The off-Broadway musical “The Cotton Patch Gospel” is going way off-Broadway to the Prairie Arts Center. The purpose is to raise money for local, national and international programs that help fight hunger. This show will be presented on June 8-9. Tickets are $10 and a freewill offering will be accepted. One hundred percent of the funds raised go directly to fight hunger. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling (815) 875-2249 or (815) 879-0916.

“The Cotton Patch Gospel” is a musical written by Tom Key and Russel Trez, featuring the music of singer/songwriter Harry Chapin. The story, inspired by Koinonia farm founder Clarence Jordan’s translations of the Gospels, imagines what it would be like if Jesus were born in Gainesville, Georgia, in the 20th century. Those old Bible stories take on a new twist as Mary Hagler and Joe Davidson raise a most miraculous human.

What makes “The Cotton Patch Gospel” truly unique is the one-man performance by native Illinoisan Phillip Kaufmann. With permission from the Chapin family and through the use of audio and video technology, Phillip portrays over 20 characters, plays 11 musical instruments, and sings his own backup vocals. His performance, combined with an excellent script, makes this a performance that you don’t want to miss.

The show is even more enjoyable knowing that one hundred percent of the proceeds go to fight hunger. Fifty percent of all proceeds stay right here and support the Buddy Bags children’s lunch program; 25 percent goes to WhyHunger, an organization founded by Harry Chapin and New York radio host & Catholic philanthropist, Bill Ayres; and the last 25 percent goes to the Mennonite Central Committee food program.

Thus far, Phil has taken his one-man show on the road for hun-ger, raising more than $77,000 during the past two years. Why-Hunger lists Phil and his show along with artists like Bruce Springsteen, Carlos Santana, and Chicago in their efforts to fight hunger.