GRANDVIEW, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Wednesday evening marked not only the forth presentation of Hatfields and McCoys for Theatre West Virginia’s 62nd Season, but also the return of Pay What You Wish Wednesday.
The premise is elegant in its simplicity – patrons declare what they believe the cost should be for a general admission ticket, patrons receive said ticket, patrons enjoy the show.
Indeed, there was much enjoyment to be had on this humid summer evening, as spectators filed into Grandview’s Cliffside Amphithetre for a presentation of one of the most iconic tales of the Mountain State’s vast history.
The tale in question, of course, is that of the Hatfields and McCoys: two rural families who refused to allow anything – particularly questions of ethics, legal or otherwise – get in the way of their legendary blood feud.
Live music from Jonah Carden got the evening started. Weaving in and out of classic favorites such as Steve Earle’s “Copperhead Road” and John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in an amiable drawl, the mood was effectively set when it came time for things to get underway.
Given the musical choices, it seems Carden may very well have been following Theatre West Virginia’s activity throughout its 62nd season, with nods to both Steve Earle – who worked closely with Theatre West Virginia for their May 9 production of ‘Coal Country’ – more on that here – and to John Denver – to whom Ted Vigil paid tribute just last week with a performance in the very same amphitheatre.
There was something cathartic hearing the beloved Mountain State anthem echoing through the very mountains and trees of which its lyrics speak, in one of the most beautiful areas within the state itself.
The traditional ranger pre-show bit was followed by an addressing of the audience from Theatre West Virginia General Manager Scott Hill, whose invariably contagious enthusiasm prepped those in attendance for what was to come.
Shots ring out – several McCoys descend – from a location which this writer will not disclose, but that is very much not the stage – shouting and wielding firearms. Their quest is for the blood of “Devil” Anse Hatfield. Predictably, it is a quest in which they will not be successful at this juncture.
Most are familiar with the story of the Hatfields and McCoys, be it through film, television, or theatre productions ( Theatre West Virginia themselves have been putting on the show on and off for over half a century,) but the thrill is derived from the experience itself, so there will not be too much revealed here.
As always, however, Theatre West Virginia has assembled a fine group of thespians – this time from several states – to leave their individual marks on these iconic characters.
Theatre West Virginia veteran Andy Woodruff returns to the role of “Devil” Anse Hatfield, and manages to endow the character with a sympathetic quality not generally associated with the reputation of the nefarious Hatfield.
But make no mistake, the tough-as-nails demeanor remains very much intact, but the depth and nuance – and indeed, the humanity which was claimed by so many to be non-existent in the cold heart of the “Devil” – are captured exquisitely in this portrayal.
Other highlights included spirited portrayals of Randall and Tolbert McCoy, as well as ensemble sing-along sections, and dance numbers which must have required a truly unenviable amount of rehearsal to nail down precisely.
The show’s climax was to come but halfway through the evening’s performance, however, as the scene-setting thunder and lightning providing the climactic backdrop for “Devil” Anse’s orders to shoot would come to manifest themselves in our own world.
Clouds gathered as the call for intermission was issued, and it soon became clear that the evening may very well not continue as originally planned.
“Rain is no problem,” said Hill from stage as a 20 minute hold was called on the production. But it was not rain he had assumed the stage to address. It was the aforementioned elemental indications of what was to come, and the safety of the performers in stage and the audience members in attendance was of the utmost importance.
Ultimately, a wonderful evening was brought to an early conclusion, with Theatre West Virginia taking the extra measure of providing those in attendance with take-home tickets, redeemable for any of the season’s upcoming productions.
Theatre West Virginia’s Hatfields and McCoys run will continue tonight with pre-show music by Bicycle.
LOOTPRESS coverage on the opening of Hatfields and McCoys can be found here, and more information, as well as upcoming dates, for Theatre West Virginia can be found here.