GRANDVIEW, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The performers of Theatre West Virginia returned to the stage Friday evening for the first of three Rocket Boys the Musical shows slated to take place this weekend.
The evening was notable for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the attendance of the Mountain State’s own Homer Hickam, who made his way out for the performance and addressed the crowd prior to the start of the show.
Regaling those in attendance with tales from his new book ‘Don’t Blow Yourself Up,’ Hickam touched on the inspiration he took from an early sighting of the Sputnik 1 satellite, immediately after which he realized he “wanted to be a part of the space business.”
The Coalwood native and Rocket Boys author has worked closely with Theatre West Virginia for a number of years, and was consulted in the development of one of the evening’s most significant highlights: a life-sized replica of the City of Coalwood around which the production was conducted.
Plans for the structure have been underway for some time, with Theatre West Virginia General Manager Scott Hill having pitched the idea for the replica to city council back in April – LOOTPRESS coverage of the council meeting can be seen here.
It eventually came to pass that Theatre West Virginia was awarded a $15,000 grant for the creation of the replica, which features stunningly detailed recreations of several significant landmarks in the Rocket Boys narrative, including a Big Creek High School classroom and the rose garden fence from Homer Hickam’s childhood which belonged to his mother.
“The City of Beckley has been really good to us,” said Hill just prior to Friday’s performance. “I went to the city council and said ‘hey we need some help, financially. And the city staff stepped up, and wrote us a pretty big check. And what we like to do when folks help us out, we like to give out keys to Coalwood.”
As a means of showing their appreciation, Theatre West Virginia brought city council member and Beckley Mayor Rappold – who was also in attendance Friday night – to the stage to be presented with a “Key to the City” for the Coalwood born from the generosity of the city’s assisting the organization – thus, effectively turning the tradition of the mayor awarding the Key to the City on its head.
“I had the pleasure, I think about four years ago, of presenting you with the Key to the City of Beckley,” Rappold said during a charming back and forth with Hickam. “I understand you might reciprocate it tonight.”
Laughs were had, photos taken, and an oversized key presented, but there was one more surprise to be had before showtime. Crystal Warner – President of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 4326, with assistance from Veterans of Foreign Wars Past State Commander Elmer Hibbs and Junior Vice Commander of Sophia Post 4326 – appeared in representation of the Quilts of Valor Foundation, whose mission it is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts of valor.
A personally made quilt was presented to Hickam in honor of his contributions to this country, in Warner’s fourth attempt at presenting the perpetually in-demand Hickam with the honor. As is customary in these presentations, Hickam was physically wrapped in the quilt on stage by the presenters.
Though the humidity of the July air and layers already in use were likely effective in providing sufficient warmth to Hickam – who arrived sharply dressed in a gray sportcoat – the sentiment and appreciation were clearly felt by all onstage, and the feeling enveloped the stands as well on this Friday evening, particularly when the veterans in attendance were asked to stand and be recognized.
The show itself was unique, in that it was the first Theatre West Virginia production to be put on during which the actors on stage wore protective masks. This comes as a result of confirmed COVID cases amongst the group, which brought Rocket Boys’ run to a halt during the 62nd season as the five-day quarantine period passed – LOOTPRESS coverage on these developments can be seen here.
For those who were unable to attend Friday, Rocket Boys the Musical will be presented in shows on Saturday and Sunday as well, with each performance beginning at 7:30pm. To purchase tickets, or to find out more information, call (304) 256-6800, or visit Theatre West Virginia online here.
