Mattie Rigsbee makes the best cornbread in the South, but that’s not enough to keep her upside-down waterfall — a metaphor for her reason for living — from drying up.
So begins “Walking Across Egypt,” the latest production at the Cumberland County Playhouse. Director of Education Weslie Webster demonstrates that she’s as adept in the director’s chair as she is on stage.
Don’t let Mattie’s melancholy fool you — this show is anything but grim. There are a lot of funny moments and dialogue interspersed with old-time preaching and a soundtrack that alternates between beloved hymns and 1980s pop tunes.
Samantha Tamulonis and her scenic design crew put just the right touches on this Southern comedy, complete with a squeaky, slamming screen door in the days when avocado green reigned supreme and Erica Kane was the queen of daytime TV. It strikes just the right balance for those of us who grew up in the 1980s South. All that’s missing is a pitcher of sweet tea.
In a production reminiscent of a compilation of sketches from the old “Carol Burnett Show,” Patty Payne stands out as Mattie. Her deadpan comedic delivery sends the audience into steady peals of laughter despite her character’s depression that stems from ramming her foot through the seat of a beloved antique rocking chair.
“I’m 78 years old, and I’m slowing down,” she confides to neighbor Alora Swanson. “Ever since I was 9 years old, I’ve had somebody to look for, to tend to.”
That’s what leads to Mattie’s decision to call animal control about a stray dog outside her home. That results in her taking interest in another stray: Wesley, the delinquent teen nephew of dog catcher Lamar Benfield. While Mattie is ready to open her heart, Lamar and those in her network aren’t sold.
Leading the way in opposition is Mattie’s son Robert, the 50-something convenience store manager who has no interest in begetting the next Rigsbee to be lulled to sleep in the rocking chair.
Jason Ross is a Playhouse audience favorite, and he brings that magic to his portrayal of Robert, whose love of lamps is reflected as he eyes the Tiffany resting in his Mama’s shelf.
Joining in the fray are Alora and husband Finner Swanson. Lauren Marshall’s portrayal of nosy neighbor Alora would do Gladys Kravitz proud as she vows not to call Robert — a vow which, of course, she’s broken before even making the promise to Mattie.
Daniel Black as Finner steals the show with his missions to protect Mattie from the perimeter of their yards, trusty gun tucked inside his waistband while he frets over his beloved camouflage being in the laundry.
“A man doing recon needs a proper uniform!” he rails at his hand-wringing wife.
Caleb Sager continues to show why he’s one of the Playhouse’s brightest young talents in his role as Lamar. A newcomer to Mattie’s life, he develops great affection for her, and the last thing he wants is his useless nephew Wesley taking advantage of her.
Zachary Simpson and Evan Lisic share the role of Wesley. The production we attended featured Simpson and, if his portrayal of Wesley is any indication, he looks forward to a bright future on the stage.
The cast is rounded out by Jeremiah Ordway as Sheriff Tillman, with Michael Ruff opening scenes in sermon as the Rev. Bass, Mattie’s pastor who has a brand-new car. His voice joins the chorus of those urging Mattie to take precautions when it comes to the juvenile delinquent that has piqued her interest.
“You keep talking about punishment, and Jesus keeps talking about forgiveness,” Payne’s Mattie confronts Ruff’s Bass. “Which one of you is right?”
Corinne Fann and her lighting crew are deserving of kudos for their work that casts just the right illumination to convey sentiment.
“Walking Across Egypt” is rated PG for the juvenile’s mild language, which is corrected by the main character. Potential audiences are encouraged to use their judgment based on their own research of the show, and their child’s age and maturity level.
It’s on the Playhouse’s Adventure Theater stage through July 26 and is part of what has been a stellar season. Tickets are available at ccplayhouse.com or by calling the Playhouse box office at 931-484-5000.
Those who are planning to attend — and you should — are urged to reserve their tickets ASAP; the opening night was sold out.