CLIFTON FORGE, Va. (VR) – Special Theatrical Artists Revue & Showcase (STARS) opened its 27th performance season by presenting “Springtime & Sunshine,” a variety show, at the Good News Church on Main in Covington on Sunday, April 16.
STARS is a troupe of 30 performers who face physical disabilities or intellectual challenges. The troupe has tripled in number since the troupe of 10 made its debut at the Historic Stonewall Theatre in 1996 as an outreach program of Appalfolks of America Association, the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded by M. Ray Allen in 1985.
Appalfolks owned and operated the theater for 12 years, and STARS continued to perform in the theater after Appalfolks donated the theater to the town of Clifton Forge in 2003. The town changed the name of the theater back to the Masonic Theatre.
Three of the performers who sang in the variety show on Sunday did so in their wheelchairs. The show was directed by Paula Crance, an Appalfolks’ board member, and Sonya Romanello. Chris Fisher emceed the show after leading the audience in prayer.
The troupe opened the variety show with its rendition of “It’s a Beautiful Day,” and Kevin Burton sang the opening solo number, “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Alanna Conner, Nancy Wilmore and Ricky McCoy followed Burton with a rousing rendition of “You Are My Sunshine.”
Jamie Adkins sang “Sunshine on My Shoulders,” and he was followed by Bonnie Crance and Ruth Golden, who sang “I Can See Clearly Now.”
Shane Fury then sang “What a Beautiful Day.”
Wendy Anderson and Lynn Johnson presented their rendition of “Happy,” before Todd Bates sang “The Lion Sleeps Tonight.”
Mikayla Davis and Donovan Givens ended the first half by singing “Nobody but You.”
After intermission, the troupe returned to sing “Spread a Little Sunshine.” Sandy Bates directed the group.
Eddie Lewis presented his rendition of “Always,” and Makaylen Berry and Amber Uzzell sang “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
Tamara Caldwell sang “Wildflowers,” followed by Avery Smithers and Kevin Stec, who presented their rendition of “Life Is a Highway.”
Tammy Tingler sang “I Love a Rainy Night,” and Ryan Jeter followed with his rendition of “Easter Hallelujah.”
George Thompson and Tyreek Yancey sang “Three Little Birds,” before the show’s group finale, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”
Additional group singers were Rocky Britt, Ricky Fridley and Mary Weade.
A documentary film titled “STARS,” shot in Clifton Forge and inside the Historic Masonic Theatre by Appalfolks in conjunction with Media Storm Productions, a Virginia Beach company, won a 2006 Bronze Telly Award.
The film was scripted and narrated by Jana Allen, daughter of M. Ray Allen, who has served as the president of Appalfolks since founding the nonprofit corporation in 1985. The corporation is based in Clifton Forge.
M. Ray Allen remarked, “I congratulate Paula, Sonja, Chris and all of the members of STARS for their dedication to making STARS the second longest-running outreach program founded by Appalfolks.”
He concluded, “I thank the Clifton Forge Moose Lodge for allowing STARS to practice there, WestRock for its ongoing support, Alleghany Printing for designing and donating programs and posters, Pastor Steve Noel for allowing STARS to perform on stage at Good News Church on Main and all of the volunteers who help STARS practice and stage variety shows.”
Good News Church on Main is located at W. Main Street in Covington.
The town of Clifton Forge continues to support the STARS program. Several of the performers are residents of Clifton Forge.
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