Marietta Daily Journal Friday, Jan.12, 2001

Brad Sherrill brings one-man show to Alley Stage

By Dani R. Bellflower

Marietta Daily Journal Staff Writer

Few actors have the courage or the talent to attempt a one-person performance, but Brad Sherrill plans to use the opportunity to go back to the basics of gospel.

The "Gospel of John" will be showing on the Alley Stage at the Theatre on the Square from Tuesday, Jan. 16, to Sunday, Feb. 4. Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $15.

Using the New International Version translation, Sherrill plans to narrate the entire fourth synoptic gospel.

"The Gospels initially, of course, were intended to be heard, not read. I find it thrilling that, as an actor playing out this material, I find myself in a long line of the great oral tradition — a culture’s collective stories and myths spoken out to the community," said Sherrill of Chamblee. "This is how John is meant to be heard."

Using a simple set of a table, chair, an oil lamp and a basin, Sherrill plans to breath new life into the scriptures.

"The audience will hear the gospel in a new way," he said. "People bring their own commitment of the gospel to the theater. And then to have it come alive is extraordinary for them and me. It’s really a shared community experience."

Sherrill finished memorizing the fourth book of the Bible in May 1999, which took four months. He now rehearses every other day to keep the text fresh in his mind.

"There is a lot of time and commitment and dedication involved in memorizing more than 20,000 words," he said. "It really has to mean something to you."

Although Sherrill has performed the production at Brookhaven Christian Church and Chamblee First United Methodist, it will be the first time at the Theatre on the Square.

"It’s a terrific group and the space itself is wonderful," he said. "It’s kind of like home to me."

Sherrill, a 30-year member of Chamblee First United Methodist Church, began his acting career in Atlanta in 1983 and has since performed at the Alliance Theatre, Theater on the Square, Theatre Emory, Georgia Ensemble Theatre, Horizon Theater and the Georgia Shakespeare Festival.

He has performed in such productions as "The Heidi Chronicles," "Henry IV," "A Winter’s Tale," "The Heiress" and "The Grapes of Wrath."

The Theatre in the Square is located at 11 Whitlock Ave. in Marietta. Call (770) 422-8369 or log onto www.theatreinthe-square.com.