Cumberland County Playhouse Welcomes 2018 with ‘Welcome Back to Ivy Gap’

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. – The first production of the 2018 season, Welcome Back to Ivy Gap is performed on stage now through March 23 in Adventure Theater at the Cumberland County Playhouse.

Welcome Back to Ivy Gap brings audiences back to the fictional East Tennessee town and reacquaints them with many of the characters met in First Baptist of Ivy Gap (2007, 2008) and Showtime at First Baptist (2009).

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 showgirl 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 sexpot in Neil Simon’s Last of the Red Hot Lovers; Loretta, said to be the author of trashy Southern novels, who’s determined to impose her questionable values on the church; and Edith, the former pastor’s beloved and resourceful widow, who faces a future without the things she cherishes most - her husband, her church and her friends. Add Joseph J. Jennings – the church’s newly-called pastor who’s competing with the ghost of the deceased pastor – and the play is a poignant look at colorful characters who – while being given second chances – share laughs, love and forgiveness.

The show is rated G, and co-sponsored by FirstBank and The Art & Frame Shop.

Additionally, the award-winning musical “Annie” plays Feb. 3-March 2 on the Mainstage at Cumberland County Playhouse. The musical is rated G and sponsored by Plateau Pediatrics.

Tickets may be reserved by calling 931-484-5000 or visiting www.ccplayhouse.com.  

All CCP productions are made possible through sponsor support, with additional support provided by the Tennessee Arts Commission, Playhouse media sponsor The Crossville Chronicle and Playhouse Season Partner Plateau Pediatrics.

# # #