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Tri-State Theater

Let's discuss upcoming shows, secrets behind the scenes, things you never knew about the theater and why live theater is so darn entertaining.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

"Mauritius" - A Review

   Not every play has to be an over-the-top extravaganza (thank goodness), and Marshall has crafted a gem of a "small" show with its latest production, Mauritius.

   The play focuses on two dysfunctional step-sisters (hoo boy, are they ever dysfunctional) who are picking up the pieces after the death of their mother.

   One sister, Jackie (played with poignance and grit by Story Moosa), was left behind to care for her aging mother, and feels the crushing weight of debt and despair. 

   The other sister, Mary (played with haughty determination by Mandy Harper), left home at a young age and achieved success - and never looked back. 

   Jackie sees possible salvation in a book of stamps that include some rare specimens that may be worth a fortune. But do the stamps belong to her - or to Mary?

   Jackie's attempts to find their value leads her to a shop with a quirky owner, Phillip (the very funny M.G. Dalton), and the shady Dennis (played by skill and cunning by Remy Sylvain), who brings in a potential buyer, the mercurial Sterling (played with dynamic energy by Ethan Lyvers).

   The results manage to combine both dramatic conflict and a lot of humor (not to mention a fair share of adult language and fisticuffs).

   It's a clever story about broken people and their desperate efforts to put the pieces of their lives together. The production has a small but mighty cast and an artful and clever set, and will keep you guessing throughout.

   I enjoyed it and recommend it highly!

   I almost forgot to add, since she suggested it, that the production was framed nicely by my pal Sarah Hayes - I watched it over her shoulder (she was sitting in the row in front of me).

    You only have one more chance to catch the production! Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents Mauritius on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. 

Friday, February 26, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

  Lots of great shows springing up this weekend - here’s the rundown:

- Mauritius - Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents the play on Feb. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. The play revolves around two estranged half-sisters who discover a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters’ world, willing to do anything to claim the rare find as their own. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. 

- Disney's The Little Mermaid - Huntington High School Theatre present the beloved musical on Feb. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $7 for  adults and $5 for students.

- Urinetown: The Musical - The Alban Arts Center presents the musical on Feb. 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.

- Much Ado About Nothing - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare play about two young lovers, Claudio and Hero, who are to be married imminently but the devious scheming of a resentful Prince looks set to thwart the nuptials. It will be presented on the Jenny Wiley Main stage in Pikeville, Ky., on Feb. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. 

    So get out there and support your local theatre!

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Upcoming Auditions

    If you'd like to be part of an upcoming performance, here are three auditions coming up soon:


- Selfie - The Theatre Project directed by Jon Brennan will hold auditions for the play on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Children's Theatre of Charleston workshop at 1007 Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Roles are available for students from 8th to 12th grade. Performances will be at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on May 13 at 7 p.m., May 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and May 15 at 2 p.m.


 - Alice Through the Looking Glass - The LimeLight Theatre Company will hold auditions for the play on March 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. and March 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LimeLight Theatre Company Workshop at 1007 Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Performances will be at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on April 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., May 1 at 2 p.m., May 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m.


- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Aracoma Story Inc. will hold auditions for the musical on March 4 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., March 5 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and March 6 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Auditions will be held on Middleburg Island in the Little Theater of Logan High School, The performances will be at The Aracoma Story, Inc. this summer.



   So get out there and be part of a show!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   It's a busy weekend for shows, as the Spring Theatre season kicks into gear - we have lots of great shows to check out!

   Here's the list:

- Mauritius - Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents the play on Feb. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. The play revolves around two estranged half-sisters who discover a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters’ world, willing to do anything to claim the rare find as their own. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. 

- Disney's The Little Mermaid - Huntington High School Theatre present the beloved musical on Feb. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $7 for  adults and $5 for students.

- Mercy - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents a new musical drama with music by Mark Scarpelli and Books and lyrics by Dan Kehde on Feb. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. The show centers on the people of Salem Village who blame witchcraft and devilry for the fall from grace that led to Indian attacks, starvation and illness. Suspicions of witchcraft bloom into accusations, investigations and, finally, condemnations as mass hysteria envelops the town and no one, no one except Mercy and the children, is safe from the hangman’s noose.

