Nannie’s Hillbilly Christmas
Ned Crumpet and his family live a poor life in Appalachia, until one day he gets an offer on his land. Suddenly, the family has more money than they know what to do with! So, with a little help from their new financial advisor, the Crumpets buy a fully furnished home in an upscale community. It seemed like all the family’s dreams have come true, even though Granny, Ned, young Heathrow, Nellie Rae, and the chickens, aren’t warmly welcomed. First, they get a visit from a no-nonsense sheriff’s deputy about their unlicensed yard sale, and then some warnings from the president of the property association. As the holidays approach, the family gets a letter from the folks back home, and nostalgia hits hard. That’s when the Crumpets decide to hold a big Pig Pickin’ Christmas party, just like the ones they used to have back in the hills. But how will the persnickety, condescending neighbors react to the invitation? Well, once you get to know the Crumpets personally, you’ll realize they are the kindest, most God-fearing and all-around best neighbors to have!
Productions
Behind The Scenes
With Hope Bunch
What inspired you to write this play?
With so much contention in our country right now, I wanted to write a story about the need to get along with each other.
What's your favorite part or line in the play? Why?
My favorite part of the play is when the Crumpet's condescending neighbor, Mrs. Clydesdale, finally gets her comeuppance. After constantly bragging about her royal connection to the British throne, she learns that her eighth great grandfather was king, but his reign was very short. As the genealogist, Dr. Gatewood, explains in my favorite line, "His reign lasted only seven minutes and fourteen seconds, but the kingdom did enjoy peace and prosperity… albeit ever so briefly."
Tell us a little about the characters.
This play is a parody of a popular 1960's sitcom, "The Beverly Hillbillies." Similar to the Clampets of Beverly Hills, the Crumpets of "Nannie's Hillbilly Christmas" strike it rich and trade their tiny cabin in the holler for an upscale mansion in Tennessee. Despite being homesick and encountering some very unfriendly neighbors, the Crumpets never hold a grudge. They continue to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
What did you try to achieve with this play?
I wanted this story to demonstrate the passage from James Chapter 2, as mentioned in the final scene; “My brothers, show no partiality.” We are to make no distinctions; to treat everyone with the same respect." And as Nannie says at the top of Act II, Scene 1, "But I gotta say one thing, Ned, I think that’s somethin’ that the Crumpet family does purty good at."