On Stage This Weekend - Last Chance to see "Gypsy"

This weekend is your last chance to catch a classic musical in Charleston.

Gypsy is being presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild May 21 and 22 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

Don't miss it!

Red Lion at Greenup This Summer

Just got this recently - the lineup of shows the Red Lion Theatre Company will be presenting this summer at Greenbo State Resort Park:

A Midsummer Night's Dream The Musical

PERFORMANCES: June 3-6 and 10-13 at 8:05 p.m.

TICKETS: $12 General Admission / $10 Seniors & Students

Directed by Kory Helmick, Production Managed by Joanna Berner, Technical Directed by Tyler Bradley.

William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream the Musical is a tale of intertwined lovers. Hermia is in love with Lysander. Demetrius is in love with Hermia. Helena is in love with Demetrius. The four end up lost in an unfamiliar place where Oberon, King of the Fairies, and Titania, Queen of the Fairies, are in the midst of their own love spat. Oberon sends Puck, the King's comical servant, to acquire a magical flower, the juice of which can be used to make people fall in love. Puck, once sent to do his "cupid" duties, makes a mess of everything- causing one wrong love affair after another: Titania to a goofy actor named, Bottom, Lysander and Demetrius to Helena, and so on. Now set to a contemporary country and '80s rock and pop-rock score, William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream the Musical will have you singing in your seats and is a ton of fun for the whole family!

AND

PIPPIN: His Life & Times

AUDITIONS: June 28-29 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fairview High school Cafeteria

PERFORMANCES: August 12-15 at 8:05 p.m.

TICKETS: $12 General Admission / $10 Seniors & Students

Directed by Jim Maggard, Technical Directed by Tyler Bradley.

Once upon a time, the young prince Pippin longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, he found it in the simple pleasures of home and family.

Originally directed and choreographed by Bob Fosse, this hip, tongue-in-cheek, anachronistic fairy tale captivated Broadway audiences and continues to appeal to the young at heart everywhere. The energetic pop-influenced score by three-time Oscar-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell, Children of Eden and the animated films Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Prince of Egypt) bursts with one show stopping number after another, from soaring ballads to infectious dance numbers!

Marshall Artists Series sets fundraiser May 22

Tickets are now on sale for the Marshall Artists Series annual fundraiser Uncorked!: A food fair and wine festival, from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 22, on 4th Avenue, between 9th and 10th streets, and inside the Arcade Galleria, in downtown Huntington.

Patrons are invited to shop the street food fair for organic, locally sourced, fresh market and enhance their palates with appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared by regional chefs, local restaurants and specialty shops. The street fair and food vendors are cash only.

Festival goers will have the opportunity to taste more than 40 wines complimented by the jazz sounds of Laura Evans & Company. Additionally, participants may bid on a number of items during a silent auction to be held from 1-3 p.m., concluding with a live auction for exclusive items during the final hour of the festival.

Offerings include: A VIP suite for a Justin Bieber concert, prime Cleveland Indians baseball tickets, an exclusive Sparkle and Stars Champagne pairing party, dinners courtesy of 21 at the Frederick Restaurant, Blackhawk Grille, Huntington Prime and Rocco’s Ristorante and multiple dinners hosted by local supporters of the arts and entertainment in the community.

Tickets are $35 and may be purchased the day of the event in the lobby of the Keith Albee Theater or in advance at the Marshall Artists Series box office, by phone 304-696-6656 or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Corporate tables of eight are also available for $500 (price includes private table for you and your guests, special wine not included on the tasting, and a freshly baked loaf of artisan bread). A limited number of corporate tables are available. Reserve tables by calling 304-696-3326 or contact artistsseries@marshall.edu.

Uncorked! Is sponsored by Atomic Distributing, Kroger, Pepsi, Standard Distributing, The Herald-Dispatch, WSAZ, WKEE, WTCR and B-97.

The Marshall Artists Series is dedicated to contributing to the cultural enrichment of the community. In addition to presenting a variety of music, dance, theatrical productions, the organization has been providing workshops and outreach opportunities to the University's students, area youth and residents for more than 73 years.

