As I have not seen the second of Connie Ray’s “Smoke” trilogy, I am not sure what the Sanders family has been up to since the first offering of “Smoke on the Mountain”. I guess in this case, the nice things about trilogies, is that there are only three of them.

This, the last one, is much like the first one in offering us a selection of standard gospel music strung together with some mundane dialogues, some family logistics that we didn’t need to know about, a few dated funnies and a couple of spiritually unmoving testimonies. I felt truly blessed at the end of this play.

Now that I have gotten all of that “mean” stuff out of my system, I will move on to Little Theatre of Norfolk’s production of this show. Generally speaking, I was struck with a lot of very, very talented people doing as good a job as could be done with this play.

The basic story here is one of a “homecoming” for the Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe, (Matt Gilbert), on the occasion of his moving to Texas to pastor a new church, along with his quite pregnant wife, June Sanders Oglethorpe. Matt’s performance as the good Reverend, brings sparks of life and a bit of humor to the show. I enjoyed his portrayal of

this homespun country preacher, trying hard to keep the flock and the show, moving.

As a sometime producer in another Hampton Roads all-volunteer venue, I am envious of Carol Wright’s (Director) ability to garner this wonderful cast. Finding musicians and voices of this quality and in this quantity for community theatre is quite a feat.

Bill Armstrong (Uncle Stanley), a veteran of the USN (thanks Bill), and much stage work in Tidewater, offered up music with just about every instrument except the kitchen sink. He took with ease, a number of solo pieces both musically and vocally with such grace, we were able to forgive him his back-sliding ways. Individual and combined vocals from the rest of the Sanders family in assorted combinations moved us through an assortment of old gospel tunes which brought back the memories of visits to the country church of our earlier days. Having been spiritually exposed to much of this type of music as a youngster, I can attest to it’s being “right on”.

Luke Crownover fit perfectly with his easy tenor voice and cherubic face, as son Dennis. Mother Vera (Kelly Klaers), and Father Burl (Dave Hobbs), were appropriately parental as they guided their family through the performance. The daughters, Jill Martin and KaCee Crandall rounded out the smooth vocal blends ably formulated by Music Director, Shelly Cady, as she provided an authentic gospel piano surrounded by a talented “Gloryland Band”. I would have enjoyed watching these fine, but evidently bashful, musicians had they not been hiding behind set pieces and costumes.

So, if you’re into an enjoyable evening of very good mountain style gospel music, featuring all of your remembered favorites, this is a must see show. There’s not a lot in between, but the music is outstanding.

Smoke on the Mountain, Homecoming is playing two more weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), at the theatre. Tickets are still available. (627-8551)

As a side note, for those of you who are familiar with the Little Theatre of Norfolk, it was announced at the show that the ah…..”unique” floor in the building is scheduled to be completely redone during June. The theatre members have done a great job in raising the funds to accomplish this much needed job. It should be ready for the opening of the 2010-2011 season which is offering a great line-up of shows. Ya’ll come.