After a two-year absence because of the pandemic, Promise Players, a community Christian theater group, will once again present a live performance, which will take place at a new venue.

"Smoke on the Mountain," a musical comedy, will be performed by Promise Players on Friday, July 8, through Sunday, July 10, and on Thursday, July 14, through Sunday, July 17. Performance times will be at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and at 2:30 p.m. for the Sunday matinees. The play will be staged rain or shine at the covered outdoor theater space at Rawlinsville Camp Meeting, 475 Clearfield Road, Holtwood.

According to cast member Tim Strawser, who is also the director, the play was scheduled to be performed two years ago but was shut down in 2020 four days before opening night. "After a two-year wait due to COVID-19 precautions, we are pleased to be able to offer this long-anticipated show," he stated.

The play, set in June 1938 in North Carolina, tells the story of the singing Sanders family, which, after a five-year hiatus, is set to perform its traditional and bluegrass gospel songs at a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at the local Baptist church. Because the family is running late, the pastor stalls the best he can. Finally, the family members arrive, and they begin their first musical number. The audience is introduced to the various family members. who share testimonies about their beliefs, which leads to some funny stories.

Typically, Promise Players, which was formed in 1995 by church member Doreen Creighton, performs at its home theater at Lampeter Church of the Brethren. "The church location was not ready for the crowds we get for the performances," Strawser said. "Rawlinsville Camp Meeting came to mind, which has an open-air tabernacle."

Each year, he noted, a local charity benefits from the Promise Players' performances. This year's beneficiary will be Rawlinsville Camp Meeting. More information about the facility is available at http://www.rawlinsvillecamp.com.

Strawser noted that the theater board chooses the play. "We look at family-type plays and musicals. 'Smoke on the Mountain' was off-Broadway for a few years back in the 1990s, so its rights are more expensive," said Strawser. "One of our audience members came to Doreen a few years ago and (suggested) the play and ... the benefactor has paid for the rights - an anonymous donor."

A suggested minimum donation will be payable at the door. Children age 12 and under may bring a canned good or pay a nominal fee. The food items will be donated to the Blessings Pantry at Lampeter United Methodist Church. There will be no child care available at the performances.

Reservations are encouraged, although seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve a seat, visit http://www.eventbrite.com and search for "Promise Players present the comedy musical 'Smoke on the Mountain' 2022." A link to order tickets is also available at http://lampcob.com/promise-players.

For more information, call the church office on Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 717-464-2050.