Venture out for 'If the Good Lord's Willing and the Creek Don't Rise'

Elise Shoemaker argues with Zach Wachter on Monday during a rehearsal of "Good Lord Willing the Creek Don't Rise" at Stained Glass Theatre. The play will debut Jan. 25.
Elise Shoemaker argues with Zach Wachter on Monday during a rehearsal of "Good Lord Willing the Creek Don't Rise" at Stained Glass Theatre. The play will debut Jan. 25.

Stained Glass Theatre of Mid-Missouri will kick off its 2018 season - the theme is Season of Forgiveness - with "If the Good Lord's Willing and the Creek Don't Rise," the story of an estranged father and daughter.

It follows the story of an eccentric elderly man whose daughter thinks has apparently lost his marbles.

DeAnn Martin directs as retired judge Doc (played by Steve Feldman) spends his time flying around in a hot-air balloon, fishing in a dry river bed or writing nonsensical books.

So, with the help of a sly lawyer, his daughter, Charlotte (Sharon Acree-Frausto), plans to become his guardian and sell his house. However, Doc is a little sharper than others reckon.

"I could see it coming to life," Martin said. "It's funny."

This tour de force is appropriate for schools, churches and audiences of all ages, according to the SGT website.

How does the play follow this year's theme?

"During the play, the lead, Doc, and his daughter are estranged," Martin said. "There's forgiveness in there."

Martin said audiences will have to see the play to find out how that happens.

The cast will feature a psychologist working her first case, lovesick teenagers, an irate school bus driver and eccentric artists. To top it off, Doc arrives at court to defend himself dressed as a magician.

Other cast members include Mark Howard, Lori Abercrombie, Elise Shoemaker, Zack Wachter, Beth Bossen, Roger Martin and Jeannie Ruth.

This is DeAnn Martin's directorial debut. However, she has the support of the cast and her husband/assistant director, Roger, who has directed multiple productions.

"Most of the actors are seasoned," DeAnn said. "They're amazing."

Martin had never acted in 2012, but she could sing. That's when SGT organizers talked her into joining the cast of "Schoolhouse Rock Live."

"I was Interplanet Janet," she proudly proclaimed.

Remember Janet? She was a "galaxy girl."

She and Roger met at the wrap party. He had done some of the artwork for the production.

It was meant to be, DeAnn said. So was directing.

"I connect with the actors because I've been on the stage," she said. "God put me in this position."

Performances are 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25-26 and Feb. 1-2. Matinees are at 2 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets cost $7 on opening night or $9 for other shows. A family price of $36 will cover entry for all immediate family members living in the same household.