Two Rivers Arts Council presenting Della’s Diner

The Two Rivers Arts Council is serving a delicious comedy with outrageous county-fried characters when “Della’s Diner” plays at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 20.

“Della’s Diner,” book by Tom Edwards, music by Harris Wheeler and lyrics by Mary Fisher, premiered in Atlanta in 1978 and played for many years, developing a cult following and spawning a slew of hit sequels. Edwards has written six musicals including “Scarlett Fever” (his musical comedy version of “Gone with the Wind”), “Mistress of Meadowbrook” and “Della’s Diner II.” He has written for “Search for Tomorrow,” Guiding Light,” “Growing Pains and “Divorce Court.”

“Della’s Diner” tells the tale of Della, her mixed-up relationships and the threatened future of her diner. The story hinges on the experiences of three women. Della has escaped a dark past and settled on her very own mountain. Her beautiful daughter Ramona is home after a failed attempt to make it as a country music singer. And Connie Sue Day a former country music star with sass and spark is back, fresh-out-of-prison.

“Della’s Diner” is full of show-stopping country, western, blues, gospel and rockabilly tunes and side-splitting comedy. With original show tunes like “Side of Fries,” “Satisfaction Guaranteed” and “All American Male,” “Della’s Diner” is a crowd pleaser with a menu full of fun and laughter. Director Paul Pierce says, “It’s hilarious and wacky, but it’s also very touching. This musical comedy is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.”

“Della’s Diner” is produced by Springer Theatricals, the national touring arm of the Springer Opera House, a 143-year-old National Historic Landmark theatre in Columbus, Ga. Springer Theatricals has one of the nation’s busiest touring schedules, performing in more than 60 cities every year.

The Springer is the State Theatre of Georgia, producing a year-round schedule of plays and musicals. It is also home to the Springer Theatre Academy, the largest program for the training of young actors in the Southeast.

Since Reconstruction, the Springer has been a revered Southern cultural institution with the world’s most celebrated artists performing in the Edwardian elegance of its main stage theatre. From Edwin Booth, Lilly Langtry, George M. Cohan, Ethel Barrymore and Irving Berlin in the old days to more modern appearances by Mary Martin, Truman Capote, Hal Holbrook, Burt Reynolds, Marvin Hamlisch and Garrison Keillor, the Springer has been a centerpiece for the performing arts in the South since 1871.

Tickets for “Della’s Diner” are $10 at the door and free for arts council members. Call 334.289.1595 for more information or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TwoRiversArtsCouncil.