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Theatre students present a fulfilling performance of

Panola Theatre will present  "And the Rain Came to Mayfield," Thursday - Saturday, Feb. 23-25.

Curtain time will be 7 p.m. in the Panola College Studio Theatre.

A poetic family drama, this play takes place in a small gas station/luncheonette on a Mississippi highway in 1962. The owner's son, Carl, dreams of going to college, but his alcoholic father does not support these aspirations and his mother referees a desperate tug of war between the two of them. One afternoon, a young black man appears in the doorway seeking shelter while he waits for the bus to Jackson. On this Mississippi day, the two young men discover that they share a need to establish their independence and follow their dreams. Carl's father reacts violently when he finds the black man in his establishment, but Carl stands up to his father for the first time in his life.

The cast for this powerfully written adult drama includes Thurston "TJ" Rushing from Mt. Enterprise High School as the son, Carl; Larry "CJ" Craddock, also from Mt. Enterprise High School, as Carl's father Jack; Joanna Shutts from Lasoto, Africa, as Carl's mother Emma; Hannover Hoover from Gary High School as Emma's friend Mavis; Kelsey Bass from Garrison High School as Carl's girlfriend Dixie; and Cameron Banks from Texas High (Texarkana) as Nathan, the young black man.  Also appearing are John Shaw from Timpson High School and Zack Barlow from Carthage High School as deputy sheriffs, and Jonnie Pass from Gary High School as a bus traveler.

This show is recommended for mature audiences because of racial situations and adult language. Tickets are $5.  Reservations are not required, but early arrival is recommended since seating is limited and late arrivals will not be seated until intermission.  For additional information call 903-693-2064.