Title

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.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Sandi Patty in Concert

   John McAlister Productions’ Opening Night Sandi Patty concert will be offered at Charleston’s Clay Center and Huntington’s Christ Temple Church. 

   Five-time Grammy® winner Sandi Patty is well- known as “The Voice” of contemporary Christian music, but in recent years, she’s achieved diverse performance recognition with many of the world’s finest orchestras, including her work with nationally-acclaimed pops conductor, Maestro Jack Everly. 

   True to her song, “Love In Any Language,” Sandi’s stage charm has touched millions of concertgoers from all walks of life.

   “While we knew Tri-state audiences would show a big response to Sandi, what we did not anticipate was the overwhelming response from guests beyond our region. For instance, we know of many guests traveling to Charleston and Huntington from as far south as Alabama all the way up to Canada,” said John McAlister, Programming & Presentations Producer. 

   But amidst all the fans traveling to West Virginia for these concerts, Sandi Patty’s husband, Don Peslis, a Huntington High School alumni, will be coming home to share his talents, along with several of the couple’s children in a unique, family concert everyone will love. 

   Fans can even meet Sandi Patty before the concert by purchasing the VIP experience.

   In addition to her debut with John McAlister Productions, Sandi Patty has a long history of performing throughout our region, including recent engagements at Ashland’s Paramount Arts Center. 

   Throughout her 35-year career, Sandi has received five Grammy® awards, four Billboard Music Awards, three platinum records, and five gold records. She recently completed her highly successful two- year “Forever Grateful” tour - her farewell to life on the road that brought fans to packed houses across the country.page1image14432

   Tickets for Sandi Patty at the Clay Center on August 31 and Christ Temple Church on September 1 are on sale now. Visit www.JohnMcAlisterProductions.com or call 888.453.ARTS (2787) for more information. 

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

"Newsies" on NetFlix


   For those who missed it at the movie theatres, good news: 

   Newsies: The Broadway Musical, which was presented in cinemas by Fathom Events earlier this year, is headed to Netflix next month, according to Entertainment Weekly. The filmed presentation of the live stage musical reunited original Broadway and touring casts of Disney's Newsies and was distributed by Fathom and Disney Theatrical Productions.

   You can read the story from the TheatreMania website at this link.

Thursday, August 24, 2017

On Stage This Weekend: "Toad Wife" and "Cuckoo's Nest"

   You have a couple of great shows to choose from this weekend, including a classic drama and a brand-new production! Here's the rundown:


- Toad Wife - Appalachian Artists Collective - Theatre for Young Audiences present the World Premiere of the play on Aug. 25, 26 and 27 and Sept. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater. Tickets are $12 for children ages 4 and up, and $15 for adults. Families with two adults and two children for only $40! Tickets can be purchased at the door. Seating is general admission, first come, first served.

- One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - Kanawha Players presents the play at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater at One Civic Center Drive on Aug 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Auditions for "Poe's Midnight Dreary" This Saturday

   First Stage Theater Company will be auditioning young actors for the play Poe’s Midnight Dreary on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W. Va. 

   Auditions are open to students ages 10 through high school seniors. The show provides an array of roles for all actors in that age range and with a variety of acting experience levels.

   Students who wish to audition may arrive and sign up at any time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. There is no charge to audition or participate in a First Stage Production. Previous theater experience is not required.

   Poe’s Midnight Dreary by Richard McElvain is a spooky collection of some of Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. There are a variety of characters, from Edgar himself to Virginia (Poe’s love interest), Bertram (the narrator of “The Tell-Tale Heart”), Zachary (the narrator of “The Black Cat”), as well as a chorus of townspeople, nurses, doctors, sailors and more. 

   Auditioners do not need to prepare prior material, but will be asked to read a few lines from the script. Students will be allowed to read directly from the script while auditioning, as memorization is not required.
   The play is being directed by Brynne Kyle and produced by Chuck Minsker.

   The production of Poe’s Midnight Dreary will be presented October 20, 21 and 22 in the Huntington Middle School auditorium in Huntington. A special school performance will take place on October 19. 

   First Stage Theater Company is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. 

   For more information, email firststagewv@gmail.com. 


