tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-355155492024-03-13T01:44:38.995-04:00Tri-State TheaterLet's discuss upcoming shows, secrets behind the scenes, things you never knew about the theater and why live theater is so darn entertaining.Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.comBlogger3565125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-81805754222758733082020-10-04T19:36:00.000-04:002020-10-04T19:36:08.761-04:00 A Fond Farewell<p><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> It was 14 years ago today that I posted the first entry in this, the </span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tri-State Theatre</b><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> blog - so my sense of symmetry tells me that it's a good date to bring it to an end.</span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I was pulled into the project by my pal Dave Lavender, who sent me a message asking if I knew anyone who’d be interested in writing a blog for the <b>Herald-Dispatch</b> about local theatre. I replied, “You mean other than me?”</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I’ve certainly enjoyed working on the blog over the years, shining some light on a corner of the local arts effort that’s always in need of some coverage. Thanks to all those companies who have sent along info, interviews and photos over the years!</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I want to thank my pal and editor Andrea Copley-Smith for all her help and patience with me over the years - she’s awesome!</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Special thanks to all of you who have taken time to read and / or comment on posts here - according to the stats, more than 530,000 people have read posts over the years!</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Since this blog will apparently stay in place for a while, for my final posts I updated and re-posted the “History of Theatre in Huntington” originally written in 2006, then updated in 2014 and 2018 - so it’ll be here as reference for those interested in such things. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> For theatre news I recommend joining the Tri-State Theatre Facebook group - it’s not my creation, but I pop up there from time to time - join it at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheatreTalk">https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheatreTalk</a> .</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> There's a tantalizing photo from 1911 in James Casto's book<b> Images of America: Cabell County</b> that shows a group of solemn children dressed in overalls, getting ready to present <b>The Mikado</b> (of all things) in Huntington. (How I'd love to see that performance!) So theatre has been in the blood of the city for a long, long time.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> With three active performing groups in Huntington now, theatre continues to be a vibrant part of the city - and we wouldn't have it any other way!</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Take care, be safe, and (when they return after the ongoing shutdown) support your local theatre!</span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-51098515888336233012020-10-04T18:02:00.003-04:002020-10-04T18:02:30.778-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #13 - Alchemy Theatre Troupe<p><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1cc0kD9zN3wRYyYsyYODW_E5MPo3Mw9nUba1OkxEDiAImHLSxg5cVL4MgOGi4kknDomGOiRPCxVboOC9dF-h-mUJwlOH9Jy6m3j54vzkaZ-sZ4FMfw_WVTP_g8OZF377EJnwGg/s1200/WV+SHakes+fairies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia1cc0kD9zN3wRYyYsyYODW_E5MPo3Mw9nUba1OkxEDiAImHLSxg5cVL4MgOGi4kknDomGOiRPCxVboOC9dF-h-mUJwlOH9Jy6m3j54vzkaZ-sZ4FMfw_WVTP_g8OZF377EJnwGg/s320/WV+SHakes+fairies.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> The newest theatre company in Huntington was created in 2018, rising like a phoenix from the ashes of the group known as ARTS.</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #16191f;"> When ARTS folded, several of the actors and directors <span style="caret-color: rgb(22, 25, 31);">involved</span> banded together with other like-minded individuals and created a new company - the </span><b style="color: #16191f;">Alchemy Theatre Troupe</b><span style="color: #16191f;">.</span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Established as a non-profit performing arts group, they are dedicated to forging powerful connections between artists and audiences through theater enriching our communities. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In their initial statement they announced their intention to provide educational outreach as well as collaborative opportunities between artists of different genres and the theater. They aspire to produce quality theater to delight and transform audiences. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Alchemy already has produced several excellent productions, including <b>Picasso at the Lapin Agile, Dark of the Moon, </b>and the musical <b>Follies</b>, which was presented on stage just before the COVID-19 outbreak shut down local theatre. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The group also is a prime mover in the <b>WV Shakes</b> festival - one of the group’s first performances was <b>A Midsummer Night’s Dream</b>.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 29px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #16191f; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The future is bright for the newest company in town!</span></p>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-9199613011602054432020-10-04T13:54:00.025-04:002020-10-04T13:54:00.253-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #12 - HART in the Park<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Times;"> In 2013 it seemed to be the end of summer theatre in Ritter Park when</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times;">Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT)</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> announced it was closing.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Rather than allow the Ritter Park Amphitheatre to go dark, the Huntington Park Board decided to form its own theatre group, and it approached three Huntington theatre veterans - Clint McElroy and Mary and Tommy Smirl - and asked them to form a new theatre company based on the model of HOT.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So they created <b>Huntington Area Regional Theatre in the Park (HART)</b>, and in the summer of 2014 the group started presenting shows in the park focusing on family-friendly fare, beginning with <b>Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory</b> and <b>Nunsense</b>.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The next season featured <b>Mary Poppins</b> and <b>Collis P! </b>- which is an original musical created by Clint McElroy based on the life of the railroad magnate and founder of the town, Collis P. Huntington!</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times;"> The group has staged a number of shows, including </span><b style="font-family: Times;">Wizard of Oz,</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times;">Seussical the Musical,</b><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><b style="font-family: Times;">Disney's Beauty and the Beast, </b><b style="font-family: Times;">Shrek the Musical </b><span style="font-family: Times;">and </span><b style="font-family: Times;">Disney's The Little Mermaid.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Each show has included a children's pre-show and an assortment of local performers, all presented under that stars at Ritter Park.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The group was shut down in 2020 by the COVID outbreak, but will return when possible - the next show planned is <b>The Addams Family</b>!</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Next: The newest company in town! </i></span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-33334031925631381492020-10-04T12:47:00.001-04:002020-10-04T12:47:01.552-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #11 - Three More to Remember<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <i style="background-color: white;"> My pal </i><b style="background-color: white;"><i>Jonathan Joy</i></b><i style="background-color: white;"> (playwright, actor, director and blogger) had some thoughts to add to our history of local theatre, and he was nice enough to send this terrific essay along for us to enjoy.</i></span><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Thanks, Jon!</span></i></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The history of Huntington's community theatre was captured so well by Chuck Minsker in his theatre blog. I enjoyed reading of the history of a variety of groups, as much of it brought back memories. This is particularly the case with groups that I have been involved with: <b>First Stage, First Church Dinner Theatre, Marshall, MAG, Free Spirit,</b> and <b>Community Players</b>. But there are plenty of great memories associated with groups that I have never worked with as well. I thought back to the seven or eight <b>HOT</b> shows I enjoyed, numerous plays at City Hall, and more. Chuck's history is much more important, however, as it serves as a history of our great city. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> I can think of three additional companies to add to Chuck's list, and I'm sure there are even more. My theatre history in this town only stretches back about 23 years. These three companies were all short-lived, but ambitious and successful artistically, if not financially. They also meant a lot to me. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> 1) <b>Beyond Community Players </b>(1992) Probably not a great name for a group, but I get where he was going. The "he," in this case, was <b>Fred Fout.</b> Fred directed the first play I ever acted in, <b>A Christmas Carol</b> with Community Players, in the Fall of 1991. He was an excellent director and I learned a lot from him. I take it his experience with Community Players was fine, but that he longed for something a bit more unconventional... fringe theatre, if you will. I was a junior in high school and delighted to be cast in <b>Hagar's Children</b> by <b>Ernest Joselovitz</b>. The play was performed at the short-lived Artserve art gallery located across from the Keith-Albee in a building that has been empty since. The show was excellent, at least in my 17-year-old mind (maybe it really was) and I enjoyed getting to do something a bit out of the mainstream. The audiences were small, but enthusiastic. The show was probably not profitable. Fred often talked of following it up with <b>Edward Albee's Zoo Story</b>, which really excited me. Unfortunately, that never happened. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> 2) <b>Theatre Mystique </b>(1996-97) I still think it is a great loss that this company never took off. Theatre Mystique was around for only two seasons, and staged three shows at the Huntington Museum of Art. The group was founded by <b>Lisa Ritter </b>and <b>Mike Fesenmiere</b>. The first production was a very successful staging of <b>Waiting for Godot</b> in the Fall of 1996. I played Lucky, under Mike and Lisa's direction. We played three performances over one weekend and close to a hundred folks showed up for each show. A few months later, Theatre Mystique followed up that with a double bill of <b>Pinter's The Dumb Waiter</b> and <b>Ionesco's The Bald Soprano</b>. To this day, playing the Fireman in the latter is one of my favorite roles. The shows were performed in the Spring of '97. They were both very good and the audiences were fine, though not as large as "Godot." The ambitious plan for the following season was to stage <b>Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night</b>. The show was cast and rehearsals began, but it did not work out for a variety of reasons. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> 3) <b>No Name Players </b>(2000-...) This was a really fun one. To my knowledge the group still exists, though Pittsburgh is its home now. Still, the roots are in Huntington. In the Fall of 2000 I was contacted by a friend and then Marshall student <b>Don Digulio</b> about performing the role of Gaston in <b>Steve Martin's Picasso at the Lapin Agile</b> with a new theatre company he had just formed. I jumped on board, along with many Marshall Theatre students. <b>Dave Hall, Randi Lasky, Jason Eldridge</b> and <b>Chris Chambers</b> were just a few featured. The play was performed the first full weekend of January 2001. For all the shows I have done at the Museum (at least a dozen) none had bigger and more engaged audiences than this one. It was a terrific experience for all involved. A big hit artistically and financially, Don quickly planned a huge summer season (2001) that featured three shows on the Museum stage in just under two months. One of those was <b>Neil Simon's Laughter on the 23rd Floor</b> which I saw and enjoyed. I did not see and do not recall what the other two were. I don't think No Name Players staged any other shows in Huntington. After graduation, Don moved back to his hometown of Pittsburgh, and moved the theatre company there too. I have heard that the group is still active and that it has even won major awards in the city. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> I am sure there are more out there. Many more will come and go. That is the nature of theatre. Hats off to anyone that endeavors to reach out to people in only the way that theatre can. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i> Next: The newest summer company!</i></span></p>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-35570655010420867342020-10-04T09:39:00.020-04:002020-10-04T09:39:04.031-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #10 - Remembering Past Companies<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626;">Take my word for it - it’s not easy to stage a show. It takes a lot of people, time, effort, dedication and yes, money, to put one together. For that reason it’s not surprising that quite a few community theatre groups have faded away over the years. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I should add that there have probably been quite a few that I’ve never heard of - after all, I arrived in Huntington in 1976, and that’s where my memory starts. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> Possibly the biggest group to fade away was the </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Community Players</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">. I only remember seeing one show of theirs, </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">A Christmas Carol</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">, at the Abbott Theater on Huntington’s west end. The group spent quite a few years putting on shows - and I believe they were revived at least once along the way, but when the Abbott finally closed (and was later torn down), the group apparently disbanded. A few efforts have been made in the years since to revive the group, but for now, the group has apparently left the stage.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> Another group that I know about firsthand was the </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Appalachian Regional Theatre</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> (known as </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">ART</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">, but not to be confused with the </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">ARTS</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> group in the Renaissance Theatre). Organized by </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Danny Ray</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">, a stage veteran who returned to his home in Huntington, the group put on some outstanding shows, including </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Brighton Beach Memoirs, The Sound of Music, The Odd Couple, Noises Off</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Into the Woods</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">, to name a few. Sadly, the group shut down more than 10 years ago.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> And then there's the group headed by </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Eddie Harbert</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> known as the </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Renaissance Players</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">, and they've also staged a number of shows in the area, including </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Nunsense, Baby, Little Shop of Horrors, Closer Than Ever</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">The Rocky Horror Show</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">. That group has been on hiatus for more than 10 years.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> My hat is off to anyone who undertakes the challenge of putting on a local show. It’s a near-impossible job - but it can also be lots of fun and very rewarding! </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Tomorrow: More memories of past companies!</span></i></span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-87472118359363733122020-10-04T06:26:00.047-04:002020-10-04T06:26:01.569-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #9 - First United Methodist & Pea Ridge Players<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Continuing our look at the history of theatre in Huntington, here are two groups that present shows for a higher cause!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> For years the <b>First United Methodist Church</b> in downtown Huntington staged an annual show to raise money as an integral part of First Church's Mission program, raising more than $40,000 for Mission projects through more than 20 productions. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"> The group has staged a variety of shows, including </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;">Nunsense</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;">Godspell</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;">, among others. My personal favorite is the hilarious series of </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;">Bitsy and Boots</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"> plays written by Huntington playwright </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;">Jonathan Joy</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;">.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The show is usually staged near Valentine’s Day (and includes a terrific dinner).</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Another church has also presented shows - if sporadically - over the past decade. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The <b>Pea Ridge Players</b> are found at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church (natch), and 10 years ago they presented performances of <b>Godspell</b> and <b>Jesus Christ Superstar</b> - and finally got back to business with a rollicking production last summer of<b> Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat</b>!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #042939; font-family: times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Plans were underway for another production this summer, but COVID-19 put those plans on hold - but hopefully both churches will be back on stage in the near future!</span></span></p><div><i><br /></i></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-17736676283875143412020-10-03T23:59:00.016-04:002020-10-03T23:59:00.507-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #8 - CUP<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <i style="background-color: white; color: #262626;"> Continuing our history of Huntington's community theatre groups, we turn the spotlight on the group that was very productive during its short run:</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The group known as <b>CUP</b> (Curtains Up Players)</span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> was first organized in 2010 under the name Pullman Players, with the original purpose of bringing crowds to the Pullman Plaza Hotel.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Under the guidance of Debbie Wolfe, Shayne Gue, Paul Neace and Marina Jurica (among others), the group staged four shows at Pullman - and then broke away to form an independent group, changing its name to CUP.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Relocating to the Jeslyn Theatre (the former Camelot Theatre), CUP presented more than a dozen shows, from small non-musicals like <b>How I Learned to Drive,</b> concert performances like <b>Night of 100 Tonys,</b> and big musicals like <b>Avenue Q</b> and <b>Shrek: the Musical.</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #262626;"> It's been a couple of years since the group's last <span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">show, so they may have shut down - or they may still be plotting their return!</span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #262626;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><br /></span></span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> They were a hard-working, experienced and ambitious group of veterans - hopefully they'll return for a future performance!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Next: A higher cause!</span></i></p>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-28706343279887684782020-10-03T23:18:00.007-04:002020-10-03T23:19:38.044-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #7 - Free Spirit<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> <span style="background-color: white;"> Free Spirit Productions (FSP) was founded in August 1998 by</span><b style="background-color: white;"> Tressa Preston, Cindy Sullivan</b><span style="background-color: white;"> and a volunteer force of 20 local theatre artists including </span><b style="background-color: white;">Jonathan Joy, Herschel Jeffrey</b><span style="background-color: white;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white;">Dave Hall</b><span style="background-color: white;">. </span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The original intent was to renovate and re-open the John C.C. Mayo Amphitheater in Armco Park in Ashland. The group's name was chosen because of its imaginative and nonconformist connotation; FSP artists wanted to present shows that were rarely performed on stages in Ashland. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> After a year of brainstorming and fundraising, the group produced its first play, <b>Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing</b>, in July 1999. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> After two years and three shows at the amphitheater, FSP became a group without a home. Managing the space was simply too much to bear for a group of young artists focused on performance over site maintenance; the group handed the space over to Backstage Players and moved its home base to Huntington in 2001 with a performance of <b>Simply Selma</b> at the Huntington Museum of Art. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> In the years that followed, FSP would stage two or three straight plays a year, both new and classic, at venues throughout the Tri-State such as the Museum of Art, Marshall University, the Paramount Arts Center and the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Shows included <b>The Glass Menagerie </b>(2002), <b>Fool for Love </b>(2003), an Irish Drama Festival (2004), <b>The Santaland Diaries</b> (2003 - '05), <b>Picasso at the Lapin Agile</b> (2007) and more. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The group has also presented several plays written by co-founder <b>Jonathan Joy</b>, including <b>The Princess of Rome, Ohio</b> (2005), <b>Just Another Day in November</b> (2006) and <b>Lunch at the Fork n' Finger</b> (2008). </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> FSP has represented Huntington at <b>Festiv-all</b> Charleston and once traveled a production to the Columbus Fringe Festival. The group has also performed for the West Virginia Shakespeare and Renaissance Association and was featured in a <b>Marcus Gregio</b> book about theatre companies around the world. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> The troupe has been on hiatus - it's been years since their last major production. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> If and when FSP will return is unsure - only time will tell. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;">Next: Curtains Up Players.</span></i></p><div><i><br /></i></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-88581176455429882542020-10-02T22:34:00.000-04:002020-10-02T22:34:11.720-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #6 - ARTS<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUf1QjpgKTZ-PT-kPNsSnxLY3C1PgcbF6km5d8v_r6ectAnPSwkZuLnlXsl44wfEw6sxHcJ9tLIWltJYSQR7x4JXfBvLh_q7BpYrm_8vQnvSxyUAnvL8IV-tPyFmHJ3fkG6D4I_Q/s960/ARTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUf1QjpgKTZ-PT-kPNsSnxLY3C1PgcbF6km5d8v_r6ectAnPSwkZuLnlXsl44wfEw6sxHcJ9tLIWltJYSQR7x4JXfBvLh_q7BpYrm_8vQnvSxyUAnvL8IV-tPyFmHJ3fkG6D4I_Q/s320/ARTS.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> Here's the story of a theatre organization that got its start over 20 years ago, and began as a unique idea in Huntington - theatre groups working together!</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: large;"> got its start with the closing of Huntington High School in the Spring of 1996. The city leaders debated what to do with the structure, and finally decided to turn it over to the Housing Development Corporation to convert most of the building into Senior Housing. Parts of the building were also turned over to the Huntington YMCA, including the gymnasium.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;"> But someone else had a vision for a third purpose for the building. Local theatre veteran Clint McElroy had worked with every local theatre group, and realized the one thing the groups all needed: a home.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;"> He worked with city officials to set aside part of the building - specifically the theatre, the old library and a few other classrooms - to be used jointly by local theatre groups.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: x-large;"> Those groups would include the Musical Arts Guild, Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT), the Musical Arts Guild - Children's Theatre (MAG-CT, now First Stage Theatre Company), and the Appalachian Youth Orchestra. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"> Sadly (and for assorted reasons) the idea didn’t work out and within a few years the original members of the organization all eventually left the ARTS organization.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"> But that wasn't the end. The group's board continued on its own, managing the use of the auditorium and renting it out to other organizations. For several years the organization presented concert fundraisers</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> About 15 years ago the group started presenting stage shows as a way to raise money to refurbish the auditorium.