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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, July 30, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   There are lots of great shows on stage this weekend! Here's the rundown:

- Seussical: The Musical - HART in the Park presents the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss. Shows will be presented on July 30 and 31 at 8:30 p.m.  Gates open at 7 p.m., the Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheater at 1310 8th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. Group rates are available.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - the Charleston Light Opera Guild and The Clay Center present the beloved musical on July 30, Aug. 5, 6 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and July 31, Aug. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. at The Clay Center at One Clay Square in Charleston. All tickets are reserved - $25 each.

- Disney’s High School Musical - the Paramount Players present the musical on July 30 at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.

- The Wizard of Oz - Southern Coalition for the Arts presents the musical on July 30, 31 and Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. and Aug. 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree at 308 Main Street in Logan. Tickets are $12 each with group rates available.

- 9 to 5 - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 29 and 30 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- The Aracoma Story - the classic story will be presented July 30 at 8:30 p.m. at the Liz Spurlock Ampitheater at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and $6 for children.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!


Tuesday, July 26, 2016

A Robbery at ARTS

   This is frustrating news to report: as they're in the process of preparing for their upcoming production of The Full Monty, Huntington's theatre company known as ARTS was the victim of robbery.
   The group sent out this message today to ask everyone to keep their eyes open in case they can help track down the thieves:
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Dear Friends and Family of ARTS:
Although we are VERY excited about our upcoming production of The Full Monty, and we hope you come to see it, share the event and invite your friends and family, we do have a bit of troubling news to report.
Sometime between the hours of 11 p.m. on last Thursday night and noon on Sunday, the ARTS mainstage theater at the Renaissance Center was robbed.
We have filed a report with the Huntington Police Department and have already taken several steps to ensure that it does not happen again. While our season isn't crippled by this, it has certainly wounded us a bit, both artistically and emotionally. It makes us sick to think that someone would steal from a non-profit that is simply trying to bring a bit of art into this, clearly, troubled world.
We bring this to your attention, not to pull at your heartstrings, but to get more eyes on the situation. If you happen to be familiar with some things at ARTS and perhaps see them in a pawn shop, etc., we would love a message or a phone call. No need to make a big deal about it with the shop owner or anyone else. Just keep an eye out and an ear to the ground.
We lost nearly all of our power tools, our Leprechaun light board, all six of our 2-way radios and more. The full list is below.
We will persevere, of course. This is just a stumbling block. If anyone has any tools they would like to donate to ARTS for our last two shows this season, we would greatly appreciate it. The nature of theatre is continuing on through adversity. The show must go on.
Thank you, everyone, who has worked with ARTS in the past, bought tickets or enjoyed our productions on any level. Without you, we wouldn't be where we are today. Again, we have already taken quite a few steps to ensure that this doesn't happen again, and there is no need for worry. We're still rehearsing every night and taking care of business as usual.
Much love.
List of items stolen:
Chop saw
Jigsaw
Hand saw
Circular saw
Miter saw
Black & Yellow plastic tool box filled with wrenches, screwdrivers & hammers
(4) cordless drills / screw guns & chargers
DeWalt drill (with "G. Morris" written on it)
(6) matching hand radios
(2) wireless handheld mics
5 lbs box of 2.5" ext screws
Leprechaun lightboard
White plastic reading lamp with a blue light bulb and center touch button
(1) plastic mic stand
(1) suitcase
(2) ladies purses
Thank you.

Friday, July 22, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   Thee are some great shows on tap this weekend! Here's the rundown: 

- Seussical: The Musical - HART in the Park presents the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss. Shows will be presented on July 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 at 8:30 p.m.  Gates open at 7 p.m., the Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheater at 1310 8th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. Group rates are available.

Harry Potter and the Fatal Finale: A Parody - Camp Curtain Call (LimeLight Theatre Co.) is producing its popular, annual theatrical production. Public performances are July 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., and July 23 at 2 p.m. All tickets are $10 General Admission at WVSU's Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. For reservations call 304-342-6522. 