Two Spring Concerts May 18

Here are two music events you'll want to see:

- The Huntington High and Cabell Midland combined orchestras under the direction of Ron Caviani will present their annual Spring Concert. The orchestra recently won third place at the Strawberry Festival Orchestra Competition. Come hear the music and see the performance of this award-winning orchestra on Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in the Cabell Midland High School auditorium. Doors open at 6:30 and the event is free to the public.

- The Tri-State Youth Orchestra and Youth Strings will present their annual Spring Concert. This completes their 13th concert season. The performance will be at the New Baptist Church, 610 28th Street (the old ice arena). The performance begins at 8 p.m. and the doors open at 7:30. Admission is $5, children 12 and under free.

Spring Valley "After Hours"

My pal Zach Davis sends along news of a special music event coming up soon. He writes:

I just got wind from the Spring Valley High School Choir Director that they are putting on a performance that the are calling After Hours May 21 in the choir room.

They are offering two show times. The first is at 7:30 p.m. and the other is 9 p.m. Admission is $5 and that includes dessert and refreshments.

Several students will also be performing original compositions that they have written. So it is a great opportunity to not only show support to the students but to the arts that enrich our tri-state.

I will also be the emcee for the evening, which is always scary, for you never know what I will do with a microphone!

Audience members are instructed to enter out back of the school. Signs will be posted. So pass the word!

Cast List for "Annie"

Huntington Outdoor Theatre has announced its initial cast list for Annie and the Pre-Show Cast:

Annie - Lydia Waybright
Miss Hannigan - Mary Olson
Grace - Jessica Maier
Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks - Paul Neace
Rooster - Mark Radford
Lily St. Regis - Angela Hunt
Bert Healey - Ryan Jackson
F.D. Roosevelt - Todd Green
Molly - Shelby Easter
Pepper - Sarena Johnson
Kate - Joanna Finley
Duffy - Sarah Miranda
Tessie - Sydney Fletcher
July - Cadyn Turley
Orphan - Jade Daniels
Orphan - Maddie Johnson
Orphan - Katie Fulks
Orphan - Ivy Idzakovich
Orphan - Hannah Spurlock
Orphan - Annie Wolfe
Drake - Kenny Bass
Mrs. Pugh (Cook) - Rebecca Prichard
Mrs. Greer (Housekeeper) - Rachel Bartrum
Annette (French Maid) - Kara Wagner
Cecille (French Maid) - Miranda Swanson
Mr. Bundles - Ryan Jackson
Appleseller - Levi Kelley
Dog Catcher - Andrew Surber
Assistant Dog Catcher - Chris Ellison
Lieutenant Ward - Zachary Brewer
Artie - Andrew Surber
Sophie - Natalie Perry
Eddie - Ryan Jackson
Mary - Nicole Jackson
Jane - Morgan McMicken
Fred - Kenny Bass
Peggy - Chloe Donahoe
Irene - Brea Ross
Hooverville/Servant - Tammy Barrett
Hooverville/Servant - Rachel Bartram
Hooverville/Servant - Kacey Blatt
Hooverville/Servant - Megan Boggs
Hooverville/Servant - Rebekka Bolt
Hooverville/Servant - Kerri Easter-Stambaugh
Hooverville/Servant - Chris Ellison
Hooverville/Servant - Ruth Finley
Hooverville/Servant - Christina Gayheart
Hooverville/Servant - Alyssa Hall
Hooverville/Servant - Megan Haynes
Hooverville/Servant - Helen Heffner
Hooverville/Servant - Casey Homonai
Hooverville/Servant - Alaina Krantz
Hooverville/Servant - Josh Mitts
Hooverville/Servant - Taylor Perdue
Hooverville/Servant - Rebekah Prichard
Hooverville/Servant - Laura Ptakowski
Hooverville/Servant - Jacob Smith
Hooverville/Servant - Hayley Spurlock
Hooverville/Servant - Miranda Swanson
Hooverville/Servant - Lexie Thompson
Hooverville/Servant - Kara Wagner
Hooverville/Servant - Elizabeth White
Hooverville/Servant - Brian Zepp
Cabinet (Louis Howe) - Levi Kelley
Cabinet (Francis Perkins) - Natalie Perry
Cabinet (Cordell Hull) - Andrew Surber
Cabinet (Henry Morganthau) - Kenny Bass
Cabinet (Harold Ikes) - Ryan Jackson
Bonnie Boylan - Miranda Swanson
Connie Boylan - Morgan McMickem
Ronnie Boylan - Kara Wagnor

