Pine Knob celebrating 21 years of historical outdoor theatre

Reporter

mmudd@gcnewsgazette.com

Congressman Ron Lewis and thirty friends attended a Saturday viewing of one of the most seen outdoor theater shows in Grayson County history.

His wife Kayi and himself are regular visitors to the establishment. Lewis and other government officials were invited to a special preview of ‘Daddy Took the T-bird Away' August 25. The show has been playing in Caneyville for 21 years.

The show takes you back to the last week of Caneyville High School. It is based on real characters from Caneyville. Honus Shain Jr. is the owner and playwright.

“There were two favorite spots to hang out in Caneyville when I was growing up,” said Shain. “The Motor Inn Diner and Mr. Drane's drugstore were places where you could enjoy Cokes, burgers, and ice cream sodas.”

Shain explained the show consists of a compilation of 50's classics. It starts with Raymond and Peggy Gail getting a new ‘56 Thunderbird“. “Their daughter Sissy naturally wants to show off a little,” explained Shain. “So you guessed it, she gets caught taking the T-bird out for a spin to the Motor Inn.”

Shain told the crowd the question is “Will dad take the car away? Will Johnny Angel and Sissy breakup? Will coach Woody get a date for the prom?“

Honus Shain Jr. grew up in Pine Knob. His mother Gustava was a teacher at Pine Knob School.

Honus Shain Sr., his father, owned and operated a country store in Pine Knob. The business has been in the family for years.

Honus Shain Jr. took over the store after his father retired. He fondly remembers the early days of taking over ownership. In 1962 a guy came in and wanted to purchase half of a stovepipe.

“My dad could tell I was having trouble with the man,” explained Jr. “I went back to tell him some idiot up front wanted half a stovepipe. I turned around and the guy was standing right behind me. I replied in saying this nice fella wants the other half.”

He also told the crowd about the day one of his friends moved to Caneyville from Florida. “Larry Shepard started a store here when the theater first opened,” said Jr. “He wanted to look important his first day. So when a customer pulls up he grabs his phone. Then pretends to talk to someone about the busy day he's had. The guys walked in as Larry hangs up. He asks the man if he needs help. The guy says no that he's just here to hook up the phone service.”

Honus and his wife Debbie live on a farm close to the theater. Debbie has roles in most of the shows with Honus. “We try to make everyone at home here,” he explained. “I believe that is why the theater has gone so well for years.”

The show is performed on Saturday nights in August and September.