By Beth Alston

AMERICUS — For over three decades, local patrons of the Lake Blackshear Regional Library as well as people who just like to have fun, have enjoyed the annual “library play,” hosted by Sumter County Friends of the Public Library, nonprofit organization.
This year’s play, written by Anne Isbell, “A Mistaken Case of Identity,” is set for Feb. 2 and 3 at Lake Blackshear Regional Library, 307 E. Lamar St., Americus.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, playgoers can enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres and wine before the play for $20. And at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, there will be homemade refreshments prior to the show for $5. For tickets or additional information, call the library at 229-924-8091. Ext. 800.
“A Mistaken Case of Identity” is a comedy, Isbell told the Times-Recorder, “about a dysfunctional family” one of whom is vying for a big grant for the local arts society. The artist trying for the grant “doesn’t do well with people,” Isbell said, so the family sends her away for a trip prior to the grant interviews, and is replaced by someone else by the conniving family. Ehen the real artist returns, it’s a mess, a comedic mess.
The cast includes Hope Henderson, Jane Hendrix, Linda Erkhart, Donna Franklin, Anne Isbell, Bill Krenson, Tom McFarland and Terence Clemons.
The first library play was “The Tower of Ecstasy,” written by Nancy Peabody and directed by the late Mary Anne Thomas. Its cast included Anne Peagler and the late Dick Litwhiler, among many other locals. Ned DeJournett played the piano.
Throughout the past 30 years, the play has been penned by I’m trying to get more information Nancy Peabody, Kim Fuller, Mandy Flynn, and Martha Buhler. It’s history is long and it’s always a good time.