This past weekend, the Middlesborough Little Theatre treated over 200 audience members to a reprisal of Orlin Corey’s “Book of Job.” Because of rain, Friday’s performance was held in the Bell Theatre in downtown Pineville, and Saturday’s event was held in the lodge conference room at Pine Mountain State Resort Park.

“Keith Bowling and the staff at Pine Mountain have been wonderful to work with,” says MLT Director Amy Simpson. “Even though we were not able to perform in the Cove as we had hoped, they bent over backwards to move our set pieces and accommodate us. They always do an outstanding job.”

The cast included Dr. Joel Michaelis as Job; Dr. Joe Johnson as Eliphaz; Jessie Surber as Elihu; Amy Simpson as Zophar; and Corley Kreiter as Bildad. Beth Johnson, Lisa Honeycutt-Partin, Paula Hayes, Bonnie Banks and Jeananne Romines made up the women’s chorus.

The remaining crew included Judy Cox, stage manager; Shawn Williams, tech; Danny Vaughn, set; and Tabitha Webb, Hayleigh Banks, Sadie Banks, and Jaymin Huddleston, makeup. Hilarie Spangler served as musical director. In addition to playing roles, Simpson and Surber directed.

For some members of the community, the performances were nostalgic. The play “brought back such fond childhood memories of watching those summer performances with my aunt and uncle,” says Virginia Giles. “The costumes, makeup, and performers were phenomenal.”

Simpson and Serber enlisted costume designer Angela Roberts to recreate the robes that resemble Byzantine mosaics.

“Angela is so talented,” says Simpson. “She put over 24 hours of work into each costume. The result was stunning, and I know that the original designer Irene Corey would have been pleased.”

The production was made possible in part by the Bowling Family Gift Project at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC). According to Simpson, the family generously gifted the college some years ago, providing funding for scholarships as well as Bell County historical plays. Simpson, who works as a public relations director at Southeast, also serves as MLT’s executive director.

“As a community college, Southeast recognizes the importance of community outreach,” says Simpson. “The Little Theatre was founded in 1947, and thanks to the college’s generous support, the organization will continue to thrive for years to come.”

To reserve tickets for performances on Sept. 28 and 30, call Pine Mountain State Park at 606-337-3066.