"Pippin" auditions and Comedy Fundraiser

Here's a press release from the Red Lion Theatre Company about a fundraiser that's coming up over the holiday weekend, and their next stage show:

If you're looking to get involved in local theater, then the Red Lion Theatre Company has couple of upcoming events that could be for you.

The company will present a special improvisational comedic event called The Believers. The program will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 3 in the KYOVA Tri-State Mall and Lifestyle Center. Admission is free.

The show will be in a style similar to the television program Whose Line Is It Anyway? It is a two-man improv show that will have audience members participating on stage.

To learn more about "The Believers," go online at www.KennyAndKory.com or www.RedLionTC.org.

If you're interested in being a little more involved, the Company is having auditions for the musical PIPPIN: His Life and Times at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 29 in the Fairview High School cafeteria.

The show will be performed at 8 p.m. nightly Aug. 12 through 15 at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

The show will be directed by Jim Maggard.

All materials will be provided the night of auditions. There will be readings from the script and a song from the show will be taught to those auditioning so that they may sing as well.

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.

PIPPIN is the story of a young prince that longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the world 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.

"Hair," "Red" and "Sondheim" Shut Down on Broadway

It's the time of year when shows wrap up their run on Broadway (except for the ones that continue, of course), and today marks the final performance for three shows.

Hair, which won for Best Revival of a Musical last year, ends its free-wheeling run today. The show featured two American Idol contestants - Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo.

Also shutting down today is Red, which won six Tonys at this year's ceremony. Alfred Molina starred in the play about the life of abstract-expressionist painter Mark Rothko.

And since these things always happen in threes (or is that famous people dying?), another show ends today - Sondheim on Sondheim, a musical revue of the work of composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim.

But don't worry, there are more shows where that came from, and at least one show - Hair - is about to begin a nationwide tour.

Two Shows, Two Stories

There were a couple of stories in the Herald-Dispatch yesterday all you theatre fans will want to read: one about Harvey, a show running right now at the Renaissance Theatre, and the other about Annie, a show that starts the first weekend in July.

Here's Harvey (the story was written by my pal Angela Henderson):

Fans of the stage are in for a special treat this weekend as dinner theater comes to Huntington.

ARTS Resources for the Tri-State presents Harvey, the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase, AT 8 p.m. Friday, June 25 and Saturday, June 26 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 27 in the Renaissance Ballroom of the Renaissance Center, 900 East 8th St., in Huntington.

Dinner tickets are no longer available, but show only tickets are available at the door each night for $15. You can also order tickets online at www.733arts.org or by calling 304-733-ARTS.

Danny Ray, the production's director and designer, promises a show like no other.

"It's something that won't be experienced anywhere else in Huntington," he said. "It's going to be wonderful."

Harvey is the story of Elwood P. Dowd, who meets a mischievous spirit called a pooka that takes the form of a giant white rabbit.

"It's about Elwood visiting the town and bringing Harvey with him which embarrasses his family," Ray said. "It's a very, very funny play. It's a delightful comedy that's good for all ages."

The story is probably best known from the 1950 film starring Jimmy Stewart as Elwood.

Ray said the experience putting the performance together has been a good one.

"It's been incredible," he said. "We have a marvelous cast. The chemistry is really good. There are a lot of laughs that come out at rehearsal."

The play stars Nancy R. Jackson, Dylan Clark, Amelia Rapp, Mark Baker, Kenny Harbolt, Nick Husted, Jordan Bean, John Pritchard, Loretta Hetzer, Linda Reynolds, Brandon Ward and Jennifer Sias. Clara Adkins is the assistant director.

Staging the play in a dinner theater setting does have its challenges, Ray admitted.

"There's the artistic aspect and the restaurant portion. It lends itself to a certain type of show," he said.

Because of the limited space, Ray said different locales are suggested as opposed to full blown sets being constructed.

"Harvey" is Ray's first production in three years after he left the theater to work on his master's degree. He couldn't be happier about his choice for a comeback.

"This play is one of my favorites," he said. "It has a message but it's also very, very entertaining. It'll be a delightful evening."

