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Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Peer Reviews "Where
There's Smoke, There's Fire" Entire contents copyright © 2008 Joe Monroe, II. All rights reserved.
Almost anywhere on a Saturday night in Anywhere, USA, one can find something to do. But where does one go to find good gospel singing on a Saturday night? Well, if you are looking, then make your way to North Carolina (NC), and more specifically, to the mountains of NC. As I was born and raised in NC, I can personally stand behind that statement. Also, being the second of five boys born to parents who are both ministers, many times I had a front pew experience. Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming (the sequel to Smoke on the Mountain) took me to a very familiar place.
I first saw Smoke on the Mountain 13 years ago in Cullowhee, NC. Cullowhee is only about three hours from where the actual play is set. Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming is set in the sanctuary of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Mt. Pleasant, NC, right outside the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, watching a play set in NC is great — but when you can see a show set in NC when you now live in KY, and haven't lived in NC in more than six years, it becomes even more special. Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming brings the Sanders family back together for its first performance in four years. Things have changed. It is October, 1945. The war is over; the two daughters in the family have gotten married and have begun contributing to the baby boom. The Sanders family's performance tonight is not only a homecoming for certain family members but a going-away celebration as well. This show will have you singing along with traditional gospel tunes like "Standing on the Promises," or bopping to harmonic, upbeat gospel songs like "Gloryland Boogie." One of the most memorable moments was when Vera Sanders (Rita Thomas) sang "I Love to Tell the Story." It was moving. The cast was great. Having the musical accompaniment right on stage with the actors gave the show an authentic feel as well as helped with the balance of music to voice. Rev. Oglethorpe (Cary Wiger) gave us great comic relief with his hair-combing, cowboy-hat wearing antics, but it was his wife June (Janet Essenpreis) that seemed to keep everyone on their toes. From her washboard playing to her tambourine shaking, she stayed very active for someone who was expecting in a couple of weeks. It was good to see Cary and Janet as a couple again, and not trying to kill each other as their characters were the last time they were on stage as husband in wife in Murder at the Howard Johnson's. All in all, if you like musicals and comedy, the show is a must-see because where there is smoke, there is fire, and where there is fire, it has to be hot — and Derby Dinner is providing you with halleluiah heat in the form of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming.
Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming August 5 - September 28, 2008 Posted August 11, 2008
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