CLERMONT, Ga. — What if North Georgia’s most beloved folk potter could sit down for one unforgettable meeting with the scholar who never met him, but wished he had? In Cheever, a historical play by author and playwright Emory Jones, that meeting finally happens—on stage.
Back by popular demand, Cheever portrays a single poignant day in the life of Cheever Meaders, the prolific potter and political figure whose legacy shaped the region’s artistic identity. Set in 1967, just two weeks before Meaders’ death on Thanksgiving morning, the play imagines an encounter between Cheever, his wife Arie, and pottery scholar Dr. John Burrison.
“Dr. Burrison has often said that not meeting Cheever was one of his greatest regrets,” says Jones. “With his blessing, I’ve used theater to make that long-awaited meeting finally happen.”
Burrison, Regents’ Professor of English and Director of Folklore Studies at Georgia State University, was scheduled to attend the opening performance of Cheever at the Chattahoochee Center in Clermont on October 3.
History brought to life
Shortly after Cheever’s death, Dr. Burrison began working closely with Cheever’s wife, Arie, and son, Lanier, helping bring their work to national prominence—including a display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Directed by Atha Dalton, the play draws from stories Jones heard on his grandfather’s lap, blending humor, music, and memory to honor a family legacy. The cast features seasoned North Georgia actors: David White as Cheever, Karen Loos as Arie, and Eric Graves as Dr. Burrison. Original music by Sautee resident Debbielee Whelchel adds a lyrical layer to the production.
“This play marries a significant part of our rich North Georgia history with the arts,” says Sandra Cantrell, President of the Clermont Historical Society. “Cheever so captivated audiences last time that we knew we had to bring it back. Even folks who have seen the play two and three times are asking to see the magic again, and we are so pleased to be able to make that happen.”
Cheever runs for six performances: October 3–5 and October 10–12 at the Chattahoochee Center in Clermont (across from Concord Baptist Church). Tickets are $20 and are available at Eventbrite.
Visit Clermont Historical Society on Facebook or call 770-983-9064 for more details.