Pre-Show Cast

Heather Adkins
Emily Bannon
Emily Bolt
Anna Brewer
Kaydie Brumfield
Justin Clayborne
Chloe Donahoe
Audrey Fossom
Olivia Fossom
Rebecca Gaunch
Drew Goodall
Bethany Hamilton
Holly Hamilton
Rachel Hamilton
Casey Homonai
Nicole Jackson
Alaina Krantz
Macie McCallister
Megan McCallister
Morgan McMicken
Josua Mitts
Gabrielle Moye
tsabelle Moye
Laura Ptakowski
Savannah Payne
Taylor Perdue
Gracie Perdue
Mark Radford
Olivia Roberts
Jacob Smith
J. Garrett Snyder
Claire Snyder
Grant Snyder
Lexie Thompson
Cody Verbage
Brian Zepp

On Stage This Weekend - "Gypsy"

There's just one show taking the stage this weekend - but it's a great one!

The classic musical Gypsy, which tells the tale of the ultimate stage mom will be presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

Ironton High Presents "How to Succeed in Business" This Weekend

Ironton High School has a long tradition of putting on great shows - and now they're ready to go home for their next performance!

Here's the story from the Herald-Dispatch:

After performing Broadway musicals at Raceland-Worthington High School for the past two years while their new auditorium was under construction, Ironton High School drama students will perform for the first time in their new 601-seat auditorium this weekend.

The inaugural play, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, will be performed Thursday through Sunday, May 13-15.

High school students have been attending class at the former junior high school building in North Ironton while a new high school was built on the site of the old school on South 7th Street. More than 60 students are working on the musical, the first official event at the new school, said Kathryn Price, high school vocal music and drama teacher.

“We’re supposed to get an occupancy permit for this section of the school this week,” Price said Tuesday. “We’re working hard to get it ready.

“The auditorium is state of the art,” she said. “It’s bright, clean and new. The acoustics are really good. We always do a Broadway musical in the spring. We’re about two months late for this, but we wanted to have it in the new school. The seniors are excited about it. The people at Raceland-Worthington were very nice, but it’s nice to come home.”

“The auditorium is better than I could have dreamed,” said Ironton Superintendent Dean Nance. “It’s unbelievable. The sound is great and the lighting system is like something out of Air Force One. I’d like to thank the Ironton community for providing the funds for this performing arts center.”

The high school kept the old entrance built in 1922 in the designs for the new high school. Construction on the new school started three years ago. It is scheduled to be ready for students in August.

“The third floor and the second floor are finished,” he said. “They’re still working on some classrooms on the first floor. It’s been a long process, but I think everyone will be happy with the finished project.”

The auditorium also has an orchestra pit and 15 students will perform there during the musical, Price said.

Matinees are scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. Friday. Public performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Friday, 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets cost $6 for adults and $4 for students. Reserved seating also is available for $12.50. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling 740-532-3911, ext. 20.

Cabell-Midland's Spring Concert

Here's a event any music lover should enjoy - and you can't beat the price!

Here's the info:

Cabell-Midland High School's music department is presenting their annual spring band concert on Thursday, May 13 at 7 p.m. in the school's auditorium.

Come hear the award-winning bands including the Concert band directed by Ron Caviani, the Sax Ensemble directed by Chris Shew, and the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band directed by Rhonda Smalley.

Doors open at 6:30 and the show is open and free to the public.

Why I Like Children's Theatre

This may just look like another photo from the St. Joe's Prom, but I find it touching, because the two stunning young people in the photo - Mary Kate Young and Eric Newfeld - performed together in a song in the second show I directed for First Stage Theatre Company - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

The show was staged in 2002 - and the song was all about the boy expressing his love for the girl (who wasn't exactly thrilled by the attention). And here they are eight years later - good friends, going to the prom together.

That photo is just more proof of the positive results of being involved with Children's Theatre - building confidence and making lasting friendships!

Happy Mother's Day!

A brief illness kept me from visiting my Mom today (I'm feeling better now, thanks), but I wanted to take a moment and wish her a Happy Mothers Day!

