The Musical "Baby" Takes the Stage This Weekend

In today's Herald-Dispatch, my pal Dave Lavender gives us a look at the musical Baby which takes the stage this weekend:

ARTS is expecting, and it has got just the team of musical doctors to deliver the Baby.

Back for their 17th show together, director Eddie Harbert and choreographer Coni Anthony are part of the Arts Resources for the Tri-State team delivering the musical laughs as they open the musical, Baby, Friday, Aug. 21, at the Huntington High Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., Huntington.

Dinner is at 6:30 p.m., and show time is at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21, as well as Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28. The show only is 3 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29.

Tickets are $25 for the show and dinner or $15 for the show only. Seating is limited and the dinner shows tend to sell out, so call as early as you can at 304-733-ARTS.

Harbert, the veteran musical director who's been pinballing back and forth between intimate ARTS dinner theater productions and larger productions for Fifth Avenue Theatre Company, said it's been a joy revisiting Baby with Anthony since it was the first show they did together in 1994.

Since then, they've notched up 17 shows together, and this is the fifth show with Harbert, Anthony and Mike Campbell, the music director, all working together.

"It's kind of a nice coming home again," Harbert said. "I love working with her because of her professionalism and she is like me. We appreciate our volunteers and the people who come and work with us. A lot of directors are a little bit harsh, but we believe in a gentle way, and we appreciate that people want to work with us. We feel lucky to have the talent pool that we have, and we feel we are lucky to work with them."

Baby, which follows three couples all expecting a child, stars Angela Wolfe Hunt and Mark Radford as Liz and Danny, university juniors who have just moved in together.

Jane Modlin and George Snider III play the athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, who have had some trouble conceiving.

Mary Olson and Ron Short (Arlene and Alan) play the couple that gets the "surprise."

Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, contemplates abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby that is a total surprise and shock.

Harbert said they also added a four-person chorus to punch up the show musically. That chorus features Jaclyn Boylan, Susan Rawn, Justin Adkins and Michael Warden. And veteran props manager Helga Thorn also makes a special appearance.

Written by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., Baby was originally on Broadway from 1983 to 1984.

Harbert said Campbell has updated the '80s pop music and without changing the script has put a bit of a surprise into the end of the show.

"We really like the storylines because it is something that audiences can identify with," Harbert said. "The show was originally created in the '80s but it is kind of timeless. People are always going to have babies, and the show is very touching. Most of the songs in the show really tell a story. Some of this show makes you laugh and makes you cry and it is very touching. You will leave feeling really good."

If you go

WHAT: ARTS Production of the musical, Baby

WHERE: ARTS Renaissance Ballroom, 900 8th St., Huntington

WHEN: Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21. Show time is at 8 p.m. The show only is 3 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29.

HOW MUCH: Dinner and the show is $25, and show only is $15.

GET TIX: Call ARTS at 304-733-ARTS.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.733arts.org for more info.

ABOUT THE SHOW: First on Broadway in the early 1980s, Baby is a comedic modern-day musical that tells the story of three couples on a university campus as they deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of this experience.

OTHER ARTS SHOWS: Will Rogers Follies opens Oct. 15, and Drowsy Chaperone opens April 1, 2011.

Friday's the Deadline to Apply for the Jim Stone Scholarship

A reminder that First Stage Theatre Company is still accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship, a $1000 award that goes to a deserving graduate from the children's theatre.

It's First Stage's way of honoring both the group's young actors and Jim Stone, who was a great actor, a supporter of the arts, a mentor to young actors and, I'm proud to say, a friend of mine.

But time is running out - applications are due by Friday!

Here's the information about the scholarship and how to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.

The deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.

Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

Artists Series Tickets On Sale

Single tickets are on sale now for the 74th season of the Marshall Artists Series that begins in September and runs through spring semester 2011.

Here's a look at the highlights of the 74th Season of the Marshall Artists Series:

Baxter Series:

Liza Minnelli -- 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $85.25/$65/$45.

Celebrate the Holidays with Marvin Hamlisch and Mark McVey -- 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $65/$45/$35.

A Chorus Line -- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $58/$50/$45.

Additionally, enjoy Marvin Hamlisch's chat about the development of A Chorus Line (for which he received the Pulitzer Prize) on Monday, Dec. 6.

The Color Purple -- 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $58/$50/$45.

Mount Series:

The Doobie Brothers -- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $62.50/$40.

Stomp -- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 11-12, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $60.

Video Games Live -- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Video Games Live is a concert event spectacular featuring music from the most popular video games of all time including - "Mario Brothers," "Zelda," "Halo," "Tomb Raider" and "Guitar Hero" among others. Tickets are $47/$35/$25.

Spring Awakening -- 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $58/$50/$45

Belanger Specials:

Pablo Ziegler Trio -- 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Marshall University with Latin-Grammy award-winning pianist, Pablo Ziegler. Tickets are $35/$25.

Daniel Tosh -- 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Tickets are $25.

The Fall and Spring International Film Festival -- Oct. 1-7, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center and March 3-9, featuring six different films. Season tickets for the Fall and Spring International Film Festival are available for $75 (all 12 films). Tickets to individual films are $7 and are not available in advance. Tickets to individual films are purchased at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center 15 minutes prior to each film.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Marshall Artists Series box office at 304-696-6656, or visiting the box office located in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Normal box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.marshallartistsseries.org, or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet including select Kroger stores and FYE at the Huntington Mall and the Ashland Town Center.

For additional information, call the Marshall Artists Series at 304-696-3326 or e-mail at artistsseries@marshall.edu.

On Stage Next Weekend - "Baby"

Here's an upcoming performance you'll want to reserve tickets for - the ARTS production called Baby!

Here's the story:

Is there anything more exciting, frightening and utterly transformational than impending parenthood?

Baby tells the story of three couples on a university campus as they deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of this universal experience.

Show dates: August 20, 21, 27, 28 - Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and show at 8:00 p.m.

August 22 and 29 - Show only at 3:00 p.m.

All proceeds benefit ARTS. To make reservations or for more informations about Arts Resources for the Tri-State, call 304-733-2787.

The musical will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom, 900 8th St., Suite 100 in Huntington.

The New Group in Town - the Pullman Plaza Playhouse

We're finally getting some more information about the newest theatre group in town, the Pullman Plaza Playhouse.

Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch has the details about the group, which is (as far as I know) the first attempt at establishing a professional theatre group in Huntington. There hasn't been anything like that since the old Mountaineer Dinner Theatre.

The difference between a professional theatre group and community theatre is that the latter uses volunteers, most of them taking part without pay, while the former uses professionally trained actors and everyone gets paid for their work.

There have been a few attempts toward creating such a group in Huntington in the past, but this is the first one to actually raise the funds and find a location to put on its shows. It's an exciting prospect for local theatre fans, and it'll be interesting to watch the group grow in the years ahead.

Here's the story by my pal Dave Lavender:

When Debbie Wolfe began working at the Pullman Plaza Hotel a few months ago, she would walk into the Grand Theatre room and couldn't help but imagine something more than just hosting the occasional wedding and the Rotary Club's weekly lunch-time meeting.

The professionally trained actress and singer and regional theater veteran recalled the room in its former incarnation, The Club Pompeii, and envisioned some more lights and action.

