Set in the fictional farming community of Gribbleville, Tennessee in the fall of 1952, the musical blends early 1950s music, small-town humor, and quirky colorful Appalachian characters in a story centered around the county fair’s fiercely contested cornbread competition.
For ten years running, Irene McGibboney has claimed the prize for Jericho County’s best cornbread. After she wins the eleventh time, the town’s gossip mill goes into overdrive, things start getting dicey, and the law has to be called in. There will be a full evening with strong-armed robbery, solicitation, impersonation, jail house romance and murder.
Six performances are planned and the two act musical is scheduled to open Friday November 6 at the The Dèrr-Berry, located at 208 North Third Avenue in Chatsworth, GA.
Community actors, singers, and performers of all experience levels are invited to audition for the world premiere of the new Southern musical comedy “The Great Skillet Killin’ of Jericho County”, written by award-winning songwriters Tom Brown and Becky Buller.
Auditions will be held Tuesday, August 4, and Thursday, August 6, from 6 to 9 pm, as well as Saturday August 8, from 2 until 4 pm. There are roles available for children, teens, adults, and senior adults. The production is seeking performers of all ages to bring thecolorful citizens of the fictional town of Gribbleville, Tennessee to life.
Set in rural Tennessee during the early 1950s, “The Great Skillet Killiin’ of Jericho County” blends traditional country and bluegrass-inspired music, small-town humor, and unforgettable characters into a two-act musical comedy. The story follows Irene McGibboney, the eleven-time champion of the Jericho County Cornbread Contest, whose championship celebration takes an unexpected turn after a confrontation with her abusive husband. What follows is a whirlwind of gossip, mystery, courtroom antics, and an unforgettable wedding inside the Jericho County jail.
The production features a wide variety of speaking, singing, and ensemble roles for performers of all ages. No previous stage experience is required, and newcomers are encouraged to audition alongside experienced actors.
Tom Brown, a retired educator from Whitfield County Schools, is an award-winning songwriter and longtime advocate for community music. His previous theatrical works include the internationally performed bluegrass musical comedy Fat Shirley’s: A Trailer Park Opera and Twisted Roots, inspired by the life of Appalachian writer Emma Bell Miles.
Co-writer Becky Buller, of Manchester, Tennessee, is one of bluegrass music’s most acclaimed artists. A ten-time International Bluegrass Music Association award winner, Buller is a Grammy-winning songwriter whose music has been recorded by Molly Tuttle, The Travelin’ McCourys, and The Infamous Stringdusters. Her 2024 album Jubilee debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album Chart.
“The characters in Gribbleville remind us of people we’ve all known, ”Brown said. “We are looking for a cast that’s ready to have fun, tell a great story, and bring this community to lifenthrough music and laughter.”
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the first time, this production offers an opportunity to be part of the premiere of an original Southern musical comedy celebrating family, friendship, humor, and the rich traditions of Appalachian storytelling.
Audition Dates:
Tuesday, August 4 from 6 until 9 pm
Thursday, August 6, from 6 until 9 pm
Saturday August 8 from 2 until 4 pm.
Auditions will be held at Murray Arts Council, located at 120 N 3rd Ave, Chatsworth, GA, 30705 in the heart of downtown. For more information or for an information packet which includes a character breakdown, the audition dates/requirements, and the synopsis of the musical, email a request to greatskilletkillin@yahoo.com.
Performances will be the first two weekends in November at The Dèrr-Berry Venue in Chatsworth, Georgia.