And here's Annie:

Summer is officially here, and in Huntington that means one thing — Huntington Outdoor Theatre.

Those steamy July weekend nights will once again be filled with the sights and sounds of local performers bringing a classic production to life at Huntington’s Ritter Park Amphitheater. This year H.O.T. will perform Annie.

“Annie is a timeless production with great music,” said Artistic Director Helen Freeman. “This is a show that appeals to the young and the old. We’ve been trying to get the rights to this show for several years, but it’s such a popular show that this is the first time they’ve been available to us.”

The family favorite centers on the hijinks of a Depression-era orphan who is wise beyond her years. Her upbeat message is that there is always hope.

Annie will be performed at 8:30 p.m. nightly July 2-4, 9-11, 16-18 and 23-25. A special pay-what-you-will preview will take place at the final dress rehearsal on Thursday, July 1.

As always, there will be preshow entertainment at 7 p.m. each night. This year’s show will be a Taste of Broadway and will feature some of the best known numbers from Broadway classics that have been seen on the H.O.T. stage.

Freeman said this year’s production is beginning a week early at the request of the Cabell-Huntington Convention Visitors Bureau to coincide with the 2010 US Youth Soccer Region I Championships.

The early opening is also being helped in part by a donation from Massey Energy, according to Freeman. Massey matched a grant from the state to purchase new sound boards.

“They gave us $3,000 to buy two new sound boards to make 34 channels,” Freeman said. “We’re real excited because now we own all of our own equipment. Before we used stuff from Marshall (University). Now we’re independent.”

Tickets for Annie are $16 for general admission and $15 for seniors 65 and older and children ages 5-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Groups of 20 or more are $15 if the tickets are purchased at the same time. All tickets include a $1 surcharge for the Greater Huntington Parks and Recreation District.

Tickets can be purchased beginning at 6 p.m. at the gates on show nights. Tickets are also available at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena box office and Borders Books and Music at the Huntington Mall.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Concessions are also available. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets.

For more information, go online at www.hotwv.org.

Also On Stage This Weekend - "Courting Disaster"

My pal Mel points out one more show this weekend that I overlooked (sorry about that) - and hey, it's at the old Alban Theater, where I saw many movies in my youth (St. Albans is my hometown):

Kanawha Players will present the first of two encore performances of Courting Disaster at the Alban Arts and Conference Center (located at 65 Olde Main in St. Albans, WV) on Sunday, June 27. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

Featuring music by Mark Scarpelli (Norman Rockwell’s American Paradise, Mary) and book and lyrics by Jeremy Eisler, Courting Disaster pokes fun at judges, lawyers and litigants, all without fear or favor.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling Kanawha Players at 304-343-7529 or the Alban Arts & Conference Center at 304-721-8896. Cost is $16.00 for adults and $10.00 for students and under 17.

On Stage This Week - Lots of Shows

The local summer theatre groups are hard at work, and there are quite a few indoor shows to see this weekend, too!

Here's the rundown:

- Harvey - ARTS presents the classic comedy as a dinner theatre at the Renaissance Ballroom June 24, 25, 26 and 27.

- Barnum - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents this three-ring musical June 25, 26 and 27 at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater.

- Mid-Life Crisis - Jenny Wiley presents this show June 23, 24 and 25.

- Cinderella - And right on the heels of "Mid-Life," Jenny Wiley presents this classic musical June 26, 27, 29 and 30.

- Always... Patsy Cline - The musical runs through July 3. Show nights are 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays at the Chief Logan State Park’s Liz Spurlock Amphitheater.

- Tecumseh! - 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 is presented at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheater in Chillicothe, Ohio through Sept. 4. Show time is 8 p.m.

- Festiv-All - Charleston’s celebration of the arts wraps up June 26.

Whew! So don't say there's nothing to do this summer!

On Stage This Week - "Harvey"

My pal Bil Neal sent in this comment today, and it's a good one - he's recommending the upcoming production of Harvey at the Renaissance Center (which is, of course, the old Huntington High School).