Friday, August 18, 2017

Interview with Laura Campbell from "A Catered Affair"

    There are just two performances left for A Catered Affair, and here's our final interview with the cast.

    Stepping up to the imaginary microphone is the wonderfully talented Laura Campbell:

Q: Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

Laura: A Catered Affair is essentially a true, blue-collar comedy. It’s a wonderful love story that centers around several sets of couples, particularly on one young and one past their prime. The way they relate to each other and experience the same emotions through different situations is so captivating to watch, and the story that unfolds around them is just gorgeous! My favorite aspect of A Catered Affair is that it plays in a way that is so true to life, and it’s just a beautiful musical. The first time it’s been done in West Virginia, or so I hear!

Q: What roles do you play?

Laura: I play the Army Sergeant and Alice.

Q: What’s your favorite song from the show?

Laura: My favorite song from the show doesn’t truly qualify as a song, but Aggie (Rachel Sanford) sings a reprise later in the musical that reflects upon all of the things she has done and seen with her husband, Tom (James Holley). The music is so lush and Rachel is such an expressive singer and actress. You can practically imagine Aggie’s life through all of the emotions on her face and the way she uses the music. On top of that, it’s at a truly sweet moment in the show. I nearly cry every time!

Q: What’s been the most challenging aspect about the show?

Laura: The most challenging thing for me is having to act. I know that must sound so silly! By nature, I’m a singing-type of performer, and in this musical, I hardly sing at all. So most of my scenes really draw on action and bringing the moment to life. It’s been such a welcome challenge to express myself through body language rather than my music!

Q: What makes this show fun?

Laura: Not only is this show hilarious, but the music is amazing. I think that those two things combined make this show so enjoyable for me personally. I have also so loved working with the cast and crew at rehearsals – they make every evening a blast!

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Laura: This show is incredibly funny and emotional, and the music is wonderful! The talent on stage is just breathtaking and the show is short and sweet. You can also indulge in dinner before – what could be better?

Q: Thanks, Laura!

A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15. Make reservations by calling 304-733-2787. 

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Interview with Rebekah Sword from "A Catered Affair"

   Tonight you can catch the musical A Catered Affair in Huntington, as ARTS presents a special Thursday performance! 

   Here’s another interview with the cast, this time with the lovely and talented Rebekah Sword.

Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

Rebekah: A Catered Affair is a poignant piece looking at realistic circumstances between characters who truly feel like real people. It’s about relationships, different perspectives, and love – both young and experienced.

Q. What roles do you play?

Rebekah: I play Pasha, one of the nosy neighbors, as well as Mrs. Halloran, the groom’s mother. 

Q. What's your favorite song (or scene) in the show?

Rebekah: My favorite scene I’m invoiced in in the show is the dinner scene when the bride and groom’s families meet for the first time. The Hurleys are staunchly middle-class people, while the Hallorans have money and certainly like to make everyone aware of that fact.  Things are going along as well as can be expected until the bride’s drunk uncle makes an appearance and is hysterical as he causes a scene, stirs the pot, and will certainly give the audience a lot of laughs.  #TeamWinston

   My favorite scene to watch in the show is when the father of the bride, Tom Hurley, finally loses his temper and reacts to some very hurtful statements from his wife. James Holley shows the emotional range – from loud and angry to a quiet hurt – needed for this scene. Rachel Sanford says so much without saying a single word. This scene has made me cry since our first read-through. 

Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show?

Rebekah: Trying out the Bronx accent has been challenging for me. It’s not something that I had ever done before and when we started I honestly had no idea what I needed to do. I tried watching old episodes of The Nanny in order to get an idea of the accent. A Queens accent is closer than real my “Out Wayne” accent.

Q. What makes this show fun?

Rebekah: Having the chance to work with a wonderful director like Bil Neal.  I’ve never had someone pay as close attention to detail.  His effort in imagining back stories for his minor characters requires the actors to be just as diligent. He also gives, even the smaller roles, time to play with what they’ve been given. I have always kind of relied on my singing voice and coasted through, if I’m being honest. I haven’t had a lot of experience playing realistic characters who needed to feel real. I have certainly learned a great deal from him. 

