K remembers fondly high school days of being in plays at the Stonewall Theatre in Clifton Forge, VA. She was Hallie May Clifton in "The Lost Cause," a Civil War play, and also narrated "A Christmas Carol" as produced by a group of locals. The expansive theatre building was fun to explore--and she's retold many a ghost story she's heard there. Go further back, and she can tell you about seeing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as well as a Benji movie, on the big screen--her first real movie experiences. For a long time in K's youth, the theatre was a place of mystery, fun, and possibility--but in another way, she stood somewhat forgotten. No longer.
Thanks to the very recent activity of a well-organized local foundation, as well as to the early work of folks like former Alleghany High School teacher M. Ray Allen in the 1990s, the theatre has been renovated and restored to her original glory as the Historic Masonic Theatre. Today, K, J, and G took in a showing of The Wizard of Oz on its new big screen. The mood was celebratory with a Wizard cast in costume present and an audience that clapped at scenes such as Toto's escape from Ms. Gulch's basket. It was wonderful to see the community gather and appreciate the performance--and even more delightful to hear the names of many from out-of-town (Richmond, Winston-Salem, Roanoke) among the door prize winners.
The atmosphere of the renovated building is elegant but not stuffy--a true tribute to the theatre's 100+ year history. The box seats, so long covered by drywall and sort-of accessible via makeshift dressing rooms used in community theatre, are gloriously redesigned. The "basement," previously only with a dirt floor, has been reconstructed as a gorgeous small performance venue and concessions area. What K knew as the "apartment" is now a conference room, and the beautiful skylight and wood trims are still intact. The open, expansive studio room on the third floor that K remembers for its dated 1980s Kings Dominion cast audition posters is transformed into a classy ballroom with great views. Even the bathrooms were decked out in Art Deco glory, and there's a chandelier made from salvaged parts that's obviously one-of-a-kind. We bought two books to contextualize our experience even more: local photographer Chuck Almarez's month-by-month photo book of the restoration and a book of stories, collected in part by J's former colleague Joan Vannorsdall, that tell the story of the theatre through vignettes from individuals, several of whom K knows. This book will be the first in a series called What's Your Story that will focus on the region--we can't wait to read more! If you have stories of the Masonic or are just plain interested, we'd recommend you catch the "Remembering the Masonic" story-sharing event July 16.
If you go, make a day of the Clifton Forge area and/or the greater Alleghany Highlands. We'd also recommend the C & O Railway Heritage Center, Humpback Bridge (by 2017--it is challenging to reach post the 2016 floods), and Douthat State Park among other attractions. In town, you can eat at the upscale "destination restaurant" Cafe Michel, casual Vic's Family Restaurant, Cheers-like Jack Mason's Tavern, or welcoming sandwich shop The Club Car, all within walking distance of the theatre. Our pic is from Jack Mason's, G enjoying lunch with story collection project director Joan and her friends.
We're proud of your renaissance, Clifton Forge. Keep going.
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