- Urinetown: The Musical - The Alban Arts Center presents the musical on Feb. 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.

- Much Ado About Nothing - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare play about two young lovers, Claudio and Hero, who are to be married imminently but the devious scheming of a resentful Prince looks set to thwart the nuptials. It will be presented on the Jenny WIley Main stage in Pikeville, Ky on Feb. 19, 20, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. 

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Now on Stage: "Mauritius"


   Coming up this weekend, Marshall's Theatre Department kicks off the first of two weekend performances of the play Mauritius.

   You can see some photos of the show at this photo gallery (the photo above is one of the shots by Anthony Davis).

   From this preview in the Herald-Dispatch: 

   Marshall Theater ramps up the drama inside The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre as Nicole Perrone directs a production of the Mauritius, a drama, which pits two estranged sisters against each other as they battle over valuables in the wake of their mothers' death.

   The 2007 Broadway debut of Theresa Rebeck, a 2004 nominee for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Mauritius refers to the "Blue Mauritius," one of the world's rarest stamps. In the play, two half sisters discover a book of rare stamps after their mother's death, which may include the crown jewel for collectors. One sister tries to collect on the windfall, while the other resists for sentimental reasons. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters' world, willing to do anything to claim the rare find as their own.

   The drama will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 18-20, as well as Feb. 25-27. Tickets are $20 or $15 for seniors. Marshall University students are admitted free with a valid ID.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

The Cast of "Spamalot"

The Charleston Light Opera Guild will be presenting the hit musical Monty Python's Spamalot in May (mark your calendars!) - and they just announced the cast list for the show.
   Here's the talented cast lined up to bring this show to life:
King Arthur – Chris Terpening
Lady of the Lake - Megan Sydnor Collins
Sir Galahand, Black Knight, Prince Herbert’s Father - Ryan Hardiman
Sir Robin, Brother Maynard – Horace Emery
Sir Lancelot, French Taunter, Knight of Ni, Tim the Enchanter - Gary Lanham
Patsy, Mayor, Guard - Tim Whitener
Historian, Minstrel, Prince Herbert, Not Dead Fred - Ted Brightwell
Sir Bedevere, Concorde, Galahad’s Mother - Anthony Woody
Knight, Guard, Sir Not Appearing - Stephen Hayward
Knight, Bors, Sir Robin’s Minstrels - Clayton Strohmenger
Knight, Monk, Sir Robin’s Minstrels - Maxwell Ross
Knight, Fr. Guard - Austin A. Thomas
Body, Knight, Ni - Cassandra Phelps
Laker Girl - Sarah King
Laker Girl - Susanna Lilly
Laker Girl - Lauren Meyer
Laker Girl - Kim Patterson
Laker Girl - Rhiannon Turley
Laker Girl - Shakira Martin
Come see this talented group of people at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21, 2016.
TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2016

Friday, February 12, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   On stage this weekend, you have two great shows to choose from

- Bitsy and Boots on the Move - First Church Dinner Theater presents the play by Jonathan Joy at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for adults are $25 for dinner and the show. Children under 12 are $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets for the show only are $5 for all ages. Reservations are required - call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.


- Mercy - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents a new musical drama with music by Mark Scarpelli and book and lyrics by Dan Kehde on Saturday, Feb. 13, and Feb. 18, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. The show centers on the people of Salem Village who blame witchcraft and devilry for the fall from grace that led to Indian attacks, starvation and illness. Suspicions of witchcraft bloom into accusations, investigations and, finally, condemnations as mass hysteria envelops the town and no one, no one except Mercy and the children, is safe from the hangman’s noose.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Thursday, February 11, 2016

"Bitsy and Boots On The Move" Interview with Leann Haines

   Let's continue our interviews with the cast and crew of the comedy Bitsy and Boots On The Move, which takes the stage this weekend only in Huntington.

   Let's hear from the lovely and incredibly talented Leann Haines, who plays the part of Bridget, a fast talking, scatterbrained friend of the sisters, Bitsy and Boots.

Q: Who the heck are Bitsy and Boots? 

Leann: Two wacky broads for whom life is a mad-cap adventure!

Q: What is "On the Move" about? 

Leann: Bitsy and Boots sold their house to a mysterious stranger. What will this next chapter bring?