 - The Aracoma Story - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the musical at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va., on July 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30. All shows start at 8:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $12, Senior citizens are $10, children are $6. 

- Mary Poppins - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical July 23 and 28 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- 9 to 5 - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 9, 12, 16, 22, 29 and 30 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Mulan Jr. - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 22 and 23 at 6 p.m. and July 22 and 23 at 2 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. 

   So get out there and support your local theatre company!

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Marshall Artists Series Announces the 2016-'17 Shows


    The Marshall Artists Series announced its new season this week, which includes touring productions of the Broadway shows Pippin, 42nd Street and Rent
   My pal Dave Lavender has it covered - here's his story from the Herald-Dispatch:
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   When you turn 80 years old, it's time for a big celebration.
   You don't wait around to get the party started, you go big, and by golly, you order dessert first.
   Thus the Marshall Artists Series, one of the nation's oldest college-based artists series, comes out of the gates - swinging it sweet and in classic style, with the one-and-only Tony Bennett, and follows the living legend up with the 2016-17 series that features 10 shows that includes a healthy blast of national Broadway tours, such legendary artists as Wynton Marsalis, as well as 12 award-winning indie films, a special event with comedian Lewis Black and the Artists Series perennially sold out wine festival called Uncorked.
   Angela Jones, director of marketing and external affairs for MAS, said the Artists Series, which has hosted everyone from Eleanor Roosevelt and Dizzy Gillespie to Helen Hayes, Bette Davis, Willie Nelson, Little Richard, Glen Campbell and Harry Belafonte, is ecstatic to kick off the season with Bennett.
   Bennett is a Kennedy Center honoree, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and the oldest person in recorded music history to have a No. 1 album, when his collaboration with Lady Gaga, "Cheek to Cheek," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts in September 2014.
   "The first show is Tony Bennett, we wanted to do him last year but couldn't work it out," said Jones. "When you talk about bucket list artists to see he is one and he is going to be here. We are very excited about that. He's a living legend and someone who has reinvented himself over and over again. He keeps on breaking his own records like being the oldest artist to debut at No. 1 because he keeps it so fresh."
   Penny Watkins, executive director for the Marshall Artists Series, said in a release that the events showcased in the 2016-17 season offer a fresh perspective in the ever-evolving world of arts and entertainment.
   "For our 80th season, we are presenting a lineup that is exciting and diverse," said Watkins. "We have music greats this year including living legend, Tony Bennett, singer-songwriters, Gavin Degraw and Andy Grammer - Live in Concert, and Motown powerhouse Freda Payne in a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis brings the world famous Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with a Big Band Holiday show that is sure to get the holidays kicked off in a jazzy way. We have the best of Broadway including 'Pippin,' '42nd Street,' and the 20th Anniversary tour of the groundbreaking musical, Rent.' The State Ballet Theater of Russia makes a much anticipated return visit with the beloved ballet, 'Cinderella.' "Additionally, we have a unique music and dance event from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir from South Africa. The multicultural choir's performances incorporate dancing, and theatre along with their music. Plus, comedian Lewis Black brings his 'The Emperor's New Clothes: The Naked Truth Tour' to Huntington. We are proud to play a critical role in advancing the Marshall Artists Series' mission to foster greater understanding and appreciation of the performing arts."
   Here's a closer look at the shows coming into the 2016-17 season.
The Baxter Series
   No one in popular American music has recorded for so long and at such a high level of excellence than Tony Bennett, who comes to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29.
