By Stephen Smoot
Fans of action and kids’ movies, plus live music, will have much to choose from this year at Warner’s Drive-In.
Several years ago, a dedicated group of community members formed a non profit to restore and revitalize the Drive-In theater. Ever since, improvements, upgrades, and additions have made the Pendleton County tradition a staple for locals and tourists alike.
Last year, Warners proudly opened the music and theater venue called Starlight Stage directly below the movie screen, creating a venue almost unique in the state of West Virginia.
Last week, the members of its governing board got together to share plans for the season and tend to the business of the month.
“It’s going to be full force action movies the first two weeks,” shared Jessica Basagic “Our season is going to kick off with a couple of action movies.”
“Deep Water,” features British actor Sir Ben Kingsley, best known for his portrayal of Mohandas Gandhi in the 1982 film about that figure. IMDB describes the film plot as “a group of international passengers en route from Los Angeles to Shanghai are forced to make an emergency landing in shark-infested waters.”
Following up will be Mortal Kombat II, starring Karl Urban in the video game-inspired franchise.
Katie VanMeter, board member, said with excitement, “I’m ready for that!”
Basagic then shared that soon after “Walt Disney will take over.” Films from the House of Mouse coming this summer will include “Toy Story 5” and the live action version of “Moana,” starring Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. Later in the season will come family friendly animated entries from the Pixar studio.
“Then we’ll go to Marvel Studios toward the end of the summer,” said Basagic, who shared that the Drive-In will show “Spinder Man; Brand New Day”. This film features Tom Holland as the title character and also, of course, Peter Parker. Mark Ruffalo will return to his role as Bruce Banner and the Incredible Hulk.
Bob Davis shared that the group left some “holes” in the schedule to accommodate unexpected successes at the box office. “This gives us opportunities to be flexible,” he explained. One possibility, depending on how the public receives the film, could be Scary Movie 6. Davis also shared that “we have way better movie selection than in 2025.”
Another option for one or more “holes,” as Dr. King Seeger noted, could be showing classic favorite films and suggested the original “Night of the Living Dead,” set in Cumberland, Maryland, and filmed by legendary director George Romero. It’s considered one of the most genuinely frightening horror movies ever made.
Speaking of scary movies, VanMeter and others discussed how important Halloween centered activities have become for Warners. Davis said, “We’ve been lucky these past few years” with pleasant conditions, but also stated, “Who can predict the weather?” The group shared stories of the fun costumes worn at Halloween special events, with one family theme being items of food sold at the Drive-In. One year a family member dressed as popcorn, another year brought hot dog costumes.
Excitement is also building about the lineup so far booked for Starlight Stage. On May 15, Corrie Wagoner will bring a group of her Pendleton County Middle/High School music students to perform in a preseason opening concert. On June 19 will come a headline act for Rockabilly Friday in Ryan Cain and the Ables. VanMeter described his act a “vintage” to the 50s and 60s with covers of hit favorites by Johnny Cash and others.
“Schooled by Sun, Decca, and Chess records,” Cain developed into a “multi-instrumentalist” artist “equally versed in the honky tonk and country sounds, as well as early soul and doo wop.” From his 2012 album “My Pistol Rides Shotgun” came a song featured on the television program Supernatural. He has expanded on Pendleton County family roots to develop a strong repertoire representative of different historical music centers in the United States.
A local favorite with ever-increasing requests to play in shows, the Pendleton County Hot Mess will make an appearance to share their slate of Appalachian folk sounds using traditional instruments. Rumor has it that they may have a surprise local guest joining them on the banjo this year. Hot Mess, however, does not just play to entertain but also to encourage others, especially seniors, to play and perform music.
In a way, such a cycle truly completes the mission of the Drive-In to foster even more community arts growth.
Also coming to the stage from just across the state line is Cameron Simmons. He has become a fan favorite headlining the Highland County Fair and other festivals. Ray Lambert, a regionally known bass player, will come on June 26.
Locals can also come to participate in a new feature, open mic night. Josh VanMeter, who brings flawless sound and light to events, will host.
Because of the flexibility of scheduling, new acts and movies may appear. Warner board members urge all to keep checking their social media for announcements of added acts and films.
With temperatures rising and warm nights on the horizon, everyone at Warner’s looks forward to seeing bigger crowds than ever there this summer.