Q: What's the secret of the success of this series of plays? 

Leann: Jonathan Joy's clever writing and the people who bring it to life. And, the food. It's dinner theatre!

Q: People who attend this show are also helping out a great cause - tell us about it. 

Leann: It's all about missions. Giving locally and to other worthy causes. Over $52,000 in 20-some years. Amazing, and totally worth spending an evening laughing your face off!

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Leann: I've been very fortunate to sneak into several productions. Sometimes I get to put glow tape on things. Sometimes I get to sing.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Leann: Where else can you see a Dark Crystal lunchbox up close? Great fun, great food, helping our community. Join us!


   Thanks, Leann!

   Bitsy and Boots on the Move is presented by First Church Dinner Theater at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 12, 13 and 14. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., nd the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for adults are $25 for dinner and the show. Children under 12 are $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets for the show only are $5 for all ages. Reservations are required - call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Coming Soon to Broadway: "Frozen the Broadway Musical"

                                                

   Well, expect Disney fans to be swamping Broadway in a couple of years. (Even more than usual!)

   That's because, according to this articleFrozen, a new musical based on Disney's Academy Award®-winning musical film, will join Disney hits Aladdin and The Lion King on Broadway at a theatre to be announced in spring 2018.

   Frozen features music and lyrics by creators of the film score Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by Jennifer Lee, the film's screenwriter and director (with Chris Buck). 
   Frozen won 2014 Oscars® for Best Song ("Let It Go") and Best Animated Feature.

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

"Bitsy and Boots On The Move" Interview with Jerry Morse


   This weekend only you can enjoy a new comedy starring local icons Bitsy and Boots, as created by Huntington playwright Jonathan Joy.

   The two sisters are On The Move, and you can enjoy the show, have a great dinner and support a great cause all at the same time. 

   Here to tell us more about it is the show’s director, the talented and hard-working Jerry Morse:

Q: Who the heck are Bitsy and Boots?

Jerry: Bitsy and Boots are two elderly sisters who raised their nephew Tommy. The sisters are, to say the least, eccentric, and end up in a lot of adventures, and misadventures. They are the product of the creative mind of Jonathan Joy, a local playwright and theater instructor. 

Q: What is "On the Move" about?

Jerry: It is the sixth in Joy’s Bitsy and Boots series, and, simply put, is just the latest set of adventures and misadventures that seem to befall the two sisters. To say any more would spoil the suspense, and the fun. The real answers to that question are only days away. Call now for reservations, so you don’t miss out – 304-522-0357, or 740-867-8576. Best meal in town for the price, funniest show in town, too.

Q: What is your part in the production?

Jerry: I have the distinct honor to be directing this newest romp of Jonathan Joy’s.

Q: What's the secret of the success of this series of plays?

Jerry: Jonathan’s delightful sense of humor, mingled with the flavor of local people and places, and wonderfully brought to life by a bevy of accomplished actors.

Q: People who attend this show are also helping out a great cause - tell us about it.

Jerry: All proceeds from the production go toward the Mission work of the United Methodist Church. That Mission work is as close as Ebenezer Outreach Center, and Blessings in Backpacks at Central Elementary School, both in Huntington; it’s at other Mission Projects throughout the state of West Virginia; it’s at Christmas in Nicaragua, or Volunteers in Mission in Belfast, Northern Ireland, or Cherokee, North Carolina, to name only a few. Over 23 years of Dinner Theater productions, we have raised over $52,000 dollars for this Mission work. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Jerry: From Julius Caesar in high school (eons ago), to Community Players (almost as many eons ago), to Huntington Outdoor Theater, Musical Arts Guild, Summer Motion, and ARTS Resources for the Tri-State, onstage. Directed for Musical Arts Guild Children’s Theater, later First Stage Theater Company, and Church chancel dramas. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Jerry: A lively show with lots of laughs and surprises, accompanied by an excellent meal. Come see what Bitsy and Boots and their friends are up to this time!

   Thanks, Jerry!


   Bitsy and Boots on the Move is presented by First Church Dinner Theater at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 12, 13 and 14. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., nd the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for adults are $25 for dinner and the show. Children under 12 are $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets for the show only are $5 for all ages. Reservations are required - call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.