Mom's the greatest - she's loving, caring, supportive, hard-working, funny, intelligent and one of the best people I've ever known. If everyone could be more like her, the world would be a much better place.

I owe her everything, and I just wanted to tell her I love her.

Last Chance to Catch "The First Day of Summer"

You only have one more chance to see the original drama The First Day of Summer! The final performance is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Museum of Art.

I saw it Saturday night with my lovely wife and about a dozen good friends, and all I can say is: what a wonderful play!

Written and directed by Jonathan Joy, the show introduces us to Ron and Laney, two teens who meet in the woods near their homes during the summer.

They narrate the touching and often funny story of how they became friends, their encounters with other friends, enemies and schoolmates, and the effect they had on each other's life.

It's great to see young actors bring this story to life - they do amazing work here! So kudos to Thomas Armstrong, Cassi Bowen, Ayla Edwards, Sara Bryan, Madyelyn Hill, Rachel Lykens, Samuel Collins, Emily Bannon, Emily Underwood, Leslie Collins, Katie Fulks, Katlin Stricklin, Teddy Haddox and Delaney Waugh, along with the tech crew and the directing team on a job well done!

Highly recommended!

On Stage Tonight - "The First Day of Summer" and "Gypsy"

You have two great shows to choose from tonight: an original play taking the stage for one weekend only in Huntington, and a classic musical on stage in Charleston.

- The First Day of Summer - First Stage Theatre Company presents this original play by Jonathan Joy tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Museum of Art.

- Gypsy - the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the classic musical tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theater. The show also runs for the next two weekends in May.

So get out there and enjoy some live local theatre - you'll be glad you did!

"The First Day of Summer" - the Story

I've been talking it up (because it's a show all ages will enjoy), but today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch has a lovely story by my pal Dave Lavender about The First Day of Summer you should read (the show starts Friday at the Huntington Museum of Art and runs this weekend only). You can find it right here... and right here:

The First Day of Summer starts now.

OK, so the official first day of summer isn't for another month, but the new original play, The First Day of Summer, by prolific, award-winning playwright Jon Joy will be presented this weekend by the First Stage Theatre Company in the auditorium at the Huntington Museum of Art.

The show runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 7-8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, May 9.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

This will be the first full-length premiere of the play, which was first written as a 30-minute, one act play in Summer 2004, and premiered to a sold out crowd at Shawnee State University in 2005. Since then, Joy has been workshopping the play, expanding it into an hour long full length with a larger cast.

Joy, who has written nearly 20 plays and has had one printed in The New York Times, performed at Columbus' Fringe Festival, FestivALL Charleston and Marshall University's New Works Festival, said the credit for inspiring this play goes to Marshall University professor John Van Kirk, who teaches a week-long class every May when students hike, write and stay at Twin Falls State Resort Park.

"It really is a neat class of just writing and hiking all day," Joy said. "I came up with the idea then and wrote it a 30-minute version and it has just grown over the years. It's about an hour-long now and is more developed with more characters, and this group has helped a lot. The kids are very honest when it comes to workshopping which has been nice. They have given me some good ideas and that's made me feel better about the play."

The play follows a boy named Ron and girl named Laney, who are now 18, but who met at age 12 while on summer vacation. Though they clashed at first, they grow close and begin a life-long friendship. They spend their days playing games, talking about hopes and dreams and sharing stories of fellow classmates from their two different hometowns. When they are split apart at the end of summer they make a pact. They agree to meet back at their favorite spot in the woods on the first day of summer following high school graduation.

"It is kind of about those people that stick with you throughout your whole life," Joy said. "It's that age when you are starting to meet people and meet friends that you have for a long time, so it's kind of that coming-of-age story at the same time."

Joy, who graduated from Marshall University in 2004 with a master's in English, said they've been utilizing a minimalist set at the museum, relying on the writing and the acting of the 14 students in the play from grades third to 11th to propel the story.

Although Joy has been on the board at First Stage for about a year and a half, this is the first production he has done with the children's theater company since he was in high school and did Alice in Wonderland in 1992.

Joy said they've all been enveloped in this rare chance for a children's theater group to get to mold and then premiere a play.

"It is so different than doing a scripted play because we can play around with it, and this is the first cast to play the roles and so they have a big impact on who these characters are," Joy said. "There have been a few line changes and some dialogue that works better, but mostly they have given me confidence in the story and the characters because the play is so different from anything I have written before. That had me worried going into it, but they gave me confidence and showed me the worth in it. I really like the play a lot more now seeing it on its feet."

