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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.

Thursday, November 29, 2018

On Stage: "A Christmas Story the Musical"

 
    Taking the stage this weekend is the stage musical based on the classic story of a boy and his dream of getting a BB Gun for Christmas!

   Based on the movie that was based on the stories by Jean Shepherd, A Christmas Story the Musical features a huge cast of talented young actors, taking us back to the 1930s as kids deal with school, parents, bullies, brothers, and dreams of amazing gifts!

   It's a terrific show, loaded with great songs and a classic story. It runs this weekend only at Huntington High School - on Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

   It's the perfect way to get in the holiday spirit!

   (You can see the Herald-Dispatch's photo gallery right here, with photos - like the one above - by Toril Lavender.)

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

On Stage This Week and Coming Attractions


Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “A Christmas Story the Musical” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical based of the story by Jean Shepherd about Ralphie, the boy who dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The show will be presented Friday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec.1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington High School’s auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under.

- “The Red Badge of Courage” - Marshall University Theatre ETC! (Educational Touring Company) present the play by Stephen Crane on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Francis Booth Experimental Theatre at Marshall. Tickets are free!

- “MARY” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the 22nd annual performance of Scarpelli and Kehde’s seasonal rock opera follows the life of the mother of Jesus during the nine months prior to birth. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2.  All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. There will also be a performance at Rock Branch Church in Nitro on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

- “A Christmas Carol” - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

- "A Christmas Story the Musical" - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg presents the show based on the story of Ralphie, who wants a BB Gun for Christmas, at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg on Dec. 1 at 4 p.m., Dec. 2 at 6 p.m., and Dec. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m.
  
- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties) For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE


- “A Christmas Carol” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents local playwright Dan Kehde performing in a one-man presentation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7 and 8, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com.

- “A Christmas Carol” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the classic play on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio.

- “Elf the Musical, Jr.” - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musicls comedy on Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 9 at the Civic Center Little Theater. The musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - The Alban Arts Center presents the holiday classic on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at the Albans Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for Seniors and Children 12 and under. 

- "Ebenezer" - 4th Avenue Arts presents dance and theatre artists presenting anl adaptation of Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol." Through the lens of Scrooge, played by Gregory Morris, the audience will move through moments of the past, present, and future as a way to remind us all what is truly important in life. The performance will be presented at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

——————————-

AUDITIONS:

AUDITIONS FOR: Alchemy Theatre Troupe’s Opening Night Cabaret! Directed by Dr. Johan Botes, this cabaret will kick off the group’s 2019 season. Auditions will be on Dec. 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. and Dec. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Choir Room in the Music Department at Marshall University. Prepare two songs of different styles (pop, ballad, jazz, etc). During the audition, you will have the opportunity to note which songs/shows/themes and types of acts interest you, so bring your ideas! The cabaret will be presented on Feb. 8  and 9 at 8 p.m.

AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” - HART in the Park will hold auditions for both shows and for the Hart Jr. Preshow on Jan. 5 and 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Clouds Common in Huntington. “Mamma Mia” show dates are the weekends of June 14 and 21, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” show dates are the weekends of July 12, 19, and 26. HART Jr. Preshow will perform before Little Mermaid ONLY. We ask that you please prepare 30 seconds of a Musical Theatre/Disney song, and wear attire you can move in as there will be a dance combination taught!


AUDITIONS FOR: “Madagascar, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will hold auditions Jan. 5 and 6. Performances will be March 28-31 at the Civic Center Little Theater. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

Monday, November 26, 2018

Marshall Offers a Free Performance on Thursday!

   
   In the Spring of 2019 the talented students of Marshall University Theatre ETC! (Educational Touring Company) will tour middle and high schools throughout Kanawha, Putnam, Cabell and Wayne County to present The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. 

   Now you can catch the show on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Francis Booth Experimental Theatre at Marshall! Tickets are free, so bring a friend!

