Happy Anniversary!

   
   It's hard to believe that it was 12 years ago today that I started writing the Tri-State Theatre blog for the Herald-Dispatch! 

   It started with a phone call from my pal Dave Lavender at the H-D, who said, "We want to start a blog dedicated to theatre in the area. Do you know someone who might like to write it?"

   I immediately responded, "You mean other than me?"

   I was happy to tackle it because it promised to be a way to help promote local shows - and that was something community theatre badly needed (and continues to need) help with: getting the word out about upcoming shows.

   It's been a lot of fun, although not always easy to work into my schedule - I wish I had more time to write stories about shows, or write more reviews, for example - but we'll continue to do our best to get out the word on upcoming shows.

   By some coincidence, I also note that our "Pageviews" count is just about a dozen away from hitting half-a-million viewers - how cool is that? It's nice to know folks are reading along out there!

   This blog continues to be fun, so I hope to keep at it for a while - as long as you keep reading, gentle reader, I'll keep writing!

   And, as always, feel free to send in guest columns / reviews / memories / etc. to us at TheMinskers@aol.com.

   Just for fun, here's the first post for this site from Oct. 4, 2006:

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

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

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

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

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

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

   In October (2006) alone, you can see "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Hair," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The Three Musketeers."That’s why, under the kind auspices of The Herald-Dispatch, we’re launching this theatre blog -- to focus on those local shows, and talk about the shows that are coming up, shows from years past (the ones you loved and the ones you hated), and to take you behind the scenes to see how shows are made.

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

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

Shows On Stage This Week (Plus Coming Attractions and Auditions)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Peter and the Starcatcher” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the musical on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

- “Sad Mad Glad: The Musical” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde’s musical adaptation of Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn’s children’s books of the same name. A dozen new songs with titles such as “Your Eyes, Your Nose, Your Skin, Your Toes,” “Why, Why, Why” and “Pozz-itivity” pack this hour-long jaunt written for the 7 and under crowd. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $5 for kids 5 and under, $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. 

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Charlotte's Web” - the Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the children’s classic story on Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will give an encore performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. A $10 donation suggested.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Love, Loss and What I Wore” - the Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the play on Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. at Make: Art Studio and Gallery in Barboursville. Ticket are $15.00. 

- “Of Devils and Men” is a live stage play written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The death penalty has just been passed into law. Twelve jurors, one is the devil. The end has come. Performances will be at the Capitol Theatre in Charleston on Oct. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

- “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobblies” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the radio play by Nelson Bond on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- “Good Night, Grovers Corners” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Dan Kehde’s radical anti-war play, which was written two years after 9/11. The basis of an independent film of the same name, this hard hitting satirical drama remains relevant to the continuing Iraqi and Afghan conflicts of today. Adult humor and situations make it more appropriate for audiences aged 13 and older. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. on Oct. 25, 26 and 27, and at 7 p.m. on  Nov. 1, 2 and 3. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. 

- “Dracula” - The Paramount Players present the play based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at midnight at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky.

- “Dracula” - presented by The Aracoma Story. It’s based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park on October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

- “Arsenic & Old Lace” - Portsmouth Little Theatre. The play will be presented on Oct. 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. Mortimer Brewster has just become engaged, and he visits his sweet spinster aunts to announce the engagement. His world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years! Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancé -- all while trying to keep his own sanity, as well. An uproarious farce on plays involving murder, this show has become a favorite.

- “Perfect Wedding” - the Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) presents one of Samuel French’s most produced plays, which deals with a wedding day gone horribly and hilariously, wrong. It will be presented at the JB Sowards Theatre on Nov. 2 and 3.

- “Ragtime the Musical” - presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center. The musical will be presented in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, 2018.

- “Forever Plaid” - Paramount Players present a dinner theater with musical numbers from the ’40s and ’50s, including "Chain Gang,” "Heart & Soul,” "Moments To Remember" and more! It stars Rick Payne, Josh Jannotta, Thaddeus Stambaugh and Matt Hammond at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

———————————-

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

AUDITIONS FOR: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”  by Barbara Robinson. The play will be presented by Alban Arts Center and directed by Adam Bryan. Auditions will be Oct. 6 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Oct. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. The show will be presented Dec. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16. Parts are available for ages 5 to adult of all experience levels. Synopsis: Beth Bradley’s church’s Christmas pageant is predictable every year - the angel choir wears too much lipstick, the shepherds are all in their father’s bathrobes, the minister’s son is permanently cast in the role of Joseph -- hardly “four-star entertainment.” But when seasoned and authoritative pageant director Mrs. Armstrong breaks her leg, it is up to Beth’s inexperienced mother Grace to step in. The timing couldn’t be worse, as the rambunctious Herdman children, a rough and tough group of siblings from the wrong side of the tracks, descend upon the pageant, lured by the promise of free dessert at Sunday school, and determined to win all the lead roles for themselves. But Beth and her community watch in surprise as the same old Christmas story is rejuvenated by the creativity, energy, and unexpected sincerity of a misunderstood young family. Barbara Robinson’s The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, based on her novel of the same name, is a widely beloved Christmas tale, warm and incredibly funny, full of characters both relatable and utterly unique.