"First Day of Summer" - Interview with Jonathan Joy

Wrapping up the organization's 20th Anniversary celebration, First Stage Theatre Company is presenting its first-ever original play this weekend.

The First Day of Summer was written and directed by Huntington's Jonathan Joy (that's him standing in the photo above), and he took time out from rehearsals at the Huntington Museum of Art to take part in this e-interview about the show, how it got started, and a certain other important job he recently tackled.

Here's what he had to say:

Q: Jon, give us some background - what is The First Day of Summer about?

Jon: It is a coming of age story surrounding two young people, a boy named Ron and a girl named Laney, who meet at age 12 one year while on summer vacation in the woods of West Virginia. The two clash at first, but eventually grow close and begin a lifelong friendship. They spend their days playing games, talking about hopes and dreams and sharing stories of fellow classmates from their two different hometowns. When they are split apart at the end of summer, they make a pact. They agree to meet back at their favorite spot in the woods on the first day of summer following high school graduation. It is a story about memory and the people and places that have an impact in our lives and stay with us forever.

Q: You wrote The First Day of Summer a while ago - how has the play changed since that first version?

Jon: The original draft was a 25 minute, two character, one act play. I wrote it for a graduate class at Marshall in May 2004. A year later, I re-worked it and staged it at Shawnee State University. We had a great response up there and I've been working on re-shaping it ever since. Over the years I've read it with students at Huntington High, the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center and my Governor's School students in Ohio. Each group gave me feedback and helped shape this version. Of course, my current cast has had more input than everyone. The current version is much more developed and perfectly suited for children's theatre. It is more than twice as long as the one act version and has a cast of 14 young actors.

Q: How have the rehearsals for this show been different from usual rehearsals?

Jon: We've spent a lot of time on character development and blocking, as usual. However, since the script is a flexible, changeable entity, we have also spent time discussing changes that should be made to the dialogue, backstory, and more. We've workshopped the piece, which, in its simplest definition, means we've made adjustments/changes to the script depending on how the lines sound and feel and the feedback I get from the actors. Each actor has had input into the growth of this play. I've workshopped a lot of plays and this has been the most honest workshopping experience ever. Kids don't hold back their thoughts, feeling, etc., and that is very helpful in this regard.

Q: Have the young actors had fun working on this?

Jon: I think they have had a blast. Playmaking is a great way to meet new people and explore your creative side. That is true with any play. In this specific case, the process and the play itself is a bit different from anything these actors have done before and I think they are really enjoying that aspect of it. I think it's vital, regardless of age, to challenge conventions and try new things every once in a while.

Q: Just to add to the challenge of staging a show - you and your wife had a baby recently! How are Mom and Baby (and Dad) doing?

Jon: We're great (although a bit tired). Our boy, Levi Tobin Joy, was born April 13 and he is awesome. Balancing work, the play and our new addition to the family has been tough, but we love parenthood. Levi (aka Toby) seems pretty happy, too. This is our first and we are both fascinated with his day to day growth and development. Being a dad rocks!

Q: Tell us when and where the show will be staged.

Jon: The show will play Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 9 at 2:30 p.m. Performances are at the Huntington Museum of Art.

Thanks, Jon! I should add that I read an early version of this play, and the audience is in for a treat - it's funny, touching and very entertaining. Highly recommended!

On Stage in May

I'm running late with this post - sorry about that!

Here are the shows coming up in May (a surprising number, really - usually there are few this late in the Spring):

- The First Day of Summer - First Stage Theatre Company presents this original play by Jonathan Joy May 7, 8 and 9 at the Huntington Museum of Art.

- Gypsy - the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the classic musical May 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- Courting Disaster - the Kanawha Players presents this musical comedy that makes fun of judges, lawyers, and litigants without fear or favor. Shows are May 27, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and May 30 at 2 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre.

Check 'em out!

"The First Day of Summer" Photo Gallery

You can see some photos from last night's rehearsal of The First Day of Summer right here on the Herald-Dispatch's website.

In the photo below by Sholten Singer, actors Cassie Bowen and Thomas Armstrong practice a scene together.