While they won't be bringing back the Pompeii's volcano, Wolfe and a few dozen folks in Huntington's deep theater community, are launching the Pullman Plaza Playhouse, an intimate, and in-the-round downtown dinner theater.

With a goal of being a professional-quality dinner theater company, the Playhouse is launching now with two upcoming shows set for the fall.

The 25th Annual Spelling Bee will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25, and Oct. 1-2, with Sunday matinees scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26, and Oct. 3.

And Little Shop of Horrors will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 5-6, with an additional midnight showing on Saturday, Oct. 30, and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

Wolfe, who has worked in professional theater productions around the country, and who also has children involved in professional theater, said they hope to successfully launch the Playhouse this fall, and then build up to the point of hosting Friday and Saturday dinner theater with actors getting paid for their work.

Wolfe said while there are many other theater companies in the area, they hope to build up to being a regular, professional dinner theater not unlike the Mountaineer Dinner Theater that ran from 1971 to 1984 in Teays Valley.

"We have such an unusual concentration of artists and talent, and I have cast shows all over the country and there is just an inherent musicality about this area," Wolfe said. "Look at the disproportionate number of country music stars from the area. It is just a shame that singers and actors have to go away from the area to make a living."

Wolfe said the hotel has given the theater group the space to try out the dinner theater to see if they can make it work, and the hotel will be providing meal service to the dinner theater as well.

Since tossing out the idea, many area theater supporters such as Marina Jurica, Paul Neace and others have come on board to help launch the endeavor.

Shayne Gue, director of the ARTS (Arts Resources for the Tri-State) All-Star Show Choir and a veteran of many Huntington Outdoor Theatre (H.O.T.) and youth theater productions, is the president of the board for the Playhouse.

"We have the room, we have the lights, we have a theater and now we've got to prove it," Wolfe said. "We want to bring this corner of downtown back to life and anything that people can give us in terms of energy and bucks is appreciated. We know there are folks who would like to see this be what it can be."

Producing the first two shows is area theater veteran Paul Neace, who just came off of a July of starring in H.O.T.'s version of Annie.

Neace, who works at Connoisseur Media, said they are throwing everything they have into these shows, the first of which goes up in just about a month.

"We're not going to do this halfway," Neace said addressing a crowd of about 30 at an informational meeting on Monday, Aug. 9. "We are committed for the long haul, and we're going to give it all the elbow grease we can muster."

For the first show, the Playhouse is getting some technical assistance from John Wolfe, a senior Music-Dance-Theatre major at Brigham Young University, who oversaw this week's casting call with a fellow actor from Utah.

John Wolfe, who has been performing with the professional Hale Centre Theatre in Utah, is helping out while he is awaiting an eight-month contract performing aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Cruise Lines.

"I know a lot of people will say that it won't work but I'm in between shows at Hale, which started out in the middle of a desert in the an old lingerie warehouse and now has a $6 million budget," John Wolfe said. "It may seem tough to start out but we have much better conditions, and we have the talent that you've got to have."

Here's a closer look at the new Pullman Plaza Hotel Playhouse:

WHAT: A new professional-quality dinner theater company, which will begin presenting productions in September in the hotel's Grand Theatre. It will be renamed the Pullman Plaza Playhouse for the shows.

UPCOMING SHOWS: The 25th Annual Spelling Bee will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25 and Oct. 1-2, with Sunday matinees scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

Little Shop of Horrors will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 5-6, with an additional midnight showing on Saturday, Oct. 30, and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

CONTACT: For more information, call Shayne Gue at 304-412-0129 or Deborah Wolfe at 304-525-1001, e-mail at pullmanplayhouse@gmail.com or contact Gue through facebook or e-mail shaynegue@hotmail.com

GET INVOLVED: The Pullman Plaza Playhouse is looking for show sponsors as well as playbill sponsors for its season. Show sponsorships range from $500 to $1,000; playbill sponsor ads run from $100, and a full season underwriter would be $7,500.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.pullmanplaza.com for more info about overnight packages for the Playhouse shows.

FUNDRAISER: There will be a Starry Starry Night Fundraising concert with a cast of 22 singers at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Pullman Plaza Hotel. Tickets will be $30 for dinner and a show or $10 for show only.

Artists Series Individual Tickets on Sale Monday

My pals at the Marshall Artists Series sent along this poster as a reminder that individual tickets go on sale Monday for the fantastic shows they have lined up in the year ahead.

Check 'em out and place your order soon!

Personally, I'm really looking forward to Spring Awakening and the Video Games Live concert, which I hear great things about...

Auditions This Weekend

One more reminder about auditions this weekend:

- ARTS is pleased to announce auditions for Will Rogers Follies Saturday, August 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

There are roles for nine men (including a cowboy quartet) and eight women (including a showgirl sextet) and four children ages 5 to 9. Show runs October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Bil Neal, Directing; Kerri Easter-Stambough, Choreographer; and Tawny Burdine, Musical Director.

No need to stress or prepare too much - auditions will start at 3:00 with everyone learning one of the songs from the show for the musical section, and readings will be available for the acting portion. Wear something you can move in.

Cast of characters (Singing roles are marked with a *):

*Will Rogers - never met a man he didn't like - will be able to handle a rope
*Ziegfeld's Favorite - a beautiful chorus girl
Wiley Post - Aeroplane pilot
*Clem Rogers - Will's Father
*Will's Six Sisters (ALSO) Betty's Six Sisters - played by a sextet from the chorus
*Four Cowboys - male quartet from the chorus
Stage Manager - Peter
*Betty Blake - Will's wife
*The Four Rogers Children - Will Junior, Mary, James and Freddy
Roper- a professional rope spinner
6-12 stage hands/wardrobe people/chorus

Any questions please call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926 or ARTS at 304-733-ARTS or Email Bil at bil@733arts.org.

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

- 5th Avenue Theatre will hold auditions on Sunday:

Ensemble auditions for White Christmas will be held on August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall.

We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time. There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post Wold War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Participants wishing to audition should come with a prepared selection to sing. Auditioners will also be asked to read various selections from the script.

For more information about White Christmas or the auditions, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738. Come join us for a spectacular show!

On Stage This Weekend - Three Shows

You have three fine shows to choose from this weekend:

- Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park tonight through Sunday, August 15. All performances start at 8:30 p.m.

- Pippin: His Life and Times - Red Lion Theatre will present the musical Aug. 12 through 15 at 8 p.m. at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Jenny Wiley presents the musical at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 12, 13 and 14.

Check 'em out and support your local theatre!

More Auditions

Hey, we have more auditions going on than we can shake a stick at!

My pal Paul Neace tells me about this one:

We held auditions for our inaugural Pullman Plaza Playhouse shows yesterday – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Little Shop of Horrors at the Hotel.

We’re having callbacks tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. for "Little Shop." However, if anyone couldn’t make it to earlier auditions, they can audition at that time also.

Then my pal Eddie Harbert sent along this reminder about auditions for White Christmas on Sunday:

Ensemble auditions for White Christmas will be held on Sunday, August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall.

We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time. There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post Wold War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Participants wishing to audition should come with a prepared selection to sing. Auditioners will also be asked to read various selections from the script.

For more information about White Christmas or the auditions, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738. Come join us for a spectacular show!

Auditions for "Will Rogers Follies"

We try to alert you to upcoming auditions, and here's one to watch for, as ARTS auditions for its big fall production, the musical Will Rogers Follies.

