Wayside Theatre to Begin New Year with SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN HOMECOMING, 1/26-3/16

Wayside Theatre Artistic Director, Warner Crocker, announced the cast and schedule for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, the sequel to one of last season's most Popular Productions. Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming was written by Connie Ray, conceived by Alan Bailey, and has musical arrangements by Mike Craver. This production is sponsored by Winchester Executive Suites LLC, Royal Oak Computers, and Anytime Fitness Strasburg.

In this sequel, the Sanders Family returns to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church to send off Pastor Oglethorpe and his new bride, June. With World War II over, Pastor Oglethorpe has received a call to preach in West Texas. This may be the last sing for the Sanders Family before they disband. This production is filled with the family's hilarious and heartwarming testimonials and 25 bluegrass gospel favorites. Fans of last year's Smoke on the Mountain will enjoy this production, as well as those unfamiliar with the Sanders Family franchise.

The performances for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming will begin on Saturday, January 26, with low-priced performances at 2:30PM and 7:30PM. The official opening night is Sunday, January 27 at 6:30PM. Performances will continue until March 16. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances are at 7:30PM; Saturday matinees are at 2:30PM; Sunday performances are at 2:30PM. Check the calendar on the Wayside Theatre website for more information on the schedule. Ticket prices are $25-$30 for adults and $10 for children 17 and under. There are also discounts available for seniors, students, and groups.

This year's cast contains Wayside Theatre favorites, as well as a few newcomers. Reprising their roles from last year's production are Steve Przybylski as Dennis (Striking 12, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Southern Crossroads, Smoke on the Mountain trilogy), Thomasin Savaiano as June (Wait Until Dark, Private Lives, Southern Crossroads, Smoke on the Mountain trilogy), Pam Pendleton as Vera (Smoke on the Mountain trilogy, Hank Williams: Lost Highway), Jennie Malone as Denise (Smoke on the Mountain, Hank Williams: Lost Highway), and Bob Payne as Burl (Smoke on the Mountain trilogy, Southern Crossroads: The New Orleans Adventure, Glory Bea). It also features newcomers to the Wayside Theatre stage: Richard Daniel as Stanley and Don Denton as Pastor Oglethorpe.

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming is created by the following production staff members: Director Warner Crocker, Musical Director Steve Przybylski, Set Designer and Technical Director Zach Fullenkamp, Costume Designer Caleb Blackwell, Lighting Designer Wes Calkin, Production Stage Manager and Prop Master Kendra Watkins.

According to Crocker, "In Season 50, Smoke on the Mountain was an audience favorite. The bluegrass music, heartwarming but funny stories, and family values appealed to a variety of people. Due to that success, we at Wayside Theatre decided that the sequel, Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, would be a great addition to Season 51. We've assembled a veteran cast of amazingly talented actor/musicians for this production. Fans of the original play will certainly love this show, as well as those who have never seen Smoke on the Mountain before."

Single tickets and group packages for Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming can be obtained by calling the box office at (540) 869-1776. Additional information can be obtained on the theatre's website at www.waysidetheatre.org. Wayside Theatre is located in Middletown, Virginia on Route 11, Main Street, just north of the intersection of I-66 and I-81.