Tri-State Theater

On Stage Sunday: "100 Years of Broadway"

2012-01-26T23:56:00.002-05:00

You can enjoy some of the best of Broadway this Sunday as the Marshall Artists Series bring another great show to the Keith-Albee performing Arts Center.

100 Years of Broadway recreates the biggest moments from the biggest shows of the century, featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Jekyll & Hyde. These amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred, as well as other notable Broadway shows.

Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics, as well as fantastic numbers from Broadway's newest hit shows. The show features a dazzling cast of Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band.

The show takes the stage Sunday at 3 p.m.

Here's a sample of what to expect:

"1776" Auditions in February

2012-01-25T06:53:00.001-05:00

My pal Jeanette Bills sends along this announcement:

1776 Auditions at ARTS

Auditions will be Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Callbacks may be necessary on Feb. 19 starting at 2 p.m.

Auditions will be at at ARTS Resources for the Tri-State at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

Performance dates are April 27, 28, 29, May 1, (school show) 4, 5 and 6.

Roles are available for 21 men and 2 women. Clint McElroy has accepted the role of John Adams.

All actors need to be prepared to show movement skills, have 16 measures of music prepared (accompanist provided), and participate in cold readings from the script.

For more information call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926

It's a great show - one of my all-time favorites, and I urge anyone interested (especially you guys out there) to try out and be part of the show!

This Year's Oscar Nominees

2012-01-24T18:43:00.002-05:00

We'll get together our annual "Pick the Winners" competition shortly, but here are the 84th Annual Academy Award nominations as announced today (list courtesy the Associated Press and the Herald-Dispatch):

1. Best Picture: "The Artist," "The Descendants," "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close," "The Help," "Hugo," "Midnight in Paris," "Moneyball," "The Tree of Life," "War Horse."

2. Actor: Demian Bichir, "A Better Life"; George Clooney, "The Descendants"; Jean Dujardin, "The Artist"; Gary Oldman, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy"; Brad Pitt, "Moneyball."

3. Actress: Glenn Close, "Albert Nobbs"; Viola Davis, "The Help"; Rooney Mara, "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"; Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady"; Michelle Williams, "My Week With Marilyn."

4. Supporting Actor: Kenneth Branagh, "My Week With Marilyn"; Jonah Hill, "Moneyball"; Nick Nolte, "Warrior"; Christopher Plummer, "Beginners"; Max von Sydow, "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close."

5. Supporting Actress: Berenice Bejo, "The Artist"; Jessica Chastain, "The Help"; Melissa McCarthy, "Bridesmaids"; Janet McTeer, "Albert Nobbs"; Octavia Spencer, "The Help."

6. Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"; Alexander Payne, "The Descendants"; Martin Scorsese, "Hugo"; Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"; Terrence Malick, "The Tree of Life."

7. Foreign Language Film: "Bullhead," Belgium; "Footnote," Israel; "In Darkness," Poland; "Monsieur Lazhar," Canada; "A Separation," Iran.

8. Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, "The Descendants"; John Logan, "Hugo"; George Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon, "The Ides of March"; Steven Zaillian, Aaron Sorkin and Stan Chervin, "Moneyball"; Bridget O'Connor and Peter Straughan, "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy."

9. Original Screenplay: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist"; Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, "Bridesmaids"; J.C. Chandor, "Margin Call"; Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris"; Asghar Farhadi, "A Separation."

10. Animated Feature Film: "A Cat in Paris"; "Chico & Rita"; "Kung Fu Panda 2"; "Puss in Boots"; "Rango."

11. Art Direction: "The Artist," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," "Hugo," "Midnight in Paris," "War Horse."

12. Cinematography: "The Artist," "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "Hugo," "The Tree of Life," "War Horse."

13. Sound Mixing: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "Hugo," "Moneyball," "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," "War Horse."

14. Sound Editing: "Drive," "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "Hugo," "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," "War Horse."

15. Original Score: "The Adventures of Tintin," John Williams; "The Artist," Ludovic Bource; "Hugo," Howard Shore; "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," Alberto Iglesias; "War Horse," John Williams.

16. Original Song: "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets," Bret McKenzie; "Real in Rio" from "Rio," Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown and Siedah Garrett.

17. Costume: "Anonymous," "The Artist," "Hugo," "Jane Eyre," "W.E."

18. Documentary Feature: "Hell and Back Again," "If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front," "Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory," "Pina," "Undefeated."

19. Documentary (short subject): "The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement," "God Is the Bigger Elvis," "Incident in New Baghdad," "Saving Face," "The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom."

20. Film Editing: "The Artist," "The Descendants," "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo," "Hugo," "Moneyball."

21. Makeup: "Albert Nobbs," "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," "The Iron Lady."

22. Animated Short Film: "Dimanche/Sunday," "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore," "La Luna," "A Morning Stroll," "Wild Life."

23. Live Action Short Film: "Pentecost," "Raju," "The Shore," "Time Freak," "Tuba Atlantic."

24. Visual Effects: "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2," "Hugo," "Real Steel," "Rise of the Planet of the Apes," "Transformers: Dark of the Moon."

Quite a few surprises and disappointments in that list - it would have been nice to see "Drive" and the final Harry Potter movie get more recognition, and Albert Brooks should have received a Supporting Actor nod - but how can you have a Best Animated Feature that doesn't include "Tintin?" Or even "Cars 2?"

Auditions Tonight for "How I Learned to Drive"

2012-01-23T06:28:00.000-05:00

A reminder that auditions are tonight for How I Learned to Drive. Here's the info:

"Sometimes to tell a secret, you first have to teach a lesson,” says Lil Bit, the main character in How I Learned to Drive.

The lesson in Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize-winning play isn't so much about driving as it is about survival, forgiveness and growth.

How I Learned to Drive will be presented March 8-11 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.

Auditions for How I Learned to Drive will be held Monday, January 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church, 955 Main Street in Barboursville, W.Va. Roles are available for men and women over 18 years old. Please park in the lot in the back of the church and enter through the rear door. Please arrive promptly and be prepared to read.

The play will be directed by Michèle Goodson, produced by Shayne Gue and Kaitlin DeSpain, and will feature a production team including Danny Ray, Holly Maynard and Bradley Leonard.

Michèle Goodson has performed in NYC in The Cradle Will Rock (Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre), multiple performances for New York’s Theatre for Young Audiences, and various regional productions. Austin, TX productions include The Constant Wife (Martha), Lunch Hour (Nora), Hamlet (Polonius), and Muses II (Shana), for which she received a B. Iden Payne nomination. Since returning to Huntington, Michèle has been seen in productions of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Marcy Park) and The Wedding Singer (Julia Sullivan). Michèle is a founding member of the Marshall Theatre of the Air, and has directed and performed in the National Broadcasting Society and Marconi award winning radio productions of Gaffe’s Trail and Murder in Real City. She is a recognized actor/combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors. Michèle has enjoyed working with her friends at CUP and is looking forward to directing their upcoming production of How I Learned to Drive.

Check us out online (www.curtainsupplayers.org) or on facebook (Curtains Up Players) for more information or to contact a production team member. A list of characters and additional show information can also be found on our website. Sponsorships and Advertisement packages are available for local businesses. For more information contact Shayne Gue at shaynegue@hotmail.com or 304-412-0129.

The Cast List for "Stepping Out"

2012-01-22T23:30:00.002-05:00

That was quick! The cast list for the upcoming ARTS production Stepping Out has alredy been chosen!

My pal Bil Neal (who's producing the show) sends along this note:

After two tough days of dancing and acting auditions, Gene & Coni Anthony are pleased to announce the following cast for Stepping Out.

Mavis.....Amy Browning
Dorothy.....Leann Haines
Lynn.....Maggie Saunders
Mrs. Fraser.....Karen Pruitt
Maxine.....Jennifer Scott
Andy.....Jennifer Naglee
Geoffrey.....Michael Naglee
Vera.....Emily Asbury
Sylvia.....Jane Modlin
Rose.....Linda Reynolds

Man, that cast is just loaded with talent! I can't wait to see this one!

Auditions Friday Night for "Stepping Out"

2012-01-19T23:52:00.002-05:00

A reminder that the dance / musical Stepping Out (being presented by ARTS) is holding auditions Friday night at 7 p.m. at the old Huntington High School auditorium.

Stepping Out is a delightful piece for nine women of various ages and one man. It is a character-driven comedy, and an ensemble piece.

Eight women and one man, each with his or her own "baggage," assemble once a week for a community tap class which is taught by an ex-show girl. None but the teacher, Mavis, and one other lady in the class, know how to tap. They learn in the course of the play and it ends with the group doing a public, costumed performance for a charity event.

The show will be directed by Gene and Coni Anthony. The audition will be a dance audition.

Sounds like a lot of fun - break a leg, y'all!

Murder Mystery in Huntington

2012-01-19T00:11:00.002-05:00

The latest murder mystery is waiting to be solved in Huntington - but if you want tickets you'd better hurry.

Silent Night, Deadly Night is a mystery being staged at Heritage Station in Huntington this weekend and next (Jan. 20-21 and 27-28).

For more information, call 304-523-7526.

Murder and Merriment's latest murder mystery features: Greg Kiser, Sarah Diamond Burroway, Bill Tussey, Brian Cook, Ashley Taylor, Kennedy Snider, Josh Taylor, Kendra Egnor and George R. Snider III.

Reserved Tickets only. Dinner each night served by caterers - 'A Taste From Above.' Lots of great prizes to be won!

A New Season for 5th Avenue Theatre

2012-01-17T22:45:00.002-05:00

5th Avenue Theatre has apparently decided to change its plans for the coming year. The group was planning to stage Legally Blonde: The Musical and White Christmas this year.

But it has a new lineup - this was posted today on Facebook:

Maxine Loudermilk made this announcement today: It is my pleasure to announce changes in the 5th Avenue Theatre Company's 2012 season.

The season will be:

9 to 5 - performance dates are May 4 - May 14 with auditions on March 4 at 2 p.m.;

Sweeney Todd - performance dated Sept. 28 - Oct. 17 with auditions July 15 at 2 p.m.;

and White Christmas and Legally Blonde have been dropped from the schedule.

All auditions will be held in the JCS Auditorium located in Huntington City Hall.

Contact Eddie Harbert, Director, at 304-544-2831 or Maxine Loudermilk, Producer, at 304-654-1471 for information.

Auditions for "The Color Purple"

2012-01-16T22:55:00.002-05:00

The Charleston Light Opera Guild is tackling a terrific show this spring, and auditions begin Tuesday for The Color Purple!

The group posted some detailed information about the auditions, reprinted here for your convenience:

AUDITIONS - THE COLOR PURPLE

January 17, 18, 19 ~ 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 17 - 7:30 p.m. ~ Singing
Prepare a musical selection to showcase your voice; bring sheet music for Guild accompanist

Wednesday, January 18 - 7:30 p.m. ~ Reading, Acting
Scripts will be provided for cold readings of major and cameo characters.
Some characters will be selected from the ensemble.

Thursday, January 19 - 7:30 p.m. ~ Dancing
Auditions for African scene dancers, dress to dance, barefoot or ballet or jazz shoes

All auditions at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre
411 Tennessee Ave at Roane Street
Charleston, WV 25302
304-342-9312

THE COLOR PURPLE
will be performed at Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre
May 4, 5, 11, 12, 13, 18 and 19, 2012

AVAILABLE ROLES:
CELIE: Female actress-singer 20s – 30s, insecure, yet spirited, appears meek and timid but has a tough interior, treated poorly for years, a strong passionate, belter

MISTER: Albert, an attractive, dominant man 30s – 60s, disrespectful and demanding, marries Celie and mistreats her; true feelings are for Shug Avery, strong vocalist with power

SHUG: Well-known singer, 30s – 50s, very charismatic, a sexy confident and powerful woman, comforts Celie and Mister, a dynamic Bessie Smith style bluesy singer

SOFIA: Female warrior, 20s – 30s, humorous, independent, physically larger with a self confidence in her own skin, marries Harpo, will not be mistreated, strong singer

HARPO: Mister’s vulnerable, good-natured son, 20s – 30s, marries Sofia, learns to treat women well, romances Squeak when Sofia leaves until her return, strong singer

NETTIE: Celie’s sister ages 20s – 30s, adventuresome, spunky and educated, has a strong bond with Celie, separated from Celie by Mister, she finds a new life and calling in Africa, strong belter

SQUEAK: Age 18 - 20s, Harpo’s girl after Sofia leaves and until she returns, spunky, fun, sassy opinionated, good mover-dancer, strong belt and soprano capability

OL’ MISTER: Mister’s father, owner of the farm and house that Mister works and lives on with Celie, self-centered man, verbally abusive towards his son, 55 - 80, strong actor often doubled as the Preacher

CHURCH LADIES (Doris, Darlene, Jarene): A trio of strong personalities and presences, character women who are the busybodies of the town, different types and ages, strong singers with comedic flair.

ENSEMBLE ROLES (Cameo role characters who also sing with the chorus):
Young Nettie, Young Celie (both ages 12-16), Mister’s daughter (8-14), Young Olivia (12-16), Henrietta (8-12), Young Harpo (8-12), Young Adam (8-12), Preacher, if not double cast with Ol’ Mister (30-60), Pa (40-60), Prison Guard (30-50), Buster, Chief, Guard, Older Olivia, Older Adam, Church Soloist, Daisy, Glodene, Odessa

ENSEMBLE SINGERS: Strong male and female voices, all physical and vocal types.

ENSEMBLE DANCERS: Strong male and female dancers for huge African dance scene. Dancers may double in the chorus or cameo roles.

THE COLOR PURPLE is a musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer winning novel. Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey produced the musical on Broadway in 2005 starring LaChanze with a book by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russel, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The score features a blend of gospel, blues, soul and musical theatre arrangements. The 1985 film featured an impressive cast led by Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and Oprah Winfrey.

The musical is presented as Celie’s march to freedom and search for peace. Taking place in rural Georgia the story spans the years between 1909 and 1949. Young Celie faces many hardships including a pregnancy at 14, marriage to a cruel farmer called Mister and Mister’s imposed separation of Celie from her sister and best friend, Nettie. Mister’s son, Harpo, grows up and brings home Sofia, a proud and strong-willed woman whom he loves and later marries. Mister’s former love, a blues singer named Shug Avery, helps Celie become a stronger woman.

Nina Denton Pasinetti, director/choreographer
Bobby Hodges, Jr., musical director
For more information call the director at 304-545-6945.

A Play for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

2012-01-16T01:05:00.002-05:00

Hope you're having a great Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

If you're looking for a good way to observe the event, here's a suggestion from today's Herald-Dispatch:

The Meeting is a critically acclaimed play depicting a fictional meeting and discussion in a hotel room between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, two of the strongest voices of the civil rights movement.

It will be presented at 6 p.m. Monday in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on Marshall's campus. The program, which is free, also includes members of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities paying tribute to the women of the civil rights movement, specifically the wives of King and Malcolm X, Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz.

Members of the Martin Luther King Jr. Male Chorus of Charleston also will perform.

Sounds like a great show - recommended!

The Return of Bitsy and Boots!

2012-01-13T21:36:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite theatre events of the year is on the way, as Jonathan Joy's characters Bitsy and Boots are back in a new original play!

It's all part of the annual First Church Dinner Theater 2012: 20 Years of Fun for Mission. You get to see a very funny show and enjoy a terrific dinner and support a great cause - who could ask for more?

Here's the information provided by my pal Jerry Morse:

They're back! But, where are they? Not Getaway, that's for sure.

How did Bitsy and Boots end up on a tropical island? Will Tommy and Kat get to enjoy their romantic vacation? How many people can one hotel room hold? Will Max survive?

All these questions will be answered when you attend Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics, another hilarious comedy by our resident playwright, Jonathan Joy. To keep the laughs coming, we have assembled a stellar cast of Dinner Theater veterans, including Jane Morse (Bitsy), Loretta Hetzer (Boots), Adam Stephens (Tommy), Melissa Langham (Kat), T. Michael Murdock (Max), Rebecca Payne (Ida), Leann Haines (Pearl), Michael Naglee (Raul), Stephen Vance (Franklin) and Stacy Morgan (Officer).

The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991. It is an integral part of First Church's Mission program, raising more than $38,000 for Mission projects through 19 productions. For example last year's proceeds helped West Virginia mission projects, the Campus Christian Center, the City Mission, flood buckets for disaster relief and food and clothing for local families in need.

The show will be staged at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Friday, Feb. 10; Saturday, Feb. 11; and Tuesday, Feb. 14. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with Tossed Salad, Baked Potato, Green peas and Pearl Onions, Dilly Rolls and Assorted Valentine Desserts.

Dinner plus Show: Adult - $24.00, Child under 12 - $8.00, Show only (as space permits)- $5.00.

Babysitting available on request for all shows (advance notice required)

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL SHOWS! For Reservations, call 304-522-0357 or (740) 867-8576.

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church

Auditions for "Stepping Out"

2012-01-12T22:45:00.002-05:00

One of the area's finest directors in Gene Anthony, who recently retired from Marshall's Theatre Department.

I recently heard the great news that he's coming out of retirement, and with his lovely wife Coni will direct the show Stepping Out.

If you have any interest at all in theatre or dancing, I give this my strongest recommendation. I was lucky enough to work with Gene on a show years ago, and it was a delight from start to finish.

Enough gabbing from me - he sent out this note with the announcement:

My friend, Bil Neal, has recently been installed as the new president of Arts Resources for the Tri-state (ARTS).

Knowing that he has a high regard for my theatrical background, I decided that in celebration of his new appointment I would offer to come out of retirement and direct a show for ARTS. He enthusiastically accepted and so we are on for a project.

Coni and I will direct a production of Stepping Out with performance nights on June 15, 16, 17 and June 22, 23 and 24.

