Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, July 6, 1990 TAG: 9007070457
SECTION: SMITH MOUNTAIN TIMES PAGE: SMT9 EDITION: BEDFORD/FRANKLIN
SOURCE: ELLIE SCHAFFZIN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Others avoided the parking lot commotion completely, arriving by boat and anchoring right off the docks for an equally good view.
By land and by water, the spectators came to the lakeside to see "Liberty, a Musical Celebration of Freedom." The work was a cantata of patriotic songs performed by the 60-voice chorus under the direction of Jettie Harris.
The Ackley family spent 45 minutes seeking a parking spot at last year's performance, Liberty's debut. This year, they found smoother sailing by parking their boat.
The three generations of Ackleys, a total of 10 on board, arrived early to leave time for dinner. Grandpa Earl was sent ashore on an expedition in search of napkins, from which he returned successfully.
The grandchildren enjoyed the all-American dinner: fried chicken. Dessert was not quite as traditional, though no less American.
"We hoped for apple pie, but we each had one microwaved brownie," one family member said.
The Ackleys said that after the cantata, they would set sail for the fireworks on the lake. The fireworks crew was setting up on a floating dock nearby as the music began.
Earl and Edna Ackney were combining their own 40th anniversary celebration with the country's 214th. While her family lounged on the deck, Edna rustled through the plastic containers, discovering one that was still full.
On land, Alec Boska, 4, was dancing to the tunes of the No Grass String Band from Moneta, the show's opening act. He pointed to a laundry basket filled with picnic foods.
`'We're all set!" he said.
His sister Ambre, 10, said she likes the Fourth of July "because it is a holiday of America, and not any other country." The Boska family lives in Norway, but spends its summers at Smith Mountain Lake.
"Liberty" was accompanied by narration on the theme of independence. Non-speaking characters such as Uncle Sam and Abe Lincoln appeared at various points during the show. Before taking a curtain call, though, both walked among the crowds.
Nellie Booth of Rocky Mount said she believes she was asked to play Betsy Ross because she is a seamstress in real life. This was a repeat performance for Booth, who enjoyed playing Ross last year despite a bout with stage fright. She looked right at home, though, as she pretended to sew the American flag she carried with her in a basket.
Booth's grandson John, 12, said his revolutionary soldier's costume was hot. He strapped big silver buckles on his black high-top sneakers just before the show. Fellow soldier Ryan Tinsley, 13, said he basically liked his flag-bearing role.
"It's all right doing this stuff. It's fun, but the outfit's a little embarrassing," he said.
Drummer boy Chris Shackleford, 12, took a hearty swig of Coke as he said he really knows how to play the drum he carries during the performance. He and Tinsley said they thought they knew how the real soldiers felt 200 years ago.
"Scared," said Shackleford.
Irene Strubbe agreed to play Miss Liberty for the second year, making her own gold robe, torch and crown.
"I didn't know I'd have to do that, though," Strubbe said, pointing to the 20 feet of scaffolding she was about to scale. Climbing to the top by ladder, Strubbe held her torch above the giant flag used as a backdrop throughout the show.
Hiding behind the flag, six small Cub Scouts awaited their cue to come on stage carrying a flag. Chris Robinson, 7, gave the pregame pep talk.
"We're ready! We're gonna have to put all we got into it!" he said.
"Liberty" was sponsored by the Smith Mountain Arts Council and the Smith Mountain Lake Partnership.
by CNB