   With millions of records sold worldwide and platinum and gold albums to his credit, Bennett has received 19 Grammy Awards, including a 1995 Grammy for Record of the Year and the Grammy Lifetime Award. Bennett became a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2005, was named an NEA Jazz Master in January of 2006, received a Citizen of the World award from the UN, and a Billboard Magazine Century Award in honor of his outstanding contributions to music. His latest collaboration with Lady Gaga - "Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga: Cheek to Cheek" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, making him the oldest artist in recorded music history to have a number one album.
The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir
   Direct from South Africa, The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir comes to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. The choir consists of 55 members, both students and alumni, who come from all walks of life and prides itself in being multicultural in both its membership and the music it performs.
   Since its inception in 1994, the choir has gained a reputation for its unique ability to successfully interpret both a Western and an African repertoire and has since become sought after at choral festivals internationally. Along with a diverse music selection, their performances incorporate dancing and theatre reflecting different music genres and styles, which simply heightens the experience for both the choir and the audience.
    "They are university students and alumni and the makeup of the choir is very diverse, and it is also not just choral music but also a lot of traditional dance as well," Jones said.
'Cinderella'
   One of the world's beloved stories is told through ballet at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 24. Back by popular demand The State Ballet Theater of Russia's full-scale production will feature 55 dancers, and is choreographed by Vladimir Vasiliev, former Principal Dancer with the Bolshoi Theater Ballet and "The Best Male Dancer of the 20th Century." The State Ballet Theater of Russia was founded by legendary dancer and former Prima Ballerina of The Bolshoi Theater Ballet, Maya Plisetskaya, and is now under the direction of award-winning dancer and Moiseyev Dance Company soloist, Nikolay Anokhin.
   Jones said this is the same company that brought in "Swan Lake" last year.
   "Ballets are really expensive production wise, Jones said. "But it just so happened that we worked really well with them last year and they wanted to come back so we decided to do it. People love to take their little girls who take ballet to see professional ballet, and to get to see it at the Keith-Albee like they did years ago. It is a theater designed for that."
'42nd Street'
   The quintessential backstage musical comedy classic comes to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18.
   Based on a novel by Bradford Ropes and Busby Berkeley's 1933 movie, "42nd Street" tells the story of a starry-eyed young dancer named Peggy Sawyer who leaves her Allentown home and comes to New York to audition for the new Broadway musical Pretty Lady. When the leading lady breaks her ankle, Peggy takes over and becomes a star. This musical features some of the greatest songs ever written, such as "We're In The Money," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Shuffle Off To Buffalo," "Dames," "I Only Have Eyes For You," and of course "42nd Street."
The Mount Series
   Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw and acclaimed, Billboard chart topping artist Andy Grammer are live in concert at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. Fans can expect to hear DeGraw perform songs from his 10-plus year career including classics "I Don't Wanna Be," "Chariot," and "Not Over You." Multi-platinum selling artist Andy Grammer will dazzle crowds with his upbeat songs including smash hit "Honey, I'm Good," "Good To Be Alive (Hallelujah)," "Back Home," and "Keep Your Head Up."
   The Artists Series is teaming up with the MU CAB (Campus Activities Board), for this show.
   "It is awesome to work with them because they have students who make up their board so it is really great to get that student input," Jones said.
'Rent'
   Making a stop on its historic 20th anniversary tour, the smash hit Broadway phenomenon returns to the stage of the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.
   Twenty years ago - 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson's "Rent" continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world with its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear. This timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters-love.
   This will be the first time the national tour of "Rent" has been at the Artists Series since November 2001.
A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald
   Freda Payne stars in A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.
   Freda Payne, celebrated Motown R & B and jazz vocalist, is best known for her No. 1 hit, "Band of Gold," and "Bring the Boys Home," and as the star of Broadway shows as "Jelly's Last Jam," "Sophisticated Ladies" and "Blues in the Night."
