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, March 27, 2019

Upcoming Shows and Auditions


Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, March 27, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 
__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “To Kill a Mockingbird" - The classic story by Harper Lee will be presented March 28, 29, 30 and 31 at the Southern WV and Technical Community College.

 - “Madagascar, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical adventures of Alex the lion and his friends, Marty the giraffe, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. Shows will be at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on March 29 at 7 p.m., March 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and March 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $10 for students.

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

- “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe presents the comedy on April 4, 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. at the Kindred Communications Building at 555 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are general admission and are $15. This absurdist comedy places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter set the art world afire with cubism. In his first comedy for the stage, actor and screenwriter Steve Martin plays fast and loose with fact, fame, and fortune as these two geniuses muse on the century’s achievements and prospects, as well as other fanciful topics, with infectious dizziness.

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the beloved animated movie. Shows will be at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan, W.Va., on April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and April 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

- “Rock of Ages” - Marshall Artist’s Series presents the touring show of the hit Broadway musical. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the musical captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. “Know What Love Is,” “Feel The Noise,” and “Take Your Best Shot” at one of the Sunset Strip’s last epic venues, a place where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality. The show will be on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- “Peter Pan” - Huntington High School presents the high-flying musical on April 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and April 14 at 3 p.m.

- “Kinky Boots” – The Clay Center at 1 Clay Square in Charleston will present the touring Broadway musical hit on April 11 at 7:30 p.m.

- “Godspell” - Trinity Episcopal Church at 520 11th Street in Huntington will present a spectacular performance of the beloved musical by Trinity's Choir and Musicians from the community. The concert is free but donations will be accepted! Performances will be on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, April 14 at 3 p.m.

- “Tartuffe” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play by Moliere, translated by Richard Wilbur, on April 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe - a fraud and a pious impostor - has insinuated himself. His duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

- “Chicago the Musical” – The Clay Center at 1 Clay Square in Charleston will present the touring Broadway hit on April 24 at 7:30 p.m.

- “Sylvia” - The Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va., presents the play April 26, 27, and May 3, 4 at 8 p.m., and April 28 and May 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for Seniors and Students. Greg is a man of middle age, a restless empty-nester, tired of his job in finance, looking for meaning in his life. Sylvia is an exuberant and beautiful lab/poodle mix, astray in Central Park, looking for a new home. When they meet, it is love at first sight. But his wife Kate, a busy rising star in the public school system, is looking forward to some independence now that the couple no longer has children to care for, and is less than thrilled by the clever and coquettish canine who jumps, slobbers, sits on her couch, and takes Greg’s attention away from his marriage. A.R. Gurney’s Sylvia is a smart, silly, sophisticated, and occasionally salty comedy about relationships, nature, and growing older.

- “Greater Tuna” - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the hilarious comedy about Texas' third smallest town, where the Lion's Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline never dies. The eclectic band of citizens that make up this town are portrayed by only two performers, making this satire on life in rural America even more delightful as they depict all of the inhabitants of Tuna -- men, women, children and animals. The play will be presented at the at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage at 218 2nd Street in Pikeville, Ky., on April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m.

- “42nd Street” - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the singing and dancing classic atd the Little Theatre at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on April 26, 27 and May 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11, 2019. Set in 1933, it follows the story of a young woman who rises to stardom on the Broadway stage. The show features a score by Al Dubin and Harry Warren and features hits like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.” 

- “Anne of Green Gables” - written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The play will be performed at The Capitol Theater of Resurrection Church at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on April 26-28, and May 3-5.

- “Something Rotten!” – The Clay Center at 1 Clay Square in Charleston will present the touring Broadway musical hit on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

——————————-

AUDITIONS FOR:

AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” - The Aracoma Story will hold auditions on Friday, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Logan High School Little Theater. All roles available for adults and teenagers. Prepare about one minute of any song the shows off your vocal range. No monologues required, be prepared to read from a script, which will be provided. 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 a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!

AUDITIONS FOR: “Bright Star” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will hold auditions on this schedule:
   Singing: Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. - prepare vocal selection and bring sheet music for Guild accompanist.
   Dancing: Sunday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. - dress to dance, musical theater combinations will be taught. Be prompt!
   Reading: Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. - scripts will be provided
   All auditions held at the Guild Theatre.

   Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Appalachian style story, Bright Star, at the Light Opera Guild Theatre before and during FestivALL Charleston on June 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30, 2019. 
   From Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell, Bright Star is the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that "The New York Times" called a "shining achievement."  

Monday, March 25, 2019

"Bright Star" Auditions in April


The Charleston Light Opera Guild has announced auditions for the musical Bright Star. Here's the info:

Auditions for:

- Singing: Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. - prepare vocal selection and bring sheet music for Guild accompanist.

