The Stars at the Tony Awards

Quite a few famous names will be taking the stage on Sunday for the annual Tony Awards - here's the official press announcement with the line-up:

New York, NY - The Tony Awards has announced the line-up of performances for the 64th Annual Tony Awards Telecast on Sunday, June 13.

The show will be packed with entertainment from start to finish including a phenomenal opening and performances by Tony-nominated Best Musicals American Idiot, Fela!, Memphis and Million Dollar Quartet as well as the Tony-nominated Best Musical Revivals La Cage aux Folles featuring Kelsey Grammer, A Little Night Music featuring Catherine Zeta-Jones and Ragtime.

Also taking the stage throughout the evening will be Green Day, Glee's Lea Michele and Matthew Morrison, as well as cast members from Come Fly Away and Promises, Promises.

This year's telecast will feature a special presentation of the Tony-nominated Best Play and Best Play revivals. The presentation will feature Denzel Washington and Viola Davis from Fences; Justin Bartha, Anthony LaPaglia and Tony Shalhoub from Lend Me a Tenor; Jan Maxwell and Rosemary Harris of The Royal Family; Liev Schreiber and Scarlett Johansson from A View from the Bridge; Laura Benanti and Michael Cerveris from In the Next Room or the vibrator play; Patrick Breen and Patrick Heusinger of Next Fall; Laura Linney and Brian d'Arcy James from Time Stands Still; and Alfred Molina and Eddie Redmayne from Red.

As previously announced, Antonio Banderas, Cate Blanchett, Michael Douglas, Scarlett Johansson, Lucy Liu, Helen Mirren, Chris Noth, Bernadette Peters, David Hyde Pierce and Raquel Welch will also be appearing throughout the evening.

The Tony Awards will be broadcast live in HD from Radio City Music Hall on CBS, Sunday, June 13 at 8 p.m. The 2010 Tony Awards are presented by the Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. To view the live Tony Awards pre-telecast, please log onto www.TonyAwards.com at 7:00 p.m. (ET) on Sunday, June 13.

The Antoinette Perry "Tony" Awards are bestowed annually on theatre professionals for distinguished achievement. The 2010 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing. The Tony is one of the most coveted awards in the entertainment industry and the annual telecast is considered one of the most prestigious programs on television.

Predict the Tony Winners!

Thanks to our man Zach for reminding me that I had neglected to set up our annual "just for laughs" competition to pick the winners of the Tony Awards.

Since the show runs next weekend, I'd better get cracking! Send in your picks in the following categories - the winner gets bragging rights! So far, my pal Denise has walked away with the title for two years running. Will she maintain her mastery? Or will someone else take the title?

As always, send your choices to TheMinskers@aol.com, or send them in via the "Comments" link at the bottom of the post. Entries must be received by the (East Coast) start of the show.

Here are the nominees - good luck!

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

Summer Theatre Is Here!

My pal Dave Lavender offers up an excellent (and comprehensive) story about this summer's theatre offerings in our area, which you can read right here:

Like fireflies dancing in a mid-summer night’s dream, actors are lighting up the stage and the night at amphitheaters all over the region.

From southern Kentucky’s famous Jenny Wiley Theatre where such famed actors as Michael Cerveris, Sharon Lawrence and Randy Jones of the Village People cut their acting teeth to Tecumseh, the cannon-blasting, horse-dashing drama that has drawn in more than one million people to the Sugarloaf Mountain in Chillicothe, Ohio, our area is rich with outdoor theater history.

Get out the Sharpie, pack the picnic and the bug spray, here’s a look at the outdoor theater schedule for summer 2010.

Red Lion Theatre

THE SHOWS: Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Musical, a modern take on the age-old love potion gone wrong tale wrapped in ‘80s pop and rock music.

WHERE: Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheater in Greenup, Ky.

THE SCHEDULE: 8:05 p.m. Sunday, June 6, and 8:05 p.m. June 10-13. Red Lion will also stage Pippin at Greenbo at 8 p.m., Aug. 12-15.

HOW MUCH: $12 and $10 seniors and students. Dinner theater tickets for the KYOVA weekend are an additional $10.

TICKETS: For more information or to make reservations for the dinner theatre weekend, call 606-571-6478 or visit www.redliontc.org.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.redliontc.org.

WHAT ELSE: Greenbo Lake State Resort Park is home to a lake that offers fishing and boat rentals. There is also a swimming pool with a water slide, 18-hole mini golf, campgrounds, a lodge, hiking and biking trails and more.

Also, Red Lion will do a special dinner theater weekend of the show at KYOVA Tri-State Mall at 8:05 p.m. June 17-19, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 20.

Huntington Outdoor Theatre

THE SHOWS: The timeless musical Annie.

