Kirjahaku

Dramatic Comedy / 6f Showtime at First Baptist is the sequel to the hugely popular and widely produced First Baptist of Ivy Gap. First Baptist of Ivy Gap's 100th anniversary picnic was a smashing success, except for one little thing: the bolt of lightning that struck the church's steeple, igniting a fire that destroyed the sanctuary and so much more. In the wake of the disaster, key women of the church - led by Edith, the pastor's take-charge wife - gather in what's left (the fellowship hall) to commiserate and try to put things back together. To raise spirits and funds for rebuilding, the women plan an evening of entertainment designed to showcase the congregation's talent. Could it be that some of Edith's gang plan a song and dance number that may shock the congregation? If so, how will they circumvent the authority of the all-male conservative board of deacons, not to mention, one of their own? Change is in the air as these six diverse women challenge institutions as well as each other. Along the way, there are laughs to be shared, battles to be fought, love to be won, relationships to be mended, and losses to be grieved. "Good natured religious jokes aplenty and drama ...But the real meat is a gentle, warm story about six good women and how they came together despite times that are, 'a changing' . ..A serious play and a delightful comedy ...I sure enjoyed it." - Bristol Herald-Courier "Sure to be an instant classic ...This touching comedy is full of laughs, realistic characters and thought-provoking issues ...The Southern women who inhabit the world of Ivy Gap are amazing! Osborne can definitely write great women characters ...It's small-town politics at its most entertaining ...Bring the whole family." - Washington County News

Drama / Characters: 3m, 6f June 1944. In England, Allied troops are massing for an invasion. On a small farm in Appalachia, a different kind of war is about to rage. Here, Walter and Grace share a home with four daughters: Rose, who struggles to understand why Stan - an immigrant coal miner and the love of her life - abruptly left to join the Polish Free Forces; Helga, who fears for her husband who's in the Army and - like Stan - assigned to a combat unit in England; Frieda, the family's adventure-seeking daughter, who works in a factory making uniforms and new friends, one of whom she can't bring home; and teenage Ruby who yearns to be the next Edward R. Murrow, but who must first come to grips with a family falling apart at the seams. D-Day speeds the dissolution process. But at its core is Walter's seeming allegiance to his German heritage, no matter that Helga's husband and Rose's fiance are at war against all things German. There - through every battle - is Grace, hoping liberal doses of humor, love and understanding can restore harmony. It is adult Ruby - back for a funeral, seeking answers to questions that haunt her - who retells the family's struggle against prejudice, fear, delusion and self-loathing.

Category: Comedy with Music Characters: 1 male, 5 females Scenery: Interior In its heyday, "Old Smokey" was more than a mountain-top country store...its porch was the scene of Saturday night musical jamborees that rivaled the Grand Ole Opry. As Emma prepares to reopen Old Smokey for her son Teddy - injured in Afghanistan and almost home - the store has fallen into disrepair. There to help are Jinks, a playful friend and a Yankee wannabe; Olive, a sassy defender of all things Southern, who - with Jinks - was a member of the "Mountain Mamas," a singing duet once destined for fame; and Cordelia, Olive's daughter and Teddy's fiancee, who's more talented than even she realizes. When the county threatens foreclosure, the women plan a fundraising musical jamboree reminiscent of the good old days. That is, until a storm closes the road, stranding them and wrecking their plans. The arrival of strangers - mysterious Howard and his ditzy "wife" Tammy - adds to the challenges. Who is Howard and why is he so interested in Old Smokey? More important, how do Emma and her friends preserve the values that built this homey little store at the top of the mountain? Challenges mount as secrets are revealed, laughs are shared, and songs are sung in a live on-the-air musical tribute to tradition, friendship and family. "Plenty of wit and warmth in a simple story of family and tradition. And to sweeten the pot, some pretty darned good music. If you're in the mood for a good story well told, Saturday Night at Old Smokey won't disappoint. " ae' Bristol Herald-Courier "A delight offering lots of laughs and songs while exploring serious issues like war and media hypocrites...a hit with the audience and destined to be another Ron Osborne southern classic." ae' Washington County News

Welcome back to First Baptist of Ivy Gap. After a fire that resulted in the death of the church's beloved pastor the sanctuary has been renovated and a new pastor has been called. There to welcome him are Olene a reformed Vegas stripper who fancies a star-studded career in religious music; Mae Ellen the church's rebellious organist who may find that love comes along when least expected; Vera the sharp-tongued wife of the chairman of the church's board of deacons who covets the role of the