THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS Returns in All its Glory

Avant Bard's acclaimed production of The Gospel at Colonus, a critical and audience favorite a year ago, returns in all its glory to Gunston Arts Center February 22 to March 25, 2018. The exhilarating African American musical will again star renowned Arlington actor and judge William T. Newman (pictured above) in the role of Oedipus.

The legendary gospel musical, a soaring celebration of transcendence and the fragility of life, transforms Sophocles' timeless tale of the last days of Oedipus into a parable for our times. Its message of redemption is needed now more than ever. With its epic poetry and magnificent score, The Gospel at Colonus reminds us that out of the deepest sorrows, the highest and most uplifting hope can emerge.

The Gospel at Colonus was a sold-out hit last season and Helen Hayes Awards recommended. The story combines Greek tragedy and African American heritage. The score is an inspiring fusion of Black church gospel with elements of blues and Motown. Written by Lee Breuer and composer Bob Telson, The Gospel at Colonus was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for Best Drama in 1985 and won the Obie for Best Musical in 1984.

Avant Bard's distinctive up-close, unplugged, and intimate production of The Gospel at Colonus was also a hit with Composer Bob Telson, who said:

"Just got the good news that Avant Bard is staging a revival of their wonderful production of The Gospel at Colonus. When I was witness to their production in March 2017, I was especially moved by the intimacy of the staging and singing, which was all the more powerful in their unamplified rendition. It was something I had always wanted to try in our original production, but we never had a venue so suited for that as the Gunston Arts Center. Hallelujah!"

The show's production design evokes a sacred site that draws from and honors the Greek and African roots of the source material. Sandra L. Holloway (original Choreographer and Founder of the holloway arts project) will direct based on original direction by Jennifer L. Nelson (Resident Director, Mosaic Theater Company of DC; Founding Artistic Director, African Continuum Theatre Company).

Musical direction will again be by e'Marcus Harper-Short (Musical Director of Theater Alliance's acclaimed Black Nativity). Avant Bard also welcomes back collaborating producers Minister Becky Mays and The Women's Ecumenical Choir

"We're really proud of this show, and we invite not only folks who've never seen it to come but also folks who have," said Avant Bard Artistic and Executive Director Tom Prewitt. "There will be a few new faces in the cast, and they'll all be singing with the same glorious gusto and retelling the same profound and moving story. Truly it's an experience to be enjoyed the first time and rejoiced in the second."

Tickets are available online at avantbard.org/tickets or by calling 703-418-4808.General admission is $30 on Fridays; $35 on Saturdayevenings and Sundays. Thursdays and Saturday matinees are Pay What You Will, which means you can name your ticket price, any price, at the door (and you can reserve a Pay What You Will ticket online in advance with a $10 minimum).

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

February 22 to March 25, 2018

VENUE

Gunston Arts Center, Theatre Two

2700 South Lang Street, Arlington, VA 22206