   Another fun aspect is playing one of the gossipy neighbors and being able to play off such wonderful actors. It is a lot of fun to just gab and snipe with the girls. 

Q. Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Rebekah: For several reasons. The cast works well together to bring these characters to life.  There are funny moments. The show has some truly gorgeous songs. For me, however, it’s the realism. These are everyday, ordinary people that I relate to. They aren’t larger than life. They’re the family down the street. They’re the people next door. It has hopeful young love just starting out. It has an older relationship in which the people have begun to take one another for granted.  They’ve forgotten how to listen to one another – to tell one another how the really feel. It is easy enough to do when you get caught up in your job, and keeping house, and raising kids. I think that it’s a play that has a moral for all couples – never stop saying ‘I love you.’

Q: Thanks, Rebekah!

A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

On Stage This Weekend

    You have several great shows to catch this weekend. Here's the rundown:

- A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show.

- One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest - Kanawha Players presents the play at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater at One Civic Center Drive on Aug 18, 19, 25 and 26 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

- Grease - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the beloved musical  on Aug. 17, 18, 19 and 20 at 8:30 p.m. at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va. 

- Carmilla - Crooked Letter Creative and Astral Theatre Collective present the play on Aug. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. (Horror Genre. Contains strong imagery. Viewer discretion advised.) Tickets are $15 each.

   So go see a show!

Interview with Amy Browning from "A Catered Affair"

   Just one more day until the musical A Catered Affair takes the stage again in Huntington, as ARTS presents a special Thursday performance! 

   We’ve been sharing interviews with cast members, and next up in my pal, the amazingly talented and beautiful Amy Browning.

Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

Amy: I was unfamiliar with the musical before starting on this project. It is based on a 1956 movie of the same name with actors such as Bette Davis, Debbie Reynolds, and Ernest Borgnine. This family is struggling with the loss of their grown son and the realization that the only child left (a daughter) is getting ready to get married and leave home. The daughter wants a simple ceremony, but the mother struggles with regrets and insists on a grand catered affair instead. Everything is rushed and at some point everyone's feelings are hurt. As in life, things don't go the way they planned, and they find themselves trying to accept the idea that the life they do have is good enough.

Q. What roles do you play? 

Amy: I am both Myra (a gossiping neighbor) and the Dress Saleswoman.

Q. What's your favorite song and/or scene in the show?

Amy: My favorite scene has to be the dinner scene because it is fast, fun, honest, and passionate. But my favorite song is "Our Only Daughter,” specifically the line "and the only bit of joy we ever brought her.” The music itself is haunting. The character is desperately trying to hold on to a dream of what life should have been, but she acknowledges their reality is not what they are living. She doesn't want her legacy to be one of disappointment.

Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show?

Amy: This can be an emotional show for the actors and the audience. To portray a character you have to connect with him/her emotionally. In this show our characters struggle with expectations of what their life is supposed to be, of being accepted, and a desire to be "enough" that you're worthy of someone else's love. Those are the same struggles most of us face at some time or another. 

Q. What makes this show fun for you?

Amy: The fun is in the ensemble. We have varied backgrounds. Some of us spend a lot of time near a stage and others are new to the group. But the conversations we've had as the characters have developed have been both thought provoking and entertaining. 

Q. Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Amy: Because it's a new old story. This play hasn't been done in our community so the music and the story is new and interesting. But the characters are familiar. They will remind you of a relative or neighbor you grew up with. You may even find some of yourself in the dress shop or around the dinner table.

Q: Thanks, Amy!

A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

Interview with Sheila Redling from "A Catered Affair"

   The musical A Catered Affair has three more shows coming up this week in Huntington, but order your tickets early - last weekend’s shows sold out! 

   We’ve been sharing interviews with members of the show’s cast, so let’s hear from the lovely and talented Sheila Redling.

Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

Sheila: When I heard A Catered Affair my first thought was a light, glitzy musical comedy of manners but I was way off. Although there is comedy and a few rousing musical numbers, the show is quite serious and very moving. It's a story of love and life, regret and redemption.

Q. What roles do you play?

Sheila: I play one of the nosy neighbors, Delores, as well as the caterer for the titular event. My accents get a workout. 

Q. What's your favorite song in the show?

Sheila: It's impossible to pick a favorite song from this show. The music is fantastic and I've always got one of the tunes stuck in my head. If I must pick one, it would be the rousing number, “Immediate Family.” Not only is Robert (Hutchens) wonderful, the rest of the cast react so beautifully. It's a show-stopper.

Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show?

Sheila: My biggest challenge was just showing up. This is my first ARTS production and I had to take a huge leap out of my comfort zone. Our director, Bil Neal, has been wonderfully supportive, enthusiastic, and refreshingly candid in helping us develop our choices. I'm so impressed with the level of talent and dedication in every aspect of the production.

Q. What makes this show so much fun?

Sheila: As I mentioned earlier, the show holds significant emotional weight. You will be moved. Thankfully, however, I'm not in those scenes. Let's just say that I put the "broad" in "broad comedy" and I'm happy to do so. The script has so much color and fun, and Bil has given us license to really flesh these characters out. 

Q. Why would you recommend this show? 

Sheila: There are so many reasons I would recommend A Catered Affair. The most obvious is the quality of the production. The script and music are wonderful. At the risk of cliche, you'll laugh and you'll cry. The is the first time a company in West Virginia has put on the show so you'll be seeing something fresh. And finally, everyone should see the show because we all need more art in our lives. We need to make it, share it, and support it.  

Q: Thanks, Sheila!


A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.

Monday, August 14, 2017

Interview with Robert Hutchens from "A Catered Affair"

   The musical A Catered Affair has wrapped up its opening weekend in Huntington, but you have three more chances to catch the show! (But order your tickets early - last weekend’s shows sold out!) 

   We’ve been sharing interviews with members of the show’s cast, and up next is the very talented Robert Hutchens!

Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

Robert: I would call A Catered Affair a "musical dramedy" because it has a very strong story with characters pursuing high stakes which are in conflict with other characters' pursuits. It's a domestic story, a family story, rich with powerful, but ambivalent relationships. The characters have much more dimension and depth than most characters in a musical. People who dislike musicals for superficial plots and one-dimensional characters will be gratified to have such fully realized people to relate to.    

Q. What role do you play? 

Robert: I play Winston, the gay uncle, who late in his life makes dramatic changes in himself and in his living situation. He is a secondary character, but provides an interesting and complementary sub-plot to the story.

Q. What's your favorite song in the show?

Robert: I have a song entitled "Immediate Family," which is daunting for a number of reasons, but has the potential to be a highlight of the show. It's fast with tongue-twister lyrics, tricky rhythms, an octave and a half range, and not the most hummable melody, but it's meant to be theatrical and comic. We'll see. It will be memorable - one way or another. 

Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show? 

Robert: The aforementioned song: "Immediate Family." 

Q. What makes this show so much fun? 

Robert: I said in the beginning that the show is a "musical dramedy."  Well, my character is the "-edy" part, in other words the comic relief.  I always like to play "-edy." 

Q. Why would you recommend this show? 

Robert: First of all, there have not been many opportunities to see this play. It's my understanding that ours is the first production in West Virginia. Second, there are some really sympathetic, admirable, very authentic characters in the play. You can't help but care what happens to them because their struggles and aspirations are so identifiable. Finally, the ARTS dinner shows are really an enjoyable and complete evening of entertainment. The food is delicious; the menus varied and fresh, the ambiance friendly and relaxed. There is an opportunity for the audience to bond in mood and mind and prepare to share the experience of theatre… well-done theatre, I dare say.  

Q: Thanks, Robert!

A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Interview with Chad Arthur from "A Catered Affair"

   The musical A Catered Affair is being presented this weekend by ARTS in Huntington, and the first performance got rave reviews! 

   We’ve been sharing interviews with members of the show’s cast, and this time around we hear from Chad Arthur, who’s at the heart of the show!

Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

Chad: A Catered Affair appears to be a love story but main theme is less about love and more about the difference in relationships. As the new budding relationship of Ralph and Janey progress through the show we see how their love is meant as a juxtaposition to the longer and matured relationship of the brides parents. Showing that time changes us but just because the new relationship is the classic cute and fun couple the older and matured relationship has its own values, strengths, and problems.

Q.  What role do you play?

Chad: I play Ralph Halloran, the groom of the story.

