About
Wonderful things are happening in Lyons-many of them directly attributable to the remarkable success of Tales from the Altamaha. Tales comes directly from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe, a local attorney, who wrote a column for the local newspaper, The Lyons Progress, in the 1950′s and 60′s. His essays spotlighted life along the Altamaha River and the many colorful personalities who called this area “home.” In 2003, Colonel Sharpe’s daughter, Luray Reid, presented these writings to the Lyons Better Hometown Program. The Better Hometown Board and Program Director, Joy Lewis, recognized right away the potential for a folk-life play.
The first production titled “Life On the River” was presented in the spring of 2005 at the Blue Marquee Theater. It opened to standing room only crowds and sold out all eight performances. Tales by any standard was a remarkable success. In a two-week period, local “stars” were made and a local bluegrass band, now known as the “The River Rat Review Band,” received an all new persona that has since exposed their music to many new fans. In fact, in its very first year, Tales from the Altamaha won an award. Subsequent plays from 2006 to 2010 also enjoyed success and acclaim. The Lyons Better Hometown Program selects a different set of stories each year and creates a brand new experience on the stage at the Blue Marquee Theater in Lyons in April.
Our joy and excitement in the success of Tales from the Altamaha is diminished only by the fact that the lady who made it all possible didn’t live to see it come to fruition. Luray lost a courageous battle with Leukemia in June of 2004. She was a gracious and charming lady who is greatly missed by her fellow visionaries. She will never be forgotten for her contributions to Lyons with each and every presentation of Tales from the Altamaha.
The 2011 production, titled “Polecats, Potluck & Politics”, was adapted for the stage by playwright, Laurie Jo Upchurch, a recognized name in this area. Laurie is a gifted playwright and actress with extensive background in the performing arts. This year’s play is sure to be a crowd pleaser with its own special blend of practical joke, an unusual pet, puppy love, love of politics and of course, tales of the endless love of the Altamaha. With a cast and crew of over 100 volunteers, this annual transformation of real life stories based on the writings of Colonel Sharpe makes for an unforgettable theater experience you will not want to miss.