Ordway Center for the Arts Closes GOSPEL AT COLONUS, 8/11

Coming back to Minnesota for the first time in more than a decade, "The Gospel at Colonus" opens Ordway Center for the Performing Arts' 2010-2011 Season with a one-week engagement boasting a cast of nationally acclaimed stars and popular Twin Cities performers.

"The Gospel at Colonus" is a brilliant phenomenon, exclaims James A. Rocco, Ordway's vice president of theatrical programming/producing artistic director. "The way the production blends classic Greek drama, mythology, gospel music, and spiritual truths is almost metaphysical. You have to see this show and experience its sheer power. It is unforgettable."

"The Gospel at Colonus" is a musical celebration telling the famous story of "Oedipus at Colonus," part of the Oedipus trilogy. The production is an oratorio set in a black Pentecostal service, in which Greek myth and the heart of African-American Christianity collide. Seamlessly blending the famed agony of Greek tragedy and the ecstasy of American gospel music found in the sanctified church, "Gospel at Colonus" uses the mediums of singing, acting and preaching to lift up the story of Oedipus, making it come to life.

Conceived by Lee Breuer during a visit to Greece when he tripped along the edge of an old church altar, "The Gospel at Colonus" has since become an award-winning production receiving critical acclaim. In 1984, the production won an Obie Award for Best Musical and subsequently ran on Broadway in 1988. During its time on Broadway, "The Gospel at Colonus" and Breuer were recognized with a Tony Award for Best Book (Musical), and a nomination for the 1988 Pulitzer Prize Award for Drama. The Blind Boys of Alabama also received a Grammy nomination for their performance in the show.

For the remounting of "The Gospel at Colonus" at the Ordway, the company welcomes back the Twin Cities' own Jevetta Steele as Ismene, J.D. Steele as Choir Director, Jearlyn Steele and Fred Steele as soloists, Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller as The Messenger and Sam Butler, Jr. as Balladeer. These cast members have been a part of "The Gospel at Colonus," in various roles, since the production's inception. The Blind Boys of Alabama and The Legendary Soul Stirrers will also be back for this production along with Bernardine Mitchell who plays Antigone. Joining the cast are Dion Graham as Theseus and Twin Cities' choir Triad:4Christ.

Many recall "The Gospel at Colonus" in its television life, when back in 1985 the performance was taped at the American Musical Theatre Festival in Philadelphia for broadcast on PBS' "Great Performances." The television version, featuring Morgan Freeman, Carl Lumbly and Robert Earl Jones, was nominated for an Emmy Award.

After performing at the Ordway, "The Gospel at Colonus" will be traveling to the Edinburgh International Festival for performances from August 21-23.

For this production, Ordway will be hosting an Ordway Extra program on August 11 at 6:30 p.m. To learn more about this event, visit ordway.org/events.

Tickets for "The Gospel at Colonus" are on sale now. To purchase tickets, visit ordway.org, visit the Ordway's Box Office, or call 651.224.4222.

The Ordway celebrates its 25th anniversary season as one of the nation's leading nonprofit performing arts centers and Saint Paul's most elegant and inviting performance space. The Ordway's Music Theater and McKnight stages attract diverse audiences with an array of productions showcasing the finest in American musical theater, world music, dance, and vocal performance. Education and community engagement are integral to the Ordway's mission, with major initiatives including the annual Flint Hills International Children's Festival and Ordway Education programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. The Ordway also sponsors the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists, a professionally guided academic and artistic environment that trains aspiring pre-professional performing artists. Together with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Opera and Schubert Club, the Ordway is a member of the Arts Partnership and serves as the principal venue for their performances.

Performance and Ticket Information

"The Gospel at Colonus"

August 5-11, 2010

Times vary

Ordway Center for the Performing Arts

345 Washington Street

Saint Paul, MN 55102

$36.00 - $86.00

Box Office: 651.224.4222

Groups: 651.282.3111

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