Q. What's your favorite song in the show?

Chad: My favorite song is probably "I Stayed." I think that not only is it well performed by our James Holley but it is the most telling song. We are suppose to be on the Aggie's (the wife’s) side in the play but the song changes the entire dynamic of the show, really allowing the audience members to grasp the relationship of the Aggie and Tom’s relationship and not Aggie's one-sided definition of it.

Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show? 

Chad: The most challenging part of the show is trying to be realistic. In most musicals you can be bigger then life but this story really requires tact to tell it a proper way without making the story "cheesy." It's a very loving and real story so we as actors must be the same.

Q. What makes this show so much fun for you? 

Chad: The music in this play is so unique. It's unlike the music that theatre goers will be used to and that is really where it shines.

Q. Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Chad: If a reader is interested in a truly honest and well written portrayal of what relationships are, then A Catered Affair is perfect. I think that everyone should give it a chance and you will fall in love with it like I have.

Q: Thanks, Chad!


A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 12, 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.

Friday, August 11, 2017

On Stage This Weekend

    Some great shows are taking the stage this weekend, including happy musicals and scary plays!

   Here's the rundown: 

- A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show.

- Carmilla - Crooked Letter Creative and Astral Theatre Collective present the play on Aug. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. (Horror Genre. Contains strong imagery. Viewer discretion advised.) Tickets are $15 each.

- Big Fish - The Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the film Aug. 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens.

- ShadowmanContemporary Youth Arts Company presents the play by Dan Kehde Aug 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. (The play is adult themed and not suitable for children.) Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students.

- Grease - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the beloved musical  on Aug. 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20 at 8:30 p.m. at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va. 

    So go see a show!

Wednesday, August 09, 2017

Interview with John Campbell from "A Catered Affair"

   We're just two days away from the premiere of the musical A Catered Affair, being presented by ARTS in Huntington. 

   Here’s another interviews with members of the show’s cast. Stepping up to our invisible microphone is the talented (and very busy) John Campbell, who just finished directing a Gilbert & Sullivan musical for ARTS, and then jumped into this show!

   Here’s John:

Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.

John: Girl and boy decide to get married. They want a quiet civil ceremony, but then the parents get involved with their own ideas of what the wedding should be like. Family dynamics, expectations of others, hopes and dreams, keeping up appearances, and - finally - love, all play a role in a funny, perplexing, sometimes stormy, often poignant story. 

Q. What roles do you play?

John: I play two roles: Sam, who shares ownership in a cab with the bride's father; and Mr. Halloran, father of the groom.

Q. What's your favorite song in the show?

John: It's hard to choose. The songs that I get to sing - “Partners" (a double-duet by the two cab drivers and the bride/groom) and "Your Children's Happiness" (with Mrs. Halloran) - keep playing in my head, and I am enjoying them. But there are several other catchy, solid tunes in this show too. 

Robert Hutchens as uncle Winston is fabulous, and his rendition of "Immediate Family" will be a show-stopper. 

The warmth but also pathos as the bride (refreshingly played by Abby Manis) and mother (by a terrific Rachel Sanford) choose a wedding dress, is a delight to watch in rehearsal each night, including their buoyant duet "Bridal Shop." 

Too many songs / scenes? It's just that good of a show.

Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show?

John: It has been challenging, but fun, to get inside the heads of 1950s characters, without iPhones, air conditioning, microwaves; before the turmoil of the '60s, Nixon and the distrust of government in the ‘70s... you get the idea.

Q. What makes this show fun for you?

John: First, doing it with these people. New friends, old friends, getting to act again under Bil Neal's direction, with T.K. Lombardo at the keyboard. These folks (actors, production crew, all) are good at what they do, and a pleasure to work with.

   Second, despite the family arguments and genuine anger that are portrayed, there is an underlying heart to this show that makes each rehearsal an optimistic event. 

   Third, I really do enjoy the tunes and word play of the songs and script.

Q. Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

John: You will experience deep emotion, and have a good time while doing it. You'll laugh. You just may cry, too. You might even feel the urge to call that daughter or son or dad or mom after you recognize something of your own relationships on the stage.

Q: Thanks, John!


A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.