• Shows run every Friday and Saturday, July 5 through August 3

Star Valley’s traditional summer Rock Church Play is offering “History, Star Valley Style,” this summer with opening night this Friday, July 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the old church located in Auburn.  Sponsored by the Star Valley Historical Society, this is the 31st season of plays that have been produced in the Rock Church. The show will run through the summer each Friday and Saturday.

Charity Williams, this year’s director for the play, explained what makes this one special. Playwright, Allene Winters Heiner Robinson, wrote many of the plays that have been presented at the Rock Church over the decades. “Allene loved collecting fun stories of regular people experiencing life. This play is an infusion of those stories.”

“All of the shows are about [history in the Star Valley] area and were written by local individuals who love history and telling stories,” Williams added. “Everyone involved is a volunteer. Some of them have volunteered many of their summers.”

Titled “History, Star Valley Style,” the play is set in the late 1890’s. “We get to hang out with William and Sarah Burton at their mercantile and meet the local and not local human characters,” said Williams. “We get to hear about the winter of 1889-90 when the people in the valley were saved from starvation by some brave men and the Indian scare of 1895. There will be a dance, lunch box auction, a love story, some jealousy and LOTS of yummy gossip.”

The entire cast and crew are volunteers. Thirteen actors, ranging in age from 5 to mature, have worked hard to prepare the show.  Jean Ann Michie served as dance choreographer, and Andre Williams served as fight choreographer.  Melanie Seilbach created and built the set and assisted with costuming. Pianists are Cecily Crook and Jane Andersen. Wade Hyde and Chad Merritt are serving as weapons specialists.

Afton Humanitarian Quilting Group loaned “beautiful” quilts and Dale Cottam loaned three “beautiful” animal pelts. A large “beautiful” antique family Bible was also loaned to the production by Chad Merritt.

Doors of the “beautifully preserved old church covered in stone” open at 7 p.m. for each showing, and curtain time is 7:30. “This is in an old church building and the seats are old church pews, but they are padded so no need to bring the stadium chairs,” shared Williams. “However, seating is limited so we encourage you to come early. There is no air conditioning and the room does get warm, so plan accordingly.”

Funds from ticket sales to the summer play go to help the Historical Society  with upkeep on the Rock Church and other historical sites throughout Star Valley. They also fund the play that will be presented next year.

Williams is certain that the play has something for everyone to enjoy. “If you love history or are interested in experiencing a snippet of Star Valley history, come. If you are looking for an evening of laughter, come experience the stories of people just trying to live and work together.  If you are looking for a way to contribute to something in the valley, come and help the Historical Society preserve the building, and if you are looking for something unique to do, please come.”

Shows run every Friday and Saturday evening July 5 through August 3. Tickets can be purchased at the door.