WHERE: Ritter Park Amphitheater

THE SCHEDULE: Annie will be performed at 8:30 p.m. on July 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, and 30 through Aug. 1.

HOW MUCH: $15, seniors (65 and older) and children (5 to 12) are $13. Children under 5 get in free. Group tickets are $13. All tickets include an additional $1 park surcharge.

TICKETS: At the Big Sandy Superstore Arena and at the Ritter Park amphitheater starting at 6 p.m. day of show.

GETTING THERE: The amphitheater is located in the hills of Ritter Park beyond the tennis courts and the rose garden.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.hotwv.org.

WHAT ELSE: The amphitheater opens at 6:30 nightly. Each night at 7 p.m. there will be pre-show entertainment. The main show begins at 8:30 p.m.

The Aracoma Story

THE SHOWS: Always ... Patsy Cline, the musical about the life and death of the late country music singer, Patsy Cline. The show is based on a true story about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger, who befriended the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961 and continued a correspondence with Cline until her death.

Aracoma Story — Spirits and Legends, the newly modernized telling of the classic love story of Shawnee princess Aracoma and a pioneer Boling Baker, a scout with the U.S. Army captured by Chief Cornstalk and rescued from death by Cornstalk’s daughter Aracoma.

Jungle Book Kids, the classic Disney musical starring Mowgli the human and his jungle full of funky animal friends.

WHERE: Chief Logan State Park’s Liz Spurlock Amphitheater

THE SCHEDULE: Always... Patsy Cline runs June 15 through July 3. Show nights are 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.

The Aracoma Story — Spirits and Legends runs July 20 through Aug. 7, and Jungle Book Kids runs Aug. 10-15.

HOW MUCH: For “Patsy Cline” and “Aracoma Story,” advance tickets are $11, $9 for senior citizens and $8 for children under 12. For Disney’s “Jungle Book Kids,” tickets are $10, and $8 for children under 12. Add $1 per ticket if you buy them at the gate.

GET TIX: To purchase tickets by phone using Visa or MasterCard call 304-752-0253. Group rates available for advance ticket purchases by phone for groups of 15 or more. The box office opens nightly at 7:30 p.m.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.loganshows.com or www.thearacomastory.com.

WHAT ELSE: One of West Virginia’s busiest state parks, Chief Logan is an oasis in the heart of Logan with a swimming pool, a wildlife center, miniature golf, tennis, basketball, fishing, 18 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and nearby is the new Chief Logan Lodge as well as the extensive Hatfield and McCoy Trail. Go online at www.chiefloganstatepark.com.

Theatre West Virginia

THE SHOWS: Celebrating its 50th season, Theatre West Virginia is putting on four shows this summer: Hatfields and McCoys, Honey in the Rock, (about the founding of West Virginia), Footloose and Willy Wonka.

WHERE: The Cliffside Amphitheater at Grandview, located just off of I-64 in Beckley, W.Va.

THE SCHEDULE: “Hatfields” runs June 8 - Aug. 22; “Honey” runs June 8 through Aug. 22; “Footloose” runs July 6 through Aug. 20; and “Wonka” runs Aug. 3-21.

HOW MUCH:$17, $15 for seniors and AAA members, children under 12 $9 or free per child sitting on a lap. Also a 20-percent discount is given to groups with 15 or more members.

GET TIX: Ticket orders are taken 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 304-256-6800 or toll free at 1-800-666-9142. Between June 10 and Aug. 24, ticket orders will be taken by phone with extended hours Tuesdays through Fridays (up to 7:45 p.m.), as well 10 am. to 7:45 p.m. Saturdays and 1 to 7:45 p.m. Sundays.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com.

WHAT ELSE: There will be a fundraising concert for Theatre West Virginia on Friday, Aug. 27 with oldies rock band, Phil Dirt and the Dozers. Tickets are $15 advance or $20 at the door.

Also, Theatre West Virginia’s home, Grandview, is part of the New River Gorge National River. Check out panoramic views of the New River, 1,400 feet above the river, overlooking the town of Quinnimont, where the first coal was shipped out of the gorge in 1873. Grandview is home to many miles of trails, as well as picnic shelters, a playground and basketball courts. Go online at www.nps.gov/neri

GET IN FREE: All current West Virginia residents can bring a staple food item or a back-to-school supply item to be donated to a local charity Helping Hands, and get in free for the closing night show of Honey in the Rock on Sunday, Aug. 22.

Tecumseh!

THE SHOW: Tecumseh! The Ultimate Outdoor Drama Experience. “Witness the epic life story of the legendary Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s on a huge outdoor stage with live horses, live military cannon in action and battle scenes. Seen by more than 1 million people, this professionally produced outdoor drama is written by seven-time Pulitzer Prize nominee and Emmy recipient, Allan W. Eckert. The score was recorded exclusively by the London Symphony Orchestra and its narration sequences recorded by Native American actor Graham Greene.

