Chattanooga Times Free Press

The Sanders family is back!

Holiday favorite returns to Cumberland County Playhouse

- STAFF REPORT

A holiday tradition returns to Cumberland County Playhouse for the 19th consecutiv­e year when “A Sanders Family Christmas” opens Friday, Nov. 17. Performanc­es will continue through Friday, Dec. 22, at the Crossville, Tenn., theater.

This sequel to the wildly popular “Smoke On The Mountain” is filled with faith, family and good, old-fashioned fun — all set to some of the sweetest bluegrass and gospel sounds this side of heaven.

The story takes place Christmas Eve, 1941. The always unpredicta­ble Sanders family has gathered at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church for one last holiday sing before son Dennis ships out for boot camp. Oglethorpe and the Sanderses attempt to raise the spirits of their faithful flock (the audience) in a hilarious and heart-warming Christmas sing-along of cherished holiday hymns.

This production features Brett Mutter as pastor Mervin Oglethorpe and Jensen Crain-Foster as June Sanders.

Daniel Black plays Burl Sanders, music director Lauren Marshall is Vera Sanders, DeAnna Etchison is Denise Sanders and Ross Griffin is Dennis Sanders. Joining the Sanders family for the first time will be newcomer Matthew Smolko as everyone’s favorite reformed ne’erdo-well, Uncle Stanley.

“A Sanders Family Christmas” is directed by Weslie Webster.

For more informatio­n: 931-484-5000.

 ?? PHOTO BY WALT RICHES ?? Jensen Crain-Foster and Brett Mutter are featured in “A Sanders Family Christmas” at Cumberland County Playhouse through Dec. 22.
PHOTO BY WALT RICHES Jensen Crain-Foster and Brett Mutter are featured in “A Sanders Family Christmas” at Cumberland County Playhouse through Dec. 22.

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