   But this next year, Payne takes to the road to pay tribute to the unforgettable musical stylings of the late, great blues legend, Ella Fitzgerald. Payne will conjure up the spirit of Ella" with her renditions of "A-Tisket, a-Tasket," "Sweet Georgia Brown," "It Don't Mean a Thing." and "Mack the Knife," as well as many other Fitzgerald classics.
   "This is going to be a really neat show with Freda Payne the Motown dynamo," Jones said. "She is doing a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald because Ella would have turned 100 in 2017. I think it's going to be such a great show because Ella is known for such style and Payne is too as she's starred on Broadway in "Sophisticated Ladies," and "Jelly's Last Jam."
'Pippin"
   The high-flying hit circus-themed musical is back on Broadway for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago.
   Written by Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked" and "Godspell"), "Pippin took home four Tonys in 2013 when it was revived on Broadway.
   Since then the revamped show has hit the road on a national tour and stops by the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 4, 2017.
   "Pippin" tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory.
The 2016-17 Superticket
   Patrons who purchase a Superticket package will receive tickets to all events on both the Baxter Series and Mount Series, along with the Fall & Spring International Film Festival. Additionally, the Superticket package will include:
   Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra present Big Band Holidays at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Jazz up your holiday celebration with nine-time Grammy winner Wynton Marsalis. The composer-performer-artistic director brings the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra for a magical evening of festive music that blends classical, jazz and holiday favorites. The 15-piece orchestra will perform brand new arrangements of songs both sacred and secular, from Billie Holiday's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" to favorites like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
   "They are ridiculously good and I'm really excited to hear all the jazzy arrangements of holiday songs," Jone said.
   Jones said while they dialed up an unprecedented three holiday shows a couple years ago, including Kathy Mattea's Celtic Christmas concert, they always try to snag a unique show to help celebrate the holiday season.
   "We are pretty lucky that we have so many different audiences like many of our season patrons some of whom have been there for 30-plus years," Jones said. "And we have the whole university community of students, faculty and staff, and then people who live in the Tri-State, and people who are new to the area looking for something to do. We definitely have a lot of audiences to reach and I feel like we have been very lucky to be able to be as diverse with our offerings, and our holiday offerings."
'H is for Hawk'
   Helen Macdonald, the New York Times best-selling author of the literary sensation "H is for Hawk" comes to the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4.
   Macdonald will tell the story of how she adopted and raised one of nature's most formidable predators to escape the grief she felt after the sudden death of her beloved father. Fierce and feral, her goshawk Mabel's temperament mirrored Helen's own, and together raptor and human "discover the pain and beauty of being alive" (People Magazine). This genre-defying debut is at heart a meditation on love, loss and our relationship to our natural world.
   Jones said they are stoked to continue the Artists Series legacy of hosting lectures as well.
   In fact, the Artists Series first show on Oct. 15, 1936, was a lecture from Antarctic explore Rear Admiral Richard Byrd, who came to lecture about polar exploration to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Marshall College.
   "I think this will be really neat to have MacDonald who has a great story about finding yourself," Jones said. "It has been since Lawrence Wright and Jean-Michel Cousteau that we have had in a guest speaker, so we are excited to be able to do that again.
Fall International Film Festival
   The Fall International Film Festival will take place Oct. 2730 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Featured films include: "Mustang" (Turkey), "Prescription Thugs" (USA), "The Lady in The Van" (UK), "VIVA" (Cuba), "A War" (Denmark), and "The Last Diamond" (France).
   "I feel like we have some really strong films this year," Jones said. "We are doing this documentary ' Prescription Thugs' so we want to be able to do a discussion following the film as we have been dealing with heroin abuse but that usually starts with pill abuse and so we are still dealing with the repercussions of it."
   One of the highlights of the fall is the British comedy "The Lady in the Van," the quirky and true story of the true story of Mary Shepherd, an elderly woman who lived in a dilapidated van on Alan Bennett's driveway in London for 15 years. That film stars Dame Maggie Smith, best known of late as one of the stars of "Downton Abbey."
