Review: 'Smoke' comes roaring back to Circa '21

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By David Burke | Wednesday, April 2, 2008 12:54 PM CDT | () comments

Andrew Crowe, left, Kimberly Furness, Vaughn M. Irving and Jenny Stodd perform “Christian Cowboy” in Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse’s “Smoke on the Mountain.” (Contributed photo)

THIS is the third time — after successful stints in 1994 and 2000 — that “Smoke on the Mountain” has played on the stage at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse in downtown Rock Island.

One viewing can tell you why it’s back.

With its two-dozen-song mix of originals and gospel standards such as “I’ll Fly Away,” “Church in the Wildwood” and “Bringing in the Sheaves,” it almost dares you not to clap along, tap your foot or at least rock from side to side in your seat.

The year is 1938 and the Baptist church in Mount Pleasant, N.C., is hosting a Saturday night hymn-singing event with the Sanders Family Singers, their first performance in five years.

“Us Baptists are pushing into the modern world,” declares the Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe (Vaughn M. Irving, previously seen as Richie Valens in Circa’s recent Buddy Holly tribute), after pulling a chain for a light bulb above the pulpit.

The Sanders family arrives down the center aisle of the Circa audience, led by daddy Burl (Bob Payne, reprising his 2000 role), piano-playing mama Vera (Vrenda V. Lee), older sister June (Kimberly Furness), bickering twins Dennis (Andrew Crowe) and Denise (Jenny Stodd), and Burl’s ne’er-do-well brother, Stanley (Brad Hauskins, another returnee from 2000).

All is not harmonious in the Sanders family, as the audience — which doubles as the congregation for the 36-member church — slowly discovers through the night.

What’s most impressive is the musicianship of several performers, each of whom seemingly plays at least two instruments, and plays them well. Before the night is over, you’ll see and hear the guitar, mandolin, upright bass, banjo, fiddle and even a couple of surprises.

The only exception to the musical family is Furness’ percussion-playing June, whose attempts at sign language interpretation turn into outrageously broad, charade-style movements that threaten to turn into modern dance. Even without a glamorous role, Furness’ comedic ability sparkles as much as her 1,000-kilowatt smile.

Payne, in his ninth different version of “Smoke,” is coolly authoritative while Lee, as his wife, brings a subdued charm to her role.

Stodd and Crowe’s twins, who could be pegged at about any age depending on their behavior, fill their musical spots nicely, especially the fiddle-playing by Stodd, a St. Ambrose University grad.

Irving plays the young Baptist preacher as a cross between part of the family band — flirting with Furness and getting flirted with by Stodd — and an interested bystander trying to keep the peace.

Dramatically, the most impressive role is Hauskins’ black sheep brother. Looking Malkovich-ish with a beard, he delivers a monologue and song, both emotional and haunting, that begin the second act.

The script and Jim Hesselman’s direction treats its material with both reverence and a slight touch of devilishness. The church set designed by Cathryn Lass is magnificent, but it shakes a bit when any of the several doors on stage are slammed.

Whether you have a fondness for bluegrass gospel music or want to feel the warmth and charm of those who do, check out “Smoke on the Mountain.”

Missin’ it might be a sin.

David Burke can be contacted at (563) 383-2400 or dburke@qctimes.com.

IF YOU GO

What: “Smoke on the Mountain:

When: Through May 24; performances at 5:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:45 a.m. Wednesdays

Where: Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 3rd Ave., Rock Island

How much: $44.20 Friday-Saturday, $41.60 Wednesday evening, $38.48 Wednesday matinee. Discounts for students (18 years and younger) and senior citizens (60 years and older)

Information: (309) 786-7733 or Circa21.com on the Web