WHERE: Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater in Chillicothe, Ohio

THE SCHEDULE: June 11 through Sept. 4. Show time is 8 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $22.95 and $15.95 per child (10 and younger). The show is not recommended for children ages six and under due to some violent content and loud battle scenes.

GET TIX: Call toll free 866-775-0700.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

WHAT ELSE: California resident and Jesse Stuart Foundation author, Allan W. Eckert will attend the Saturday, June 12 performance and do a book-signing.

Also, regular extras include a Behind-the Scenes Tour at 4 and 5 p.m., on show nights. Cost is $4 or $3 per child 10 and younger. There is a mini museum in cooperation with the Ohio Historical Society. It is open 5 to 7:45 p.m. and is free. There is also restaurant on-site, The Terrace Buffet is $12.50 and $7.50 for kids.

There is a meet and greet immediately following the performance.

Jenny Wiley Theatre

THE SHOWS: Mid-Life Crisis: The Musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Jack and the Beanstalk.

WHERE: Jenny Wiley Theatre amphitheater inside Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky.

THE SCHEDULE: “Mid-Life” runs June 11 through July 23; “Cinderella” runs June 26 through July 24; “Joseph” runs July 31 through Aug. 14 and “Jack” runs July 13 through Aug. 10.

HOW MUCH: Tickets for “Cinderella” and “Joseph” are $24 and $20, $18 and $24 for seniors and $11 and $15 for youth. Overflow seating (only available Friday and Saturday) is $15 for adults or seniors and $9 for youth. “Jack and the Beanstalk” ticket are $12 adults and seniors and $8 for youth.

"Mid-Life Crisis" tickets (all inside the Wilkinson/Stumbo Convention Center) are $24, $20 or $40 with meals. Seniors tickets are $24 and $18 and for youth, $11 and $15.

GET TIX: Call 877-Call-JWT (877-225-5598).

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.jwtheatre.com.

WHAT ELSE: Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is home to Dewey Lake, which has pontoon boat rentals. There’s also 10 miles of hiking trails, a 9-hole golf course, lodge pool, the 49-room May Lodge, one and two-bedroom cottages and the Country Music Highway Grill.

Post #1500!

It's one of those milestones that only I care about, but I have to point out that this is the 1500th post for the Tri-State Theatre blog!

It's been a fun ride so far, and I hope to keep writing away into the foreseeable future. I hope you'll keep sending in news and information - there's so much going on in the world of theatre, I can't keep up without your help!

Special thanks to all our correspondents out there who keep us up to date here. As always, this blog is community property, so if you want to write a review of a play, or preview an upcoming production, or just write about whatever's on your mind, we're happy to include it in this space. And of course, suggestions are always welcome and much appreciated!

Just send your thoughts to us at TheMinskers@aol.com, or send them in via the comments link at the bottom of each post.

Special thanks also to my editor and pal Andrea, and to my lovely wife Jeanette, who puts up with me spending entirely too much time sitting at this computer.

So thanks for reading and being part of our theatre community here. Now, on to the next 1500 posts!

"Phantom of the Opera" on a Local Stage?

It's a possibility, as this week it was announced that the classic musical, still setting records on Broadway, will be made available starting in the fall - but only to high school and college groups.

The announcement isn't unexpected, as last year they allowed a handful of groups, including Capital High School in Charleston, to try their hand at it (and I heard wonderful things about their performance).

Here's the story from the Associated Press:

NEW YORK (AP) - Andrew Lloyd Webber's global hit The Phantom of the Opera may be coming to a high school or college near you.

R&H; Theatricals said Thursday it is accepting applications from school groups in the U.S. and Canada for performances beginning Sept. 1.

"Phantom" is a gothic tale of romance set in the Paris Opera and has been seen by 100 million people since it opened in 1986. It is still playing in London and in New York, where it is the longest-running show in Broadway history.

R&H; Theatricals has been representing North American performance rights to Lloyd Webber's musicals since 2001. The company is a division of The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization.

Quite a few groups will no doubt be lining up to tackle this show. I suspect Huntington's children's theatre, First Stage, will want to stage it (assuming it is eligible). How I'd love to see that one at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center...

On Stage This Weekend - Three Shows

Among the three shows you can catch this weekend is one I completely missed in Kentucky:

- A Midsummer Night's Dream: The Musical is presented by Red Lion Theatre Company at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park June 3-6 and 10-13 at 8:10 p.m. You can see photos from the dress rehearsal right here.

