On Stage This Weekend - Three Shows

You have three fine shows to choose from this weekend:

- Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park tonight through Sunday, August 15. All performances start at 8:30 p.m.

- Pippin: His Life and Times - Red Lion Theatre will present the musical Aug. 12 through 15 at 8 p.m. at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Jenny Wiley presents the musical at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 12, 13 and 14.

Check 'em out and support your local theatre!

More Auditions

Hey, we have more auditions going on than we can shake a stick at!

My pal Paul Neace tells me about this one:

We held auditions for our inaugural Pullman Plaza Playhouse shows yesterday – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Little Shop of Horrors at the Hotel.

We’re having callbacks tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. for "Little Shop." However, if anyone couldn’t make it to earlier auditions, they can audition at that time also.

Then my pal Eddie Harbert sent along this reminder about auditions for White Christmas on Sunday:

Ensemble auditions for White Christmas will be held on Sunday, August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall.

We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time. There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post Wold War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Participants wishing to audition should come with a prepared selection to sing. Auditioners will also be asked to read various selections from the script.

For more information about White Christmas or the auditions, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738. Come join us for a spectacular show!

Auditions for "Will Rogers Follies"

We try to alert you to upcoming auditions, and here's one to watch for, as ARTS auditions for its big fall production, the musical Will Rogers Follies.

Here's the info from my pal Bil Neal:

ARTS is pleased to announce auditions for Will Rogers Follies Saturday, August 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

There are roles for nine men (including a cowboy quartet) and eight women (including a showgirl sextet) and four children ages 5 to 9. Show runs October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Bil Neal, Directing; Kerri Easter-Stambough, Choreographer; and Tawny Burdine, Musical Director.

No need to stress or prepare too much - auditions will start at 3:00 with everyone learning one of the songs from the show for the musical section, and readings will be available for the acting portion. Wear something you can move in.

Cast of characters (Singing roles are marked with a *):

*Will Rogers - never met a man he didn't like - will be able to handle a rope
*Ziegfeld's Favorite - a beautiful chorus girl
Wiley Post - Aeroplane pilot
*Clem Rogers - Will's Father
*Will's Six Sisters (ALSO) Betty's Six Sisters - played by a sextet from the chorus
*Four Cowboys - male quartet from the chorus
Stage Manager - Peter
*Betty Blake - Will's wife
*The Four Rogers Children - Will Junior, Mary, James and Freddy
Roper- a professional rope spinner
6-12 stage hands/wardrobe people/chorus

Any questions please call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926 or ARTS 304-733-ARTS or Email Bil at bil@733arts.org

"The Jungle Book Kids" Opens Tonight in Logan

There's a nice story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the Jungle Book musical that opens tonight - you can read it right here:

For the first time in their rich 35 year history, The Aracoma Story, Inc. presents a Disney Kids Production on their stage as part of their summer season at The Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park. Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will feature a cast that includes some of the most talented kids in the region as it opens for six nights this Tuesday, August 10 running through Sunday, August 15.

Originally based on Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 novel, Walt Disney’s blockbuster hit film The Jungle Book was the last animated feature that Walt Disney personally supervised – he died during its production. Its winning combination of captivating characters, humor, drama and music – including “I Want To Be Like You” and “The Bare Necessities” has made the film one of Disney’s most beloved animated features with its release in 1967.

Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids was released by Disney through Music Theatre International in 2005 and has received rave reviews across the country. The Jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! The memorable characters of Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this Rated G musical includes many of your favorite Disney tunes. With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

The Aracoma Story, Inc. will open the show each night with a Talent Showcase that will include featured performances by some from the show’s cast. The Talent Showcase will include musical numbers, comedy, dance and a creative arts performance. “We wanted to take the opportunity to showcase some of our talented young performers from this show’s cast that have appeared in some of our pervious productions” says The Aracoma Story, Inc. President Jim Frye. “We also have some very talented new faces in this show and I am confident that they will bring energy and excitement to our stage!” says Frye.

The cast of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids includes Levi Browning (Baby Elephant), Taylor Browning (Peacock), Seth Bunting (Mowgli), Alayna Bryant (Monkey), DJ Conley (Elephant), Julie Coombs (Hyena), Destinee Elkins (Porcupine), Summer Elkins (Monkey), Faith Ferrell (Peacock), Lauren Leboeuf (Kaa The Snake), Jessie Murray (Monkey), Abigail Nagy (Lizard), Shana Nelson (Bagheera The Panther), Samantha Shell (Louie, King of the Monkeys), Tori Shell (Colonel Hathi, Elephant Leader), Shiann Sigmon (Shanti), Khiry Starghill (Baloo The Bear), Stephanie Thornhill (Monkey) and Charles Wallace (Shere Khan The Tiger).