   ETC! offers quality theatre performance and educational value for only $5 per student, and they travel to each school/venue, performing in cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums and requiring no technical support! They also offer an interactive study guide which provides a 45 minute lesson plan! 

   You can make a reservation by calling Marshall's Department of Theatre!

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

On Stage This Week, Coming Attractions and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “MARY” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the 22nd annual performance of Scarpelli and Kehde’s seasonal rock opera follows the life of the mother of Jesus during the nine months prior to birth. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24, at 2 p.m. on  Nov. 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2.  All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. There will also be a performance at Rock Branch Church in Nitro on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

- ”A Christmas Story the Musical" - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg presents the show based on the story of Ralphie, who wants a BB Gun for Christmas, at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg on Nov. 23, 24, Dec. 7 & 8 at 8 p.m., Nov. 25 at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 1 at 4 p.m., and Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.

- “Jersey Boys” - Marshall Artist’s Series presents the touring Broadway show based on the life of Frankie Valley and the Four Seasons. It will be presented on Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.
  
- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties) For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE


- “A Christmas Story the Musical” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based of the story by Jean Shepherd about Ralphie, the boy who dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The show will be presented Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at Huntington High School’s auditorium.

- “A Christmas Carol” - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play on Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 18, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

- “A Christmas Carol” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents local playwright Dan Kehde performing in a one-man presentation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7 and 8, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com.

- “A Christmas Carol” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the classic play on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio.

- “Elf the Musical, Jr.” - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musicls comedy on Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 9 at the Civic Center Little Theater. The musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.

- “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - The Alban Arts Center presents the holiday classic on Dec. 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. at the Albans Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for Seniors and Children 12 and under. 

- "Ebenezer" - 4th Avenue Arts presents dance and theatre artists presenting anl adaptation of Charles Dickens' story "A Christmas Carol." Through the lens of Scrooge, played by Gregory Morris, the audience will move through moments of the past, present, and future as a way to remind us all what is truly important in life. The performance will be presented at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington on Dec. 15 at 6:30 p.m. and Dec. 16 at 3:30 p.m.

——————————-

AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” - HART in the Park will hold auditions for both shows and for the Hart Jr. Preshow on Jan. 5 and 6 from noon to 4 p.m. at St. Clouds Common in Huntington. “Mamma Mia” show dates are the weekends of June 14 and 21, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” show dates are the weekends of July 12, 19, and 26. HART Jr. Preshow will perform before Little Mermaid ONLY. We ask that you please prepare 30 seconds of a Musical Theatre/Disney song, and wear attire you can move in as there will be a dance combination taught!


AUDITIONS FOR: “Madagascar, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will hold auditions Jan. 5 and 6. Performances will be March 28-31 at the Civic Center Little Theater. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar JR. will leave audiences with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!”

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Marshall to present children’s opera ‘Little Red Riding Hood’


   Marshall University’s opera program, Opera at Marshall, will present the children’s opera Little Red Riding Hood at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at Smith Recital Hall.
   Free and open to the public, the opera is appropriate for children ages 4 and older and lasts about 45 minutes.
   “This Children’s Opera not only has classical artistic elements but also fun and tuneful melodies and texts for the audience of all ages,” said Dr. Alexander Lee, assistant professor of voice at Marshall and director of the opera. “Little Red Riding Hood will make you and your children appreciate and love this synthesis of music, stage and drama.”
   The event is sponsored by the Marshall University School of Music in the College of Arts and Media.

Monday, November 19, 2018

An Honor for the Paramount Players

  
   Congratulations to the Paramount Players! That Ashland-based theatre group has been selected to represent the United States in the long-running community theater festival in Korenov, Czech Republic in August 2019!

   Melanie Regina Cornelison-Jannotta, Josh Jannotta, Rick Payne, Thaddeus Stambaugh, Matt Hammond, Morgan Stevens, Allison Danyelle Hammond and Mark Smith will be making the trip.

