Editor’s note: Story corrected to reflect the Poke Sallet Follies benefits the Foundation on Aging and not the Council on Aging.

A ticket to a performance of “Hamilton” on Broadway will cost you $850 for a good seat, or a little less than $300 for a cheap seat.

A ticket to the annual Poke Sallet Follies will set you back only $35 and comes with dinner by 306 Barbecue. Even better, each ticket sold benefits the Limestone County Foundation on Aging.

Local actor, playwright and Athens City Councilman Frank Travis has been tasked with directing this year’s production.

“We have hints of ‘Hamilton,’” he said with a laugh. “We want it to be sold out so you can’t find a ticket.”

Previous productions of Poke Sallet were akin to a southern “Saturday Night Live,” complete with sketch comedy bits and commercials. In honor of this being the bicentennial for both Athens and Limestone County, a decision was made to vary the formula.

“There’s just enough of the old formula for people who are (familiar with Poke Sallet),” Travis said.

This year’s production is called “The Book of Athens” and traces the history of the community through a number of pivotal events that are acted out in sketches. There will still be plenty of laughs, but there will be some serious moments, too. One sketch deals with the 1974 tornado outbreak while another tracks the career trajectory of Judge James E. Horton Jr.

Travis revealed the production begins with a scene from a bicentennial parade in downtown Athens. When the parade is stopped by a train, as often happens with downtown parades, a father uses the gap to tell his son about their roots.

Another major difference with this year’s production is live music, as opposed to the lip-syncing of previous shows. Travis said live singers and musicians will accentuate each chapter of the production as the story progresses through time.

Large video screens on each side of the stage will also add new elements. For example, real tornado footage will be shown on the screens during the chapter about the 1974 outbreak.

“We have a technical crew who has just done an awesome job,” Travis said. “It’s very innovative.”

The 26th annual Poke Sallet Follies will be March 8–10 at the Athens Senior Center. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale daily during usual business hours at the Athens Senior Center, 912 W. Pryor St., Athens. They are also being sold from 5:30–8:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at the center. Travis said those with questions about tickets can contact him at 256-230-1325.