Special Promotional Nights are planned for the 1 week production: Wednesday, August 16 will be Military Night with FREE ADMISSION to all Active Military Personnel and HALF-PRICE ADMISSION to all Veterans for their ticket purchased at their Box Office on the night of the performance.

The final performance on Sunday, August 16 will be “Bring Your Pet Night” at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre. All pet owners are urged to bring their pets to the show with them on Sunday night. A special prize will be given away at the beginning of the show to one lucky pet owner who brings their pet to the show. “We see it as a fun way to salute pet owners. Our Chairman of the Board, Liz Spurlock loves her dogs dearly and has inspired us to salute pet owners who love theater. This may be a first in theater anywhere in our region!” says Frye.

Performances of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids are expected to be somewhat shorter than most T.A.S.I. productions. The expected length of the Talent Showcase and Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids including an intermission is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Adult ticket prices have been reduced from the usual ticket price for this production.

Opening Night of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park on Tuesday, August 10 at 8:30 p.m. The show will run Tuesday through Sunday, August 15. All performances start at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

Advance ticket discounts are available at The UPS Store in Logan, Necessary Things in Logan, Pic-Pac in Man and Aracoma Drug in Chapmanville. You can purchase tickets by phone including Group Discounted Tickets using Visa or MasterCard by calling The Aracoma Story, Inc. office at 304-752-0253.

For more information about this summer production visit www.loganshows.com.

"Disney's Jungle Book Kids" Moves Into Logan State Park

Hey, here's an August show I somehow missed - and it starts tomorrow at Chief Logan State Park!

It's Disney's The Jungle Book Kids, based on the beloved animated musical adaptation of the classic Rudyard Kipling tales.

Here's a recap of the story:

The Jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan.

Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are now on sale at The UPS Store at Oaks Plaza in Logan, Necessary Things in Logan, Pic Pac Supermarket in Man and
Aracoma Drug in Chapmanville - or you can purchase by phone calling 304-752-0253.

The show runs Aug. 10 - 15. Don't miss it!

Paramount's New Season Features Lots of Shows

Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch includes a big article about the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland's upcoming season (you can read the whole article right here).

Of special interest to theatre fans are the touring Broadway shows, and the announcement of a new community theatre group working through the Paramount!

Here are some of the highlights:

Broadway Series

The Broadway Series will feature three musicals -- Legally Blonde on Oct. 25, Wizard of Oz on May 10, and Spamalot on April 7.

Legally Blonde is a story that goes from the sorority house to the halls of justice. Elle Woods gets serious after getting dumped by her boyfriend and decides to go to Harvard Law. She proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Wizard of Oz proves again that there is no place like home. The lavish production features amazing special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.

Spamalot, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, is "lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail." It is a comedic tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.

Paramount Players Series

The Paramount Players Series is new this season. It is community theater featuring the Paramount Players. The shows will be Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe on Oct. 14, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Dec. 16-18, Clue Jan. 21-22 (which will also feature dinner), and Hairspray March 25-26.

Special Events

A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed by National Players, will take place on Feb. 11. This will feature the Twittering Shakespeare experience. Patrons can bring their phones and receive fun, informative facts and trivia about the performance. The show will feature a fresh twist on the setting as woods glow in the dark and fairies dance to electronica. Audience members will see mistaken love, dark nights and dubious tricks in this classic comedy turned electric farce. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

New subscribers wishing to buy series tickets can do so anytime. Individual ticket sales begin on Aug. 23.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Paramount box office, call 606-324-3175 or go online at www.paramountartscenter.com.

Jim Stone Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

A reminder that First Stage Theatre Company is still accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship, a $1000 award that goes to a deserving graduate from the children's theatre.

It's First Stage's way of honoring both the group's young actors and Jim Stone, who was a great actor and a true supporter of the arts.

Here's the information about the scholarship and how to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.

The deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.

Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage This Weekend

August is warming up, and you have four shows taking the stage this weekend - one show in Charleston, one in Logan and two at Jenny Wiley:

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 8 at 3 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs through Aug. 7 at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Aug. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 8:15 p.m.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - Aug. 8 and 10 at 8:15 p.m.

Getting Started on "James and the Giant Peach"

The cast of James and the Giant Peach had its first meeting tonight, and those are always fun, as the cast, their parents, the director and the producers get together for the first time to start the process of getting ready for the show.

The first meeting is all about saying "Hello" and getting the paperwork out of the way - filling out information forms, release forms and getting all the necessary email addresses - stuff like that.

The show is being guided by my pal Jonathan Joy, who's not only a terrific playwright and actor - he's also a great director! I know he's going to get the most out of this young cast, and he's an outstanding drama teacher, so they're going to learn a lot about stagecraft, too.

