That Long Tobacco Road
a musical by Charley-John Smith
Friday, June 16 at 8pm & Saturday, June 17 at 8pm
a heartfelt performance about North Carolina farmers in the 1940s
That Long Tobacco Road is the story of a North Carolina family who are tobacco farmers. The Sturdivants are struggling to harvest their crops in the 1940’s. Beset by natural disasters, human error and a vindictive opponent, the family finds itself in danger of losing their farm. This timeless story portrays the challenges of farming life.
Written and directed by regional playwright Charlie-John Smith, the author uses comedy, romance and music to create a nostalgic trip back to the forties and a different way of life. The characters Smith has created will bring laughter and tears as it takes us back to life on the farm.
As Artistic Director of Theatre at Louisburg College for 32 years, Mr. Smith first presented the show in 2001, with the Louisburg College Players. Playing to sold out audiences, the show became a local favorite that had a three week run at the Fletcher Opera Theatre in Raleigh. Local musician and Musical Director Wayne Kinton, wrote most of the music for the show which consists of a soulful mix of gospel, country and bluegrass. Wayne and his band Grass Street are multii-award winning musicians and will accompany the show. The talented cast consists of actors from Vance, Granville, Franklin and Wake counties, making this a regional performance.
