HUNTSVILLE — It’s October 1945, VJ day (Victory over Japan Day) was two months earlier and the Sanders family, of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina, home of the Mt. Pleasant Pickle Factory, have come together to celebrate the end of the war.  

“Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” is the third play of a trilogy that was written by Connie Ray, conceived by Alan Bailey with musical arrangements by Mike Carver and Mark Hardwick. As with the previous two production of this trilogy, Molly Campbell will direct and Carol Carden will give musical direction.  

Several cast members from parts I and II of the trilogy (“Smoke on the Mountain” and “Sanders Family Christmas”) will be returning to reprise the roles that HCT’s patrons have grown to love: Mike Pugh as Burl Sanders; Ruth White Bond as Vera Sanders; David Gray as Stanley Sanders, Christina Webb as June Sanders-Oglethorpe and Darol Hail as Rev. Oglethorpe. Also returning will be the Sanders Family Musicians "Uncle" Ray Hall and "cousin" Gerald Waltz.  

Auditions will be held for the parts of Dennis and Denise Sanders, 20 something twins, who are  accomplished singers. The production will feature twenty-five blue grass gospel songs, all sang by  the Sanders Family Singers, combining themes of gospel, patriotism and family with hilarious and  touching stories. Auditions will be held on Monday, September 13th, between 7 and 9 pm, with a  possible second day of auditions scheduled for September 14th. For more details on the two roles  that need to be cast, go to www.huntsvillecommunitytheatre.org or contact Carol Carden at (936) 295-4133.

Both the auditions and performances will be held at First Christian Church, 1800 Avenue R in Huntsville (corner of Avenue R and 19th Street).  

Members of the cast will perform at the Veteran?s Day Banquet on Nov. 11 at Huntsville’s HEARTS Museum, presenting a vignette of medley featured in the production.

Performances for “Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” are scheduled for Nov. 5-6 and 12-13, all at 7:30 p.m. and on Nov. 7 and 14, both matinees at 2 p.m.   

Ticket for this family friendly musical are: adult $12, senior (65 and over) or military (retired or active duty) $10, high school or college (with school ID) $7. Group rates are available. To reserve tickets or to purchase HCT season tickets please call (936) 291-7933 or visit HCT’s website at: www.HuntsvilleCommunityTheatre.org.