It's "No Shave November," according to a friend who is also growing out his facial scruff like me. My reason (this time) is not laziness, though, but because, for the first time in twenty years of directing high school play productions, I have given myself a role in one (other than playing in or directing the pit band). The show is "Dark Of The Moon," an intense Smoky Mountains drama with music. It calls for a cast of about 25, and since Sant Bani School only has some 60 in the high school, I needed to turn to adults for a couple of elder roles.
I'm Uncle Smelicue; old codger--and musician, of course. The music is mountain bluegrass and gospel, with in some cases, the lyrics changes slightly by the playwright: tunes like Barbara Allen, A Picture From Life's Other Side, Walk That Lonesome Valley, and the creepy Little Omie, which I don't recall hearing before, though Doc Watson recorded it, and I used to be a big fan. That tune is pretty much a solo for me. It's a pleasure to sing and play that old stuff again, and the cast seems to be getting into it, too.
"Dark Of The Moon," 7 p.m., December 15,16 & 17 at Sant Bani School, Sanbornton, NH. for reservations or more information, call the school at (603) 934-4240.
p.s. Here's a link to a beautiful photo essay from this Sunday's Times by photojournalist Shelby Lee Adams of mountain people: Of Kentucky
