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Press release

HARRODSBURG — Fulfilling a goal set by Managing Director Allan Barlow back in 2016, Ragged Edge Community Theatre will be presenting its first-ever New Works Festival Aug. 2-4. Presented as “staged readings,” each piece will be followed by a talkback session with the author, director and cast.

For its first year, RECT has chosen two plays and a musical, all by local authors.

“Mrs. Lincoln and the Help,” by award-winning Danville playwright Elizabeth Orndorff, will be presented 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 2. By turns funny, touching and thought-provoking, this play tells the story of Kentucky native Mary Todd Lincoln and two freed black women who worked for the Lincolns.

“No Surer Sign of Grace” by Father Al DeGiacomo, Pastor of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Harrodsburg, will be read 7 p.m. on  Saturday Aug. 3. This play tells the story of famed southern writer Flannery O’Connor as she relies on her devout faith to carry her through a lifelong battle against lupus while  building a reputation as one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century.

“Mamma Marshall: The Musical” by Harrodsburg’s own Natalie Berry Marshall closes out the festival 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4. A “jukebox musical” with an outrageous, hilarious script and tunes by everyone from George Jones and Hank Williams Jr. to Linda Ronstadt and Alan Jackson, this show introduces us to Big Mamma, the reigning queen of Coon Swaller Trailer Park and her fractious family.

The $12 admission is good for all three days of the festival. Seating is general Admission. Tickets may be purchased at www.raggededgetheatre.org or by calling (859) 734-2389.