- The Moment of Greatest Happiness - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the new Dan Kehde drama about two students’ love for each other in a 1950s girl’s academy. The show runs June 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) - Kanawha Players presents this abbreviated look at the Bard’s best at the Kanawha Players Theater at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston June 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and June 6 at 2 p.m.

Check 'em out!

On Stage This Week - The Moment of Greatest Happiness

Starting tomorrow in Charleston is the play The Moment of Greatest Happiness. Here's the press release courtesy of my pal Mel:

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company will present the new Dan Kehde drama The Moment of Greatest Happiness at 8 p.m., June 3-5 and 10-12 on the stage of the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston.

The play, about two students in love in a 1950s girl's academy, features the acting talents of veterans Maria Fioravante, Samantha Oxley, Sheila Jarrett, Donnie Smith, Meredith Overcash and a large supporting cast.

During the height of the conservatism of the 1950s McCarthy era, young Maureen Foster, the daughter of soon-to-be blacklisted Hollywood director Joe Foster, transfers to the prestigious Whittaker Academy for Girls, just outside Boston. Intelligent, independent and gay, in an era when homosexuality was unspoken and largely unknown to the respectable world, Maureen fights to maintain a low profile among the students, seeking simply to graduate and move on with her life.

Her plan is sidetracked permanently when she meets and falls in love with fellow student Evie Humphries who, in the midst of a bout of teenage rebelliousness, has openly declared herself a lesbian as well as a communist. After a tumultuous beginning, their relationship blossoms into love and mutual respect, eventually challenging the status quo of the ancient New England tradition of the girls academies.

Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $5.50 for seniors and are available at the door the evenings of the performances.

Shows On Stage in June

No less than six shows are taking the stage in June - and that’s not including the ones included in Festiv-all!

Here’s the rundown - and as always, if I’ve missed any, send a comment at the link below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I’ll add it!

- The Moment of Greatest Happiness - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the new Dan Kehde drama about two students’ love for each other in a 1950s girl’s academy. The show opens Thursday, June 3 at 8 p.m., and continues with performances June 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) - Kanawha Players presents this abbreviated look at the Bard’s best at the Kanawha Players Theater June 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12.

- Harvey - ARTS presents the classic comedy at the Renaissance Theatre June 24, 25, 26 and 27.

- Barnum - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents this three-ring musical June 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

- Mid-Life - Jenny Wiley’s theatre offerings crank up with this show, presented June 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 23, 24 and 25. (Whew!)

- Cinderella - Jenny Wiley presents the classic musical June 26, 27, 29 and 30.

- Festiv-All - Charleston’s celebration of the arts includes several theatre offerings June 19, 20, 21 and 26. More details soon!

ACTC Announces Its Upcoming Season of Shows

My pal Zach Davis sends along this message loaded with important information - especially in that last paragraph! Take it away, Zach:

ACTC Theatre held its annual banquet the other night at The Chimney Corner Restaurant in Ashland, Kentucky.

There was a record attendance of over 80 people. The night included several performances from the past year shows. In between performances various awards were given out for technical aspects and acting awards. There were many awards given out so I will not try to list all the winners (I'm afraid I might mess that up). I was fortunate to receive two awards myself. I shared the honor of Outstanding Shop Foreman and Technical Director with my great friend Susan Henderson for our work in Copacabana and I won Best Community Actor in a major role, also for Copacabana.

The evening held several highlights, but the one everyone looks forward to the most is the announcement of the next Theatre Season. What an exciting year ahead - some major, never before done productions are in store.

ACTC Theatre is excited to be premier some of Bernard J. Taylor's world renowned works. Taylor has had his productions appear in many different countries and on London's West End. Taylor now resides in Columbus, Ohio, and has been in contact with Edward Figgins at ACTC Theatre and together they decided on two of his works to hit our stage here in the Tri-State.

The fall show in October will be Taylor's Nosferatu The Vampire - (Rock Opera) based on Bram Stoker's Dracula, a new take on the legend in a mix of musical and rock opera. He writes, "The vampire in Nosferatu is a much more tragic figure than the creature generally portrayed." Reviewers wrote, "Nosferatu is dark and sombre yet with an inherent beauty - eerie, ethereal and passionate. The real fascination proves to be the depth and grandeur of the abundance of haunting melodies. . ." and "The vigorous, wide-ranging music of Nosferatu resembles a lusty love child of a blood wedding between Carmina Burana and Les Miserables, orchestrated and performed with an onward driving force which almost recalls Bernstein in its progressive, narrative energy."

The winter show of course will once again be A Christmas Carol - Scrooge and Marley, a beloved adaptation based of the story by Charles Dickens. (I have to say this is one of the Tri-State's longest running annual productions.) This will be the 16th annual production of this show. Last year the show took some new direction and I am sure this year will continue to be as fresh as ever.

