True crime drama coming to McKinney Center in July

JONESBOROUGH — Inspired by a true crime from Jonesborough’s past, “Can’t Get Away with This” is an original play written by Anne G’Fellers-Mason. It will be performed at the McKinney Center on July 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

On August 26, 1928, the body of Officer James Hood was found on Main Street on the lawn of the Second Presbyterian Church, now the Central Christian Church, and it was obvious he’d met with foul play.

The intense investigation, arrests, and court case that followed consumed the attention of the town for several weeks. But justice was never found for Officer Hood, and the rifts that followed the jury’s decision pushed the crime into the shadows, not to be talked about. This interactive play, with opportunities for the audience to investigate alongside the characters, will present all the evidence and sources from the time. What really happened that night? Come and be a part of the play and discover for yourself.

“This is a story I’ve wanted to research and write for years,” shares Mason who will also be directing the play. “Some voices from the past cry out to me louder than others, and Officer Hood’s was one of those. I see this play as a way to shed light on an injustice from the past and hopefully bring some peace to a painful situation. It’s only by embracing our past that we can learn from it.” Officer Hood is the only Jonesborough police officer to be killed in the line of duty. “I hope the audience will be on the edge of their seats like I was when I was researching this play,” Mason adds. “It’s a real nail-biter.”

Tickets are $17 and are available for purchase at Jonesborough.com/tickets or by calling the Visitors Center at 423-753-1010. This play is rated PG-13 for adult themes and suggested violence.