All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Colonial Arts Center to host BCT’s 50th Anniversary Show

Buckhannon, W.Va. — Members of Buckhannon Community Theatre, both current and alumni, are returning to the Colonial Arts Center Main Hall to showcase their 50th Anniversary Show. This variety show will include songs from past decades and characters of all ages and settings.    

With pieces ranging from Annie Get Your Gun, The King and I, Frozen Jr, Shrek the Musical, and many more, the audience will get to experience a range of musical talents while possibly spotting some familiar faces. The show is directed by Risë Straight Hanifan, produced by Erika Kolenich, with technical direction by Jakob Spruce. This production has been sponsored by WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“We’re thrilled to host this production, especially since it will be a unique, one-of-a-kind show!” said Anne Wilson, Manager of the Colonial Arts Center. “After the success of their most recent production, Clue on Stage, we’ve modified our seating with better risers and more chairs to accommodate what we hope to be another sold-out audience!”

Emcees Jerry Leigh and Jamie O’Brien, both BCT alumni, will host the show and discuss details in between each performance, as well as the announcements of their 2023 season. The recipient of the Jim Knorr Award will be announced during the opening night, as well.

Performances are Saturday, December 10 at 7 PM and Sunday, December 11 at 2 PM. Doors will open 45 minutes prior.

The show does not have a fee for tickets, however donations in the amount of $50 to celebrate the 50 years of theatre will be greatly appreciated by BCT and will go to the Colonial Arts Center for the lobby and box office which will be named after Jim Knorr. There will also be a limited-edition t-shirt available for $25.

“We are so grateful for the support of the surrounding communities over the past 5 decades,” said Risë Straight Hanifan, director. “We look forward to celebrating this major milestone. We are excited to have so many talented performers, and even more excited to share their gifts with everyone!”

The Colonial Arts Center and Buckhannon Community Theatre will continue to work together on productions for many years to come.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Post 7 comes up short in tournament opener in 5-2 loss to Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 outhit top-seeded Morgantown but committed four costly errors and fell 5-2 in the opening round of the Area 2 American Legion postseason baseball tournament.

Summer basketball league continues week three play

In week three of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League, area teams competed at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances including Austin Upton’s 37 points for Corder Concrete Specialist and Kaiden Cutlip’s 34 for WV Split Rail.

Nancy Lea Lantz

Nancy Lea Lantz, 74, of Philippi, passed away July 13, 2025, and is remembered as a devoted homemaker, church member, and camper, survived by her children, relatives, friends, and her dog Tiny.

Buckhannon awards $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to Wesleyan for addiction counseling scholarships

City council approved allocating $50,000 in opioid settlement funds to West Virginia Wesleyan College for scholarships to support local addiction counseling education, aiming to combat drug addiction in the Buckhannon area.

Faith Baptist Church to host Vacation Bible School from July 21-25

Faith Baptist Church will host a Vacation Bible School for kindergarten through sixth grade children July 21-25, featuring nightly sessions from 6 to 8 p.m. and a family fun night on the final evening.
Summer basketball

Summer basketball league tips off week three

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League completed its third week at West Virginia Wesleyan College, with standout performances from Evan Parr, Josh Trent, Quentin Cooley, Rayden Triplett, and several games decided by forfeits.

Small Business Development Center names Lyla Grandstaff as new coach serving the Buckhannon area

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center has appointed Lyla Grandstaff, an experienced business consultant and educator, as the new business coach serving Buckhannon and surrounding counties.

Upshur Parish House kicks off annual backpack program to support local students

The Upshur Parish House has launched its annual Back-to-School Backpack Program, seeking donations of new school supplies and hygiene items to help local students return to class prepared and confident.

Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur sets ambitious goals for growth and outreach

The Rotary Club of Buckhannon-Upshur unveiled an ambitious multi-year plan to grow club membership, boost outreach through digital and in-person initiatives, expand fundraising, and increase community involvement and accessibility.