The Aracoma Story Inc.

About Us:

We are Southern West Virginia's premiere and longest running theater organization.

History:

In 1952, the city of Logan commissioned Thomas McEvoy Patterson, professor in the Department of Dramatic Art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, to write an original drama depicting the history of the indian tribes that lived in the area.

Most of the events portrayed in "The Aracoma Story" took place on Midelburg Island, where the 1952 and 1953 productions were staged and where Logan High, Logan Middle and Logan Grade Schools now stand.

After 1953, "The Aracoma Story" passed from the scene. Then in 1975, the Bicentennial Commission appointed Liz Spurlock and Pleasant Lohn to bring the story back to the stage. Because of the extensive building on the island, which was the original site of the production, it was felt that "The Aracoma Story" needed a new, permanent home.

A new site was found at Chief Logan State Park with the approval of the Department of Natural Resources. A professional director, Robert McCrary, was hired and with help from every part of the community, a set was built and people from the community took part as the cast and crew.

In 1976, the show was so well received that the Board of Directors believed that "The Aracoma Story" should be a permanent part of Logan County.

In 1977, in order to have a more natural amphitheater, "The Aracoma Story" moved to its present location. Due to financial constraints facing the show's production, the people of Logan County pitched in with everything from bulldozers to sheets to cover the mountains. The stage consisted of a dirt stage floor, railroad ties to make the risers and a seating capacity of 350 people. The dressing rooms and make-up rooms consisted of an old, used trailer and picnic tables.

In 1978, The Aracoma Story, Inc. began producing a musical show to compliment "The Aracoma Story" drama.

In 1981, J.R. Wears designed and built the permanent set of mountains for "The Aracoma Story" outdoor drama. The production is currently performed on a concrete stage floor, has proper risers and seats over 700 people. 

In 1995, a truss system was purchased which opened new possibilities for the production company, enabling them to "fly" actors for their production of Peter Pan. The system has since been used for lighting and backdrops. Two light towers, acontrol booth, a box office, a concession stand, a workshop and a small gift shop were added to make up the current amphitheatre complex.

In 2000, in honor of the 25th season and during a reunion celebration of "The Aracoma Story", new signs were unveiled renaming the former Chief Logan State Park Amphitheater as The Liz Spurlock Amphitheater. 

Liz Spurlock has been president of the The Aracoma Story, Inc. Board of Directors for more than 30 years now. She helped to restart the local historical play in 1976 and has been with the production company since. 

During the 2005 season, Ms. Spurlock was presented the "Hometown Hero" Award by WSAZ Newschannel 3. Tony Cavalier, WSAZ's Chief Weatherman, was on hand prior to a production of The Wizard of Oz to present her with the award in front of a packed house which included the Lieutenant Governor of West Virginia, Earl Ray Tomblin, a major supporter of The Aracoma Story, Inc. productions.

The Aracoma Story, Inc. now brings to the stage several shows throughout the year in addition to the summer outdoor productions, including indoor stage musicals and dinner theatre shows.

Plans are now underway to install new seating at The Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre, which include arm rests and chair backs, prior to the start of the 2006 Summer Season. Local donations have helped fund this endevor and seveal seats will have plaques honoring those donors and their designates. Many other renovations are also planned to begin prior to the the start of the new season to make 2006 a noteable year!