By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Two shows deliver loads of laughs
Performances on two vastly different stages
0813theater
Members of the Georgia Mountain Players’ production of “Smoke on the Mountain” rehearse a song during a performance earlier this week. This is the 17th year the company has produced the show. - photo by Tom Reed

Comedy weekend
“The Three Musketeers” by Fifth Row Center
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 6 p.m. Sunday
Where: Sterling on the Lake pavilion, Flowery Branch
How much: $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Sterling on the Lake Clubhouse
More info: Call 678-357-7359

“Smoke on the Mountain” by the Georgia Mountain Players
When: 8 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Aug. 20-21; 2:30 p.m. Aug. 22-23; 8 p.m. Aug. 27-28; 2:30 p.m. Aug. 29-30
Where: Georgia Mountains Center Theatre, 301 Main St. SW, Gainesville
How much: $16 for adults, $12 for seniors 60 and older, students and children
More info: Call the Georgia Mountains Center Box Office at 770-534-8420

Residents in need of a good laugh need to look no further, with two family friendly comedies opening this week.

The Georgia Mountain Players continue their tradition with “Smoke on the Mountain,” which starts at 8 tonight at the Georgia Mountains Center Theatre. Mike Martin, the managing artistic director of the Georgia Mountain Players, said the musical comedy — in its 17th year — never fails to attract busloads of visitors from across the Southeast, even for return visits.

“Smoke on the Mountain” is about a gospel-singing family coming to a little church in small-town North Carolina after being on the gospel circuit for several years, Martin said. At first, the matriarchs of the church don’t agree with the changes that come with the family’s arrival, but their worries are smoothed over toward the end.

Also starting this week is Fifth Row Center’s performances of a tongue-in-cheek version of “The Three Musketeers.”

Director Melissa Thomas said the actors portray the Musketeers and supporting characters during a performance set amid an unsuccessful public television telethon.

Thomas said kids will love the surprises and stage fighting found throughout “Musketeers.” The first performance starts at 7:30 p.m. Friday.