You can see some photos from the rehearsals right here on the Herald-Dispatch's Photo Gallery (Here's an example of the photos by Sholten Singer).

Here's what Bil had to say:

Just left a dress rehearsal of Harvey at ARTS. I'm keeping it simple - the right cast, the right director, the right script. An evening of really good, clean fun.

This deserves to be seen, deserves a great audience, and by the time you hear just how good it is it'll be over. One weekend only - this Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Call ARTS and make your reservations now - 304-733-ARTS. You'll thank me for it. (Once your sides recover from laughing so hard.)

The Cast of "Baby"

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this note about the just-announced cast for the musical Baby:

Arts Resources for the Tri-State announces the cast list for the musical Baby which will be held at the Renaissance Center ballroom August 20-22 and 27-29.

The cast list is:

Lizzie: Angela Wolfe-Hunt
Danny: Mark Radford
Pam: Jane Modlin
Nick: Dave Benton
Arlene: Mary Olson
Alan: Ron Short
Doctor: Jane Morse

Chorus:
Susan Rawn
Jacqueline Boylan
Kenny Harbolt
Andrew Surber

Baby tells the story of three couples who discover they are due to have babies: One couple in their 20s, one in their 30s, and one in their 40s. It takes the audience through the laughter, tears, frustrations, and joys of waiting for the blessed event. The show will be done in a dinner-theatre format.

For more information about the show or to reserve tickets, please call 304-733-ARTS.

Auditions for "Steel Magnolias" and "White Christmas"

Fifth Avenue Theatre has auditions coming up this summer for its fall productions - here's the info:

Steel Magnolias

Fifth Avenue Theatre Company announces auditions for Steel Magnolias August 1 at 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall. Auditions are open to females age 14 and up. Participants will be reading scenes selected by director. All materials needed will be provided at the audition.

The action is set in Truvy's beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are "anybody" come to have their hair done. Helped by her eager new assistant, Annelle (who is not sure whether or not she is still married), the outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy dispenses shampoos and free advice to the towns rich curmudgeon, Ouiser,("I'm not crazy, I've just been in a bad mood for 40 years"); an eccentric millionaire, Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader M'Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a "good ole boy." Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play is truly touching and funny.

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

White Christmas

5th Avenue Theatre Company announces auditions for White Christmas on Sunday, July 27 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. for principle characters only in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall.

Auditions for ensemble roles and children’s pre-show are scheduled for Sunday, August 22 from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. and will also be in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium.

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

Bob Wallace: A slightly formal businessman-type in his 20s-30s.
Phil Davis: A fun-loving, energetic guy in his 20s-30s.
Betty Haynes: A young, sophisticated lady in her 20s-30s.
Judy Haynes: An outgoing, fun-loving, and energetic girl in her 20s-30s
General Henry Waverly: A gruff but gentle, no-nonsense-type of man in his 40s-60s.
Martha Watson: A funny, motherly lady who runs the inn for the general. A pleasant lady in her 40s-60s.

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

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

Summer Camp - for Actors

My pal Jonathan Joy (who's a local actor and playwright - that's him on the right in the photo above) kicked off the summer camp season this week with his annual Theater Camp at the Huntington Museum of Art.

Jon has written such plays as First Day of Summer and Senate Idol.

He leads students in theater activities that emphasize the tools of the actor. As part of the camp, the students will write, direct and perform in their own plays.

If you missed this one, another camp for kids in grades five to seven is scheduled for July 26 to 30.

For additional information about the camp, call 304-529-2701 ext. 311.

On Stage This Weekend - "Barnum," "Mid-Life," "New Works" and FestivALL

You have two great shows to choose from this weekend, and two incredible festivals - here's the rundown:

- Barnum - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents this three-ring musical June 19 at 8 p.m. and June 20 at 3 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $20.

- Mid-Life Crisis - Jenny Wiley’s theatre offerings crank up with this show, presented June 17, 18, 19 and 20.

