Dalton Little Theatre opens 150th season with funniest play to ever come out of North Georgia

August 20, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. | Updated August 20, 2019 at 7:23 p.m.

by Staff Report

As the ladies of the trailer park listen, Connie Ray, played by Vanessa Stafford, center foreground, and Ray, played by Lane Moore, with mandolin, sing about their matrimonial bliss in "She's My Cousin/She's My Wife." / Margaret Zeisig Photo
As the ladies of the trailer park listen, Connie Ray, played by Vanessa Stafford, center foreground, and Ray, played by Lane Moore, with mandolin, sing about their matrimonial bliss in "She's My Cousin/She's My Wife." / Margaret Zeisig Photo

If you go

› What: “Fat Shirley’s: A Trailer Park Opera”› Where: Dalton Little Theatre, 210 N. Pentz St., Dalton, Ga.› When: 7 p.m. Aug. 23-24, 29-31; 2 p.m. Aug. 25› Admission: $10, $12 and $15› For more information: 706-226-6618

Dalton Little Theatre will open its 150th anniversary season with six performances of the hilarious "Fat Shirley's: A Trailer Park Opera."

Directed by Josh Ruben, "Fat Shirley's: A Trailer Park Opera" explores the lives of trailer park residents in the aftermath of the death of their beloved landlady, Fat Shirley.

Not only is Shirley's demise an emotional event, it also leaves the residents uncertain about their fates. Fat Shirley was a last resort for the tenants, since their lives are characterized by the hardships that often accompany poor decision-making.

This fast-paced, funny show features an all-original soundtrack of bluegrass, gospel and country songs. Interweaving storylines include young love, greed, marital strife, parenthood and the stability and comfort afforded by the local Waffle House.

photo The Jackson brothers are lectured by their granddaddy, Roy Groce, left, about the joys and pains of growing old in "Old and Feeble." Listening are, from left, David Howard, Austin Stafford, Fallon Garrett, Joe Ballew and Ken Orban. / Margaret Zeisig Photo

Musical numbers include "Hickies," "I Love a Lady In a Hairnet," and the love anthem, "She's My Cousin/She's My Wife."

A five-piece band leads the cast of 26 performers. The Fat Shirley Band is made up of Phillip Hayes, guitar; Lane Moore, mandolin; Deb Orban, bass; Ken Orban, banjo; and Michael Thompson, guitar.

The cast includes Jennifer Akers, Sabrina Akers, Joe Ballew, Fallon Garrett, Aja Gibson, Roy Groce, Heather Hardin, Phillip Hayes, David Howard, Mae Jensen and Zea Jensen.

Also, Savannah McCroy, Jessica McKerrocher, Kellie McKerrocher, MaKayla McKerrocher, Allona Moore, Avery Moore, Lane Moore, Deb Orban, Ken Orban, Nick Singleton, Austin Stafford, Vanessa Stafford, Michael Thompson, Pat Thompson and Levi Witt.

Written by North Georgia citizens Tom Brown and David Crawford, with choreography by Fallon Garrett of the Barre Dance Studio, "Fat Shirley's" is blue-collar fun for the whole family.

For more information or tickets: https://www.daltonlittletheatre.com/

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