MARIETTA - "Pass it Down" is a new, original stage play that deals with serious issues many families have to cope with. From alcoholism, death, adultery to abuse, racism and dirty family secrets, four generations of women face the realities of life and challenges of healing a family in time for the next generation.

The play has been well received since premiering in October and is being brought back to Marietta's Strand Theatre for an encore performance at 7 p.m. Jan. 30. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. They can be purchased at www.earlsmithstrand.org.

Powder Springs author Sid Powell wrote and produced the play. She said fascinating characters drive the play and its cast is able to deliver a message of healing to audiences in a way that touches everyone personally. The lead character is Marlene Bishop, the great-grandmother of the four generations.

"Herald Carter III was Marlene's son-in-law. He passes away and that's the catalyst," said Powell, 33. "His funeral is what brings them together and gets them talking and being open and honest about things they've seen or that they weren't aware of like the abuse.

"Herald used to beat his wife and drank a lot," she said. "He was just a bit of a hellraiser and a lot of things come to light after he passes away."

"Pass it Down" is Powell's first play. She said she and her significant other created the plot together. As a published novelist, the struggles of women are a common thread that runs through many of Powell's works.

"Just our ability to have a duality about us," she said. "There's a lot that you may never see, but there's always a lot going on inside of a woman's mind."

In her directorial debut, 29-year-old "Pass it Down" director Bianca Houston of Union City said she worked closely with Powell to interpret the storyline for the stage and bring out the richness of each character.

"There are a lot of different characters and different personalities that come with those characters," said Houston, a longtime actress. "But, we've been blessed to work with different people.

Some of the 13 cast members have previously worked together on other projects, which they say has helped to create a family atmosphere on and off stage.

Tiffany Wade, 33, of Smyrna, portrays lead character Marlene Bishop, the outspoken 80-year-old matriarch of the family. According to the play's producer and director, Wade's performance has contributed to much of its success. Wade, a veteran actress who's appeared in dozens of plays, said she drew inspiration from her own mother for the part.

"This is actually my second time playing an old lady," said Wade, whose 5-year-old son, Joshua, also has a part in the play.

"(Marlene) is funny and just real. Some of the stuff that she says is jaw-dropping, but it's what everyone else is thinking. I think most of the time that type of character draws a crowd."

Powell, Houston and Wade have more plays, films and even a television show in the works. However, they said "Pass it Down" is only the beginning of what they hope is a long line of projects they and other cast members collaborate on in the future.

"Eventually, we'll probably name this group of people something," said Powell. "That's how good everybody is at what they do."

More information about "Pass it Down" and its cast can be found at www.zeniproductions.com.