2007 Archives:

Tater Patch Players Present Li’l Abner :
Three Generations of Daisy Mae Actresses Talk About the Play
By Pat Jewell

Amber Snead had never heard of Li’l Abner, Sadie Hawkins Day or Daisy Mae. Her friend and real estate sales partner, and former Daisy Mae, Lynn Weaver, encouraged her to audition for the part. Weaver sang "I’m Past My Prime" for Snead, a song that she remembers from the play, even after 30 years. Weaver even went to auditions with Snead, and now the "Weaver Team" Real Estate partners are both Daisy Maes.

In college, Weaver minored in Theatre and appeared in several shows. Her part as Daisy Mae in the Tater Patch Players’ first ever production, was also her last appearance with the troupe. She went on to pursue other interest. A real estate agent for seven years, she works with Century 21, Best Mountain properties. Weaver sings at weddings and other functions, and has her own award winning television show, "Open House", on ETC3 TV.

Snead is new to Pickens County, the real estate business and the Tater Patch Players and a welcome addition to the community and the troupe. She does, however, have stage experience. She was very active in community theatre in Indiana where her most memorable role was Nellie Forbush in South Pacific. As a veteran of the stage, the role of Daisy Mae is easy for this incredible young actress.

A founding member of the Tater Patch Players, Janet Vardaman, appeared in the first production of Li’l Abner as a wife. The troupe’s 10th anniversary production of the show boasted Vardaman as Daisy Mae. As a wife in the upcoming play, she is the only cast member to be in all three shows. "The cast for the second production was older, with several of the original cast members returning in their former roles" recalls Vardaman

Vardaman remembers a wig, stating that she was never "an inner blonde" and therefore it was hard for her to fall into the cartoon character aspect of her part. The characters were over the top with exaggeration.

When asked how Tater Patch is different today than it was twenty and thirty years ago, both Weaver and Vardaman had comments. The first two shows were "BC or "Before Bob Countryman". This meant that the sets were built and painted by the actors. The first set was a huge backdrop with some crates covered with cloth. Weaver did not have a wig. She also had to make her own costume and did her own hair and make-up. She wore the same costume the entire show. All three ladies praised the efforts of Joan Barager and Linda Robertson for their amazing work with wardrobe. "We also have Debby Helton and Ross Galbreath to work with wigs and hair" boasts Vardaman, "I have a very impressive wig for this production, even as a wife."

"The publicity is much different from the first show" states Weaver, "I remember a big sign, advertising the show, at the intersection of Church Street and Burnt Mountain Rd." The Pickens County Progress came to the show and took lots of pictures." The first production ever staged by the Tater Patch Players was surrounded by excitement throughout the entire community. The play was so well attended that the Tate Auditorium was packed to standing room only for all three shows.

All three actresses credited their association with Tater Patch as helping them make new friends and giving them the opportunity to work with many talented people. Snead is excited about the number of young people that are involved with the troupe, as they are the future of the group. All of the actresses agree that "I’m Past My Prime" a snappy duet sang with Marrying Sam, is their favorite song in the show.

The Tater Patch Players are please to debut Amber Snead on their stage in the upcoming production of Li’l Abner. We also welcome Janet Vardaman back to the show. This promises to be an evening of laughter and fun as the Tater Patch Players cast explores the attributes of Dogpatch, USA.

Come ready to relax, laugh, toe tap and just plain enjoy the play! All shows will be staged at the Pickens High School Auditorium. Show dates are July 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8:00 pm and July 15 at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $10.00 adult and $8.00 student at the door. Discounted advanced tickets can be purchased Jasper Drugs, Look No Further Antiques in Talking Rock, Starlite Video at Foothills and Hollywood FX Studio at the Kroger Shopping Center. For more information, see www.taterpatchplayers.org.

Don Martin Named Chamber Ambassador of the Month for February
Don Martin is on Tater Patch's Board of Directors and delighted us all as Linus in our recent You're A Good Man Charlie Brown.


The Pickens County Chamber of Commerce began the Chamber Ambassador program to assist with recruiting new businesses in the community into becoming members and with spreading goodwill from the Chamber to the entire community. As an ambassador, volunteers from the Chamber membership call on prospective members and lend their support to other members at ribbon cuttings, networking events and any other Chamber-sponsored functions. Please join the Chamber in congratulating our Ambassador of the Month for February, Don Martin. Don is a Realtor for Torrey Mountain Properties, Inc. and a great source for properties in Bent Tree, Big Canoe & Pickens County Homes & Lots. He also specializes in land and ranches throughout North Georgia