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> The output was solid, including shows like </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">Amahl and the Night Visitor</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">, </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, Will Rogers Follies</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> and </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> (among many others). </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> But in 2012, ARTS took a surprising new direction. It built a new structure, basing it around a team of four directors</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-size: large;"> They auditioned and cast a resident acting company, and used that group to present a season of six shows in 2013, using open auditions to round out each cast. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> It was a tremendous success, and they produced a number of terrific shows, from big musicals like <b>Cabaret,</b> </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">The Pirates of Penzance, The Full Monty </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">and</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> The Boy Friend, </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">to non-musicals like</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">Twelve Angry Men, Fuddy Mears and </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">Rabbit Hole, </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">and annual Shakespeare productions including</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> </b><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">Much Ado About Nothing </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">and</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> Julius </b></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Caesar</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> But problems began to make staging shows difficult. In 2016, water leaking into the building and electrical problems made the stage unusable. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> ARTS moved its productions into the old library at the school, but disagreements with the building management continued to escalate, and finally the group dissolved in 2017.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> It was a sad end for what had started as a terrific concept of providing - for the first time - a home for all the wandering theatre troupes.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> But while ARTS may be gone, some of the players involved weren't finished yet. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> But next, we'll talk about a group of Free Spirits!</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"> </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-35698211167125756472020-10-01T23:48:00.004-04:002020-10-01T23:48:34.364-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #5 - 5th Avenue Theatre<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> For the latest chapter in our history of Huntington community theatre companies, here's a look at the long-running group based out of City Hall:</i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The 5th Avenue Theatre Company was founded about 20 years ago for a unique purpose: to raise money for the City of Huntington Foundation.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Back in 1991 the Foundation began the restoration of City Hall's auditorium. The city had planned to gut the old auditorium to create office space, but interior designer Jean Carlo Stephenson urged City Council to reconsider. She was the Foundation's first director, and because of her efforts, the auditorium is now named after her.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> But maintaining and making improvements to the facility takes a lot of cash. To raise money, the 5th Avenue Theatre Company was created - and in the years since, it has staged a number of shows, including <b>Annie, West Side Story, Carousel, Christmas Carol, White Christmas, The Music Man, Camelot, Man of La Mancha</b> and <b>9 to 5</b>.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Because of the uneven nature of bringing in money on shows (not every show makes money, as anyone in theatre can tell you), 5th Avenue has been cautious and focuses on presenting strong musicals. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In the meantime, the organization continued making improvements to the auditorium, including a new and improved sound system.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The group hasn't staged a show in quite a few years, and there are conflicting reports about whether it will return to stage new shows - or if it's seen its final curtain.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> But whatever the case, the group enjoyed a strong run of shows, and hopefully has more to share one day soon!</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <i> Next: A theatre group that supported a classic theater and took a new approach to community theatre!</i></span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-73871891238709604512020-09-30T21:43:00.004-04:002020-09-30T21:43:53.465-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #4 - H.O.T.<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg2xroB0mhw8ajXYK34gOb4-S95JrkEY1uN3epZAcUYXXYZNt7B_ZZ6H4OMndPPuloHI49l3agYp2P_uR_I-NFmgGTnBh_1atg9XI-ynIxzpTtjrV2uWWsbIMYTR9L2gHddv1iw/s2048/HOT+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsg2xroB0mhw8ajXYK34gOb4-S95JrkEY1uN3epZAcUYXXYZNt7B_ZZ6H4OMndPPuloHI49l3agYp2P_uR_I-NFmgGTnBh_1atg9XI-ynIxzpTtjrV2uWWsbIMYTR9L2gHddv1iw/s320/HOT+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> For Part IV of our history of Huntington's theatre groups, let's look at one of the area's biggest success stories - a 20-year tradition in the park!</i></span><p></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 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 <b>Helen Freeman</b> first met <b>Patti Shaver</b>. The two kicked around the idea of starting an outdoor theatre in Huntington - and finally decided to give it a try. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> HOT’s shows have all been presented at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The shows usually run through each weekend in July. Each year the group has presented one or two shows per summer.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The group was 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. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> HOT established itself as a summer tradition, and focused on presenting big musicals, including shows like<b> Guys and Dolls, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Legally Blonde, The Music Man, Huntington: The Jewel of West Virginia,</b> <b>Oklahoma </b>and<b> </b><b>Hello, Dolly</b>.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Each show also featured a pre-show, with a variety of performers singing or dancing, and a prepared performance by young actors.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> HOT was a true success story, bringing in huge crowds through the summer. Like any outdoor theatre, its only enemy was bad weather, but thankfully Huntington’s summers are usually mild.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> 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 <b>Hairspray</b>. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The summer tradition has continued, but HOT (and Helen and Patty) are enshrined in the Huntington Theatre Hall of Fame for two decades of amazing shows!</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Next: A theatre group that was created for a specific purpose: to raise money for the City of Huntington!</span></i></p><div><i><br /></i></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-82515746028990836102020-09-29T22:29:00.000-04:002020-09-29T22:29:13.610-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #3 - First Stage Theatre Company<p><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCTpuLONQglpgXObE9Vg5D-iJ8s-SylKpHi2hGI1p66VXrXD4TRkE__09izGfrgqubOXudsYET4NZCBUQPdIURQPrTa1pf8_sIcXEC850zOGv2qMeCd96gAIjLyovspTJvn7Z-Q/s296/First+Stage+Logo+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="296" data-original-width="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCTpuLONQglpgXObE9Vg5D-iJ8s-SylKpHi2hGI1p66VXrXD4TRkE__09izGfrgqubOXudsYET4NZCBUQPdIURQPrTa1pf8_sIcXEC850zOGv2qMeCd96gAIjLyovspTJvn7Z-Q/s0/First+Stage+Logo+best.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;">We've looked at Marshall University and Musical Arts Guild, so now it's time to look at the longest-running community theatre group (that's still active) in Huntington. The group has gone by two names over the years, but the one it's carried the longest is First Stage: </i></span><p></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The First Stage Theatre Company got its start 30 years ago. After auditions in 1990 for shows like <b>Annie </b>and <b>Hansel and Gretel</b> brought in - literally - hundreds of kids, it was obvious that there was a need for an outlet for these young thespians. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> As with many local theatre groups, its beginning are tied to the Musical Arts Guild (MAG). <b>George Snider</b> and <b>Jennifer Salcines</b> approached the board of MAG and asked the group to sponsor a children’s theatre, and that’s how the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre (MAG-CT) began. The group’s first production was <b>You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown</b> on Sept. 14 and 15, 1990, at Marshall University's </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Smith Hall.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> There are, basically, two kinds of children’s theatres. One features adults putting on shows for young people (with the cast perhaps including a few young actors), and the other stars young actors in the leads (with the cast sometimes including a few adults). MAG-CT would be the latter, and over the years it has allowed young people the chance to star in all kinds of shows, both musical and non-musical.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Like any youth organization, the group has an ever-changing board, as young actors and their parents get involved, graduate and move on to other interests. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> By 2001 it was obvious that MAG-CT was able to stand on its own two feet, so in an amicable split the two groups separated, and the children’s theatre adopted a new name (one suggested by then-board member <b>Clint McElroy</b>): the First Stage Theatre Company. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Like its parent group, First Stage was a theatre group without a home - so it roamed from theater to theater, depending on which one is available and which one fits the needs of the production. Every year the group produces either two or three shows (and in 2014 it did five shows), each one featuring young actors from across the Tri-State area. The purpose of the group is to provide young people with a positive experience either on the stage or working behind the scenes. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> If anyone out there is avoiding their shows because it’s a “children’s theatre,” you’re missing out on some great young talent - many of whom you’ll see on stage in other local theatre productions. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Over the years the group has staged major shows like <b>Newsies, Disney's Frozen, School of Rock, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seussical the Musical, Honk, Les Miserables the School Edition, The Little Mermaid, Jr.,</b> <b>Cats and </b><b>Bye, Bye Birdie</b>, in addition to smaller shows like <b>Tom Sawyer, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Winnie the Pooh, A Christmas Story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Three Musketeers </b>and <b>Babes in Toyland</b>.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> First Stage also offers up two $1,000 scholarship programs - one named in honor of <b>Jim Stone</b>, a local actor who was a great supporter of the arts and a mentor to many young actors, and another in honor of <b>Leslie McElroy</b>, an actress and board member for First Stage. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> First Stage has established itself as a great place for young people to get their start in theatre. There they gain the skills and confidence that will serve them well throughout their life. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The group's final show in the last season was <b>You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown</b>, celebrating the show that started it all 30 years ago - and because of COVID-19 concerns, it was staged as a drive-in show in a parking lot. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <i> Next: Started just a few years after the Children’s Theatre, this group once ruled the month of July - which is why it was called HOT.</i></span></p><div><i><br /></i></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-9122170957446526452020-09-28T23:55:00.012-04:002020-09-29T01:17:03.826-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #2 - Musical Arts Guild<p><span style="font-size: large;"> <i style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia;"> Continuing the history of theatre in Huntington, originally written in 2006 and updated. Yesterday we looked at Marshall University's history (it's the longest-running continuous theatre company in the area). </i></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> The Musical Arts Guild (MAG) is the second-longest-running (and still active) community theater group in the Huntington area. The group got its start in 1965 when several area churches combined their choirs to provide music for a preaching mission. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Those early missions were presented for a while at the Keith-Albee Theater, and when that ended, the group continued doing concerts and finally “regular” stage shows at the original Huntington High School auditorium. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Over the years since, the group has produced some terrific shows and given stage time to some local talent, including Broadway stars <b>Michael Cerveris</b> and <b>Mark</b> and <b>Beth McVey</b>. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> The group produced a couple of shows every year, covering everything from <b>Mame</b> to <b>Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Sound of Music</b> and many others. Almost every other theatre group in Huntington has connections that go back to MAG.</span></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Unfortunately, it’s been a while since MAG tackled a stage show - their last stage show was <b>The King and I</b>, directed by the dearly departed <b>Danny Ray </b>and staged at the old Huntington East High School auditorium in 2003. The group is still active, but has gone back to its roots and presents shows in concert form only. </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> MAG annually holds a fundraising concert for the scholarships the group awards every year to Marshall students.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> They’ve carried the torch of community theatre for almost 50 years - and hopefully they’ll continue to bring the gift of music to the area for many more years to come.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> MAG was also directly responsible for the next-oldest local community theatre group - the one devoted to local children. Our next post will look at the group that provides many young performers their First Stage show.</span></span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-25407503609815538462020-09-27T16:41:00.001-04:002020-09-27T16:41:23.959-04:00History of Theatre in Huntington #1 - Marshall University<p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6loM2E93h2IGbVWbMDlvo1tNQTx2Tvd3Vd_IeLa0nW0bwiVp0-a9qVc51FI8_9UenzFatbU7Qy3KRdDcmNzQLfUNTJvXDJ20PdelzuOOJ4DNflnkh9ONnVVFQNBRTKUOKeBJMtg/s1928/Romeo_and_Juliet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1509" data-original-width="1928" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6loM2E93h2IGbVWbMDlvo1tNQTx2Tvd3Vd_IeLa0nW0bwiVp0-a9qVc51FI8_9UenzFatbU7Qy3KRdDcmNzQLfUNTJvXDJ20PdelzuOOJ4DNflnkh9ONnVVFQNBRTKUOKeBJMtg/s320/Romeo_and_Juliet.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"><br /> Since the COVID-19 epidemic has left us without much in the way of theatre news in Huntington, it seems like a good time to revisit our History of Theatre in Huntington series, first written when this blog was young, and updated a few times over the years.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> In thinking about theatre here in Huntington, I often think about the history of it. As far as I know, no complete history of local theatre has ever been assembled - and there's not much to be found on the subject on the Internet. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> Touring shows have probably been presented in Huntington since the city was founded, and certainly city schools have put on shows since the first teacher or parent volunteered to take on the challenge. (I've seen a very old photo of Elementary kids wearing overalls and presenting The Mikado - I'd pay good money to see that show!) </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> The Internet reveals that the newest section of Marshall’s Old Main - the part with the auditorium in it - was built in 1907, and no doubt the students started staging shows there not long after. Although I don't have any research to back it up (and I trust you'll correct me if I'm wrong, dear reader), it seems safe to assume that Marshall has the longest continuing tradition of putting on shows in Huntington.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> Assuming they've averaged four shows a year for most of those years, that's over 400 shows (at a very rough estimate) that the school has staged in the 113 years since.