The Inspiration Behind ‘The Butterbeans’

Carluse Baird

And the Stage Production “For the Rest of My Life I’ll Serve Him”

By Staff Reports

Elder Carluse Baird grew up in Asheville but being that butterbeans only grow in warmer climates, we wondered where Baird got his inspiration.

“It actually started one Sunday evening when Lynda Driver a fellow church member, did the welcoming address for our churches pastoral anniversary,” says Baird.



Ms.
Driver asked that she be introduces as ‘Sister Butterbean,’ and I
complied, laughed Baird. “Not knowing what to expect, I announced…
“The welcome today will be done by Sister Beauty Butterbean. That’s
when Sister Driver walked out dress in full regalia like a sanctified
church mother, and completely in character! People were pleasantly
amused, and really responded to her with opened arms. They really
related to where she was coming from, they laughed and really enjoyed
themselves!”
 


The Butterbean family from ‘Sidewalk Souf Kackielacky’.

Baird was
approach about making the Butterbean family into a play depicting the
trails and tribulations of a spiritual family’s walks through life.
While studying the plays of Tyler ‘Madea’ Perry and reviewing other
live stage productions, Elder Baird decided to bring the play ‘ The
Butterbeans’ to the live stage.


In December,
Baird, his wife Romona, and Gina Gaines a fellow church member and
writer from the church’s drama department, penned the play For the Rest
of My Life, I’ll Serve Him. “That’s when the Butterbean family
expanded, and Brother Bud Butterbean was introduced – that’s where I
fit in,” says Baird, “and the family of Butterbeans just grew from
there!”



Baird has also
participated in the stage production of “Glory Road,” where he played
the role of the devil. Asked whether he had any misgivings about
playing the role of a devil, Baird’s reply was, “I didn’t pick the
role, but I said who would be a better person to play the role of Satan
than a minister of the gospel… believe me, I’m prayed up!”



Along with seven
other cast members the Butterbean family from ‘Souf Kackielacky,’ will
knock you off your feet with real life drama, gospel humor, and a
message that you won’t soon forget!



For more information call
Elder Carluse Baird at 828-582-2658