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 28, 2019

Upcoming Shows and Auditions



Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, August 28, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! 

__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the animated classic at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 30, 31, Sept. 1, 6, 7 and 8.

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

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “The Humans” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at pltlive.com or at the door the night of the performances at 1117 Lawson Street.

- “Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will present the play at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. on Sept. 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 27 - 29 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.).

- “Matilda the Musical” - Alban Arts Center will present the musical about an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Show Dates: Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St Albans, W.Va.

- “Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented September 26 - October 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

- “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present he play on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum.

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11-13 and 18-20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will present the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. Performances are Nov. 19 - 22.

- “Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the Appalachian folk drama on Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

- “Rock of Ages” - The Alban Arts Center will present the musical that features the big music hits and the big hair of the ‘80s at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans on Nov. 15-17 and 21-24.

——————————-
AUDITIONS:

- “Carrie” - The Paramount Players will hold auditions on Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. Please stop by the box office for music cuts. Age requirements: Must be 14 years of age or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental permission to participate.

Tuesday, August 27, 2019

Marshall's Traveling Theatre Available in Spring 2020


   Director Leah Turley announced a new season for Marshall University Theatre ETC!
  
   For Spring 2020, the talented students of Marshall University Theatre will travel to local schools on a Friday morning to perform The Odyssey.

   The company can perform for as few as 40 students in a classroom, or a full-school assembly in a gym, cafeteria or auditorium. Their production is self-sufficient and requires no technical support. They also provide interactive study guides as well as free workshops! 

   The cost is $5 per student, and with no bus travel required, there is no easier way to give your students the gift of theatre.

   If a school is interested,  email leahnturley@gmail.com to reserve a performance time!

Wednesday, August 21, 2019

On Stage This Weekend, Upcoming Shows and Auditions


Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, August 21, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the animated classic at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Sept. 1, 6, 7 and 8.

- “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” - Paramount Players will present the musical free at Ashland Central Park Amphitheatre on Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.

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

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “The Humans” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at pltlive.com or at the door the night of the performances at 1117 Lawson Street.

- “Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will present the play at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. on Sept. 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 27 - 29 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.).

- “Matilda the Musical” - Alban Arts Center will present the musical about an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Show Dates: Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St Albans, W.Va.

- “Arsenic and Old Lace” - BlackRoot Theatre will present the classic play on Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, Fri. & Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 3 p.m.

- “Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented September 26 - October 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

- “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present he play on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum. 

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11-13 and 18-20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will present the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. Performances are Nov. 19 - 22.

- “Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the Appalachian folk drama on Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

——————————-
AUDITIONS:

- “Rock of Ages” - The Alban Arts Center will hold auditions for the musical that features the big music hits and the big hair of the ‘80s! Audition dates are Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Parts are available for 7 men and 10 women. Those auditioning are asked to prepare a short selection of a song; preferably rock which showcases your range, of no less than 16 -24 bars of a song, with printed sheet music for the piano accompanist, or a prepared CD with the music. Cold readings from the script will be provided. Directed by Marlette Carter, Music Direction by Mark Scarpelli. Performance dates are Nov. 15-17 and 21-24.

- “Carrie” - The Paramount Players will hold auditions on Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. Please stop by the box office for music cuts. Age requirements: Must be 14 years of age or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental permission to participate.

Friday, August 16, 2019

Final Chances to Catch the Musical "Joseph... !"


    Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat wraps up this weekend!

    The Pea Ridge Players has been working on it all summer long, and they'll present the one of the final three performance of the musical / rock opera tonight!

   The show was created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (they've worked on a few other shows since: Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar to name just a few). It's actually their first staged show! It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis.

   The cast is amazing, including two opera students at Marshall University, some theatre veterans and lots of young, up-and-coming performers (I admit prejudice about how wonderful they are - I'm the show's director), all backed by the church choir and a live band! 

   Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m.

   Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children (age 12 and under) and senior citizens.

   It's a terrific show and a great cause (the money raised supports the church)! I hope you'll join us!

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

On Stage This Weekend, Upcoming Shows and Auditions


Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, August 14, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Pea Ridge Players will present the musical / rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis. Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Friday, Aug. 16 and Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Disney’s The Lion King, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the musical based on the animated classic at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, 24, 25, 30, 31, Sept. 1, 6, 7 and 8.

- “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” - Paramount Players will present the musical free at Ashland Central Park Amphitheatre on Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.

- “The Humans” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at pltlive.com or at the door the night of the performances at 1117 Lawson Street.

- “Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will present the play at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. on Sept. 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 27 - 29 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.).

- “Matilda the Musical” - Alban Arts Center will present the musical about an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Show Dates: Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St Albans, W.Va.

- “Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented September 26 - October 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

- “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present he play on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum. 

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11-13 and 18-20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

——————————-
AUDITIONS:

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will hold auditions for the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Auditions are open to the community. Auditions will be offered for actors, singers, dancers August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. For more information, contact; Susan Marrash-Minnerly, srkmminnerly@gmail.com or Dirk Johnson, djohnson17@wvstateu.edu . Performances are Nov. 19-22.