- New Works Festival 2010 - This celebration of new works takes the stage at Marshall University June 17, 18 and 19. You can read more about it right here. All readings will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- Festiv-All - Charleston’s celebration of the arts includes several theatre offerings June 19, 20, 21 and 26. You can get more information in this post.

Theatre Trivia

Trivia time, gentle reader!

I got this note from my pal Danny Ray:

Did you know that Antionette Perry directed the original broadway production of Harvey?

Of course, the Tony Awards were named for Antionette... and Danny brings up Harvey because he's directing the production that will be taking the stage in the near future. (I'm a big fan of shameless plugs, so I encourage such behavior!)

Thanks, Danny!

Improv Comedy This Saturday

My pal Tony Slack sends along this info about Saturday's show by the No Pants Players:

Come see why the No Pants Players are quickly becoming the #1 choice for live family entertainment in the Kanawha Valley!

The NPP will be performing at The Labelle Theater, Saturday, June 19 at 8 p.m.

Bring out the entire family and have a great evening of live improv comedy! Tickets go on sale at 7 p.m. with live music beginning at 7:30 p.m. The troupe takes the stage at 8 p.m.

Concessions and NPP merchandise will also be available. Lots of audience participation!

Come out to support local West Virginia performers and artists! Tickets are still only $6 each.

The Labelle Theater is located at 311 D St in South Charleston. If you can't make it out, you can also check the troupe out on June 26 at The Alban Theater!

Check our website at www.nopantsplayers.com for more info.

It's a Monster: FestivALL

The ever-growing celebration that is known as FestivALL invades Charleston this week - and this story from the Herald-Dispatch will tell you about some (though not all) of the events you can see:

The Tri-State is plum packed with summer festivals.

But there is only one FestivALL.

Like the LeBron James of festivals, FestivALL Charleston shoots and scores with an amazingly diverse game.

Here’s a look at the super-sized festival that runs June 18 through June 27, with an all-you-can-enjoy buffet of live music, dance, theater, art, food and community fellowship.

Here’s a look at just a few highlights from the FestivALL. For a full schedule go online at www.festivallcharleston.com.

Let There Be Butterflies

In years past, FestivALL has always had something cool from Europe like English chalk artist Julian Beever.

This year, it is the multi-media production from Italy called Compagnia T.P.O. Farfalle (Butterflies).

The 50-minute-long, interactive show that charts the lives of butterflies with ultra modern visual and audio technology mixed with Old World theatrical charm takes flight in the intimate Walker Theater (120 seats) inside the Clay Center. The Avampato Discovery Museum will be offering butterfly workshops to coincide with the performances.

Wednesday, June 16 through Sunday, June 20, there will be several daily shows and installations where you can stay after the performance and explore the environment on your own.

Tickets are $18 adults, $10 kids and $5 for the installations. Go online at www.theclaycenter.org for more info.

A Mountain of music

One of the Mountain State’s coolest exports, Mountain Stage, has been sending sweet, original tunes around the planet’s airwaves for decades.

It kicks off FestivALL at 8 p.m. Friday, June 18, with a special show at the Clay Center featuring Grammy Award-winning pianist and songwriter, Marc Cohn, doing a one-hour set, as well as other guests including two Australians,North Australia native Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu and Kate Miller-Heidke as well as Austin, Texas, resident Sahara Smith, a 20-year-old who has been working with renowned producer T Bone Burnett.

Tickets are $29 reserved. Call 304-561-3570 or visit www.theclaycenter.org.

Advance tickets are also available at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston.

Got wheels

At 10 a.m. Saturday, June 19, FestivALL will have an Art on Wheels art parade that winds through downtown ending up at Capitol Market where entries will be judged for most creative. Anyone who has a bike, scooter, wheelchair, stroller, carriage or wagon, has the chance to spiff it up and parade it through the streets during FestivALL’s Art Parade. All ages are invited, although you must register by Tuesday, June 15.

For more information, contact FestivallArtParade@gmail.com or call 304-729-4ART(4278).

Smoke on the Water

Charleston has a great chili history, as it is home to the Capitol Market Green Chili Shoot-Out, the world’s largest green chili cook-off, and last October, Charleston hosted the ICS World Championships at Appalachian Power Park.

