‘Gold in the Hills’ performances Friday and Saturday

“Gold in the Hills” is back for an 84th season for one weekend only. Performances will be July 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vicksburg Theater Guild.

After 83 seasons, “Gold in the Hills” remains a community classic. New and younger cast members keep the classic fresh and new each season. The play is an interactive melodrama that features heroes, villains and struggles in the New York Bowery.

“No two shows are ever exactly the same,” said Dr. Walter Johnston, associate producer. Johnston has played Big Mike and many other roles over the years.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions, there have been fewer visitors to the city, and the production team is getting the word out to the community to support the local theater.

“We are catering to both locals and visitors but more toward locals,” said Kathryn Goss, daughter of Sarah Goss, director of “Gold in the Hills.” Goss has also been cast in many roles in the classic.

The cast and crew are taking many precautions during the production of the play. Cast members are required to wear a mask while not on stage. The theater will only be holding 50% of its capacity to ensure social distancing between audience members, who will be required to wear a mask throughout the performance. Deep cleaning will occur after each performance.

“We are continuing the tradition while also keeping the cast and audience’s safety in mind, and we are taking all the precautions as necessary,” Goss said.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and are available at the box office on performance days. The theater is located at 101 Iowa Ave. For more information, visit the Vicksburg Theatre Guild website.