Back by popular demand, the Athens-Limestone Community Association brings back the play, “Arise and Build.”

The play, based on the book with the same title written by acclaimed Athens author and veteran journalist Charlotte Fulton, is directed by Athens City Councilman Frank Travis and produced by ALCA board member Carolyn Williams.

“Arise and Build” is about the 105-year history of Trinity High School, Limestone County’s only all-black high school before integration. The play starts with the Fletcher family planning a trip back to Athens to attend a Trinity reunion. The patriarch begins to reminisce about Trinity’s beginnings up through its closing.

Aside from the theatrical retelling of Trinity’s history, there will be original and well-known songs performed by the Southside Singers and the play’s cast.

“Our play tells the history of Limestone County that is not taught in the history books,” Williams said. “We were able to bring back the stellar cast and move to a larger location, so more people can learn about this fascinating story. The proceeds from the performances and books that are sold will help to enhance the Trinity-Fort Henderson Complex where the former school once stood.”

The highlight of the production comes as the cast gathers on a Depression-era Sunday at Trinity Congregational Church (founded by Miss Wells in 1871) where the visiting Sister Lucy Dimwitty (played by Mary Freeman) blows them away first with her humor and then with her singing voice.

A special feature of that scene is the song “Somethin’ ‘Bout Sunday Morning,” written by Jerome Malone, brother of Bryant Malone, who is Arise and Build’s musical director. Malone will be leading the approximately 30-member chorus in stirring spirituals such as, “Oh, Mary Don’t You Weep” and “Motherless Child” that hearken back to Trinity’s early days.

This year’s two new cast members, Tiffany Malone and her daughter Janaya, are also a part of the Malone musical legacy, known nationwide for gospel a cappella singing.

There will be four performances of “Arise & Build,” beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3 ; Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 5, at 3 p.m. at Friendship Church, 16479 Lucas Ferry Road in Athens.

Tickets are $25 and can be bought in Athens at the Sweetest Things Tea Room and Square Clock Coffee, in Tanner at Head 2 Toe Salon and in Huntsville at Verge Beauty Salon. The book will also be sold at each performance.