Grandview Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Theatre West Virginia Outdoor Summer Season Kicks Off In June

The annual performance season of Theatre West Virginia opens later this month. The first production is the original play “Hatfield and McCoys” on Friday, June 17.

This show will run through July 2.

The outdoor drama was first produced by Theater West Virginia more than 40 years ago. The performance is based on the true story of a family feud between a family from Kentucky and another from West Virginia.

Shows are outside at the Cliffside Amphitheater in Grandview. The park was recently named part of the New River National Park and Preserve near Beckley.

The events are usually a draw for tourists to southern West Virginia. Organizers say the audience is filled with about half locals and half visitors.

Other upcoming shows this summer include “Rocket Boys The Musical” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Most performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with live pre-show music before each show.

Find more information on Theatre West Virginia’s website or visit the Cliffside Amphitheatre Box Office.

Park Service Seeks Volunteers for Grandview Visitor Center

The National Park Service is looking for volunteers to staff the small visitor center this summer in the Grandview area of the New River Gorge National River.

The Park Service says in a news release that volunteers can either work a full shift per week for the entire summer or commit to fewer hours. Most work is performed indoors.

Duties include selling items from the park bookstore, answering questions, giving directions and distributing park maps and brochures, and trip planning. There are additional opportunities to help visitors through hikes in the Grandview area.

Basic training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be provided.

The visitor center is open daily during the summer from noon to 5 p.m.

Interested individuals should contact (304) 465-2634.

Walkway to Grandview's Main Overlook Closed for Repairs

A repair project has temporarily shut off access to the main overlook at Grandview.

The National Park Service says in a news release that the overlook’s main walkway is being closed for repairs, effective immediately. The closure is expected to last for approximately the next three weeks.

Grandview’s other overlooks and all trails will remain open.

The main overlook is 1,400 feet above the New River and provides views of river’s Horseshoe Bend and the town of Quinnimont.

Grandview is part of the New River Gorge National River.

Theatre West Virginia Rebounds from Tough Times

Theatre West Virginia has rebounded from tough financial times and is looking forward to next year’s season.

The Register-Herald reports that more than 5,000 people attended 17 performances of the outdoor historical drama “Hatfields and McCoys” at Cliffside Amphitheatre at Grandview.

In past seasons, the theater company performed both “Hatfields and McCoys” and another historical drama, “Honey in the Rock.” The company also had performed Broadway productions and productions aimed at children.

Theatre West Virginia had ceased operations in September 2013 because of financial problems. The Legislature allocated $125,000 for the organization this year.

General manager Scott Hill says the organization’s board plans to meet next week to discuss this year’s successes and ways to improve upon them next year.