Stepping Out was written by British Playwright Richard Harris, and after its London run, was revived for Broadway by Tommy Tune.

Stepping Out is a delightful piece for nine women of various ages and one man. Basically, it is a character-driven comedy. All of the characters are delicious, challenging, and of equal importance; in other words, it is a true ensemble piece.

Eight women and one man, each with his or her own "baggage," assemble once a week for a community tap class which is taught by an ex-show girl. None but the teacher, Mavis, and one other lady in the class, know how to tap. They learn in the course of the play and it ends with the group doing a public, costumed performance for a charity event.

This is our plan of action. The initial audition will be held at ARTS (old
Huntington High), beginning at 7:00 p.m. on January 20. It will be a dance audition. All of my darling friends and associates that just groaned because they don't tap dance can take heart. The point of the audition is for us to discover which of our brilliantly talented actor/singer/musician buddies and any others would be able TO LEARN how to tap in the course of a rehearsal period.

The play's primary requirement is a cast of good ACTORS. Coni and I will spoon feed the tap dancing element to the cast.

So, y'all show up and we'll decide if we think you can learn to tap. What do you have to lose? Call backs will be scheduled at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday. We will read from the script for the call back audition.

There are some very specific casting specifications: 1. All of the characters require a comic facility; 2. One of the females does not dance but needs to be able to play the piano; 3. The play would be extremely well served by an integrated cast.

Once a cast has been chosen we will begin a free tap class, meeting once a week on Thursday night beginning at 7:00 p.m. on February 2. The class will continue until show rehearsals begin starting the week of May 6. I prefer a five week rehearsal schedule of about four rehearsals per week; three on a weekday evening schedule and one at an acceptable time each weekend.

If you know how to tap dance, you still need to be at the dance audition on January 20. We'll just "stick you in the back row" so that you can't intimidate the newbies. Love you all and looking forward to this project.

- Gene and Coni

More Auditions!

2012-01-09T23:19:00.001-05:00

Still more auditions - this one is for young actors in the Paintsville area.

Aladdin, Jr. auditions will be held Jan. 21 from Noon to 4 p.m. at 224 Main Street in Paintsville.

No preparation necessary, looking for all age ranges. People will be asked to cold read and sing selected tunes from the show.

Performances will be at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.

"Les Miz" Controversy

2012-01-08T23:49:00.003-05:00

So my pals on Facebook got into an interesting discussion recently about the planned movie based on the Broadway musical Les Miserables.

The film is using (mostly) film actors to fill the roles, including Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean and Russell Crowe as Javert. Other stars include Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter and Amanda Seyfried.

But the one that has fans of the Broadway show on edge in Taylor Swift, who will reportedly play Eponine. Some think she doesn't have the right voice or the acting chops to play the part.

Fans getting upset about casting choices seems to happen every time a film version of a Broadway show is made, but of course the filmmakers aren't making the film with theatre fans in mind (they probably figure they'll see the show anyway).

They're trying to bring in those who might not know the show at all, but are willing to see anything starring (name of celebrity here).

We should probably be grateful that they haven't cast a Kardashian in there somewhere.

As for me, I'll wait until I see the movie (and I will be seeing the movie, no matter who they cast) to decide if including Taylor Swift was a great idea - or a terrible one.

"Annie" Auditions in Portsmouth Jan. 11

2012-01-05T23:10:00.002-05:00

January is all about auditions, and here's another one coming up soon from the Portsmouth Little Theatre:

Annie offers various roles for all ages. Auditions will be held at the Portsmouth Little Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 10 and Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m.

Please enter the rear of the theatre on US 52 Westbound. You will enter and wait in the Green Room, you will fill out an audition sheet, your picture will be taken, and you will be given a number.

This is a closed audition process to encourage the actor to audition without inhibition (if a child requests their parents watch their audition they will be permitted to sit in the house and watch. However, under no circumstances will a parent coach or help their child through the performance part of the auditioning process).

All those auditioning will be required to read from a preselected monologue (which will be provided) and sing a verse of a musical theatre song of your liking (please bring tracks - no pianist is available). Please be wise in your vocal selections and demonstrate your range and strengths.

Please wear loose clothing and soft shoes (NO FLIP FLOPS). All those auditioning will be required to learn simple choreography. Choreography will be performed in small groups.

For more information, visit the Portsmouth Little Theatre site right here.

Auditions for "How I Learned to Drive" Jan. 23

2012-01-04T22:48:00.002-05:00

The Curtains Up Players have announced auditions for their next show, How I Learned to Drive.

Here's the announcement:

The lesson in Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize-winning play isn't so much about driving as it is about survival, forgiveness and growth.

Auditions for How I Learned to Drive will be Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church, 955 Main Street in Barboursville, WV. Please park in the lot in the back of the church and enter through the rear door.

The play will be directed by Michele Goodson and presented in March 2012.

Please arrive promptly and be ready to read.

Bil's Best of 2012

2012-01-03T06:55:00.000-05:00

I invited readers to send in their "Best of 2012" lists, and here's what my pal Bil Neal had to say:

Yesterday I took all the "2011" pages out of my Franklin planner and added the first four months of 2012. Your blog about the Best Shows made me curious to see if I had any comments about the theatre I saw last year, and I'd like to share some of the scribblings I found in the margins of my calendar. Feel free to edit any or all for length or content, and keep in mind that I wasn't able to see everything I wanted.

Barefoot In The Park (ARTS) was a delight. Set was orange, and got a smattering of applause every performance. With Karen Pruitt nearly upstaging Clint McElroy, the entire cast was a pleasure.

Nunset Boulevard (First United Methodist Dinner Theatre) Leann Haines has mad puppetry skills.

Dead Man Walking (MU) Nathan Mohebbi was impressive. The work that man did blew me away.

Video Games Live (Artist Series) was one of the most interesting things I saw, and completely out of my comfort zone. What an event.

Titanic (5th Avenue) Orchestra, Orchestra, Orchestra. Mike Murdock (sings!) David Day. Ron Short.

Drowsy Chaperone (CLOG) I would pay to watch Laurie Pennington read the phone book.

Wedding Singer (HOT) Ryan Hardiman enjoyed himself, and made me. Shayne Gue did great. Kerri Easter and Kaitlin Despain surprised me.

Thoroughly Modern Millie (CLOG) Linda Reynolds - wish I could've seen her every performance.

ART's 10th Anniversary Gala (ARTS) Helga got a Lifetime Achievement Award. Ryan Hardiman and Randall Reid-Smith duet of "Lilly's Eyes" second only to Chris Bowling accompanying himself.

New Works (MU) Collis P! So much fun. Burgle - Dylan Clark writes! (really well) New kid Patrick Taylor - one to watch.

Princess Ida (Portsmouth) Mark Near is a bad guy? Set was amazing.

Hairspray (CLOG) Laurie Pennington makes me smile. Jon Lamp has worked his butt off. I knew him when....

Fantasticks (ARTS) environment was a blast. Murdock CAN sing! Owen Reynolds is a pleasure. Dylan Clark and Eric Woods need to be stopped or no one will see me and Mark Near. Tawney Burdine can play anything you put in front of her. Kristin Cavianni belts into a hairbrush. Stephen Vance has a hit.

Noises Off (5th Avenue) Best set they've had. Leann Haines cries. James Holley's physical work is good. I like Michael Naglee on stage, but I'm kinda crushing on Kate Morris.

Schoolhouse Rock (First Stage at ARTS) Who staged a million kids so well? Set was beautiful and used really well. Three IS a Magic Number.

Jekyll and Hyde (ARTS) Ryan Hardiman, Brittany Adkins and Andrea Parkins amazing. Mike & Jenn Naglee are this period. I wanna play in the laboratory.

Family Cabaret (Highlawn Prebyterian) 90 second of Ed Sullivan takes six months of work. My favorite thing.

Pillowman (Company of Dreams) not at all my taste - really well done. Looking forward to seeing more from this company.

Last Night of Ballyhoo (MU) well done. Patrick Taylor and Jordan Bean - I loved them together. She was born with that style.

Holiday Memories (Cup) Chris Sizemore is good, but the surprise pleasure was almost all of the Donahoes singing together. Love those people.

It's a Wonderful Life (Paramount) How long did they rehearse? Backdrops are stunning.

Things that I'm sorry I missed this year, (just from discussions with friends) include Marina Jurica's Farewell Concert, Albert's Hall, Bat Boy (Cup) - heard good things about Chris Sunderland's physical work, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Auditions This Week in Portsmouth

2012-01-02T22:42:00.002-05:00

January is a time for auditions, and here's one this week for teen actors:

Sweeney Todd: School Edition auditions will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 3 and 4 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Portsmouth Area Arts Council & Children's Theatre Senior Co. will hold auditions for actors ages 14-18, who are still in high school, for the upcoming production of Sweeney Todd: School Edition.

Auditions will be held in Theatre 5 of the Wheelersburg Cinema, adjacent to the SONGS Stage.

Actors will be required to sing a solo of their choice and be asked to read from the script with other auditions. Actors do not need to come for both nights of auditions, but may if they like.

A small photo of the actor to attach to the audition form is recommended.

The production dates for the show are March 2, 3 and 4, 2012 on the main stage of the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in Portsmouth.

Rehearsals will be held at the Wheelersburg Cinema stage Monday-Friday 6:30-9:00 p.m. beginning Jan. 9.

Actors will be required to have signed parental consent to participate in the show before they accept a part.

Auditions will also be held for a special Pre-Show for younger actors:

The Portsmouth Area Arts Council & Children's Theatre will be producing a short pre-show for our production of Sweeney Todd: School Edition at the Vern Riffe Center.

Auditions will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 3 and 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Rehearsals will be 5-6 Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Jan. 12 at the Wheelersburg Cinema.

Production dates are March 2, 3 & 4 at the Vern Riffe Center in Portsmouth.

We are looking for singers and dancers to do a spooky pre-show in both the lobby and main stage before Sweeney Todd. Younger ones will be singing and doing simple choreography for the lobby and older ones will be auditioning for a more dance-centered routine to be performed on the main stage.

Parents, please be aware, this pre-show will be spooky and involve scary make-up and costumes.

Come to auditions prepared to move and learn small pieces of choreography.

Stephen's Best of 2012

2012-01-02T00:02:00.002-05:00

I invited readers to send in their highlights from 2012, and my pal Stephen Vance sent in this note:

I always like to put a little different spin on "the best of" list you offer up every year. This time I'd like to mention some people I've had a chance to work with and be a fan of over the last couple of years and how they had some crowning moments in 2011. Call it a list of people I hope we don't forget when we are all making our lists list.

Shayne Gue has been someone I've seen on stage since before I even thought about getting involved. I've always appreciated his work, but this summer Shayne was at his best in HOT's Wedding Singer. His timing and commitment were superb. Best I've ever seen him.

Dylan Clark has been a good friend of mine for a long time and a counterpart in shows on many occasions. This summer during MU's New Works, Dylan presented his original play Burgle. It was hilarious. We all know he is a great performer, but he has got quite a writing talent as well. I can't wait to see what he does in the future.

Jonathan Lamp is another guy I've admired on stage for a long time and also had a chance to work with. I can easily say that the most surprising and delightful performance of the year goes to John as Link in CLOG's Hairspray. We all knew he could sing, but he danced like nobody's business. He was perfect as the charming young star to be.

Patrick Taylor is somebody I just met this year. He was fantastic in Burgle as the idiot criminal and wonderful as the mute in the Fantasticks. However, I was super impressed with his work in the Last Night of Ballyhoo. He was simply charming. As the new guy in town, I'm excited to see what he does next.

Karen Pruitt in Barefoot in the Park was a riot. If you missed her, you missed a wonderful, wonderful thing. She's quite a lovely lady in person also.

Lastly, I'd like to mention two people I don't know at all but got to see twice this year and thought their work was great, both from Charleston. Laurie Pennington as the Chaperone in the Drowsy Chaperone and Velma in Hairspray. She is a true joy to watch. Brynna Hornswell as Penny in Hairspray and JoAnne Galloway in A Few Good Men. Total commitment, totally different roles, completely wonderful.

I could go on but I wanted to catch some of the people that others might miss. This of course is not a complete list because I could brag on a lot of others, and I do.

It was a very good year.

Thanks, Stephen!

On Stage in January 2012

2012-01-01T21:41:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year, gentle readers! Hope you've been enjoying the holiday season!

Coming up in January - as far as community theatre is concerned - is nothing!

No shows, although lots of them are in rehearsal or about to hold auditions.

But take heart, the Marshall Artists Series has a touring show that will help us get through the first month of 2012.

100 Years of Broadway takes the stage at the keith-Albee Performing Arts Center Sunday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m.

The show recreates the biggest moments from the biggest shows of the century, featuring the actual stars of shows such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar and Jekyll & Hyde. These amazing performers light up the stage with songs from the hit shows in which they starred, as well as other notable Broadway shows.

Neil Berg presents brilliantly revived arrangements of Broadway classics, as well as fantastic numbers from Broadway's newest hit shows. The show features a dazzling cast of Broadway stars accompanied by an all-star New York band.

Sounds like a great show - mark those calendars!

The Best Shows of 2011

2011-12-31T00:01:00.003-05:00

I'm not going to name the "Best show of 2011."

For several reasons:

1) I hate applying the "Best of" label to community theatre shows - every single show was created after a lot of hard work by a lot of people, and while some are better or more accomplished or had a bigger budget than others, they were all a labor of love.

2) It's apples and oranges. Unless you're comparing different productions of the same show, there's no way to compare different shows made with different casts, different budgets, different conditions, etc.

3) I didn't see all the shows that hit the stage in the Tri-State area in 2011. I saw lots of shows, but I missed many, many more (this was a year in which life got in the way of shows). I have friends who see lots of shows, more than I see - but I don't think there's anyone who sees every show.

4) I can't be impartial, because I'm the President of First Stage Theatre Company - obviously, I love every show they stage.

What I will do is talk about some of the shows I saw and enjoyed, and invite you, gentle readers, to make comments about shows you liked, too. Send your comments to the link at the bottom of this post, or email them to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll share them.

Brag on shows you worked on, rave about shows you saw, but no negative put-downs, please. (I don't believe in "Worst of the Year" lists, either.)

So, here's my quick recap of shows I saw:

I'll start with First Stage, since it was an excellent year for the children's theatre, with three shows - each one very successful and lots of fun to watch, including: Rugrats: A Live Adventure, with local actors doing an amazing job of imitating the voices and characteristics of the Nickelodeon cartoon kids; Schoolhouse Rock Live, one of my all-time favorites, with a terrific cast bringing the classic educational cartoons to life; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a co-production with Marshall's Theatre Alliance that was a sweet, funny and touching holiday tale - it's quickly becoming a holiday staple, and I thought this cast was fantastic!

ARTS presented a couple of outstanding shows this year, including the fast and funny hit The Fantasticks, and the dark musical Jekyll and Hyde, which provided a star vehicle for Ryan Hardiman and an outstanding cast.

Ryan was busy this year, rocking out on stage in HOT's July show, The Wedding Singer with a talented cast that brought the '80s to life!

Fifth Avenue Theatre tackled a couple of big shows - the popular Titanic: the Musical, based on the tragic voyage, and (at the other end of the drama scale), the hilarious Noises Off, which was without a doubt the funniest show I saw this year, thanks to an outstanding cast and an amazing set!

Marshall's Theatre Alliance had several excellent productions this year, including: the terrific musical Working, which was loaded with amazing performers; the fantastic New Works Project; and an awesome production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was a showcase for a talented cast, an incredible set and an ingenious adaptation of the original script - it was one of the most impressive shows I can remember seeing in years.

I'm not going to name a best show, of course - but the one that probably managed the best mix of music and comedy, and would certainly be in contention if I were to name the top show, would have to be the Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of Hairspray, which was a pure delight from beginning to end.

Outstanding work by one and all!

So, another great year of theatre - and hopefully another great one on the way!

Happy New Year, theatre fans, and thanks for joining us here at the Tri-State Theatre blog!

So let's hear it - what were your favorite moments?

New Year's Concert with Ryan Hardiman

2011-12-28T23:49:00.002-05:00

Here's a fun way to spend New Year's Eve - enjoying music by Ryan Hardiman (and friends) - and what a great price:

Charleston Community Music Association and Goodnight 2011 present two FREE 45-minute New Year's Eve performances - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Ryan Hardiman - Moonage Daydream: The Bowie Songbook

Special guest vocalist: Madeline Gourevitch

... with pianist Mark Scarpelli and a string quartet featuring Molly Lynn Page and Kristi Holstein (violin), Alasha Al-Qudwah (viola) and Shawn Simms (cello)

New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31
Two 45-minute performances, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran
1600 Kanawha Boulevard East
(Corner of Kanawha Blvd and Elizabeth Street)

Featuring the songs of David Bowie:

Moonage Daydream
Space Oddity
China Girl
The Prettiest Star
Life on Mars?
Wild is the Wind
Absolute Beginners
Under Pressure
Changes
Lady Grinning Soul

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

No silly songs today - just a heartfelt wish, from all of us at the Tri-State Theatre blog, for a Merry Christmas to one and all!

Must Be Santa Claus

2011-12-24T10:33:00.001-05:00

Here's another favorite, and a truly odd video - Bob Dylan singing "Must Be Santa Claus." Lots of fun:

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

2011-12-23T10:44:00.000-05:00

The late great Burl Ives puts us in the spirit with a beloved song from the animated feature "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

The Christmas Song

2011-12-22T08:56:00.002-05:00

As a break from the usual silly songs I post at this time of the year, here's a classic - the incredible Mel Torme singing a song he composed - "The Christmas Song." You'll recognize it at once:

All I Want for Christmas Is You

2011-12-21T22:13:00.002-05:00

Here's a clip from the movie "Love Actually" (which is actually quite good), and my favorite version of this song. A bit silly, but fun:

White Christmas

2011-12-20T01:15:00.000-05:00

Here's our first video - an old favorite:

News, Notes, and the Seussical Cast!

