Tales from the Altamaha

"Tales from the Altamaha" comes directly from the writings of Colonel T. Ross Sharpe, a local attorney, who wrote a column for the local newspaper, The Lyons Progress, in the 1950′s and 60′s. His essays spotlighted life along the Altamaha River and the many colorful personalities who called this area “home.” In 2003, Colonel Sharpe’s daughter, Luray Reid, presented these writings to the Lyons Bett

er Hometown Program. The Better Hometown Board and Program Director, Joy Lewis, recognized right away the potential for a folk-life play. The first production titled “Life On the River” was presented in the spring of 2005 at the Blue Marquee Theater. It opened to standing room only crowds and sold out all eight performances. In a two-week period, local “stars” were made and a local bluegrass band, now known as the “The River Rat Review Band,” received an all-new persona that has since exposed their music to many new fans. In fact, in its very first year, Tales from the Altamaha won an award. Subsequent plays from 2006 to 2019 also enjoyed success and acclaim. A different set of stories is selected each year and created into a brand new experience on the stage at the Blue Marquee Theater in Lyons in April.