The children's show will be performed in February, which is Once Upon a Mattress, as the story about the Princess and the Pea becomes a wild musical comedy adventure. Due to an unhappy curse, King Sextimus is unable to speak. Meanwhile, his terror of a wife, Queen Aggravian, has taken over control of the kingdom. Most importantly, in an attempt to keep Prince Dauntless single, she has decreed that only the princess that can pass her test may marry her son. Further, no one else in the kingdom may marry until Prince Dauntless does. Lady Larken and Sir Harry are extremely disturbed by this fact since Lady Larken is now pregnant with Sir Harry's baby. Luckily, Sir Harry is able to find an amazing princess, Winnifred the Woebegone. She instantly catches the attention of Prince Dauntless, and in the end, is able to pass the Queen's supposedly impassable sensitivity test.

Once again in April we are excited to perform yet another work of Bernard J. Taylor. Wuthering Heights the Musical. The haunting image of Heathcliffe searching the moors for the ghost of his beloved Cathy is one of the most enduringly passionate scenes in English literature. Taylor's adaptation has been recognized by the Brontë Society as marking the first time that the true spirit of this masterpiece "has been captured in music." Heathcliffe enters the House on the Hill and the wild boy falls for Cathy but attracts hatred from her brother. "The icy winds that blow across the moor would never pass beyond our door. But since the old man died, the storm has come inside, in our house on the hill - Wuthering Heights." It has magnificent music, verging on operatic arias including "He's Gone" and "I Belong to the Earth." Taylor's big, sweepingly romantic score is dark, brooding, fiery and as dramatic as the subject.

We are very excited about this huge upcoming year. I have to add that wasn't the only big announcement of the evening. I am overjoyed to announce my engagement to Allison Conley. I proposed to her during the banquet and she said yes! So we are very excited about our future together. Again it was a wonderful and exciting evening in Ashland and was so nice to see everyone looking their best.

Wonderful news! Congratulations to both Zach and Allison - and it looks like a great season for ACTC!

Happy Memorial Day!

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day!

Of course, it can be a somber moment, as we take time to remember those loved ones who have passed before us, and to honor those in the military who make possible the freedoms we enjoy every day!

When I was a kid, this holiday was a day-long event, as we traveled to rural cemeteries to place flowers on the graves of loved ones. My Uncle Claude would always plant a small flag on the graves of the veterans in our family. We'd stop along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch, and then continue the caravan.

Even if you don't manage to make a trip to the cemetery, take some time today to remember those who walked the road before us. The path is a lot easier for you and me, thanks to them.

Cast List of "Harvey"

My pal Danny Ray is directing the upcoming production of Harvey, which is based on the Jimmy Stewart movie about a man and his giant invisible rabbit.

Danny just announced the outstanding cast for the show, and here 'tis:

Veta Louise Simmons - Nancy Jackson
Myrtle Mae Simmons - Amelia Rapp
Elwood P. Dowd - Dylan Clark
Miss Johnson - Jennifer Sias
Mrs. Chauvenet - Linda Reynolds
Ruth Kelly - Jordan Bean
Dr. Lyman Sanderson - Kenny Harbolt
Duane Wilson - Nick Husted
Dr. William Chumley - Mark Baker
Mrs. Betty Chumley - Loretta Hetzer
Judge Omar Gaffney - John Pritchard
Cab Driver - Brandon Ward

Director, Set & Costume Design: Danny Ray

Assistant Director: Clara Adkins

On Stage Tonight - "Courting Disaster" and "Firebird"

There are two great shows to choose from tonight - one in Charleston and one in Huntington:

- Courting Disaster - the original musical comedy about lawyers and courtrooms premieres this weekend. You can catch it tonight at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance. For more information, call 304-343-7529 or visit www.kanawhaplayers.org.

- Firebird - a Spring Recital will be presented by Mrs. Ella Hay and The Art Center School of Dance today at 8 p.m. at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

"Firebird" Takes the Stage on Saturday in Huntington

I usually don't mention dance recitals in this space because: 1) I know nothing about dance; and 2) there are so many dance studios around I'd be hard put to track 'em all down.

But I make an exception here because my wife attended the show by Ella Hay last year and said it was amazing, and because one of the lead dancers is Sarah Hayes, who's starred in dozens of community theatre shows (including several of mine), and she's off to college this fall, so this is one more chance for me to brag about her. (That's her in the photo with Cody Verbage.)

