Joe Manchin III, Governor
Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : October 16, 2007

Hoy Murphy, Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Jennifer Cogar, Activities Coordinator, (304) 643-2931 , jennifercogar@wvdnr.gov

Opened Mail Creates a Stir at North Bend State Park Dinner Theater November 10

The dynamic duo of Karen Vuranch and Gene Worthington continues to create a stir at West Virginia State Parks this dinner theater season. A Saturday dinner theater at North Bend State Park introduces a peek into the lives of people in a Reader’s Theater style production of “Opened Mail.”

Visitors and guests to North Bend (Ritchie County) on November 10 will laugh when the performance explores the letters between a futuristic astronaut and his wife separated by space, two nuns in a convent who are not on speaking terms, and an irreverent look at George Washington.

“Vuranch (and Worthington) are no strangers to West Virginia state parks,” says Jennifer Cogar, North Bend activities coordinator. “The energy these to actors bring to our stage and guests is contagious. From beginning to end, it is all smiles. People enjoy their obvious love for acting.”

Dinner theaters at North Bend feature food preparation of Chef Jim Ingles. Known for his “Fishing with Chef Jim” seafood Thursdays and his mile-high pie, Ingles promises a great dinner for this event. Dinner theater packages at North Bend include an overnight stay at the lodge with dinner and play plus breakfast, or a delightful evening of dinner and play. Following the evening performance, guests are invited to meet and talk with the actors and enjoy refreshments.

North Bend State Park is centrally located between Parkersburg and Clarksburg, West Virginia, near Harrisville. The park features a 29-room lodge, vacation cabins, restaurant, campground, North Bend Rail Trail, and the recent addition of a 305-acre lake for quiet water recreation. North Bend is open year-round and features a variety of special events as well as being a host site for conferences and meeting.

For more information regarding dinner theatres and programs at WV State Parks go online at www.wvstateparks.com or for North Bend Dinner Theater call (304) 643-2931

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