AUDITIONS FOR: “Mamma Mia” - Presented by Charleston Light Opera Guild. and the Clay Center. Auditions will be held at the Guild Theatre. Singing auditions will be Monday, Nov. 5 at 7:00 p.m. - prepare vocal selection and bring sheet music for Guild accompanist. Reading auditions will be Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. - scripts provided for lead, supporting and featured character readings. Dancing auditions will be Monday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m. - dress to dance, musical theater combinations will be taught. Be prompt! The musical will be presented in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Jan. 18, 19, 25, and 26, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Jan. 20 and 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. This musical staging is based on the book by Catherine Johnson and music and lyrics by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. This is the first time the musical will be produced by a community theatre company in the region. ABBA's hits tell the hilarious story of a young woman's search for her birth father.  This sunny and funny tale unfolds on a Greek island paradise.  On the eve of her wedding, a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father brings three men from her mother's past back to the island they last visited 20 years ago. The story-telling magic of ABBA's timeless songs propels this enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship, creating an unforgettable show.  A large cast, non-stop laughs and explosive dance numbers combine to make Mamma Mia! enjoyable for any audience. 

——————————-

One Last Chance to See "Alice!"

    I saw the performance of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland this evening in Huntington and loved it!

   (By the way, I should admit up front that I serve on the board of First Stage Theatre - but my only involvement with the show was as a member of the audience.)

   The cast was amazing, bringing to life the small army of crazed characters from the classic, madcap story by Lewis Carroll! The set was impressive and the costumes were absolutely stunning!

   It's a fast, furious show full of surprises and lots of laughs!

   And it was great to see a show in the classic Huntington East auditorium (the building now houses the Cabell County Board of Education, but the auditorium is in terrific shape)!

   You only have one more chance to catch the show - it wraps up today (Sunday) at 2:30 p.m.

   Don't miss it! 

On Stage This Weekend: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"

   It only took about 26 years, but First Stage Theatre - Huntington's long-running children's theatre - is finally getting around the staging Alice's Adventures in Wonderland again - and the show runs this weekend only!

 First staged in 1992, the show is back (with a brand new cat, of course) and being presented on a classic stage - the recently-refurbished theatre at the old Huntington East High School (now the Cabell County Education Central Office) at 2850 Fifth Avenue.

  The play, of course, is based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll about a young girl who follows a large white rabbit into a strange world of talking caterpillars, Cheshire Cats who disappear (leaving behind only a smile), Mad Hatters, March Hares and the Queen of Hearts and her army of playing cards.

    The cast of the play is made up entirely of young performers from the Tri-state area.

   Shows will be presented Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the door - or to reserve tickets, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).

   The play is directed by Zach Davis and produced by Jeanette Bailey, with Assistant Director Madeline Jackson and Costumes by Tish Maynard. 

   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.

On Stage This Weekend (And Coming Attractions)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30 at the Cabell County School Board building (the former Huntington East High School). Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Sad Mad Glad: The Musical” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde’s musical adaptation of Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn’s children’s books of the same name. A dozen new songs with titles such as “Your Eyes, Your Nose, Your Skin, Your Toes,” “Why, Why, Why” and “Pozz-itivity” pack this hour-long jaunt written for the 7 and under crowd. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27, 28 and 29, at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $5 for kids 5 and under, $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. 

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story” and “High School Reunion” as a night of one acts will be presented by The Fat Llama Theatre Company. Show dates are September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Ironton Elks Lodge 177. “Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story” follows Sam and Katie as they go through the trials and tribulations of love at the tender age of five in this hilarious and sweet take on young romance. “High School Reunion” reunites five frenemies. After spending a fateful night together at their senior prom, they gather at their 10th, 25th, and 65th high school reunions. This comedy proves that while high school may only last four years, for some, the desire to outdo their high school buddies never fades away. Auditions will consist of a cold read from the script.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Peter and the Starcatcher” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the musical on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

- “Charlotte's Web” - the Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the children’s classic story on Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will give an encore performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. A $10 donation suggested.

- “Love, Loss and What I Wore” - the Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the play on Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. at Make: Art Studio and Gallery in Barboursville. Ticket are $15. 

On Stage This Weekend (and Coming Attractions)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- "Romeo and Juliet" - Alban Arts Center present the Shakespeare classic at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater Sept. 20, 21 and 22.

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30 at the Cabell County School Board building (the former Huntington East High School). Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Sad Mad Glad: The Musical” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde’s musical adaptation of Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn’s children’s books of the same name. A dozen new songs with titles such as “Your Eyes, Your Nose, Your Skin, Your Toes,” “Why, Why, Why” and “Pozz-itivity” pack this hour-long jaunt written for the 7 and under crowd. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27, 28 and 29, at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $5 for kids 5 and under, $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. 

- “Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story” and “High School Reunion” as a night of one acts will be presented by The Fat Llama Theatre Company. Show dates are September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Ironton Elks Lodge 177. “Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story” follows Sam and Katie as they go through the trials and tribulations of love at the tender age of five in this hilarious and sweet take on young romance. “High School Reunion” reunites five frenemies. After spending a fateful night together at their senior prom, they gather at their 10th, 25th, and 65th high school reunions. This comedy proves that while high school may only last four years, for some, the desire to outdo their high school buddies never fades away. Auditions will consist of a cold read from the script.

- “Peter and the Starcatcher” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the musical on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

- “Charlotte's Web” - the Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the children’s classic story on Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will give an encore performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. A $10 donation suggested.

Movie Trailer: "Mary Poppins Returns"

   OK, it's not exactly theatre related (though one of the stars is Lin-Manuel Miranda, one of Broadway's biggest names), but this new trailer for the movie Mary Poppins Returns is just delightful.

   Check it out and have a smile:

"Midsummer" Makes a Return Visit

   Good news for those who missed the only performance of Alchemy Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream, you get another chance!

   By popular demand, Huntington's newest theatre troupe will give another performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. 

   The audience will surround the set under the gazebo roof! 

   It's a terrific, funny show - send chances are rare in local theatre, so don't miss it!

On Stage Soon: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

   First Stage Theatre Company will present the play Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Cabell County Education Central Office auditorium (the former Huntington East High School) at 2850 Fifth Avenue in Huntington on Sept. 28, 29 and 30, 2018. 

 

   The play is based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll about a young girl who follows a large white rabbit into a strange world of talking caterpillars, Cheshire Cats who disappear, Mad Hatters and the Queen of Hearts and her army of playing cards.

 

   The cast of the play is made up entirely of young performers from the Tri-state area.

 

   Shows will be presented Sept. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).

 

   A special daytime performance is available for schools (by reservation only) on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact First Stage at jeanettebailey2@gmail.com. 

   The play is directed by Zach Davis and produced by Jeanette Bailey, with Assistant Director Madeline Jackson and Costumes by Tish Maynard. 

   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.

On Stage This Week

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Sept. 14, 15 and 16.

- "Romeo and Juliet" - Alban Arts Center present the Shakespeare classic at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.

- “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr.” - The Paramount Players present the show based on the animated film at the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30 at the Cabell County School Board building (the former Huntington East High School). Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story” and “High School Reunion” as a night of one acts will be presented by The Fat Llama Theatre Company. Show dates are September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Ironton Elks Lodge 177. “Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story” follows Sam and Katie as they go through the trials and tribulations of love at the tender age of five in this hilarious and sweet take on young romance. “High School Reunion” reunites five frenemies. After spending a fateful night together at their senior prom, they gather at their 10th, 25th, and 65th high school reunions. This comedy proves that while high school may only last four years, for some, the desire to outdo their high school buddies never fades away. Auditions will consist of a cold read from the script.

- “Peter and the Starcatcher” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the musical on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

- “Charlotte's Web” - the Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the children’s classic story on Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “Love, Loss and What I Wore” - the Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the play on Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. at Make: Art Studio and Gallery in Barboursville. Ticket are $15.00. 

- “Of Devils and Men” is a live stage play written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The death penalty has just been passed into law. Twelve jurors, one is the devil. The end has come. Performances will be at the Capitol Theatre in Charleston on Oct. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

- “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobblies” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the radio play by Nelson Bond on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- “Dracula” - The Paramount Players present the play based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at midnight at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky.

- “Dracula” - presented by The Aracoma Story. It’s based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park on October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

Auditions for "Dracula" in Ashland

   Auditions are being held next week for Dracula, which will be presented by The Paramount Players. 

   Auditions will be held Monday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center. Auditions are open to ages 16 and older. 

   The play is based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. 

   The show will be presented Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at midnight.

On Stage This Week (and Upcoming Shows)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Sept. 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- "Romeo and Juliet" - Alban Arts Center present the Shakespeare classic at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.

- “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr.” - The Paramount Players present the show based on the animated film at the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. 

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30 at the Cabell County School Board building (the former Huntington East High School). Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story” and “High School Reunion” as a night of one acts will be presented by The Fat Llama Theatre Company. Show dates are September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Ironton Elks Lodge 177. “Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story” follows Sam and Katie as they go through the trials and tribulations of love at the tender age of five in this hilarious and sweet take on young romance. “High School Reunion” reunites five frenemies. After spending a fateful night together at their senior prom, they gather at their 10th, 25th, and 65th high school reunions. This comedy proves that while high school may only last four years, for some, the desire to outdo their high school buddies never fades away. Auditions will consist of a cold read from the script.