2011-12-19T23:45:00.002-05:00

Hope everyone's having a great holiday season!

The Christmas shows are over and the stages will be dark for a couple of weeks - so what shall we do in this space? That's easy - starting tomorrow I'll post some Christmas-related videos for you to enjoy! (It's a tradition and I'm sticking with it!)

There is one last bit of business, as First Stage has announced the cast list for its spring show, Seussical the Musical, which will be staged in April at the beautiful Keith-Albee Theatre!

So here's the cast (and a talented bunch it is):

The Cat in the Hat - Jack McGee
Horton - Levi Kelley
JoJo -Arman Karimpour
Gertrude - Meg Barbour
Mayzie - Maggie Donahoe
Sour Kangaroo - Sarah Bryan
Baby Kangaroo - Braylan Balandra

Bird Girls - Alli Bartram, Elizabeth Schmitz, Catherine Dennison, Sam Young

Cat Girls - Emily Underwood, Becca Stevens, Kathryn Booth, Bailey Sanders, Madalein Jackson, Becca Gaunch

Wickershams - Andrew Edwards, Nick Wood, Salem Carlton, Samuel Collins
General Schmitz - Jessie Donahoe
Mayor - Josh Moore
Mrs. Mayor - Rileigh Smirl
Yertle the Turtle - Sarah Metz
Marshall/Lorax - Katie Fulks
Sam I Am - Jalen Nicely
Intro Cat - Lindsay McKelvey
Vlad Vladicoff - Ian Carlton

Seuss Rockettes

Taranee’ Karimpour (Dance Captain)
Olivia Roberts
Lindsay McKelvey
Shannyn Kyle
Erika Turner
Brynne Kyle
Mary Bolano
Savannah Sakkai
Kathryn Jennings
Olivia Johnson
Abby Mandt
Abigail Parks
Hayley Spurlock
Jalen Nicely
Maleea Roy
Emily Branam

Mini Rockettes

Chloe Mayo “Mitsy Godiva”
Cali Ellis “Teeny Godiva”
Piper May “Tizzy”
Emma Pittman “Tizzle”
Sophie Haddox “Kweety”
Elizabeth Blake “Preep”
Cheyenne Ferrell “Proo”
Ellie Reynolds “Foona”
Olivia Roberts (Martha Road) “Yeps”
Natalie Jane Eastone “Yottle”

Cadets

Griffin Conaty “Bipper Fuddnudler”
Abigail Eplin “Skipper Fuddnudler”
Ian Carlton “Bud Fuddnudler”
Zoe May “Jipper Fuddnudler”
Hannah Sparks “Dinwoodie Fuddnudler”
Jacob Gross “Jeffery Fuddnudler”
Ethan Lovejoy “Chief Yookeroo Fuddnudler”
Luke Lovejoy “Frederick Fuddnudler”
Nathaniel Fornash “Slinky Fuddnudler”
Jameson Reynolds “Hendrix Fuddnudler”
Jacob Paul Haddox “Zooks Fuddnudler”
Teddy Haddox “Yooks Fuddnudler”
Patrick Dempsey “Horatio Fuddnudler”
Scotty Ferrell “Stuart Fuddnudler”
Avery Jackson “Zower Fuddnudler”
Hunter Morrison “Wocket Fuddnudler”
Zachary Kincade “Zax Fuddnudler”

Whos

Emma Davis “Aunt Annie”
Macenzie Simmons “Violet Vinn”
Zoie Fornash “Vera Vinn”
Lauren Wills “Zooie Catz”
Ashtan Fraser “Kooie Catz”
Makenzie Chapman “Katy Klopps”
Katherine Savageat “LuLu”
Paula Ames “Dapples Thidwick”
Sarah Phillips “Misspecket”
Hadley Massie “Parcifal Thidwick”
Maggie Kayt Franks “Cindy Lou Who”
Jensen Bird “Gussey Headwig”
Samantha May “Lola Lee Lou”
Elisabeth Ross “Spritz Stroodel”
Hallie Trader “Mrs. Umbroso”
Claire Aulick “Dr. Spreckles”
Raven McClintock “Mitsy Von Krandall”
Brooke Ferguson “Jill Ikkajast”
Emily Belcher “Nixie Knox”

Baby Whos/Zoo Animals

Brody Reynolds “Vug”
Amelia Westbrook “Chookie”
Cameron May “Ish”
Mace Owens “Sneedle”
Owen Jennings “Spazzim”
Sophie Eastone “Thing Two”
Jack Eastone “Thing One”
Macy Murdoch “Kitty O’Sullivan”
Caden Chapman “Max the Dog”

On Stage This Weekend - Four Shows!

2011-12-16T00:35:00.002-05:00

You have one last weekend to stock up on Christmas cheer! Here are the shows taking a stage near you:

- The Santaland Diaries - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- The Story of My Life - Charleston Stage Company presents the play at the Capitol Theatre Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- Black Nativity - Kanawha Players presents the play Dec. 15 - 18.

- It's a Wonderful Life - The Paramount Players will present the classic holiday tale on the Paramount stage in Ashland Dec. 16 and 17, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

So check one (or more) out, and take a loved one. Theatre tickets make great Christmas presents!

Tri-State Theatre News and Notes

2011-12-14T22:26:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my pal Sarah Diamond Burroway for sending along some theatre notes to share:

- Murder and Merriment presents Silent Night, Deadly Night. A murder mystery dinner theater event. Now taking reservations, make yours today! An eclectic group of characters are vacationing at a mountain ski lodge. An avalanche closes the only road off of the mountain, stranding all the guests and causing a power outage. Then people start disappearing and turning up dead... Come join us for a murderously good time! The murder mystery takes place at Heritage Station Jan, 20, 21, 27 and 28. The show begins at 6 p.m., with catering provided by A Taste From Above Catering. The cost is $35 per person - make your reservations now by calling Event Solutions at 304-523-7526.

- ACTC Children's Theatre auditions for Cinderella are coming up Jan. 3 and 4 at 4 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theatre. It's part of an enrichment class for students in grades 3 through 9, and the cost is $125. Shows will be presented Feb. 17 - 19, with school shows Feb. 15, 16 and 17.

- Stay tuned for details from Ashland's Company of Dreams Theatre - auditions coming this spring for The Curious Savage under the direction of Jim Maggard.

"Seussical" Auditions - A Note

2011-12-12T00:29:00.002-05:00

This past Saturday I helped sign up a mob of young actors who were auditioning for the upcoming First Stage Theatre performance of Seussical the Musical, and I witnessed something that reminded me why I support children's theatre.

At one point, a couple of very young girls were at the audition - but they were nervous, they were getting upset, worried about auditioning. One girl was on the verge of tears. (I could sympathize - as a kid I would have been absolutely terrified of auditioning, too, and I've seen many kids similarly struggle over the years.)

Immediately a half-dozen girls, all veterans of local shows, gathered around the new girls, talked them through it and encouraged them. It was a kind, gracious thing to do - I was so proud of them!

In no time, the new girls were smiling, laughing and having fun.

And that, my friends, is what theatre - especially children's theatre - is all about!

On Stage This Weekend - Four Holiday Shows!

2011-12-09T00:44:00.001-05:00

Lots of great holiday shows on tap this weekend, including:

- White Christmas - 5th Avenue Theatre Company presents the holiday musical Dec. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

- The Littlest Angel - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 8 - 11.

- The Santaland Diaries - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- The Story of My Life - Charleston Stage Company presents the play at the Capitol Theatre Dec. 8 - 10 and 15 - 17 at 7:30 p.m.

So get out there and get in the spirit of the season!

"White Christmas" Pre-Show - and a Correction

2011-12-08T21:31:00.002-05:00

My pal Dave Lavender wrote a nice story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the pre-show that's part of the local White Christmas production - but there's a big error in there, which I'll address in a moment.

First, the story:

Last weekend, Stacy Richardson-Bond got the best birthday present ever. Through some early Christmas miracle, all of her elves somehow remembered their lines, songs and dance steps.

By day, Richardson-Bond is the children's librarian at the Cabell County Public Library in downtown Huntington, and by Christmas nights, she's been writer, director and den mother, of sorts, for the children's pre-show, "Santa's Surprise," which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall.

The original pre-show is the appetizer for the main show, 5th Avenue Theatre Company's Irving Berlin's White Christmas musical, which is in its last weekend. Accompanied by a 13-piece live orchestra under the direction of Chris Bowling, White Christmas will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for children 12 and under.

Richardson-Bond, who is on the board with Fifth Avenue Theatre Company, said she got involved with the troupe a few years when her niece was in A Christmas Carol, and got hooked.

"It was a lot of fun and I remember (director) Mary Smirl said you'll be back, and I was like 'I don't know about that' but she was right, I kind of got sucked into it and now I'm on the advisory board, and I asked if we were doing anything with the kids and they said 'you can if you want.'"

Richardson-Bond, who wrote "Santa's Surprise," for last year's Christmas pre-show, also wrote, "Titanic Comes to Town," another 30-minute pre-show for last year's "Titanic."

She said the idea was to create short (under 30 minutes-long) pre-shows giving small children and first-time children actors a chance to get on stage, learn lines, simple choreography and singing on a small scale and simple format.

"Other theaters like First Stage really reach the older kids, and so we can take the younger kids and let them get their feet wet so they'll be ready for the other play companies," Richardson-Bond said. "One thing that we do is that every kid wants a line, and so I have found that writing a play was something easier to do on my own. I can go back in and change the script as more kids come and I always have to revise it. This year, I've had four re-writes so every rehearsal almost there's been a new script."

This year, Richardson-Bond is wrangling lines and stage time for 22 children ages 4 to 14 in the 25-minute-long production whose storyline is Santa's elves teaming up to throw him a surprise party for when he gets back from delivering gifts since everyone likes to receive once in a while.

"I know how much my nieces love it and they're in it, so I just want to give all the kids the opportunity to do this," Richardson-Bond said. "It's a lot of work but it is so rewarding. They all think they are an actor and actress now and I love to see how excited they are about it."

Go online at www.cityofhuntingtonfoundation.com for more information.

OK, I'm back.

So the big mistake is where Stacy says, "Other theaters like First Stage really reach the older kids, and so we can take the younger kids and let them get their feet wet so they'll be ready for the other play companies."

Since I'm on the board of First Stage, I have to point out that First Stage does shows for all ages, not just "older kids." The group just wrapped The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which used kids of all ages, and is holding auditions on Saturday for Seussical the Musical, and it's open to kids from pre-school to high school seniors.

First Stage has done shows that focused on older kids, and it's done shows that focused on younger kids. Most of its shows are open to all ages. That's all I'm saying.

Sorry for the rant, I just wanted to set the record straight.

This Saturday: "Seussical" Auditions

2011-12-07T00:00:00.002-05:00

This Saturday, First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's long-running children's theatre, will hold auditions for its spring show, Seussical the Musical!

The auditions will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (auditioners are welcome anytime between 10 and 5).

They'll be held at the First Stage Building at 222 Seventh Avenue in Huntington (the old Electronics Supply building).

Auditions are open to students from Pre-School age to seniors in High School. There is no charge to audition or participate in the show.

Auditioners should arrive ready to sing about 30 seconds of a song demonstrating range and ability. Script excerpts will be provided for reading. Wear shoes you can dance in - auditioners will be taught a short dance to perform.

The show will be staged at the Keith-Albee Theatre April 20, 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28.

The director is Mary Smirl and the producer is Tommy Smirl. For more information, call Mary or Tommy at 304-525-2557 between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Good luck!

"It's a Wonderful Life"

2011-12-05T23:59:00.003-05:00

Here's a show I somehow missed: It's a Wonderful Life by the Paramount Players!

"Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings," and this time it will happen on the Paramount stage in Ashland during the performance of It's a Wonderful Life. This heart-warming story is a Christmas classic that follows the saga of George Bailey as he discovers what life would be like for his friends and family if he had never been born.

There are three evening performances by the Paramount Players, Thursday through Saturday, December 15 through 17, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

Tickets are $15 adults, $12 kids.

Last Chance to Catch "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

2011-12-04T00:06:00.003-05:00

Today's your last chance to catch The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

The First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's children's theater, and the Marshall Theatre Alliance have teamed up to present the rollicking show.

Co-directed by the husband and wife team of Justin and Sydnee McElroy, the one-hour play will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $12 and $8 for children. Call the box office at 304-696-2787 for more information.

Based on the best-selling 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, "Pageant" tells the story about the six wild urchins in the Herdman family who come to church just for the snacks and stay to take all the roles in the Sunday School's Christmas play, giving the show a little bit of a twist.

It's a fun show and really captures the meaning of Christmas. Don't miss it!

On Stage: "White Christmas"

2011-12-02T23:18:00.002-05:00

Back again by popular demand is the holiday classic White Christmas:

Like an extra helping of mashed potatoes and gravy at Thanksgiving, who's going to turn down seconds of a White Christmas?

Last year, Huntington's 5th Avenue Theatre Company was one of only 20 community theater companies in the nation to get the first crack at putting up the Broadway musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas: Musical.

They had such a good time swinging into the holidays 1940s style that Fifth Avenue is back dreaming and tap dancing again into the holidays.

Director Eddie Harbert, a cast of more than two dozen actors and a 13-piece orchestra present White Christmas at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Dec. 9-10, as well as matinee performances at 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11, at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium located in Huntington's City Hall.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for children 12 and under.

Harbert, who had just finished up a successful October run of Jekyll and Hyde, said White Christmas was such a tremendous success last year that they made a rare move and decided to stage the production again.

They've actually also got it on the calendar for 2013 as well.

"We're thinking about playing it annually," Harbert said. "It's a story that everybody loves, and everybody loves the music and so everybody loves the songs and it's just a feel good show. It's kind of like Wizard of Oz you know what is going to happen but you don't care because you feel so good in the end. Here in this rush of Christmas we hope White Christmas will become that Christmas tradition that everyone takes their families to see."

Based on the classic 1954 movie that starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and regional native starlet Rosemary Clooney (who hails from Augusta, Ky.), White Christmas follows Army buddies Bob Wallace (George Snider) and Phil Davis (Greg Kiser), first on the Western Front in World War II and then in their travels as performers on tour in the U.S.

They run into the talent-laden Haynes sister act, Betty and Judy Haynes (played by Jane Modlin, Brittany Adkins, respectively). When Judy and Phil fall in love, they conspire to reroute the guys to the Vermont lodge where the Haynes sisters were booked.

Although at first reluctant, Bob, gets on fire to create a fresh show with the ladies to help save the Vermont ski resort inn owned by General Waverly (Michael Byrd) by having a show in the barn of the inn. The new collaboration sets off sparks on stage and off as the two pairs of singers find their soulmates.

Kiser and Modlin are two of the only returning major cast members, although Modlin played a different role last year.

Assisting Harbert is musical director Chris Bowling, who directs a 13-piece orchestra, choreographer is Josh Meredith, and producing the show is Maxine Loudermilk, who is responsible for reeling in the hard-to-get rights for the show.

Loudermilk, who was just voted onto the Huntington Wall of Fame earlier this year and who heads up the non-profit City of Huntington Foundation, was applying every six months or so to get the rights to the musical of her favorite holiday movie.

Harbert said the dance and music-packed show is infused with new energy yet benefits greatly from having a year of experience - not to mention costly custom costumes and sets with which to work.

"Different people always make it different and we were able to come up with better things," Harbert said. "We have more snow, and the snow works better this year and so experience helps a lot. For me, last year was learning the show, and I think this year I have a better understanding of the show and I think that's helped us choreographically with new routines. This is also the biggest costumed show we have ever done and at this point will probably ever do. Having those things taken care of has helped me to be more creative about different ideas."

The wheeled set spins from New York to a train to an office in New York to the inn, and then barn in Vermont, as the actors stay on stage while the set revolves behind them.

While veteran choreographer Coni Anthony has done 20 shows with Harbert, she doesn't do Christmas shows, so young dancer Josh Meredith, who was taught to tap by Coni's husband Gene, is taking his first crack at choreographing a show.

"White Christmas in itself is such a dance show, I mean people watch it to see Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, so I watched the movie a lot to gather inspiration," Meredith said.

Of course, front and center throughout the show are the timeless classic songs of Berlin.

The sisters swoon and sway with super-sized sky-blue ostrich feather fans to "Sisters," the entire cast frolics about on the number, "Snow," both songs from the original movie.

The musical is beefed up by other Berlin hits ("I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," "I Love a Piano," "Let Yourself Go") and, of course, "White Christmas," one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time - written by Berlin for the 1942 movie musical, "Holiday Inn," softly crooned in the movie by Bing Crosby.

That song has sold more than 100 million copies, making it the best selling record of all time, and one that Crosby sang again in "Blue Skies," in 1946 as well as the classic movie, "White Christmas" in 1954.

To add to the holiday magic, White Christmas has added live musical entertainment downstairs in the city hall lobby (where folks buy tickets), as well as a cute, original Christmas children's pre-show that starts about 45 minutes before show time, and written by Stacy Richardson-Bond, who works in the children's department at the Cabell County Public Library.

With Paramount Players set to put up It's a Wonderful Life in a couple weeks, Harbert said it's an exciting time in the Tri-State as fans of the greatest holiday movies can see them come to life on stage.

"This year with us and the Players doing 'Wonderful Life' you have your choice of these perennial favorites and instead of just seeing them on TV you can go and see them live and let that become a tradition."