- Dancing: Sunday, April 7 at 7:30 p.m. - dress to dance, musical theater combinations will be taught. Be prompt!

- Reading: Tuesday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. - scripts will be provided

*All auditions held at the Guild Theatre*


Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Appalachian style story, Bright Star, at the Light Opera Guild Theatre before and during FestivALL Charleston on June 14-16, 21-23 and 28-30, 2019.

From Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell, Bright Star is the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that "The New York Times" called a "shining achievement."  


Inspired by a true story, Bright Star is a romantic tale set in North Carolina in the 1920s and 1940s with beautiful melodies, bluegrass music and compelling characters. The production is also powered by an ensemble cast of characters, onstage musicians and dancers.

Bright Star is the story of one woman at two different points in her life: the first, when she is a young girl growing up barefoot and carefree in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina; the second, when she is a well-to-do magazine editor in Asheville, 22 years later. Her story is woven with that of an idealistic young man named Billy, with whom she shares a mysterious connection. As a young teen in Zebulon, N.C., Alice is hopelessly in love with small town heartthrob Jimmy Ray, the mayor's son. Although their love was pure, it falls victim to the interference of ambitious parents.

More than two decades later, Alice is the successful editor of The Asheville Southern Journal, and meets a promising young writer named Billy. Eventually they realize they share a hometown. Haunted by their unique connection, Alice sets out on a journey to understand her past.

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Godspell Auditions in Ashland


   Auditions will be held this week for the musical Godspell, which is being staged by the Chocolate Church Players.

   Auditions will be offered Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. (s
ign-ups are at 6 p.m.) at the First United Methodist Church in Ashland. Use the side garden entrance - meet in the sanctuary. 

   For further information, please call 606-465-9834.

Friday, March 22, 2019

Back in the Saddle Again

   My apologies, gentle readers, for the general lack of posts in recent weeks. I've been so busy working on a theatre project that I haven't had much time to write about local theatre (other than updating the weekly rundown of local shows).

    I was part of the directing team for First Stage Theatre's musical, Disney's Newsies, and I hope you managed to catch the show - it was really something special. (I admit prejudice.)

   The cast was amazingly talented and hard-working, and all the elements came together at just the right time - the incredible choreography, the terrific band, the set, the costumes, the tech crew - all worked together to make a top-notch show. 

   It doesn't hurt that the show is filled with incredible songs, unforgettable characters, lots of humor and heart. 

   It was a lot of fun to be part of the show - the first production in West Virginia, I believe (though several others are following close behind up north) - and I'm proud of what the cast, crew, volunteers and directors managed to accomplish.

   So, what's next locally, now that Newsies is done? Well...

- Alchemy Theatre will be presenting the very funny play Picasso at the Lapin Agile soon in Huntington - don't miss it!

- Be sure to see Godspell, being staged in April at Trinity Episcopal Church in Huntington, directed by Mark Smith!

- Don't miss HART's crowded summer offerings, with Mamma Mia, The Little Mermaid and a Frozen, Jr. Pre-show, too!

- First Stage will hold auditions for Frozen, Jr. in June - it'll be the first show in the company's 30th season. 

- Auditions are also coming up soon for the next Junior Theatre Festival troupe from First Stage!

- As for me, I'm finalizing plans for a musical that'll be staged later this summer - one of my all-time favorite shows! More news on that very, very soon!

   Stay tuned!

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

On Stage This Week and Upcoming Shows



Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, March 20, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know.
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- Country superstar Kathy Mattea will perform at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre on March 22 to commemorate CLOG's 70th anniversary season. Tickets  are $70 in advance, or at the door for $75. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

- “A Predator Among Us” and “The Girls Room” – CYAC presents two dramatic plays March 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. at the CYAC Theater on the 2nd Level, Charleston Town Center.  Tickets are $8 for students / senior citizens or $15 for adults.

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

- ”To Kill a Mockingbird" - The classic story by Harper Lee will be presented March 28, 29, 30 and 31 at the Southern WV and Technical Community College.

- “Madagascar, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical adventures of Alex the lion and his friends, Marty the giraffe, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. Shows will be at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on March 29 at 7 p.m., March 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and March 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $10 for students.

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the beloved animated movie. Shows will be at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan, W.Va., on April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and April 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

- “Rock of Ages” - Marshall Artist’s Series presents the touring show of the hit Broadway musical. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the musical captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. “Know What Love Is,” “Feel The Noise,” and “Take Your Best Shot” at one of the Sunset Strip’s last epic venues, a place where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality. The show will be on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- “Kinky Boots” – The Clay Center at 1 Clay Square in Charleston will present the touring Broadway musical hit on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. 

