Opera House presents island music and children’s matinee

The Pocahontas County Opera House wraps up its April calendar with West Virginia steel drum band Steel Away on Saturay, April 22, at 7:30 p.m. and a special family matinee performance of The Secret Garden on Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m.

Steel Away is the main full band performance group from cb Studios in Morgantown. The all-female group was formed in 2007 as a class learning how to play steel drums. The group is currently made up of 10 women, ranging in age from 25 to 70, and is directed by Chanler Bailey.

The steel drum ensemble includes three leads, two double seconds, two guitar/cello, one tenor bass, and two bass. They perform at various events including Ellie Mannette’s Festival of Steel, music festivals, fund raisers and community concerts in the Morgantown area and throughout West Virginia.

Steel Away performs various musical styles including traditional Island, classic and pop rock, latin, jazz and classical music.

Tickets for the concert with Steel Away are $10. Youth 17 and younger are admitted free of charge.

The following weekend, Hampstead Stage Company, a national professional touring theatre company based in Center Barnstead, New Hampshire, is visiting the Pocahontas County Opera House with their acclaimed production of The Secret Garden.

Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden is an enchanting story about a young orphan girl, Mary, who comes to live with her uncle in the English countryside. Through her curiosity and determination, Mary finds a garden filled with memories that have been locked for years. Her youth and enthusiasm breathe life into each character she meets, bringing love back into the family.

Each year, HSC performs more than 2,000 shows across the nation in various venues including theatres, schools, libraries and more. HSC’s interactive educational tours run year-round and are performed by two professional actors, each playing multiple roles. HSC was founded more than 31 years ago and is dedicated to providing high quality theatre to under-served communities.

This performance of The Secret Garden is presented with support from First Energy.

The Secret Garden is best suited for audiences ages five and up. Tickets are $5 for adults. Youth 17 and younger are admitted free of charge.

Advance tickets are available at pocahontasoperahouse.org and at the 4th Avenue Gallery in Marlinton.