All in the Family at "Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

2011-12-02T00:18:00.003-05:00

My pal Dave Lavender files this excellent story about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which runs tonight and this weekend:

While Marshall University students are prepping for finals, the younger kids in the area have commandeered the bright lights of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

The First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's children's theater, and the Marshall Theatre Alliance have teamed up to present the rollicking show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Co-directed by the husband and wife team of Justin and Sydnee McElroy, the one-hour play will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3, as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $12 and $8 for children. Call the box office at 304-696-2787 for more information.

Based on the best-selling 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, "Pageant" tells the story about the six wild urchins in the Herdman family who come to church just for the snacks and stay to take all the roles in the Sunday School's Christmas play, giving the show a little bit of a twist.

Robinson adapted the book to the stage, and since 1982 it has been a solid community theater holiday hit around the world. The book was made into an ABC movie in 1983 starring Loretta Swit, of MASH fame.

The McElroys, who also co-directed the play back in 2005 for First Stage when they weren't married, said although they're both super busy, they couldn't pass up a chance to have another go at "Christmas Pageant."

"It takes about six years to wash away any bad memories, so we thought wasn't that a lot of fun," Sydnee McElroy said.

"Yeah, you know survivors of disasters are often drawn together," said Justin McElroy.

Seriously, though, both said they were drawn to the play for the fun of it and the chance to work with the First Stage family, which includes family of their own since Justin McElroy's dad Clint McElroy, and Sydnee's mom, Mary Smirl are the producers. Sydnee's sister Rileigh Smirl is also in the play.

"It's easy to get lost in everything you have to do, all the stress of the holidays but being around all of these kids they are just so excited and being out there and having fun celebrating Christmas is kind of refreshing and that is what it is all about," Sydnee McElroy said. "Everybody being together and sharing this time of year and it's kind of been a family affair for us."

In her third year of residency through Marshall University's School of Medicine at Marshall Family Practice, Sydnee McElroy had to not only direct, but had to step in to play the role of the Mother when someone dropped out.

"Strangely enough this is probably my biggest role and the most lines to do ever, which I didn't plan to do but I was going there every night any way and it's so rewarding and such a nice break," she said. "My job tends to be very serious so getting to go play with 50 kids every night is a great stress reliever. That is the best part for me. The kids are just little comedians, and since it's based on a children's book, it's their kind of humor and it's really hilarious and parents will think it is hilarious too."

Clocking in at just about an hour, the one-act "Christmas Pageant" is a great show to bring the family since it is fast-paced and has a nice message tucked in as well, Justin McElroy said.

"It's just a great show for people who don't see a lot of plays because it's structured a lot like a TV show with quick cuts and 30 seconds here and there and James (Morris-Smith) and the lighting has a lot to do with making that work," he said. "It's also only a one-act so it's good for smaller kids who maybe can't sit through a whole play."

Justin McElroy, who graduated from Marshall with a theater degree, said they've felt blessed to be able to come back to the home turf and get to utilize the professional talents of MU's award-winning staff such as Morris-Smith and Deborah Carder-Deem.

Clint McElroy seconded that emotion.

"When Mary Smirl and I, the co-producers, were putting together the deal with Marshall we were blown away that we would be able to use what is one of the best facilities and most creative theater programs in the region," he said. "Our kids are loving the experience, and there's a lot of connections inside the school too. Chris Crawford - one of the crew in the theater department - started out with First Stage and now he is in theater because he fell in love with it doing First Stage. It's fun to see it come full circle."

On Stage in December

2011-12-01T06:00:00.003-05:00

Holy cow, it's December already?

Here are a list of the shows taking the stage this month - as always, if I missed any, let me know by clicking the comment link below, or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

Now, on to the list:

- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - First Stage Theatre Company presents the one-hour play at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 and 3, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

- White Christmas - 5th Avenue Theatre Company presents the holiday musical Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

- A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the classic holiday tale Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

- Mary - CYAC presents its annual musical about the mother of Jesus at 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- The Littlest Angel - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 8 - 11.

- The Santaland Diaries - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- The Story of My Life - Charleston Stage Company presents the play at the Capitol Theatre Dec. 8 - 10 and 15 - 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- Black Nativity - Kanawha Players presents the play Dec. 15 - 18.

- It's a Wonderful Life - The Paramount Players will present the classic holiday tale on the Paramount stage in Ashland Dec. 15 through 17, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

So lots of great shows to check out - Happy Holidays, everyone!

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

2011-12-01T00:48:00.002-05:00

My lovely wife and I had a wonderful time last night at the first performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! (Not counting the sold-out school show earlier in the day.)

I admit to being prejudiced - I am on the board of the First Stage Theatre Company (although I wasn't directly involved with this show) - but the show is a pure delight, and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The play is a co-production with the Marshall Theatre Alliance, and it's what we call a "small" show, with minimal sets and costuming, but the army of young performers put on a terrific show.

It tells the story of the attempts by a church to stage its annual Christmas pageant - but things go terribly wrong when the world's "worst" family, the Herdmans, decide to take part. Will the show be a disaster - or can the holiday work its magic and make this the best pageant ever?

The show will make you laugh and may even bring a tear to your eye (as it did for me). Special kudos to the choir that provides songs that bridge between scenes - they're terrific!

You have several more chances to catch the show - it runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Marshall's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Go see it - you can thank me later!

On Stage Tonight - "Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

2011-11-30T06:06:00.000-05:00

The wait is over: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever takes the stage tonight!

Here's the story from today's Herald-Dispatch:

While Marshall University’s students are in the maw of finals, the younger kids in the area have commandeered the bright lights of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center as the First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington’s children’s theater, and the Marshall Theatre Alliance have teamed up to present the rollicking show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Co-directed by the husband and wife team of Justin and Sydnee McElroy, the one-hour play will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 3 as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $12 and $8 for children. Call the Box Office at 304-696-2787 for more info.

Based on the best-selling 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, “Pageant” tells the story about the six wild urchins in the Herdman family who come to church just for the snacks and stay to take all the roles in the Sunday School’s Christmas play, giving the show a little bit of a twist.

Robinson adapted the book to the stage and since 1982 it has been a solid community theater holiday hit around the world. The book was made into an ABC movie in 1983 starring Loretta Swit, of MASH fame.

The McElroys also co-directed the play back in 2005 when First Stage presented the play. Read an interview with the couple in Thursday’s Herald-Dispatch Weekend section, packed with 20 pages and hundreds of ideas of great entertainment for the weekend and beyond in the Tri-State.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

2011-11-27T23:12:00.004-05:00

A special play is taking the stage this Wednesday at Marshall University - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

It's special for several reasons: it's a delightful show; it's a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit; and it's a rare creature - a co-production between the First Stage Theatre Company and the Marshall Theatre Alliance.

It's also directed by alumni of both. Justin McElroy starred in numerous shows for both First Stage and Marshall, and he and his wife Sydnee (who is the co-director) met while acting in First Stage shows.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever uses both local young actors and Marshall's actors, and the set has been designed by Jamez Morris-Smith at MU.

For those who haven't seen it, here's what the show is about:

All the kids in school are scared of the bullying, cigar-smoking Herdman clan.

The only safe place for them has been at church where the Herdmans wouldn’t be caught dead. That is, until little Charlie Bradley lets it out that church is followed by free cookies, punch, and other refreshments.

The Herdmans show up in force the next Sunday to see if this miracle of free goodies is true and are just in time to learn about auditions for the upcoming Christmas Pageant. And when they decide they want the key parts, who’s going to stand in their way?

The result will either be the most disastrous Christmas Pageant ever... or the best!

The show will be presented on the main stage at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Don't miss it!

On Stage Tonight!

2011-11-25T10:20:00.002-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a great holiday! I'm celebrating Black Friday my usual way: hiding at home (I went out to the store once on this date many years ago. It's not for the weak of heart).

There are two great shows being staged tonight:

- Curtains Up Players presents its Second Annual Holiday Cabaret, Family Memories! The show features a talented group of area performers, including special guest Chris Sizemore! The performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the beautiful Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the old Camelot Theatre in downtown Huntington)!

- Mary, based on the life of the woman who was the mother of Jesus, is an original Scarpelli-Kehde rock opera presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company. It takes the stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

On Stage This Week: Mary!

2011-11-22T06:01:00.000-05:00

Charleston has a Christmas tradition that's returning to the stage for the 15th year. It's Mary, based on the life of the woman who was the mother of Jesus.

It's an original Scarpelli-Kehde rock opera presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company.

It takes the stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

It's a great show, and highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend: Family Memories!

2011-11-21T22:32:00.002-05:00

My pal Paul Neace sends along a reminder about a special concert this holiday weekend:

On behalf of Curtains Up Players, I would like to invite you to attend our Second Annual Holiday Cabaret, Family Memories!

As always, our show will feature a phenomenal group of area performers, and this year, we are happy to share a special guest - Huntington native and now professional performer Chris Sizemore.

The performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26 at the beautiful Jeslyn Performing Arts Center!

Tickets will be available at the door one hour prior to each performance. HOWEVER, by making reservations online or through a CUP Board Member, you can receive a special discount.

We at CUP would like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and hope you are able to share it with us!

Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter @CUPofTheatreWV, and check us out online at www.curtainsupplayers.org.

Trailer for "The Last Night of Ballyhoo"

2011-11-17T00:04:00.004-05:00

Hey, the Marshall Theatre Alliance has created a trailer to promote this week's performance of The Last Night of Ballyhoo - and here it is:

The show is getting rave reviews - here are two comments we've received:

Bil Neal wrote:

Saw the last rehearsal last night. Not only is it a beautiful show, some of my favorites turned in lovely performances. Well worth the price of admission, and perfect for the whole family this time of year.

Stephen Vance wrote:

I agree with Bil. Great performances, strong script, and as always great lighting and set design. First show I've seen directed by Nicole Perrone and it was a great one. Kudos to the whole team. Go see this show.

The play runs this week, Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse in Huntington. Don't miss it!

On Stage This Week: The Last Night of Ballyhoo

2011-11-14T21:23:00.002-05:00

Taking the stage this week is the latest production from Marshall's Theatre Alliance.

The play is The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry.

Here's a recap:

It’s December, 1939. Hitler has invaded Poland. Gone with the Wind is about to storm the silver screen in Atlanta, and the biggest concern of the Freitag family is Ballyhoo, a lavish ball for Atlanta’s Jewish socialites.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Play, The Last Night of Ballyhoo is a luminous and achingly beautiful play that confirms the importance of faith and family heritage.

The play runs this week, Nov. 16, 17, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse in Huntington.

Highly recommended!

On Stage Next Week: Albert's Hall

2011-11-11T00:13:00.003-05:00

Here's a show I somehow missed when I listed the shows for November - it's Albert's Hall, an original play by Jason McAllister.

(Thanks to my pal Sarah Diamond Burroway for passing along this info!)

The play takes the stage Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Community Church at 1100 Greenup Avenue, 2nd Floor (above Hope's Place) in Ashland, Ky.

The play was created by Sarah Diamond Burroway, Tiffany Caldwell Trent and Brian Cook.

Albert's Hall is the story of a hard-working river town and a mid-80's dispute between Maytown Coal and the union which impacts the lives of these modest people.

Comraderie is challenged as friends gather for a drink at Albert's Hall with labor talks going on behind closed doors across the street. The events of a single evening cause everyone to contemplate on a deeper level about what it all means for tonight - and for their futures.

This production is a fundraiser for Hope's Place, a children's advocacy center. Admission is $5.00 at the door.

The play is written and directed by Jason McAllister, with original music by Jason McAllister and Rob McNurlin.

Cast:
TALMAGE - Jason McAllister
WHITNEY - Tiffany Trent
ROBERT - Brian Cook
DAVE - Josh Day
ETHAN - Wes Thompson
DENTON - Kenny Riffe
CHARLES MAC - Tim Holmes
JOE JENKINS - Mark Cole
JOHNNY - Len Trent
SARAH - Sarah Diamond Burroway
JACOB - Rob McNurlin
CAROL HENSON - Sarah Diamond Burroway
TV REPORTER - Brittany Quillen Shaw

So see the show and support a great cause - it's a win-win situation!

On Stage This Weekend - Ashland's the Only Game Around

2011-11-09T07:06:00.000-05:00

I was about to post that we have a rare weekend where there's no show to see... but then I got a message from my pal Jane Modlin about a show being staged by the Blazer Theatre Arts Society.

The show is called Murder's Bad... But Monday Can Kill You! It's described as an adventure in 'film noir.' Sounds like fun!

The show runs Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. at The Millennium Center at Paul Blazer High School.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. For more information call 606-327-6040, extension 3602.

On Stage This Week - "Young Frankenstein"

2011-11-08T00:47:00.003-05:00

My pal Dave Lavender files this story about the upcoming performance of Young Frankenstein:

When Rory Donovan graduated college he hoped to land a role, any role, in a touring production. He sure landed a "big one."

Tromping around the stage in five-inch heels, Donovan gets to play the 7-foot-tall and about 4-foot wide monster that's created nightly in the campy comedic national tour of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.

Brought in as part of the Marshall Artists Series' 75th anniversary season, the musical will be performed in the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

Tickets are $58, $50 and $45. Tickets can be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series box office, located on the east side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326.

Donovan, a 27-year-old and 2011 Graduate of University of the Arts, said it's been a rip to be out nightly immersed in the camp of one of America's true comedic mad men, Mel Brooks. Brooks first twisted the classic Mary Shelley story in his Oscar-nominated smash hit 1974 film Young Frankenstein that starred Gene Wilder.

"It's a very cool and it's funny and it's campy and interesting and it doesn't get stale," Donovan said, "Some musicals doing them night after night you can feel a little stale. This one always feels fresh and always feels different and fun."

Young Frankenstein follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's "Frankensteen") as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterpiece and bring a corpse to life.

Together with his endearing helper Igor, his lab assistant Igna, and in spite of his self-absorbed fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster, but not without scary and quiet often hilarious complications.

Unfolding in the forbidding Castle Frankenstein and the foggy moors of Transylvania Heights, the show's raucous score includes "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and the unforgettable treatment of Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On the Ritz."

That razzle dazzle and slapstick comedy is the work of the Brooks, the three-time Tony winner who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book along with his record-breaking team from The Producers - five-time Tony winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman and three-time Tony winning writer, Thomas Meehan.

Stroman most recently won critical acclaim for her direction and choreography of the Broadway production of The Scottsboro Boys. She directed and choreographed The Producers, winner of a record-making 12 Tony Awards including Best Direction and Best Choreography.

Donovan said it's been amazing to be on stage when the musical magic of comedy, camp and choreography collide.

"Highlights for me are doing the hermit scene and that scene is always a blast because it is such well-written slapstick comedy and it really works off the audience," Donovan said. "That and 'Putting on the Ritz' and just feeling that energy every night. They know what is coming but they are going to laugh at it as if this is the first time they ever heard it."

Donovan said it's been a challenge but a lot of fun portraying the monster since all emotions get poured onto the stage nightly.

"The thing I really appreciate about the monster is that is innocence in its purest form," Donovan said. "The way I look at it it's like a new born baby in a 7-foot-tall-and-4-foot-wide body. Everything is acted to the nth degree. You're as terrified as possible and as happy as possible and every reaction is completely over the top like an infant would respond, and it's monstrous and a lot of fun."

Donovan, who grew up as a huge fan of Brooks' cult-classic comedy movies such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights and SpaceBalls said it's been really cool to turn on more of his generation to the earlier works of Brooks from the 1970s when he reeled off such classics as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

"I think what this musical and The Producers does is that it helps people fall in love with his earlier work that I think my generation is a little less familiar with," Donovan said of Young Frankenstein which won the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Musical. "It's one of the better movies and that is what I appreciate that the musical is turning on a whole new generation."

Donovan said especially this fall in the run-up to Halloween, it's been a blast playing one of the classic monsters as crowds have been all jacked up for the show.

"The crowds have been fantastic and obviously around Halloween it vibes really well with the audience and we've been getting some really great crowds."

If you go

WHAT: The new Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein as part of the 75th anniversary season of the Marshall Artists Series.

WHERE: Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, 825 4th Ave., Huntington

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

HOW MUCH: $58, $50 & $45

GET TICKETS: At the Marshall Artists Series box office, located on the east side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326

ON THE WEB: www.marshallartistsseries.org

A Sad Farewell

2011-11-05T21:41:00.003-04:00

It's been a rough week for Huntington.

First my beloved Chili Willi's closed - a restaurant I've been visiting since it opened in a tiny venue next to the Cinema Theatre.

Then the Jolly Pirate on First Street closed - thankfully, the one on Route 60 is still around.

Then Friday came the word that the Cinema Theater had closed its doors.

That's sad, not just because it's the last of the three Fourth Avenue theaters, not just because I saw so many great (and some not-so-great) movies there, but because I have such fond memories of the people who worked there over the years.

When I was in college at Marshall I spent a couple of years working at the Keith-Albee Theater as a doorman and projectionist, and I sometimes worked with or assisted fellow employees at the Cinema and Camelot Theaters.

We'd assemble new movies late Thursday night (and sometimes "screen" the new releases after midnight), change the Marquee letters and the posters - it was a fun job (especially for a college kid), and I got to see lots of movies and eat lots of popcorn.

It'll be interesting to see what happens next for the Cinema. But I'll miss the old girl.

Here's the story about the closing from the Herald-Dispatch:

The Cinema at 1021 4th Ave. closed its doors for good on Thursday.

The discount theater was the last of the Huntington locations for Greater Huntington Theater Corp., and it closed because of a lack of business, according to a press release from the company.

"First, we would like to thank all our customers who have supported the Cinema over the many years we have been in business," the release said. "We have been carrying losses over the past several years in hopes we could turn things around and keep the Cinema open but that didn't happen. We found that with the first run theaters keeping the movies longer and the shorter time before the DVDs are released, the discount movie theater business just doesn't work."

