By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member
September 25, 2024
(Top)Members of the cast and crew of "Round the River's Bend" gather for a group photograph.
(Bottom) HAHS President, Ryan Bowman, and "Round the River's Bend" creators, Clint Funk and Todd Hoover, give brief words prior to the showing.
The Masterpiece of Halifax
Did you know there is an official musical (as in 'Singin' in the Rain,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' '1776,' The Sound of Music,' 'The Wizard of Oz'...) about the history of Halifax?
Well, there is, and it's one of the greatest things you'll ever see, especially if you are from our small town.
Written and directed by Clint Funk and Todd Hoover, the play is centered around the rich history of Halifax, PA, delving into the most famous stories and legends that surround the town, all the while captivating the audience with incredible visuals, surprising humor, beautiful vocals, and uniquely original songs.
The play first debuted on stage July 20-23, 1994, during the Halifax Bicentennial celebration. Performed by the Twin Valley Players (who also hosted this 30th-anniversary event, and we wish to thank them for their hospitality!), performances were held at the Halifax Area High School before enthusiastic crowds. Led by Funk and Hoover, hundreds of individuals assisted with every aspect of the production, creating a theatrical spectacle to be reckoned with. Today, the humor, songs, and spirit of the play still hold true and bring a genuinely pleasant experience to the history-loving American by showing the story of one small town.
Members of the Halifax, Millersburg, Elizabethville, and other surrounding communities gather to relive the magic of "Round the River's Bend" at the TVP Colonnade Theatre. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.
"Please...No Spitting on the Floor."
Despite the rainstorms outside, the theatre was packed full of excited citizens, all eager to relive the spectacle that had once captivated a town. Now, having been preserved by the Society for posterity, the VHS capture would be hosted on the big screen for all to see.
As the production unraveled on screen and the lights flickered in the eyes of the beholders, laughter, cheers, and applause rose up at the sight of old companions, younger faces, and stories retold. It was an incredible night, filled with that rejuvenating spirit that I only know to originate from members of a community coming together for the betterment of their society and the enjoyment of memories shared.
When the film was concluded, massive applause arose to commemorate the play and it's creators. A photograph was captured of the cast and crew who made the magic happen those 30 years ago, followed by reminiscing among the old friends and members of the surrounding communities.
We'll See You Round the River's Bend
As the night came to a close, I felt, and still feel, reinvigorated to throw myself into history. As a 22-year-old, life can be a bit nuts, especially if you move out of town for a time as I have. However, I realize that that's just it: we all are busy. History needs preserving. And it needs ME to do it. It needs YOU. It needs ALL of us.
In the smallest of ways, we can each do something that will turn the tide in our country's story, furthering the respect all generations now and those to come will have for our legacy. In a way, this event reminded me of that fact. And we at the Halifax Area Historical Society want to thank Clint, Todd, and the rest of their crew for doing their part 30 years ago.
Let's make history...and we'll see you round the river's bend.
Members of "Round the River's Bend," original cast and crew gather on stage for a photo, then reminisce on old times and new horizons. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.
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