Published: March 27, 2008 02:29 pm         

First Baptist of Ivy Gap opens soon at Playhouse

First Baptist of Ivy Gap, a beautiful southern comedy by Ron Osbourne, set in the 1940s and '60 in an East Tennessee church, returns to Cumberland County Playhouse on March 27, in an entirely new production. The show is directed by guest director Bari Newport, with a beautiful new design by Curtis Phillips, the designer of CCP’s Beauty and the Beast and Carousel. First Baptist is sponsored by Crossville Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. Resident company members Carol Irvin and Nicole Begue are joined by new cast members Sharyn Tadolin, Anne Staler, and Ashley Pankow as small-town Tennessee women during World War II. Annie Crabtree, previously seen as “Vera” in Smoke on the Mountain, plays the role of Matriarch “Luby.”

Newport, former assistant artistic director of the Florida Rep in Fort Myers for five seasons, joins New York actress/singer Ashley Pankow and Ohio’s Anne Staler in their Playhouse debut. “I’m pleased to have an exciting young director of Bari’s talent and experience join us,” commented CCP Producer Jim Crabtree. “Her work is imaginative and funny, and has real depth and heart.” Pankow and Staler will also be seen in upcoming Playhouse shows. Sharyn Tadolin, an experienced actor recently moved south from Michigan, was last seen at CCP in Carousel as the Heavenly Friend.

First Baptist, which sold out in its CCP Tennessee premiere in ’07, returns in its new production in order to tour Tennessee and the South. “Like Steel Magnolias,” says Crabtree, “First Baptist draws on the humor, strength and heart of southern women, in this case the women of the 'the greatest generation.'"

In Act I, Ivy Gap women gather during World War II at First Baptist to roll bandages and plan the church's 75th anniversary. Overseeing things is Edith (Carol Irvin), the pastor's wise-cracking wife; Luby (Annie Crabtree), whose son is fighting in the Pacific; Mae Ellen (Nicole Begue), the rebellious organist who sometimes puts too much “swing” into hymns; Olene (Anne Staler), who dreams of Hollywood; Sammy (Ashley Pankow), a shy newcomer with a secret; and Vera (Sharyn Tadolin), an influential Baptist with a secret of her own. When Luby learns her son has been wounded, she confounds the others by blaming the vulnerable Sammy.

Twenty-five years later, our "First Baptist Six" reunite. Back to reconcile with Luby (whose son died of his wounds), is Sammy, her own son now in Vietnam; and Olene, whose flashy show biz career will set the town on its ear. Welcoming them are Vera, her secret still safe; Mae Ellen, still looking for escape; and Edith, challenged by the church centennial and revelations that shake lifelong friendships. With humor and heart, they renew and deepen relationships. A warm, family-oriented story, First Baptist is very funny, with deep feelings bringing forth the humor. The play, which runs through June 14, won multiple awards for author Ron Osborne.

Also alternating in rep at the Playhouse is the musical Peter Pan, sponsored by Dr. Stanley Bise, M.D. with support from CCP Education Sponsor Hughes Real Estate Services; and Disney’s High School Musical, also supported by Hughes Real Estate. Tickets can be purchased from the Playhouse Box Office at 484-5000. Visit online at www.ccplayhouse.com to view their full season schedule and additional information.