The Cinema had eight employees.

Greater Huntington Theater Corp., run by President Derek Hyman of Huntington, still operates three other theaters in the region: Park Place Stadium Cinema in Charleston, Fountain Place Cinema 8 in Logan, and Pierce Point Cinema 10 in Amelia, Ohio. But the Cinema wasn't sustaining itself.

"There's so much money you need to run a building like that, and with discounted prices, we didn't manage to make enough to keep it open," Hyman said in an interview Friday morning.

In 2006, the company closed the historic Keith-Albee as a movie theater, as well as the Camelot movie theater, citing competition from the Marquee Cinema at Pullman Square, which opened in late 2004.

The Cinema was kept alive as a discount theater featuring second-run movies. It offered a variety of specials to attract movie-goers, such as free movies for kids in the summertime - which drew crowds of local day care children - and "Flashback Mondays," when they showed classic movies on the big screen, as well as offering "$2 Tuesdays."

Its closing marks the end of an era for a company that got into the entertainment business in downtown Huntington in the 1920s.

"I've known I'd do this for a couple of months and I thought I was prepared, but it's made me sad today," Hyman said.

The Greater Huntington Theatre Corp. was opened by Derek's grandfather, Abe Hyman, and great uncle Saul Hyman, who opened the ornate Keith-Albee Theatre in 1928. The theater corporation was handed down from Abe and Saul Hyman to Jack Hyman, who ran it until the 1990s, when Derek took over.

Along with the theaters downtown and its remaining current theaters, the business has had others as well, including the East Drive-In along U.S. 60 near the current site of HIMG. There also was Starlight in South Point.

The Cinema was once the Orpheum Theater, and it was in business years before the Keith-Albee opened in 1928, according to local historian Jim Casto.

"The Orpheum was built as a vaudeville theater," he said. "When movies came along, it featured both movies and vaudeville acts. Ultimately, like the nation's other theaters, it became strictly a movie house."

Before it was turned into a multiplex, it seated more than 1,300 people, Casto said.

Anyone holding gift cards with balances, valid gift coupons or valid advance tickets for The Cinema can contact its corporate office at 304-523-0185 for a refund.

On Stage in November

2011-11-03T00:16:00.003-04:00

Running a little late with this month's rundown - sorry about that!

As always, if I've missed any shows, send in a comment through the link at the bottom of this post, or email the info to me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

Now, the list for November:

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Nov. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center (the old Camelot Theatre).

- Best Christmas Pageant Ever - First Stage Theatre and the Marshall Theatre Alliance present the holiday play about the worst kids in school who decide to be part of the school’s Christmas play. The result will either be the most disastrous Christmas Pageant ever - or the best! The play will be presented Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Young Frankenstein - The Marshall Artists Series presents the touring version of the hit Broadway musical at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Nov. 4, 5 and 6, 2011 at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

- Mary - Contemporary Youth Arts Company will present its 15th annual production of the Scarpelli-Kehde rock opera at 8 p.m. Nov. 25-26, and Dec. 1-3, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center, 123 Summers Street, Charleston.

- The Last Night of Ballyhoo - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the play that confirms the importance of faith and family heritage Nov. 16 – 19 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

It's "Frahnk-en-steen"

2011-11-02T00:25:00.002-04:00

The Broadway touring show of Young Frankenstein, which is based (of course) on the hilarious Mel Brooks movie, will take the stage at the Keith Albee next week - and here's a great story about it from the Herald-Dispatch:

Halloween might be over but you can keep the freaky fun going as tickets are on sale for the new Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein.

Brought in as part of the Marshall Artists Series packed 75th anniversary season, the musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

This re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Frankensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterpiece and bring a corpse to life. Together with his endearing helper Igor, his lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his self-absorbed fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster, but not without scary and quiet often hilarious complications.

It is based on the 1974 film, Young Frankenstein of the same name and both were created by Mel Brooks, who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book. It was created by the same team as The Producers, including director and choreographer Susan Stroman and Thomas Meehan.

When Frederick Frankenstein, an esteemed New York brain surgeon and professor, inherits a castle and laboratory in Transylvania from his grandfather, deranged genius Victor Von Frankenstein, he faces a dilemma. Does he continue to run from his family's tortured past or does he stay in Transylvania to carry on his grandfather's mad experiments reanimating the dead and, in the process, fall in love with his sexy lab assistant Inga?

Unfolding in the forbidding Castle Frankenstein and the foggy moors of Transylvania Heights, the show's raucous score includes "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and the unforgettable treatment of Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On the Ritz."

Young Frankenstein is the winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Musical. The New York Times said Young Frankenstein has "the largest percentage of gags per scene."

Tickets are $58, $50 & $45. Tickets may be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office, located on the east side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326. Patrons can also visit www.marshallartistsseries.org for ticket information. The box office is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, including online at www.ticketmaster.com.

On Stage This Weekend

2011-10-28T22:21:00.003-04:00

Several great shows to choose from this weekend, including:

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Oct. 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5 and 6 at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center (the old Camelot Theatre).

- Othello by William Shakespeare - Charleston Stage Company presents the classic play October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Oct. 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5, 6, 2011 at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

- Chicago - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the Broadway hit musical Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 2:30 p.m. (the show was originally scheduled to end last week, but it was pushed back an extra week because of an illness in the cast).

- Bug - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the intense psychological drama Oct. 29.

A "Bat Boy" e-Interview

2011-10-26T22:04:00.002-04:00

As we prepare for Bat Boy The Musical to take the stage this weekend in Huntington, let's hear from some of the members of the cast.

Stepping up to our imaginary e-interview microphone is Trish Sacconi, who plays both Mayor Maggic and Clem.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with "Bat Boy," give us the basic story behind it.

Trish: Bat Boy is the creation of a fictional Weekly World News story that ran back in 1992 about a half-boy, half-bat found living in a cave in Hope Falls, WV. When he is found by some local kids and turned over to the local sheriff, he is placed in the home of the local veterinarian whose wife reforms him into a loving and caring boy. The story is so much deeper than just the fiction and humor at the surface, but it is that of a soul who is truly seeking acceptance and love but is faced with racism, jealousy, revenge, rage, and hatred. When a “plague” is believed to be affecting the cattle within the town, Bat Boy is used as the scapegoat to explain the loss of revenue.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Trish: I play two characters: Clem, a local guy who isn’t too bright and who is pretty much afraid of his own shadow; and Maggie, Hope Falls’ Mayor and head of Town Council. Maggie, along with the local ranchers, is worried about the large number of cattle that are mysteriously dying. When rumors circulate about the Bat Boy’s discovery, she is lead to believe (along with the entire town) that he is the one preying on the cattle.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Trish: For me personally, it would be the fact that I am returning to the stage after a very long absence.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Trish: My favorite song would be "A Home for You." It displays a deep emotion describing what ‘family’ is all about and how important it is for everyone to recognize and feel the love and acceptance that is vital for survival. It reflects that “home” is a place where you are not judged and it doesn’t matter what you do. A family’s love will always prevail.

Q: Sounds like this would be a fun show to work on... is it?

Trish: Yes, it is! The variety of characters and the mixture of laughter and horror are like none other I have ever worked with. One thing that makes this musical stand above others is the fact that just about the time you believe you have it all figured out the story takes an interesting turn and you are left with your mouth hanging open.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Trish: I would recommend the show because there is a mixture of everything... humor, love, family, and a little horror along the way. We can all relate to issues that life throws in our path, and this show actually showcases most of those issues in a unique and fun sort of way. We have all been a victim of injustice/inequality, whether at school, work, or society in general, and this musical makes you step back and relate, even if in the most unusual way possible…through that of a humanoid.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Trish: Bat Boy: The Musical is being presented by Curtains Up Players, Huntington's newest theatre company. The show opens this Friday, Oct. 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (1030 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701). Performances run Oct. 28 and 29 and November 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $12 for Students and can be reserved online at www.curtainsupplayers.org. To receive a $2 discount, wear costumes Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29 to enter into our Costume Contest (prizes awarded). For the second weekend of performances (Nov. 3-6), patrons can receive a $2 discount by bringing 2 canned goods to be donated to the Huntington Area Food Bank. For other discounts and special offers, "Like" us on Facebook (Curtains Up Players) and follow us on Twitter (@CUPofTheatreWV).

Thanks, Trish! We'll have more e-interviews in the days ahead!

On Stage This Weekend: "Bat Boy the Musical"

2011-10-26T07:01:00.002-04:00

Just in time for the Halloween season, a truly unique musical takes the stage this weekend. Based on the tabloid creation, it's Bat Boy: The Musical!

We'll have some e-interviews with members of the cast coming up, but here's what you need to know to catch the show:

WHERE: Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington

PERFORMANCES: Oct. 28, 29 and Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

CAST:
Bat Boy - Chris Sunderland
Meredith - Nancy Jackson
Dr. Parker - Mark Baker
Shelley - Kate Jackson
Sheriff - Paul Neace
Rev. Hightower / Ned / Institute Man - Holly Maynard
Pan - Bronson Bush
Rick / Lorraine - Luc Adkins
Mrs. Taylor / Dillon - Ethan Terry
Ron / Daisy / Voice of Mother - Andrew Surber
Ruthie / Roy - Alex O'Donnell
Mayor Maggie / Clem - Trish Sacconi
Bud / Voice of Young Meredith - Julie Hoss
Dr. 1 / Dr. 2 / Voice of Father - Max Wilson
Sleeping Townsperson - Jim Sacconi

Director - Clara Adkins
Executive Producer - Shayne Gue
Music Director - Tawny Burdine
Choreography - Clara Adkins and Mark Baker

Marshall Theatre Has An Awesome Website

2011-10-25T21:17:00.003-04:00

Do you have some time to kill?

Make sure you do before you go to the site I'm about to recommend, because if you're like me, you'll spend hours searching through it.

The home page for Marshall University's Theatre Department is already pretty nifty, with previews of upcoming shows, photos and some recently-added videos (including an interview with my pal Gene Anthony, who tells a great story about how he got a part in a famous film). You can find that site at this link.

But what I'm talking about is a new feature (at least it's new to me - I just found it a few weeks ago). It's a history site that the Marshall University Department of Theatre has created, and it offers a look back at decades of stage shows that have been produced by MU theatre.

Here's a sample - a photo from a production of Romeo and Juliet in the 1920s:

And that's just the beginning! There are decades worth of photos to look through, and memories of shows you've seen (or perhaps been part of).

But the site is also looking for help. There are lots of shows with no photos available, and many of the photos have no identification. If you can help, you're urged to contact the theatre department by sending an e-mail to theatre@marshall.edu.

OK, I've stalled long enough (but only because we like having you here on our website, too): go to this link and check it out - but allow lots of time! It's a treasure trove of history, and kudos for Marshall's Theatre Department for tackling this project!

Last Chance to Catch "Jekyll & Hyde!"

2011-10-23T00:19:00.002-04:00

Fair warning: Sunday afternoon is your last chance to catch Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical!

Based on the classic tale, the Broadway hit has been getting rave reviews from everyone I've talked to - including a couple of guys who are very hard to please!

Once again, here's what you need to know: Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the musical at the Renaissance Arts Center (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

The final performance starts at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. Tickets are $15.

The musical stars a fantastic cast, including Ryan Hardiman, Andrea Parkins, Brittany Adkins, Kennie Bass, Terry Salyer, Betty Craddock and many others.

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets, or yuou can buy them at the door. For more information, go online at www.733arts.org.

Busy Theatre Weekend!

2011-10-20T21:37:00.004-04:00

Lots of coverage for weekend theatre events in today's Herald-Dispatch, including auditions for a holiday show:

Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 for First Stage Theatre Company's production of the hilarious Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Auditions will be held at FSTC's new building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington. The show is being directed by Justin and Sydnee McElroy for presentation on the Main Stage at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Nov. 30 through Dec. 4.

Children do not have to prepare a song since this is a non-musical. This is a great show for first-time actors. We will be auditioning young people from first grade through high school.

Any questions: Call 304-208-4167.

And my pal Dave Lavender prepared this excellent recap of the shows taking the stage this weekend:

All the world may not be a stage, but all of the Tri-State certainly seems to be.

The thespians have gone wild this weekend with Tri-State theaters tackling everything from Othello and Chicago to some seasonal fare such as Jekyll & Hyde.

Here’s a look at some of the productions happening this weekend.

Little bit Jekyll, whole lot Hyde

Just in time for Halloween, Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents a timely fall run of the macabre musical, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical over at the Renaissance Arts Center, the old Huntington High at 900 8th St., Huntington.

Performed for the first time in Huntington or Charleston, the musical, which ran on Broadway from 1997 to 2001, runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th St., Huntington.

Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and a show. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday only and will begin at 6:30 p.m. Be advised that last weekend’s dinner reservations sold out.

The musical stars veteran theatrical rocker Ryan Hardiman as well as Andrea Parkins, Brittany Adkins, Kennie Bass, Terry Salyer, Betty Craddock and many others.

It is directed by Eddie Harbert, who is directing his 40th local show. Choreography is by Coni Anthony, who is doing her 19th show with Harbert. Chris Bowling is the musical director. The assistant director is Marissa Miller, and the director’s assistant is Carol Scarberry.

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and information or go online at www.733arts.org.

Five directors + one-act plays = suspense

Five new directors in training will showcase their directing skills in a new event called Tales of Suspense: an Evening of One-Act Scary Plays at the Paramount Arts Center, that runs at 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 24 and 25.

Under the direction of Paramount Player producer Melanie Sweeney, five directors in training will be directing: The Veldt, The Lottery, Reunion on Gallows Hill, The Monkey’s Paw and The Cask of Amontillado.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in the box office in advance or night of show. Call 606-324-3175.

Tales of Suspense will go on the road the following weekend for a one-night show (Oct. 28) dinner theater performance at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, in partnership with the Paramount Arts Center. The dinner theater starts at 6:30 p.m. in the park’s conference center.

Dinner includes choice of rib-eye or tilapia, soup, salad, two vegetables, drink and dessert.

Tickets for the dinner and show are $35 per person plus tax. Reservations must be made by Oct. 21 by emailing stephanie.poplin@ky.gov or calling the park at 1-800-325-0083.

Sweet home ‘Chicago’

The Ashland Community and Technical College Theatre opens its 2011-2012 theater season with the Roaring ’20s scorcher Chicago, The Musical, that follows two death row murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, in their quest for fame, fortune and acquittal.

The Tony Award winning musical features Molly Maynard as “Velma Kelly” and Rachel Coleman, an Ohio University Southern student from Ashland, as “Roxie Hart.” The cast of Tri-State residents includes Allison Davis and Zach Davis from Huntington.

Performances will run at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 20-22 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The play will run Oct. 27-30 as well.

Tickets are $2 for ACTC/Morehead State University students, $4 for ACTC employees, $5 students, seniors and groups (10 or more) and $8. Tickets can be reserved through the college bookstore by calling 606-326-2014. Tickets already sold may be used at any performance.

For more information, call the ACTC Theatre Office at 606-326-2073.

Staging Shakespeare

Charleston Stage Company presents William Shakespeare’s classic Othello to kick off its 20th anniversary season. Performance dates are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20-22 and 27-29 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers St., in downtown Charleston. Tickets are $15, and $10 for students and seniors and free to West Virginia State University students.

For more information about the drama, which has a running time of 2:15, call 304-766-5721 or go to www.charlestonstagecompany.com.

Lots of Shows On Stage This Weekend

2011-10-19T06:35:00.001-04:00

Don't say there's nothing to do around here - at least not this weekend!

Here are the shows taking the stage:

- Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical - ARTS presents the blockbuster musical Oct. 21, 22 and 23 at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th Street in Huntington.

- The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon - Huntington High School Theatre students present the show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.

- Othello by William Shakespeare - Charleston Stage Company presents the classic play October 20-22, 27-29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

- Chicago - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the Broadway hit musical Oct. 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- Bug - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the intense psychological drama Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29.

- Suessical the Musical - Portsmouth Childrens Theatre presents the delightful Dr. Seuss play on Oct. 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. at Shawnee State University on the Vern Riffe Stage.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

On Stage This Weekend - "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon"

2011-10-18T23:32:00.001-04:00

Huntington High School Theatre students will present their first show of the 2011-2012 school year at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon takes well-known fairy tales and turns them upside down with a fast-paced comedy.

Narrators Elise Steele and Jacob Jarvis, both seniors, will lead the audience through such favorites as Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and Rumpelstiltskin.

The plot is light-hearted and simple, but the cast has found friendship and education in the experience, said director Helen Freeman.

The cast includes Dylan Parker as Rumpelstiltskin, Mady Parks as Rapunzel, Chad Arthur as Hansel, Sarena Johnson as Gretel, Brian Leonard as the Frog Prince, Kayla Payton as Little Red Riding Hood, Joey Keith as the wolf, Lydia Waybright as Cinderella and Austin Trimboli as Prince Charming.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Huntington High School is located off W.Va. 10.

Auditions Saturday for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

2011-10-16T23:44:00.002-04:00

Auditions are coming up next weekend for a fun show. It's become a holiday classic, and it's a heck of a lot of fun.

Here's the info:

First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for its next show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Auditions will be held at First Stage's new building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington (the old Electronics Supply building). Auditions are open to young people from first grade through high school.

The show is not a musical, so no need to prepare a song for the audition. Those auditioning will be given lines to look over and read for the audition.

This is a great show for first-time actors. There is no charge to audition or participate in the program.

The show is being produced in conjunction with Marshall University's Theatre Alliance. It will be directed by Justin and Sydnee McElroy for presentation on the Main Stage at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Nov. 30 through Dec. 4, 2011.

For more information, call 304-208-4167.

