Whited Directs Walsh and Conner in THE RAINMAKER at CBDT

Popular Nashville actor Sam Whited makes his Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre directorial debut with the revival of N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker, running May 5-June 11. Elizabeth Walsh and Bryce Conner lead the cast of the revival in the pivotal roles of "Lizzie" and "Starbuck," the rainmaker of the play's title.

Set in a drought- ridden rural town in the West during Depression-era America, The Rainmaker tells the story of a pivotal hot summer day in the life of a spinster Lizzie Curry (Walsh). Lizzie keeps house for her father and two brothers on the family cattle ranch. She has just returned from a trip to visit cousins, which was undertaken with the failed expectation that she would find a husband. As their farm suffers under the devastating drought, Lizzie's family is more worried about her marriage prospects than about their dying cattle. The arrival of a charming, confident swindler named Starbuck (Conner) who promises to bring rain in exchange for $100 sets off a series of events allowing Lizzie to see herself in a new light.

Whited, most recently onstage at Tennessee Rep and Nashville Children's Theatre in A Christmas Story and Goodnight Moon, respectively. He also teaches theater classes and guest directs for various primary schools and colleges in the area. While not his first professional directing gig, this is his first time directing at Chaffin's Barn.

The cast for The Rainmaker includes: Daniel Hackman, Warren Gore, Flynt Foster, John Mauldin and Lane Wright, in addition to Walsh and Conner.

Reservations are required; call (615) 646-9977 to book your spot for an evening of food and entertainment. Curtain is at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday evenings (with the buffet served from 6 to 7:30 p.m.), with two Thursday senior matinees set for May 12 and 19 (house opens at 11 a.m., with curtain at noon. Tickets are $19, bring your own lunch, or you may order a boxed lunch for an additional $8.50 per person). A special Mother's Day matinee is set for Sunday, May 8, with the buffet served from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the show at 2 p.m.

Ticket Prices for all evening showsand Sunday matinee: $50 for adults; student price (13-18): $40.00 dinner/show; $30 for children 12 and under (those prices include dinner, show and tax). Show only tickets are $38 for adults, $30 for children 12 and under, and $34 for students.

Pictured: Elizabeth Walsh and Bryce Conner in The Rainmaker at Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre