First Stage Looking for Alumni

A message from First Stage Theatre to its alumni:

Here's a reminder about a First Stage show coming up next month that's open to those who have graduated from Children's Theatre:

A special Concert, All Grown Up, takes the stage on Sept. 22, 2012, as First Stage presents its first-ever Benefit Concert at the Keith Albee Theater, starring our alumni!
...
First Stage is inviting those who have graduated from First Stage (or MAG-CT) shows to be part of the performance!

So why are we having our first major fundraiser in 22 years? One year ago First Stage finally took the major step of buying its first home - a small warehouse near downtown Huntington. Right now we use the space for storage and set construction, but with some work, the space will eventually be used for drama classes, rehearsals and as a small theatre space!

But we'll have to raise funds to make those improvements, so we're inviting our veterans of past shows to take part in this performance and help us build a new home for the next generation!

The show will be directed by Chuck Minsker and music director Mark Smith.

We'll have lots more news to share in the weeks ahead. We're excited to bring back some of our top talent in this special showcase!

If you're an alumni and you're interested in taking part (we're looking for soloists and chorus members), email us at firststagewv@gmail.com for more information.

And please pass this along to any alumni you're in touch with - the more the merrier!

Auditions for "Evil Dead The Musical"

Here's one for horror fans - auditions are being held this weekend for the Kanawha Players production of Evil Dead The Musical.

"Evil Dead" is a campy rock-musical based on the cult classic Evil Dead/Army of Darkness movies. The music rocks, the stage blood flows freely and the chainsaws never run out of gas! Evil Dead played to sold out crowds and many extended runs in New York and now, the Kanawha Players Theater brings it here for its area premiere production!

The show will be directed by Ginger Basham-Workman.

Auditions will be held Saturday, Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston.

How to Audition: Choose a rock song: You may sing a capella or bring a cd with no vocal tracks to sing or choose a song from a selection we will provide for the audition. Be prepared to learn and repeat a few simple dance moves. (don't panic it's very simple stuff). Show up fill out an audition form. Turn it in at the designated location. Sit back and enjoy clips of other productions of Evil Dead The Musical until you're called in to audition.

Parts Available: 5 Males, 4 Females, 5 Male Or Female. Age Range: All roles with the exception of the Deadite Choir must look youthful enough to pass as college students. Deadite Choir: Any age range.

The show will be performed at Kanawha Players Theater on Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13.

Please email any questions to: Ginger Basham-Workman at Kanawhaplayers@yahoo.com.

One More Show for August - "Winnie the Pooh"

Whoops, missed one:

- Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids - The show will be presented at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in the Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va. Each performance includes a "Glee" pre-show.

On Stage in August

There was a time, a few years back, when August was the quiet month in local theatre, with no shows taking the stage.

Those days are over, and there are several excellent shows coming up. Here's the list:

- Crimes of the Heart - ARTS presents the award-winning drama. It's set in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the hospital. This is the story of how people escape the past to seize the future. The play will be presented at the Renaissance Theatre Aug. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

- Avenue Q - Curtains Up Players proudly presents the Tony Award-winning Best Musical at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (1030 4th Avenue - Huntington). Shows will be presented Aug. 24, 25, 30, 31 and Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m.

- Legally Blonde: the Musical - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical comedy about the beautiful Elle Woods who follows her heart to Harvard Law School! It'll be presented at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater Aug. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.

- Here Lies Alan Chase... - The original drama written by Ashland native Jason McAllister centers around a small town newspaper and the people, events and secrets surrounding the sudden death of a well-noted reporter. Layer after layer, the lies are stripped away, but... we all have to decide how much truth we can live with. The play will be presented in Ashland at the Hillside Community Church on Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

- Disney's Camp Rock - The Paramount Players present the energy-packed rock musical based on Disney's movies, Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Shows will be presented Thursday, Aug. 2, Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m., and a matinee will be presented Saturday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children.

- Dorothy Meets Alice - Ohio River Theatre Company presents this new play of the delightful meeting of two of literature's most famous young ladies. The story unfolds when a young man puts off a book report till the last minute, then suddenly finds himself in a strange place somewhere between Oz and Wonderland. It then becomes his responsiblility to unscramble the stories and steer the familiar characters - the Cowardly Lion, the Mad Hatter, the Scarecrow and the White Rabbit, among others - to their ultimate destinations while avoiding the Wicked Witch and the Red Queen. This hilarious, adventuresome romp is filled with laughter and surprises at every turn. The show will be presented at Ironton High School Aug. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 2:30 p.m. All seats are $10.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

Auditions for "Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr."

Just a reminder that we're a mere 11 days away from this event (the reason for my fondness will become evident to those who read this press release):

First Stage The­atre Company will kick off its 23rd season with auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. The musical is based on the beloved Disney animated film starring Ariel, the mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the sea.

The auditions will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Premiere Dance Studio, 716 6th St., in Huntington.

Participants can sign up at any time during those two audition dates. There is no charge to audition or to take part in a First Stage production, and no the­ater experience is required. Auditions are open to young people who will be entering grades kindergarten through 12 this fall.

Auditioners should arrive ready to sing a 30-second section of the song of their choice — an accompanist will be provided. They will also be given a few lines from the script to read, and they’ll be taught a short dance step to demon­strate during the audition. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

The show will be presented Oct. 23-28, at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

The directing team includes: Director Chuck Minsker, Music Director Mark Smith, Choreographer Melissa McGuf­fin, Assistant Director Robyn Welch and Set Construction Director Jack Welch.

Based in Huntington, the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organiza­tion dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young peo­ple through the performing arts.

For more information, contact Min­sker at 304-736-4366.

On Stage This Weekend: "Here Lies Alan Chase"

The play Here Lies Alan Chase takes the stage for one weekend only in Ashland at the Hillside Community Church.

The show will be presented Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

Here Lies Alan Chase is an original play written by Ashland native Jason McAllister. The story centers around a small town newspaper and the people, events and secrets surrounding the sudden death of a well-noted reporter. Layer after layer, the lies are stripped away, but... we all have to decide how much truth we can live with.

The show runs this weekend only, so make time to support your community theatre!

A Double Dose of "Legally Blonde"

This weekend you can see two Elle Woods - and in two towns, too!

This is the final weekend for the show Legally Blonde: The Musical for the Huntington Outdoor Theatre, and the opening weekend for the same show by the Charleston Light Opera Guild!

As my pal Ryan Hardiman pointed out, you could actually watch both shows in one day - on Sunday, you could catch the matinee of CLOG's show, then drive to Huntington to catch the evening show from HOT.

I finally got to see Huntington's version Friday night, and had a great time (although the rain tried to interfere). The show succeeds for many reasons: a great cast, wonderful songs, fun dance numbers, lots of humor and a terrific orchestra.

But the show's best move was casting Kathryn Davis in the title role. She's beautiful, immediately likable as the resourceful Elle, has perfect comic timing, she has great star power - you can't take your eyes off her - and she has a powerful voice (if you don't get chills at the end of "So Much Better," there's no hope for you). A wonderful performance!

Kudos also to Chloe Donahoe, who's hilarious as the off-kilter beautician Paulette - and she's also a terrific singer, too!

You have two more chances to catch the Huntington version - it runs Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m., and the main show starts at 8:30 p.m.

If you're in a Charleston state of mind, you can catch that show at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on July 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 3 p.m., and August 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.

The show is a lot of fun, and highly recommended!

Final Weekend for "Legally Blonde"

Huntington Outdoor Theatre presents the final weekend of Legally Blonde: The Musical with shows Friday through Sunday, July 27-29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m., and the main show starts at 8:30 p.m.

The show stars Kathryn Davis, an attorney who works in legacy planning at Huddleston Bolen and who is portraying the determined and resourceful Elle Woods. (You can read a great story about her in Thursday's edition of the Herald-Dispatch.)

"Legally Blonde" tells the story of sorority girl who follows an ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School for the cause of love, only to find out that she has surprising talent for the law, and that love brings some surprises as well.

It's a funny, high-energy show with great songs and terrific dance numbers - highly recommended!

Professional Theatre Classes

My pal Gene Anthony sends along this note about an upcoming class that's being offered at ARTS - a chance to learn acting and tap from a professional:

Sean Watkins, a Marshall graduate, will be back in West Virginia after he wraps up a run of Annie at the Northshore Playhouse and before he begins rehearsals at the end of August for the Broadway Company national tour of Anything Goes starring Rachael York.

He is scheduled to teach a tap workshop and a musical theatre dance workshop beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School). There are six classes in each workshop and they will be taught on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The cost of each workshop (six tap or six musical theatre dance classes) will be $100. Both workshops can be taken for $150. The classes will be limited in size and filled on a "first come, first served" basis. Those interested should call 304-733-ARTS.

Here's the bio information for Sean:

Sean Watkins was born and raised in West Virginia. He graduated from Marshall University in 2009 with a B.F.A. in Theatre and a B.A. in Spanish. While at Marshall he could be seen on stage in The Rainmaker, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, The Diary of Anne Frank and George M! among many others.

Backstage he translated and directed the East Coast premiere of La Historia de una Escalera (The History of a Staircase) and directed Edward Albees’ hit play The Zoo Story.

After leaving Marshall, he has performed professionally all over the United States and New York in shows varying from Les Miserables, The Producers, Crazy for You, Footloose, Annie, The Drowsy Chaperone and many more.

He has been involved with numerous workshops focusing on developing new material and has originated roles in shows such as Bruce Lee: Journey to the West, Apathy, Big Man on Campus and All Hands On Deck. He worked closely with the Gershwin family on the new musical ‘S Wonderful where he played the iconic Gene Kelly.

He has worked with Tony award winning directors, actors and choreographers. He will be setting sail with the Broadway company of Anything Goes, which will be touring the United States over the next year.

Last Weekend for HOT's "Legally Blonde"

Sunday brought a beautiful evening to enjoy some music and comedy at Ritter Park Amphitheater.

Huntington Outdoor Theatre finished its third weekend of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which continues with the final three shows Friday through Sunday, July 27-29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m.

This year's show stars Kathryn Davis, an actual attorney who works in legacy planning at Huddleston Bolen and who is portraying the charming Elle Woods, a character made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 Hollywood production. Broadway introduced Legally Blonde: The Musical in 2007.

"Legally Blonde" tells the story of sorority girl who follows an ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School for the cause of love, only to find out that she has surprising talent for the law, and that love brings some surprises as well.

Also starring in this year's HOT production are WCHS 8/Fox 11 news reporter Kennie Bass as a Harvard law professor, as well as Jacob Jarvis as love interest Emmett Forrest, Chloe Donahoe as Elle's beautician friend Paulette, Caroline Hunter as fitness celebrity Brooke Wyndham and many others.

You can also check out a photo gallery from the show by photographer Mark Webb (like the photo above) right here.

The New Season for the Marshall Artists Series

My pal Dave Lavender writes this story in today's Herald-Dispatch, spelling out the upcoming season for the Marshall Artists Series:

Angela Jones isn’t sure they could have survived another super-sized season like the last one.

The Marshall Artists Series, which has a whopping three people in its office, put on a mammoth 75th anniversary season that featured 16 events, plus two week-long film festivals and not to mention three event fundraisers including the recent, Uncorked Wine Festival.

Thankfully for the Artists Series, which managed to produce six events in a little over a week last October, the 76th season of the Marshall Artists Series is down to its normal size. That includes nine events plus two international film festivals at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Executive director Penny Watkins said the new season strives to provide the community with culturally significant and educationally-driven entertainment for Marshall University and the surrounding community.

“From the 100 year anniversary of the voyage of the Titanic, to the election of a new president, to discussions about social justice and solving poverty in America, the events offered this season are a sign of our times,” Watkins said.” The Occupy Wall Street movement had its roots from the protests of the ‘Hair’ generation, and the documentary ‘Skateistan’ shows how a seeming small effort in Kabul, Afghanistan, can have a big impact on the world we live in.

“We invite you to come along on our journey this season to hear some timeless Motown tunes sung by the man himself, Smokey Robinson, see the much-loved TV icon, Ed Asner, take on one of our country’s most beloved presidents and hear a current pop star use his music and influence to effect change in our world. Join us. It is sure to be an exciting journey.”

The deadline to purchase or renew season tickets is Friday, Aug. 3.

After that date, all orders will be processed in order of date and time received. Individual tickets go on sale at noon Thursday, Aug. 30. Season tickets may be ordered at 304-696-3326. Orders may also be mailed in to Marshall Artists Series, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755-2210, be faxed to 304-696-6658 or emailed to artistsseries@marshall.edu. The Marshall Artists Series office is located in the Jomie Jazz Center on Fifth Avenue across from Marshall’s Student Center.

Jones, the marketing director for the Artists Series, said having the regular amount of shows Watkins made sure every one was a knockout.

“We are coming back to a normal size season and getting back to what we normally do year in and year out, and so we’ve got some of the Broadway shows that are touring, and we’ve got some great music and film and we throw in some legends here and there,” Jones said.

She’s not kidding on the legends part.

Kicking off the 76th season is nine-time Grammy Award-winning R&B artist, John Legend, who will be in concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, with his “Show Me Campaign,” a non-profit organization fighting poverty around the world.

Jones said that Legend, the multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter and activist who was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, will be playing and sharing his mission with students and the community.

“He will be doing some discussion and weave in some music to underscore his thoughts on how people can get involved and take charge, and we all need that.”

The Artists Series rachets up the legends quota in the 2013 portion of the season with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Songwriters’ Hall of Fame member, Smokey Robinson, who will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Jones said they’re super excited to get the Motown legend, who not only wrote such hits for the Miracles like “Shop Around” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “I Second That Emotion” but also wrote many of the other Motown greats including: “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” and “My Guy.”

TV legend, Ed Asner will be here at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, in his one-man drama, “FDR,” based on the long-running Broadway hit, “Sunrise at Campobello.”

The TV Academy Hall of Fame member is, of course, known of late for being the voice of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s award-winning animated film, “Up.” Asner is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Lou Grant on both “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and its spin-off series, “Lou Grant.”

“What’s neat about this show is that it will be at the Playhouse, so it will be really small and intimate,” Jones said. “People of course know him from all of his TV work, and this is a historic year with the presidential election, so this performance will come right on the heels of the Inauguration.”

One of the backbones of the Artists Series has long been reeling in touring Broadway shows and this year, there will be three tours coming through including “Titanic: The Musical,” which plays on Oct. 1 in this, the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic sinking.

Also playing the historic Keith-Albee will be the Broadway revival of “Hair,” which won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival with such sing-a-long songs as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine.”

Created by the monster hit, “Jersey Boys,” (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice) with Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa, comes “The Addams Family,” a Broadway smash musical comedy based on the hit TV show that starred the campy world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch. “The Addams Family” plays April 28.

A couple of 2012/2013 shows are back by popular demand.

Mountain Stage, the Charleston-based National Public Radio show heard weekly around the world, drew a great crowd this spring to pay homage to the 75th anniversary season with such American music icons as Arlo Guthrie (who paid tribute to his late father Woody) at the Keith-Albee.

Hosted by Grammy Award-winning host, Larry Groce, Mountain Stage will be returning for a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Keith-Albee with music acts to be announced later.

Mountain Stage is a two-hour music radio show produced by WV Public Broadcasting and distributed worldwide by National Public Radio (NPR) and the Voice of America’s satellite radio service.

Jones said one constant feedback they hear is on people’s love of Celtic shows, so they’ve reeled in the renowned Irish Tenors (Ronan Tynan, Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns) who will be performing an Irish Holiday Celebration with a 30-piece orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Tucked into both the fall and the spring semesters is the Marshall Artists Series International Film Festivals.

The Fall Film fest will run Oct. 12-17, at the Keith-Albee with award-winning films from Iran, Belgium, Denmark, Israel, the United States and Norway. Headlining that will be “A Separation,” the Iranian film that won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2011.
Jones said they’re experimenting in the fall with a 10:30 a.m. showing on the Saturday and Sunday, and have punted the late show (9:45 p.m. on those nights).

The Spring International Film Festival runs Feb. 22 -28, and features films from Japan, Spain, France, Brazil, Lebanon and England. The fest features “The Deep Blue Sea,” starring Rachel Weiss in an English remake of the 1955 film that Vivien Leigh made famous.

Kicking off the Fall International Film Festival will be a special one-night-only showing at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, of “Skateistan,” a documentary that tells the story of the skateboard park in Kabul, Afghanistan, that has been transforming the lives of young people in Kabul.

“Skateistan” won the Cinema for Peace Award of Most Valuable Documentary, was an official selection of the Santa Barbara Film Festival and won a Jury Prize at the Woodstock Film Festival.

A post-film lecture will take place featuring Huntington native and skateboard industry veteran, Bryan Ridgeway, who is the global skateboarding advisor for the Skateistan project. Ridgeway will be speaking at the public screening as well as a special screening for high school students.

Jones said they are really proud to host “Skateistan,” which has only been screened in a handful of theaters and film festivals around the world.

Jones said Ridgeway has to Fed Ex the copy of the film the next day to Lithuania.

“I am really proud of the lineup for the festival,” Jones said. “It’s my baby, but I think it’s a really strong lineup, and I’m really excited about the diversity. And, I am really excited about ‘Skateistan,’ and I know Bryan couldn’t be more proud to be coming back.”

Cast List for "MacBeth"

The director of the ARTS production of Shakespeare's MacBeth, my pal Mike Murdock, posted this notice today listing the cast for the production:

Thanks to all who auditioned!

If you do not see your name on the list below, thank you so very much for sharing some time with us over the weekend, and we hope to see you at future auditions at ARTS.

Macbeth – Greg Morris
Lady Macbeth – Kate Morris

Macduff – Len Trent
Lady Macduff, Nurse – Tish Maynard

Banquo – Herschel Jeffrey
Fleance – Damon Noel
King Duncan – Paul Neace
Malcolm – Eric Wilson
Donalbain – Gregory Picklesimer

Witch – Sarah Diamond Burroway
Witch – Sheila Meade
Witch – Jenn Naglee

Lennox – Jonathan Maynard
Ross – Brian Cook
Angus – Roger Hagley
Menteith – Marc Albert
Caithness – Todd Green
Old Siward – Mark Harrison Near
Seyton, Murderer – Erik Hamilton Woods
Bloody Sergeant, Young Siward, Murderer – Simon Woods
Porter / Old Man / *Fight Captain*– Michael Naglee
Doctor / Murderer – Stephen Vance

Servant, Apparition, etc. – Tiffini Yvonne Taylor

Once again, thank you all SO very much for auditioning and sharing your talents with me. Those that didn't get cast, I hope that you will get a chance to see the show, and not hesitate to audition for future shows at ARTS. As much as we would always love to cast every single person, sometimes we can't. That doesn't diminish your talent or ability, it just means that I went a different way with it. I still thank you very much coming to play with me on Friday and Saturday. I hope you had as much fun as I did.

What an amazing, talented cast! I can't wait to see this one!

The Next Marshall Artists Series

The Marshall Artists Series has set its lineup for the 2012 - 2013 season, and as always, there are several great theatre shows in the mix.

This lineup includes the Broadway touring shows of The Addams Family (April 28, 2013), Hair (March 7, 2013), Ed Asner in a one-man show FDR (Jan. 30, 2013) and Titanic the Musical (Oct. 1, 2012).

We'll have the complete lineup soon!

Jon Joy's Newest Books Are Available!

Exciting news - my pal, local playwright, director and actor Jonathan Joy is now a published author!

His play, The Princess of Rome, Ohio, is now available in paperback, and so is Short Plays and Monologues - both are available on Amazon.com!

In case you haven't seen the play, here's the recap of "Princess:"

The dysfunctional tenants of a ramshackle house air their dirty laundry on the front porch while their young daughter dreams of getting away to start a better life. An outrageous front porch comedy featuring a wide variety of small town characters.

I've ordered my copies - shouldn't you?

Congratulations, Jon!

Auditions in August for "Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr."

Here's a project near and dear to my heart - because I'm going to be directing it for First Stage Theatre Company.

Here's what you need to know about The Little Mermaid, Jr.:

First Stage Theatre Company will kick off its 23rd season with auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. The musical is based on the beloved Disney animated film starring Ariel, the mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the sea.

The auditions will be held at the Premiere Dance Studio at 716 6th Street in Huntington on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 12 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants can sign up at any time during those two audition dates. There is no charge to audition or to take part in a First Stage production, and no theatre experience is required. Auditions are open to young people who will be entering grades Kindergarten through 12 this fall.

Auditioners should arrive ready to sing a 30-second section of the song of their choice - an accompanist will be provided. They will also be given a few lines from the script to read, and they’ll be taught a short dance step to demostrate during the audition (be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes).

The show will be presented Oct. 23 - 28 at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

The directing team includes: Director Chuck Minsker, Music Director Mark Smith, Choreographer Melissa McGuffin, Assistant Director Robyn Welch and Set Construction Director Jack Welch.

Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

For more information, contact Chuck Minsker at 304-736-4366.

Auditions for "MacBeth"

Coming up this weekend are auditions for the ARTS production of William Shakespeare's MacBeth.

Here's the info:

Auditions for ARTS production of William Shakespeare's Macbeth will be held Friday, July 20 from 7 - 10 p.m. and Saturday, July 21 from 12 - 4 p.m. with callbacks Sunday at 2 p.m. (if needed).

The auditions will be held on the main stage at ARTS. Actors will be asked to read from the play, as well as work with Shakespearean sonnets given ahead of time. Headshots and resumes are welcome but not required.

Please pick ONE of the following sonnets to be familiar with. You need not memorize them, just be familiar enough to read them in various ways with some playable actions / direction. These can also be found with a simple Google search for a printable copy.

Sonnet #139
O! call not me to justify the wrong
That thy unkindness lays upon my heart;
Wound me not with thine eye, but with thy tongue:
Use power with power, and slay me not by art,
Tell me thou lov'st elsewhere; but in my sight,
Dear heart, forbear to glance thine eye aside:
What need'st thou wound with cunning, when thy might
Is more than my o'erpressed defence can bide?
Let me excuse thee: ah! my love well knows
Her pretty looks have been mine enemies;
And therefore from my face she turns my foes,
That they elsewhere might dart their injuries:
Yet do not so; but since I am near slain,
Kill me outright with looks, and rid my pain.

or

Sonnet #147
My love is as a fever longing still,
For that which longer nurseth the disease;
Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill,
The uncertain sickly appetite to please.
My reason, the physician to my love,
Angry that his prescriptions are not kept,
Hath left me, and I desperate now approve
Desire is death, which physic did except.
Past cure I am, now Reason is past care,
And frantic-mad with evermore unrest;
My thoughts and my discourse as madmen's are,
At random from the truth vainly expressed;
For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright,
Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.

The production will run October 12, 13, 14 and 19, 20, 21, with a SCHOOL SHOW on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Rehearsals will begin Sunday, July 29.

Come willing to play and have fun. Don't let Shakespeare scare you. Let's scare the audiences in October, instead!

The play will be directed by Mike Murdock.

They've even cooked up a nifty trailer promoting the auditions, which you can watch right here.

No Pants Players To Perform Benefit Show

If you're looking for a good laugh this weekend, here's a great show for all ages:

The No Pants Players, West Virginia’s premier improv comedy troupe are no strangers to the stage or fundraising for a worthy cause.

Over the last 11 seasons, No Pants has raised money for such organizations as Covenant House, American Heart Association and the families of the Upper Big Branch miners.

On July 14, 2012, the troupe will hold another benefit show for The Jericho House of St. Albans. Sponsored by Marty’s Tires, this show will be held at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans.

The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $8 for children under the age of 12, $10 for adults.

For 20 years, the Jericho House of St. Albans has served as a halfway house for families that have found themselves in dire straits. Jericho House offers food and shelter to those in need. Often a family will stay for about six months before getting back on their feet and moving forward with their lives. Without Jericho House, this process is much more difficult. They truly understand what it means to help one’s neighbor and are a beacon of kindness in the valley.

Please support the No Pants Players, Marty’s Tires and Jericho House as they all try to make a bit of difference in the community. Proceeds will be donated to Jericho House in support of its efforts to feed and house families in need.

Tickets are also available online at www.nopantsplayers.com and at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the toll free number 1-877-IMPROV-9
(1-877-467-7689), or email admin@nopantsplayers.com.

The New Season for Company of Dreams

Company of Dreams is a theatre company in Ashland, and the group has just announced the shows it'll be staging in the next year - and it's an excellent lineup!

Here's the press release:

The 2012-2013 Season for Company of Dreams:

Marvin's Room - Auditions: Sept. 28, 29 / Shows: Nov. 8, 9, 10, 2012

Almost Maine - Auditions: Dec 21, 22 / Shows: Feb. 7, 8, 9, 2013

[Title of Show] - Auditions: April 26, 27 / Shows: June 6, 7, 8, 2013

Company of Dreams looks forward to hearing from YOU! "LIKE" our Facebook page to keep up to date. More audition and show information to come!

Weather Woes for HOT

The scary thing about outdoor theatre is that your shows are at the mercy of the weather - and that made for a rough opening weekend for Huntington Outdoor Theatre's production of the musical comedy Legally Blonde, as heat and heavy rain kept crowds small.

It's an excellent show, loaded with high energy, a fast and funny story and lots of terrific songs.

My pal Dave Lavender brings us up to speed:

You know it’s been too hot, when it’s too hot for H.O.T.

In spite of this being the 19th year of Huntington Outdoor Theatre, founder and director Helen Freeman said this past weekend, opening weekend, was the hottest on record for her troupe that performed two sweltering nights of Legally Blonde at Ritter Park amphi­theater before being rained out Sunday.

That rain-out, during the fourth scene of Act 1, was only the eighth rain-out in the 19­-year history of H.O.T.

Freeman said the danger­ously hot weather devastated their numbers. H.O.T. needs about 500 people at the amphi­theater to make any money. They had 200 Friday and only 165 on Saturday when the tem­perature was 104.

“Saturday they said it felt like it was 112 and it did feel like it was 112,” Freeman said on Monday. “As the night went on it did dip down into the 90s and it felt like it was cool. It wasn’t cool but it was much better. I am really proud of the people who came out and endured the heat. That was so nice.” Freeman said the cast, which includes two dogs, per­formed amazingly well under duress, and now they’re gear­ing up for big weekends as the show continues.

“It went well for all the adversity so it was good for the weather that we had, but heat can hurt you just like the rain can,” Freeman said. “If people don’t come out and support us, there won’t be an Huntington Outdoor Theatre next year.” Legally Blonde continues at 6:30 p.m. July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29 at Ritter Park A mph it heater.

The main show begins at 8:30 p.m. with the Children’s preshow “A Tribute to Leg­ends” beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own, although con­cessions are available.

General Admission are $15, Seniors 65 and better and Children 5-12 are $13 while children under 5 get in free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Are­na or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more informa­tion call 304-412-3393 or go online at www.hotwv.org.

Auditions This Week

There are two auditions coming up this week, including:

- Dracula The Musical - Curtains Up Players will hold auditions Wednesday at 6 p.m. at at the Kuhn Memorial Prebyterian Church in Barboursville. Performance dates are Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. All performances take place at The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center - 1030 4th Avenue. For more info, call Clara Adkins, Director at 304-634-9605.

- Huntington Outdoor Theatre will hold auditions Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre for anyone who would like to perform for the Community Showcase portion of the evening of entertainment at HOT. Each weekend in July (each Friday, Saturday and Sunday) HOT presents three shows: Children's Show at 7 p.m., Community Showcase at 7:30 p.m. and Legally Blonde, the Musical at 8:30 p.m. Those who are auditioning should come to the back of the theatre and meet with Donna Duke. If you cannot meet on Thursay, give her a call at 304-743-6664 to schedule another time. She will try to work with everyone to schedule convenient times. Come join the fun!

Murder and Mystery

If you're looking for a nice murder mystery to tackle, here's the schedule for upcoming events from the Murder and Merriment theatre troupe:

Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

WHERE & WHEN:
July 13 - Cosmopolitan Club, Ashland 7 p.m.
July 20 - CSX Train Tracks, Huntington 7 p.m.
July 21 - Hillside Community Church, Ashland 7 p.m.
July 27-28 - Greenhouse of Teays Valley, Hurricane 7 p.m.

The interactive murder mystery theatre troupe, Murder and Merriment, is cooking up a summer full of murderous intrigue all over the Tri-State. Beginning July 13, Murder and Merriment presents “Murder at the Opera!” for one night at the Cosmopolitan Club in Ashland, Ky. The mystery involves the recent death of world famous tenor, Lucianno Manicotti, who was found poisoned on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Now his widow, Carla, and daughter, Anna, have gathered his closest associates for a reading of the Will and a Séance to determine who may have murdered Lucianno. The mystery begins at 7 p.m. and tickets can be reserved by calling
606.329.0746. Guests will play the role of junior detective and assist Detective Columbus in solving the murder and competing for a valuable prize. The Cosmopolitan Club is located at 1008 Annex, next door to the Blue Ribbon Lanes Bowling Alley on Winchester Avenue. A catered Italian Buffet will be served.

The following weekend, Murder and Merriment will perform for Guests of the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society July 20th at 7pm on an actual rail dining car located on the Carolina Track at the CSX Train Station on 7th Avenue in Huntington. The mystery is “The Murderer Who Came to Dinner!” Eccentric millionaire, Nicholas Shockley, has invited eight guests with murderous pasts to join him on his private rail car. Each of the guests have been invited under false pretenses and suddenly find themselves unwilling victims of a murderous game. The Murder Party is open to the public and tickets must be reserved by calling 1.866.639.7487. Seating is very limited for this special event. A catered dinner will be served, and the Guests will have the opportunity to help Detective Adrian Mink solve the mystery.

On July 21 at 7 p.m., Hillside Community Church, located in Ashland, Ky, at 2301 Greenup Avenue, finds itself hosting “A Murderous Reunion!” Join fellow classmates and professors as they celebrate the 25th Reunion of the Calvin Coolidge Class of 1987. Overshadowing the Reunion is the recent murder of former student body president, Jason Jensen, who everyone hated. Fortunately, amateur sleuth and mystery writer, Jennifer Fletcher, is on hand to help Guests solve the mystery of who killed Jason. This dinner theatre event is being sponsored to raise funds to improve the building and promote church activities. Be sure to wear your favorite 1980s outfit! Tickets can be reserved by calling 606.922.2903.

Then Murder and Merriment is off to present a murder party at The Greenhouse of Teays Valley in Hurricane, WV July 27-28, nightly at 7pm. In case you missed the Reunion, you will have the opportunity to attend it at the Greenhouse. “A Murderous Reunion!” is the fourth monthly installment of interactive murder mystery theatre presented by the restaurant & gift shop located at 3554 Teays Valley Road, Suite 105. Each of the murder parties presented by the Greenhouse over the last three months have sold out every night. If you plan to attend, make your reservation right away by calling 304.397.6316. A catered dinner will be served along with a chance to help Jennifer Fletcher solve the mystery and win a prize.

Murder and Merriment was created by George R. Snider III and has seen unprecedented success and growth since 2010. For more information about Murder and Merriment or any of their upcoming murder parties, call 304.634.8581.

Curtains Up Players Announces its 2012-13 Season

My pal Danny Ray sends along this info about the upcoming 2012 - 2013 season for the Curtains Up Players in Huntington.

He writes:

We are very excited and pleased to announce:

Avenue Q is Aug. 24 - Sept. 2
Dracula the Musical is Oct. 26 – Nov. 4
Holiday Concert – Nov. 16-18

And in 2013:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - March 1-10, 2013
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged - May 17-26, 2013
The Great American Trailer Park Musical - Aug. 23- Sept. 1, 2013
The Rocky Horror Show - Oct. 25 – Nov. 3, 2013
Holiday Concert – Nov. 22-24, 2013

All performances will be held at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center in Huntington, W.Va.

Thanks for your support!

Auditions for "Dracula The Musical"

Auditions are being held this weekend for Dracula - the Musical, which will be staged by Curtains Up Players.

They'll be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kuhn Memorial Prebyterian Church in Barboursville.

Auditioners should arrive early and be prepared to begin at 2 p.m. Please prepare a minimum of 32 vocal bars and be ready to read from the script. Wear comfortable clothing for movement. Reading may also take place on an individual basis.

Performance dates are Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances take place at The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center - 1030 4th Avenue. For more info, call Clara Adkins, Director at 304-634-9605.

On Stage This Weekend

Lots of great shows to catch this weekend - two are indoors and the rest outdoors:

- Legally Blonde - The comedy musical kicks off its run tonight at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre. It stars Kathryn Davis as Elle Woods, the college student who decides true love (and intelligence) can conquer any obstacle. It runs July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29.

The show begins at 8:30 p.m. The children's preshow "A Tribute to Legends" begins at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own baskets although full concessions are available. General admission $15, seniors 65 and better and children ages 5-12 are $13. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more information, call 304-412-3393.

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- Steel Magnolias - The Jax Theatre production of Robert Harling’s drama runs Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Wheelersburg, Ohio Cinema Complex (next to Ponderosa). Tickets are $12 adults. It's based on the beloved book and film about the relationships of six strong women in Chinquapin Parish.

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- Proof - The run of the drama was extended since a power outage shut the show down last weekend. Proof will be presented Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’'s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red, opened June 13. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

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- Tecumseh! - The life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly. For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes and Grease - Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes July 6 and Grease July 6, 7 and 8. Evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only. For ticket information, call toll free 877-CALL-JWT or locally at 606-886-9274.

"Legally Blonde" Takes the Stage Tonight!

Here's the story from today's Herald-Dispatch by my pal Dave Lavender:

There will be one hot blonde, two dogs and one largemouth singing 'Bass' hanging out in Ritter Park Amphitheater this July as Huntington Outdoor Theater's 19th season features the romantic comedy musical Legally Blonde.

Best known for the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon and which
inspired the Broadway musical, Legally Blonde dances its way into the park for a July run that kicks off this weekend.

Directed by Helen Freeman and starring Kathryn Davis, two dog actors named Princess and Rufus, and such colorful theater veterans as Kennie Bass, Legally Blonde is set to run July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29.

The main show, which is accompanied by a live orchestra with musical direction by Mark Smith (keyboardist for Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.) begins at 8:30 p.m. with the children's preshow "A Tribute to Legends" beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own baskets although full concessions are available.

General admission $15, seniors 65 and better and children ages 5-12 are $13. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more information, call 304-412-3393.

Freeman said they're excited to stage the hip, hot musical that tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner but then discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial.

"I picked Legally Blonde because I knew it would draw and because
it's a really fun, upbeat show that is just great for outside," said Freeman, of
the show which is rated PG.

Freeman said they had lots of people audition for the lead role, played by Witherspoon in the movie and Mercury Records recording artist Laura Bell
Bundy on Broadway. Freeman said no one stood out like Kathryn Davis, who was in the 2004 H.O.T. show Footloose and who in a quirky twist of fate is in fact a young attorney practicing at Huddleston Bolen LLP in Huntington.

"I think she had it from the time she walked in and the moment she opened her mouth," Freeman said. "She has a real distinctive voice, and when she walks in you think she's so beautiful, she's so sweet and she's so cute. All in a second you say those three words. When she opened her mouth to sing everybody just went 'whoa.' You could see it in people's faces. They all wanted her to be Elle, and she works so hard. I will tell her something and she will work real hard until she gets it. She's just a lovely person."

Now in her 19th year of putting on H.O.T., Freeman has seen it all - incredible highs and lows of trying to keep community theater alive in the summer.

This year, though, the trouble and drama level went to 11 when last Friday's storm hit while she was at the printer's and her cast was rehearsing at Ritter Park.

Freeman drove across downed limbs and under a tree across a road to get to the amphitheater where she found her cast and crew safe. They were without power until Tuesday when they were able to find a commercial-grade generator to ensure that the show would go on with proper sound and lighting.

Although she's been battling the elements and loss of power, Freeman said she feels lucky to have such great people by her side including long-time musical director Mark Smith, who's best known these days for backing nationally touring act Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Smith, who has gigs with Murphy in July in California, Utah, Michigan and Clarksburg, W.Va., is still vocal coach and musical director for the show, although he's not physically playing H.O.T., something he's done for years.

In addition to the main show and the community pre-show, which often features a who's who of H.O.T. alums and other Tri-State talent living both here and folks visiting, is the children's pre-show.

This year, that perennial favorite part of the show is called "A Tribute to Legends," with the dynamic duo of directors Kerri Easter Stambaugh and Smith, guiding the kids through a music tribute to such late music icons as Whitney Houston, Randy Gibb of The Bee Gees, Donna Summer and Dick Clark.

"The pre-show is always very cute but this year they're really dancing and singing like nobody's business," Freeman said. "There are so many great songs like 'Bandstand,' and Whitney's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody.' "

"Legally Blonde" : The Show Will Go On

Despite the harsh weather we've seen recently (to put it mildly), the word from Huntington Outdoor Theatre is: the show will go on.

Regardless of whether or not Ritter Park gains power, the show will go on as scheduled as Huntington Outdoor Theatre has secured a commercial-grade generator to power up this weekend’s opening performance of the hit romantic comedy musical, Legally Blonde.

Director and H.O.T. founder Helen Freeman said Tuesday afternoon that they have just secured a generator thanks to Dave Thompson at Creative Audio.

Freeman said the generator, which is costing the non-profit group, $1,200 for a weekend rental, will enable them to put on the show which starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5, with a pay-what-you-will performance.

The show will open Friday and run through Sunday at the Ritter Park Ampitheater (above the Rose Garden and the Tennis Courts in Ritter Park). The show will then continue each weekend in July: July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29

The main show begins at 8:30 p.m. with the children’s preshow beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking.

General admission $15, seniors 65 and better and children ages 5-12 are $13. Ages 5 and under are free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more information, call 304-412-3393.

Read more about Legally Blonde in Thursday’s pullout Weekend section inside The Herald-Dispatch.

One Show Canceled, One Moved

Hope everyone is safe and well after yesterday's fierce storm!

The resultant power outages have resulted in some changes to local performances.

Proof was been canceled at the Alban Theatre because of a power outage, and Dear Edwina, Jr. is tonight at new location. The 1st Congregational Church at the corner of 7th Street and 5th Avenue in Huntington will host the show.

No word on the outdoor performances, but I assume they're running - good luck to the actors out there in this heat - they're a hardy bunch!

On Stage This Weekend

Lots of great shows taking the stage this weekend - here's the rundown:

- Proof - Alban Arts and Conference Center

Proof will be presented June 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and July 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans

Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Dear Edwina, Jr. - ARTS

   The play runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at ARTS (the old Huntington High School).Tickets are $5. Come see this dancing and singing extravaganza! Its a lot of fun courtesy of the kids at the ARTS drama camp.

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- Ring of Fire - presented at Chief Logan State Park

The musical will be presented through July 1. The show will feature 39 of the best-known songs by Johnny Cash to describe the journey of a man in search of his soul.

All shows begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12. To pur­chase tickets or for more information, call 304-752-0253 or visit the website at www.loganshows.com.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - presented by Theatre West Virginia

Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’'s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red, opened June 13. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

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- Tecumseh!

Tecumseh!, the life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly. For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Jenny Wiley Theatre

Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes June 27-28, July 6, 11-12, 17, 21 and 28, as well as Aug. 2-3, 8 and 10.

Lunch performances begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only.

The Cast of CLOG's "Legally Blonde"

Give credit to the Charleston Light Opera Guild - they not only sent out a press release about the cast for their upcoming production of Legally Blonde - the Musical, they also sent along a photo!

It shows Micah Atkinson as Elle Woods (with "Bruiser") in a photo by Joshua Jones.

Here's the info:

CHARLESTON LIGHT OPERA GUILD ANNOUNCES CAST OF LEGALLY BLONDE

Micah Atkinson will star as Elle Woods when the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical Legally Blonde July 27, 28, August 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday July 29 and August 5 at 3 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre. Mrs. Alex Schoenbaum and Brooks Run Mining Company, a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources, sponsor the production.

The large youthful cast includes Matthew Bryant as Emmett Forrest, the law student who takes Elle under his wing; Allison Plants as Paulette, the hair stylist with a heart of gold; Cameron Vance as Warner Huntington III, Elle’s conceited ex-boyfriend; Toni M. Pilato as Vivienne Kensington, Warner’s new Harvard girlfriend; Rudi Raynes-Kidder as Brooke Wyndam, the exercise queen and Michael D. Gore as Professor Callahan.

Elle’s Delta Nu sorority girlfriends are led by Allison Whitener as Margot, Ashley Showen as Serena, Madeline Southall as Pilar and Jessica Cooper as Kate with Megan Sydnor, Lindsey Duvall and Kristin Showen.

Jeannie Matras and Tim Whitener play Elle’s Mom and Dad and Steve Brannon is the UPS guy, Kyle. Harvard students are portrayed by Paul R. Isaacs Jr. as Aaron, Danae L. Samms as Enid, Afsheen Misaghi as Padamadan and Sarah Williams as Whitney.

Bill Rainey and Cameron Burford play Harvard officials. Rounding out the cast is Caroline Chamness Rainey as the Judge, Carly Thaw as Brooke Wyndam’s step daughter Chutney, Austin Thomas as Carlos, Tyler Lee as Grandmaster Chad and Erin Murphy, Joshua Price and Mark Worlledge.

Nina Denton Pasinetti is the director and choreographer, Bobby Hodges, Jr. is musical director and Mark Scarpelli is accompanist. Thomas P. Pasinetti is the tech director and Paul Shannon is the assistant to the choreographer.

The Box Office for Legally Blonde opens Monday July 23 at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre. Box Office hours are Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 1 hour before shows. All seats are reserved at $20. Call 304-343-2287 or send a message to charlestonlightoperaguild@gmail.com. Don’t miss this feel good musical!

Check out the Guild on our web page at charlestonlightoperaguild.org

The show is an energetic singing, dancing fun fest with contagious music that leaves a smile on your face.

Two Cast Lists

There are two great shows coming up later this summer: Crimes of the Heart (in Huntington) and Here Lies Alan Chase (in Ashland).

Both shows were recently cast - here's the lineup of actors, beginning with the announcement by my pal Bil Neal:

It's my tremendous pleasure to announce the cast for Crimes of the Heart at ARTS.

I was impressed by the talent of all who auditioned, and encourage all of the folks whose names aren't on the following list to keep coming back. I'd love to see you all on our stage at some point, and wish I could've done it this time.

Terri Tagmeyer will be our CHICK
Amy Browning will be our LENNY
Amy Knell Carlson will be our MEG
Jamie Mathis will be our BABE
Jason R. Kretzer will be our DOC
Dylan Clark will be our Barnette

I'm also delighted to announce that our Stage Manager will be Leann Haines.

Personally I am humbled to have these talented folks commit to this project, and a little overwhelmed by the work load ahead of each of us. I hope you'll each plan on seeing the results of our labor in August.

Now it's over to Brian Cook, who sent out this announcement:

Here Lies Alan Chase...

Cast List:

KATE - Joanna Berner
MAGGIE - Brittainy Quillin Shaw
TAMMY - Sarah Diamond Burroway
MRS. CHASE - Nancy R. Jackson
BILL - Len Trent
LES - Jonathan Maynard
JACK - Jim Maggard
MR. X - Gregory Picklesimer

Stephanie Cook will be Assistant Director.
Jason McAllister will be Set Designer and Sound Engineer.
Jesse Riggs will be Audio-Visual Designer.
Kenny The-Bearded will be Poster Designer and be in charge of refreshments.

Performances will be Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. at Hillside Church in Ashland. Admission is $5.

Spice Girls Unite to Launch Musical "Viva Forever"

In the category of "it's about darn time," we have news that the Spice Girls have reunited to launch a new musical.

Here's the story from the Associated Press:

The Spice Girls gave fans what they want — what they really, really want — Tuesday, reuniting onstage to announce the details of a musical based on their songs.

Producers stress that the stage show "Viva Forever" isn't a biography of the band, but there are plenty of real-life resonances for the 1990s "Girl Power" group in its tale of female empowerment and friendship tested by fame. The show opens in London in December.

"We're going to be introducing a whole new generation to 'Girl Power,'" said Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, who attended a media launch alongside Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown — also known as Baby, Ginger, Sporty and Scary Spice.

"Viva Forever" aims to tap the same vast female fan base as world-conquering ABBA musical "Mamma Mia," which has been produced in 14 languages and spawned a hit film starring Meryl Streep. The Spice Girls show tells the story of four friends whose bond becomes strained when their band enters a TV talent show.

Scored to Spice Girls hits including "Wannabe," ''Spice Up Your Life," ''Mama" and the title track, it was written by comedian Jennifer Saunders — co-creator of celebrity-skewering sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous" — and produced by Judy Craymer, the woman behind "Mamma Mia."

Craymer called the musical, with its focus on female friends and mother-daughter relationships, "a heartwarming family tale" that touches on the role of media and celebrity in the modern world.

"There's just something empowering about women's stories that interests me a lot," Craymer said.

Saunders — who once spoofed the Spice Girls in a mock band called the Sugar Lumps — said the show aimed to catch "the joy that they brought, their energy and their positivity."

The Spice Girls said they were delighted with the show, which was unveiled for the press in the grand neo-Gothic hotel where the video for their 1996 breakthrough hit "Wannabe" — in which the band promised to "tell you what I want, what I really, really want" — was filmed.

"Sixteen years ago when we were writing the words 'zig-a-zig-ah,' we could never have imagined they would be in a West End show," Halliwell said, quoting the catchy if confusing refrain of "Wannabe."

Added Chisholm: "It's better than we could ever have imagined."

"They sing it better than us," said Brown.

The band's outsized personalities and Halliwell's Union Jack dress made the Spice Girls icons of 1990s "Cool Britannia," and they sold 75 million records around the world. Halliwell left the group acrimoniously in 1998 and the Spice Girls effectively split a decade ago. The five members have not appeared together since a 2007-2008 reunion tour.

Since then, several have released solo records, and Beckham has become a fashion designer and part of a celebrity power couple with her soccer-star husband, David Beckham.

Despite their past differences, they appeared in good spirits as they joked and praised one another Tuesday.

Halliwell said her band mates "individually and collectively, they're really lovely."

"She's only saying that because she left!" said Chisholm.

True, Halliwell conceded, "but they took me back."

"Viva Forever" begins previews Nov. 27 and opens Dec. 11 at London's Piccadilly Theatre.

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Online: http://vivaforeverthemusical.com/

On Stage This Week: "Dear Edwina, Jr."

Here's a note from my pal Eddie Harbert:

Dear Edwina, Jr. opens this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at ARTS (the old Huntington High School).

Tickets are $5. Come see this dancing and singing extravaganza! Its a lot of fun and the kids (at the ARTS drama camp) have worked very hard.

It is a great way to spend the evening with your family and is very kid-friendly.

Auditions for "Here Lies Alan Chase"

Auditions are being held this weekend for the play Here Lies Alan Chase, a new, original drama written by Ashland native Jason McAllister, author of Albert's Hall.

The play, directed by Brian Cook, is the story of a small town newspaper and the secrets surrounding Alan Chase's last assignment and sudden death.

Auditions will take place at Hillside Community Church in Ashland on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. each night.

There are roles available for four women and four men, ages 18 and older. There will be a cold reading; materials will be provided.

Performances are scheduled for August 2, 3 and 4 at Hillside Community Church.

On Stage This Weekend - Lots of Shows!

Wow, once again we have a busy weekend loaded with nine terrific shows!

Is this a great time to be a fan of community theatre or what?

Here's the rundown:

- Stepping Out - presented by ARTS

(You can read my review right here.)

The show will be presented June 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and June 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

A revised version of the hit musical Stepping Out, this good-natured comedy from Richard Harris chronicles several months in the life of a beginning dance class. Each of the eight students, from a variety of backgrounds, has his or her own reason for joining.

For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman (and former Ovaltine dancer), is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps. Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance.

But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play - the relationships and interactions of these ten very different people. By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of sync.

For reservation and more information call 304-733-ARTS.

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- Next to Normal - presented by The Charleston Light Opera Guild

(You can read my review right here.)

The hit Broadway musical will be presented June 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 24, 2012 at 5 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston.

Next to Normal is an inventive, emotional and powerful production about one family trying to take care of themselves and each other. With a thrilling contemporary score, it is the acclaimed groundbreaking musical
that won three 2009 Tony awards for best actress, best score and best orchestrations and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama. This original musical about people has an electrifying score with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Next to Normal is one of the most talked about Broadway shows in recent history. It is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking musical experience.

Call the Guild Box Office at 304-343-2287 for tickets and more information. All tickets are $20 reserved seating.

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- Norman Rockwell's American Paradise - presented by CYAC

The musical will be presented June 21- 23 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company proudly announces the return of Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli's original nostalgic musical, Norman Rockwell's American Paradise, an endearing look at the nation in simpler times through the eyes of the beloved American painter, illustrator and creator of hundreds of iconic covers for the classic Saturday Evening Post. Relive the golden years of America as nearly 40 singers, dancers and actors of all ages bring to life 28 of Norman Rockwell's best known, best remembered works of art covering five decades of 20th century Americana, including The Four Freedoms, The Right To Know, Saying Grace, Disciplinary Action, The Check-Up, The Plumbers, The Barbershop Quartet, and many more. With songs shadowing the musical styles from the twenties to the seventies, Norman Rockwell's American Paradise conjures the comfort and simplicity of the America of our parents and grandparents.

This show is family friendly, and is suitable and entertaining for all ages, children through grandparents (and great-grand parents). Tickets are available at the door - $6 for students and seniors, $10 for adults. Call 342-6522 for reservations or more information.

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- Proof - presented by the Alban Arts and Conference Center

The drama will be presented June 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and June 24 and July 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Ring of Fire - presented at Chief Logan State Park

The musical will be presented through July 1. The show will feature 39 of the best-known songs by Johnny Cash to describe the journey of a man in search of his soul.

All shows begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12. To pur­chase tickets or for more information, call 304-752-0253 or visit the website at www.loganshows.com.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - presented by Theatre West Virginia

Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

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- Tecumseh!

Tecumseh!, the life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly. For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Jenny Wiley Theatre

Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes June 21-24 and 27-28, July 6, 11-12, 17, 21 and 28, as well as Aug. 2-3, 8 and 10.

Lunch performances begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only.

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Whew! Lots to see and enjoy - so get out there and support your local theatre group!

On Stage This Weekend: "Proof"

Here's another show on stage this weekend - the excellent drama Proof takes the stage in my hometown, St. Albans:

Proof will be presented June 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and June 24 and July 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans

Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

Directed by Adam Bryan, the cast includes:

Robert: John Johnson
Catherine: Courtney Gleason
Claire: Jessica Smith
Hal: Patrick Felton

On Stage This Week: "Norman Rockwell's America Paradise"

Back by popular demand, CYAC is presenting an original show based on the wonderful paintings of Norman Rockwell.

This weekend is your last chance to catch this excellent show - here's the info:

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company proudly announces the return of Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli's original nostalgic musical, NORMAN ROCKWELL's AMERICAN PARADISE, an endearing look at the nation in simpler times through the eyes of the beloved American painter, illustrator and creator of hundreds of iconic covers for the classic Saturday Evening Post.

Relive the golden years of America as nearly 40 singers, dancers and actors of all ages bring to life 28 of Rockwell'’s best known, best remembered works of art covering five decades of 20th century Americana, including The Four Freedoms, The Right To Know, Saying Grace, Disciplinary Action, The Check-Up, The Plumbers, The Barbershop Quartet, and many more. With songs shadowing the musical styles from the '20s to the '70s, NORMAN ROCKWELL's AMERICAN PARADISE conjures the comfort and simplicity of the America of our parents and grandparents.

This show is family friendly, and is suitable and entertaining for all ages, children through grandparents (and great-grand parents).

Show run at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, June 21- 23 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

Tickets available at the door - $6.00 for students and seniors and $10.00 for adults.

Call 342-6522 for reservations or more information.

I saw the show the last time CYAC staged it and I loved it - highly recommended!

"Next to Normal" : A Review

Every community theatre aspires to being equal to the professionals.

It's rare when a production succeeds - but you can see a good example of exactly that when you watch Next to Normal, which runs today at 5 p.m. and next weekend at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning musical tells the story of a family facing a tremendous challenge: Mom is losing her mind.

Each family member tries to cope in their own way. The father (Dan) tries to be a rock, the daughter (Natalie) is an over-achiever and a pessimist, and the son (Gabe) stands by his mother. And the mother (Diana) tries to find a cure, through drugs, treatment - any means necessary.

That's the framework for the story, which is told through a series of terrific rock songs. There are funny songs (I especially like Diana's visit to a "rock star" psychologist), heartbreaking ones (bring a hanky, folks), and celebratory anthems.

The show succeeds thanks to an extremely talented cast.

Emily Capece is riveting as Diana, the mother who has moments both manic and incisive. She's a force to be reckoned with, belting out songs, struggling with sanity and fighting for her family. It's a masterful performance, impressive and heartbreaking.

Ryan Hardiman plays Dan, the father trying to maintain the family. In a cast of strong singers, Ryan's powerful voice leads the pack, and he gets many chances to use it to great effect. His character also bears much of the pain, and he conveys it with great skill.

Matthew Bryant plays Gabe, the son at the heart of much of the family's pain. He turns in an amazing performance, bounding around the stage and sparking some of the show's most intense moments. He's also an excellent singer and carries one of the show's best anthems.

Madeline Southall plays daughter Natalie, and she's the heart of the show, bearing the pain of the family's struggles, trying to make her own way in the world. It's tough to play a pessimistic character and still make that character likable, but she manages it with great skill. Her character is also working on a budding romance with Henry, played with great sympathy (and empathy) by Scott Jarrell. Both are excellent singers and terrific actors.

Playing the dual role of Dr. Fine and Dr. Madden, Tim Whitener gets several opportunities to shine, belting out songs and providing some of the show's best light moments.

Add to the All-Star cast a terrific band, conducted by John Marshall, a fantastic set - simple but extremely effective - and top-notch tech work (the tech guys never get enough credit, but their work was flawless), and you have a fantastic show.

It's an excellent musical, worthy of its awards and performed at a level any professional production would aspire to.

Don't miss it!

"Stepping Out" : A Review

OK, just in case you don't get to read the whole review, let me just say: you should see this show!

That's because Stepping Out is outstanding in many ways. It's a drama, it's a comedy and a dancing performance all rolled into one entertaining package.

The show is set in a dance studio, where once a week seven women, one man, an instructor and a piano player gather for tap classes. As anyone who's taken a dance class can tell you, the combination (and clash) of personalities makes for good drama - and good comedy.

Each character has her (or his) own story that rolls out over the course of the show, as we see the students learning the basics of tap. It's hilarious to watch them struggle through the early stages, and by the end of the show they really get to show their stuff. But along the way, we get a look into the concerns and lives of these women (and man).

The characters are brought to life by an All-Star cast of talented performers. Amy Browning is Mavis, the former professional dancer who tries to teach the (shall we say) challenging class of students. Amy's a wonderful dancer and a terrific actor - wonderful to see her on the stage again!

Emily Asbury is radiant as Vera, the fussy Mom who annoys everyone - but faces challenges in her own life. I loved her performance for several reasons - she's brassy, assured and tremendously funny (her expressions of horror in reaction to an innocent comment put me on the floor laughing), and a terrific dancer. But it's also great to see her onstage because I watched her grow up on stage locally, and she's been a talented performer since childhood, and it's amazing to see her transform into such an accomplished and talented young actor.

The same is true for Maggie Saunders, who's now studying theatre in college, but managed to also be in this show. She plays Lynne, a nurse who discovers a terrible secret. She's luminous on stage - an accomplished actor (who also grew up on stage locally) and a terrific dancer. My only regret - if only they had figured a way to allow her to sing in this show!

Jennifer Scott radiates sex appeal as Maxine, the mom who struggles at home but shines on the dance floor. She stepped from a starring role in 9 to 5 right into this show, and does terrific work here.

Jennifer Naglee plays Andy, a nervous student who struggles on the floor - and off. She really covers the extremes here, with some serious dramatic moments and some hilarious attempts on the dance floor. Her expressions while learning the dance steps are worth the price of admission alone.

Jane Modlin plays Sylvia, the down-to-Earth wife of a working class guy. She's a scream in this for her struggles to learn tap and for her (shall we say) direct answers to her fellow dancers. Best of all, she gets to prove that, contrary to her past comments, she can chew gum and dance at the same time.

Andrea Parkins is delightful as Dorothy, loaded with high-energy, enthusiasm and an awesome fashion sense. I'm assuming she has lots of previous experience in dancing, just judging by her pre-class stretching.

Linda Reynolds plays Rose, and I don't think Linda knows how to be anything less than hilarious. She's brash, funny and a heck of a good dancer!

Karen Pruitt plays Mrs. Fraser, the often rude and prickly pianist. She's a hoot as she says all the things that most of us think about but would never say. She also provides one of the show's most delightful moments.

Last and certainly not least is the brave Michael Naglee, the lone guy in a show swimming in womanliness (is that a word?). He's very funny as Geoffrey, the bashful student who does his best to stay out of the way of his more forceful classmates. His expressions are absolutely priceless, and he's a heck of a talented dancer.

Kudos to the directing team, Gene and Coni Anthony, for crafting a show that's so much fun that you'll want to see it over and over. They're notorious for just picking the best projects to tackle, and this show just adds to that reputation.

If you've had any experience with dance classes - or if you haven't - you'll love this show. It gets my highest recommendation!