Auditions in August for "Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr."

Here's a project near and dear to my heart - because I'm going to be directing it for First Stage Theatre Company.

Here's what you need to know about The Little Mermaid, Jr.:

First Stage Theatre Company will kick off its 23rd season with auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. The musical is based on the beloved Disney animated film starring Ariel, the mermaid who dreams of exploring the world above the sea.

The auditions will be held at the Premiere Dance Studio at 716 6th Street in Huntington on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 12 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Participants can sign up at any time during those two audition dates. There is no charge to audition or to take part in a First Stage production, and no theatre experience is required. Auditions are open to young people who will be entering grades Kindergarten through 12 this fall.

Auditioners should arrive ready to sing a 30-second section of the song of their choice - an accompanist will be provided. They will also be given a few lines from the script to read, and they’ll be taught a short dance step to demostrate during the audition (be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes).

The show will be presented Oct. 23 - 28 at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

The directing team includes: Director Chuck Minsker, Music Director Mark Smith, Choreographer Melissa McGuffin, Assistant Director Robyn Welch and Set Construction Director Jack Welch.

Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

For more information, contact Chuck Minsker at 304-736-4366.

Auditions for "MacBeth"

Coming up this weekend are auditions for the ARTS production of William Shakespeare's MacBeth.

Here's the info:

Auditions for ARTS production of William Shakespeare's Macbeth will be held Friday, July 20 from 7 - 10 p.m. and Saturday, July 21 from 12 - 4 p.m. with callbacks Sunday at 2 p.m. (if needed).

The auditions will be held on the main stage at ARTS. Actors will be asked to read from the play, as well as work with Shakespearean sonnets given ahead of time. Headshots and resumes are welcome but not required.

Please pick ONE of the following sonnets to be familiar with. You need not memorize them, just be familiar enough to read them in various ways with some playable actions / direction. These can also be found with a simple Google search for a printable copy.

Sonnet #139
O! call not me to justify the wrong
That thy unkindness lays upon my heart;
Wound me not with thine eye, but with thy tongue:
Use power with power, and slay me not by art,
Tell me thou lov'st elsewhere; but in my sight,
Dear heart, forbear to glance thine eye aside:
What need'st thou wound with cunning, when thy might
Is more than my o'erpressed defence can bide?
Let me excuse thee: ah! my love well knows
Her pretty looks have been mine enemies;
And therefore from my face she turns my foes,
That they elsewhere might dart their injuries:
Yet do not so; but since I am near slain,
Kill me outright with looks, and rid my pain.

or

Sonnet #147
My love is as a fever longing still,
For that which longer nurseth the disease;
Feeding on that which doth preserve the ill,
The uncertain sickly appetite to please.
My reason, the physician to my love,
Angry that his prescriptions are not kept,
Hath left me, and I desperate now approve
Desire is death, which physic did except.
Past cure I am, now Reason is past care,
And frantic-mad with evermore unrest;
My thoughts and my discourse as madmen's are,
At random from the truth vainly expressed;
For I have sworn thee fair, and thought thee bright,
Who art as black as hell, as dark as night.

The production will run October 12, 13, 14 and 19, 20, 21, with a SCHOOL SHOW on Thursday, Oct. 18.

Rehearsals will begin Sunday, July 29.

Come willing to play and have fun. Don't let Shakespeare scare you. Let's scare the audiences in October, instead!

The play will be directed by Mike Murdock.

They've even cooked up a nifty trailer promoting the auditions, which you can watch right here.

No Pants Players To Perform Benefit Show

If you're looking for a good laugh this weekend, here's a great show for all ages:

The No Pants Players, West Virginia’s premier improv comedy troupe are no strangers to the stage or fundraising for a worthy cause.

Over the last 11 seasons, No Pants has raised money for such organizations as Covenant House, American Heart Association and the families of the Upper Big Branch miners.

On July 14, 2012, the troupe will hold another benefit show for The Jericho House of St. Albans. Sponsored by Marty’s Tires, this show will be held at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans.

The show begins at 7 p.m. and tickets are $8 for children under the age of 12, $10 for adults.

For 20 years, the Jericho House of St. Albans has served as a halfway house for families that have found themselves in dire straits. Jericho House offers food and shelter to those in need. Often a family will stay for about six months before getting back on their feet and moving forward with their lives. Without Jericho House, this process is much more difficult. They truly understand what it means to help one’s neighbor and are a beacon of kindness in the valley.

