July 9th Through August 3rd, 2008 

Held over through August 10th!

Where There’s ''SMOKE'' There’s Fire from TEXAS REP

By DAVID DOW BENTLEY III

“The People’s Critic”

      Yes, it’s true! The fine cast of Texas Repertory Theatre’s recent production of “Smoke on the Mountain,” seemed really fired up as they delivered this spirit-filled tale of the Sanders Family Singers, who arrive one evening in 1938 to present the first Saturday Night Sing for the church-going country folk gathered at the Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, somewhere in North Carolina, near the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the abundant bluegrass-style gospel music that would follow (27 familiar and traditional tunes, fully licensed for performance), it wouldn’t take long for a hand-clappin’ audience to be fired up as well. The charming story was written by Connie Ray and conceived by Alan Bailey, and in the original 1988 McCarter Theatre production, Miss Ray herself portrayed the character of June, while Mr. Bailey served as director. This Texas Rep production was skillfully assembled by guest director, Rachel Mattox.