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> I have wonderful memories of seeing great shows in that auditorium. When I was a student in the late ‘70s, one of the outstanding performers was a guy na</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">med </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Joe Johns</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">, who is well known today for his work as a news reporter on CNN (and NBC before that). Perhaps Marshall's most famous acting alumni are the Oscar-winning </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Brad Dourif</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> and "Two and a Half Men" star <b>Conchata Ferrell</b> (and </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Billy Crystal</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> attended for a semester). Actually, my hero </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Soupy Sales</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> is probably the most famous, though I'm not sure if he (or Crystal) ever acted on the Marshall stage.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> There are many other alumni who are actively working now in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, as well as others traveling the country in touring shows.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> These days Marshall has a new theater, and it’s a beauty. The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center is a state of the art facility, and the Department of Theatre uses it to maximum effect. The shows they’ve staged in recent years certainly live up to (and often surpass) the ones from the past. They stag</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">e at least four shows a year, many of them directed by professors </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Jack Cirillo</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> or </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #343434; font-family: times;"><b>Leah Turley</b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> - and they do amazing work.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> They do a great mix of classic theatre, modern plays, musicals</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> and almost every year they tackle</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> a </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Shakespeare</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> play, like the excellent </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Midsummer Night's Dream</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> or </span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">The Taming of the Shrew</b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times;"> - you owe it to yourself to see these.</span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> If you’re not checking these out on a regular basis, you’re missing some excellent work - not to mention the chance to see the potential stars of the future!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> By the way, Marshall Department of Theatre also has an excellent history archive on its website, with photos from many shows and lots more information - check it out <a href="https://www.marshall.edu/theatre-history/">right here</a>.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> So I'm assuming Marshall has been putting on shows the longest - although certainly the local high schools are also in the running, although their output has been sporadic over the years. So who's next on the longest-running list? </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"> That's the topic of the next post, which will cover The Musical Arts Guild.</span></p><div><br /></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-13594014060906992122020-08-05T00:41:00.002-04:002020-08-05T00:41:51.551-04:00An Encore for "Charlie Brown"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-bZl5HPfrZc4VTxqaPN-NBwTLUKOq4cTLQccw340yTI4Ewdet9dtPtrh70UFbK1sIR-o4rgyzFbB8F2v9Pbli4FK9ytDu6oPthm6nNNcRYtH7EL6GuRrqfqRGbhHM6RJ8Pdofw/s960/Charlie+Brown+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="628" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-bZl5HPfrZc4VTxqaPN-NBwTLUKOq4cTLQccw340yTI4Ewdet9dtPtrh70UFbK1sIR-o4rgyzFbB8F2v9Pbli4FK9ytDu6oPthm6nNNcRYtH7EL6GuRrqfqRGbhHM6RJ8Pdofw/s640/Charlie+Brown+Poster.jpg" /></a></div><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"><br /></font></div> “Charlie Brown” is back for an encore! </font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> Thanks to popular demand (and two sold-out performances), three additional performances of the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company on Wednesday, Aug. 5, Thursday, Aug, 6 and Friday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. at the parking lot of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va.</font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> In keeping with COVID-19 recommended social distancing, the musical will be presented like a drive-in movie – the audience will remain in their cars in the parking lot and the sound of the performance will be broadcast over their car radios (at 101.1 FM). </font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> The musical is a celebration of 30 years of First Stage Theatre. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was the first show presented by the Huntington children’s theatre in September 1990.</font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> The musical is based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts created by Charles Schulz. It includes the characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally and Linus. The musical features classic songs “Happiness,” “Suppertime,” “My New Philosophy” and “A Book Report.” </font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> The production features six student performers from the Tri-state area. Tickets are $10 for an individual and $20 for a carload (cash or checks are preferred). Spaces are limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis - the "theatre" will begin parking cars at 7 p.m on the night of the performance. Tickets are only available at the location.</font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> The directing team includes: Director Mike Murdock, Music Director Mike Campbell, Choreographer Joanna Murdock, Assistant Director Nora Ankrom, Producer Jeanette Bailey and Stage Manager Michael Sullivan.</font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is the final show in the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.</font></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;"><div dir="auto"><font face="times" size="5"> For more information, call 304-416-5437.</font></div></div></div>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-85054947120819474702020-07-22T22:53:00.000-04:002020-07-22T22:53:01.570-04:00Theatre Returns to Huntington With "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"<div class="yiv5694992499yqt0451517397" id="yiv5694992499yqtfd78885" style="font-family: Georgia, "New Times", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> Community theatre has been shut down in the Tri-state since March - but there are signs of its return!</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"> First Stage announced it's staging a show next weekend - but in a very unusual setting! Here's the info they released:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">-------------</span></div>
<div align="center" class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hlNoBuGCJZQfBCCanSMvnKpSFnYf9Gc1yXb6bI2vRPut5SixnicE6Fscdpe6eOYbL2PPa0fo-IYKSuwTaLlgj1_GCAPtbCIiOHO1XYoddOfYsAApI94WNg7_ps7f55aDwLmIyQ/s1600/Charlie+Brown+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="628" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hlNoBuGCJZQfBCCanSMvnKpSFnYf9Gc1yXb6bI2vRPut5SixnicE6Fscdpe6eOYbL2PPa0fo-IYKSuwTaLlgj1_GCAPtbCIiOHO1XYoddOfYsAApI94WNg7_ps7f55aDwLmIyQ/s400/Charlie+Brown+Poster.jpg" width="261" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; text-indent: 0.5in;">Theatre returns to the Tri-state as the musical <b>“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”</b> will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company on July 31 and Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. at the parking lot of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, WV.</span></div>
</span></div>
</div>
<div class="yiv5694992499yqt0451517397" id="yiv5694992499yqtfd78885" style="font-family: Georgia, "New Times", serif; font-size: 14pt;">