Here's the info from my pal Bil Neal:

ARTS is pleased to announce auditions for Will Rogers Follies Saturday, August 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

There are roles for nine men (including a cowboy quartet) and eight women (including a showgirl sextet) and four children ages 5 to 9. Show runs October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Bil Neal, Directing; Kerri Easter-Stambough, Choreographer; and Tawny Burdine, Musical Director.

No need to stress or prepare too much - auditions will start at 3:00 with everyone learning one of the songs from the show for the musical section, and readings will be available for the acting portion. Wear something you can move in.

Cast of characters (Singing roles are marked with a *):

*Will Rogers - never met a man he didn't like - will be able to handle a rope
*Ziegfeld's Favorite - a beautiful chorus girl
Wiley Post - Aeroplane pilot
*Clem Rogers - Will's Father
*Will's Six Sisters (ALSO) Betty's Six Sisters - played by a sextet from the chorus
*Four Cowboys - male quartet from the chorus
Stage Manager - Peter
*Betty Blake - Will's wife
*The Four Rogers Children - Will Junior, Mary, James and Freddy
Roper- a professional rope spinner
6-12 stage hands/wardrobe people/chorus

Any questions please call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926 or ARTS 304-733-ARTS or Email Bil at bil@733arts.org

"The Jungle Book Kids" Opens Tonight in Logan

There's a nice story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the Jungle Book musical that opens tonight - you can read it right here:

For the first time in their rich 35 year history, The Aracoma Story, Inc. presents a Disney Kids Production on their stage as part of their summer season at The Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park. Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will feature a cast that includes some of the most talented kids in the region as it opens for six nights this Tuesday, August 10 running through Sunday, August 15.

Originally based on Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 novel, Walt Disney’s blockbuster hit film The Jungle Book was the last animated feature that Walt Disney personally supervised – he died during its production. Its winning combination of captivating characters, humor, drama and music – including “I Want To Be Like You” and “The Bare Necessities” has made the film one of Disney’s most beloved animated features with its release in 1967.

Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids was released by Disney through Music Theatre International in 2005 and has received rave reviews across the country. The Jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! The memorable characters of Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this Rated G musical includes many of your favorite Disney tunes. With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

The Aracoma Story, Inc. will open the show each night with a Talent Showcase that will include featured performances by some from the show’s cast. The Talent Showcase will include musical numbers, comedy, dance and a creative arts performance. “We wanted to take the opportunity to showcase some of our talented young performers from this show’s cast that have appeared in some of our pervious productions” says The Aracoma Story, Inc. President Jim Frye. “We also have some very talented new faces in this show and I am confident that they will bring energy and excitement to our stage!” says Frye.

The cast of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids includes Levi Browning (Baby Elephant), Taylor Browning (Peacock), Seth Bunting (Mowgli), Alayna Bryant (Monkey), DJ Conley (Elephant), Julie Coombs (Hyena), Destinee Elkins (Porcupine), Summer Elkins (Monkey), Faith Ferrell (Peacock), Lauren Leboeuf (Kaa The Snake), Jessie Murray (Monkey), Abigail Nagy (Lizard), Shana Nelson (Bagheera The Panther), Samantha Shell (Louie, King of the Monkeys), Tori Shell (Colonel Hathi, Elephant Leader), Shiann Sigmon (Shanti), Khiry Starghill (Baloo The Bear), Stephanie Thornhill (Monkey) and Charles Wallace (Shere Khan The Tiger).

Special Promotional Nights are planned for the 1 week production: Wednesday, August 16 will be Military Night with FREE ADMISSION to all Active Military Personnel and HALF-PRICE ADMISSION to all Veterans for their ticket purchased at their Box Office on the night of the performance.

The final performance on Sunday, August 16 will be “Bring Your Pet Night” at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre. All pet owners are urged to bring their pets to the show with them on Sunday night. A special prize will be given away at the beginning of the show to one lucky pet owner who brings their pet to the show. “We see it as a fun way to salute pet owners. Our Chairman of the Board, Liz Spurlock loves her dogs dearly and has inspired us to salute pet owners who love theater. This may be a first in theater anywhere in our region!” says Frye.

Performances of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids are expected to be somewhat shorter than most T.A.S.I. productions. The expected length of the Talent Showcase and Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids including an intermission is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Adult ticket prices have been reduced from the usual ticket price for this production.

Opening Night of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park on Tuesday, August 10 at 8:30 p.m. The show will run Tuesday through Sunday, August 15. All performances start at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

Advance ticket discounts are available at The UPS Store in Logan, Necessary Things in Logan, Pic-Pac in Man and Aracoma Drug in Chapmanville. You can purchase tickets by phone including Group Discounted Tickets using Visa or MasterCard by calling The Aracoma Story, Inc. office at 304-752-0253.

For more information about this summer production visit www.loganshows.com.

"Disney's Jungle Book Kids" Moves Into Logan State Park

Hey, here's an August show I somehow missed - and it starts tomorrow at Chief Logan State Park!

It's Disney's The Jungle Book Kids, based on the beloved animated musical adaptation of the classic Rudyard Kipling tales.

Here's a recap of the story:

The Jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan.

Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are now on sale at The UPS Store at Oaks Plaza in Logan, Necessary Things in Logan, Pic Pac Supermarket in Man and
Aracoma Drug in Chapmanville - or you can purchase by phone calling 304-752-0253.

The show runs Aug. 10 - 15. Don't miss it!

Paramount's New Season Features Lots of Shows

Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch includes a big article about the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland's upcoming season (you can read the whole article right here).

Of special interest to theatre fans are the touring Broadway shows, and the announcement of a new community theatre group working through the Paramount!

Here are some of the highlights:

Broadway Series

The Broadway Series will feature three musicals -- Legally Blonde on Oct. 25, Wizard of Oz on May 10, and Spamalot on April 7.

Legally Blonde is a story that goes from the sorority house to the halls of justice. Elle Woods gets serious after getting dumped by her boyfriend and decides to go to Harvard Law. She proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Wizard of Oz proves again that there is no place like home. The lavish production features amazing special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.

Spamalot, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, is "lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail." It is a comedic tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.

Paramount Players Series

The Paramount Players Series is new this season. It is community theater featuring the Paramount Players. The shows will be Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe on Oct. 14, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Dec. 16-18, Clue Jan. 21-22 (which will also feature dinner), and Hairspray March 25-26.

Special Events

A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed by National Players, will take place on Feb. 11. This will feature the Twittering Shakespeare experience. Patrons can bring their phones and receive fun, informative facts and trivia about the performance. The show will feature a fresh twist on the setting as woods glow in the dark and fairies dance to electronica. Audience members will see mistaken love, dark nights and dubious tricks in this classic comedy turned electric farce. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

New subscribers wishing to buy series tickets can do so anytime. Individual ticket sales begin on Aug. 23.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Paramount box office, call 606-324-3175 or go online at www.paramountartscenter.com.

Jim Stone Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

A reminder that First Stage Theatre Company is still accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship, a $1000 award that goes to a deserving graduate from the children's theatre.

It's First Stage's way of honoring both the group's young actors and Jim Stone, who was a great actor and a true supporter of the arts.

Here's the information about the scholarship and how to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.

The deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.

Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage This Weekend

August is warming up, and you have four shows taking the stage this weekend - one show in Charleston, one in Logan and two at Jenny Wiley:

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 8 at 3 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs through Aug. 7 at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Aug. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 8:15 p.m.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - Aug. 8 and 10 at 8:15 p.m.

Getting Started on "James and the Giant Peach"

The cast of James and the Giant Peach had its first meeting tonight, and those are always fun, as the cast, their parents, the director and the producers get together for the first time to start the process of getting ready for the show.

The first meeting is all about saying "Hello" and getting the paperwork out of the way - filling out information forms, release forms and getting all the necessary email addresses - stuff like that.

The show is being guided by my pal Jonathan Joy, who's not only a terrific playwright and actor - he's also a great director! I know he's going to get the most out of this young cast, and he's an outstanding drama teacher, so they're going to learn a lot about stagecraft, too.

The producers for the First Stage Theatre Company show are Becky Craig and your humble blogger here (Chuck Minsker, that is). I'm wearing the (co-)producer hat for the first time in a while, but glad to be part of the team!

I'll have more updates as the rehearsal process moves along - we're just in the earliest stages right now, but it's a very talented cast, so you can expect great things when they take the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at the end of September!

(Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.)

Cast List for "Steel Magnolias"

My pal Zach Davis sent along the cast list for 5th Avenue Theatre's play Steel Magnolias, which he'll be directing.

Here's the list - it's an impressive cast:

Truvy Jones - Twinkie Smith
Annelle Dupuy - Desoto-Shannon Bates
Clairee Belcher - Kyle Fisher
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie - Stephanie Sands
M'Lynn Eatenton - Jen Jacobson
Ouiser Boudreaux - Loretta Hetzer
Radio DJ - Peggy Walker

Zach adds, "I am very excited about this cast. So much talent! I am sure the audience will enjoy this forever classic!"

Steel Magnolias runs September 17-19 and 24-26 at Huntington's City Hall.

On Stage in August

Several community theatre shows are on tap for August (which is kind of surprising - it's traditionally a slow month for stage shows).

As always, if I missed one, send me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com. Here's the rundown:

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 8 at 3 p.m.

- Baby - ARTS presents the musical at the Renaissance Center ballroom August 20-22 and 27-29.

- The Aracoma Story - runs through Aug. 7 at at Logan State Park.

- Pippin: His Life and Times - Red Lion Theatre will present the musical Aug. 12 through 15 at 8 p.m. at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

Jenny Wiley presents two shows this month:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - Aug. 8 and 10 at 8:15 p.m.

And that's it! (I think!)

Auditions for "Steel Magnolias"

A reminder that auditions are being held on Sunday for 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Steel Magnolias:

5th Avenue Theatre Company announces auditions for Steel Magnolias Aug. 1 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall.

Auditions are open to females age 14 and up. Participants will be reading scenes selected by director. All materials needed will be provided at the audition.

Steel Magnolias - The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the towns rich curmudgeon, Ouiser ("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for forty years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy." Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in second act, the spunky Shelby (who is diabetic) risks pregnancy. The story draws on the underlying strength and love which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good and bad times.

Steel Magnolias runs September 17-19 and 24-26. The show will be directed by Zach Davis.

The Cast of "White Christmas"

Director Eddie Harbert sends along the cast list for 5th Avenue Theatre's White Christmas (and a talented group it is), along with some other information:

The principal cast of White Christmas has been chosen for 5th Avenue Theatre Company's production to be performed December 3-5 and 10-12 at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium at City Hall.

The principal cast is as follows:

Bob Wallace: Josh Janotta
Phil Davis: Greg Kiser
Betty Haynes: Angela Wolfe
Judy Haynes: Jessica Maier
Martha Watson: Jane Modlin
Rita: Kerri Easter
Ezekiel Foster: Erik Weingardt
Mrs. Snoring Man: Susan Rawn

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post World War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are also several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Ensemble auditions will be held on Sunday, August 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall. We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time.

There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

For more information about White Christmas or the auditions, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738.

5th Avenue is part of the City of Huntington Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by calling Maxine Loudermilk at the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522.

Come join us for a spectacular show!

Cast for "James and the Giant Peach"

Director Jonanthan Joy just sent me the cast list for the upcoming First Stage Theatre Company production of James and the Giant Peach, and it's quite a talented lineup!

CAST

MOTHER - Alli Bartrum
FATHER - Thomas Armstrong
NARRATORS - Ayla Edwards, Katie Fulks and Jacob Jarvis
AUNT SPONGE - Cassi Bowen
AUNT SPIKER - Hannah Stevenson
JAMES TROTTER - Samuel Collins
LITTLE OLD MAN - Zane Smith
OLD GREEN GRASSHOPPER - Abigail Turner
CENTIPEDE - Becca Stevenson
SPIDER - Rebecca Craig
LADYBUG - Emily Underwood
EARTHWORM - Sam Young
GLOW WORM - Emily Bannon
CAPTAIN - Josh Knight
FIRST OFFICER - Nathaniel Fornash
SECOND OFFICER - Danny Fulks
CLOUD MEN & WOMEN - Thomas Armstrong, Alli Bartrum, Rachel Likens, Armaan Karimpour, Grayson Smith, Karenann Flouhouse
ONLOOKERS, PASSENGERS - Brook Alexander, Madelyn Hill, Jane Claire Aulick, Baily Sanders, Erika Turner, Jensen Bird, Taranee Karimpour, Sara Allen, Shelby McKeand, Grace Adkins

On Stage This Weekend

There are no less than five shows hitting the stage this weekend - two in Charleston, one at Logan State Park and two at Jenny Wiley!

Here's the list:

- Bert Hellmunn Fights The Demons Of The Stage - CYAC also presents the new Dan Kehde comedy running July 29-31 at 8 p.m. on the WVSU Capitol Center stage. It's a sexy farce about a playwright and the pursuit of happiness.

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical July 30, 31, Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 8 at 3 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs July 29 - Aug. 7 at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts two shows this weekend:

- Jack and the Beanstalk - will be presented July 29.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - will begin July 31 and run into August.

First Stage's Big Announcement

First Stage Theatre Company made two big announcements today: first, they've named the third show that will make up the children theatre's 21st season - and they've announced a historic theatre where the show will be staged!

The group's Spring 2011 show will be Rugrats, A Live Adventure, and it will be staged at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center!

That's exciting news, because it's just the second community theatre show to be staged at the Keith since the building became a performing arts center! (The first show was also by First Stage - Disney's High School Musical in November 2007.)

Rugrats will be staged March 17 - 20, 2011. There will be a School Show on a date to be announced.

The show will be Co-directed by Mary and Tommy Smirl. The Musical Director is Chris Bowling, the Choreographer is Tiffany Carroll, and the Producers are Tracy Meadows and Elaine Young.

Here's a description of the show: "Welcome to the world of the Rugrats, Nickelodeon’s classic hit animated series about life from a baby’s point of view. This live theatrical production features young performers as they bring this award-winning television show to life. Whenever adults are around, the Rugrats act like real babies, but when they're alone they drop their witless pose and talk to each other with the vocabulary of five-year-olds. The Rugrats, in their usual offbeat fashion, turn a typical rainy afternoon into an adventure of the imagination. "

Auditions for the show will be held in December 2010.