Here's the announcement about Saturday's show:

ART CENTER SCHOOL OF DANCE CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF FIREBIRD WITH PERFORMANCE

Mrs. Ella Hay and The Art Center School of Dance present their 2010 Spring Recital, featuring the ballet Firebird this Saturday, May 29, at 8 p.m. at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

This year is the 100th anniversary of the first production of Firebird, which features music by Igor Stravinsky and classical choreography by Michel Fokine. The ballet’s story is based upon Russian folk tales of a magical glowing bird of the same name that is both a blessing and a curse to its captors.

The Art Center School of Dance’s production features dancers Sarah Hayes as the Firebird, Cody Verbage as Prince Ivan, Katie Wright as the Princess, Michael Martin as Kostchei and is directed by Ella Hay. Mrs. Hay also adapted the Fokine choreography for students.

Prior to the performance of Firebird, The Art Center School of Dance will present Jack and the Beanstalk (a children’s ballet) and “Divertissements”, featuring Mrs. Hay’s students performing a variety of ballet and tap numbers.

Tickets are $14, and are available by calling the Arts Center School of Dance at 304-429-6606, or at the door. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. the night of the show.

Several "Courting Disaster" Interviews (#3 in the series)

We have three interviews in one for you, as this time around we hear from some of the actors who make up the cast of Courting Disaster, the musical comedy that premieres tomorrow night in Charleston.

Taking part in the e-interview is my pal Mel Larch, Natasha Harris and Mark Felton.

Q: Tell us about Courting Disaster.

Mel: Courting Disaster is a musical comedy which pokes fun at the legal process and all those involved with it, from litigants to lawyers to judges. You could say we’re an equal opportunity musical farce — only with slamming gavels instead of slamming doors.

Q: Tell us about the part you play in the show.

Natasha: I play Sue N. Winn, attorney at law. I sue for lots and lots of money for my clients and win most of my cases. Sue lets love come in between her and her money in the end.

Mark: I play Hughie. I start out as the defense attorney. My defense strategy is always the same - to find as much dirt as possible on the plaintiff, so as to ruin her credibility. In the process, I fall in love with the plaintiff, Tiff, and things get complicated from there.

Mel: My character is Judge I. M. Fair, an elected judge who has a reputation of diginity, propriety, and fairness. She’s no-nonsense on the bench - let the record show that’s not in a ‘Judge Judy’ way (laughs) — but she doesn’t exactly play by the book either. Judge Fair wants everyone who comes through her courtroom to receive “the very best Justice” they deserve. She can’t help it if some are a little more deserving than others. Add in some hints of a wild side and she’s really quite a character.

Q: What made you want to be part of this show?

Mark: Well, based on the audition notice, all I knew was that the show was an original musical and involved Mark Scarpelli and Kelly Strom. So far so good, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. It has been a great experience. I have never before done an original show that had never been performed before. That opportunity doesn't come up very often.

Natasha: I wanted to be a part of this show because this was something new that no one had ever seen before. Each character would have to be built from scratch and it was going to be up to the actors to figure out who these characters were. My other intent was because I had never been a part of a musical.

Mel: Bringing a show to life for the very first time ever is tremendously exciting, especially when you have the opportunity to work closely with the writers during the process. For example, Judge Fair was originally written to be played by a male actor. When Kelly Strom (the director) and Mark Scarpelli (the composer and musical director) decided they wanted me for the role, they talked with Jeremy Eisler (book and lyrics) about changing the gender. He agreed, re-worked some lyrics, and fleshed out a scene involving the Judge and some of the other characters. And Mark’s always willing to work with actors and make adjustments to his music. This is actually the second time I’ve been involved with the premiere of one of his musicals — the first was Jack The Ripper, with the Contemporary Youth Arts Company back in 2008. Mark’s a great composer and a good friend, so it’s always a pleasure to work with him. While I’ve known Kelly for many years, this is the first chance I’ve had to work under her direction. She has an amazing eye for all the little details that make up the big stage picture. It’s also great that Kanawha Players, one of the oldest, continually operating community theatre companies in the U.S., agreed to present the World Premiere of Courting Disaster. When you’re that established, it would be easy to say “no” and not take the chance on a new work. But they did and I thank them for it!

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

Mel: Going from the first read-through to the finished onstage product in four weeks! (laughs) Like any show, Courting Disaster has its share of challenges. Luckily, I’m part of a wonderful cast of actors – Lisa Gandee, Craig Auge, Tasha Harris, Mark Felton and Sean Price — who aren’t just talented performers, but great people as well. As one of the characters says, “It’s a pleasure to go into work” when it’s time to head off to rehearsal!

Mark: The style of music is somewhat different than what I am used to singing, so I have had to make some adjustments. Hopefully, they are working. Also, because it is an original work, we each have to create our character, without seeing what someone else has done with it before. In a way this is probably good, as we are not biased by another person's interpretation.