- “Tartuffe” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play by Moliere, translated by Richard Wilbur, on April 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe - a fraud and a pious impostor - has insinuated himself. His duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

- Chicago the Musical” – The Clay Center at 1 Clay Square in Charleston will present the touring Broadway hit on April 24, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

- “42nd Street” - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the singing and dancing classic atd the Little Theatre at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on April 26, 27 and May 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11, 2019. Set in 1933, it follows the story of a young woman who rises to stardom on the Broadway stage. The show features a score by Al Dubin and Harry Warren and features hits like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”

- “Anne of Green Gables” - written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The play will be performed at The Capitol Theater of Resurrection Church at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on April 26-28, and May 3-5.

- “Something Rotten!” – The Clay Center at 1 Clay Square in Charleston will present the touring Broadway musical hit on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

——————————-
UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

- AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” - The Aracoma Story will hold auditions on Friday, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Logan High School Little Theater. All roles available for adults and teenagers. Prepare about one minute of any song the shows off your vocal range. No monologues required, be prepared to read from a script, which will be provided. 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 a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

On Stage This Week


   Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, March 13, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know.
__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- ”Mary Poppins the Musical" - The Paramount Players present the Disney musical at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky., on March 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 3 p.m.

- "The Game's Afoot" - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg will present the Sherlock Holmes-based play on March 15 and 16 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

- ”To Kill a Mockingbird" - The classic story by Harper Lee will be presented March 28, 29, 30 and 31 at the Southern WV and Technical Community College.

- “Madagascar, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical adventures of Alex the lion and his friends, Marty the giraffe, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. Shows will be at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on March 29 at 7 p.m., March 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and March 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $10 for students.

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the beloved animated movie. Shows will be at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan, W.Va., on April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and April 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

- “Rock of Ages” - Marshall Artist’s Series presents the touring show of the hit Broadway musical. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the musical captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. “Know What Love Is,” “Feel The Noise,” and “Take Your Best Shot” at one of the Sunset Strip’s last epic venues, a place where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality. The show will be on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- “Tartuffe” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play by Moliere, translated by Richard Wilbur, on April 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe - a fraud and a pious impostor - has insinuated himself. His duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

- “42nd Street” - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the singing and dancing classic atd the Little Theatre at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on April 26, 27 and May 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11, 2019. Set in 1933, it follows the story of a young woman who rises to stardom on the Broadway stage. The show features a score by Al Dubin and Harry Warren and features hits like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.”

- “Anne of Green Gables” - written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The play will be performed at The Capitol Theater of Resurrection Church at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on April 26-28, and May 3-5.

——————————-

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

- AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” - The Aracoma Story will hold auditions on Friday, March 29 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, March 30 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Logan High School Little Theater. All roles available for adults and teenagers. Prepare about one minute of any song the shows off your vocal range. No monologues required, be prepared to read from a script, which will be provided. 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 a trip down the aisle you'll never forget!

Wednesday, March 06, 2019

On Stage This Weekend - and Upcoming Shows



   Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Disney’s Newsies” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical about the newsboy strike that changed history in New York City. Performances will be at Huntington High School’s auditorium at 1 Highlander Way on March 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and March 9 and 10 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.

- "The Game's Afoot" - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg will present the Sherlock Holmes-based play on March 8, 9 15, and 16 at 8 p.m. and March 10 at 2:30 p.m.

- “The Little Prince” - Portsmouth Little Theatre - The adventures of an aviator and a “little man” who tells about his adventures will be presented March 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.

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

- ”Mary Poppins the Musical" - The Paramount Players present the Disney musical at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky., on March 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 3 p.m.

- ”To Kill a Mockingbird" - The classic story by Harper Lee will be presented March 28, 29, 30 and 31 at the Southern WV and Technical Community College.

 - “Madagascar, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical adventures of Alex the lion and his friends, Marty the giraffe, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo. Shows will be at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on March 29 at 7 p.m., March 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and March 31 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for Adults and $10 for students.

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the beloved animated movie. Shows will be at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan, W.Va., on April 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and April 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

- “Rock of Ages” - Marshall Artist’s Series presents the touring show of the hit Broadway musical. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the musical captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood. “Know What Love Is,” “Feel The Noise,” and “Take Your Best Shot” at one of the Sunset Strip’s last epic venues, a place where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality. The show will be on April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- “Tartuffe” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play by Moliere, translated by Richard Wilbur, on April 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe - a fraud and a pious impostor - has insinuated himself. His duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

- “42nd Street” - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the singing and dancing classic atd the Little Theatre at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on April 26, 27 and May 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11, 2019. Set in 1933, it follows the story of a young woman who rises to stardom on the Broadway stage. The show features a score by Al Dubin and Harry Warren and features hits like “Lullaby of Broadway” and “Shuffle Off to Buffalo.” 

- “Anne of Green Gables” - written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The play will be performed at The Capitol Theater of Resurrection Church at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on April 26-28, and May 3-5.


——————————-