Hottest tickets in town: Best live theatre bets for 2016!

Here are 6 local theatre groups that are sure to knock your socks off!

1. Charleston Light Opera Guild | Charleston

  • Beauty and the Beast: July 29-31, Aug. 5-7, 12 & 14
  • Jesus Christ Superstar: Nov. 4, 5, 11-13, 18 & 19
  • A Christmas Story: Dec. 16- 18, 21- 23

The capitol city’s premiere community theatre group is putting one not 1, but 2 musicals of epic proportions. Bring the whole family to watch the beloved classic “Beauty and the Beast” take the stage at the Clay Center this summer, and then catch the 1970s iconic rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Civic Center Little Theatre in November. Celebrate the holiday season with a performance of the classic “A Christmas Story” at the Culture Center.

2. Southern Coalition for the Arts | Logan

  • Wizard of Oz: July 29-31, Aug. 4-7
  • Night of the Living Dead: Oct 21, 22, 28, 29

This summer, take a journey down the yellow brick road in the timeless tale “Wizard of Oz.” Come October, celebrate the spookiest time of year with “Night of the Living Dead!” Catch the show at the renovated Coalfield Jamboree Theatre, a former Vaudeville theatre, in downtown Logan.

Greenbrier Valley Theatre, WV

3. Greenbrier Valley Theatre | Lewisburg

  • Cinderellish: July 21 – Aug. 6
  • Pump Boys & Dinettes: Sept. 1-17
  • The Member of the Wedding: Sept. 30 – Oct. 15
  • One Slight Hitch: Oct. 28 – Nov. 12
  • Let It Snow: Dec. 2 – 17

Named “West Virginia’s Official Year-Round Professional Theatre” in 2006, Greenbrier Valley Theatre puts on a full season of live productions, ranging from Broadway staples to thrilling dramas. The 2016 lineup includes a country-western musical chronicling the daily life of gas station employees, a coming-of-age tale set in small town 1945, a heart-warming holiday show and more!

4. Children’s Theatre of Charleston | Charleston

  • Jungle Book: Oct. 6-9
  • Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Dickens: Dec. 8-11

If your theatre companions aren’t quite ready for full-length musicals or award-winning dramas, the Children’s Theater of Charleston is the perfect place to introduce them to the world of live theatre. Watch some of the state’s youngest thespians bring the forest to life in the “Jungle Book” and catch the live-theatre adaption of the beloved children’s series, “Magic Tree House: A Ghost Tale for Dickens.”

Apollo Theatre, WV

5. Apollo Civic Theatre | Martinsburg

  • A Grand Night for Singing: Sept. 17-20
  • Dashing Through the Snow: Dec. 11-13, 18-20

Opened in 1914, the Apollo Theatre has been a home to the arts in Martinsburg for more than 100 years. Along with a full schedule of workshops and community events, the theatre produces 6 full-length productions a season. The 2016 half of the season features an evening with the timeless scores of Rodgers & Hammerstein in the Tony-nominated “A Grand Night for Singing,” followed by “Dashing Through the Snow,” a tale of a Texas Christmas filled with comedic chaos!

6. The Old Opera House Theatre Company | Charles Town

  • Guys and Dolls: Sept. 9-11, 15-18
  • Sherlock Holmes: the Final Adventure: Oct. 14-16, 21-23
  • A Christmas Carol: Dec. 2-4, 8-11

Along with their 6 mainstage productions, The Old Opera House Theatre Company in Charles Town puts on a summer youth show, youth workshops, a 1-act play festival and ballet every other year. This season, journey under the sea with the “Little Mermaid,” into the speakeasies (and prayer circles) of 1920s New York with “Guys and Dolls” and the world of 221B Baker Street in “Sherlock Holmes: the Final Adventure.” This December, catch the holiday classic “A Christmas Carol!”

For performance times, ticket pricing and other information contact the group.

This post was last updated on March 16, 2022