Tales From the Altamaha Brings New Stories of Local Legends
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The Tales From the Altamaha folk production is back to share more stories of the community’s past with their 2025 production, “That Ain’t What Happened, Sybil!!” The play is a local tradition, as it is based on real tales of the community’s past residents, and is performed every year on the last two weekends of April. This year’s play will highlight several memories of the past and even a few fictional tales of how some remember these events. It is sure to fill audiences with nostalgia, laughter, and joy.
A strong family atmosphere is felt throughout the rehearsals of the drama, as the actors know each other well and can often be found laughing and joking between scenes. Other cast members shared similar sentiments, as they all agreed that the play brought together friendships and memories which they will treasure forever.
The production itself offers scenes of comedic situations, heartwarming scenes of the past, and the chaos of family life in the olden days of the Altamaha community. These tales run throughout history, from the early 20th century throughout time.
Tales From the Altamaha features stories from Colonel Ross T. Sharpe that have been given a dramatic Southern twist. Sharpe’s column was featured in The Lyons Progress in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition, each year, the Lyons Main Street Association hosts the Interview an Octogenarian contest, where students throughout the area are encouraged to interview someone who has lived in the area for at least 80 years, and have them share their memories. These memories are then transformed into a scene in the play.
The acting is also accompanied by musical stylings of the River Rat Band, who share gospel, classic, and original tunes from yonder years.
The play will be performed at The Blue Marquee, located at 121 North State Street in Lyons, on April 24-26 and May 1-3 at 7 p.m. each night, and with additional 2 p.m. performances on Saturday, April 26 and May 3. Tickets may be purchased online at the Lyons Main Street Association website or at the Lyons Main Street Association office, located at 134 Northwest Broad Street in Lyons.
