CIRCUIT RIDER'S WIFE...THE MUSICAL
Doris Dennison Burns, Playwright ... Jim W. Burns, Lyricist/Composer
A STORY OF LOVE AND FAITH
SOMETIMES HUMOROUS ... SOMETIMES POIGNANT,
BUT TOTALLY ENTERTAINING!
ORIGINAL, COMPELLING ECLECTIC MUSIC
AMERICAN COLLEGE THEATER FESTIVAL REGION IV 2003 ... one of three new developing theatre works chosen from universities in ten states and two territories to be critiqued by Broadway professionals.
APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL OF PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS 2007, The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA ... one of six finalists chosen from almost 100 entries to be read and critiqued prior to its final revisions.
APPALACHIAN FESTIVAL OF PLAYS AND PLAYWRIGHTS 2007, The Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA ... one of six finalists chosen from almost 100 entries to be read and critiqued prior to its final revisions.
Mary, a city girl from the sophisticated “prayer-cloth-knitting" Edens, wants a life full of thrills and razz-ma-tazz but falls in love and marries William, a mountain circuit-riding preacher from the “hell-fire-and-brimstone-preaching” Thompsons.
Mary must learn to adapt to a different culture while balancing William's with her's and the demands of his congregation. Secrets and discord among the folk further strain the young couple’s fragile love. She questions, "How Did I Come to be Here?" It may not be a marriage made in heaven, but true-to-life-characters make for real earthly encounters.
Mary must learn to adapt to a different culture while balancing William's with her's and the demands of his congregation. Secrets and discord among the folk further strain the young couple’s fragile love. She questions, "How Did I Come to be Here?" It may not be a marriage made in heaven, but true-to-life-characters make for real earthly encounters.
Set in early 20th Century Appalachia, time and place are old but the topic surprisingly contemporary as the folks of the Redwine Circuit show the conflicting sides of man's nature -- the good, the bad and the ugly -- often with humorous consequences. You will declare you have met these people before.
The entertaining script and eclectic original songs plus a haunting 19th Century mountain song, a gospel quartet number and a sampling of FaSoLa sacred harp music provide a delightful and gratifying theatre experience.
"Circuit Rider's Wife...the Musical,” a very charming and engaging story, makes you laugh,
cry, and love every minute of it. The inspiring and compelling music blends perfectly with the humorous and stimulating dialogue … a truly entertaining experience.
Tony Deaton, Asso. Prof. of Voice & Opera, Lee University, TN
I have had the joy of seeing "The Cotton Patch Gospels" off Broadway in New York as well as "Smoke On the Mountain" by a regional theatre. They are both wonderful productions. I would rate "Circuit Rider's Wife" as equally enjoyable. It is an inspiring play that speaks to everyone and brings to life a time when the world was simpler and the church was the central focus of people's lives. The original score by Jim Burns is brilliant. I give "Circuit Rider's Wife" two thumbs up.
Rev. J. Russell Taylor, Methodist Bishop, SC
cry, and love every minute of it. The inspiring and compelling music blends perfectly with the humorous and stimulating dialogue … a truly entertaining experience.
Tony Deaton, Asso. Prof. of Voice & Opera, Lee University, TN
I have had the joy of seeing "The Cotton Patch Gospels" off Broadway in New York as well as "Smoke On the Mountain" by a regional theatre. They are both wonderful productions. I would rate "Circuit Rider's Wife" as equally enjoyable. It is an inspiring play that speaks to everyone and brings to life a time when the world was simpler and the church was the central focus of people's lives. The original score by Jim Burns is brilliant. I give "Circuit Rider's Wife" two thumbs up.
Rev. J. Russell Taylor, Methodist Bishop, SC