Natasha: Character development. At first I had trouble finding all of those details of Sue's life and how all of those details shaped her as the woman the audience will see on stage.

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

Natasha: For one because it is the world premiere show, never seen, and in my opinion very special opportunity to be able to see the first show of a new production. Second, this show is absolutely hilarious and even I as an actor have even broke out in laughter during the show when I shouldn't have.

Mel: It’s a fun and funny story with over the top yet likeable characters and terrific songs. And besides, it’s not every day you get the chance to see the World Premiere of a musical here in West Virginia!

Mark: The music is great, the show is funny and the directors and fellow cast members are very talented. Because it is original, you can be among first to ever see it. I think people will really like it, and if they don't, well, it's fairly short.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Mel: Courting Disaster will be performed Thursday, May 27, Friday, May 28, and Saturday, May 29 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. All performances will be at the Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV. Tickets are $16.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and children under age 17, and can be purchased at the door or in advance. For more information, call 304-343-7529 or visit www.kanawhaplayers.org. Consider yourself served — with the chance to support original theatre!

Thanks, Mel, Natasha and Mark - now get out there and break those legs!

Another "Courting Disaster" Interview (#2 in the series)

We're back with another e-interview about the musical comedy Courting Disaster, which starts this weekend in Charleston.

This time around, we have comments from Kelly Strom, the director of the show.

Q: Tell us about Courting Disaster.

Kelly: It's about love and money and love of money. It's about what happens when love won't be left "unrequited"!

Q: What made you want to be part of this show?

Kelly: Mark Scarpelli. He is such an incredibly talented musician. Besides that, he's wonderful to work with. He understands what I need without much explanation, we have a great time and so far great success working together. Our first show together was Winnie the Pooh in 1996. I would do this or any show Mark asked me to, I like working with talented, professional people.

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

Kelly: Bringing the characters to life. We had to add all the background for these characters. The author gives you the basics but you have to fill in all the holes. Since this has never been done before, there is no "supposed to be."

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

Kelly: It's original live theatre! No kind of energy exists anywhere else like it!

Very true! Thanks for taking the time out of tech week to talk with us, Kelly!

The show takes the stage this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 30.

All performances will be at the Kanawha Players Theater, located at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 304-343-7529. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and children under age 17. For more information go to www.kanawhaplayers.org.

Our National Merit Scholar

Hey, I have to brag for a second about Eric Newfeld, who's starred in dozens of community theatre shows over the years.

He's graduating now and getting ready to move on to college, but he earned an impressive honor, which was announced today:

Only two students in the entire Tri-State region were named among the 2,800 winners of a National Merit Scholarship, which provides four years of monetary awards toward college tuition.

The first is Eric A. Newfeld, who will graduate from Cabell Midland High School. He plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis, Mo., and study law.

The second student is Alexandra L. Kirk of Fraziers Bottom. She is graduating from Winfield High School and plans to attend West Virginia University and study psychology.

Eric's a great young man who has starred onstage and backstage - he was the assistant director in the last show I directed!

Congrats to Eric and his family!

A "Courting Disaster" Interview

Thanks to my pal Mel, we have several e-interviews to share with you over the next few days about the upcoming premiere of the musical comedy Courting Disaster, which makes fun of judges, lawyers and litigants, all without fear or favor.

To kick things off, we have some comments from the composer and musical director of the show, Mark Scarpelli:

Q: Tell us a little bit about the writing of Courting Disaster.

Mark: I met Jeremy Eisler (Author of Courting Disaster from Mississippi) through a mutual friend here in Charleston and we corresponded entirely through the Internet. The music for this show was written March - October 2009. Rewrites were happening up to a few days ago (a week before the opening).

Typical process for writing music for Courting Disaster:
*Wake up drink coffee and walk the dog.
*Improvise on piano ideas for musical numbers
*Drink more coffee
*Demo ideas into a draft recording
*Invite friends in to sing and record character vocal parts
*Drink more coffee
*Make mp3's and PDF's of music and send to Jeremy for critiquing

This was an ongoing process that continued off and on for about six months. The production has 19 musical pieces not counting incidental music. All lyrics were written by Jeremy. The music is very song-like with a variety of styles ranging from ballads to rock to tangos. All six characters sing. There doesn't seem to be any one character who sings more than the other. It is truly an ensemble piece. This premiere performance consists of a rhythm section (drums, bass, piano) with a number of solos, duets and ensemble pieces.

Q: What made you want to be part of this show?

Mark: Doing original theatre is a rush. I love the sense of accomplishment you get from an opening night performance. The cast for this particular show is quite amazing. I've worked with most of them in other local productions and they work their ass off and give 110 percent. Plus working with Kelly Strom is inspiring. She is a positive ball of energy and her enthusiasm is infectious. I love working with her and am honored to have her as our director for this premiere event.

