FCT Presents: Smoke on the Mountain 
Director Ted Ballard is bringing the 1938 family comedy Smoke on the Mountain back to life this February. Smoke on the Mountain, based on the book by Connie Ray, tells the story of the Sanders family and Mount Pleasant Church. Pastor Oglethorpe is determined to modernize his parishioners and the audience is transformed into the congregation singing gospel classics like When the Roll is Called up Yonder and I'll Fly Away.
The cast of Smoke on the Mountain is comprised of seven characters, two of which play instruments. Ballard, who has previously directed timeless shows like You Can't Take it with You and The Comedy of Errors, says casting actors who can play an instrument can be very difficult, especially in a community theater setting. However, he was able to find two, along with three back up musicians. He says they will be playing guitar, piano, and banjo as well as some more traditional instruments like the cowbell, whip-stick and washboard. June Sanders, the eldest daughter even does a bit of signing, although, it is not necessarily signing per se.
Ballard says he enjoys and "grew up with old time gospel music" and this production is a "popular, family friendly musical." He says the show also holds a personal connection with him as his "mom was a member of the McClung Family Singers in the 1930's, a singing group very similar to the Sanders' Family Singers."
Ballard says he will be keeping this production "true to the original script" and those who have seen the show before or know the story can look forward to seeing a fresh cast in the original classic they love.
 Written by Mary Ballinger Don't fergit! Take a pencil and mark yer calendar. The Sanders' Family Singers are comin to Fauquier Community Theatre, Feb. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, only. That's right. Only two weekends of family entertainment with Burl and Vera, Uncle Stanley (he's home now, having completed his sentence), the twins, Dennis and Denise, and of course their sister, June (she's wild with a tambourine). They'll be joined by Aunt Blanche and a musical ensemble playing and singing Old Time Gospel songs, such as Church in the Wildwood, I'll Fly Way, When the Roll is Called you Yonder, Washed in the Blood of the Lamb, and a host of other old time favorites. Come on down and join in the singin. If you can't sing, join in the clappin. If you can't clap just say "amen," once in a while. It'll be a hoot. www.FCTstage.org |
For Ages 7-18 only:
