The story takes place in the Mt. Pleasant Baptist country church in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, circa 1938. The Sanders Family Singers have been invited by the young, enthusiastic Pastor Oglethorpe to perform at the church’s first Saturday Night Gospel Sing. Eager to appear perfect in the eyes of the small congregation, the Sanders Family proves, much to the audience’s delight, that they are anything but! It’s their flaws and quirky nature that ends up endearing them to the congregation; and since this is Branson after all, the audience becomes the congregation, singing along to 30 classic gospel songs!
Smoke on the Mountain is a popular play that’s been seen on major stages around the country, and now it’s become a Branson favorite! The story appeals to a broad audience, as evidenced by reviews of the production on the east coast by huge media outlets: ”A sophisticated audience went simply wild” from the Philadelphia Daily News; from The New York Times…”A charming and funny celebration of Americana,” and from the New York Post - "Totally beguiling… foot-stomping soul food." And you can bet that the Branson version is even better!