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

Mark: Timing, timing timing... As in all comedy.

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

Mark: Come support original theatre AND Kanawha Players. This KP production workshop (on the corner of Washington Street East and Beauregard in Charleston) is a beehive of creative activity. This past Sunday alone there was simultaneously, Courting Disaster tech rehearsal in the Theatre/Sanctuary, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) in the basement rehearsal space and auditions in the board room for an upcoming summer production. This place is a wonderful space for productions. It does need a lot of attention and money to assist and bring to life the structures incredible potential. I recommend ya'll attend KP shows... especially this premiere of Courting Disaster.

Mark, thanks for taking to time to talk to us. The show takes the stage this Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 30.

All performances will be at the Kanawha Players Theater, located at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 304-343-7529. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and children under age 17. For more information go to www.kanawhaplayers.org.

On Stage This Weekend - "Courting Disaster"

Here's a press release with loads of information about a funny show taking the stage in Charleston this weekend - the premiere of a new musical comedy:

KANAWHA PLAYERS IS COURTING DISASTER

World Premiere Musical Comedy Opens May 27, 2010

Charleston, WV — Has your funny bone experienced pain and suffering due to loss of laughter? Kanawha Players will give you the humor compensation you deserve with the World Premiere of Courting Disaster, a new musical opening May 27, 2010.

Featuring music by Mark Scarpelli (Norman Rockwell’s American Paradise, Mary) and book and lyrics by Jeremy Eisler, Courting Disaster is a musical comedy which makes fun of judges, lawyers, and litigants, all without fear or favor.

Tiff and Howard are a married couple who make their living filing personal injury lawsuits. Accident-prone Tiff loses her memory after downing a bottle of miracle elixir “Health-E” which means only one thing... time to call in the lawyers!

Love triangles unfold when attorneys Sue N. Wynn and Hugo Hyde II enter the picture. Add in fast-talking, “Health-E” manufacturer Manny and disorder in the court ensues. It’s up to no nonsense, but not-so-by-the-book Judge Fair to administer the “very best Justice you’ll find.”

Kelly Strom, most recently seen as Big 8 in Charleston Stage Company’s Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage, directs the six member cast consisting of Melanie Larch (Judge I.M. Fair), Lisa Gandee (Tiff), Mark Felton (Hugo Hyde II), Shawn Price (Manny), Tasha Harris (Sue N. Wynn) and Craig Auge (Howard).

Musical direction is by composer Scarpelli on piano, with Mike Fitzwater on drums and Matt Harris on bass. Emily Alice Dunn serves as Assistant Director and Stage Manager.

Performance dates are Thursday, May 27, Friday, May 28, and Saturday, May 29 at 8 p.m., and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, May 30.

All performances will be at the Kanawha Players Theater, located at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston, WV.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 304-343-7529. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and children under age 17. For more information, call 304-343-7529 or online at www.kanawhaplayers.org.

Consider yourself served — with the chance to see original theatre produced by Kanawha Players, one of the oldest continuously-operating amateur theatre companies in the United States.

Summer Theatre Fun for Kids at the Paramount

I wanted to pass along this information about a fun summer activity for kids, called There’s a Camp For That!:

Summer Theater Camps Let Kids Make Movies, Star on Broadway and Perform in Their Own Music Videos

Paramount Arts Center is back with a great new lineup of summer camps including movie making, theatrical productions and performing in your own Music Video.

Other camps include arts extravaganza, hip hop dance, Nickelodeon Time and of course Disney character favorites. If clowning around is your thing, there’s a camp for that.

A complete list of camps with dates, times and age groups can be found at this website: www.paramountartscenter.com/kidzone/.

For more information or to receive a complete brochure, please call Melanie Sweeney, the Paramount’s Education Director at 606-324-3175 ext. 311 or send her an email at education@paramountartscenter.com.

Auditions for "Harvey"

Sorry for the short notice (I'm just back from a trip out of town to see son Evan graduate from college), but here's an audition notice you need to know about - because the auditions are this Saturday!

Here's the info about Harvey:

Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) is pleased to announce auditions for the classical comedy Harvey by Mary Chase.

The Pulitzer Prize winning play of 1945 was adapted into a film version which starred Jimmy Stewart as the affable and charming Elwood P. Dowd.

Auditions will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

This ensemble production has adult roles for six men and six women of all ages. Actors auditioning will be asked to read from the script. Rehearsals will begin on Monday, May 24.

A synopsis of the play and descriptions of the characters can be found on the ARTS website: http://www.733arts.org/.

The production will be directed by Danny Ray and is scheduled for performances on June 24-27.

For further information please call 304-654-0587 or email ray102@marshall.edu.