an original play written by Holly and Carson McNeal
a Warren Arts production
September 25-27, 2026
at the Park Theater
McMinnville, Tennessee
What’s it about?
It’s about dancing in caves.
It’s about high school gym class.
It’s about sonic drinks with your friends.
It’s about annoying little sisters.
It’s about parents who don’t seem to understand you.
It’s about the girl next door.
Background
In 1998, in a small Tennessee town, mysterious fumes shut down the local high school. The EPA was called in and ultimately declared it a case of mass hysteria—a figment of the imagination that caused over 100 students and teachers to experience very real symptoms.
Potatoes tells the probably, possibly, maybe “true story” of what really happened. Led by a group of friends on an adventure, an annoying little sister, and a healthy dose of ’90s nostalgia, it’s a celebration of childhood friendships and unlikely heroes.
Cast List
Tuck: Jude McNeal
Cody: Shire Mason
George: Hunter Johnson
Brian: Silas McNeal
Charlie (Charlotte): Layla Sexton
Dad (Paul): Ryan Sexton
Mom (Sandra): Rachel McGee
Katie: Maggie Rogers
Jennifer: Blakely Martin
Coach Dunlap: Gregg Garrison
Nurse: Dawn Wanamaker
Receptionist: Delanie Sullivan
Mrs. Taylor: Kathy Elam
Reporter: Delanie Sullivan
Camera Man: Seth Wright
Superintendent of schools: Robert Elam
Hazmat Suit Dudes- Seth Wright, Aidyn Harris
Mandy: Nila Dupuis
Sarah: Mary Collier
Brittany: Aaliyah Goodman
Kelly: Norah McNeal
Megan: Josie Weismore
Allison: Gracie Holt
Kimberly: Madelyn Ford
Doug: Gabriel Huber
Waitress: Norah McNeal
Ranger: Nila Dupuis
Cleric: Gregg Garrison
Fighter: Finn Killian
Bard: Robert Elam
Teen Ensemble:
Mary Collier, Nila Dupuis, Madelyn Ford, Aaliyah Goodman, Clover Gray, Aidyn Harris, Lily Harvey, Gracie Holt, Gabriel Huber, Anthony Maldonado, Vera McClain, Norah McNeal, Josie Weismore
Tech:
Zeke Morrison, Ridge Weismore
About the Authors
Holly McNeal
Holly McNeal began her theatrical experience at First Baptist's Mothers Day Out in Gallatin, TN in 1987. She was the one whose hat fell off. She is now a home educator to her three children and teaches art at Upper Cumberland Inclusive Homeschool co-op.
She has been active with Warren Arts since 2022 when her children discovered a love of theater. She is often found working in the shadows back stage, and more recently painting sets, making props and assistant directing.
Carson McNeal
Carson gets dragged into all sort of endeavors by his wife, but he doesn’t mind. Usually.
By day, he designs and manufactures farm tools. He now spends his evenings designing and building the coolest set to hit Warren County.
He’s been around Warren Arts since 2022, but got really involved last year when he created the giraffe costumes for The Warren Arts Production of The Lion King Junior.