    The group will be representing community theater companies across the United States - quite an honor!

Thursday, November 15, 2018

On Stage This Week - "Crimes of the Heart"


    My pal Dave Lavender crafted a great story in the Herald-Dispatch about Marshall University's latest production, the drama Crimes of the Heart, which is playing this weekend only. (The photo above is by Ryan Fischer.)

   You can read the story at this link - here's an excerpt:

---------------------

This week, putting the fun into dysfunctional family is the one and only Mississippi-mud-slinging, crazy in love, Magrath sisters: Meg, Babe and Lenny all back living, crying, laughing and fighting together to survive in their childhood home after Babe shot her abusive husband.
Taking place in a realistic 1970s-house set, and starring a shining set of senior actresses is the Marshall University Theater's production of Beth Henley's "Crimes of the Heart," which won the 1981 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Play.
Marshall's production is one week-only at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 15 - 17 at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Playhouse.
Admission is $20 at the door, $15 MU faculty and seniors. Free for MU students with a valid ID.
Director Jack Cirillo, who directed the play back in 1999, his second year at Marshall, said there's a lot of good reasons to dive back into Henley's 1979-written work that actually premiered regionally at the prestigious Actors Theatre in Louisville before debuting on Broadway on Nov. 4, 1981.
"Crimes of the Heart" was also a successful 1986 film that starred Jessica Lange, Diane Keaton and Sissy Spacek as the three sisters. Spacek won the Golden Globe Award for best actress for her portrayal of Babe.
"There are so many decisions that go into choosing a season and picking shows and some of that is your clientele and student body, and what is a good piece for them," Cirillo said. "This is a play that has some terrific roles for women and I think that it has some compelling things to say about the dynamics of a family and I am always interested in that."

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

On Stage This Week (and Coming Attractions)


Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Crimes of the Heart” - Marshall University Theatre presents the play by Beth Henley. It will be presented Nov. 14, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The scene is Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at thirty and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach. Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children under 12, ,and Marshall University students admitted FREE with a valid ID.

- “Annie” - Grace Christian School will present the classic musical on Friday, Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall. Tickets are $8 for kids and $10 for adults and may be purchased at the door.

- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties)
For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “MARY” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the 22nd annual performance of Scarpelli and Kehde’s seasonal rock opera follows the life of the mother of Jesus during the nine months prior to birth. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24, at 2 p.m. on  Nov. 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2.  All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. There will also be a performance at Rock Branch Church in Nitro on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

- “A Christmas Story the Musical” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based of the story by Jean Shepherd about Ralphie, the boy who dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The show will be presented Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at Huntington High School’s auditorium.

- “A Christmas Carol” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents local playwright Dan Kehde performing in a one-man presentation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Dec. 6, 7 and 8, at 2 p.m. on Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 13, 14 and 15, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 16. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com.

- “Elf the Musical, Jr.” - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musicls comedy on Dec. 6, 7, 8 and 9 at the Civic Center Little Theater. The musical tells the story of Buddy, a young orphan who mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. The would-be elf is raised, unaware that he is actually a human, until his enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa's permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Buddy is determined to win over his new family and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas.




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Monday, November 12, 2018

Farewell to Stan Lee


  It's heartbreaking to note the passing today of Stan Lee, 95, one of the most important figures in the history of comic books.

   He started in the business when he was a teenager, working as a gopher for his uncle, publisher Martin Goodman, at Timely Comics.

   Through the years his career survived the near destruction of the comics industry and by the late 1950s he was the editor and main writer for the company then known as Atlas Comics.

   He wasn't very proud of his work, as evidenced by his use of a pen name instead of his real name, Stanley Leiber. But with a new, creative approach to comics, he was about the rejuvenate the industry.