Come and celebrate that spicy heritage with the Smoke on the Water Chili Cook-Off that from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 19, with a slew of chili samples (two tickets for $1) a kids area, the always-popular Hot Pepper Eating contest, a frozen t-shirt contest, and live music beginning at 11 a.m. with Buckstone and the Diablo Blues Band, All proceeds go to HospiceCare.

Go online at www.smokeonthewater.org.

A Hall of Fame Performance

The West Virginia Music Hall of Fame (with funding from Brewer and Co.) brings the musical A-game to the stage to celebrate the Mountain State’s birthday on Sunday, June 20.

From noon to 6 p.m., they’ll be rolling free music on the new Schoenbaum Stage of the recently redesigned Haddad Riverfront Park led by 2008 West Virginia Music Hall of Fame inductee Charlie McCoy, the WV Superpickers (featuring Russ Hicks, Wayne Moss and Robert Shafer), the Bob Thompson Unit, Brian Diller, Kanawha Valley Community Band, and Beckley’s Gospel Reunion.

Bob Kravos, nephew of 2008 WV Music Hall of Fame inductee Frankie Yankovic, will perform. He will also present one of his uncle’s bandstands to the Hall of Fame. There will also be a raffle for a guitar and harmonica autographed by Charlie McCoy and the WV Superpickers (courtesy of Cheap Beats). Sponsorships are available by calling the WV Music Hall of Fame at 304-342-4412.

Step right up for ‘Barnum’

The Charleston Light Opera Guild shines a spotlight on America’s greatest showman, P.T. Barnum, in the hit musical, Barnum, that runs 8 p.m. Saturday, June 19; 3 p.m. Sunday, June 20; 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 25-26 and then 3 p.m. Sunday, June 27.

Enjoy exploring Barnum’s fascinating life with his wife, Chairy and his living curiosities from Joice Heth, the oldest woman in the world to Tom Thumb, the smallest man and finally Barnum’s first respectable attraction, Jenny Lind, the Swedish Nightingale.

Tickets are $20 at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre box office. Call 304-343-2287 or 304-343-2287.

Diamonds are a sister's best friend

Charleston native Neil Diamond tribute act, Theron Denson, “The Black Diamond,” who is now living and working out in Las Vegas, gets to roll home and open for one of his favorite groups, and old friends, The Pointer Sisters, as they are the featured guests for the annual Charleston FestivALL Mayor’s Concert.

That show is at 8 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at the Clay Center.

For anyone who was asleep in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the Pointer Sisters, are Grammy Award-winning R&B and pop singing sisters who have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, were inducted into the Soul Train Hall of Fame, and left behind a ton of hits since they burst out of the church and onto the national scene back in the early 1970s.

Tickets are $47.50 to $57.50. They are available at www.theclaycenter.org or by calling 304-561-3570

Go online at www.theclaycenter.org for more info.

Wine & All That Jazz

A production of Charleston’s Fund for the Arts at the University of Charleston, this eight-hour party starts at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 26, and is headlined by Grammy winning sax man, Joe Lovano. Other acts include Dugan Carter, Bluenotes, Actual Rhinoceros, Matias-Rocha y Nueva Trova featuring Othello Molineaux, Bob Thompson Unit.

Tickets are $18 advance or $20 at the gate or at Fund for the Arts and the Wine Shop at Capitol Market. Go online at www.festivallcharleston.com.

Up On The Ridge with Mountain Stage

Mountain Stage celebrates Father’s Day by hosting red-hot country act, Dierks Bentley, who has headed down the Americana Music road with a new bluegrass flavored CD called “Up on the Ridge” featuring The Travelin’ McCourys, Ronnie (mandolin) and Robbie (banjo).

