Barter Theatre stages world premiere production of SAVING OLD SMOKEY

Saving Old Smokey, a new play from Ron Osborne, the playwright of First Baptist of Ivy Gap and Showtime at First Baptist, playing at Barter Theatre June 9 through August 13. The plot for the world premiere production of the play? According to a press release, "When a group of women from East Tennessee set their hearts on reopening Old Smokey a mountain-top country store, they are determined that plotting strangers and even the forces of nature cannot come between them and their dream."

Centered around Old Smokey, which is more than just a country store, the story shines a light on the lives of four women: Emma (Marnee Hollis), Jinks (Tricia Matthews), Olive (Nashville's own Erin Parker) and Cordelia (Ashlie Roberson); their friendship and their determination to have a musical jamboree fundraiser to reopen Old Smokey. 
 
Back in its heyday, the parking lot of Old Smokey was completely full as folks gathered to hear and sing old time music and gospel music on Saturday nights. Some even said the shows rivaled the Grand Ole Opry. The store fed people's families, but it also helped to feed their souls with songs like "Down to the River to Pray," "This Little Light of Mine" and "Jesus is Calling." 
 
These ladies come together to bring back the tradition of Old Smokey so their children's children can experience the love of community and make new memories. 
 
Old Smokey was the place Cordelia courted and later, said yes to her boyfriend's (Emma's son) proposal. Old Smokey was the place where the one and only Roy Acuff came and gave a young Emma a toy yo-yo. He even showed her a few tricks. 
 
Now Emma's son, Cordelia's fiancé, is scheduled to come home. She believes Old Smokey could be the place where her son can thrive when he returns from the war. He's coming home soon, and he needs a familiar place to rest and recover - doctor's orders. 

"With themes of hopes, friendship, family and undaunted spirit, Ron Osborne tells this story of these Southern women with engaging humor and clarity," says director Mary Lucy Bivins. Bivins considers herself "a proud veteran" of Osborne plays. It's an appropriate title given that she has acted in every single Osborne play produced at Barter Theatre. Now, Bivins is wearing a new hat as she directs and takes the opportunity to become acquainted with all the characters.

"The wonderful women of Osborne's plays are one of his greatest strengths," she says. "He just knows how women think, feel and act." 
 
Will sneaky strangers (played by Rick McVey and Ashley Campos) take what is dear away from the women or will the women band together to stand up for what is right? Will the fundraiser happen and will the community rise to the occasion and help save Old Smokey?

"Audiences are in for a sweet Southern treat with Saving Old Smokey," says Barter Theatre's producing artistic director Richard Rose. 

Saving Old Smokey plays at Barter Theatre June 9 through August 13. To find out more about "Saving Old Smokey" and other Barter Theatre shows, call (276) 628-3991 or visit www.BarterTheatre.com. 

pictured: Erin Parker

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