Greek tragedy gets gospel treatment in Fresno State production

University Theatre celebrates springtime with a gospel adaptation of a classical play from ancient Greece, “The Gospel at Colonus,” by playwright Lee Breuer and composer Bob Telson.

Set in a black Pentecostal church, “The Gospel at Colonus” is a parable about the fate of Sophocles' Oedipus Rex. After years of wandering in exile from Thebes, while attended by his daughters, he comes to the city of Colonus in search of final peace. He is a tortured soul who finally finds release through religious epiphany. Gospel music is used to bring contemporary relevance to this Greek tragedy.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. May 5-6 and 9-13 and at 2 p.m. May 7, all at the John Wright Theater in the Speech Arts Building on campus.

Described as a musical that blends the agony of Greek tragedy and the ecstasy of American gospel music, “The Gospel at Colonus” ran for several months on Broadway with an all-star cast that included actors Morgan Freeman, Sam Butler Jr. and Kevin Davis. It won an Obie Award for best musical and an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award.

The vocals for this production are under the direction of Christopher St. James with stage direction by Thomas-Whit Ellis.

Collaborating behind the scenes are Scene Jeff Hunter, scene design; Annalise Baker, costume design; Jennifer Sullivan, lighting design; and Victoria Delorio, sound design. The cast of nearly 50 is a mix of students and community members.

General Admission: $17
Fresno State Faculty/Staff, Alumni Association Members*: $15
Seniors (60 +) & Non-Fresno State Students (Under 5 not admitted): $15
Fresno State Students*: $8

*ID Required

Tickets are available on line at www.csufresno.edu/Theatre or at the University Theatre Box Office, 559.278.2216.