Published: April 10, 2008 04:43 pm      

‘Smoke’ fires up the congregation at Circa ‘21

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Get ready for an ol’ fashion revival when you step back in time at Circa ‘21’s latest production. Although the fire and brimstone are tempered a bit, the gentle spirit of a rural Baptist Church service is captured beautifully. The audience is transported back to June 1938, in Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina, and becomes the congregation. This particular Saturday night service is a special treat because the gifted Sanders Family Singers have been scheduled to perform and preach.

The impeccable set design captures the look and feel of a bare-bones church so realistically that I was surprised the floor didn’t squeak as I was led to my table. It promises the Andy Griffith-Billy Graham Kool-Aid-and-cookie kind of evening you’re about to experience. Just looking over the set brought back many memories of Bible school and hot summer night church services.

The play opens with Rev. Oglethorpe (Vaughn M. Irving) addressing the Congregation and assuring them the family will arrive any moment. Most recently Irving played Ritchie Valens in “Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story” and pretty much stole that stage whenever he appeared. This character is a complete reversal of that role and he pulls it off beautifully. He is charming throughout and believable as a bumbling naïve preacher.

Presently, June Sanders arrives from the back of the congregation to let us know the family bus has overturned but everyone’s fine and on their way. As she makes her way to front of the “church,” her explanation becomes our glimpse into her life and the diverse characters of her charming family. June (Kimberly Furness) belongs to a musical family but sadly has no talent to speak of herself. So she signs the lyrics to their songs using her own made-up gestures. This is the most hilarious part of the show and I will never forget how she signed “the blood of the Lamb.” She also plays percussion and a mean pair of spoons.

Soon, the family arrives in a flurry. Burl Sanders (Bob Payne) is the quintessential preacher-singer-patriarch. Payne played his part so believably he could well garner a large crowd had there been an altar call. He is understated and pure. Burl’s wife, Vera, played by Vrenda V. Lee, is delightful and devoted. Her character never waivers in her faith and her June bug parable is pure Mayberry.

The ne’er do well brother-in-law Stanley (Brad Hauskins) is a great contrast to the too-cute twins — Denise (Jenny Stodd) and Dennis (Andrew Crowe). The entire family (except June, of course) is musically talented and they all play several different instruments at times on the stage. There is a lot of movement and stage direction done seamlessly. While at times the music seemed slightly off, this just added to the authenticity of the production.

Let me say — this evening was a little piece of heaven for me. I loved the look, the old church songs, and the humor I grew up on. It may not be for everyone. A little girl in our vicinity was completely bored and I did not see a lot of children at the show. But if you like guitar-picking, banjo playing, and wholesome comedy you can take your mama to see, this is the show for you.

“Smoke on the Mountain” is fire for the soul and will be performed through May 24. Call the box office at Circa ‘21 for ticket information at (309) 786-7733 ext. 2, or go to www.circa21.com.