Monday, February 08, 2016

On Stage Soon: "Bitsy and Boots On The Move"


   Coming up next weekend is the latest installment in hilarious series of plays written by Huntington playwright Jonathan Joy.

   Bitsy and Boots On The Move returns the dysfunctional (and very funny) sisters to wreak more havoc on the lives of.. well, just about everyone!

    The show makes a great Valentine's date - you get a terrific meal and a hilarious show and you get to support a great cause at the same time! I never miss a show, and I love the Bitsy and Boots plays - someday, a clever TV producer will realize they'll make a terrific sitcom. Also, I love the local angle - did I mention Bitsy and Boots are from the Tri-State?

   We'll have more about the show in the week ahead - here are the basic details: 

   First Church Dinner Theater presents the play by Jonathan Joy at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 12, 13 and 14. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for adults are $25 for dinner and the show. Children under 12 are $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets for the show only are $5 for all ages. Reservations are required - call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.

Friday, February 05, 2016

"As You Like It" Interview with Mike Naglee

   You have one last chance to catch Shakespeare’s As You Like It this Saturday night at Huntington’s Renaissance Theatre - and we have one final interview with the cast to share with you.

    So let's hear from the amazingly talented Mike Naglee, who is very physical - and very funny - playing the part of the lover and the fighter named Orlando.
   
Q: Tell us about Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Mike: After a brief meeting in which they are mutually smitten with one another, Rosalind and Orlando are separately forced to flee the kingdom for their lives into the forest of Arden - taking refuge from the vengeful Duke and Orlando's fratricidal brother. Rosalind, disguised as a man, leaves the kingdom with her cousin Celia and the court Fool, Touchstone. Orlando is accompanied by his family's servant, Adam. Once in Arden, the runaways find other noble exiles and plenty of common folk, all with their stories to tell - the banished former Duke, lovesick Silvius, vain Phoebe, melancholy Jaques, hardy Corin, stout William, wayward Audrey, a trio of minstrels, and more. After much chicanery, hoodwinking, and a literal deus ex machina, everyone comes together in the end just in time for things to turn out exactly as they like it.

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Mike: Love, villainy, and being a fool for both are pretty timeless. As You Like It is one of Shakespeare's more accessible plays, and quite subversive for its time - Nobles marrying commoners and abandoning their titles, ignoring primogeniture, strong female characters that expertly maneuver the men around them... cool stuff.
    
Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play Orlando, youngest son of the late Sir Roland de Boys. My elder brother has taken my inheritance, and bars me from courtly and educational pursuits in order to keep me powerless. I'm furious, but if I show too much backbone, who knows what lengths he'd go to...

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Mike: Usually a sort of warm wash on the cyc, with the occasional gobo.... I kid, I kid. :) I've a BFA in Theatre from Marshall and have been an ARTS Company member since its inception. I love this stuff. 

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Mike: They're the most fantastic, talented, professional, dedicated and loving bunch of scoundrels and beauties you'll ever meet. Each and every one of them is THE BEST.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Mike: See above. Also - It's Shakespeare! And with this director? I'll do Shakespeare in a volcano if it's with Mike Murdock.
  
Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Mike: It's an entertaining and accessible Shakespeare comedy with all the fights, fools, love, leather pants, and shenanigans you could want... why are you still reading?! Get your tickets!

Q: And how do you like it?

Mike: Exactly like this.

   Thanks, Mike!


   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

“As You Like It” - A Review


   I should admit up front that, when it comes to Shakespeare, I’m more of a fan of his comedies.

   So I expected to enjoy the ARTS production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, which wraps up this Friday and Saturday at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (at 900 8th Street). 

  But even going in with high expectations, I must admit - the show was amazing! It’s a classic story about love, impetuous youth, vindictive Dukes (and other, nicer Dukes) and a woman who disguises herself as a man, which leads to comic mischief when the man she loves asks him/her for romantic advice.

   Whew! Sounds complicated, but it rolls along easily, thanks to the tremendously talented crew of actors who make up the ARTS resident company. 

   They work together seamlessly to bring the characters, story and era to life, all set on a clever stage “in the round” (meaning the audience is seated all around the edges of the stage, centered around an impressive tree at the center of the forest). The setting works well, and there's never a problem hearing an actor no matter where they're located. 