The play will be presented Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Museum of Art.

The play was written and directed by Jonathan Joy. The First Day of Summer is a story of two young people, a boy named Ron and a girl named Laney, who meet at age 12 one year while on summer vacation. The two clash at first, but eventually grow close and begin a lifelong friendship. They spend their days playing games, talking about hopes and dreams and sharing stories of fellow classmates from their two different hometowns. When they are split apart at the end of summer, they make a pact. They agree to meet back at their favorite spot in the woods on the first day of summer following high school graduation. Four actors portray Ron and Laney at age 12 and at age 18.

Tickets $10.00 for Adults, $8.00 Kids 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 304-416-5437.

The Tony Nominees Are...

Hey, they announced the nominees today for this year's Tony Awards. Lots of famous actors are in the running, but many of the shows are probably not familiar to the casual audience (other than the revivals).

Here's the announcement:

Nominations in 26 competitive categories for the American Theatre Wing’s 64th Annual Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards® were announced today by Tony Award nominated actor Jeff Daniels and actress Lea Michele.

The nominees were selected by an independent committee of 27 theatre professionals appointed by the Tony Awards Administration Committee. The 2010 Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

Marking 64 years of excellence on Broadway, The Tony Awards will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, Sunday, June 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Here's the rundown of nominees:

Best Musical
American Idiot
Fela!
Memphis
Million Dollar Quartet

Best Play
In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Next Fall
Red
Time Stands Still

Best Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture
Fela!
Memphis
Million Dollar Quartet

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
The Addams Family - Music & Lyrics: Andrew Lippa
Enron - Music: Adam Cork, Lyrics: Lucy Prebble
Fences - Music: Branford Marsalis
Memphis - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan

Best Revival of a Play
Fences
Lend Me a Tenor
The Royal Family
A View from the Bridge

Best Revival of a Musical
Finian's Rainbow
La Cage aux Folles
A Little Night Music
Ragtime

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Jude Law, Hamlet
Alfred Molina, Red
Liev Schreiber, A View from the Bridge
Christopher Walken, A Behanding in Spokane
Denzel Washington, Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis, Fences
Valerie Harper, Looped
Linda Lavin, Collected Stories
Laura Linney, Time Stands Still
Jan Maxwell, The Royal Family

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Kelsey Grammer, La Cage aux Folles
Sean Hayes, Promises, Promises
Douglas Hodge, La Cage aux Folles
Chad Kimball, Memphis
Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Kate Baldwin, Finian's Rainbow
Montego Glover, Memphis
Christiane Noll, Ragtime
Sherie Rene Scott, Everyday Rapture
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
David Alan Grier, Race
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Fences
Jon Michael Hill, Superior Donuts
Stephen Kunken, Enron
Eddie Redmayne, Red

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Maria Dizzia, In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Rosemary Harris, The Royal Family
Jessica Hecht, A View from the Bridge
Scarlett Johansson, A View from the Bridge
Jan Maxwell, Lend Me a Tenor

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Kevin Chamberlin, The Addams Family
Robin De Jesús, La Cage aux Folles
Christopher Fitzgerald, Finian's Rainbow
Levi Kreis, Million Dollar Quartet
Bobby Steggert, Ragtime

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim
Katie Finneran, Promises, Promises
Angela Lansbury, A Little Night Music
Karine Plantadit, Come Fly Away
Lillias White, Fela!

Best Scenic Design of a Play
John Lee Beatty, The Royal Family
Alexander Dodge, Present Laughter
Santo Loquasto, Fences
Christopher Oram, Red

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici, Fela!
Christine Jones, American Idiot
Derek McLane, Ragtime
Tim Shortall, La Cage aux Folles

Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz, Lend Me a Tenor
Constanza Romero, Fences
David Zinn, In the Next Room or the Vibrator Play
Catherine Zuber, The Royal Family

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici, Fela!
Santo Loquasto, Ragtime
Paul Tazewell, Memphis
Matthew Wright, La Cage aux Folles

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin, Hamlet
Neil Austin, Red
Mark Henderson, Enron
Brian MacDevitt, Fences

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, American Idiot
Donald Holder, Ragtime
Nick Richings, La Cage aux Folles
Robert Wierzel, Fela!