   "Viva," is a Cuban-set Spanish-language film oddly enough by Irishman Paddy Breathnach which rocked the Telluride Film Festival in 2015 during its world premiere over Labor Day weekend. The films traces stars Hctor Medina as Jesus, a young hairdresser working at a Havana nightclub that showcases drag performers, who dreams of being a performer himself. When his estranged father Angel (Jorge Perugorra) abruptly reenters his life, father and son clash over their opposing expectations of each other.
Spring International Film Festival
   The Spring International Film Festival will take place March 2-5, 2017, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Featured films include: "Dheepan" (France), "The Second Mother" (Brazil), "Truman" (Spain/Argentina), "Sweet Bean" (Japan), "The Dark Horse" (New Zealand), and "Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World" (USA).
   One of the highlights of the Spring fest is "Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World" (USA). It's a documentary by iconic German director Werner Herzog. Premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival, Herzog interviews Bob Kahn, Elon Musk, Sebastian Thrun, and other leaders of the technology world about the existential impact of the Internet, robotics, AI, the Internet on human life.
   "It's all about the Internet and how we are all addicted to technology and have to rely on it, I think the questions that will be raised by this film will be really interesting," Jones said.
   Jones said also of much topical significance is "Dheepan," the winner of the Palme d'Or at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival, that is about immigration as it tells the story of three Tamil refugees who flee the civil war-ravaged Sri Lanka and come to France, in the hope of reconstructing their lives but winds up as a caretakers of a rough housing project controlled by drug dealers.
The 2016-17 special event
   This event is not a part of any series and must be purchased separately.
   Acclaimed comedian Lewis Black brings his "The Emperor's New Clothes - The Naked Truth Tour" to the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8.
   A Grammy-Award winning stand-up comedian, Black is one of the most popular performers working today. He came into national prominence with his appearances on "The Daily Show."
   Those appearances led to comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. He has won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. Black has released 8 comedy albums, two have won Grammy Awards and he has published three best-selling books. His live shows provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment. He is a passionate performer who is more of a grumpy optimist than a mean-spirited curmudgeon.
   "People definitely love seeing comedy as part of the Marshall Artists Series and we definitely have a strong history of doing comedy," Jones said of the Artists Series, which has hosted such comedians as legendary comics as Jay Leno, Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Cosby, Tim Conway and Don Knotts, as well as contemporary comics such as Daniel Tosh, Margaret Cho, Def Comedy Jam, Jim Gaffigan, and many more.
Get your tickets
   The deadline to purchase or renew season ticket packages is Friday, Aug. 5.
   Season Package pricing is: Superticket (Baxter, Mount + Special Events + Film Festivals)
Superticket Plus 1 $849
  • Price 2 - $600
  • Price 3 - $490
  • Price 4 - $395
Baxter Series
  • Baxter Plus 1 - $399
  • Price 2 - $265
  • Price 3 - $205
  • Price 4 - $165
Mount Series
  • Mount Plus 1 - $350
  • Price 2 - $245
  • Price 3 - $205
  • Price 4 - $170
   International Film Festival (Includes Fall & Spring Festivals) - $80
   Series prices listed above do not include W.Va. state sales tax and Keith-Albee Restoration Fee.
   New season subscription orders and season package renewals for current patrons are on sale now. Deadline for season ticket renewal is Friday, Aug. 5. All orders will be processed in order of date and time received. Tickets to individual events go on sale, Monday, Aug. 22.
   The Marshall Artists Series is again offering a payment plan that we hope will offer our patrons greater flexibility in their season planning - two-payment plan. If you are interested in our two-payment plan call 304-696-3326.
   The Marshall Artists Series accepts all major credit cards. Season packages may be ordered via telephone by calling our administrative offices at 304-696-3326. Orders may also be mailed in to Marshall Artists Series, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755-2210, be faxed to 304-696-6658 or emailed to artistsseries@marshall.edu. The Marshall Artists Series office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the Jomie Jazz Center on Fifth Avenue across from Marshall University's Student Center.

