Great video record of a great musical. Tom Key and the bluegrass backing band are great in this video recording of a 1985 performance. Key is an energetic and versatile performer who plays the narrator (Matthew) as well as many various roles. The songs are catchy, funny, and even emotionally moving at times. These are some of the best and last songs written by the late Harry Chapin. They'll get stuck in your head. CPG is enjoyable regardless of your religious beliefs. If you're not Christian, don't let the subject matter scare you away, the show is not preachy. It's a funny and satisfying Southern translation of a great story whether you view it as the gospel or history. Some ultra-conservatives might find it offensive however. The show's not afraid to poke fun at some sacred cows. I wish it was available on DVD.
6 Reviews
Somethin's Brewin...
cottonspatchgoodstuff20 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
Possible Spoilers: This is a magnificent play about Jesus. currently I am doing it in my highshcool fall production. it is awesome and it has a good energetic feel to it. What makes it so unique is that you see the events in Jesus life unfold in GEORGIA!!! no Isreal, but Geogia! Before you start assuming this is sacrilegious, let me comfort you in saying its not. the setting was changed so that it is fresh and unique, but it takes the story seriously. its funny but never blasphemous. the biggest changes are in the setting, Jesus is born in gainsville, grows up in Mexico and dies in atlanta!!! the songs contribute most of the charm, and it opens with a bang with the song "somethings brewing in Gainsville." its a great musical piece that the whole family can enjoy.
An incredible retelling of the Gospel story
kaafan23 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I first saw this movie when I was about five I think, and I don't think I entirely understood it until now, ten years later, but at the time it was great fun and I really liked the music. I've been watching it at least once every year since and it has never gotten old. When I was younger I liked it almost solely for the "Peanut-Butter and Jelly" line and the music.
Quite possibly the funniest thing about the show is the names of the disciples- Jud being a good example. Simon "Rock" Johnson, and, of course, Simon the Rebel being other ones.
Now that I'm a little older, I realize that the show is not only laughs, though. At the same time as the excellent music and jokes, you have a story with heart and soul behind it. There is incredible depth to the characters and the songs are deep and emotional. Tom Key's portrayal of the "Lynching" is deeply sobering after the humorous and light-hearted first act and most of the second.
In general, a great show, incredible acting, singing, instrument playing.
10/10
Quite possibly the funniest thing about the show is the names of the disciples- Jud being a good example. Simon "Rock" Johnson, and, of course, Simon the Rebel being other ones.
Now that I'm a little older, I realize that the show is not only laughs, though. At the same time as the excellent music and jokes, you have a story with heart and soul behind it. There is incredible depth to the characters and the songs are deep and emotional. Tom Key's portrayal of the "Lynching" is deeply sobering after the humorous and light-hearted first act and most of the second.
In general, a great show, incredible acting, singing, instrument playing.
10/10
Fun musical depicting the life of Christ
patrckb5 September 1999
This is a fun show that tells the "Greatest Story Ever Told" set to bluegrass music. Tom Key does an excellent job of depicting many Gospel characters. Jesus is born in Gainsville, GA. and he and his band of followers end up going to the "Convention" in Atlanta. The music was written by Harry Chapin right before his death. You will want to share this with your friends.
Inspirational... and FUN!!
drdavelink7 May 2023
What an incredible musical story! Tom Key is outstanding and has excellent comedic timing. The music is beautiful and inspiring.
The musical crew helps Tom tell a story in a new way, giving it life and meaning. Tom gives each character individuality and helps the audience feel the intensity of the story.
I was in the audience when it was being taped and I recall how blown away I felt at that time.
Over forty years later I still feel that same sense of awe. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire production as much as I did those many years ago. From opening number to closing, there is fun and much to learn.
If you've never seen it... do it now!
If you've seen it... do it again!
The musical crew helps Tom tell a story in a new way, giving it life and meaning. Tom gives each character individuality and helps the audience feel the intensity of the story.
I was in the audience when it was being taped and I recall how blown away I felt at that time.
Over forty years later I still feel that same sense of awe. I thoroughly enjoyed the entire production as much as I did those many years ago. From opening number to closing, there is fun and much to learn.
If you've never seen it... do it now!
If you've seen it... do it again!
Simple Unique Idea
DKosty1231 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I am not sure who got this idea to re-stage the birth of Jesus in modern Georgia. It is a different take on the bible account of his birth quite obviously. While the reactions of the Christians and Southern folks is over simplified, what is really over the top is the acting by Jesus himself. He reacts to every event as well obviously I did it. That is a bit of a slap in the face to biblical scholars everywhere.
I give this one 6 points due to the distinct music of Harry Chapin in the soundtrack. Chapin might have been one of the greatest American song writing story tellers if his life had not ended tragically in an auto accident in 1981. To me the sound track is the heart of this movie.
The story becomes Larry The Cable Guy joins in the Birth of Jesus. Some folks might consider this entertaining, but the plot is just done too simply and leaves out many details that would surround the birth. It is an effort to use imagination to update the Christmas Story.
I give this one 6 points due to the distinct music of Harry Chapin in the soundtrack. Chapin might have been one of the greatest American song writing story tellers if his life had not ended tragically in an auto accident in 1981. To me the sound track is the heart of this movie.
The story becomes Larry The Cable Guy joins in the Birth of Jesus. Some folks might consider this entertaining, but the plot is just done too simply and leaves out many details that would surround the birth. It is an effort to use imagination to update the Christmas Story.
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