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">In keeping with COVID-19 recommended social distancing, the musical will be presented like a drive-in movie – the audience will remain in their cars in the parking lot and the sound of the performance will be broadcast over their car radios (at 101.1 FM).</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">The musical is a celebration of 30 years of First Stage Theatre, and was the first show presented by Huntington’s children’s theatre in September 1990 (the organization was originally known as the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre).</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> The musical is based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts created by Charles Schulz. It includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally and Linus. The musical features classic songs “Happiness,” “Suppertime,” “My New Philosophy” and “A Book Report.”</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> The production features six student performers from the Tri-state area. Tickets are $10 for an individual and $20 for a carload (cash or checks are preferred). Spaces are limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> The directing team includes: Director Mike Murdock, Music Director Mike Campbell, Choreographer Joanna Murdock, Assistant Director Nora Ankrom, Producer Jeanette Bailey and Stage Manager Michael Sullivan.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is the final show in the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Based in Huntington, WV, the First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.</span></div>
<div class="yiv5694992499MsoPlainText" style="background-color: white; font-size: 18.6667px;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 19.9733px;"> For more information, call 304-416-5437.</span></div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-51938686851232358892020-07-09T23:06:00.008-04:002020-07-09T23:06:57.558-04:00Alchemy Shuts Down "Dixie Swim Club"<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="margin: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"> Huntington's community theatre has lost another show to COVID-19, as Alchemy Theatre Troupe made this announcement today via Facebook:</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;">-------------</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"> Our business, the business of theatre and live entertainment, is in danger. If you don't believe that, do a cursory Google search of theatre's that are closing due to the pandemic and / or abandoning their seasons until 2021 at the earliest, including Broadway.</span></span></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; white-space: pre-wrap;"> While we, at Alchemy, continually try to keep moving, at every turn we find ourselves taking one step forward and two steps back, just like everyone else.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As a community theatre, we rely on the community for literally everything. Whether that's talent, time, money, resources or anything else. With that in mind, we constantly strive to keep our community safe, especially now.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Due in-part to the pandemic, as well as the current state of the world, we have decided to cancel <b>The Dixie Swim Club</b> at this time.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Plans are still being made for <b>The Tempest, the West Virginia Shakespeare Festival</b> and the rest of our season, but, just like everyone else, we will need to play it all by ear and be as fluid as possible.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We will keep trying to do more virtual and online performances like The Play's The Thing, as well as some other new and interesting ideas. We hope you join us for all of them as we try to navigate the new world. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; white-space: pre-wrap; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="auto">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Stay safe, everyone. And thank you for the continued support.</span></div>
</div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-45681151875428831312020-06-29T23:51:00.005-04:002020-06-29T23:51:58.668-04:00Broadway Closed Until January<br />
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 2rem;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #252525;"> Sad news today as the announcement was made that shows on Broadway are extending their shutdown into January. </span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 2rem;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #252525;"> Here's the latest from <b>Playbill</b> (you can read the complete story <a href="https://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-will-officially-remain-closed-through-2020">at this link)</a>: </span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 2rem;">
<span style="color: #252525; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37);">--------------</span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 2rem;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #252525;"> As performing arts organizations across the country announce plans to forgo their fall programming, Broadway is following suit. </span><a class="person-link" href="https://www.playbill.com/person/the-broadway-league-vault-0000123135" rel="external" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: black;">The Broadway League</a><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37);"> has announced that all productions will remain closed through at least January 3, 2021.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 2rem;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> While it is now official, the decision does not come as a surprise. The League stated in May that while shows would be dark through September 6, this date serves more as a determination of how late productions would offer refunds and exchanges than as a look into when the curtain will rise again.</span></div>
<div style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(37, 37, 37); color: #252525; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 2rem;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Once that is able to happen, audiences can expect shows to return on a rolling basis, rather than on one specific date. Details concerning this scheduling and ticketing will be announced in the coming weeks.</span></div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-45014924043001535152020-06-24T23:39:00.000-04:002020-06-24T23:39:10.279-04:00Love Streaming "A Wrinkle in Time"<br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> The Alban Theater is continuing its theatre productions via streaming services, and the next one is coming up this weekend. (For more info go to <a href="http://www./">www.</a></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: var(--blue-link); cursor: pointer; list-style: none; text-align: inherit; touch-action: manipulation;"><a href="http://albanartscenter.com/">albanartscenter.com</a>.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large;"> Here's the info:</span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <b>A Wrinkle in Time</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">A Live Streaming Theatrical Experience</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">June 26, 27, 28</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">A Wrinkle in Time is the story of Meg Murry, a high-school-aged girl who is transported on an adventure through time and space with her younger brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin O’Keefe to rescue her father, a gifted scientist, from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">This production will be live streamed from the Alban Theater. The actors will be performing on stage at the same time you are watching the show, so please plan on watching at the scheduled time. When you buy a ticket you will receive a confirmation email, and then on the day of the show you will receive a link that will take you to the Live Stream. So please use your preferred email when purchasing a ticket, and log into the stream 10 - 15 minutes early so you can make sure that everything is working correctly before the show starts. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> We will be streaming the show via YouTube so anyone with an internet connection should be able to access it. The Link you receive will take you to an unlisted Stream, and you will not be able to use your YouTube App to search for the stream. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;"> So if you are planning to watch the show on your television make sure you can either cast to your television from your computer or cell phone, or directly connect the device to your television.</span></span></div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-73493135061604583582020-06-24T00:59:00.000-04:002020-06-24T00:59:11.015-04:00"9 to 5" Has Been Canceled<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> This afternoon the Paramount Players announced that their auditions for the musical <b>"9 to 5"</b> were canceled. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Here's the statement they released on Facebook:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> To all Paramount Players: Due to the large number of people who have traveled to or are planning on traveling to hot spot areas for COVID-19 during the time period of <b>9 to 5</b> rehearsals and shows, the Paramount Arts Center executive committee has made the decision for the safety of our community and performers to cancel the upcoming auditions and performances of the musical <b>9 to 5</b>. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We are sorry for the late notice, but we were holding out until the last possible minute in hopes that this show would be possible. The safety of our cast, crew and audience remains our biggest concern. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We look forward to being operational as soon as possible and hope to announce an abbreviated season shortly.</span></span><br />