The producers for the First Stage Theatre Company show are Becky Craig and your humble blogger here (Chuck Minsker, that is). I'm wearing the (co-)producer hat for the first time in a while, but glad to be part of the team!

I'll have more updates as the rehearsal process moves along - we're just in the earliest stages right now, but it's a very talented cast, so you can expect great things when they take the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at the end of September!

(Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.)

Cast List for "Steel Magnolias"

My pal Zach Davis sent along the cast list for 5th Avenue Theatre's play Steel Magnolias, which he'll be directing.

Here's the list - it's an impressive cast:

Truvy Jones - Twinkie Smith
Annelle Dupuy - Desoto-Shannon Bates
Clairee Belcher - Kyle Fisher
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie - Stephanie Sands
M'Lynn Eatenton - Jen Jacobson
Ouiser Boudreaux - Loretta Hetzer
Radio DJ - Peggy Walker

Zach adds, "I am very excited about this cast. So much talent! I am sure the audience will enjoy this forever classic!"

Steel Magnolias runs September 17-19 and 24-26 at Huntington's City Hall.

On Stage in August

Several community theatre shows are on tap for August (which is kind of surprising - it's traditionally a slow month for stage shows).

As always, if I missed one, send me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com. Here's the rundown:

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 8 at 3 p.m.

- Baby - ARTS presents the musical at the Renaissance Center ballroom August 20-22 and 27-29.

- The Aracoma Story - runs through Aug. 7 at at Logan State Park.

- Pippin: His Life and Times - Red Lion Theatre will present the musical Aug. 12 through 15 at 8 p.m. at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

Jenny Wiley presents two shows this month:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - Aug. 8 and 10 at 8:15 p.m.

And that's it! (I think!)

Auditions for "Steel Magnolias"

A reminder that auditions are being held on Sunday for 5th Avenue Theatre's production of Steel Magnolias:

5th Avenue Theatre Company announces auditions for Steel Magnolias Aug. 1 from 1 p.m. to 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.

Steel Magnolias - 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 forty 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 moves toward tragedy when, in second act, the spunky Shelby (who is diabetic) risks pregnancy. The story draws on the underlying strength and love which give the play, and its characters, the special quality to make them truly touching, funny and marvelously amiable company in good and bad times.

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

The Cast of "White Christmas"

Director Eddie Harbert sends along the cast list for 5th Avenue Theatre's White Christmas (and a talented group it is), along with some other information:

The principal cast of White Christmas has been chosen for 5th Avenue Theatre Company's production to be performed December 3-5 and 10-12 at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium at City Hall.

The principal cast is as follows:

Bob Wallace: Josh Janotta
Phil Davis: Greg Kiser
Betty Haynes: Angela Wolfe
Judy Haynes: Jessica Maier
Martha Watson: Jane Modlin
Rita: Kerri Easter
Ezekiel Foster: Erik Weingardt
Mrs. Snoring Man: Susan Rawn

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post World War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are also several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Ensemble auditions will be held on Sunday, August 15 from 1-5 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall. We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time.

There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

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

5th Avenue is part of the City of Huntington Foundation. Tickets may be purchased by calling Maxine Loudermilk at the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522.

Come join us for a spectacular show!

Cast for "James and the Giant Peach"

Director Jonanthan Joy just sent me the cast list for the upcoming First Stage Theatre Company production of James and the Giant Peach, and it's quite a talented lineup!

CAST

MOTHER - Alli Bartrum
FATHER - Thomas Armstrong
NARRATORS - Ayla Edwards, Katie Fulks and Jacob Jarvis
AUNT SPONGE - Cassi Bowen
AUNT SPIKER - Hannah Stevenson
JAMES TROTTER - Samuel Collins
LITTLE OLD MAN - Zane Smith
OLD GREEN GRASSHOPPER - Abigail Turner
CENTIPEDE - Becca Stevenson
SPIDER - Rebecca Craig
LADYBUG - Emily Underwood
EARTHWORM - Sam Young
GLOW WORM - Emily Bannon
CAPTAIN - Josh Knight
FIRST OFFICER - Nathaniel Fornash
SECOND OFFICER - Danny Fulks
CLOUD MEN & WOMEN - Thomas Armstrong, Alli Bartrum, Rachel Likens, Armaan Karimpour, Grayson Smith, Karenann Flouhouse
ONLOOKERS, PASSENGERS - Brook Alexander, Madelyn Hill, Jane Claire Aulick, Baily Sanders, Erika Turner, Jensen Bird, Taranee Karimpour, Sara Allen, Shelby McKeand, Grace Adkins

On Stage This Weekend

There are no less than five shows hitting the stage this weekend - two in Charleston, one at Logan State Park and two at Jenny Wiley!