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners, Fences
Adam Cork, Enron
Adam Cork, Red
Scott Lehrer, A View from the Bridge

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Jonathan Deans, La Cage aux Folles
Robert Kaplowitz, Fela!
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen, A Little Night Music
Dan Moses Schreier, Sondheim on Sondheim

Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage, Red
Sheryl Kaller, Next Fall
Kenny Leon, Fences
Gregory Mosher, A View from the Bridge

Best Direction of a Musical
Christopher Ashley, Memphis
Marcia Milgrom Dodge, Ragtime
Terry Johnson, La Cage aux Folles
Bill T. Jones, Fela!

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford, Promises, Promises
Bill T. Jones, Fela!
Lynne Page, La Cage aux Folles
Twyla Tharp, Come Fly Away

Best Orchestrations
Jason Carr, La Cage aux Folles
Aaron Johnson, Fela!
Jonathan Tunick, Promises, Promises
Daryl Waters & David Bryan, Memphis

On Stage This Week - "The Last Day of Summer"

Here's a great play taking the stage this week at the Huntington Museum of Art - The First Day of Summer, which was written and directed by Huntington's Jonathan Joy. Here's a look at the poster, along with more information about the show:

First Stage Theatre Company Presents
The First Day of Summer
Friday, May 7 and Saturday, May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 9 at 2:30 p.m.

Jonathan Joy, a local playwright and director has been workshopping with the cast to expand the play into an hour-long full-length play. It offered unique acting challenges that included approaching and developing a new text. The cast was an integral part of the further development of this play. The full-length version will make its premiere with First Stage Theatre in May 2010.

The First Day of Summer is a story of two young people, a boy named Ron and a girl named Laney, who meet at age 12 one year while on summer vacation. The two clash at first, but eventually grow close and begin a lifelong friendship. They spend their days playing games, talking about hopes and dreams and sharing stories of fellow classmates from their two different hometowns. When they are split apart at the end of summer, they make a pact. They agree to meet back at their favorite spot in the woods on the first day of summer following high school graduation. Four actors portray Ron and Laney at age 12 and at age 18.

Tickets $10.00 for Adults, $8.00 Kids 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased at the door or reserved by calling 304-416-5437.

"Camelot" - A Knight's Tale

OK, I've tried not to blab on too much about Camelot because we try to cover all community theatre efforts in this humble space - but since I'm in the show, and tonight (at 8 p.m.) and Sunday (at 2:30 p.m.) are the last performances, I should break down and say a bit more about it.

I've included some photos by the Mark Webb as proof that I'm actually in the show - that's me on the left as Sir Lionel (I think the insignia on my costume is supposed to be a phoenix, but I prefer to think of it as an angry chicken). Standing next to me are my pals Ron Short (Sir Dinadan) and Merlyn Marten (Merlyn).

It's been a childhood dream come true to play the part of a knight in King Arthur's court, and it's been a blast. I also seem to be surviving my short singing stint in one song (don't blink or you'll miss it), which was the source of much concern on my part when we first started working on the show.

Of course, the best reason to see the show is to catch the performances by the lead actors - Marina Jurica as Queen Guenevere, Mark Baker as Arthur (seen in the photo below), Todd Preston as Sir Lancelot, Danny Ray as King Pellinore and Andrew Surber as the delightfully wicked Mordred.

Of course, it takes a team to make a show work, and everyone in the cast and crew has worked long hours (over weeks and weeks) to make the show a real success!

Kudos to the team of directors who led the way to making Camelot a reality, including: director Eddie Harbert, who overcame some incredible obstacles to bring this show to life; choreographer Coni Anthony, who's amazingly talented and patient (especially considering she had to put up with ol' "Two Left Feet" Minsker here); music director Mike Campbell, who somehow manages to be a (virtual) one-man orchestra and a terrific guy; and the rest - producer Maxine Loudermilk, assistant director Clara Adkins, props manager Helga Thorn, stage manager Cynthia Simmons, backstage assistant Carol Scarberry and sound technician Chad Snead - heroes all!

It's been a lot of fun to work on the show, which has been one of my favorites since the days in the 1960s when I listened to the soundtrack at my Grandma Hill's house.

It's always fun when dreams come true. Drop by and see the show tonight or tomorrow - it's two-and-a-half hours of songs, music and magic!