It is a time warp of sorts, unbeknownst to the listening audience, who isn’t quite sure what to expect. I sat on the front row as the play began believing Dr. John Burrison (Eric Gravez) was Dr. John Burrison, a professor of English and the Director of the folklore curriculum at Georgia State University. It seemed plausible as we were here to learn about pottery.
It wasn’t until I glanced at the playbill that I realized he was playing the part, and so, the rest of the evening followed, having to remind myself that Cheever (David White) wasn’t Cheever and Arie (Karen Loos) wasn’t Arie.
It’s about pottery and so much more
The play is set in 1967, two weeks before Cheever Meaders’ death. The audience is allowed to step into the artistry of Meaders in his pottery shop by Mossy Creek in White County, Georgia. Cheever and his wife Arie tell stories about their life, political opinions, good times, and not-so-good times.
Cheever was born in 1887. His father, John, created Meaders Pottery in 1893 in Mossy Creek, Georgia. Cheever talks about his father and uncles who worked together in the pottery business using locally dug clay with a mule-powered mill.
Cheever (David White): “Pa was the strongest man I ever saw. Why he could lift a loaded wagon if he had a mind to.”
History unfolds in a comical, lighthearted manner. Before I knew it, I was learning about pottery and so much more.
Playwright and author Emory Jones
Emory Jones, the brilliant author and playwright behind this historical storytelling adventure, grew up in White County. He has written nine books and four plays, ranging from historical fiction to humor.
“Cheever was actually my great uncle. He was my granddaddy’s baby brother, and I grew up with my granddaddy and grandmother. My granddaddy was a potter as well,” Jones talked about what inspired him to write the play. “I saw that this way of life and art form was disappearing. I wanted to preserve that.”
Jones spent many days as a child in Cheever Meaders’ pottery shop. His storytelling ability brings to life engaging characters and humorous dialogue in a realistic setting.
In Jones’ book Memories Etched in Pott’ry, he writes about a day he spent in Cheever Meaders’ pottery shop at the age of seven, reminiscing about his childhood. He recalls Arie assigning him to decorate a pottery vase. “I still have that vase,” Jones reflects.
Music and storytelling
Debbielee Whelchel delights the audience with old-time Appalachian music, changing from guitar to banjo throughout the play. Her musical talent adds a realistic and fun atmosphere to the production.
Arie (Karen Loos) entertains the audience with her sarcasm and underhanded comments. She portrays a supportive, obvious adoration for her husband and family. She describes a time when she sold a little clay pot to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Cheever teases her about it and doesn’t believe it to be true.
ARIE: “But when they drove off, the man waved, and I saw it was the President. And that woman was the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt,” Arie remembers.
Cheever chuckles at the story.
BURRISON: “I take it you don’t believe her account, Mr. Meaders?”
CHEEVER: “Well, I do now. I reckon, after what happened last week.
BURRISON: “What happened last week?”
CHEEVER: “Lyndon Johnson stopped by.”
Emory Jones described Cheever, “I remember Cheever as always having a pipe, smelling of tobacco, and having parched peanuts in his overall pocket.”
Jones said that Cheever’s left arm was broken as a child, and Cheever couldn’t straighten it out.
“David White, the actor playing the part of Cheever, has to keep his arm in that position the whole time. And I’ve been watching him and he’s been doing a good job!”
Cheever will run four performances from April 11th through the 14th at Clermont’s Chattahoochee Center (across from Concord Baptist Church). The April 11th, 12th, and 13th performances are at 6:30 p.m., with Sunday, April 14th, at 2:30 p.m.
Cheever tickets are available for $15 on Eventbrite. In addition, Emory Jones’ new book, Cheever-The Play, will be available at the event. Tickets are selling fast.
