Wilkinson directs SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING at Chaffin's Barn

Martha Wilkinson directs a cast of Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre favorites in the upcoming Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, the latest installment of the Sanders Family trilogy, conceived by Alan Bailey and written by Connie Ray. With Tim Fudge (who directed the last installment - Sanders Family Christmas - during the holiday season) as music director, the show runs July 22-August 28.

In this latest installment, audiences are transported to October 1945 - World War II is over and America's years of prosperity are just beginning. But parishioners at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church are undergoing another rite of passage, as Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe prepares for this final service before moving on to Texas. Brother Oglethorpe been called to preach in the Lone Star State and he's already bought a 10-gallon hat and is preparing to ride into the sunset with his wife, the now eight-months pregnant June. June's brother Dennis will take over as the congregation's pastor.

Audience members will join the Sanders family as they send Mervin and June off in style, with hilarious and touching stories and 25 fabulous bluegrass gospel favorites in what might best be described as a "heapin' helpin' of soul food."

Wilkinson's cast for Sanders Family Homecoming includes Mike Baum and Jennifer Richmond, both of whom were in the recent farce Funny Money. Reprising their roles from Sanders Family Christmas as the singing Sanders family are Daron J. Bruce and Amanda Lamb as the patriarch and matriarch of the clan, with B.J. Rowell and Jaclyn Brown as twins Dennis and Denise, and Will Sevier as the uncle with a past.

Reservations are required for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming; call (615) 646-9977 to book your spot for an evening of food and entertainment. From outside Tennessee, call (800) 282-2276.

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings, with the buffet served from 6 to 7:30 p.m, with curtain at 8 p.m. Four senior matinees will be held on Thursdays, July 29 and August 5, 12 and 19. The house opens for matinees at 11 a.m., with curtain at noon. Senior matinees are $19, bring your own lunch, with beverages provided. Chaffin's boxed lunches may be ordered at the time of your reservation for an additional $8.50.

A Sunday matinee is set for July 25, with the buffet served from noon to 1:30 p.m. and the show at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $50 for adults for evening and Sunday matinee performances; $40 for students 13-18; and $30 for children 12 and under (all prices include dinner, show and tax).