Tyler Martin is directing the cast of The Diviners, written by Jim Leonard, Jr., with performances May 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 7:00 PM and May 7 and 14 at 2:00 PM at Good Neighbors Theatre, located at 8780 Highway 111 in Byrdstown, Tennessee.

This is the final production of Good Neighbors Theatre 2016-2017 season

This production is more suited for an adult and older youth audience due to mature content with adult language.

Tyler has assembled a fine cast of actors, both GNT veterans and newcomers. The play, with a powerful message, tells the story of a disturbed young man and his friendship with a disenchanted preacher in southern Indiana in the early 1930s.

Buddy Layman, played by new actor on the GNT stage, Harvie Hurst, is a boy who has the special gift to find water and is very curious yet frightened when learning about different things. He suffered brain damage from his previous drowning accident and lost his mother in the same accident.

Tom Murray, as Ferris Layman, is Buddy’s father and local mechanic. He is short tempered and hesitant to do anything that might cause his son anguish, even if it is for his own good.

Amanda Tompkins, another GNT newcomer, plays Jennie Mae Layman, Buddy’s patient and caring sister. She fills the maternal role of her family. She has a crush on the preacher.

CC Showers, a former preacher battling his own demons who befriends the boy, is played by Seth Hart. He and Jennie Mae have an attraction that ends as quickly as it begins due to major age differences.

The owner of the Dry Goods Store, Norma Henshaw, is played by another new face on the GNT stage, Julie Hurst. She wants the church back in Zion. She thinks the preacher’s arrival is a sign from God.

Briahna Alvarez plays Darlene Henshaw, Norma’s niece. Imaginative and charismatic, she has a rebellious streak that fights her aunt’s rules, but loves her aunt. She sneaks off to dance with Dewey.

Goldie Short, portrayed by Annie Davis, is the owner of the Dine Away Café and agrees with Norma about CC.’s arrival.

Basil Bennett, played by Bob Saunders, is a farmer who relies on Buddy’s abilities and an amateur doctor. He is the one who diagnoses Buddy’s problems. He is married to Luella.

Luella Bennett, Basil’s wife who doubts Buddy’s abilities, is being played by Melissa Davis.

Martha Pratt is playing Melvin Wilder, Basil’s farmhand who helps Dewey ask Darlene out to the dance. He is older and takes Dewey under his wing. He teaches Dewey to be “suave”.

Basil’s farmhand, Dewey Maples being played by Chandler Winningham, is in love with Darlene. He is young and naive and looks to Melvin as his “older brother.”

Martha Pratt is the Chorus Leader with Mary Ellen Hurst and Kyra Phares as Chorus Members.

Ticket Prices are $12.00 plus tax/adult and $8.00 plus tax/child between three and 12 years of age. Lap babies two and under are free. Tickets are available at the Byrdstown-Pickett County Chamber of Commerce.

All pre-reserved tickets must be paid for at the time the reservation is made. Stop by the Chamber located at 1005 Highway 111. The Chamber’s phone is 931-864-7195.

Tickets may also be purchased at the Good Neighbors Theatre ticket booth on the night of the performances. All ticket sales are final. Unused tickets are non-refundable.

To purchase by mail, please mail the following information with payment to: Good Neighbors Theatre, PO Box 493, Byrdstown, TN 38549: Name, phone, email, number of adult tickets at $13.17, number of child tickets at $8.78, and total amount enclosed.

Also, indicate the performance you want to attend: May 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, and/or 14. All reservations by mail must be received three days prior to selected date. Please provide a complete list of names/dates of all ticket holders for the reservation. Tickets for mail-in reservations are held for Will zcall at the GNT Ticket Booth on the night of the performance/s you select.

Those requiring special assistance must indicate their need at the time reservation is made. Make checks payable to GNT at P.O. Box 493, Byrdstown, TN 38549. Messages may be left at 931-864-4569.

Good Neighbors Theatre is an equal opportunity provider and employer. This project is funded under a Grant Contract with the State of Tennessee. Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc.