THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, February 22, 1997 TAG: 9702220329
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
TYPE: Theater Review
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: AHOSKIE LENGTH: 69 lines
Anyone who gripes about the lack of uplifting entertainment, but does not make it a point to see ``Smoke On the Mountain'' - well, color them hypocritical.
``Smoke'' played to the largest opening-night crowd in the history of the Gallery Theatre, many of the people coming in groups from several churches.
They did not come for plot. The singing Sanders Family comes to Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in that small North Carolina community, for a Saturday night gospel sing. That's it for plot.
This is a production that accentuates toe-tapping, old-time Southern gospel favorites such as ``When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,'' and ``I'll Fly Away.''
All well and good but, if the cast can't handle it, the result could be a big yawn.
The Gallery cast handles it in deluxe fashion with people who can sing, play and portray Carolina church folks, circa 1938.
The wonderful, workable, small-town church setting is just right, as is its pastor.
Talk about typecasting. The Rev. Bill Nelson, who handles two churches in the area, portrays Pastor Oglethorpe as if the part were written with him in mind.
You could say that about most of the performers.
There is a standout, though. Gina Basnight as June Sanders grabs every scene and runs with it.
As her family sings, she ``interprets'' for the deaf in a ``language'' no self-respecting hearing impaired individual would understand. Her hands wave loosely about, like wheat in a wind. Her facial expressions and body movements ``speak'' volumes.
It is hilarious.
Her twin brother and sister, Denise and Dennis, are wonderfully portrayed by Richard Simmons - no, not that one - and Ryanne Nelson, the real preacher's real daughter.
The biggest voice in the play belongs to Sue Tripp, offering a strong portrayal of the singing clan's mom. Her mom, recently deceased, is the subject of the play's funniest moments. That sounds unkind, but it is not.
Johnny Milteer, as Uncle Stanley, sings a couple of weepy songs about her, accompanied by the family's sobs and tears. It's like an Irish wake - tears mixed with joy.
At one point, there seems to be too much joy. The singin' family gets carried away with a gospel number that seems to be turning into jazz, prompting two ladies in the front pew - row, that is - to arise, walk up the aisle and tell everyone within earshot - ``terrible, disgusting.''
Thus endeth part 1. They come back for part 2 - more ``Smoke On the Mountain'' music, more stories.
Most of the stories are fascinating.
One concerns the trials and tribulations of running a service station that does not serve beer; Denise sweetly tells about running off to try for the part of Scarlett O'Hara; Milteer shines with the story of the roughneck and the little girl.
The stories serve as bridges between the joyous music that occupies most of the time.
The upbeat gospelers will have you leaving the theater with joy in your heart and - excuse the corn - several songs on your lips including ``A Wonderful Time Up There.''
That is what you will have at the Gallery so - go, ye, to Ahoskie.
Amen and amen. ILLUSTRATION: WHAT: ``Smoke on the Mountain.''
WHEN: 8 p.m. today, 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
WHERE: Gallery Theatre, Main Street, Ahoskie.