Hot Grog

HOT GROG  -  Book by Jim Wann Music and Lyrics by Wann and Simpson

Greenville people still sing songs from HOT GROG, a musical comedy loosely based on the life of Blackbeard the Pirate. The play starred Jim Wann (Pump Boys and Dinettes) and Cass Morgan (Memphis). Bland Simpson (Red Clay Ramblers) led the band and played piano. The writers Wann and Simpson conceived the idea for the Blackbeard comedy after having a hit run in New York with DIAMOND STUDS. They spent some weeks on the Outer Banks working on the new project.  Once complete it was a full scale production, with a cast and crew of twenty four, complete with elaborate sets and costumes. Clever use of scrim and lighting made the five piece band a part of the stage, worked into every scene. They opened at the Ranch House in Chapel Hill for a two week engagement before traveling to Greenville. The production was welcomed into the community for their two week stay, with many housed by local residents. It was a beautiful thing to behold. Few could say that the old theater was ever more alive. Memorable music, lyrics, characters and great comedy. A spectacle.

Suggestion, purchase the book and revive this musical in a nice Coastal North Carolina setting. Just make sure to include the song "Catfish". Let us know where to buy tickets. We can't wait to see Blackbeard swimming around the boat looking for his head.