HOBART | The original adaptation of "Cotton Patch Gospel," with music and lyrics by Harry Chapin, opens Friday at Center Stage Studio Theatre, 227 Center St.

Presented by Ross Music Theatre and M & M Productions, performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and July 24, 25 and 26 and at 3 p.m. Sunday and July 27. Tickets are $10.

Chapin, composer of such well know hits as "Cat's in the Cradle" and "Taxi," created this production's musical score. Cotton Patch Gospel is the only off Broadway show to receive praise from both "Rolling Stone" and "Christianity Today." and Chapin's music was praised by a variety of critics.

Director Mike Reinhart calls it "a down home 'Godspell' with a more defined story line, it moves with the speed of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'."

Originally a one-man show performed with a three-piece bluegrass band, M & M Productions staged the musical with a cast of 75 in 1998. This time around, a cast of 14 will fill 70 roles. The strong cast comes from all over the area including Crown Point, Merrillville, Valparaiso, Hobart, Portage and St John.

"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," Reinhart said. The cast members do not make complete costume changes as the show moves too quick - 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 who sets the scene for the audience.

In keeping with the Harry Chapin theme this summer, M & M will bring back

two performances of his "Lies and Legends" at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 22 and 23, with proceeds benefitting Meals on Wheels.

"An Evening of Comedy Sketches" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 15 and 29. Some of the most popular sketches from "The Carol Burnett Show" will be joined by sketches from some of the top new comedians and other familiar sketches.

Meanwhile, M & M Productions' Audience Choice Film Festival continues at the Center Street Theatre. Screenings Aug. 19 include "The Cookie Thief" starring

Eric Roberts; "In the Company of Strangers," winner of multiple film festival awards, "The Ghosts of Yabor" and "The Cat Bird Seat."

Audience members can meet the cast and crew of some of the films, adding to the fun at an inexpensive price.

All seats for film screenings are $3 and films start at 7:30 p.m., or save more with a season ticket.

For more information or tickets to any summer production, call (219) 947-4922 or visit www.m-mproductions.com

- For The Times