The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE —STARS, an Appalfolks of America Association troupe of performers who face intellectual or physical disabilities, will open its 23rd performance season at the Historic Masonic Theatre on Saturday, June 22, at 7 p.m.
The group will present “All American STARS,” a variety show with Paula Crance and Sonya K. Romanello serving as co-directors. Chris Fisher will return as the emcee.
More than 20 performers will take the stage for the first time under the new Home Program designation the Historic Masonic Theatre has approved for the troupe which has flourished for more than two decades, increasing its numbers from 12 to 30.
Appalfolks of America Association, founder of STARS, teamed with Media Storm Productions of Virginia Beach to film a documentary titled “STARS” that was filmed in the theatre and in Clifton Forge. The eight-minute documentary film, featuring members of STARS performing and commentary from both cast and parents of STARS along with those working with STARS, won a Bronze Telly.
“STARS continues to be one of our most beneficial outreach programs,” said M. Ray Allen, Appalfolks president, “and I thank theatre manager Jeff Stern and the Historic Masonic Theatre for extending that Home Program designation to STARS, a most deserving troupe of performers who give their all on stage and who deserve to perform in Virginia’s oldest continually operating theatre.”
“It is right and proper that our first Home Program designations be extended to Appalfolks of America’s programs, STARS and The New ‘Old School’ Junior Virginia Opry,” added Stern. “Mr. Allen and Appalfolks of America have a rich and successful history at the Historic Masonic Theatre of providing creative opportunities to and for everyone in our region. We are proud to continue to play our small part in supporting Appalfolks of America as it continues to serve this community.”
Tickets for STARS range in prices from $8 to $20, and tickets can be reserved by calling the Historic Masonic Theatre’s box office at (540) 862-5655 or visiting online www.historicmasonicthetre.com.
Allen concluded, “I wish to thank WestRock and the town of Clifton Forge for the ongoing support of STARS, which stands for Special Theatrical Artists Revue and Showcase.”
