The Beverly Hillbillies, created by Paul Henning, adapted by D. D. Brooke and directed by Dr. Sharon Carbaugh, was the latest student production on the Lee University stage. This hilarious comedy features vintage television's familiar Ozark family who move to Beverly Hills, California after striking it rich. The stage adaptation starts in the mountain cabin and follows the simple country folk through their improbable invasion of high falutin’ Beverly Hills society and the absurd adventures and ridiculous romances they encounter there.

The production featured a terrific cast who did justice to their TV counterparts. Granny was played by Marlaina Bennett, a 20-year-old junior in drama. Senior communication major Chris Wilson (22) tackled the role of Jed. Kirt Johnson, a 20-year-old junior double majoring in communication and history, filled Jethro's large shoes. Sophomore Jennifer Baisden, 19, took on the physically demanding role of Elly May. The supporting cast included Marcus McCann as Mr. Drysdale, Dawn Peterson as Mrs. Drysdale, Allen Jervey as Percy, Angela Strong as Fredrika, Caliph Scott as Colonel Foxhall, Kristi Holland as Emaline, Caroline Krueger as Mrs. Pennyweather, Hope Lewis as Gloria, Joanna Dalton as Miss Hathaway, Aaron Hallaway as Turner and Mr. Oglethorpe, Adam Swalley as Brewster and Lt. Richards, and Tiffany Gause as Cousin Pearl and Mrs. Smythe.

"I was just absolutely blown away," said one viewer. "Jed, Granny, and Elly May positively nailed those impressions. And Mr. Drysdale I found particularly entertaining. Not to slight the rest of them, though." The elaborate mansion set, designed and built by Shane Fuller and Jonathan Wills, also earned high praise.

The production sold more community tickets than any other production Lee University has presented.