Smoky Mountain News

“Confessions of a Clergy Wife,” performed by Barbara Bates Smith, will take the spotlight at 3 p.m. Sept 26 in Thatcher Hall at Grace Church in the Mountains in Waynesville.

The candid and humorous spiritual journey has led to thought-provoking discussions wherever it has played. In it, Smith salutes and questions her husband, her priest, and her therapist, while quoting Thich Nhat Hanh, Joseph Campbell, Bishop Porter Taylor and Bishop John Shelby Spong.

Hammered and lap dulcimer and singing bowl accompaniment is by Jeff Sebens of Cana, Va.

“The show is a zinger, compelling, authentic, and brave,” says Frank Levering, D.D., Harvard. The Rev. Tim McRee, of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Canton, called it “outstanding.”

A Southeastern Theatre “Best Actress” award winner, Smith has recently played featured roles in productions of “Hamlet,” “Doubt,” and “Wit” with the HART theater.

The 45-minute presentation will be followed by an informal session of questions and discussion. The program is free to the public. Call 456.6029