Submitted Photo/Surry Arts Council

Two performances of “Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story” are set for the Andy Griffith Playhouse.

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The Surry Arts Council will be presenting the musical theater production of “Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story,” on Thursday, April 19 at 2 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse. A second performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Wynette, widely regarded as the First Lady of Country Music, recorded, performed and even penned many of her greatest hits, from “I Don’t Want to Play House Anymore” and “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” to “Golden Ring” and “‘Till I Can Make It on My Own.”

The songs were often written in response to events in her often-stormy personal life.

This music-laden performance chronicles the life of Wynette, dealing with some of her most difficult episodes, including the relationship with her mother, her divorces, her addiction to prescription drugs, her illnesses and a kidnapping incident.

The performance will feature 28 of her songs.

Ironically, because she had five husbands, the title song — “Stand By Your Man,” was Wynette’s biggest hit.

But producers note that the country icon was a women who loved being in love.

“She was extremely strong, but there was a part of her that always looked to be taken care of,” said Tanya Jones, executive director of the Surry Arts Council. “That probably led her to make some hard decisions, especially in life. The one place she was truly happy was on the stage.”

For information or to purchase tickets, call 336-786-7998 or online at www.surryarts.org Tickets to the performance are $30 reserved seating and $25 for general admission.

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.