<br />Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-67201927198670400642020-06-18T23:10:00.000-04:002020-06-18T23:10:00.196-04:00Auditions for "9 to 5"<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The Paramount Players have announced their next show - and auditions next week:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Audition dates for The Paramount Players Production of "<b>9 to 5</b>" will be Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> June 23 will be music auditions.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> June 24 will be dance and cold readings.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Both will begin at 6 p.m.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Auditions are open to all ages 13 and up. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> You can pick up music cuts at the PAC Box Office, open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> If you'd like the music emailed to you, email <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" ymailto="mailto:awiisonhammond@gmail.com">awiisonhammond@gmail.com</a> .</span></div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-51602900171995555762020-06-17T23:46:00.005-04:002020-06-18T01:18:44.300-04:00Auditions This Weekend of "The Dixie Swim Club"<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> As COVID-19 restrictions start lifting, area groups are starting to hold auditions for shows. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Here's the first one for Huntington:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Alchemy Theatre will hold auditions for <b>"The Dixie Swim Club"</b> by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten. The play will be directed by Mary Poindexter Williams.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Auditions will be Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 520 11th Street in Huntington (enter at 11th Street Door). ALL ROLES ARE OPEN, and Alchemy encourages women of ALL ETHNICITIES to audition! The age range for roles is 30 - 100! Ladies, you probably fit in there somewhere! Whether you've done a ton of shows or have always wanted to try it out, this is a great time to give it a shot!</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing will be in effect. You may also feel free to wear a mask if you so choose.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> Rehearsals for this project will begin the following week, with evening performances set for July 31, August 1, 7 and 8, with a matinee performance on August 2.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> The play focuses on five Southern women whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team. They set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids, and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh, and meddle in each other's lives. "The Dixie Swim Club" focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of 33 years. Sheree, the spunky team captain, desperately tries to maintain her organized and "perfect" life, and continues to be the group's leader. Dinah, the wisecracking overachiever, is a career dynamo. But her victories in the courtroom are in stark contrast to the frustrations of her personal life. Lexie, pampered and outspoken, is determined to hold on to her looks and youth as long as possible. She enjoys being married - over and over and over again. The self-deprecating and acerbic Vernadette, acutely aware of the dark cloud that hovers over her life, has decided to just give in and embrace the chaos. And sweet, eager-to-please Jeri Neal experiences a late entry into motherhood that takes them all by surprise. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and raucous repartee, to get through the challenges (men, sex, marriage, parenting, divorce, aging) that life flings at them. And when fate throws a wrench into one of their lives in the second act, these friends, proving the enduring power of "teamwork" rally 'round their own with the strength and love that takes this comedy in a poignant and surprising direction. "The Dixie Swim Club" is the story of these five unforgettable women - a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> If you aren't interested in being in the play but would like to volunteer to help backstage or usher, please sign up at the auditions or send a message.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
</div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-17757587508563520792020-06-13T00:26:00.001-04:002020-06-13T00:26:39.537-04:00Introducing a New Style of Theatre: The Eugene O’Neill Project<br />
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> At last, we’re starting to see signs of life from local theatre groups - and one impressive new experiment!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The Alban Arts Center is leading the way with a new way to watch a stage show - from the comfort of your home!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> They’re staging<b> The Eugene O’Neill Project - A Digital Experience</b>!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> They taped a performance of the show based on works by the beloved playwright, and you can buy a ticket and watch the play unfold on your TV or computer!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It’ll be presented Sunday, June 14 at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m., Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m., and June 20 at 7 p.m.</span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> You can buy tickets at this website: <a href="https://www.onthestage.com/show/alban-arts-center/the-eugene-oneill-project-a-digital-experience-90172/tickets"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;">https://www.onthestage.com/show/alban-arts-center/the-eugene-oneill-project-a-digital-experience-90172/tickets</span></a> </span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> The tickets are $10 each. It’s a great way to support your local theatre and their efforts to find a way to keep producing great shows despite the COVID-19 concerns. </span></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Kudos to them!</span></span></div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-52217050311563274892020-06-03T01:31:00.002-04:002020-06-03T01:31:48.567-04:00HART Shuts Down for the Summer<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> HART in the Park and the Huntington Park Board have announced that they won't be presenting any shows on stage at Ritter Park this summer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Here's what they posted on Facebook:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">------------</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> It is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision to postpone Huntington Area Regional Theater's production of "The Addams Family the Musical" until fall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Dates will be determined at a later time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We hope that you will come out and get spooky with us then!</span>Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35515549.post-65912151720862939972020-06-01T22:39:00.004-04:002020-06-01T22:39:36.765-04:00Southern Coalition for the Arts Shuts Down for the Summer<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Another day, another bout of bad news for theatre fans.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Southern Coalition for the Arts sent out this note today about their summer plans:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-----------</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Friends and family of the ARTS,</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We hope this post finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> As you all know, we were set to bring "Into the Woods" to the stage at Southern WV Community and Technical College beginning June 12. Unfortunately, the show will have to be postponed indefinitely. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We are continuing to monitor the situation and guidelines from the Governor's office, as well as plans from the college. This has been a difficult decision, but one that is in the best interest of our actors and audience.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We appreciate the continued support from you all, and hope to see you again in the fall if it is safe to do so. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And remember, even though we can't be on the stage right now this is only an intermission. We love you all. </span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Stay safe, stay healthy, and spread kindness in this difficult time.</span></div>
Chuck Minskerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18335904181319677530noreply@blogger.com0