The Return of "The Aracoma Story"

The modern adaptation of a story with tales of the region's rich history, The Aracoma Story: Spirits and Legends, opens at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park.

After two successful seasons, The Aracoma Story, Inc., has brought the classic tale back for another run. In the 2009, former cast members of "The Aracoma Story," Bill France and Geoff Allen, collaborated to adapt the show that has been presented in various forms since 1976 into a modern presentation. This will be the show's 35th consecutive season on stage in Chief Logan State Park.

This season's show brings several new faces along with some familiar names to the stage. Playing the title role of Princess Aracoma is Rachel Noe-Maynard of Logan. She has played her favorite role (Princess Aracoma) in previous years, but she's especially excited about this production where she will share the stage with her 5-year old daughter Maddy and her step-son, Luke. Noe-Maynard is a 2008 graduate of Marshall University earning her BFA in Theatre. She has worked in many community and regional theatre productions during the past 13 years in the Logan and Huntington areas.

Playing the role of Boling Baker is Scott Abbott of Logan. Abbott started performing with The Aracoma Story, Inc. productions in 1986 with "The Music Man." He has played just about every male role in "The Aracoma Story" drama including Boling Baker.

The entire cast of "The Aracoma Story: Spirits and Legends" is made up of more than 50 people including Rachel Noe-Maynard (Princess Aracoma), Scott Abbott (Boling Baker), Cody Vinson (The Man), Shyann Ferrell (Elly), Madyson Adams (Liz), Emilee Adams (M.J.), Richie Nelson (Jamie), Kobe Smith (Josh), Amber Richards (Anna), Mary Muncey (Greeter), Keith Muncey (Cornstalk), Nancy Kirkendall (Dream Teller), Jacob McCoy (Crazy Wolf), Brooke Browning (Oceana), Dennie Carver (Medicine Man), Aaron Stone (Logan), Zach Nelson (Gibson), Lee Gore (Waulalisippi), Jenny Young (Nonhelema), Rhonda Richards (Ruth), Heather Crisswell (Rebecca), Dakota Browning (Fish Hunter), Steven Botsch (Big Bear), Michael Tomblin (York/White Horse), B.J. Kilgore (Elijah/Lone Tree), Scott Light (Lt. Chapman/James), Jeremy Gibson (Dawes), David Brumfield (Monroe), Cindy Armstrong (Legend), Gracie York (Kathryn), Kayla Ojeda (Blue Feather), Jala Gore (Snow Lilly), Hanna Mosley (Raindrop), Walker Light (Running Deer), Samuel Mason Tomblin (Infant Waulalisippi), Maddy Noe (Flower Petal), Andrea May (Jessica), Katie Bojaski (Nancy), Billy Hager (Peter), Elizabeth Light (Amanda), Summer Jewell (Missy), Olivia Rice (Mary Louise), Sarah Rose (Ruby), Lexi Morgan (Ellen Grace), Payton Porter (Gertrude), Ally Maynard (Amelia), Jackie Blankenship (Mildred), Brianna Ball (Beatrice), Grace Kimler, Hannah Harrison, Morgan Stollings, Madison Nelson (Ceremonial Maidens), Addison Nelson, Bridgett Gore, Judy Wooten, Alex Wooten, Lexi Brumfield, Melinda Brumfield, Hannah Runyon, Jayla Lovejoy, Autumn Blankenship (Indians), McKenna Browning, Berdina Hager, Phillip Stevens, Natalie Rice, Sydnee Rice (Settlers).

Once again this summer season, The Aracoma Story, Inc. will salute the Armed Forces during each Wednesday night performance by offering free admission to all Active Military Personnel and half-price admission to all veterans for their ticket purchased at the box office before the show.

The show will run Tuesdays through Saturdays, July 19 through Aug 6. All performances start at 8:30 nightly. You can purchase tickets by phone, including group discounted tickets, using Visa or MasterCard by calling The Aracoma Story, Inc. office at 304-752-0253.

For more information, go online at www.loganshows.com.