- “Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will hold auditions for the Appalachian folk drama on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. Directed by Robert Hutchens, the play by Howard Richardson and William Berney tells the story of John, the Witch Boy, who falls in love with a human Barbara Allen. The play is a blend of folklore, fantasy, and Appalachian culture and includes many musical numbers from square dances, mountain ballads, and hymns. The cast of 25 includes roles for actors and/or singers and/or dancers of all genders, ages 15 and up.  Some roles are non-singing, some are non-speaking, so people of a variety of talents are encouraged to audition. Performances will be Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. The audition will consist of cold reading from the script and a prepared song. A folk song or hymn would be appropriate. Accompaniment is not necessary. For further information about the auditions, call the director, Robert Hutchens, at 865-686-2743.

- “Arsenic and Old Lace” - BlackRoot Theatre will hold additional auditions on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Please prepare a 1 minute comedic monologue, and be prepared to read from the script.


- “Rock of Ages” - The Alban Arts Center will hold auditions for the musical that features the big music hits and the big hair of the ‘80s! Audition dates are Aug. 23 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 24 at 1 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Parts are available for 7 men and 10 women. Those auditioning are asked to prepare a short selection of a song; preferably rock which showcases your range, of no less than 16 -24 bars of a song, with printed sheet music for the piano accompanist, or a prepared CD with the music. Cold readings from the script will be provided. Directed by Marlette Carter, Music Direction by Mark Scarpelli. Performance dates are Nov. 15-17 and 21-24.

Monday, August 12, 2019

"Dark of the Moon" Auditions This Weekend in Huntington


   Huntington's newest community theatre company, Alchemy Theatre Troupe, will hold auditions for the Appalachian folk drama Dark of the Moon on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. 

   The play will be directed by Robert Hutchens. The play was written by Howard Richardson and William Berney and tells the story of John, the Witch Boy, who falls in love with a human Barbara Allen. 

   The play is a blend of folklore, fantasy, and Appalachian culture and includes many musical numbers from square dances, mountain ballads, and hymns. The cast of 25 includes roles for actors and/or singers and/or dancers of all genders, ages 15 and up.  Some roles are non-singing, some are non-speaking, so people of a variety of talents are encouraged to audition. 

   Performances will be Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. The audition will consist of cold reading from the script and a prepared song. A folk song or hymn would be appropriate. Accompaniment is not necessary. 

   For further information about the auditions, call director Robert Hutchens at 865-686-2743.

Friday, August 09, 2019

On Stage This Weekend: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"


   Have I mentioned the show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat lately?

    The Pea Ridge Players has been working on it all summer long, and they'll present the first performance of the musical / rock opera tonight!

   The show was created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice (they've worked on a few other shows since: Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Jesus Christ Superstar to name just a few). It's actually their first staged show! It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis.

   The cast is amazing, including two opera students at Marshall University, some theatre veterans and lots of young up-and-coming performers (I admit prejudice about how wonderful they are - I'm the show's director), all backed by the church choir and a live band! 

   Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17, at 7:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Aug. 11 and 18, at 3 p.m.

   Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

   It's a terrific show and a great cause! Won't you join us?

Tuesday, August 06, 2019

On Stage This Week, Upcoming Shows and Auditions



Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, August 7, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)
__________________________
ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Pea Ridge Players will present the musical / rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis. Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

- "Shrek: The Musical" - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical based on the animated film on Aug. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 4 and 11 at 2 p.m.  at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

- “La Cage Aux Folles” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg present the musical comedy based on the French play and film La Cage Aux Folles, the US adaptation inspired the movie The Birdcage. It will be presented Aug. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m.

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

_____________________________
UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” - Paramount Players will present the musical free at Ashland Central Park Amphitheatre on Aug. 24 at 6:30 p.m. and Aug. 25 at 3 p.m.

- “The Humans” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Sept. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at pltlive.com or at the door the night of the performances at 1117 Lawson Street.

- “Matilda the Musical” - Alban Arts Center will present the musical about an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Show Dates: Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St Albans, W.Va.

- “Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented September 26 - October 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11-13 and 18-20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

——————————-
AUDITIONS:

- “The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” - The Kanawha Players will hold auditions for the tribute to the Bard on Aug. 7 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Downtown Charleston YMCA at 1114 Quarrier Street.

- “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will hold auditions for the classic tales on Aug. 10 and 11. It’s open to actors and actresses ages 8 to adult. The show will be presented Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum.

- “Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will old auditions for the play on Aug. 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. Please prepare a 1 minute comedic monologue, and be prepared to read from the script. The ply will be presented on Sept. 13 - 15, 20 - 22, 27 - 29 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.).

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will hold auditions for the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Auditions are open to the community. Auditions will be offered for actors, singers, dancers August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. For more information, contact; Susan Marrash-Minnerly, srkmminnerly@gmail.com or Dirk Johnson, djohnson17@wvstateu.edu . Performances are Nov. 19-22.


- “Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will hold auditions for the Appalachian folk drama on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. Directed by Robert Hutchens, the play by Howard Richardson and William Berney tells the story of John, the Witch Boy, who falls in love with a human Barbara Allen. The play is a blend of folklore, fantasy, and Appalachian culture and includes many musical numbers from square dances, mountain ballads, and hymns. The cast of 25 includes roles for actors and/or singers and/or dancers of all genders, ages 15 and up.  Some roles are non-singing, some are non-speaking, so people of a variety of talents are encouraged to audition. Performances will be Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. The audition will consist of cold reading from the script and a prepared song. A folk song or hymn would be appropriate. Accompaniment is not necessary. For further information about the auditions, call the director, Robert Hutchens, at 865-686-2743.