Rugrats will be the third show in First Stage's 2010 season, which includes James and the Giant Peach and Once Upon a Mattress.

For more information, visit the First Stage website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

Back in Town!

Sorry to have been so quiet for the past few days - I was in Chicago and Michigan for several days, helping son Evan relocate from the Windy City to his new home.

But I haven't forgotten about you, gentle readers! In the near future we'll discuss the big show taking the stage next weekend in Charleston - Hair - and we'll look at the shows that will be coming up in August.

And tomorrow I have a couple of big announcements from First Stage Theatre Company about its Spring 2011 show - so stick around as we get back in gear for the last part of summer and the busy fall season!

Auditions This Weekend for Kids and Grownups

Auditions are being held this weekend for two shows - one for young performers, and the other for seasoned veterans:

- James and the Giant Peach - Auditions for the full-length play based on the Roald Dahl classic book will feature 21 young actors from grades 3-13. No experience is necessary to audition.

Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24 and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 25 at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church.

Rehearsals will begin Aug. 2. The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will open on Sept. 24.

James and the Giant Peach is directed by Jonathan Joy, who recently wrote and directed The First Day of Summer for First Stage. "James" is the story of a young boy, a magical peach, insect friends and an incredible journey. The adventure of James will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who ever dreamed of escape.

For more information on the production of James and the Giant Peach, contact Joy at joy1@mctc.edu.

For more information about the theatre company, visit the website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

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- White Christmas - The other show auditioning this weekend is being presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company.

Auditions for the musical White Christmas will be held Sunday, July 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for principle characters only in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall.

Auditions for ensemble roles and children’s pre-show are scheduled for Sunday, August 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will also be in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium.

Individuals auditioning for the adult principle roles are required to sing and dance and will be reading scenes selected by the director.

The story of White Christmas begins on the Western Front in World War II and then travels to New York and continues in the state of Vermont where Bob and Phil try to save the inn owned by General Waverly by having a show in the barn of the inn. Communications get skewed and the fun ensues. This fun, romantic comedy introduced great songs like White Christmas, Sisters, I Love a Piano, Snow and The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.

White Christmas runs December 3-5 and 10-12 with a school performance on December 9. Eddie Harbert will serve as director for the show with Mike Campbell as musical director and Kerri Easter-Stambaugh as choreographer. For more information about auditions, call 304-412-8738.

On Stage This Weekend

Lots of shows on tap for this weekend:

- Annie - Huntington Outdoor Theatre wraps up its production of the classic musical July 23, 24 and 25 at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The preshow begins at 7 p.m. and the main show at 8:30 p.m.

- Bert Hellmunn Fights The Demons Of The Stage - CYAC presents the new Dan Kehde comedy running July 22-24 and 29-31 at 8 p.m. on the WVSU Capitol Center stage. It's a sexy farce about a playwright and the pursuit of happiness.

- Boxes 10: Boxes of Rage - An annual monologue show by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company takes the WVSU Capitol Center stage for three nights, July 26, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs July 22 through Aug. 7 at at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts three shows:

- Cinderella - the musical will be presented July 22, 23 and 24.

- Midlife: The Crisis Musical - will be presented July 23 and 28.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - will be presented July 25 and 29.

Whew! So carve a few nights out of your calendar and check out one (or more) of these shows!

Auditions for "White Christmas"

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this information about the auditions this weekend for the classic holiday musical, White Christmas:

5th Avenue Theatre Company announces auditions for White Christmas on Sunday, July 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for principle characters only in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall.

Auditions for ensemble roles and children’s pre-show are scheduled for Sunday, August 15 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will also be in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium.

Individuals auditioning for the adult principle roles are required to sing and dance and will be reading scenes selected by the director.

The characters being cast are:

Bob Wallace: A slightly formal businessman-type in his 20s-30s.

Phil Davis: A fun-loving, energetic guy in his 20s-30s.

Betty Haynes: A young, sophisticated lady in her 20s-30s.

Judy Haynes: An outgoing, fun-loving, and energetic girl in her 20s-30s.

General Henry Waverly: A gruff but gentle, no-nonsense type of man in his 40s-60s.

Martha Watson: A funny, motherly lady who runs the inn for the general. A pleasant lady in her 40s-60s.

The story of White Christmas begins on the Western Front in World War II and then travels to New York and continues in the state of Vermont where Bob and Phil try to save the inn owned by General Waverly by having a show in the barn of the inn. Communications get skewed and the fun ensues. This fun, romantic comedy introduced great songs like White Christmas, Sisters, I Love a Piano, Snow and The Best Things Happen While You’re Dancing.

White Christmas runs December 3-5 and 10-12 with a school performance on December 9. Eddie Harbert will serve as director for the show with Mike Campbell as musical director and Kerri Easter-Stambaugh as choreographer. For more information about auditions, call 304-412-8738.

"The Aracoma Story" at Chief Logan State Park

The newly adapted story of our region's rich history, The Aracoma Story -- Spirits & Legends opens at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park.

After a very successful run last season, the modernized presentation of the classic tale is back on stage once again.

In 2009, former cast members of The Aracoma Story, Bill France and Geoff Allen, collaborated to adapt the show that has been presented in various forms since 1976 into a modern presentation that includes Ipods, cell phones, new characters, new laughs and several new surprises. This season also brings several new faces along with some very familiar names to the stage.

The role of Princess Aracoma will be played by Laura Hatfield of Chapmanville, W.Va.

This will be Hatfield's first season as Aracoma, though she has spent several seasons during her teen years playing the role of Oceana. Hatfield, a 2008 graduate of Chapmanville High School, performed in several shows through the years. She is now a Marshall University student majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in theatre.

In his first season on the The Aracoma Story, Inc., stage, Shaun Adkins will play the role of Boling Baker. He is a 1989 graduate of Logan High School and lives at Midelburg in Logan. Shaun served four years in the US Marine Corps, in the first Gulf War.

The entire cast of The Aracoma Story -- Spirits & Legends includes more than 60 people including Laura Hatfield (Princess Aracoma), Shaun Adkins (Boling Baker), Jason Grimes (The Man), Carmen Cochran (Greeter), David Burgess (Jamie), Alexis Morgan (Liz), Logan Grimes (Josh), Gillian Cochran (Elly), Rielly Lucas (M.J.), Michael Tomblin (York/Big Bear/Fish Hunter), Dennie Carver (Monroe/James), Aaron Stone (Elijah/Gibson), Scott Light (Dawes), Joe Grimes (Lt. Chapman), Danny Young (Medicine Man), Dustin Blankenship (Cornstalk), Carol Cole (Dream Teller), Dominque Rodighiero (Crazy Wolf), Kirsten Doty (Oceana), Dakota Browning (Lone Tree/Waulalisippi), Jeremy Gibson (White Horse), Nancy Kirkendall (Legend), Amber Richards (Anna), Carter Ferrell (Infant Waulalisippi), Hali Akers (Kathryn), Keith Muncey (Chief Logan), Mary Muncey (Nonhelema), Melinda Brumfield (Ruth Galloway), Kim Kimler (Rebecca Smith), Addison Watts (Ruby), Trevon McNeely (Peter), Shayla McNeely (Jessica), Cailen Ferrell (Mary), Summer Jewell (Amanda), Morgan Stollings (Nancy), Elizabeth Light (Snow Lilly), Madeleine Noe (Raindrop), Ian Sexton (Little Black Bear), Dillan Sexton (Running Deer), Grace Kimler (Blue Feather),

The New Season for the Marshall Artists Series!

