For Part IV of our history of Huntington's theatre groups, let's look at one of the area's biggest success stories - which sadly closed down in 2013:
The Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT) got its start back in 1993, and - of course - its origins can be traced to the Musical Arts Guild. At one MAG performance (I’m not sure which show it was), Helen Freeman first met Patti Shaver. The two kicked around the idea of starting a local outdoor theatre - and finally decided to give it a try.
HOT’s shows were all been presented at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The shows usually were presented through each weekend in July. Some years the group presented two shows in a summer, while other times they present a single production.
The group is led by Helen, who served as the President and Artistic Director, and Patti, who was Vice-President and Managing Director for most of the group's run. Helen directed most of the shows, and Patti choreographed and organized things behind the scenes. Of course, they had lots of help, with a board of directors and an small army of managers tackling every job from designing posters to selling tickets and T-shirts.
HOT established itself as a summer tradition, and focused on presenting big musicals, including shows like Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, Huntington: The Jewel of West Virginia and Oklahoma.
Each show also featured a pre-show, with a variety of performers singing or dancing, and a prepared performance by young actors.
HOT has been a real success story, bringing in huge crowds. Like any outdoor theatre, its only enemy was bad weather, but thankfully Huntington’s summers are usually mild.
But sadly, 2013 was the 20th and final season for HOT. The group went out on a high note, with a powerhouse presentation of the musical Hairspray! But after 20 years, Helen and Patty needed a well-earned break.
Next: A theatre group that was created to raise money for the City of Huntington!
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