LASALLE — The Off-Broadway musical “The Cotton Patch Gospel” will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 3 and 2 p.m. Nov. 4 at Stage 212, 700 First St. in LaSalle. The purpose is to raise money for local, national and international programs that help fight hunger.

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

What makes this “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, Kaufmann portrays more than 20 characters, plays 11 musical instruments and sings his own backup vocals. His performance, combined with an excellent script, makes this an event that shouldn’t be missed.