The quirky Sanders Family is taking to The Ritz stage for yet another musical performance. The Newberry Community Players begin their presentation of a two weekend run of “Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming” this Friday.

This time around, the Rev. Mervin Oglethorpe is about to preach his last sermon at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Along with his pregnant wife June, the reverend will soon be leaving to preach in Texas. Lucky for the Mount Pleasant congregation, June's brother Dennis will be taking over as pastor. The send off is as humorous as it is touching.

The play includes 25 bluegrass gospel numbers, sung by a familiar cast. The August 2006 cast of “Smoke on the Mountain” has returned, with two additional members. Lalan Cook is Burl Sanders; Ann Moseley as Vera Sanders; Merritt Moseley as Stanley Sanders; Joseph Schroer is Dennis Sanders; Jane Ellis-Steele is Denise Sanders; Dodie Clark is June Sanders Ogelthorpe; Jamie Clark is Pastor Mervin Ogelthorpe; Sandy Steffen is Miss Myrtle; Bonnie Lyon and Heather Hawkins are Miss Maude; and new to the cast are Billy Summer as a Sanders cousin and mandolin player and Matt Williams as a bass player and cousin.

Director Ann Moseley said the play truly has been a “homecoming” for the Community Players.

“It's been such a pleasure getting to work with the same cast that we had for ‘Smoke on the Mountain' a year ago,” Moseley said. “I think anybody who enjoyed that one will enjoy this one.”

“Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming” will run this Friday through Sunday and Feb. 15 to 17. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 3 p.m.

The box office will open one hour before show times. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Tickets for groups of 10 or more are discounted to $10. Tickets can be reserved by calling The Ritz at 276-1963.