Please support the No Pants Players, Marty’s Tires and Jericho House as they all try to make a bit of difference in the community. Proceeds will be donated to Jericho House in support of its efforts to feed and house families in need.

Tickets are also available online at www.nopantsplayers.com and at the door starting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the toll free number 1-877-IMPROV-9
(1-877-467-7689), or email admin@nopantsplayers.com.

The New Season for Company of Dreams

Company of Dreams is a theatre company in Ashland, and the group has just announced the shows it'll be staging in the next year - and it's an excellent lineup!

Here's the press release:

The 2012-2013 Season for Company of Dreams:

Marvin's Room - Auditions: Sept. 28, 29 / Shows: Nov. 8, 9, 10, 2012

Almost Maine - Auditions: Dec 21, 22 / Shows: Feb. 7, 8, 9, 2013

[Title of Show] - Auditions: April 26, 27 / Shows: June 6, 7, 8, 2013

Company of Dreams looks forward to hearing from YOU! "LIKE" our Facebook page to keep up to date. More audition and show information to come!

Weather Woes for HOT

The scary thing about outdoor theatre is that your shows are at the mercy of the weather - and that made for a rough opening weekend for Huntington Outdoor Theatre's production of the musical comedy Legally Blonde, as heat and heavy rain kept crowds small.

It's an excellent show, loaded with high energy, a fast and funny story and lots of terrific songs.

My pal Dave Lavender brings us up to speed:

You know it’s been too hot, when it’s too hot for H.O.T.

In spite of this being the 19th year of Huntington Outdoor Theatre, founder and director Helen Freeman said this past weekend, opening weekend, was the hottest on record for her troupe that performed two sweltering nights of Legally Blonde at Ritter Park amphi­theater before being rained out Sunday.

That rain-out, during the fourth scene of Act 1, was only the eighth rain-out in the 19­-year history of H.O.T.

Freeman said the danger­ously hot weather devastated their numbers. H.O.T. needs about 500 people at the amphi­theater to make any money. They had 200 Friday and only 165 on Saturday when the tem­perature was 104.

“Saturday they said it felt like it was 112 and it did feel like it was 112,” Freeman said on Monday. “As the night went on it did dip down into the 90s and it felt like it was cool. It wasn’t cool but it was much better. I am really proud of the people who came out and endured the heat. That was so nice.” Freeman said the cast, which includes two dogs, per­formed amazingly well under duress, and now they’re gear­ing up for big weekends as the show continues.

“It went well for all the adversity so it was good for the weather that we had, but heat can hurt you just like the rain can,” Freeman said. “If people don’t come out and support us, there won’t be an Huntington Outdoor Theatre next year.” Legally Blonde continues at 6:30 p.m. July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29 at Ritter Park A mph it heater.

The main show begins at 8:30 p.m. with the Children’s preshow “A Tribute to Leg­ends” beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own, although con­cessions are available.

General Admission are $15, Seniors 65 and better and Children 5-12 are $13 while children under 5 get in free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Are­na or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more informa­tion call 304-412-3393 or go online at www.hotwv.org.

Auditions This Week

There are two auditions coming up this week, including:

- Dracula The Musical - Curtains Up Players will hold auditions Wednesday at 6 p.m. at at the Kuhn Memorial Prebyterian Church in Barboursville. Performance dates are Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. All performances take place at The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center - 1030 4th Avenue. For more info, call Clara Adkins, Director at 304-634-9605.

- Huntington Outdoor Theatre will hold auditions Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre for anyone who would like to perform for the Community Showcase portion of the evening of entertainment at HOT. Each weekend in July (each Friday, Saturday and Sunday) HOT presents three shows: Children's Show at 7 p.m., Community Showcase at 7:30 p.m. and Legally Blonde, the Musical at 8:30 p.m. Those who are auditioning should come to the back of the theatre and meet with Donna Duke. If you cannot meet on Thursay, give her a call at 304-743-6664 to schedule another time. She will try to work with everyone to schedule convenient times. Come join the fun!