They all visit for a special Mountain Stage show at the Clay Center, at 7 p.m. Sunday, June 20. Other acts include gypsy jazz and more from the John Jorgenson Quartet, another guitar hero, Bill Kirchen, off beat-humor and fantastic songwriting by Canadian Fred Eaglesmith (he’ll be on The David Letterman Show on June 19) and Nashville harmonica legend, Charlie McCoy, an Oak Hill, W.Va., native.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $29 day of show. Go online at www.mountainstage.org for more info.

A river runs through it

On the River Queen sternwheeler (the free “water taxi” between Haddad Riverfront Park and the Wine & All That Jazz Festival held at the University of Charleston on Saturday June 26), enjoy two original 10-minute, river-themed plays picked by the Charleston Stage Company in their “The River Play” contest.

Colleen Anderson and Michael Davis collaborated “Deep Issues” and Derek J. Samms penned the comic “Lady Fortune and her Sternwheel.” Play times are 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Call 304-766-5721 or visit the CSC website www.charlestonstagecompany.com.

On Stage This Week - New Works Festival

Coming up this week at Marshall University is the latest edition of the outstanding New Works Festival. It's a chance to check out creative new plays and musicals, and it's highly recommended.

Here's the story from the Herald-Dispatch:

Five new plays and an original film short by local and national playwrights will premiere Thursday through Saturday, June 17-19, in The New Works Festival 2010 at Marshall University.

The festival, presented by the Marshall University Theatre Alliance and the Marshall University College of Fine Arts, will include both staged and unstaged readings.

All readings will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Each evening's readings will be followed by a discussion/question-and-answer session with the playwright, director and cast. Participation is both welcome and encouraged.

Admission to this year's festival is by donation on a nightly basis. All admission money goes towards the New Works Festival Fund in the Marshall University Foundation and is tax deductible.

The schedule includes:

Thursday, June 17: "Kiss Off," by Jonathan Joy, is the third in a growing series of 10-minute plays that revolve around an argumentative husband and wife and various holiday/special events. The first two plays in that series -- "The War on Halloween" and "An Inappropriate Christmas Story" -- have been performed on stages in three West Virginia cities (Huntington, Charleston and Wheeling) and at the Wings Theatre in Greenwich Village in New York City.

In the latest entry, "Kiss Off," Mark arrives home early to surprise his wife on their anniversary. He could have never imagined how the tables would turn when he is the one left shocked at the end of evening. It is a domestic comedy about love, marriage and irreconcilable differences.

Thursday, June 17: "Coney," by David Johnston, takes place on New York City's Coney Island, where people from all walks come together and break apart. "Coney" is a new play/work in progress from David Johnston, author of the award-winning "Candy & Dorothy" and "Conversations on Russian Literature."

Friday, June 18: Marshall University Professor Kellie Bean's "Close to Mourning" tells the story of a mother and daughter who confront a shared and painful secret that has nearly cost them their relationship. A story of a mother visiting her widowed, middle-aged daughter after a long separation, this play explores the pain of family secrets.

Friday, June 18: Closing out the Friday night performances is something for audiences who love musicals. "Effie Jean in Tahiti," by David Johnston, music and lyrics by Stephen Speights, tells the story of Princess Effie Jean who has made a bargain with Proteus, the Old Man of the Sea, and is now stuck in Tahiti guarding his jewels.

Saturday, June 19: "The Date," an original comedic short film written and directed by Mike Murdock, asks the question, "Can you think of anyone better to prepare you for a blind date than your two best friends?" Maybe you should start looking now.

Closing out this year's festival is "War of the Welles," by Michael Weber, which takes place on Halloween Eve, 1938. A shaken America struggles to recover from economic collapse as Hitler threatens the future of the Free World.

Call 304-696-6395 for tickets and information on The New Works Festival 2010 at Marshall University.

The Tony Winners Are...

The Tonys are behind us - a good broadcast, what I saw of it (although for the second year in a row they had microphone problems, which is shocking for a production like this).

On the local front, we have a new champion - congratulations to my pal Mel Larch for picking the most winners in a difficult season! She had 12 out of 26 correct, and earns the 2010 crown!

It was a race for last place between my pal Zach and me, but I edged him out - for last place, I mean. Zach got nine right, and I managed a paltry eight correct answers. Congrats on your second place finish, Zach!

