Sanders Sing-a-Long
The holidays at Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern are filled with music and laughter thanks to the theatre's current production of the homespun "Sanders Family Christmas."
The Sanders family has returned to the Hanover stage to spread the spirit of the season through songs and stories shared with the congregation at the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Mount Pleasant, North Carolina. The small pickle manufacturing town was also the setting in Barksdale's 2007 popular production of "Smoke on the Mountain," featuring the Sanders clan.
One of the strengths of the current production is its ensemble cast, all of which returned to recreate their original roles. The actors work well together, admirably weaving in all the quirks and oddities that go along with family life. The interaction on stage is comfortable and familiar. In addition, the versatile cast plays all the instruments on stage, frequently switching instruments during musical numbers.
Individually, each actor brings a special talent to the stage. There were, however, three actors -- Julie Fulcher , Billy Christopher Maupin and Aly Wepplo -- that stood out throughout the production.
Fulcher settles into the role of Vera, a doting mom who's not as uptight as she may seem, with ease. Her subtle gestures – a raised eyebrow or discerning glance, for example – add an element of humor to her performance. As Reverend Oglethorpe, Maupin has abounding energy and enthusiasm. He picks up on the Reverend's nervous tendencies and uses them for a comedic effect. Wepplo plays the quiet, unpretentious June with realism and warmth. She and Maupin provide some of biggest laughs of the evening during Maupin's marriage proposal.
Theatregoers who enjoyed watching the antics of the Sanders family in "Smoke on the Mountain" will also have fun with "Sanders Family Christmas." It's a down-home, good-natured evening of entertainment. The sing-a-long Christmas carols add a nice holiday touch.
"Sanders Family Christmas" runs through January 25 at Barksdale Theatre at Hanover Tavern. Tickets are $38 with a $3 discount for seniors, students and Ukrop's cardholders. For tickets, call the box office at 282-2620 or go to www.BarksdaleRichmond.org.
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