CLERMONT, GA. — Author and playwright Emory Jones’s historical play Cheever will soon take center stage at the Clermont Historical Society. The play depicts one day in the life of folk potter Cheever Meaders.
Cheever was a colorful North Georgia character and an influential force in pottery and politics. He and his wife, Arie, share their wit, humor, and history in an imaginary visit with pottery expert Dr. John Burrison.
“In real life, Dr. Burrison never met Cheever Meaders,” says Jones. “But he’s always said that not knowing Cheever was the biggest regret of his life. So, with his consent, I’ve used the world of theater to make a one-day visit between the two of them finally happen.”
Play director Atha Dalton says Dr. Burrison later worked closely with Cheever’s wife, Arie, and his son, Lanier, and was responsible for their work being displayed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
According to Dalton, the play takes place in 1967, just two weeks before Cheever died on Thanksgiving morning.
In writing the play, Emory used the imagined conversations between Cheever, Arie, and Dr. Burrison to tell stories he heard on his grandfather’s lap as a child. The play captures much of the history and music of North Georgia’s past.
The play’s cast includes experienced North Georgia actors. David White plays Cheever, Karen Loos plays Cheever’s wife, Arie, and Eric Graves plays Dr. John Burrison.
According to Sandra Cantrell, Clermont Historical Society President, the play runs four performances on April 11th-14th at Clermont’s Chattahoochee Center (across from Concord Baptist Church).
“This play marries a significant part of our rich North Georgia history with the arts,” says Cantrell. “Cheever is a great play, and these fine actors and a fantastic director make it all magical. This is a first-time event for our Society, and to say we’re excited about this event would be an understatement.”
Cheever tickets are available for $15 on Eventbrite. In addition, Emory Jones’ brand new book, Cheever-The Play, will be available at the event.
“The book includes the play’s entire manuscript along with numerous interesting footnote explanations about events in the play,” says Jones. “If you liked the play, you’ll love the book!”