   Much of the show rests on the slender shoulders of Joanna Berner Murdock, who plays the beautiful Rosalind, the daughter of royalty who’s forced to flee from her home with the evil Duke (John Campbell), who threatens her with death if she stays. (Campbell also plays the evil Duke’s good-hearted brother, a much happier fellow, though the switch from one character to another can be confusing at times.)

   When her upbeat cousin Celia (Kate Morris) offers to go along, Rosalind disguises herself as a man to protect them both from “predators” - and they take along the court Jester (don’t leave home without one), played with manic intensity and perfect comedic timing by Jonathan Maynard.

   So Rosalind becomes the manly Ganymede - and her efforts at disguising (or failing to disguise) her true nature are hilarious.

   Her lover, Orlando, is played by the amazing Mike Naglee, who is a wonder in this play, whether trading humorous quips, taking part in an amazingly physical (and convincing) wrestling match with the athletic Cameron Knight, or writing sickening love songs in the woods.

   But the cast is loaded with such riches! Nora Ankrom absolutely kills as Phebe, a woman indifferent to the pleas of the (equally funny) shepherd Silvius, played by Dylan Clark. Phebe's interest is roused by an encounter with the “manly Ganymede,” and her transformation into a she-wolf is delightful.

   The play’s most famous line is delivered by the melancholy traveler Jaques, who provides the “All the world’s a stage” speech - and Robert Hutchens does so masterfully.

   There’s not a weak point in the show, which includes: the commanding Simon Woods as Orlando’s ever-angry brother; Rick Walker as Orlando’s comically hapless (but well-meaning) servant Adam; Tyler Bradley as the serious and stolid shepherd Corin; Todd Green as the funny would-be lover (but-alas-ill-fated) William; the luminous Cyndi Mac Fuller as Audrey, the innocent object of William’s interest; and the Lara Donahoe-led trio of musicians who provide sweet support to the proceedings.

    Kudos to director Mike Murdock and the cast and crew of As You Like It - it’s a real treat, and yet another in the ever-growing line of top-notch Shakespeare productions from ARTS.

   Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend: Shakespeare and "Moonlight!"

   Only two shows on tap this weekend - but they’re great ones! 

   Here’s the list:

- As You Like It by William Shakespeare - Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) present the classic play at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

- Moonlight and Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on Feb. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 2nd Street in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are$16 for adults and $12 for students. 


   So get out there and enjoy a show! 

Thursday, February 04, 2016

"As You Like It" Interview with Kate Morris

   Tomorrow the play As You Like It takes the stage in Huntington for the first of its final two shows - and we have two more interviews with the cast to share! (I know, I said the same thing yesterday - but we received one more interview today!)

   So here’s our next-to-the-last interview (so far), as the lovely and talented Kate Morris tells us about the joys of a Shakespeare play:

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Kate: Who doesn’t love love? It’s a fun and playful romp through the forest. Unless you don’t like fun. Then you definitely shouldn’t come see it. But even if you don’t like fun, you might like Jaques because he doesn’t like fun either. So you should still see it!

Q: Tell us about the character you play

Kate: My part of the story is about two young women who make a bold decision to leave their oppressive life at home and go on an adventure. It’s like Thelma and Louise in corsets. I play Celia, Rosalind’s devoted, fearless, and spirited cousin and best friend. She always looks on the bright side and doesn’t take life too seriously even when things look bleak. It’s nice to be able to go to the theatre each night and live in the shoes of someone with such a positive outlook on life. Speaking of shoes, the costumes are wonderful. Anna Baker and Becky McClelland have outdone themselves.

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Kate: The theatre has been drawing me in with its siren song since I was a teenager. Whether it’s on stage, backstage or in the audience, I can’t seem to stay away.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Kate: As Celia, I spend a lot of time on stage observing and listening without talking. I have the best seat in the house to watch this talented cast work hard to create a neighborhood of characters that speak beautiful words and feel honest emotions. I have to admit I wasn’t completely sure we could pull this off in the allotted rehearsal time, what with illnesses and holidays and snow, but I am as proud of this show as any I’ve been in. More.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Kate: Shakespeare is always a challenge for me. Shakespeare’s comedies are even more so. I like a challenge. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Kate: It’s cold outside, but it’s warm and cozy in the Forest of Arden. Come “live a little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little.” 

