Special Theatrical Artists Revue & Showcase (STARS) will perform “Just Wanna Have Fun,” a variety show, at Good News Church on Main in Covington on Sunday, May 22, at 3:00 p.m.
The variety show will be the first of three STARS’ productions at Good News Church on Main that will complete the troupe’s 26th performance season.
STARS is an outreach program of Appalfolks of America Association, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit corporation founded in Clifton Forge in 1985. Beginning with a troupe of 12 performers who faced intellectual challenges or ones who had physical disabilities, STARS has grown to a troupe of 30.
Directed by Paula Crance and Sonya Romanello, STARS made its debut in the Historic Stonewall Theatre in 1996. Appalfolks owned the theatre at the time, and STARS was formed to become part of the regular programming at the theatre. In 2003, Appalfolks donated the theatre to the Town of Clifton Forge.
STARS continued to perform at The Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre until June of 2021 when the variety show resulted in STARS’ first financial loss in its history.
Appalfolks’ Board of Directors decided to hold future productions at Good News Church in Covington where the facility is being provided free of charge, enabling Appalfolks to stage STARS’ productions without suffering financially.
Chris Fisher will continue as emcee of STARS, a program that does not hold auditions for its members. Anyone who faces an intellectual challenge or has a physical disability is welcomed into the troupe.
A 2006 documentary film titled “STARS” was awarded a Bronze Telly. The film was scripted and narrated by Jana Allen, a board member of Appalfolks who is spokesperson, emcee and vocalist for The Virginia Opry, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s official Opry that was founded at the Historic Stonewall Theatre on Oct. 17, 1992.
STARS has welcomed such nationally prominent guests as Michael Hoover and Rebecca Holden to the stage to perform at STARS’ variety shows.
WestRock has been supportive of STARS since the troupe made its debut at the Historic Stonewall Theatre in 1996, and Good News Church on Main has extended welcoming arms to embrace the troupe that now considers its home base to be in the City of Covington.
There are no advance ticket sales, and tickets at the door are $6 or a donation of any amount. All proceeds will go to Appalfolks of America Assoc.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.