Four Big Shows This Weekend - Wait, Make That Five!

The theatre drought officially ends this weekend with the arrival of five great shows begging for your time and attention. The good news is, you can't go wrong with any of 'em!

Here's the rundown (and we'll go into more detail throughout the week):

- Up first is Bitsy & Boots, a new comedy by local actor and playwright Jonathan Joy. The First Church Dinner Theater will host the show starting Thursday, February 14; with additional shows February 16, 22 and 23. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:00 p.m. Reservations are required, so call: (304) 522-0357 or (740) 867-8576.

- ARTS will present All the Colors of Love: A Valentine Gift, a musical review of love songs at the Renaissance Theatre Feb. 14 - 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Feb. 17 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 and you can also order dinner before the evening shows for an additional $15.00. You can make reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787).

- Nine vocal finalists from around the region will do battle as part of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra's contest, Symphony Idol. The shows run 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 15-16, at the Clay Center in Charleston. Taking part in the competition is Milton native (and my pal) Ryan Hardiman (that's his photo on the left). There was an excellent article in today's Herald-Dispatch about him, which you can read right here.

- The hilarious and talented performer Martin Short will perform live at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 8:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. It's all part of the Marshall Artists Series (like I keep saying, best season ever!), and you can read more about him right here. (That's him on the right.)

- And finally, fans of fancy footwork won't want to miss Michael Flatley: The Lord of the Dance, which hits the stage at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena on Feb. 15. (I almost missed this one - have I just missed the ads or what?)

Feast or famine! Why must it ever be thus?