On Stage Tomorrow - "Jekyll & Hyde"

2011-10-13T19:49:00.003-04:00

The Herald-Dispatch has some great coverage of the upcoming musical Jekyll & Hyde, including an excellent photo gallery that you can see right here.

There's also an excellent story by my pal Dave Lavender, which you can read right here:

Everyone has a little Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in them.

Just look at director Eddie Harbert's production schedule that teeter totters back and forth between the syrupy sweetness of shows such as White Christmas and Legally Blonde to shows that shall we say cut a little closer to the bone of the human condition like, Sweeney Todd and Jekyll and Hyde.

And this my friends, this time of the waning moon, darkening hours, dismal rain and a world boiling with trouble, is no time for Legally Blonde.

In the creaky auditorium of the old Huntington High School, ARTS pulls back the curtains on Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical.

The musical, which ran on Broadway from 1997 to 2001, runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th St., Huntington.

Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and a show. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday only and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The show also runs Oct. 21-23 as well.

The musical stars Ryan Hardiman, Andrea Parkins, Brittany Adkins, Kennie Bass, Terry Salyer, Betty Craddock and many others.

It is directed by Eddie Harbert, who is directing his 40th local show. Choreography is by Coni Anthony, who is doing her 19th show with Harbert. Chris Bowling is the musical director. The assistant director is Marissa Miller and the director's assistant is Carol Scarberry.

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and information or go online at www.733arts.org.

"This is my year of death and dying and murder. I killed off 47 people in my last show," said Harbert with a laugh talking about his directing of Titanic: The Musical.

Harbert said this show, based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novella, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," is rated PG-13, since there are eight murders on stage including six in the opening number of Act Two.

"It is physical, and it's gruesome, and it's violent because it is all very relevant to the story, especially the last murder," Harbert said.

Harbert said he would have not done the show without an ace as Jekyll and Hyde - Huntington's own Ryan Hardiman, the veteran stage rocker who's been in everything from Rocky Horror Picture Show and Beauty and the Beast to Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

"We got Ryan, and then Brittany Adkins has done the show playing Emma so we were lucky that they came into the show," Harbert said. "It's very dark and scary. This is my fourth time working with Ryan, and this is the first time I've been frightened by him. I think the audience is really going to like the music. It's haunting and it's the kind of story that sucks you in, especially this time of year. When you think of Halloween you think of top hats and cloaks and London. That is the set, a lot of dark and black, and the lighting is very moody.

Perhaps because of the sheer physicality of the show and the complexity of the music, this is the first time for the show to be produced in either Huntington and Charleston.

Hardiman, who played Jekyll and Hyde 10 years ago in Ashland, said he lunged at the chance to get to go further into the role of the conflicted Jekyll and Hyde with a couple of folks from that show - Chris Bowling, the music director played percussion in the orchestra then and Jen Naglee, was in ensembles as a Red Rat Girl for both shows.

"I think that in 10 years that hopefully I have grown as an actor, and attempting this role has made me open up to new depths in the roles, and I am looking at Hyde as less of a caricature and more of what a lot of us may be like if we didn't have any morals or consequences involved in our action," Hardiman said. "Even though Hyde is thought of as a classic monster. What Hyde really is, is the unbridled side of Jekyll unleashed without boundaries. I am trying to keep that in mind when I am playing the roles, and in doing that I have to give little hints of what Jekyll is tempted to do."

Hardiman said the role of Jekyll and Hyde is difficult because there is no costume change, no makeup addition, just one man on stage twisting and fighting a losing battle with the inner pressure of his demons.

"There is a lot of strenuous movement and constant action taking place - even when you are completely still Jekyll is very frustrated and internalizing that pressure and it comes through," he said. "You can feel it through the whole show. Vocally, it is extremely challenging because I have to convey Hyde vocally, and the score is extremely demanding and after you do the Hyde voice for a while it is hard to keep a good singing voice so I have had to go all out and build up my tolerance."

That battle hits a pinnacle in "The Confrontation," a song in which Hardiman shifts back and forth between the conflicting voices in his head.

"When Jekyll turns into Hyde it is out of control and that is one thing that is really hard for an actor to do is to let go of all their inhibitions and just be ugly on stage," Hardiman said. "You can't have any shame playing a role like this. The transformation takes place and you throw yourself into convulsions and there is no makeup involved, the hair comes down and he lets everything go."

While Jekyll and Hyde is the marquee role, Hardiman and Harbert said they were extremely lucky to be working with Adkins, who recently graduated from Liberty University and who will be doing a professional acting tour later this year, as well as veteran singer, Andrea Parkins, who folks will know in the region from the Celtic group, Blackbirds and Thrushes.

"Andrea and Brittany were both godsends to the production," Hardiman said. "Those roles are extremely hard to cast as well and they carry a lot of the show. The show is called 'Jekyll and Hyde' but the score and the story involves the two female leads as much as they involve Jekyll and Hyde."

Hardiman said he can't hardly wait to start the two weekend run of the play.

"It's hard to believe it's never been done in Charleston and Huntington," Hardiman said. "It's such a beautiful show and I am not sure if it's maybe because it is such a challenging show, and such a hard show to cast, maybe that has stood in the way of it being produced, but Eddie certainly has brought the right people together and has a great vision for the show. We're all excited to unleash it on Huntington."

If You Go:

WHAT: ARTS (Arts Resources for The Tri-State) presents Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical

WHERE: Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th St., Huntington

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, as well as Oct. 21-23

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and a show. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday only and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

GET TICKETS: Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and info or go online at www.733arts.org

Kennie Talk About "Jekyll & Hyde!"

2011-10-11T22:19:00.003-04:00

Coming this weekend to the stage in Huntington is Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, the hit Broadway show based on the famous book.

One of the stars of the show is my pal Kennie Bass (he plays John Utterson), and he provides some more information about the show in this e-interview (and I'll have more of them in the days ahead).

Q: Why did you want to be part of the musical Jekyll & Hyde?

Kennie: I wasn't very familiar with the musical. I had previously heard the song "Facade" but I didn't know its origin. However, after listening to the soundtrack, I became a fan. The music is absolutely incredible, and the leads... Ryan Hardiman (Jekyll), Brittany Adkins (Emma) and Andrea Parkins (Lucy)... perform the songs beautifully. I am very honored and humbled to be working alongside them... they can just flat-out sing. It's going to be amazing.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, give us the basics.

Kennie: Set in the fall of 1888, Dr. Henry Jekyll's father is mentally ill. For several years, Jekyll has been seeking a cure for mental illness... to somehow separate the good and evil in man. He thinks he's found the answer, but he needs the ruling authorities to sanction his experiments. When he's denied, Jekyll decides to proceed and experiment on himself, with less than stellar results.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Kennie: John Utterson is Jekyll's lawyer, but more importantly he is his best friend. In a couple of spots he serves as narrator, moving the story forward. But his main role is to support his friend... and to act as his conscience. I've joked with Ryan that Utterson is this musical's Jiminy Cricket... trying to steer Jekyll down the correct path. History shows that Utterson is not entirely successful in his efforts.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this role?

Kennie: Since it's set in London, I had to figure out how much of an accent should be used. Under the direction of Eddie Harbert, I came up with a formal style of speaking. I don't use a heavy British accent. You'll notice it when I speak a few words here and there... but mostly Utterson speaks in a formal, gentlemanly manner.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Kennie: "His Work and Nothing More" features Jekyll, Utterson, Emma and Sir Danvers. It's a big number with a classic Broadway-style finish. But like many others, I'd have to say that "This Is The Moment" is my favorite. It's a show-stopper... and a tremendous showcase of Ryan Hardiman's vocal and acting talents. It will give you chills. But there are many, many great songs... Ryan, Brittany and Andrea deliver on each and every one of them.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Kennie: The cast has been a dream. Besides Ryan, Brittany and Andrea... who are all brilliant choices, Terry Salyer just nails it as Sir Danvers. He's Emma's father and very concerned his daughter is getting into a "complicated" relationship with her fiance', Dr. Jekyll.

Additionally, we have a great group playing the Board of Governors. Betty Craddock, Scott Black, Michael Byrd, Joshua Price and Levi Kelley are all properly snobbish and "upper crust." Michael Naglee is perfect as Simon Stride, who is Jekyll's rival for Emma's love. When you add in Jenn Naglee (Lucy's friend Nellie), Aaron Pennington (Spider/Poole/Priest) the "Red Rat" girls (including the wonderful Jane Modlin) and an energetic ensemble, you have a pretty potent mixture of talent.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Kennie: It's a classic story of love... betrayal... life... and death. A tale of a man reaching for the heavens... and falling utterly and completely into hell. You combine that with an incredibly talented cast which can deliver all of the emotions of the story and hit all of the notes of the music, and you have the recipe for a winner. Director Eddie Harbert possessed a specific vision for this story... and he found the right cast to tell it. With Maestro Chris Bowling's outstanding musical direction... and choreography by Coni Anthony... you will be entertained. I've been listening to these people sing these songs nearly every day for six weeks... and I'm not tired of them! They are as fresh and exciting now as they were the first time they performed them.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Kennie: Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS)

October 14-16 / 21-23
Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinees 2:30 p.m.

Show only tickets: $15
Dinner and show: $30 (Fri-Sat only - Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.)

The Renaissance Center Auditorium
(Old Huntington High)
900 8th Street, Huntington, WV

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and info.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

2011-10-09T00:25:00.003-04:00

I caught the final performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, as staged by the Marshall Theatre Alliance, and I'm so glad I did!

It demonstrated why Marshall is the Gold Standard which all other theatre groups aspire to.

It was a fantastic production with an incredibly talented cast, an amazing set (including clever use of MU's rotating stage), great period costumes and props from the 1960s, and an ingenious take on Shakespeare's classic comedy. It even included dancing and singing, and that was terrific, too!

The play was set in the '60s at the Athens Corporation, a company that you might see in the TV show "Mad Men," as executives chase their true loves and encounter some flower children in the woods. Magic spells follow, the wrong people fall in love, some hilarious "actors" get in the mix, and the whole thing is just a scream from beginning to end.

The show was funny, outrageous, randy, clever and just a blast to watch. It was also great to enjoy it with such a large, appreciative crowd.

My hat's off to director Jack Cirillo, who has managed to create what is now my all-time favorite Shakespeare performance, and a show that may very well win the "Best of the Year" honors.

I wish I could say, "Run out and see it," but that was the last performance - so if you missed it, all I can say is: shame on you!

Murder Mystery on a Train

2011-10-08T06:29:00.000-04:00

Everyone loves a mystery! Here's your chance to solve one:

WHO: The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society & Murder and Merriment

WHAT: Interactive Murder Mystery Theatre presentation of The Murdered Mistress

WHEN: Oct. 14, 15, 21, & 22: nightly at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Heritage Station, Huntington, WV

The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society presents The Murdered Mistress on the New River Train, an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Party Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22, nightly at 7:00 p.m., at Heritage Station at 210 Eleventh Street in Huntington, WV.

"Murder and Merriment" will provide the entertainment each night. The Murdered Mistress focuses on the 2012 Presidential campaign trail, as U.S. Senator Joe Jackson is traveling by train throughout West Virginia with his family and staff campaigning for President. Murder, scandal and intrigue unfortunately threaten to destroy his bid for the country's highest office.

The cast features local actors James Edward Holley, Kendra Egnor, Josh Taylor, Joanna Berner, Allan Stern, Sarah Diamond Burroway, Scott Neill, Ron Short, Ashley Bond and George R. Snider III as Lieutenant Frank Columbus.

Crumpets and Tea will be serving a catered dinner to the Guests. Tickets are $40 each and must be reserved by calling 1-866-639-7487. The first 40 guests each night will have the opportunity to eat dinner on the Pullman Dining Car at Heritage Station.

Since 1966, the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society has presented the world-renowned New River Train excursions through the beautiful New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. As one of the newest national parklands, the "Grand Canyon of the East" along the New River is aglow in fall colors in mid to late October.

It is during this peak autumn foliage time that their train traverses the former Chesapeake & Ohio main line from Huntington, WV to Hinton, WV, allowing for a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Nearly 4,000 visitors and travelers depart from Huntington on this train excursion during the two week period in October. The Railroad Historical Society is sponsoring the Murder Mystery to provide additional entertainment to these out-of-town guests as well as to local mystery theatre audience members. It is also another opportunity to showcase the local theatrical talent in the Huntington area and strengthen the value of this community.

The sponsoring organization is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and is operating the train trip and murder mystery to help fund restoration of railroad equipment, maintain its museum, and associated railroad historical projects.

This is the fifth Murder Mystery presented at Heritage Station within the last year. Previous mysteries performed have included: “Murder at the Opera,” “A Murderous Reunion,” “Goering's Diamonds” and “Marriage, Mob, & Murder.”

On Stage This Weekend - "Midsummer," "Ramona" and "Family Cabaret"

2011-10-07T20:44:00.003-04:00

You have two great stage shows to choose from this weekend - and a fun concert:

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the last performance of the comedy Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Ramona Quimby - the Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the beloved book at the Civic Center Little Theatre Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

- Family Cabaret - “Bring Your Own” Dinner Theatre at the Highlawn Presbyterian Church at 2814 Collis Avenue, Huntington. Pack your favorite casserole or pizzaa, hear songs from Disney and MGM, the Muppet Show, television and a family sing-along. Drinks and dessert available. Shows will be presented Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.

Family Cabaret This Weekend

2011-10-06T22:53:00.001-04:00

My pal Bruce Rous sends along this info about a fun performance this weekend:

Family Cabaret

A performance for the entire family!

“Bring Your Own” Dinner Theatre

Pack your favorite casserole or pizza – bring the kids and Grandma.

Songs from Disney and MGM, the Muppet Show, television and a Family sing-along.

Drinks and dessert available.

Highlawn Presbyterian Church at 2814 Collis Avenue, Huntington.

Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.

Performers - Scott Burner, Laura Campbell, Amy and Justin Carlson, Bil Neal, Mary Olsen, Linda Reynolds, Bruce Rous and Michael Sidoti.

Tickets: $15 - adults, $7 - children under 13. $45 for family of 5.

Reservations required - call 304–654-7399

(Performance not suitable for children under age 3.)

On Stage This Weekend - "Ramona Quimby"

2011-10-06T06:01:00.002-04:00

Here's a show that almost slipped past me - the Children's Theatre of Charleston is presenting Ramona Quimby at the Civic Center Little Theatre Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for children (ages 3-13) and $12 for adults.

Tickets available at the Civic Center Box Office or at the door. Call 304-346-0164 for more information.

For those who haven't met Ramona, here's what to expect:

Unpredictable. Exasperating. Boisterous and Independent. That's Ramona Quimby for you.

Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble and sometimes "making a big, noisy fuss" when things don't go her way. As narrator, Beezus (Beatrice Quimby) introduces the Quimby family and friends and thereby sets the scene for the collection of vignettes that trace Ramona's tumultuous passage through third grade and through her family relationships.

At school, she throws a tantrum when provoked by a classmate and is sent home in disgrace. The teacher's wrath, an important family wedding, persistent sibling bickering and Mr. Quimby's attempts to give up smoking are part of the fabric that shape a humorous, loving family portrait.

The characters and the material, adapted by Obie Award-winning playwright Len Jenkin, are as "today" as the morning newspaper. The problems facing the Quimbys, a middle-class Oregon family, are problems common to most families, and the family's togetherness in tackling the sacrifices and adjustments required when the father is unexpectedly fired from his job is a clear statement of traditional family values.

Along with the discovery that life is not always fair, eventually Ramona and Beezus come to realize that sisters may not always agree, but they can be good to have around.

On Stage This Week - "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

2011-10-04T21:52:00.004-04:00

Starting Wednesday, Marshall University's Theatre Alliance is presenting one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

But this isn't just any old production of the play - the creative team has transplanted it to a more recent setting. Here's a synopsis of the show:

The high modern style of the 1960s defines the urbane and conformist society of Athens, where men are masterful and women are compliant.

All’s right with the world, until the love dust hits the air on a riotous midsummer night and the children of privilege prove to be unruly.

In Shakespeare’s dream world of reversals, confusion, and shifting realities, the deceptive allure of surface gives way to the deeper mysteries of identity.

The show runs Oct. 5, 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Here's a video to whet your appetite:

Happy Birthday to This Blog!

2011-10-04T00:08:00.002-04:00

It's amazing to realize this humble blog celebrates its fifth "birthday" today!

What a blast it has been to be part of the community theatre scene - I've made many new friends though this venue, and hopefully we've provided some key information about local shows and events.

With just over 1900 posts written, I find I'm still having a heck of a lot of fun, so I hope to continue on into the future - I hope you'll keep following along, gentle readers, and don't forget to chime in every now and then and let us know what you think.

Just for fun, here's the first post from way back in October 4, 2005 (with some minor editing to take out dated references to "coming soon" attractions:

Local theatre in an interesting phenomenon, wherein a group of people gather together to “Put On A Show.”

Huntington has a rich history of theatre, both at Marshall University and its outstanding Department of Theatre, and through community efforts, including groups like the Musical Arts Guild, the First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre and ARTS, to name the ones that leap immediately to mind.

You’ll also find active theatre groups at almost every local high school, and several groups just a short drive away in Charleston and Ashland.

And thanks to the Marshall Artists Series, we even get to see professional theatre groups perform locally.

So if you like live theatre (and we assume you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t), there’s a lot to choose from. In addition to its rich history, Huntington has a bright future ahead, with some impressive shows on the way in the months and years ahead.

That’s why, under the kind auspices of The Herald-Dispatch, we’re launching this theatre blog - to focus on those local shows, and talk about the shows that are coming up, shows from years past (the ones you loved and the ones you hated), and to take you behind the scenes to see how shows are made.

