Historic Masonic Theatre and Masonic Amphitheatre — Attraction in Clifton Forge

I recently had the pleasure of touring the Historic Masonic Theater and to say that I was impressed would be a total understatement. Although I'm not from the area, I've been visiting family who live through out the area almost every year for the past two decades. During my visits I became quite familiar with the small town of Clifton Forge, including the abandoned/shuttered Masonic Theater. When I learned that there was plans to renovate it I was hopeful but not very optimistic. Many buildings in the area could use a major face lift, so I assumed the efforts of reviving the theater would make it usable, and just barely at that.

I'll be the first to admit that my assumptions could not have been any further from reality. With a budget just shy of $7,000,000 it's not a stretch to call this renovation a miracle. Each floor of the building serves a separate and unique purpose. The basement now hosts a wonderful little cafe, and is adorned with many high top tables as well as comfortable loungers. The theater itself still boasts much of the original architecture and trim from the Masonic-days. There are two levels, vaulted ceilings, plush velvet seats, accoustic panels, and more. The stage even has the fancy 50 foot curtain which no self respecting theater would go without.

On the upper levels you find some showcases which include 100+ year old theater programs and newspaper ads, bringing you back to a time where cowboy shows were in fashion and Masonic meetings a weekly occurance. On the top level is a beautifully redone banquet hall with a full kitchen and seating for over a hundred guests. It came as no surprise to learn that THIS is the spot to enjoy a wedding in Clifton Forge.

I honestly can't say enough about the theater. Even though the budget was limited, it seems that no expense was spared. If you find yourself in the area I highly recommend you stop over and if you're lucky you might be able to see a piece of history...

Beautiful venue, good sound, good people. A few issues, however:

-The show I saw was advertised both 7:30 and 8:00 start times. The show kicked off around 7:40. Had I went by the time on the tickets (8:00) I would've missed the first 20 minutes.

-Unable to purchase concessions throughout the show as sales closed 15 minutes after it started.

-Show was advertised both 7:30-10:00 and 8:00-11:00. The show started at 7:40 and lasted until approximately 9:15. Tickets were $30 a piece, I felt the show could've been much longer especially due to the price...

I had visited the Historic Masonic Theatre for the first time a few years ago for a baby shower on the lower level. It was BEAUTIFUL but I hadn't been back since. A couple of weeks ago, through work, I had an opportunity to visit again and get to see an little more of the theater and I was once again impressed. Very clean, a beautiful building, well taken care of, bright, warm, and welcoming. I'm planning to come back for a show in a couple of months and...