Thursday, July 14, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   There are several great shows to check out this weekend! Here's the rundown:

- Seussical: The Musical - HART in the Park presents the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss. Shows will be presented on July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 at 8:30 p.m.  Gates open at 7 p.m., the Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheater at 1310 8th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. Group rates are available.

- Sherlock Holmes and the Beast of Whitechapel - the Astral Theatre Collective presents this original play on July 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and July 17 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $20 each.

- 9 to 5 - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 16, 22, 29 and 30 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny  Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

   So get out there and take in some community theatre!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

On Stage This Weekend: "Seussical the Musical"


   Taking the stage this weekend is the second show in HART in the Park's summer series - the beloved Seussical the Musical!

   My pal Dave Lavender filed a great story in today edition of the Herald-Dispatch, which you can read right here. Here's an excerpt:

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   Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
   HART in the Park has turned the page from a successful three weekend run of "Wizard of Oz," and they now have their ears trained to a much finer sound coming from the grass or maybe the clover, perhaps someone on top of a small speck of dust.
   No matter that you cannot see this Who, Horton The Elephant hears that little person shaking with fear and you get to watch him try to save him because after all, a person's a person, no matter how small.
   Gliding along on the delightful and powerful rhythmic stories of Dr. Seuss, "Seussical The Musical," will be colorfully brought to life starting Friday as the Huntington Area Regional Theater (HART in the Park), turns the spotlights back on at Ritter Park Amphitheater kicking off a three-weekend run of the magically fun storybook romp set to run Friday through Sunday, July 15-17, July 22-24 and July 29-31.
   Based on the classic Dr. Seuss stories you grew up with, "Seussical" features great characters such as Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird, Yertle the Turtle, the Sour Kangaroo and a whole bunch of Whos from Whoville.
   Tickets are $12 children/seniors or $15 adults. Group rates are available. Tickets can be purchased at www.GHPRD.org or at the gate the night of the show. Call 304-696-5954 or visit www.GHPRD.org.

   The main show starts at 8:30 p.m. - however, gates open at 7 p.m. for picnics, with a children's pre-show to follow. Concessions are available at Ritter Park.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

"School of Rock" Auditions in August

   First Stage has a big show rocking the house this fall (in the interest of full disclosure: it's directed by your pal Chuck) - here's the audition information for School of Rock the Musical: Youth Production:
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   This musical, based on the Jack Black movie, tells the story of a would-be rock star who finds himself working as a substitute teacher at a private school - and he decides to build a band using the talented students in his classroom!
   The show includes parts for performers who will play their instruments live on stage - and there are also many parts for performers who do not play instruments. We'll also need young musicians to play in the orchestra. Only performers between the ages of 10 to 18 may audition for the production. (If you've ever dreamed of being a rock star, here's your chance!)
   The auditions will be held at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road (across from the Route 60 K-Mart). 
   Here's how the auditions work: 
   MUSICIANS will audition on Saturday, Aug, 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - arrive anytime between those hours. Instruments will be provided, or you may bring your own. Sheet music can be provided (email firststagewv@gmail.com for more info). You will be expected to perform a one-minute selection from a song. Those auditioning for onstage roles must also sing a 30-scond segment of a song (you are not required to play an instrument and sing at the same time for the audition). Parts include the lead, Dewey Finn, who must play the guitar. There are also parts for students who play the guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. The same instruments will be featured in the orchestra.
   SINGING, READING AND DANCING auditions will be held Sunday, Aug. 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - arrive anytime during those hours to audition.
   Callbacks, if necessary, will be held Sunday, Aug, 21 (by invitation only).
   For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Paramount Arts Center Announces New Season

   The Paramount Arts Center announced its new season this weekend, with lots of great shows in the lineup. Here's the press release they issued:

   The new 2016-17 Season at the Paramount Arts Center is going to have an amazing lineup of shows! The Paramount has created a season that will appeal to many different people with diverse styles that include entertainment from India to the USA.
    
   Starting with the Kentucky Music Trail showcasing Country Music the Paramount plans to have a sell-out year! KMT will feature four country artists including Phil Vassar, Kellie Pickler, Kelsea Ballerini, and a Bonus Concert to be announced in August. Country music fans are going to love this year’s energy packed KMT Season!
    
