dafishhead

Great video record of a great musical. Tom Key and the bluegrass backing band are great in this video recording of a 1985 performance. Key is an energetic and versatile performer who plays the narrator (Matthew) as well as many various roles. The songs are catchy, funny, and even emotionally moving at times. These are some of the best and last songs written by the late Harry Chapin. They'll get stuck in your head. CPG is enjoyable regardless of your religious beliefs. If you're not Christian, don't let the subject matter scare you away, the show is not preachy. It's a funny and satisfying Southern translation of a great story whether you view it as the gospel or history. Some ultra-conservatives might find it offensive however. The show's not afraid to poke fun at some sacred cows. I wish it was available on DVD.

I won't detail the plot as that's been covered rather extensively in the other comments. If you refrain from expecting a Monty Python movie, you'll find it much easier to enjoy The Missionary. It's not a Python movie. It's not outrageously funny though it does have some very funny moments, some hilarious. Most of the humor however is much more subtle, possibly too much so for many viewers. A great cast.