Here's the list:

- Bert Hellmunn Fights The Demons Of The Stage - CYAC also presents the new Dan Kehde comedy running July 29-31 at 8 p.m. on the WVSU Capitol Center stage. It's a sexy farce about a playwright and the pursuit of happiness.

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical July 30, 31, Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 8 at 3 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs July 29 - Aug. 7 at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts two shows this weekend:

- Jack and the Beanstalk - will be presented July 29.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - will begin July 31 and run into August.

First Stage's Big Announcement

First Stage Theatre Company made two big announcements today: first, they've named the third show that will make up the children theatre's 21st season - and they've announced a historic theatre where the show will be staged!

The group's Spring 2011 show will be Rugrats, A Live Adventure, and it will be staged at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center!

That's exciting news, because it's just the second community theatre show to be staged at the Keith since the building became a performing arts center! (The first show was also by First Stage - Disney's High School Musical in November 2007.)

Rugrats will be staged March 17 - 20, 2011. There will be a School Show on a date to be announced.

The show will be Co-directed by Mary and Tommy Smirl. The Musical Director is Chris Bowling, the Choreographer is Tiffany Carroll, and the Producers are Tracy Meadows and Elaine Young.

Here's a description of the show: "Welcome to the world of the Rugrats, Nickelodeon’s classic hit animated series about life from a baby’s point of view. This live theatrical production features young performers as they bring this award-winning television show to life. Whenever adults are around, the Rugrats act like real babies, but when they're alone they drop their witless pose and talk to each other with the vocabulary of five-year-olds. The Rugrats, in their usual offbeat fashion, turn a typical rainy afternoon into an adventure of the imagination. "

Auditions for the show will be held in December 2010.

Rugrats will be the third show in First Stage's 2010 season, which includes James and the Giant Peach and Once Upon a Mattress.

For more information, visit the First Stage website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

Back in Town!

Sorry to have been so quiet for the past few days - I was in Chicago and Michigan for several days, helping son Evan relocate from the Windy City to his new home.

But I haven't forgotten about you, gentle readers! In the near future we'll discuss the big show taking the stage next weekend in Charleston - Hair - and we'll look at the shows that will be coming up in August.

And tomorrow I have a couple of big announcements from First Stage Theatre Company about its Spring 2011 show - so stick around as we get back in gear for the last part of summer and the busy fall season!

Auditions This Weekend for Kids and Grownups

Auditions are being held this weekend for two shows - one for young performers, and the other for seasoned veterans:

- James and the Giant Peach - Auditions for the full-length play based on the Roald Dahl classic book will feature 21 young actors from grades 3-13. No experience is necessary to audition.

Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 24 and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 25 at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church.

Rehearsals will begin Aug. 2. The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will open on Sept. 24.

James and the Giant Peach is directed by Jonathan Joy, who recently wrote and directed The First Day of Summer for First Stage. "James" is the story of a young boy, a magical peach, insect friends and an incredible journey. The adventure of James will fulfill the fantasy of anyone who ever dreamed of escape.

For more information on the production of James and the Giant Peach, contact Joy at joy1@mctc.edu.

For more information about the theatre company, visit the website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

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

- White Christmas - The other show auditioning this weekend is being presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company.

Auditions for the musical White Christmas will be held Sunday, July 25 from 1 p.m. to 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 15 from 1 p.m. to 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 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 and Kerri Easter-Stambaugh as choreographer. For more information about auditions, call 304-412-8738.

On Stage This Weekend

Lots of shows on tap for this weekend:

- Annie - Huntington Outdoor Theatre wraps up its production of the classic musical July 23, 24 and 25 at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The preshow begins at 7 p.m. and the main show at 8:30 p.m.

- Bert Hellmunn Fights The Demons Of The Stage - CYAC presents the new Dan Kehde comedy running July 22-24 and 29-31 at 8 p.m. on the WVSU Capitol Center stage. It's a sexy farce about a playwright and the pursuit of happiness.

- Boxes 10: Boxes of Rage - An annual monologue show by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company takes the WVSU Capitol Center stage for three nights, July 26, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs July 22 through Aug. 7 at at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts three shows:

- Cinderella - the musical will be presented July 22, 23 and 24.

- Midlife: The Crisis Musical - will be presented July 23 and 28.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - will be presented July 25 and 29.

Whew! So carve a few nights out of your calendar and check out one (or more) of these shows!

Auditions for "White Christmas"

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this information about the auditions this weekend for the classic holiday musical, White Christmas:

5th Avenue Theatre Company announces auditions for White Christmas on Sunday, July 25 from 1 p.m. to 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 15 from 1 p.m. to 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 and Kerri Easter-Stambaugh as choreographer. For more information about auditions, call 304-412-8738.