Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 22:40:09 (EDT) From: Chris Smith Subject: The Canticle of the Plains Dear Danl, You may recall approximately 3 months ago I sent a review of The Canticle of Plains following the performance at Wheaton College. At that time my review was not very positive. Since then I had the pleasure of seeing the play again this time performed at Cornerstone. I am happy to tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed the production. The changes that were made since the April showing improved the production immensely. The Canticle of Plains was funny, compelling and spiritually challenging. In addition, the quality of the performances and technical support were much better.
I asked Chris to elaborate on what he thought the differences were, and he replied...
It is difficult for me to pin point the exact changes between the two performances. At the Wheaton production much of the story was missed because of the poor tech support (the actors did not have microphones). At that time, the Canticle of the Plains was very long, boring and seemed cluttered with various themes. However, at Cornerstone, the play moved faster, the theme was clear and more easily followed, the animal scenes were changed and the characters in general had more personality. Perhaps there were more changes or maybe less changes; I am not sure but at Cornerstone I was able to understand the message and enjoy it at the same time. This is a must see for everyone ( * * * 1/2) Chris Smith P.S. Mitch portrays an excellent "Frank" and Rich plays a pretty convincing cigar-smoking, gun-toting, saloon patron.
From: Pam Date: Tue, 15 Jul 1997 17:18:31 (EDT) I wanted all to know that Cornerstone was awsome as always and Rich's presence made it even more so this year. The concert at main stage was fun, but I really missed the more intimate setting the Compassion stage had between Rich and fans. The Canticles was soooo good! This was the second time I saw it. First time was at Wheaton College. Mitch plays a super Frank. What a voice that man has!!!!!! And Rich cameoed in the performance as well. He was dressed in a floor length, fringed, white buckskin coat, top hat with feather, with two bar maids at his side, a bottle of whiskey in hand, and smoking a big stogey cigar. Oh yea, he used the spitoon often too! What a riot. He sure was having fun! He also played a bad guy and put a shotgun to Frank during the fighting scene between soldiers and indigenous people. Am looking forward to seeing him perform ( but mostly listening to him speak) at Rockford, IL on the 8th of August and at Calvary Church in Naperville, IL on the 9th. Canticles is a must see for all Rich fans. Obeying and serving in Christ Jesus name, Pam T.
Date: Wed, 06 Aug 1997 11:32:03 From: Jennifer Hall Subject: Rich Mullins -- Cornerstone Discaimer I guess as a long time Rich fan I have this thing where I always feel like I have to make an excuse for him when his concerts just aren't what everyone hoped for. When those of us who are dedicated fans go to a concert, we have high expectations because we know that Rich's concerts are really something remarkable--much more than a concert, it is a spiritual and emotional event that remains with you for years to come. It's not just music -- yet it is so musically inspiring -- let's face it, Rich and his friends have to be some of the most talented musicians out there in any music genre. I know people who weren't that crazy about his music until they saw him in concert and heard him speak (One of the great philosophers of our time). :) Now those people own just about every Rich album there is. So about his Cornerstone concert. Yeah, some people were disappointed -- he is definately better performing in a more intimate setting, he didn't seem as relaxed and laid back as usual, he gave a lot of time during the set to Jimmy A and Rick Elias, (two more fine musicians). But I encourage anyone who is a first time Rich concert goer to not base their opinion of his concerts on that night alone. To those of us who have seen him at his finest, we thank God for the opportunity to see him live, pray for his ministry (even though he doesn't like to call it that), and find where he's playing in our area next and go again expecting. I've seen him twice this year besides Cornerstone -- one night in Wheaton for the opening of Canticle... and again in Peoria, IL doing a three hour acoustic set with Mitch that was simply outstanding. I've never left any of his concerts disappointed, yet I have had my favorites. The Brother's Keeper Tour with the whole band was amazing. So to all you die hard fans who bragged and bragged about Rich to your friends and finally dragged them out of the Underground Tent at Cornerstone to see his concert -- only to hear them say "Yeah--so what's this big deal about this guy?" -- take them to another one. Part of appreciating his music so much is getting to know who he is and hearing him talk. There just wasn't much of an opportuninty for that at Cornerstone. And it wasn't that it was a bad concert--I think we've just gotten spoiled at all his other ones. P.S. One more note about Cornerstone. I was right next to the stage, about 12 or so feet from Rich during the concert that night. To all who keep up with him, you know how he really likes playing music as a part of a band, with his friends. Well during Jimmy A's set, during the "train" song, the spotlight was off Rich and on Jimmy and the music kept building up and getting more and more intense. I looked over at Rich, who was in the dark just pounding away at his keyboard with the biggest grin on his face. You just knew he was having a blast -- and I really felt happy for him. He looked like a little kid who was doing something he really liked doing and he didn't care what was going on around him, he was just having fun! And seeing that made the entire evening worthwhile.
Hi Rich Fans,
Concerning Cornerstone ... in addition to his own show and his appearances in the Canticle, I also heard reports that Rich sat in with Caedmon's Call and Third Day. In case you're not aware, Rich performed hammered dulcimer on Third Day's self-titled debut album, and of course, Caedmon's Call has a current single with a great remake of Rich's "Hope To Carry On." At this writing, "Hope To Carry On" is number one on Light 99-FM's Top 20. You'll also notice that "Heaven Is Waiting" has cracked the Top 20 list. Don't forget to call you're local station and request it.
P.S. I've added this corrected entry to the 8/12 date on the Tour Page, including correcting the Milwaukee suburb to Brookfield thanks to Katherine Akulicz. Katherine also provides local direction cautions.
08/12 Brookfield, WI (Milwaukee metro area)
Elmbrook Church,
777 S. Barker Rd (South of I-94 on Cty Y), 414-786-7051
Tickets are $5.00, at the door only (so far)
Special Note: Due to the massive construction underway on
I-94 from Downtown Milwaukee out to Hwy J in Waukesha
County, you might want to avoid the interstate if at all
possible or be prepared for delays. Best alternate routes
are via Greenfield Avenue (South of Elmbrook) or Blue Mound
Road (North of Elmbrook). Greenfield and Blue Mound are
major E-W streets.
--Danl