Alchemy Theatre Troupe, Huntington’s premier acting company, will be performing the classic Appalachian play Dark of the Moon on Sept. 27 and 28 and on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheatre at Barboursville Park.
Dark of the Moon, written by Howard Richardson and William Berney, tells the tragic story of a mountain witch and the woman who captures his heart. Drawing on mountain myths, Appalachian folk tales, and traditional ballads, the play weaves together music, magic, and drama to create a spellbinding effect on audiences.
The play, drawing on Appalachian culture, is a natural fit for Alchemy, which seeks to forge powerful connections of emotions and ideas between artists and audiences through theatre that transforms the community in Huntington and the Tri-State area. The play uses well-known mountain and holler tunes, as well as a traditional story, to ground the play in the lived world of West Virginia and greater Appalachia.
Dark of the Moon has been performed for over 50 years, and “for those who do know it, it is beloved,” says Robert Hutchens, director of the play. When he performed the play in Gatlinburg, Tenn., for a decade, audiences would return year after year to see their story told. Hutchens says that this is because “for people from Appalachia, there is great appeal in the mountain lore, humor, and music” that they grew up with.
Actress Christine Anderson says the play is “like none I have ever played,” and actor Parr Thacker calls the piece “perfect for the setting, the time of year, and the venue.”
Alchemy will perform Dark of the Moon on Sept. 27 and 28 and on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own outdoor seating for maximum comfort.
Tickets can be purchased at the performance or on this site. More information can be found at the Facebook event page .
The first trailer for Dark of the Moon can be viewed at this link.
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