Coal Creek Theater of Louisville presents
Blessed Assurance
by Laddy Sartin
Directed by Kirsten Jorgensen Smith
It is the turbulent Freedom Summer of 1964. Olivia, the cook for the Whitehouse café, has shocked her small southern town by marching up the courthouse steps demanding to register to vote. Harlan, the owner of the café, who is like a son to Olivia, accuses her of listening to outside agitators and following along “like cows being led to slaughter.” And Olivia, challenging Harlan’s personal beliefs and his allegiance to her, sits at the counter of the café where she has worked most of her life and requesting to be served. When Harlan asks her what she thinks she’s doing, she says “I think they call it a sit-in!” Blessed Assurance shows Olivia, and the people close to her, how her choice to stand up for her rights forces them all to confront the hatred, ignorance, and injustice of the town.
Content Advisory - Racism, minor violence
Run Time - 1 hour and 45 minutes, with one 10-minute intermission
Cast and Creative Team
Assistant Director - Sage Miller & Sarah Schuetz
Stage Manager - Sage Miller & Sarah Schuetz
Set Design - Pam Bennett
Sound Design - Kirsten Jorgensen Smith
Lighting Design - Keegan Jenney
Light & Sound Operator - Howard L. Smith
Costume Design - Kathleen Boyle Rausch
Program Cover & Poster Design - Lisa Kreinbrink
Publicity, Photography & Program - Lynn Fleming
CCTL Liaison - Kathleen Boyle Rausch
Volunteers - Pam Bennett, Lynn Fleming, Justin Garcia, Annie Howell, Ryan Howell, Keegan Jenney, Renee Malis, Sage Miller, Kathy Rausch, Steve Rausch, Sarah Schuetz, Dave Smith, Howard Smith, Kirsten Jorgensen Smith, Renee Sobering, Jmi Terwilliger, Byron Thompson, Jesse Waddell, Jim Whiteman, Erin Williams
Production Photos
Reviews and Testimonials
“The actors were superb! Set was great. I love intimate theater. I'm looking forward to the next production.” - Susan Sisk
“Truly exceptional! An incredibly moving, well acted, important show with a stellar set design. These actors brought their A-Game, and smart directing to boot.” - Ericka M Shreck
“Saw it last Sunday. Excellent show, showing one person can make a difference.” - Susan A. Peterson
“WOW! Powerful and riveting; inspiring and thought provoking; with superb direction by Kirsten Jorgensen Smith… as an audience member, you don't want to get up and leave; you want to soak in what you just experienced. I LOVE these kind of important theatrical experiences!!” - Justin Regan