Musicians, left to right are Dwayne Seals, Mike Corell and Donnie Arrington, rehearse for the musical comedy, "Sanders Family Christmas" presented by Masonic Theatre Productions. The play, under the direction of Wilma McClung and musical director, Dr. David Crandall, features area actors and is scheduled for Friday, December 12 at 7:00 PM and Sunday matinee, December 14, at 2:00 PM. Photo courtesy of Masonic Theatre Productions

UPDATED: 'Sanders Family Christmas' Presented by Masonic Theatre Productions Sets Holiday Mood   Masonic Theatre Productions presents “Sanders Family Christmas, a musical comedy on Friday, December 12 at 7:30 PM and Sunday, December 14 at 2:00 PM. “Sanders Family Christmas” is the sequel to “Smoke on the Mountain” and features local actors and musicians from the Alleghany Highlands. The play is directed by Wilma McClung with musical direction by Dr. David Crandall. “Sanders Family Christmas” takes place in 1941 in Mt Pleasant Baptist Church in Mr. Pleasant, North Carolina. Using the audience as its congregation, the play presents a gospel sing, and uses over two dozen standard Christmas carols and gospel songs. The play’s action is centered in the sanctuary of the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Mount Pleasant, North Carolina is located just west of Hickory near the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is Wednesday night, December 24, 1941, 18 days after Pearl Harbor and President Roosevelt’s declaration of war. Though the war machine had been gaining momentum in the United States for several years, the direct involvement in battle at Christmastime has brought family members from far and wide for what might be their last holiday together and the play’s theme returns to Mount Pleasant home of the Mount Pleasant Pickle Factor, for a good old gospel sing. Pastor Oglethorpe has invited the Sanders Family Singers to return for an entertaining evening of upliftin’singin’ and witnessin’ to their little country Baptist Church, in an attempt to bring his tiny congregation into the modern world. The family members witness, or tell personal stories that relate to their trials of faith between Gospel songs. Actors include John Hedman- Pastor Oglethorpe; Michael Brickler- Father Burl Sanders; Patti Spinner-Mama Sanders; Denny Fitzgerald-Uncle Stanley; Angie Kimberlin-Denise; Tom Elmore-Dennis; and Halley Pendleton as June (She doesn’t sing, she signs!). In addition to Dr. Crandall, other musicians include Mike Correll, mandolin; Donnie Arrington, fiddle; Amanda Sprouse, piano and Dwayne Seal upright bass. Because the Historic Masonic Theatre is closed for renovation, the play will take place at Clifton Middle School, 1000 Riverview Farm Road, Covington. Tickets are $5.00 per person, $20.00 for a family of two adults and three or more children. Tickets are available at Club Car, The Tea Room, Jack Mason’s Tavern, AH Chamber Office and Vintage Bouquet, and at the door. If you would like to become involved with the Masonic Amphitheatre or the Masonic Theatre Production Company, please call Wilma MClung at 540 958 0479. Opportunities are available for actors, singers, stage crew, costumes, set and scenery, and makeup. For more information on the Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre, please visit www.historicmasonictheatre.com or the Historic Masonic Facebook page.

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