Carol Phillips (left), planning committee chairman for the Leeds Downtown Folk Festival & John Henry Celebration, and Peggy Smith, a local artist who painted the play’s backdrops and scenery, stand by a larger-than-life painted cutout of John Henry.

The cast and crew of “Listen to that Cold Steel Ring” are preparing for the third annual presentations of the play during the Leeds Downtown Folk Festival & John Henry Celebration.

“The play has been presented to standing-room only audiences and has become the anchor for the annual downtown folk festival,” said Carol Phillips, chairman of the festival’s planning committee.

Phillips has taken a hands-on approach in the preparations for this year’s three presentations of the play during the festival set for Sept. 18 and Sept. 19 in historic downtown Leeds.

 The play will be presented on the grounds of the Leeds Historic Depot on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on Sunday at 3 p.m.

“Listen to that Cold Steel Ring,” written and copyrighted by Leeds native Marie Cromer, depicts the life of the legendary steel driver John Henry.  The play has been revised and expanded to include more roles for children, and, like the festival itself, will offer something for everyone of all ages, Phillips said.

All revisions to the script were approved by Ms. Cromer, Phillips said. “We’ve added some new scenes and want to keep it fresh and interesting each year. We’ve added a few new characters, and I’m excited about the outstanding backdrops, scenery and props constructed and painted by local artist Peggy Smith,” she said. Phillips added that all revisions to the script were approved by Ms. Cromer.

The Cast

Reprising their lead roles for the third year will be Kenneth Washington as John Henry, Gregory Moore and Marie McDaniel as his parents, Jarvis McDaniel as the young John Henry, Justin Hogan as a Columbus & Western contractor, Sean Hogan as a C&W surveyor, Ronnie Saddler in two roles – as the teen John Henry and the substitute, or “wannabee,” shaker, and Dan Marbury as Rubin, the shaker man.

Also reprising their roles from last year will be Jerry Noell as Capt. Fred Dabney, Chief Engineer with the C&O Railroad, and Hope Cook as John Henry’s wife.

Newcomers to the cast will be Tim Jennings as William Stevens, patent attorney and sales representative from the Ingersoll Steam Drill Co., Patricia Noell as Mrs. Stevens, and the award-winning 12-year-old actress Samantha Arnold from Birmingham as their daughter. (Samantha is the daughter of Regina Arnold, executive director of the Leeds Arts Council.)

Trey Spruiell and Austin Glass, Leed High School students and veteran actors with the Leeds Arts Council, will play farm boys. Emily Cook, Inman Saddler and Macy Cook have roles as John Henry’s sisters.

“We’re delighted to welcome all the talented new members to the cast and expect rehearsals to get under way soon,” Phillips said.  “The dates and times of the rehearsals will be announced by the director.

“John Saddler will again serve as the play’s narrator, and we especially appreciate Mr. Saddler and Dr. Carl Marbury for their enthusiasm and financial support of the festival and play. Dr. Marbury, an esteemed scholar and historian, will give a brief welcoming remark before each presentation of the play,” Phillips said.