Dancers in Honey in the Rock
Many people who visit Southern West Virginia wonder, “What is there to do?” The answer, “More than you realize!” While the area is well known for exciting whitewater rafting, there are other great activities to enjoy. Let’s look at one of these.
Do you like the theater? What about an outdoor drama? Southern West Virginia has it with the highly acclaimed dramas, “Honey in the Rock” and “Hatfields & McCoys“. These dramas are staged each June, July and August at Cliffside Amphitheatre-Grandview near Beckley. The productions, dramatize the events of West Virginia becoming a state during the Civil War and the famous feud between families.
Some say it stated with a dispute over the ownership of a hog. Others say the ill-fated love between Roseanne McCoy and Johnse Hatfield caused it. Whatever the reason, there was bad blood between the Hatfields of West Virginia and the McCoys of Kentucky. This historical drama chronicles the battles and bloodshed spurred by pride and politics. The story of the Hatfields and McCoys has been told and retold until the real men and women diffuse into myth, but they did exist. (This production contains some violence which may frighten very young children.)
To fight for the dominance of the Union or the rights of its states? Such a decision destroyed many lives in the South during the Civil War. But here in Appalachia, it resulted in the creation of a new state–West Virginia, Union loyal, and populated by a hard-nosed new breed of American. Honey in the Rock chronicles the tumultuous birth of the Mountain State through the lives of some of its real and imagined residents. It’s a romping, rollicking, vibrant historical performance filled with drama, intrigue, music, comedy and romance. (This production contains some violence which may frighten very young children.)
Two additional musicals are on tap this summer as well, Disney’s High School Musical and Seussical. Both are high energy musical productions that are sure to please the entire family. Relive high school days as the guys and gals travel the halls at East High. Living and learning along the way. Enter the world of Dr. Seuss, with the eccentric characters known to us all. The plot mirrors the story of “Horton Hears a Who” as Horton the Elephant endeavors to protect the people of Who-ville. Many of Dr. Seuss’ characters come to life in this fun filled adventure.
These plays are productions of Theatre West Virginia, founded in 1955 and is highly acclaimed for it’s excellence in promoting and preserving the history of our country. Honey in the Rock is recognized as the nation’s oldest Civil War drama.
Southern West Virginia has something to offer that is far removed from the ordinary. Come visit and see for yourself.
Tags: Adventure Vacations, New River Gorge Whitewater Rafting, outdoor dramas, West Virginia Vacations