Published: August 18, 2008 10:20 am            

Break a leg

Plaza Theatre opens new venue with ‘Smoke on the Mountain’

When the lights came up on the new stage at the Plaza Theatre on Friday and the freshly renovated building at 111 S. Main St., patrons and production all sparkled like a shiny new dime.

Earlier in the day Plaza held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its new building, which is across the street from the old location. The final touches on the new digs were just in time for the opening of “Smoke on the Mountain.”

“Smoke on the Mountain,” written by Connie Ray with musical arrangements by Mike Craver and Mark Hardwick, was the perfect choice to christen the new facility. The show was the second production of Plaza’s inaugural 2007 season and several members of that original cast returns for this second staging.

The troupe’s familiarity with the material and rhythm of the show make for a bright, quick and witty production. The play is a musical comedy filled with old fashioned, foot-stomping gospel music, great characters and lively interaction with the audience. If you don’t wish to run the risk of being drawn into the show you might want to request a seat in one of the middle or back rows. If you don’t believe it, just ask patron Florence Lett, who drew one of the biggest laughs of the night with her impromptu, yet brief “performance” in the first act.

“Smoke on the Mountain” takes place during a 1930s gospel performance by the newly reformed Sanders Family in the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. During the performance each family member shares a story with the congregation, played wonderfully on opening night by the audience. The entire event is hosted by the Mount Pleasant pastor and watched intently by two prudish church ladies.

If you’ve ever been a member of a small congregation with a new, enthusiastic but still wet-behind-the-ears pastor, then you know the Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe. Kyle Adams’ portrayal of Oglethorpe is spot on, and he’s so filled with the spirit and enthusiastic you’re not sure weather to shout amen or pinch his cheeks.

The Sanders clan is led by patriarchs Burl and Vera. Aaron Siler infuses Burl with a fatherly love, and the man is much lighter on his feet than he would appear. His monologue of a run-in with temptation and a beer salesman is funny and poignant. Darcy Farrington’s Vera is the real power behind the Sanders throne. She’s one of those loving mothers who can get the children’s attention with a mere snap of her fingers.

Farrington also directs the show, and she must be congratulated for guiding such a crisp, seamless ensemble. The youngest Sanders children, twins Denise and Dennis, are aptly played by Kaitlin McDonald and Jonathan Cooper. McDonald’s clear, lilting voice is a revelation. Cooper plays the introverted, painfully shy Dennis with a heartbreaking charm.

JaceSon Barrus plays the prodigal brother Stanley with heartbreaking strength. Barrus has had his fair share of powerful performances on the Plaza stage but his “come home to Jesus” monologue is a tour de force. Danielle Beacham embodies the role of older Sanders sibling, June.

Beacham portrays June as a gangly, hyper 12-year-old tomboy forever trapped in a woman’s body. She is a frantic ball of energy as she hilariously attempts to interpret through her own brand of sign language all the Sanders songs to the audience. You simply can’t take your eyes off her and your cheeks will ache from laughter halfway through the first act.

Judy Barnett and Taffy Geisel play the elderly church ladies Maude and Myrtle. The pair open and close the proceedings and provide unapproving running commentary throughout the show. These two are so natural one wonders if they are acting at all.

The Praise band is made up of Cheri Mega on piano, Aaron Lett on bass, Stephen Singleton on guitar and Howard Geisel on fiddle. This talented quartet performs as if they’ve been together for years. Geisel has a frenetic fiddle solo that would make Angus Young green with envy.

Howard Dudley, who owns and renovated the building, commented during intermission that, “We’re glad the group finally has a building that matches their talent. They are such professional people. Cleburne is lucky to have the Barrus and Siler families working here.” Truer words have rarely ever been uttered.

“Smoke on the Mountain” runs through Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, with two performances Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. For information, call 817-202-0600 or visit www.plaza-theatre.com. Tickets are selling quickly for these shows, so call ahead for reservations. You won’t want to miss it.

        

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