Musical Comes to Grapeland For One Day Only

GRAPELAND — “Smoke on the Mountain” will be premiering at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26 in Grapeland’s First Christian Church.

The production is presented by the Cherokee Civic Theatre in Rusk, and according to Director Jerry Parker, the 15-member cast has been hard at work since January rehearsals. Sheilah O’Heaney is helping Parker as assistant director, and Laura Cunningham is the producer.

“It’s a show no one wants to miss,” Parker said.

The musical, which was written by Connie Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey, centers around the Sanders family in Mt. Pleasant, N.C. — home of the Pleasant Pickle Company — during 1938, Parker said.

“It’s a gospel music family who are spending their first night back on the road after five years since their momma got sick and passed away,” he said.

Parker said folks can except lots of gospel music, singing, a guitar, piano, bass and mandolin performances with a Branson, Mo., type energy.

Musical arrangements are by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick — presented by a special arrangement of Samuel French, Inc.

“Prepare to let your hair down as you clap and sing along with nearly two dozen gospel favorites; and laugh ‘til your sides ache at the wholesome, hilarious stories from the “Sanders Family Singers.” It’s live family entertainment at its best!” a press release from the theater states.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for school-aged children and will be on sale at the church the day of the performance. Coffee, punch and dessert will be served in the fellowship hall before the show and at intermission.

Rachael Riley may be reached via e-mail at Rriley@messenger-news.com