   The Paramount Players will be offering a great season that will present shows for every age starting with one of your favorites, High School Musical on July 29 and 30. The Players are producing Cabaret (Rated R) on September 23 and 24, The Elves And The Shoemaker: A Musical Holiday Fable on December 9, Meet Me In St. Louis on December 16 and 17, To Kill A Mockingbird (Rated PG-13) on February 3 and 4 and Beauty And The Beast on March 24 and 25. To Kill a Mockingbird will be part of the Big Read program and the opening night performance will feature a key note speech and a meet and greet reception with Mary Badham, the actress who played Scout in the original movie. The Big Read is a program of the National Endowment for the arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
    
   If you like Jazz Music, the Paramount’s Jazz Alley series is for you! The Phil DeGreg Trio will be July 16, John Rankin with Neoclassic Jazz Trio is August 6, the Dick Sisto Trio on August 27 and the series will conclude with The Bob Thompson Unit on September 10.  As Louis Armstrong once said "Hot can be cool & cool can be hot & each can be both. But hot or cool man, Jazz is Jazz." Come be “cool” with the Paramount Arts Center at the Jazz Alley series!
 
   The Family Adventure Series at the Paramount has a few favorites to share with the entire family. Beginning with Bubble Trouble: An Interactive Bubble Show on October 11, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live on January 19, Experience The Extraordinary: The Illusionist Craig Karges on March 4 and Artrageous on March 14. Several of the shows offer VIP meet and greet opportunities.
 
   The concert series will offer an eclectic mix of styles and genres for all music lovers. The series will include The Purple Xperience – A Prince Tribute featuring Dr. Fink, an original member of The Revolution on September 27, The Atlanta Pops with Chloe Agnew, Dermot Kiernan & Riverdancer on March 18, and A Night To Remember – Presley, Perkins, Lewis and Cash on April 13. On August 19 there will be a concert special with 38 Special and on October 14 American Idol finalist Tristan McIntosh with special opener Ashland’s own Bronson Bush will take the stage with their own sound of country. For Halloween there will be a scary night of movies on October 29. Ghost Busters (Rated PG-13) will be shown at 6:30 pm, the original Halloween (Rated R) at 8:30 pm, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Rated R) at 11:00 pm with props and all of the scariness (Shadow Cast Included). Two Special fundraisers are planned for the Paramount this season. The 2nd Annual “Lip Sync Battle” will be October 15 and the new “Country Comes To Town” in partnership with Poage Landing Days on August 20. 
 
   Finally, the Broadway Series will bring new actors to the Paramount Stage with some great entertainment. The National Tour of Annie February 19 will bring the classic story with all of the musical favorites to stage. The Paramount Players present Beauty And The Beast on March 24 and 25. This will be great fun for children and adults of all ages, and the third show in the Broadway Series will bring a beautiful, mesmerizing Bollywood show to Ashland. Mystic India: The World Tour on January 27 is the number one touring Bollywood show and it will amaze your eyes with incredible special effects and beautiful dance and music from India. This show is one you do not want to miss!
 
The 2016-17 Season at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland is going to be one of the best seasons yet, and the entertainment is going to be exciting for everyone! 

Thursday, July 07, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   There are several great shows on tap for the weekend (though none in Huntington, alas). Here's the rundown:

- Sherlock Holmes and the Beast of Whitechapel - the Astral Theatre Collective presents this original play on July 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and July 10 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $20 each.

- Mary Poppins - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical July 8, 14 and 15 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- 9 to 5 - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 9 and 12 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Another Fistful of Bullets! - Murder and Merriment presents an Interactive Dinner Murder Mystery at a WV Flood Relief Benefit on July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Greenhouse of Teays Valley in Hurricane. Tickets are $30 per guest, reservations are required - call 304-397-6316.

   So go see some theatre!

Monday, July 04, 2016

Musical Theatre on the Internet!


   If you’re a fan of musical theatre, there’s a great new way to catch the music you enjoy!

   It’s part of a new Internet radio station called On The Air, which is based out of Charleston. 