The new season for the Marshall Artists Series has been announced, and it's shaping up to be another great one, with some outstanding touring shows, concerts and comedians on the way.

Theatre fans will be especially glad to hear about upcoming stage shows, including Spring Awakening, A Chorus Line, The Color Purple, Stomp and a performance by Liza Minelli!

Here's the story by my pal Dave Lavender:

For a 74-year-old, the Marshall Artists Series sure knows how to get its diverse party on.

One of the country's longest-running college-based artists series has announced its 2010-2011 season, and whether you're into big musicals, classic rock, a legendary diva, cutting-edge comedy, a dozen award-winning films, or even video games, you're covered.

Season tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 20, and season-ticket holders have until Aug. 5 to renew their season tickets.

Single tickets will go on sale, Monday, Aug. 16.

As in years past, the Artists Series, which is booked by executive director Penny Watkins, with input from the board of directors, is as deep on big Broadway shows (A Chorus Line, The Color Purple and Spring Awakening) as it is wide in its diversity.

Just a few of the eclectic shows include: the edgy and interactive, Video Games Live, The Doobie Brothers, Latin Grammy-Award winning pianist Pablo Ziegler Trio and young Comedy Central star comic Daniel Tosh.

While the season usually doesn't get under way until October, this year, the Artists Series kicks off on the massive Marshall versus West Virginia University football weekend.

And the Artists Series, which has brought in such legends as Bill Cosby, Martin Short and Willie Nelson, goes large out of the gate.

After the state's two largest universities lock horns on the gridiron on Friday, Sept. 10, the Artists Series sweeps the excess testosterone away by starting off its season at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12 with the Tony, Oscar, Grammy and Emmy award-winning superstar, Liza Minnelli, who performs at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, 925 4th Ave., with a sextet led by her long-time collaborator Billy Stritch.

"It's going to be a huge weekend with Marshall and WVU, so this gives people one more big thing to do that weekend," said Angela Jones, director of marketing and external affairs for the Marshall Artists Series. "You can go to the brawl and then go see the doll."

Per request of its patrons, one of the slight changes this year in the Artists Series is that most of the shows -- except for The Color Purple -- have been moved up from 8 p.m. start times to either 7 or 7:30 p.m.

"The average Broadway show can go 21/2 hours so a lot of patrons wanted earlier start times, and so wherever it was feasible we've went with earlier times," Jones said.

One big highlight of the fall semester lineup is that after two big comedy shows the past two years with Jim Gaffigan and Mike Birbigia, the Artists Series has reeled in another one of the hot, young Comedy Central stars, Daniel Tosh, who will be playing the Big Sandy Superstore Arena on Tuesday, Oct. 19.

Tosh made the news earlier this week when his Comedy Central show, "Tosh.0," which has been described as a "Talk Soup for the Internet," beat out big-time fellow comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's shows in the ratings.

Tosh's show has been renewed for a third season, and Tosh, who has been doing 30-minute comedy specials on Comedy Central since 2003, will be on tour this fall on a Comedy Central-sponsored tour.

The same week Tosh is here, the Artists Series is teaming up with MU's celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month by bringing in Latin Grammy Award-winning pianist Pablo Ziegler Trio, which blends up jazz and tango music called nuevo tango.

That show is set for Friday, Oct. 15 at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on campus.

Known for always putting a twist on holiday shows whether its Celtic-splashed or jazzed up with the Rat Pack, the Artist Series has scored a unique holiday show in welcoming in Huntington native, Broadway star Mark McVey, with his long-time musical partner, the legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch.

While the two have toured the world together off and on for years, this Dec. 6 date, "Celebrate the Holidays with Marvin Hamlisch and Mark McVey at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center will be their first show here together in McVey's hometown.

Interestingly while Hamlisch is in the city, the Artists Series is taking full advantage of the composer, who has won virtually every major award that exists: Three Oscars, four Grammys, four Emmys, a Tony and three Golden Globe awards.

On that Monday, at a time still to be announced Hamlisch will talk about composing the show, A Chorus Line, for which he received the Pulitzer Prize.

A Chorus Line will be performed at the Keith on Feb. 24 as part of the Artist Series.

It's one of a handful of cool musicals coming to the Keith.

The coming of age rock musical, Spring Awakening, winner of eight Tony awards including "Best Musical," and a show written by pop rock artist Duncan Sheik, will be here March 29.

The Color Purple, the soul-stirring musical based on Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and Steven Spielberg's moving film, will be here April 1.

A new version of the cutting-edge found percussion show, Stomp will be here Jan. 11-12 at the Joan, and one of shows Jones is most excited about, Video Games Live, takes place Feb. 3 at the Keith-Albee.

"If you remember the Bugs Bunny symphony show, this is like its younger, cooler brother," Jones said. "Like Prince Harry to Prince William."

Armed with a 28-piece orchestra featuring electronic percussionists, video footage and unique interactive segments, the show brings to life some of the most popular video games in history including Mario, Zelda, Sonic, Halo, Final Fantasy and many more.

Jones said before the show people will be able to play such games as Guitar Hero in the lobby as well as talk with some video game developers who travel with the family-friendly show.

"This is going to be a cool way to introduce musicals to an entirely new audience," Jones said.

Jones, who helps choose and book the dozen movies for the Fall and Spring International Film Festivals, said while they scaled back the film fests to a weekend this past year to save money, they've ramped those fests back up to a full week in the 2010-2011 season.

The fall fest runs Oct. 1-7, showing films from Colombia, France, Italy, Sweden, UK and Vietnam.

The spring fest, set for March 3-9, features films from Japan, the U.S., Sweden, Italy and Argentina.

"When we cut the film festival back we did save money because of staffing, and we still had a lot of people coming but those who came said they really had to cherry pick because we all have lives and they were upset they didn't get to see some of the films," Jones said. "With a week, it gives more people a chance to see the films they want to see."

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Let The Artists Series Begin:

Here's a look at the highlights of the 74th Season of the Marshall Artists Series:

Baxter Series:

Liza Minnelli -- 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

Celebrate the Holidays with Marvin Hamlisch and Mark McVey -- 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

A Chorus Line -- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Additionally, enjoy Marvin Hamlisch's chat about the development of A Chorus Line (for which received the Pulitzer Prize) on Monday Dec. 6, Chat time TBD.

The Color Purple -- 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

Mount Series:

The Doobie Brothers -- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Stomp -- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 11-12 at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Video Games Live -- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Video Games Live is a concert event spectacular featuring music from the most popular video games of all time including - Mario, Zelda, Halo, Tomb Raider and Guitar Hero among others.

Spring Awakening -- 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Belanger Specials:

Pablo Ziegler Trio - 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Marshall University with Latin-Grammy award-winning pianist, Pablo Ziegle.

Daniel Tosh - 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena.

The Fall and Spring International Film Festival: Oct. 1-7 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center and March 3-9 featuring six different films.

Superticket: Baxter, Mount plus choice between International Film Festival, Pablo Ziegler Trio and Daniel Tosh. Adult/Youth price - $578, $528, $430, $375 (price includes Keith-Albee restoration fee).

