The Gospel at Colonus at Court Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended

"...In an era of resolutely secular, and often small, theater, Court has put up something with an expansive vision and a directorial approach that respects what Telson and Breuer achieved but gently improves upon it for the current moment. It’s a South Side rebirth for “Gospel at Colonus,” and thank whatever God you worship for that. May it live on."

Chicago Sun Times - Recommended

"...“The Gospel at Colonus” is an adaptation, by the late Lee Breuer, of Sophocles’ last work, “Oedipus at Colonus.” Although written just before Sophocles died, the play is set chronologically between his two other works about the House of Oedipus: the most famous of the three, “Oedipus Rex,” in which Oedipus learns that by attempting to outrun a prophecy that he would kill his father and marry his mother, he has in fact done just that, and “Antigone,” which takes place after Oedipus’ death and focuses on his daughter. This middle part of the story depicts Oedipus, blind and weakening, seeking a final resting place, which was prophesied to bring benefits to the community who provided it."

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...But between “Through My Tears” early in the show and the concluding number, “Now Let the Weeping Cease,” Court’s Gospel at Colonus gives us a glimpse of transcendence, hope, and revival, thanks to a soul-stirring ensemble and a tight five-piece band, delivering their music from above the stage like a session group from heaven."

Let's Play Theatrical Reviews - Highly Recommended

"...There are not many plays where the combination of gospel and theater brilliantly come together to make a masterful and spiritual night of joy that will have you jumping out of your seat —but Court Theatre's The Gospel at Colonus, an African-American musical adaptation of Sophocles's tragedy, Oedipus at Colonus, with its soulful singing featuring an all-black cast, has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...High-spirited and wildly entertaining, “The Gospel at Colonus” doesn’t just tell a story about the soul of the tragic figure of Oedipus, but it is also about the soul of the Black Pentecostal Church. This energetic production takes the form of an operetta/religious service with the foundation being in gospel music."

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...Court Theatre’s extraordinary, emotionally-charged finale to their current season is a feast for both the eye and ear. The Costume Design by Raquel Adorno is as beautiful and unique as John Culbert’s expressive Scenic Design. The score by Telson and Breuer played by a talented band and sung by a superb, first-class company of performers, round out a magical evening of theatre. Oedipus’ punishment for trying to defy the gods, his long torment and final redemption is turned into a modern-day religious parable for contemporary audiences that absolutely delights. The relationship between this story and Christianity, as well as other religions, is fascinating. In all, “The Gospel At Colonus” is a truly awe-inspiring celebration of life."

Buzz Center Stage - Highly Recommended

"...“The Gospel at Colonus” is filled with Christian values, as well as Christian music. Oedipus seeking refuge in his old age receives sympathy and grace for his plight. He is forgiven and absolved of his sins. Before his death, he is born anew. He is transformed from a blight on the city of Thebes to a blessing for Athens. Oedipus was taken without lamentations, suffering or pain. Let the weeping cease, he was blessed. It is our Christian hope we can all be so blessed. Bless yourself and see this show."

Chicagoland Musical Theatre - Highly Recommended

"...Here, laden with the wisdom of the ancient Greeks and the ambrosia throatiness of gospel singing, Rolston shedding his guilt is positively transcendent. Co-directed by Charles Newell and Mark J. P. Hood (Hood also handling music direction), and backdropped by the loveliest bare-bones chapel you’re likely to see for a while (by John Culbert), this Colonus is serious business, and, one can hope, will have serious legs beyond Chicago."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Something about the sound of a really good gospel singer makes me want to tap my foot or clap along. The Gospel at Colonus sends adrenaline through me and I could feel that vibe all around me at Court Theatre. These are great gospel singers in the tradition of Pentecostal or Church of God in Christ. The play is a musical rendering of the Oedipus Story like none other. This musical is masterfully directed by Mark J.P. Hood and Charles Newell."

PicksInSix - Highly Recommended

"...There is so much to share about “The Gospel at Colonus,” the absolutely marvelous production now playing at Court Theatre through June 11, that one hardly knows where to start – or whether all the praise can fit in here. Based on the Oedipus trilogy by Sophocles, it views the Greek tragedy – and in this case a specific tale that shows subsequent comparisons to Christian fact and legend – through the energetic prism of the Black Pentecostal Church. It’s a fascinating adaptation that seems naturally to play into such customs and stories."