The Pell City Center for Education and the Performing Arts (CEPA) and the Pell City Library will present a special program and book signing with Jett Williams, the daughter of Hank Williams, and nationally syndicated columnist and author, Rheta Grimsley Johnson, on Feb. 25 at noon.

The free event will be held at CEPA, and a complimentary light lunch will be served.

The program is held in conjunction with the world premiere of the play, Hiram: Becoming Hank Williams. Opening night is Feb. 26 with performances that night and on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. A Sunday matinee is slated for 2 p.m. Feb. 28.

Jett Williams is a country singer-songwriter and has co-written a song for the play, appropriately titled, Hiram, with Kelly Zumwalt. Gina Forsyth, a New Orleans composer and musician, also has contributed a song for the play.

Johnson co-wrote the play with playwright John M. Williams. The writing team wanted to explore the musical and life influences that “made Hank’s music immortal,” territory they felt was eclipsed by all that’s been written about Williams’ dramatic death.

The play centers on Hank Williams’ younger life as Hiram, growing up in Alabama and stars 15-year-old Corey Kirby, who talked of the influences on his real-life character and his genius.

Williams was influenced by the church music of his childhood, the blues of a street singer called Tee-Tot and the “hillbilly” songs he heard on the radio. When Hiram decided he’d make his living by singing, he donned a cowboy hat, renamed himself “Hank” and the rest is history.

“We are honored to be having the world premiere in our theater,” said Carol Pappas, president of the board of directors for CEPA. “And it is an added privilege to be able to co-host an intimate book signing event and program with Jett Williams and Rheta Grimsley Johnson.”

Johnson’s books will include: Hank Hung the Moon and Warmed Our Cold, Cold Hearts, Poor Man Provence and Enchanted Evening Barbie and the Second Coming.

Members of the business community are sponsoring a lunch reception following the program. “This is a wonderful cultural opportunity for our community, and we encourage the public to join us for what promises to be an incredible experience.”

Opening night tickets are nearly sold out. Tickets do remain for Saturday and Sunday performances by calling (205) 338-1974 or ordering online at pellcitycenter.com.

– Submitted by the Pell City Center for Education and the Performing Arts