Baxter Series: Four events - Liza Minnelli, Marvin Hamlisch & Mark McVey Holiday Show, A Chorus Line & The Color Purple. Adult/Youth price - $316, $266, $210, $170 plus $10 Keith-Albee Restoration Fee.

Mount Series: Four events - The Doobie Brothers, Stomp, Video Games Live & Spring Awakening. Adult/Youth Price - $277, $227, $185, $170 plus $10 Keith-Albee Restoration Fee

International Film Festival (12 Films). Adult Price - $75 (price includes Keith-Albee Restoration Fee).

Two-Payment Plan: If you are interested in a two-payment plan, call 304-696-3313.

On Sale date: 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 20. Subscriptions may be ordered and current subscriptions may be renewed through the deadline date of Thursday, Aug. 5. After that day, all orders will be processed in order of date and time received.

Get tickets: Season tickets may be ordered via telephone by calling 304-696-3326. Orders may also be mailed in to Marshall Artists Series, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755-2210. Order may also be faxed to 304-696-6658. You may also e-mail with any questions at artistsseries@marshall.edu. The Marshall Artists Series office is located in the Jomie Jazz Center on 5th Avenue across from Marshall University's Student Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Individual tickets: Go on sale Monday, Aug. 16.

Congratulations to Haley!

Even though this story doesn't have a lot to do with community theatre, I wanted to congratulate Haley Maynard for her achievement.

Haley starred in quite a few local theatre productions (including a few I directed), and she's now enjoying great success in her studies at college. We're proud of her achievements!

Here's the story:

West Virginia Wesleyan senior Haley Maynard of Huntington has been selected to participate in the Advanced Holocaust Seminar. The program is sponsored by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies in Washington, D.C.

The seminar, which is scheduled for Aug. 2-10, is designed for undergraduate, M.A. and Ph.D. students. The objective of the seminar is to acquaint participants with the breadth of the rich and diverse collection of recently opened archival holdings of the Introduction to the International Tracing Service at the museum.

Staff scholars will highlight case studies in five key areas, including the Nazi concentration camp system, non-Jewish victim groups, forced labor in the German war economy, displaced persons and war criminals.

"I feel so fortunate and tremendously thankful for this opportunity," said Maynard, a history major and English literature and Honors minor at Wesleyan. "I am anxious to spend two weeks with 15 other students like myself who enjoy studying about the Holocaust.

"This subject is one of those historical topics that we can never know enough about. I am grateful to realize that my interest in the Holocaust is unceasing. While I attempt to not only reconcile the diverse schools of thought regarding the subject, I am also learning to respect and understand the challenges of practicing history," she added.

Maynard, the 2009-2010 Wesleyan Outstanding Junior History Major, learned of the seminar opportunity from Richard Weeks, professor of history and a Holocaust scholar.

She serves as president of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and as a writing center peer consultant. After graduating from Wesleyan, she plans to pursue a master's of science in library and information technology.

Participants receive a stipend toward the cost of direct travel to and from each participant's home institution, lodging for the duration of the workshop and $500 toward the cost of incidental expenses and meals. The program is made possible by a gift in memory of Kurt and Thea Sonnenmark.

Marshall Artists Series to Announce New Season

Good news! Tickets for the 2010-2011 Marshall Artists Series will go on sale on Tuesday morning.

Fliers announcing the season are in the mail, and on Sunday in the Life section of the Herald Dispatch you'll find out all the details of the exciting season that kicks off Sunday, Sept. 12 during the epic MU/WVU weekend.

This season, the Artists Series “Stomps” its way to a huge season that takes place not only at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center but also at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, and on campus at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

The Series reels in one of the hottest young Comedy Central comics, its puts Mario and maybe even Luigi on-stage, and hosts a holiday homecoming for one of the greatest Huntington native singers.

Read more about the new season tomorrow at www.herald-dispatch.com.

Wearing Many Hats in Community Theatre

My pal Dave Lavender files a good story about a woman who wears many hats in this summer's production of Annie.

Here's the story:

Through open slats in the revolving stage of Annie, Kerri Easter Stambaugh frantically hunts for a good vantage point to watch the show in little slices from backstage as it unfolds.

Stambaugh, the Huntington Outdoor Theatre veteran is not only playing Sophie and Frances Perkins in Annie, but she is also choreographing the show.

If that is not enough to worry about, Stambaugh is also the director of the children's pre-show called, "A Taste of Broadway," that features a song from each of H.O.T.'s 17 shows through the years.

H.O.T. continues its run of Annie at 8:30 p.m. nightly Friday through Sunday, July 16-18 and 23-25 at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. You'll want to get there early as the pre-show entertainment begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $16 and $15 for seniors 65 and older and children ages 5-12. Children 5 and younger are admitted free.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and a picnic if you'd like although there is full concessions including catering by Wesvanawha, which has pulled pork sandwiches, mesquite chicken and other fresh picnic-style foods.

Stambaugh, a 1998 graduate of Marshall University with a bachelor's degree in theatre/dance, said when this season of H.O.T. started she had signed on as the director of the pre-show.

A Kentucky resident who has starred in past H.O.T. productions of Footloose, Beauty and the Beast and All Shook Up, Stambaugh said she also told director Helen Freeman that she would play any minor part that Freeman needed as well in Annie.

"I was a lead last year but since I was directing the pre-show I told Helen wherever you need me, if you need me to stand there and be a tree I will do that," Stambaugh said.

At first Freeman kept her out of the show since she was directing the pre-show, which means herding several dozen kids that range in age from 5 to college age during a constantly moving 45-minute dance and music-filled show.

"She took me out of the cast and about two weeks into the show Patty Freeman (the choreographer) had to drop out," Stambaugh said. "They just handed me the CD and said, 'Here.' There wasn't a choice in the matter. They know I love choreography and it was literally 15 minutes after I was handed the CD that I started choreography."

Stambaugh, who has been teaching dance for nine years at Tammy Jo's Studio in Greenup, Ky., said she didn't think twice about directing the pre-show and choreographing the main show.

"I just love it and I love helping out, and I wouldn't have said no in a million years because that made it easier for Patty," Stambaugh said. "I was already there for the pre-show so that made it easier on her, knowing that she needed to be with family at this time. I was glad to be able to ease that worry for her."

As fate would have it, although Freeman had pulled Stambaugh out of the show with her two directing hats on, another sickness in the show caused Freeman to reinsert Stambaugh back as two minor characters in Annie.

Stambaugh said being in the show, once the weekend run has started, has made it interesting to try and tweak the choreography.

"I'm already in costume so I can't just come out and sit for Annie, so there are peepholes and I am spying on them some of the time," Stambaugh said with a laugh. "I try and stay out of their (the tech crew's) way, and Helen is always looking out there too."

Stambaugh, who has been dancing since she was three, and who also choreographed such H.O.T. shows as Guys and Dolls and My Fair Lady, said Annie has been a lot of fun to put together.

"I was really excited because I have some trained dancers in the show and so there are some points like the serving staff is cleaning and were able to add some difficult dance moves that only trained dancers could do," Stambaugh said.

At other points, Stambaugh said the choreography called for a wilder, un-trained rumpus of sorts.

