The Mountain-Valley Connection: Waynesboro as Theater

"Shenandoah Moon" an original play staged by the Waynesboro Players and directed by Sandi Belcher, just finished a triumphant five-day run to packed houses from April 16-19 at Waynesboro High School’s Spilman Auditorium. This play, written by Waynesboro authors Duane Hahn, Barbara Spilman Lawson and Elizabeth Massie, and with wonderful original music by Richard Adams takes place in the 1930's depression era Waynesboro as well as the valleys, hills and mountains that eventually were transformed into the Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

Few people today realize the ties, both social and economic, that the Blue Ridge inhabitants shared with the citizens of Waynesboro and the surrounding communities, counties and towns. This musical told some of those complex stories peppered with rich depictions of the time and with questions asked about the decisions made by the federal and state governments when the Shenandoah National Park was created by taking land, homes and livelihoods from the families living on that land.

Though the play is over, the novelization by Duane Hahn based on the script can be ordered here:

"Shenandoah Moon"

...and wonderful coverage of the event by Theresa Curry is at the Waynesboro News Virginian here:

"Valley Moon Risin'"