   Teaming up with legendary artists like Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, they created dynamic new heroes for the company that changed its name again, as it became Marvel Comics. Heroes such as the Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man, the Hulk, Dr. Strange, the X-Men were brought to life, and by combining action, humor and soap opera elements, they brought new energy and new interest to the comics industry.

   Stan gets a lot of praise for his work as a writer and scripter, but he doesn't alway get enough credit for his work as an editor - he was able to urge the best work of their careers from everyone in the Bullpen, including Kirby, Ditko, John Buscema, Don Heck, George Tuska, Gene Colan, John Romita, Jim Steranko and Gil Kane (and many others) - and hired terrific writers to add to the mythos, including Roy Thomas. 

   But his most important work was as a promoter for comics. He created the attitude at Marvel that we were all part of the club. Stan was the funny, lovable leader of the gang, and we were all welcome. He became the face of the industry, and without his tireless promotion, pushing that product, I suspect comic books might long ago have gone the way of radio dramas.

   It occurs to me that he's probably the only comic book creator that almost anyone on the street could name. 

   At his advanced age and (apparently) failing health, his passing is probably a blessing - but it's a tough loss to bear. Stan was a true inspiration. For me, there are few writers who had as much influence or whose work affected me more. He crafted mythologies and stories that still resonate, and told stories I can almost repeat word-for-word. 

   He was a titan of entertainment, with characters and stories continuing long after he last provided their dialogue. It seems a fitting memorial that he leaves behind a billion dollar industry that produces several movies every year (in addition to TV shows, video games, books and, yes, comic books) based on characters that sprang from his work with talented artists over 50 years ago.


   I was lucky enough to meet him for an interview in the late '80s and he was exactly what you'd expect: funny, quick, lovable, kind and brimming with energy. That's the Stan I'll remember and cherish. 

   At the end of the interview, I asked the usual question: "Is there anything you'd like to add?" He paused for a moment, leaned forward, smiled, and said, "Excelsior!"

Tuesday, November 06, 2018

Shows in November and Upcoming Auditions


Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2018. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Ragtime the Musical” - presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center. The musical will be presented in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Nov. 9, 10 and 11.


- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties)
For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Crimes of the Heart” - Marshall University Theatre presents the play by Beth Henley. It will be presented Nov. 14, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The scene is Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at thirty and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach. Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children under 12, ,and Marshall University students admitted FREE with a valid ID.

- “MARY” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the 22nd annual performance of Scarpelli and Kehde’s seasonal rock opera follows the life of the mother of Jesus during the nine months prior to birth. The show will be presented at 7 p.m. on Nov. 23 and 24, at 2 p.m. on  Nov. 24 and 25, at 7 p.m. on Nov. 29, 30 and Dec. 1, and at 2 p.m. on Dec. 1 and 2.  All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. There will also be a performance at Rock Branch Church in Nitro on Dec. 9 at 6 p.m.

- “A Christmas Story the Musical” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based of the story by Jean Shepherd about Ralphie, the boy who dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” The show will be presented Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at Huntington High School’s auditorium.

———————————-

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” - Presented by Charleston Light Opera Guild. and the Clay Center. Auditions will be held at the Guild Theatre. Reading auditions will be Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. - scripts provided for lead, supporting and featured character readings. Dancing auditions will be Monday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m. - dress to dance, musical theater combinations will be taught. Be prompt! The musical will be presented in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Jan. 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Jan. 20 and 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. This musical staging is based on the book by Catherine Johnson and music and lyrics by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. This is the first time the musical will be produced by a community theatre company in the region. ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father.  This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise.  On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.  A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! enjoyable for any audience. 

AUDITIONS FOR: “Anne of Green Gables” -
written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. 
Auditions will take place at South Charleston City Hall at 401 D Street in South Charleston on 
Saturday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 11 at 3 p.m.
The play will be performed at The Capitol Theater of Resurrection Church at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on Feb. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., Feb. 17 and 24 at 3 p.m., and Feb. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.

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