"There are a lot of great dance moves from that period like the Charleston is more 1920s but it was still hanging on and a number of these elements are in the kids numbers but we left some of them messy because they are orphans," Stambaugh said. "I told them just go out and have fun and don't look like the Rockettes, make it yours and put a little flavor of your own character in your kicks."

For the pre-show Stambaugh has gotten some assistant direction from Cody Verbage, a Huntington High School graduate who is attending New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in the fall, as well as her mom, Randy Easter.

With the shows opening a week early because of the soccer tournament, Stambaugh said that help has been essential.

"My mother is my assistant and she is my sanity keeper," Stambaugh said. "That is what she is in charge of -- keeping me sane. There's a lot of paperwork and who is there and who's not, and she's calling 'why are you not at rehearsal?' and she is making sure things are in order so I could concentrate on the performance itself."

Although she got pretty worn down by the long rehearsal days that were running from about 4 p.m. to midnight and topped with an hour and a half drive to get herself and her niece (who is in the show) home, Stambaugh said she has thrived because she is working with a great group.

And as someone who loves improve dancing she doesn't mind working on the fly and under more than a little pressure.

"The time crunch was definitely the hardest," Stambaugh said of losing a week of rehearsal, "But I actually think that sometimes I work better under pressure. I discovered that in college when I had the most hours is when I had the best grades."

On Stage This Weekend

You have lots of shows to choose from this weekend in West Virginia and Kentucky:

- Annie - Huntington Outdoor Theatre presents the classic musical July 16, 17 and 18 at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The preshow begins at 7 p.m. and the main show at 8:30 p.m.

- Beauty and the Beast, Jr. - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the Disney musical July 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and July 17 and 18 at 2 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs at Logan State Park July 20 - Aug. 7.

Jenny Wiley hosts three shows this week:

- Cinderella - the musical will be presented July 15, 16 and 17.

- Midlife: The Crisis Musical - will be presented July 16.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - will be presented July 14, 15, 18 and 20.

Auditions for "Once Upon a Mattress"

Yesterday I posted about the upcoming auditions for James and the Giant Peach, but a month later another First Stage show will be holding auditions for a classic musical comedy.

Here's the info:

Once Upon A Mattress

Director: Amy Browning
Musical Director: Chris Bowling
Choreographer: Melissa McGuffin


The company will soon have auditions for Once Upon a Mattress, the musical comedy adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale The Princess and the Pea. The full-length play will feature 35 young actors from grades 6-12. No experience is necessary to audition.

Auditions Dates: Saturday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 29 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Location: Pea Ridge United Methodist Church

Actors should come with a 30 second audition song (accompanist, CD and tape player will be available) and be prepared to learn a short dance.

Rehearsals will begin September 2. The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will open on Nov. 12.

For more information on the production of Once Upon a Mattress, contact Amy at amyb2606@gmail.com.

Here's a graphic promoting both auditions (click on it to see a larger version):

Auditions for "James and the Giant Peach"

A reminder that auditions are coming up in 10 days for young actors for the next First Stage Theatre Company production.

The company will soon have auditions for the Roald Dahl classic James and the Giant Peach. The full-length play will feature 21 young actors from grades 3-13. No experience is necessary to audition.

Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24 and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 25 at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church.

Rehearsals will begin Aug. 2. The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will open on Sept. 24.

James and the Giant Peach is directed by Jonathan Joy, who recently wrote and directed The First Day of Summer for First Stage. It is the story of a young boy, a magical peach, insect friends and an incredible journey. The adventure of James will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who ever dreamed of escape.

The play will kick off First Stage's 21st season of live children's theatre in the Tri-State. Other upcoming shows include the musical Once Upon a Mattress directed by Amy Browning. This show will audition Aug. 28 and 29. Actors cannot perform in both "Peach" and "Mattress," though it may be possible to perform in one and work backstage on the other.

For more information on the production of James and the Giant Peach, contact Joy at joy1@mctc.edu.

For more information about the theatre company, visit the website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

No Pants Players Back on Stage

If you're an fan of Improv Comedy (and who isn't?), then here's a show to watch for:

The No Pants Players will be performing July 17 at The Labelle Theatre, located at 311 D Street, South Charleston.

This will include the official premiere of troupe member Kevin Pauley as emcee, which means that the troupe's founder, Joe Wallace will be doing improv and taking orders from Pauley.

As a special promotion, those who wear a piece of NPP merchandise to the show will receive a free No Pants coffee mug!

Showtime is 8 p.m. This is a family-friendly performance. Concessions and NPP merchandise will also be available. Tickets are $6 at the door.

For more info, check out www.nopantsplayers.com or call 1-877-IMPROV9.

On Stage This Weekend - Four Shows!

You have four shows to choose from this weekend (and into early next week). They are:

- Annie - Huntington Outdoor Theatre presents the classic musical July 9, 10 and 11 at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The preshow begins at 7 p.m. and the main show at 8:30 p.m.

Jenny Wiley hosts:

- Cinderella - the musical will be presented July 9 and 10.

- Midlife: The Crisis Musical - will be presented July 9.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - will be presented July 13, 14 and 15.

Check 'em out!

Jim Stone Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

Here's an annual event that makes me proud to be associated with the First Stage Theatre Company.

That organization is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship, a $1000 award that goes to a deserving graduate from the children's theatre.

It's First Stage's way of honoring our students and actor Jim Stone, a terrific guy who was a great actor, a true supporter of the arts and a friend of mine.

Here's the information about the scholarship and how to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.

The deadline for entries is Friday, August 20, 2010.

Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

More Theatre More Often

It seems we're in the middle of a growth spurt for community theatre in Huntington, with more theatre groups operating now - or in the near future - that at any time in the past (that I'm aware of).

This point was driven home with the recent announcement of the newest group in town, the Pullman Plaza Players, and a friend pointing out another group I'd missed that was announced a few weeks ago - here's a clip from that story:

A dinner theater is scheduled to be held the first Saturday of the month starting in August. Mark David, a Scioto County, Ohio, native, is setting up a production studio at 825 4th Ave.

The mystery dinner theater will be held at the new Wesvanawha restaurant, also at 825 4th Ave., in downtown Huntington.

There will be between eight to a dozen cast members involved in the dinner theater productions, he said.

The tickets will cost $25 and be available by the July 4 holiday weekend for the dinner theater productions that start in August, he said.

"We're preselling tickets for the first three productions," he said. In addition to the first Saturday productions, there will be special dates, he said.

David has worked with Alabama Theatre, the House of Blues and the Hard Rock Cafe, according to a press release. The Mark David Entertainment Group is taking bids for contracts in safety, security, sound, construction, editing and set design.

He is planning to open a production studio in the fourth floor of the building at 825 4th Ave.

"We spent nearly two years in research and development for this project and are thrilled to make Huntington our new home," the Friendship, Ohio, native said.

My apologies to one and all for missing that announcement on June 15.

It's amazing to realize how many active groups there are (or will soon be) in town. There's First Stage Theatre, ARTS, Marshall's Theatre Alliance, 5th Avenue Theatre, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Free Spirit Productions and a few others I've no doubt forgotten to mention.

It's wonderful to have so much variety to choose from, but I wonder, with the economy struggling, if the competition won't put a strain on the existing audience and the pool of talent? Hopefully there's room for all to flourish!

Only time will tell...