Swamp Gravy’s production based on a local murder to hold closing shows this weekend

COLQUITT – This weekend is the last chance to catch the “Swamp Gravy: Iron and Lace” production, a tale based on local playwright Jennifer Trawick’s dive into a real-life murder that happened in the area and the ensuing fallout for the town, store and widow of the victim.

The story was one the playwright had heard about for years, but when it came time to begin the play, she had to do some research.

“I spent a lot of time reading and researching the main story line,” Trawick said, “The story was documented well in a local newspaper. They documented the case from start to finish.”

The details from those articles became the backbone of the play, but left lots of room for inference and invention.

“I was surprised there wasn’t more details about the families that were involved in the case,” Trawick said. “These families were close before the crime happened. I guess way back when they didn’t discuss family emotions and effects.”

The play uses the newspaper as almost a narrator, connecting the scenes with details from the cast and testimony from the courtroom, with reporting from a news reporter. Names and details of the story have been changed and, as Swamp Gravy’s theme song suggests, “spiced up.”

“Iron and Lace” performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.swampgravy.com or by calling the Box Office at (229) 758-5450. Saturday matinees are almost sold out.

Up next at Cotton Hall is its first-ever Comedy Night on Nov. 16, 2025 and “The Thrill of Hope: A Swamp Gravy Christmas” in December.

Special Photo: Swamp Gravy