Weather Woes for HOT

The scary thing about outdoor theatre is that your shows are at the mercy of the weather - and that made for a rough opening weekend for Huntington Outdoor Theatre's production of the musical comedy Legally Blonde, as heat and heavy rain kept crowds small.

It's an excellent show, loaded with high energy, a fast and funny story and lots of terrific songs.

My pal Dave Lavender brings us up to speed:

You know it’s been too hot, when it’s too hot for H.O.T.

In spite of this being the 19th year of Huntington Outdoor Theatre, founder and director Helen Freeman said this past weekend, opening weekend, was the hottest on record for her troupe that performed two sweltering nights of Legally Blonde at Ritter Park amphi­theater before being rained out Sunday.

That rain-out, during the fourth scene of Act 1, was only the eighth rain-out in the 19­-year history of H.O.T.

Freeman said the danger­ously hot weather devastated their numbers. H.O.T. needs about 500 people at the amphi­theater to make any money. They had 200 Friday and only 165 on Saturday when the tem­perature was 104.

“Saturday they said it felt like it was 112 and it did feel like it was 112,” Freeman said on Monday. “As the night went on it did dip down into the 90s and it felt like it was cool. It wasn’t cool but it was much better. I am really proud of the people who came out and endured the heat. That was so nice.” Freeman said the cast, which includes two dogs, per­formed amazingly well under duress, and now they’re gear­ing up for big weekends as the show continues.

“It went well for all the adversity so it was good for the weather that we had, but heat can hurt you just like the rain can,” Freeman said. “If people don’t come out and support us, there won’t be an Huntington Outdoor Theatre next year.” Legally Blonde continues at 6:30 p.m. July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29 at Ritter Park A mph it heater.

The main show begins at 8:30 p.m. with the Children’s preshow “A Tribute to Leg­ends” beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own, although con­cessions are available.

General Admission are $15, Seniors 65 and better and Children 5-12 are $13 while children under 5 get in free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Are­na or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more informa­tion call 304-412-3393 or go online at www.hotwv.org.