SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN Opens Tonight at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre

One of the most unforgettable families to ever step foot on the Beef & Boards stage has come once again this summer for more entertaining bluegrass Gospel fun. Back by unprecedented demand and on stage through Aug. 18, the hilarious musical Smoke on the Mountain signals the return of the lovable Singing Sanders Family.

Set in 1938, Smoke on the Mountain tells the story of the first Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. Pastor Oglethorpe, the enthusiastic minister of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, has enlisted the Sanders Family in his efforts to bring his tiny congregation into "the modern world."

Between songs, each family member "witnesses" - telling a story about an important event in their life. Though they try to appear perfect in the eyes of a congregation who wants to be inspired by their songs, one thing after another goes awry and they reveal their true - and hilariously imperfect - natures. By the show's end, the endearing members of the Sanders Family have revealed their transgressions and allowed the audience to share in their triumphs.

Returning from the original 2007 cast are Sarah Hund as June Sanders, Pam Pendleton as June's mother, Vera Sanders, and John Vessels as Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe. Playing Burl Sanders, the patriarch of the family, is Bobby Taylor, while Brian Gunter plays his brother, Stanley Sanders, and Ashlie Roberson and Keith Potts play the twins, Denise and Dennis Sanders.

There are 53 performances of Smoke on the Mountain scheduled in the intimate setting of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $37.50 to $62.50 and include Chef Odell Ward's dinner buffet, fruit & salad bar, and select beverages. Discounts are available for children and groups of 20 or more. Parking is free.

For reservations call the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre Box Office at 317.872.9664. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays.

For complete show schedule, visit www.beefandboards.com.

Smoke on the Mountain is sponsored in part by WQME 98.7 FM.

To post a comment, you must register and login.