there is a character change. The entire story moves by using a narrator so he also sets the scene so the audience

knows what is going on. When there are so many musicals out there that are not appropriate for everyone this show is great family entertainment.

"Cotton Patch is a blessed relief...tuneful, zesty and good-hearted...an

uncommonly intense and genuine connection with an audience...gently

folksy and inclusive...some of Chapin's best compositions..."

Chris Jones -- Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2004

"Recommended...a heartfelt passion laced with humor and enhanced by some

darn good music...a solid piece of story theater."

Mary Houlihan -- Chicago Sun-Times, March 9, 2004

"Some of the best songs Harry Chapin ever wrote."

Dave Marsh -- Rolling Stone, March 9, 2004

"A winner! Drop everything and go see it. Your feet will be tapping and

your fingers will be snapping."

Tom Howard -- Christianity Today, March 9, 2004

This show has always been one of our audience favorites. The music is extremely catchy and the dialog cleaver and witty. Director Mike Reinhart calls it "A down home Godspell with a more defined story line" and it moves with the speed of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The strong cast comes from all over the area there are

members from Crown Point, Merrillville, Valparaiso, Hobart,Portage, and St John. Tickets are only $10.00 and show dates are July 18, 24, 25, 26 at 7:30 and July 20 and 27 at 3:00. Special note there is no showing on Saturday the 19th. In addition if shows sell out we could be adding a performance or two.