For those who missed the broadcast from Broadway, here are the Tony winners:

Best Musical
Memphis

Best Play
Red

Best Book of a Musical
Memphis - Joe DiPietro

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Memphis - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan

Best Revival of a Play
Fences

Best Revival of a Musical
La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Denzel Washington - Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis - Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Douglas Hodge - La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Catherine Zeta-Jones - A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Eddie Redmayne - Red

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Scarlett Johansson - A View from the Bridge

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Levi Kreis - Million Dollar Quartet

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Katie Finneran - Promises, Promises

Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage - Red

Best Direction of a Musical
Terry Johnson - La Cage aux Folles

Best Choreography
Bill T. Jones - Fela!

Best Orchestrations
Daryl Waters & David Bryan - Memphis

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Christopher Oram - Red

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christine Jones - American Idiot

Best Costume Design of a Play
Catherine Zuber - The Royal Family

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Marina Draghici - Fela!

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin - Red

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams - American Idiot

Best Sound Design of a Play
Adam Cork - Red

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Robert Kaplowitz - Fela!

Tony Awards Tonight - and Chuck's Picks

Tonight the Tony Award winners will be announced on CBS, but I'm afraid technical challenges will keep your old pal Chuck from live-blogging the ceremony - mea culpa, gentle readers!

However, I do want to list my picks for tonight, with the caveat that these are complete shots in the dark - I've done no research and I haven't seen any of these shows, so I'm just going by the comments of friends who have seen them.

There's still time to get your picks in - you can 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. Tomorrow I'll tally the results and announce the winner of our little contest.

Meanwhile, here are my picks:

Best Musical
Memphis

Best Play
Red

Best Book of a Musical
Memphis

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Fences - Music: Branford Marsalis

Best Revival of a Play
Fences

Best Revival of a Musical
La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Christopher Walken, A Behanding in Spokane

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Valerie Harper, Looped

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Sean Hayes, Promises, Promises

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Fences

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Rosemary Harris, The Royal Family

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Robin De Jesús, La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Angela Lansbury, A Little Night Music

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Santo Loquasto, Fences

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Derek McLane, Ragtime

Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz, Lend Me a Tenor

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Matthew Wright, La Cage aux Folles

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Neil Austin, Hamlet

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Robert Wierzel, Fela!

Best Sound Design of a Play
Adam Cork, Red

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Dan Moses Schreier, Sondheim on Sondheim

Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Fences

Best Direction of a Musical
Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Best Choreography
Twyla Tharp, Come Fly Away

Best Orchestrations
Daryl Waters & David Bryan, Memphis

Mel's Picks for the Tony Awards

My pal Mel chimes in with her choices - remember, you have until the start of the broadcast Sunday night to make your predictions! The winner gets bragging rights (and that's about it). Send your guesses in as a comment or to this email address: TheMinskers@aol.com.

Here's Mel's take:

Although it'd be more appropriate to say "shots in the dark".. here goes:

Best Musical
American Idiot (I'm a Green Day fan, so I have a soft spot in my heart for this show! I love this album, "21 Guns" & "Know Your Enemy" so much. But that curtain call with "Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)"...)

Best Play
Red

Best Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Fences (Branford Marsalis)

Best Revival of a Play
Fences

Best Revival of a Musical
La Cage aux Folles

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play
Denzel Washington, Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play
Viola Davis, Fences

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical (tough call with both Kelsey Grammer and Sean Hayes in the running. But Ngaujah is onstage virtually the whole show.)
Sahr Ngaujah, Fela!

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Jon Michael Hill, Superior Donuts (showin' the Steppenwolf folks some love)

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Rosemary Harris, The Royal Family

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Kevin Chamberlin, The Addams Family

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical (this is tough, because there's at least three ways it could go)
Barbara Cook, Sondheim on Sondheim

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Santo Loquasto, Fences

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christine Jones, American Idiot

Best Costume Design of a Play
Martin Pakledinaz, Lend Me a Tenor

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Santo Loquasto, Ragtime

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Brian MacDevitt, Fences

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, American Idiot

Best Sound Design of a Play
Scott Lehrer, A View from the Bridge

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Robert Kaplowitz, Fela!

