Atlanta Lyric Theatre Stages SANDERS FAMILY CHRISTMAS, Now thru 12/14

Atlanta Lyric Theatre is proud to announce a holiday addition to its lineup! They're back! The Sanctified Sanders Family Singers return to the Marietta Square to celebrate the holidays with faith, family, and old-fashioned fun. Sanders Family Christmas, starring several members of the original Theatre in the Square cast, plays tonight, December 5-14, 2014 at First United Methodist Church of Marietta's Family Life Hall (56 Whitlock Ave., Marietta).

The Depression is coming to a close, but 18 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the threat of war has just begun. World War II provides the dramatic underpinning to the story of a family living in the rural town of Mount Pleasant, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. They are about to say a bittersweet goodbye to their only son, who is shipping out with the Marine Corps. But before he goes, the Sanders Family Singers are heading up the annual Christmas celebration at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church.

Alan Kilpatrick who reprises his role as Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe (who works part-time at the local pickle plant), and the Sanders family attempt to raise the spirits of their faithful flock (the audience) in a rousing and energetic Christmas gospel sing-along of cherished holiday hymns and carols. Joining Kilpatrick in reprising their roles are Scott DePoy as the black sheep of the family Uncle Stanley, Christopher Damiano as Burl Sanders - the family's patriarch, Karen Howell as his scripture-quoting wife, Vera Sanders, Jeremy Wood and Laura Floyd reuniting as the twins Dennis and Denise Sander, and Jennifer Akin as their sister June Sanders (she doesn't sing, she signs).

Conceived by Alan Bailey and written by Connie Ray, Sanders Family Christmas is a nostalgic comedy set to holiday carols and is the second of three installments of the Sanders family's life. The original Smoke on the Mountain, one of the most popular Theatre in the Square productions, was produced last year by The Lyric. Its sequels Sanders Family Christmas and Mount Pleasant Homecoming, premiered at Marietta's beloved, now shuttered, Theatre in the Square in 1991. These perennial revival favorites feature bluegrass songs from the gospel hit parade, sprinkled with the hapless pranks of this lovable and talented family.

Sanders Family Christmas is directed by Alan Kilpatrick and Karen Howell, and features music direction by Michael Monroe.

Sanders Family Christmas is not part of The Lyric season subscription package. Tickets are $25-$40. Group discounts are also available by calling the box office at 404-377-9948. Visit www.AtlantaLyricTheatre.com for reservations and information.

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