All the favorites will be there — “Grandpa Jones,” “Minnie Pearl,” “Lulu,” “Junior” and the rest — when the West Point/Clay County Arts Council presents “Hee Haw” March 28-30 at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts in West Point. Corn pone humor will flow as about 30 cast members revisit the popular television program that gave us “PFFT! You Was Gone” and “Pickin’ and Grinnin'” when it first aired on CBS from 1969 to 1971.
“This variety show will remind you of the old favorite show we used to watch on Saturday nights,” said WPCCAC president Julie Gray, who co-directs the production along with Scott Reed, Mia Vick and Donna Ross. “The whole ‘Hee Haw’ gang will be there, along with lots of special country ‘guest stars.'”
Ticket sales have been robust for the three performances set for 7 p.m. March 28-29, and 5 p.m. March 30. As of press time, approximately 20 tickets remained. Cost is $12 (cash or check only), at Petal Pushers or First United Methodist Church in West Point, or inquire about ticket availability by contacting Gray at 662-295-0461.
Donna Ross is chair of the arts council’s Theatre Committee. Past and present ticket sale trends indicate the group is headed in the right direction, she said.
“We try to do about three different kinds of productions a year,” Ross remarked. Most are presented at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts at 235 Commerce St. It seats about 70.
A variety show format like “Hee Haw” appeals to some cast members who can’t always commit to the intense rehearsal schedule required for major productions like “Music Man” or “Wizard of Oz,” which the arts council has presented in the past.
“And whether it’s a small production, or a big stage production,” Ross said, “Julie (Gray) and Louise (Campbell) are so creative and artistic with the stage presentation.”
To date, auditions and shows both generate good response.
Gray said, “We are always amazed at the support we receive from the community for all our productions.”
The theatrical projects help the nonprofit organization with community outreach, which includes grants to local schools as well as exhibitions, classes and workshops for the public.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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