If you have a topic you want to offer up, drop me an e-mail and we’ll get the discussion going. I’ll be offering my own comments, reviews and previews as we go along. Comments are always welcome, as long as they’re civil.

So thanks for stopping by - we hope you’ll add us to your “Favorites List” (hint, hint)!

Shows On Stage in October

2011-10-03T00:05:00.002-04:00

Here are the shows coming up in October - as always, if I missed any, drop me a line via the comments link at the bottom of this post, or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

- Jekyll & Hyde - ARTS presents the blockbuster musical Oct. 14, 15, 16 and Oct. 21, 22 and 23 at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th Street in Huntington.

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the comedy Oct. 5 - 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Oct. 27, 28, 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5 and 6 at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center.

- Ramona Quimby - the Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the beloved book at the Civic Center Little Theatre Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

- Othello by William Shakespeare - Charleston Stage Company presents the classic play October 20-22, 27-29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Oct. 28, 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5, 6, 2011 at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

- Chicago - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the Broadway hit musical Oct. 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- Rock of Ages - Paramount Arts Center presents the touring version of the hit Broadway musical Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

- Bug - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the intense psychological drama Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29.

- Suessical the Musical - Portsmouth Childrens Theatre presents the delightful Dr. Seuss play on Oct. 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. at Shawnee State University on the Vern Riffe Stage.

Last Chance to Catch "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

2011-10-01T22:54:00.002-04:00

You have one more chance to catch the musical Schoolhouse Rock Live!

It's based on the short educational cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s. It includes songs like "Interjections," "I'm Just a Bill," "Mother Necessity" and "My Hero Zero" among many, many others.

The last show takes the stage at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the old Huntington High School auditorium at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Two More Chances to See "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

2011-09-30T21:52:00.002-04:00

I'm told the cast had another great show tonight, which means you have only two chances left to catch Schoolhouse Rock Live!

The musical is based on the educational kids cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s (so it's the perfect show for young people - it's fun and educational).

The show takes the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the old Huntington High School auditorium at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Oh, and here's your daily video - this one is the sweet tune called "Three is a Magic Number."

This Weekend - "Schoolhouse Rock Live"

2011-09-29T21:52:00.003-04:00

I'm told the cast of Schoolhouse Rock Live had a blast today, performing for two packed school shows! You can still catch that great show - here's your daily reminder and video link: this weekend you have three more chances to see Schoolhouse Rock Live!

It's part of the 22nd season for First Stage Theatre Company/ That group brings the musical to life at the old Huntington High School. It's based on the educational kids cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s (so it's fun and educational).

The show takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Oh, and here's your daily video - another favorite called "Sufferin' Until Suffrage."

Conjuction Junction

2011-09-28T21:55:00.002-04:00

This weekend is your last chance to catch Schoolhouse Rock Live!

First Stage Theatre Company has brought the musical to life at the old Huntington High School. It's based on the educational kids cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s (so you see a fun show and learn a few things at the same time).

Directed by Amy Browning and starring 45 young performers, Schoolhouse Rock Live takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Renaissance Art Center at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org where you can also find out more info about upcoming shows including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (director Justin McElroy) and Seussical (director, Mary Smirl).

To job your memory about Schoolhouse Rock, here's a favorite place to visit: Conjuction Junction.

On Stage This Weekend: "Jack the Ripper"

2011-09-27T21:46:00.002-04:00

The original musical Jack the Ripper continues its run in Charleston this weekend - here's a press release with all the latest info:

CYAC presents Scarpelli and Kehde's JACK THE RIPPER
Thursday, Sept. 29 thru Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.
WVSU Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers Street, Charleston

Tickets available at the door - Adults $10, Students $6

"Veteran community theater actor Kevin Pauley is effusive when he talks about Contemporary Youth Arts Company's revival of Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli's original rock opera, Jack the Ripper.

He said the show, which continues this weekend, is "easily the most ambitious and challenging piece of work they've ever done. It's big. It's huge. It's the kind of thing you'd expect to see on Broadway.

"You've got to see this thing," the veteran local actor gushed. "It's dark and tense and funny, at times. The music is incredibly complex. There's a 10-piece orchestra and layers of voices performing. The music for this thing is packed. And the book? It's a tome. It's huge."

The play which was first performed by CYAC in 2008, is intense on two fronts, Pauley said.

First off, the show is based on the true story of a series of grisly murders that occurred in London starting in 1888. The victims all were prostitutes and the murders became increasingly violent. The killer, who dubbed himself Jack the Ripper in a series of letters to police, was never arrested.

Pauley said besides the dark story line, the show is intense because of the complexity of the production.

"This, to me, is their master stroke," he said of Kehde and Scarpelli, who have teamed up on dozens of original productions. "It's the most complex score they've ever created. It has layers of dialogue and singing that are very challenging.

"When you hear this thing, you won't believe that two guys in Charleston wrote this thing. It is like Broadway caliber as far as what it delivers."

"White Christmas" Auditions on Saturday

2011-09-26T23:20:00.002-04:00

This announcement arrived today from my pal Eddie Harbert:

The City of Huntington Foundation and 5th Avenue Theatre Company are pleased to announce that final auditions for White Christmas will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall at 2:00 p.m.

There are several ensemble roles that remain to be cast as well as the role of Susan Waverly, who is the granddaughter of General Waverly and should be played by a girl between the ages of 8-14.

White Christmas is the story of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who meet in the army during World War II and then make it big in Hollywood. They discover that their General from the army has purchased an inn that is in financial trouble, and they decide to put on a show in order to save the inn from foreclosure. The show has a great score including the songs “White Christmas,” “Snow,” Count Your Blessings,” “Blue Skies” and “I Love a Piano.”

Those wishing to audition should have a prepared selection to sing. They can sing by either CD or an accompanist will be provided. Participants will be asked to read selections from the show and to do a group movement audition prepared by the choreographer, Kerri Easter. Eddie Harbert is serving as Director with Chris Bowling and Mike Campbell serving as music directors.

The show will be presented in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall Dec. 2 - 4 and 9 - 12 with a school show on Dec. 8. Show times will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on both Sundays.

The school show will begin at 9:00 a.m. Cost for the show is $15 for adults and $12 for children. For more information about the auditions contact Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738 or Maxine Loudermilk at 304-696-5522.

"Schoolhouse Rock Live" On Stage Tonight

2011-09-24T12:07:00.004-04:00

I saw Schoolhouse Rock Live last night and loved it - a great time was had by all!

The cast brings to life the beloved educational TV cartoons from the 1970s in the live musical, and it's great to see so much talent from around the area gracing the stage!

You'll see beloved songs, including "Conjunction Junction," "Three is a Magic Number," "Interplanet Janet" and "I'm Just a Bill" (and many, many more).

It's a fun, fast-paced show - one of my all-time favorites - and you'll be amazed at the wonderful talent on display.

Here's the write-up from today's Herald-Dispatch (you can also see more photos like the one above in this Photo Gallery):

It may be Saturday but school is in session all weekend long - and you're going to love it.

Huntington's First Stage Theatre troupe is partying like it's 1979 as it has blown the dust off the rollicking musical Schoolhouse Rock Live which is based on the unforgettable educational kids cartoon, Schoolhouse Rock.

Directed by Amy Browning and starring 45 area children, Schoolhouse Rock Live takes place at 8 p.m. today, Sept. 24 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Renaissance Art Center, 900 8th St., the old Huntington High School.

The musical will also be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

There will also be special school performances at 9 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Sept. 29.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org where you can also find out more info about upcoming shows including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (director Justin McElroy) and Seussical (director, Mary Smirl).

On Stage This Weekend - "School House Rock," "Jack the Ripper" and "Doll's House"

2011-09-23T00:01:00.000-04:00

You have three great community theatre productions to choose from this weekend:

- School House Rock Live! - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical comedy based on the classic ABC-TV educational cartoons at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) starting tonight at 8 p.m. and running Sept. 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

- Jack the Ripper - Charleston Youth Arts Company presents the original musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde tonight at 8 p.m., with shows Sept. 24, 29, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- A Doll's House - Kanawha Players presents the play tonight at 8 p.m. and Sept. 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre in Charleston.

So get out there and support your local theatre group - they need your help (and you get a great show in the bargain)!

One More Day Until "School House Rock Live!"

2011-09-22T06:56:00.002-04:00

Just one more day until School House Rock Live takes the stage at the Renaissance Art Center (the old Huntington High School)!

Performances will be Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances on Sundays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

The musical features dozens of local young performers, and is presented by First Stage Theatre Company as part of the group's 22nd season! The show is based on the classic animated series originally presented on ABC-TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Loaded with memorable songs, the show teaches about history, grammar, math, science and government.

Just to job your memory, here's one of those cartoons, courtesy of YouTube - another favorite, which uses Noah to explain the number two:

Elementary, My Dear - "School House Rock Live!"

2011-09-21T12:39:00.001-04:00

Only two days left until School House Rock Live takes the stage at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School)!

Once again, here's a video to jog your memory - this one makes it easy (and fun) to learn the Preamble to the Constitution:

Three is a Magic Number

2011-09-20T21:17:00.001-04:00

Just three more days until School House Rock Live hits the stage at the Renaissance Theatre!

The cartoons first appeared in 1973, dreamed up by David McCall, who worked for an advertising agency. He noticed one of his sons could remember song lyrics but struggled with math, so he decided to try combining basic math education with music.

ABC-TV agreed to carry the series, which grew over the years to include grammar, history and science, and was very popular (and can still be found on DVDs.

To jog your memory further (and get you ready for the stage show), here's another clip from the original cartoons - a favorite called "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here."

On Stage This Weekend: "Jack the Ripper"

2011-09-20T17:42:00.002-04:00

Back by popular demand, the Contemporary Youth Arts Company in Charleston will present the musical Jack the Ripper starting this weekend!

My pal Mel sends along this info:

CYAC brings you the legend of Jack the Ripper!

Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli have once again teamed up to bring an amazing, original musical to the Capital City featuring a wonderful cast of young and veteran talents.

This show features incredible music and voices, bringing you the thrilling story of how Frederick, a struggling artist, turns his torment into terror on the people of the Whitechapel District during the year 1888.

Show dates are Sept. 22, 23, 24, 29, and 30 and Oct. 1, all at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater on Summers Street in Charleston.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for students and seniors. Call 304-342-6522 for more information.

I saw the show the last time around, and it's a great tale of horror, with powerful songs and a classic story.

Highly recommended!

Four Days to "School House Rock Live!"

2011-09-19T20:02:00.000-04:00

The clock is ticking, and School House Rock Live will take the stage at the Renaissance Art Center (the old Huntington High School) on Friday!

Performances will be Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances on Sundays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

The musical features dozens of local young performers, and is presented by First Stage Theatre Company as part of the group's 22nd season!

The show is based on the classic animated series originally presented on ABC-TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Loaded with memorable songs, the show teaches about history, grammar, math, science and government.

Just to job your memory, here's one of those cartoons, courtesy of YouTube - one of my personal favorites, which explains how laws are made:

"School House Rock Live" Starts on Friday!

2011-09-18T19:40:00.003-04:00

You see those adorable young people in the photo above?

That talented bunch is hard at work putting the finishing touches on the musical School House Rock Live, which starts Friday at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

It's a great show, and this talented group of All-Stars from schools all over the area is going to put on a great performance (and I've listened in to the group in rehearsal - they sound amazing)!

Here's the information about the show:

First Stage Theatre Company celebrates its 21st Birthday and kicks off a new season this weekend at the Renaissance Art Center!

Performances will be Friday and Saturday - September 23, 24, 30 and October 1 at 8:00 p.m., and Sunday - September 25 and October 2 at 2:00 p.m.

The musical is based on the classic animated series originally presented on ABC-TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Loaded with memorable songs, the show teaches about history, grammar, math, science and government.

Directed by Amy Browning and featuring a cast of dozens of the Tri-State's most talented kids, School House Rock Live is a blast for all ages!

First Stage presented this show 10 years ago, and it's one of my all-time favorites. It's loaded with great songs - and they're educational, too!

To celebrate the group's 21st birthday this month, they're also offering a special discount to First Stage veterans - it's called the “SHOW SHIRT” DISCOUNT! You can get $2.00 off individual admission to School House Rock Live if you arrive wearing a promotional T-shirt from ANY First Stage (or Musical Arts Guild Children's Theatre) production from 1990-2011.

Don't miss it!

Last Call for "Noises Off!"

2011-09-18T00:32:00.000-04:00

Today's your last chance to catch the comedy Noises Off, and (as I have mentioned before), I recommend it highly!

That would be easy to do just because of the fact that several of my friends are involved with the show - but I'm eager to recommend it for an even better reason: it's a great show that also happens to be screamingly funny!

I caught Friday's performance, and I had a blast. The play is very sharply written and perfectly staged to get the maximum laughs. The premise is deceptively simple: in Act One, a traveling theatre group is working on its final dress rehearsal for a play called "Nothing's On," and they're struggling with the play and with their personal lives.

In Act Two, the scene shifts to the same set, only now we're backstage and can see what's going on while the actors are performing the show. The troupe is about halfway through their run of the show, and things are getting tense.

In Act Three, we're at the end of the run, and without giving anything away, let's just say the chickens come home to roost.

It's a show that anyone who's been involved with theatre will enjoy, because they'll recognize the controlled (and uncontrolled) chaos that goes on to make a show happen. But even if you don't know anything about theatre, you'll enjoy this glimpse behind the curtain.

So you have a very funny show - all you need now is the right actors to bring it to life - and 5th Avenue Theatre has assembled (to use a baseball term) a murderer's row of actors (in other words, some of the best the area has to offer). It's a real challenge to keep up with this show - each actor's timing has to be spot on to keep the farce moving at top speed, and they all make it look effortless.

Mary Williams is wonderful as Dotty (Mrs. Crackett), the housekeeper at the center of the action both on stage and "behind the scenes." It's a tough role, made famous by Carol Burnett, but Mary is fantastic in the part and very funny, too.

Mike Murdock plays the show's director, Lloyd, and no one can go from slow burn to volcanic rage with greater comedic effect than Mike. As always, you can never go wrong casting Mike in your show - and comedy is his natural element - he's a scream here.

James Holley plays Garry, and it's the first starring role I've seen him in - and I look forward to seeing him in future shows. He's excellent here, and gets huge laughs for everything from his attempts to mangle a fellow cast member, having an onstage meltdown, and doing an amazing tumble on the stage.

Alison Smith plays Brooke, the beautiful actress who spends most of the show running around in her undies. Despite her youth she's a theatre veteran, having practically grown up on stage in Huntington, and her experience serves her well - she manages physical comedy and pratfalls as well as the sharp dialogue and always for maximum laughs.

Leanne Haines plays Poppy, the stage manager, and she's wonderful (as always) as she tries - and fails - to hold the show together. She knows how to get the maximum laughs out of the smallest gestures or the most withering looks.

Mike Naglee plays Frederick, an actor with a habit of fainting and an aversion to violence (and there's plenty of that to go around). He's absolutely perfect in the role of the dim Frederick, and spends quite a bit of time running around in his undies, too - and to hilarious results. Michael's been away from the stage for a few years, and it's great to see him back where he belongs - he's terrific!

Kate Morris plays Belinda, who's (sorta) the "straight man" in the show - or at least one of the few characters to keep her sanity while everyone around her is losing theirs. Her comedic timing is spot on, and she holds the show together by sheer force of will.

Greg Kiser plays Tim, the much-put-upon set builder / props guy / gofer, and he has some great moments in the show - he perfectly captures that exhausted enthusiasm of the tech guy. And since he's the only understudy, you never know where he'll show up.

Last (but certainly not least) is Roger Hagley, who plays Selsdon, an old theatre veteran who has a drinking problem. And a memory problem. And he also struggles with keeping his pants on. He's a riot, and steals more than one scene along the way.

Congratulations to director Stephanie Sands for creating such a wonderful show, and kudos to the set construction team (I understand my pal Jerry Morse was instrumental in the design) for creating a set that could be rotated (somewhat in a Tetris style) for each Act.

It's an outstanding show, and I urge you to get down to City Hall this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. to catch the final show. It really is one of (and perhaps the) funniest shows ever staged.

Highly, highly recommended! (Or did I say that already?)

"Noises Off!" - Two More Chances

2011-09-17T00:43:00.002-04:00

I won't get a chance to write a full review until later today, but I saw Noises Off last night, and let me just say: Wow!

Terrifically funny (I haven't head an audience laugh as long or loud since... well, ever), a fantastic cast, an amazing set - one of the most impressive shows I've seen in a long time!

Did I mention it was really, really funny?

Again, more later, but I wanted to say, "Go see it." Your last chances are today at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., all at the Huntington City Hall auditorium. There are no other shows playing this weekend, so no excuses - go and be ready to laugh yourself silly!

Another "Noises Off" e-Interview!

2011-09-16T09:58:00.004-04:00

Time's running out, so here's another e-Interview with one of the stars of Noises Off, which wraps up this weekend at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

In the photo above you see our interviewee, Roger Hagley (left) as Selsdon, Mike Murdock (center) as Lloyd and Michael Naglee as Frederick in a photo courtesy of Pam Hagley.

Here's what Roger had to say:

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Roger: I portray Selsdon Quimby Mowbray, an actor who has been "trodding the boards" since childhood. He is schooled in the classics and was once the most sought-out actor in all the British Empire. He is taking life at a slower pace now, and took the small character role in this production, just to work again with his old friend Dotty Otley. It is true that he likes to imbibe in a sip or two now and then, but these rumours of overindulgence are greatly exaggerated.

Q: Why did you want to be part of Noises Off?

Roger: I have wanted to do this show since I saw the movie. I believe that Carol Burnett is one of the greatest comedic geniuses of our time. The entire cast of the movie was outstanding, as I believe the cast of our production is also. This is probably the most talented cast I have ever worked with, as well as the friendliest. I would say they are like family, but I love the cast too much to say that about them!

