Sometimes going out to dinner is not enough, and there are times where it is nice to take in a show while you dine. It’s a tradition that seems like more of an old pastime. But not in Elkins. In Elkins, dinner theater is still alive and well at the Gandy Dancer Theater.

The Gandy Dancer Theatre and Conference Center is the only Branson-style dinner theater in West Virginia.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
The concept of this form of entertainment began during the Renaissance with madrigal theaters.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
Although popular then, the heyday of dinner theater occurred in the 1970s, popularized by such performers as Van Johnson, Mamie Van Doren, and Mickey Rooney. By the mid-1980s, the trend had ended and many theaters closed their doors. It wasn't until the turn of the century that the dinner theater gained popularity once again.
The Gandy Dancer has a combination of many forms of theater.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
The Gandy Dancers are often on stage performing coordinated dance numbers, set to music and the talents of the Gandy's singers, but that's not all you'll find here.
The theater also features characters and impersonations in a variety of comedy skits.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
Singer Ralph Bennett is often on stage with Penny Merle, who seems to be more of an annoyance to Ralph than anything else. It is the classic duo of the lead singer and his comedic, often outlandish, sidekick.

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Other characters come into play as well, but not quite as often as Penny, who usually bombards the stage in the middle of other performances.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
The theater has a series of performances changing throughout the year and geared toward many holiday themes, such as the Gandy dancers pictured below in Christmas attire for a performance during the 2013 holiday season.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
Sometimes, other bands or performers will feature at the Gandy (such as Dave Marsh, pictured below) temporarily replacing the regular performances by the singers, musicians and dancers that make up the talented team at the theater.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
Performances by singers Ralph Bennett, Nina Sharp and her husband Rocky Hebb keep up the energy, backed by the theater band and the young Gandy dancers. Put them all together and you have a recipe for fun and entertainment well enough to compliment any meal.
Facebook/Gandy Dancer Theatre & Conference Center
The Gandy Dancer Theatre is located at 359 Beverly Pike (US Route 219/250) in Elkins.

For more information about the Gandy Dancer, check out their website here, and their Facebook page here.

Have you ever been to the Gandy Dancer Theater? Feel free to comment below and tell us about your visit.

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