Best Direction of a Play
Michael Grandage, Red

Best Direction of a Musical
Terry Johnson, La Cage aux Folles

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford, Promises, Promises

Best Orchestrations
Daryl Waters & David Bryan, Memphis

On Stage This Weekend

There are three great shows you can catch this weekend - but hurry, because Saturday is the last performance for the first two. Here's the rundown:

- 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 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 11 and 12.

- Mid-Life - Jenny Wiley’s theatre offerings crank up with this show, presented June 11, 12, 13 (and that's just for starters).

Zach's Picks for the Tonys

As usual, my pal Zach is one of the first to send in his choices to win the Tonys!

He writes:

Well I racked my little brain and gave it the good ol' college try! I don't feel as much excitement for the Tonys overall compared to last year - however, some very tough choices!

Best Musical (most interesting range and variety this year)
Memphis

Best Play
Red

Best Book of a Musical
Everyday Rapture

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Memphis - Music: David Bryan, Lyrics: Joe DiPietro, David Bryan

Best Revival of a Play
Fences

Best Revival of a Musical(hardest category as always)
A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play (wow, another toughy. Denzel and Jude are in there, too)
Christopher Walken, A Behanding in Spokane

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play (almost chose Davis... wonder why?)
Valerie Harper, Looped

Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical
Sean Hayes, Promises, Promises

Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical
Catherine Zeta-Jones, A Little Night Music

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Play
Stephen McKinley Henderson, Fences

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play
Jan Maxwell, Lend Me a Tenor

Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical
Christopher Fitzgerald, Finian's Rainbow

Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical (almost went with Cook. Going to be close)
Angela Lansbury, A Little Night Music

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Santo Loquasto, Fences

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christine Jones, American Idiot

Best Costume Design of a Play
Catherine Zuber, The Royal Family

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Matthew Wright, La Cage aux Folles

Best Lighting Design of a Play (Hamlet)
Neil Austin

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, American Idiot

Best Sound Design of a Play (Red)
Adam Cork

Best Sound Design of a Musical (Dan has it either way)
Dan Moses Schreier and Gareth Owen, A Little Night Music

Best Direction of a Play
Kenny Leon, Fences

Best Direction of a Musical
Christopher Ashley, Memphis

Best Choreography
Twyla Tharp, Come Fly Away

Best Orchestrations
Aaron Johnson, Fela!

Auditions for "Baby" This Sunday

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this notice about auditions this weekend for the musical Baby:

Arts Resources for the Tri-State is having auditions for the musical Baby on Sunday, June 13 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Center (old Huntington High School).

The show will be presented in Huntington at the Renaissance Center on August 20-22 and 27-29 as well as September 10-12 at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans.

Baby is the story of three couples who discover they are having babies: One couple is in their 20s, one is in their 30s and the third couple is in their 40s-50s.

The setting for Baby is a college campus. The youngest couple are students in college who discover they are pregnant and are trying to plan their careers and future around the coming of the child.

The couple in their 30s are coaches at the college who have been trying to have a baby for years. They are very excited when discovering they are going to have a baby and are devastated when told there was a mix-up with the pregnancy tests and they are not really going to have a baby. We then follow them on their arduous and sometimes comedic journey of trying to get pregnant. There is also the role of the doctor who advises the couple on their attempts at fertilization.

The third couple consists of a college professor and his wife who are retiring and leaving the university just as their third child graduates high school and heads for college. While celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary at the Plaza Hotel, they get pregnant, and their struggle throughout the show is trying to decide whether to terminate the pregnancy and move on with their lives or to keep the baby and rearrange their new lifestyle plans.

Baby tells the story of the ups-and-downs, joys, and trials of having children. It is about change and how we either ride the tide or fight against it. It will bring audiences to tears and be a source of great laughter. It is the story of life and how, in spite of our fighting against it, "the story goes on."

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