   My pal Mel Larch has started a show called Curtain Call that’s part of that station - it presents an hour of the best of musical theatre, both past and present. 

   A new episode will premiere each Wednesday at 3 p.m., with repeat airings throughout the week. Each show will feature songs from hit shows such as The Book of Mormon, Gypsy, Hedwig and The Angry Inch, Hamilton, and many others. 

   You can tune it to that show and many others at this site: http://ontheairadio.com/listen-live/ 


   Give it a listen!

Friday, July 01, 2016

On Stage in July

   The Tri-State heats up in July with a dozen terrific shows to see!

   Here's the schedule:

- Seussical: The Musical - HART in the Park presents the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss. Shows will be presented on July 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31 at 8:30 p.m.  Gates open at 7 p.m., the Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheater at 1310 8th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. Group rates are available.

- Elf the Musical, Jr. -  The ARTS Summer Theatre Camp presents the holiday musical on July 2 at 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. All tickets are $5.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - the Charleston Light Opera Guild and The Clay Center present the beloved musical on July 29, 30, Aug. 5, 6 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and July 31, Aug. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m. at The Clay Center at One Clay Square in Charleston. All tickets are reserved - $25 each.

- Disney’s High School Musical - the Paramount Players present the musical on July 29 and 30 at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.

- The Wizard of Oz - Southern Coalition for the Arts presents the musical on July 29, Aug. 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m., July 30, 31 and Aug. 7 at 3 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree at 308 Main Street in Logan. Tickets are $12 each with group rates available.

- Sherlock Holmes and the Beast of Whitechapel - the Astral Theatre Collective presents this original play on July 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and July 10 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $20 each.

- Mary Poppins - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical July 2, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 23 and 28 at 8:15 p.m. and July 5 at 7 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Sleeping Beauty Kids - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 2 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky.

- 9 to 5 - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 9, 12, 16, 22, 29 and 30 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Ampitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Mulan Jr. - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on July 21, 22 and 23 at 6 p.m. and July 22 and 23 at 2 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. 

Harry Potter and the Fatal Finale: A ParodyCamp Curtain Call (LimeLight Theatre Co.) is producing its popular, annual theatrical production. Public performances are July 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., and July 23 at 2 p.m. All tickets are $10 General Admission at WVSU's Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. For reservations call 304-342-6522. 

- Another Fistful of Bullets! - Murder and Merriment presents an Interactive Dinner Murder Mystery at a WV Flood Relief Benefit on July 9 at 7 p.m. at the Greenhouse of Teays Valley in Hurricane. Tickets are $30 per guest, reservations are required - call 304-397-6316.

   So get out there and take in some community theatre!

Post #3000!

   It's one of those milestones that only I care about - but I wanted to make note of this post, since it's number 3,000!

   The Tri-State Theatre Blog got its start almost 10 years ago (!!!) when Herald-Dispatch reporter Dave Lavender called to see if I knew anyone who'd like to write a theatre blog for Huntington's newspaper. I replied, "You mean someone besides me?"

   I jumped at the chance, because I'd been wanting to try my hand at blogging - and I'm a big supporter of Huntington's Community Theatre groups (and there are many), and I thought it was a good way to help get out the word about local shows.

   It's been fun, and the response by readers has been gratifying. I hope to keep going for at least a few more years - as always, send along any photos or information about local theatre shows, upcoming auditions or anything else you'd like to see in this space (it's here to support the community, after all).

   You can send info in by the comment link below or email it to me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

   I wanted to express my thanks to: editor Andrea Copley-Smith, who tolerates me, watches over my ramblings and makes sure this blog stays on target; to my lovely wife, Jeanette, for her advice and support - and for putting up with my efforts to keep up with (and write about) theatre; and to you, our gentle readers, for following along and supporting theatre in the area.

   (So let's see... 3,000 posts in 10 years... that works out to about 300 posts a year... or a total of about 1,200,000 words written! Yikes!)

    Enough reminiscing - on to the next post!