Earlene McCleave has been involved behind the scenes with “Gold in the Hills” since her daughters – now 23 and 27 – were young enough to pass out bags of peanuts and play the part of Little Tammy, one of the youngest cast members in the melodrama.

Now McCleave is co-producing the show for her first time. Although she’s been the producer and director for a few mainstage shows and Fairy Tale Theatre, “Gold” has a very special place in her heart.

Her late husband, Barry McCleave, produced the show for 10 years. He died in September after fighting cancer for more than a year. Earlene McCleave is filling his shoes with her love of the Vicksburg Theatre Guild, “Gold in the Hills” and plenty of fond memories.

“We got involved when the kids got involved, and the one thing about this show is that the cast and crew are a family. They helped Barry throughout the years, and now they’re helping me,” she said.

McCleave said the cast and crew asked her to take his place, and she gladly accepted.

“I’m not sure how long I’ll do this, but I at least want to help them get through this first time back on stage,” she said.

Opening night of the 69th season of the show is tonight, and cast and crew alike are ready, although the absence of Barry McCleave’s friendly face will be tough.

“Having Earlene here will be good for us because she knows the ropes,” said David Haworth, who has played Hiram Stanley, the heroine’s father, for nearly 20 years.

“Barry might have been the one in charge, but she was always the one that got things done. Anything backstage and in the green room from ironing to safety pinning to makeup – she did it,” he said.

Elizabeth Thornton is directing the show this year, and she’s seen many changes in the production since she was first a peanut girl in the 1960s on the steamboat Sprague, one of the original homes of the show.

She said one thing that has been a constant in the production through the past decade was Barry McCleave’s dedication.

“He was an absolute joy to work with because he always seemed to get things done with what seemed to be little effort. I don’t think anyone was as dedicated to the production for as long as he was. Most producers get tired of it after a few years, but not Barry. He was in it for the long haul,” she said.

Thornton said McCleave’s dedication to the show is to be admired.

“She was always Barry’s right arm. I imagine this is a bittersweet transition for her, and I admire her strength. I couldn’t do what she’s doing in this situation,” she said.