Q: And how do you like it?

Kate: Above freezing.

   Thanks, Kate!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

"As You Like It" Interview with Ashby-Lee Foutch

  You have two more chances to catch the ARTS production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, which wraps up this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington. (By the way, I’ve seen it, it’s wonderful - do yourself a favor and go see it.)

   We have a two more cast interviews to share, starting with the lovely Ashby-Lee Foutch, who plays The Page:  

Q: Tell us about As You Like It.

Ashby-Lee: As You Like It is a comedy about fools, exile, adventure, and love. Every character has their own unique story, and each story ties into a celebratory ending in the forest. Huzzah!
Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Ashby-Lee: Shakespeare may have lived in a different time and spoken in a slightly different way, but his ideas are still relevant in today’s society. It’s full of love stories, each one with its own challenges and twists.
Q: Tell us about the characters you play.

Ashby-Lee: I’m the page to Oliver and a court musician. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Lara Donahoe, who wrote the majority of the music in the show. It has been fun learning about the different instruments and music of the time period. 
Q: What's your background in theatre?

Ashby-Lee: I’ve been involved in theatre for five years, and I have loved every minute of it. I auditioned for my first show as a nervous middle schooler, and now I feel at home on stage. I never expected to fall in love with this art form, but I am beyond happy that I did.
Q: Tell us about the cast.

Ashby-Lee: The cast is such an amazing group of people. I am the youngest, and they all have taken me under their wing in a way. They are an absolute blast to work with, and I am thankful for the opportunity to create with them!

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Ashby-Lee: I have never been in a Shakespeare show before, and I thought that As You Like It would be a great start. I also love working with the people at ARTS!  
Q: Why would you recommend this show?\

Ashby-Lee: It is truly a beautiful show that has something for everyone. It will shock you, make you laugh, make you cry. The set is gorgeous. The costumes are wonderful. You don’t want to miss it. 

Q: And how do you like it?

Ashby-Lee: I love it!
   Thanks, Ashby!
   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.


Tuesday, February 02, 2016

Bitsy and Boots Return!

   Every year at Valentine's Day we get a real treat in Huntington - a new production from First Church Dinner Theatre1 And this year's show features the return of a favorite duo in an all-new story!

   Here's what you need to know about:

“Bitsy and Boots On the Move” by Jonathan Joy

     Bitsy and Boots are back along with Tommy, Kat and their zany friends!
  
              Why are Bitsy and Boots on the move? Where are they going?

                          What is Max running for (or from) now?

              What will Boots contribute to Max’s latest political campaign?

             What’s new with Bertie Lou?

Bridget said what?

      All these questions will be answered when you attend “Bitsy and Boots on the Move”, yet another hilarious comedy by our resident playwright, Jonathan Joy. To keep the laughs coming, we have assembled a stellar cast of Dinner Theater veterans:
             
           Bitsy - Jane Morse                 Boots - Loretta Hetzer
                       Tommy – Eric Wilson                                   Kat -  Jenn Naglee
          Bertie Lou – Linda LeMaster                        Bridget – Leann Haines 
                       Policeman – Antwon Williams                     Max - Michael Sheets   
                       Raul - Michael Naglee
                  
 The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991.  It is an integral part of First Church’s Mission program, raising more than $52,000 for Mission projects through 23 productions. For example last year’s proceeds helped West Virginia mission projects, the Campus Christian Center, the City Mission, Blessings in a Back Pack, food and clothing for local families in need, and Christmas in Nicaragua.

First United Methodist Church, 1124 5th Ave., Huntington
Friday, February 12; Saturday, February 13; Sunday, February 14

Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.     Show at 8:00 p.m.
Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with
Tossed Salad         Baked Potato
Green Peas and Pearl Onions
Dilly Rolls
Assorted Valentine Desserts

Dinner plus Show:  Adult - $25.00   Child under 12 - $8.00
Show only (as space permits) - $5.00
Babysitting available on request for all shows (advance notice required)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL DINNERS
        Call:  (304)522-0357 or  (740)867-8576 


All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church.