[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 82 (Monday, June 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1191]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             ``KUDZU'' CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL WASHINGTON RUN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. PRICE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 22, 1998

  Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize 
the artistic merit and creative talents of North Carolinians Doug 
Marlette, Jack Herrick, and Bland Simpson, creators of ``Kudzu: A 
Southern Musical.'' This musical production has been playing at the 
Ford's Theatre in Washington, DC for almost sixteen weeks, has received 
glowing reviews from the New York Times, the Boston Globe, and other 
publications, and has lifted the spirits of thousands who have been 
privileged, as I was last week, to see the show.
  The musical is based on the syndicated comic strip ``Kudzu,'' 
illustrated by Pulitzer Prize-winning editorial cartoonist Doug 
Marlette. The Red Clay Ramblers, a talented and versatile musical group 
from Chapel Hill, are featured along with an excellent cast. The 
production explores life in a small Southern town called Bypass and 
focuses on the life, loves, and mishaps of a character named Kudzu 
(which is also the name of the incredible vine that has engulfed half 
the town but hides wondrous treasurers beneath).
  Having grown up in a small Southern town myself, I could easily 
identify with their portrayal of the South and instantly recognize many 
of the characters! However, you do not have to be Southern, or even 
follow the antics of Kudzu, Rev. Will B. Dunn, and the other Bypass 
regulars in the comics, to enjoy this family show. Doug Marlette, Jack 
Herrick and Bland Simpson wrote a clever and entertaining script and 
incorporated great bluegrass and Dixieland music to make this 
production enjoyable for all audiences. It's as funny as can be, but it 
also tugs at the heartstrings and reminds us of the things that matter 
most in life.
  I commend this North Carolina trio, the cast of ``Kudzu,'' and 
director Lisa Portes for their tremendous work in making this 
production such a success. They tell a great story and I am proud that 
they call North Carolina home.

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