Alan Bailey News

Directed by the multi-talented Tim Fudge, who does double duty as music director of the piece, Sanders Family Christmas is an affectionately drawn tribute to simpler times that is sure to evoke memories of home and hearth - and if you're country-born, as am I, you'll find yourself missing family members who are no longer with you. That alone makes the show an ideal pick for this sentimental season of the year, but it's Fudge's direction and the commendable efforts of his very talented cast that make it one of the year's strongest productions.

In this musical sequel to Smoke on the Mountain, the Sanders family returns to Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, home of the Mount Pleasant Pickle Factory for Christmas Eve in 1941. Reverend Oglethorpe, of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Chruch, has invited them to sing and witness, getting his congregation into the down-home holiday spirit before the boys, including one of the Sanders' own, are shipped off to serve in World War II. The show's score features more than two dozen Christmas carols - many of them vintage hymns - and hilarious yuletide stories from the Sanders family keep the audience laughing, clapping and singing along with some bluegrass Christmas favorites.

In this musical sequel to Smoke on the Mountain, the Sanders family returns to Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, home of the Mount Pleasant Pickle Factory for Christmas Eve in 1941. Reverend Oglethorpe, of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Chruch, has invited them to sing and witness, getting his congregation into the down-home holiday spirit before the boys, including one of the Sanders' own, are shipped off to serve in World War II. The show's score features more than two dozen Christmas carols - many of them vintage hymns - and hilarious yuletide stories from the Sanders family keep the audience laughing, clapping and singing along with some bluegrass Christmas favorites.

They're back! The Sanctified Sanders Family Singers return to the CincinnatiPlayhouse in the Park to celebrate the holidays with faith, family and old-fashioned fun. This heavenly evening of laughter and music begins public previews on November 7 and continues through December 31. It's Christmas Eve in 1941.

They're back! The Sanctified Sanders Family Singers return to the CincinnatiPlayhouse in the Park to celebrate the holidays with faith, family and old-fashioned fun. This heavenly evening of laughter and music begins public previews on November 7 and continues through December 31. It's Christmas Eve in 1941.

Taproot Theatre Company has extended the run of the hit Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming through August 22, giving people two more weeks to experience this toe-tappin', knee-slappin', heartwarmin' bluegrass gospel extravaganza. The regional premiere of this musical has been delighting audiences since it opened on July 10.

Taproot Theatre Company has extended the run of the hit Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming through August 22, giving people two more weeks to experience this toe-tappin', knee-slappin', heartwarmin' bluegrass gospel extravaganza. The regional premiere of this musical has been delighting audiences since it opened on July 10.

Taproot Theatre Company has extended the run of the hit Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming through August 22, giving people two more weeks to experience this toe-tappin', knee-slappin', heartwarmin' bluegrass gospel extravaganza. The regional premiere of this musical has been delighting audiences since it opened on July 10.

Taproot Theatre Company has extended the run of the hit Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming through August 22, giving people two more weeks to experience this toe-tappin', knee-slappin', heartwarmin' bluegrass gospel extravaganza. The regional premiere of this musical has been delighting audiences since it opened on July 10.

Taproot Theatre is excited to announce the lineup for its 34th season, a year packed with wonder, imagination and the magic of theatre. The season features three regional premieres, an exciting new staging of a beloved musical featuring a literary author and one of his most well-known characters, and a production of a hilarious Victorian farce. Taproot Theatre Company's 2010 Season runs from January through October.

Taproot Theatre is bringing Late-Night Improv back to the Mainstage this summer for three hilarious evenings of fun. Following the performances of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming on July 24 and 31 and August 7, Taproot's improvisers will take the stage to entertain audiences with their imaginative sketches based on audience suggestions. Performances start at 10:15 p.m., or shortly after the Mainstage performance ends.

Taproot Theatre is bringing Late-Night Improv back to the Mainstage this summer for three hilarious evenings of fun. Following the performances of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming on July 24 and 31 and August 7, Taproot's improvisers will take the stage to entertain audiences with their imaginative sketches based on audience suggestions. Performances start at 10:15 p.m., or shortly after the Mainstage performance ends.

Abbeville Opera House Summer Season 2009 presents the Southern Premiere of a brand-new southern comedy 'Wedding Belles'. Wedding Belles is the second show of our 30th Summer Season at the Abbeville Opera House.

The Abbeville Opera House presents Wedding Belles and Greater Tuna. Final weekend of Wedding Belles, a new comedy by Alan Bailey and Ronnie Claire Edwards. Bailey is the author of the popular play Smoke on the Mountain and Edwards is best known as the actress who played Corabeth Godsey in the 1970's television hit series, The Waltons.

The hit Sanders family musicals return to Taproot Theatre Company this summer with the regional premiere of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. This is the third and final installment of the toe-tappin', bluegrass gospel musicals that have been charming audiences for over 20 years.

The hit Sanders family musicals return to Taproot Theatre Company this summer with the regional premiere of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. This is the third and final installment of the toe-tappin', bluegrass gospel musicals that have been charming audiences for over 20 years.

Abbeville Opera House Summer Season 2009 presents the Southern Premiere of a brand-new southern comedy 'Wedding Belles'. Wedding Belles is the second show of our 30th Summer Season at the Abbeville Opera House.

Abbeville Opera House Summer Season 2009 presents the Southern Premiere of a brand-new southern comedy 'Wedding Belles'. Wedding Belles is the second show of our 30th Summer Season at the Abbeville Opera House.

Abbeville Opera House Summer Season 2009 presents the Southern Premiere of a brand-new southern comedy 'Wedding Belles'. Wedding Belles is the second show of our 30th Summer Season at the Abbeville Opera House.

The hit Sanders family musicals return to Taproot Theatre Company this summer with the regional premiere of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming. This is the third and final installment of the toe-tappin', bluegrass gospel musicals that have been charming audiences for over 20 years.