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Roger: To tell you the truth, this group makes it such a pleasure to be here, everything involved in doing the show comes fairly easy. Personally, just having time to balance it with the rest of my life can be a challenge at times. Thank God I have an understanding wife that indulges me in my addiction!

Q: The show is very funny, very precise and moves very fast in places. Was it a difficult show to learn?

Roger: Much more difficult than it would appear. As I am sure you know, this is a play about doing a play. It has three acts. Each of those acts involves "performing" act one of the play within the play. Should be easy, right? Nope. Because things continue to go from bad to worse with each telling due to the backstage conflict. There is much more drama backstage than on stage! Anyone who has done live theatre will identify with the behind the scenes shenanigans!

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Roger: It is hands down, without a doubt, one of the funniest shows ever written! There is a remarkable cast and crew presenting it, and to quote my favorite band, "A splendid time is guaranteed for all!" The laughter will release a flood of endorphins into your brain that will give you the best night's sleep you have had in years and keep a smile on your face well into the next day. For the record I am not a physician, but I did play one once.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Roger: Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m., then the final show Sunday at 2:30 p.m. I hope I see you there!

Thanks, Roger!

An Interview with the Director of "Noises Off!"

2011-09-15T21:49:00.003-04:00

Friday night is the first of three "last chances" to catch the hilarious show Noises Off, which is being staged by 5th Avenue Theatre in the Huntington City Hall auditorium.

For our latest e-interview, let's hear from the show's director - my pal Stephanie Kay Sands:

Q: Why did you choose to direct Noises Off?

Stephanie: I chose this piece because it was by far the funniest show I had ever seen and I love making people laugh.

Q: Noises Off! is a farce. How is it different than directing a regular comedy or drama?

Stephanie: It’s a big difference as far as timing goes. Actors cannot paraphrase because the words have to be spot on for the joke to land. And you can’t be afraid of micro-managing in order to preserve the bit.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Stephanie: Keeping everything straight. There are nine actors, seven doors, a window, and numerous props and costume changes. So being the one with all the answers can be hard sometimes.

Q: The show is very funny, very precise and moves very fast in places. Was it a difficult show to direct?

Stephanie: It had its moments, but honestly I’ve had a top-notch cast to work with and they brought their "A" game to the table every night. Without them, this performance would not be as amazing as it is.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Stephanie: A) A hot girl in her underwear for 3/4 of the show. B) Men running around (and sometimes bunny-hopping) with their pants around their ankles. C) People falling down D) SARDINES! Also, it's quite simply the funniest show you may ever see live!

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Stephanie: Noises Off! - Sept. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Call 304-696-5522 for tickets!

Thanks, Stephanie!

A "Noises Off" e-Interview!

2011-09-14T00:54:00.002-04:00

You have three more chances to catch the excellent comedy Noises Off at Huntington's City Hall auditorium!

Here to tell us more about the play is one of the stars of the show, Greg Kiser:

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Greg: Tim Allgood is the name of the character I play. Tim is an over-stressed, over-worked stage manager, who along with understudying is responsible for fixing things on set when they don't work. It is a great part, with some funny bits.

Q: Why did you want to be part of Noises Off?

Greg: I wanted to be a part of this show for a number of reasons, the main reason being I had heard of this show several times and wanted a chance to be a part of it. The timing alone is such a key component to this show that it felt like it could be good challenge as well as a fun show to be in.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Greg: That would definitely be timing. We have spent so much time going over things again and again to get the timing down right. Because if the timing isn't right we would miss jokes.

Q: The show is very funny, very precise and moves very fast in places. Was it a difficult show to learn?

Greg: Well it has definitely been a long process, but it has all come together.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Greg: Yes, I would absolutely recommend this show to your readers. Not only is this play really funny, but for those who have done theater of some sort or another; they could definitely understand what it's like for things in a show to not go as planned. Being a play about a play, it can get a little confusing at times if you don't pay attention, but is definitely a great show full of laughs.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Greg: The show dates are September 16 and 17 at 8:00 p.m. and the 18th at 2:30 p.m., tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children.

Thanks, Greg!

More Rave Reviews for "Noises Off!"

2011-09-10T23:02:00.003-04:00

From the comments, here's what my pal Colleen had to say about Noises Off, which wraps up its first weekend Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall:

Allen and I saw the show last night and it was the funniest play I have ever seen!! Hilarious!!! I want to see it again because I know I didn't catch everything. I was literally Laughing Out Loud through most of the second and third act.

If you don't catch it Sunday, you have one more weekend's worth of shows - but don't delay!

On Stage - "Noises Off!"

2011-09-09T23:59:00.000-04:00

A few more notes about the funny show Noises Off that runs this weekend and next in City Hall's Auditorium.

First, a comment emailed in by my pal Paul Neace:

Noises Off is that rare show for which I will travel many miles to see, having seen it more than any other play, and for which I will audition regardless of the circumstances.

Having played the role that Michael is portraying I can honestly say that everything he says is quite accurate. There isn't a funnier, more challenging and, therefore, more rewarding theatrical experience.

The set plays as much of a role as do any of the actors and the audience should come away with a very satisfied feeling of just having seen something special... not to mention their sides hurting from laughing so hard. I'm looking forward to seeing this interpretation.

Thanks, Paul!

Now let's catch this story from today's Herald-Dispatch as written by my pal Angela Henderson-Bentley:

Beginning this weekend, theater-goers will have the chance to see everything that can go wrong behind the scenes of a play. But that's exactly what they're supposed to see since it's all part of the fun.

The City of Huntington Foundation's 5th Avenue Theatre Company will present Noises Off! Friday, Sept. 9, through Sunday, Sept. 11, and Friday, Sept. 16, through Sunday, Sept. 18, in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall, 824 5th Ave. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m., with the Sunday performances at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling (304) 696-5522. The play does contain some adult language.

"Noises" is a comedy which follows a group of actors performing the play, "Nothing's On!" Forgotten lines and entrances, complete emotional breakdowns and a love triangle behind the scenes lead to a very interesting performance.

"I lovingly refer to it as a carnival of farce, because that's exactly what it is," said Stephanie Kay Sands, the play's director. "It is a play within a play. It is the absolute ultimate play for theater people because it showcases how actors are on and off stage and all the dramas that happen.

"It kind of lets the audience in on all of the shenanigans that happen in order to get a production up and running," Sands said. "And it's nothing but non-stop laughs. It's great."

The cast includes several veterans of Tri-State theater, including Mary Williams, Greg Kiser, Kate Morris, Michael Naglee, Leann Haines, James Holley, Alison Smith, J. Roger Hagley and Mike Murdock.

"It's actually been quite interesting," Sands said. "It sort of has turned into 'Noises Off' backstage as well as onstage. We've got the one actor obsessed with props and the other actor has to ask why we're doing everything. But it's been great."

The cast has been very important behind-the-scenes as well as they worked together to build the set. "They actually came in on their own free time and everyone here has been wonderful," Sands said. "They chip in, they help with props, they help with costumes. There's not a single person who hasn't pitched in."

The set is a pretty complicated one as it rotates to show both the set and backstage of the play within the play. "It's a little bit of a game of Tetris during the intermission, but it works," Sands said. "There is a method to the madness."

The set features seven doors, one window and two sets of stairs. "I think it's the best thing that's been on the stage," Sands said. "It's really cool. And it's really pretty much a rat race thing. I'm really proud of the actors for knowing how all this works."

Sands is excited for an audience to finally see what the cast and crew have been working on for the past six months. "This is going to be the end-all, be-all show of shows," Sands said.

Auditions for "Pillowman" and "Albert's Hall"

2011-09-09T23:54:00.000-04:00

My pal Sarah Diamond Burroway sends along this information about auditions:

Company of Dreams will be conducting open auditions for the upcoming production of The Pillowman on Sept. 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m. each day.

Auditions will be held at Fairview High School in Westwood, Ky. The show will open Oct. 28 at the Franks Theater located at the Boyd County Fair Grounds in Coalton, Ky.

The Pillowman is a 2003 play by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh. It received its first public reading in an early version at the Finborough Theatre, London, in 1995. It tells the tale of Katurian, a fiction writer living in a police state who is interrogated about the gruesome content of his short stories, and their similarities to a number of bizarre child murders occurring in his town.

The play received the 2004 Olivier Award for Best New Play, the 2004-5 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award for Best New Foreign Play, and two Tony Awards for production. It was nominated for the 2004 Evening Standard Award for Best New Play.

We are looking for:
3 male actors who can play ages 20-30
1 female actors who can play 20-30
1 young girl
2 young boys.

Please be advised that this is a very dark play with many mature themes and strong language throughout. For more information, contact Jim Maggard, Director at 606-615-8439 or visit Company of Dreams on Facebook.

ALSO-

AUDITIONS ~ Monday Sept. 12, 7 p.m. at Hillside Community Church - Top floor of Hope's Place Building on the corner of Greenup Ave. and 11th Street (near Arby's & GameStop).

New, original play by Jason McAllister!

Albert's Hall is an original work by a local playwright being performed for the first time this fall. The play follows a cast of colorful characters who spend the evening in the local bar while a union negotiation is taking place across the street. As the dramatics of the moment make their way through this tight-knit community, the struggle for the town's survival will have them examining each other, the future, and the end of their way of life.

Roles for 2 females and 9 males .. these are adult roles.

Show dates are Nov. 18 and 19.

"Noises Off!" Interview with Mike Naglee

2011-09-09T12:10:00.000-04:00

I had the great pleasure of working with Mike Naglee several years ago on Jesus Christ, Superstar (he was amazing in the title role) - he's a gifted actor and I'm thrilled to see him back on stage this weekend in Noises Off, the comedy on stage at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

Here's an e-interview with Mike about the show:

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: As Noises Off is about a theatre company putting on a play, we each get two characters! I play Freddie, the dim-witted and insecure leading man... who has a terrible fear of anything remotely violent. He, in turn, plays Philip - a man attempting income tax evasion.

Q: Why did you want to be part of Noises Off?

Mike: I had always heard that it was a lot of fun to perform, so I when I heard it was casting in the area and that a few old friends were planning to audition I jumped at the chance.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Mike: The timing and the gargantuan set. Noises Off is VERY confusing for the cast, as we are essentially performing three different versions of the same script - each time with different entrances, blocking and dialogue. It's very hard to get everything right! The set also plays a very large role in the action, and can't really be simplified. Building a set so large and with such precise requirements was very difficult given the time and personnel available to a community theatre production... I still can't believe it's standing there after such a short time.

Q: The show is very funny, very precise and moves very fast in places. Was it a difficult show to learn?

Mike: Absolutely. Couple the inherent confusion of the script with the monstrous task of building such a large set in just a few weeks... I seem to remember Shakespeare being easier.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mike: It's a guaranteed good time. To paraphrase one of the other cast members, "You'll love this show unless you don't like funny."

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Mike: The play runs the next two weekends (Sept. 9-11 and 16-18) at City Hall, at 8pm, Sundays at 2:30pm.

"Noises Off" Interview with Mike Murdock

2011-09-08T21:57:00.005-04:00

It's been quite a few years since I first saw the play Noises Off! at Marshall's theatre, and ever since it's been one of my all-time favorite stage comedies.

So I'm very happy to see that 5th Avenue Theatre is staging the show at Huntington's City Hall - it starts this weekend! It's a very funny show with a terrific cast - I give it my highest recommendation!

To give you some background on the show and the actors involved, we have some e-interviews to share, starting with one of the stars of the show, Mike Murdock:

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play Lloyd Dallas, the director of the play within the play, "Nothing's On!" As the show goes on and everything goes from bad to worse, Lloyd begins to fall apart, along with everyone else. He is romantically involved with two different women: Brooke, one of the actresses in the show, and Poppy, the stage manager. He's sarcastic, tired and trying to direct Hamlet in New York at the same time as directing "Nothing's On!" As you can imagine, things go horribly, horribly wrong.

Q: Why did you want to be part of Noises Off?

Mike: It's quite simply one of the funniest plays ever written. I've wanted to do this show for a very long time, and I'm very excited to finally get to sink my teeth into it. It's a farce, and I love farce. Quick entrances and exits, fast dialogue and laugh-out-loud belly laughs. It's the whole package. I love it.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Mike: Timing is everything. The show is fast-paced and requires a lot from you as an actor. This cast is amazing, and have done a fantastic job bringing the show to life. It will be one of the best community theatre productions you'll see in a very long time.

Q: The show is very funny, very precise and moves very fast in places. Was it a difficult show to learn?

Mike: It was FAR more difficult than I ever imagined, and for various reasons. We basically see the show-within-a-show three times. Once in rehearsal, once during the middle of the run and once at the end of the run. But so many different things happen during each run, you can't rest on your laurels and presume that once you know the first version that you know the other two. There are so many jokes and things that change when the show starts to fall apart, that remembering when and where things happen gets harder and harder. So, in short, YES. But totally worth it.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mike: Again, it's one of the funniest shows ever written, and especially for anyone that has ever had anything to do with theatre, it's a non-stop laugh riot. I'm not exaggerating. ACT 2, especially, when we show what is happening backstage, and we can't speak because the show is going on, and it's all done in pantomime, is side-splitting. I liken it to The Simpsons in its prime, because there are so many jokes happening all at once, and it's such a giant freight train of funny, you're going to miss some. It's worth it to come again a second night, just to catch things you missed, because we can't hold for laughs in that act. We just have to steamroll through it. It's amazing.

Stephanie has done an amazing job directing this very complicated show, and her set design, brought to fruition through the incredible Jerry Morse, is a sight to see. Not only that, but our whole set revolves, which, to my knowledge, has never been done in the City Hall Auditorium. And it does it TWICE! So not only is the set beautiful, but it's also a major character in the production. When people aren't laughing, they're going to be impressed. I can't wait to get an audience to experience it with us. Gauntlet thrown.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Mike: It's at the Huntington City Hall auditorium on September 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and September 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Call 304-696-5522 for tickets! Get them now so you can be in on the conversation about the show everyone will be talking about!

Thanks Mike! Tomorrow, we'll hear from a completely different Mike!

Pop Culture and 9/11

2011-09-07T19:52:00.002-04:00

I hate to step on the toes of my pal Angela, who writes the "Stay Tuned" blog, but there's a TV show coming up this weekend that theatre fans will want to watch out for - it's on the Biography Channel, and it's called When Pop Culture Saved America: A 9/11 Story.

Here's the description of the show:

In the aftermath of 9/11, getting back to normal would not be a simple task.

For those in the world of pop culture and entertainment, the challenge was how to help America achieve that goal - to cheer the country up during its darkest days.

This documentary takes a comprehensive look at the days and months following the attack - to show how the non-news media pitched in to bring the nation together.

Comedians, singers, actors, entertainers all did their part with concerts, telethons and specials. Television, movies, Broadway, music and even sports helped bring us back to the new normal.

We'll also review the impact of the events of 9/11 on pop culture and how TV and
films were changed forever. Featuring exclusive interviews with Kristen Chenoweth, Denis Leary, Dan Rather, Regis Philbin and Ray Romano amongst others.

The show airs Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m.

Shows in September

2011-09-05T00:01:00.001-04:00

Happy Labor Day, everyone!

There are several great shows on the way in the month ahead. Here's the rundown - if I've missed any, drop me a line at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll add the show to the list.

- Schoolhouse Rock Live! - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical comedy based on the classic ABC-TV educational cartoons at the Renaissance Theatre Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

- Noises Off! - 5th Avenue Theatre Company presents the hysterical comedy Sept. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

- Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Charleston Stage Company presents the drama Sept. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- A Doll's House - Kanawha Players presents the play Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre in Charleston.

- Jack the Ripper - Charleston Youth Arts Company presents the original musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde Sept. 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

Check 'em out and support your community theatre!

This, That and "Noises Off"

2011-09-01T22:01:00.003-04:00

Sorry for the slim number of posts lately, gentle readers - the real world has had me hopping lately, and to be honest - there hasn't been much to share in the way of theatre news.

There are quite a few community theatre shows rehearsing right now, and I'll try to focus on those in the days ahead.

We also have some casts to announce, as soon as I confirm a list or two.

In the meantime, we're just a week away from one of my favorite stage comedies - Noises Off, which is being presented by 5th Avenue Theatre at Huntington's City Hall Auditorium.

More on that soon - in the meantime, here's the official announcement:

Noises Off! by 5th Avenue Theatre Company will begin Friday, Sept. 9 at 8:00 p.m. at Huntington City Hall Auditorium.

The City of Huntington Foundation's 5th Avenue Theatre Company proudly presents the hysterical comedy Sept. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 11 and 18 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Call 304.696.5522 for tickets! Get them while you can!

Noises Off! by Michael Frayn is a farce about a group of actors performing the play "Nothing's On!", when everything that CAN go wrong DOES.

From the love triangle between the director and two of the female members of the cast/crew to forgotten entrances, lines and complete emotional meltdowns, Noises Off! is one of the funniest plays written in the last 100 years.

You'll see wardrobe malfunctions, how to fight backstage while the play is going on without being able to speak (QUIET BACKSTAGE!) and most importantly, lots and LOTS of SARDINES! *The play contains a small smattering of adult language and the occasional person in his or her underwear - and it's REALLY FUNNY!*

The cast includes: Mary Poindexter Williams, Greg Kiser, Kate Woestman Morris, Michael Naglee, Leann Haines, James Edward Holley, Alison Smith, Roger Hagley and Mike Murdock! Directed by Stephanie Kay Sands! Produced by Maxine Loudermilk!

Bring your friends! Bring your enemies! Bring your enemies' friends! This is a show you don't want to miss!