Murder and Mystery

If you're looking for a nice murder mystery to tackle, here's the schedule for upcoming events from the Murder and Merriment theatre troupe:

Interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre

WHERE & WHEN:
July 13 - Cosmopolitan Club, Ashland 7 p.m.
July 20 - CSX Train Tracks, Huntington 7 p.m.
July 21 - Hillside Community Church, Ashland 7 p.m.
July 27-28 - Greenhouse of Teays Valley, Hurricane 7 p.m.

The interactive murder mystery theatre troupe, Murder and Merriment, is cooking up a summer full of murderous intrigue all over the Tri-State. Beginning July 13, Murder and Merriment presents “Murder at the Opera!” for one night at the Cosmopolitan Club in Ashland, Ky. The mystery involves the recent death of world famous tenor, Lucianno Manicotti, who was found poisoned on the stage of Carnegie Hall. Now his widow, Carla, and daughter, Anna, have gathered his closest associates for a reading of the Will and a Séance to determine who may have murdered Lucianno. The mystery begins at 7 p.m. and tickets can be reserved by calling
606.329.0746. Guests will play the role of junior detective and assist Detective Columbus in solving the murder and competing for a valuable prize. The Cosmopolitan Club is located at 1008 Annex, next door to the Blue Ribbon Lanes Bowling Alley on Winchester Avenue. A catered Italian Buffet will be served.

The following weekend, Murder and Merriment will perform for Guests of the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society July 20th at 7pm on an actual rail dining car located on the Carolina Track at the CSX Train Station on 7th Avenue in Huntington. The mystery is “The Murderer Who Came to Dinner!” Eccentric millionaire, Nicholas Shockley, has invited eight guests with murderous pasts to join him on his private rail car. Each of the guests have been invited under false pretenses and suddenly find themselves unwilling victims of a murderous game. The Murder Party is open to the public and tickets must be reserved by calling 1.866.639.7487. Seating is very limited for this special event. A catered dinner will be served, and the Guests will have the opportunity to help Detective Adrian Mink solve the mystery.

On July 21 at 7 p.m., Hillside Community Church, located in Ashland, Ky, at 2301 Greenup Avenue, finds itself hosting “A Murderous Reunion!” Join fellow classmates and professors as they celebrate the 25th Reunion of the Calvin Coolidge Class of 1987. Overshadowing the Reunion is the recent murder of former student body president, Jason Jensen, who everyone hated. Fortunately, amateur sleuth and mystery writer, Jennifer Fletcher, is on hand to help Guests solve the mystery of who killed Jason. This dinner theatre event is being sponsored to raise funds to improve the building and promote church activities. Be sure to wear your favorite 1980s outfit! Tickets can be reserved by calling 606.922.2903.

Then Murder and Merriment is off to present a murder party at The Greenhouse of Teays Valley in Hurricane, WV July 27-28, nightly at 7pm. In case you missed the Reunion, you will have the opportunity to attend it at the Greenhouse. “A Murderous Reunion!” is the fourth monthly installment of interactive murder mystery theatre presented by the restaurant & gift shop located at 3554 Teays Valley Road, Suite 105. Each of the murder parties presented by the Greenhouse over the last three months have sold out every night. If you plan to attend, make your reservation right away by calling 304.397.6316. A catered dinner will be served along with a chance to help Jennifer Fletcher solve the mystery and win a prize.

Murder and Merriment was created by George R. Snider III and has seen unprecedented success and growth since 2010. For more information about Murder and Merriment or any of their upcoming murder parties, call 304.634.8581.

Curtains Up Players Announces its 2012-13 Season

My pal Danny Ray sends along this info about the upcoming 2012 - 2013 season for the Curtains Up Players in Huntington.

He writes:

We are very excited and pleased to announce:

Avenue Q is Aug. 24 - Sept. 2
Dracula the Musical is Oct. 26 – Nov. 4
Holiday Concert – Nov. 16-18

And in 2013:

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - March 1-10, 2013
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged - May 17-26, 2013
The Great American Trailer Park Musical - Aug. 23- Sept. 1, 2013
The Rocky Horror Show - Oct. 25 – Nov. 3, 2013
Holiday Concert – Nov. 22-24, 2013

All performances will be held at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center in Huntington, W.Va.

Thanks for your support!

Auditions for "Dracula The Musical"

Auditions are being held this weekend for Dracula - the Musical, which will be staged by Curtains Up Players.

They'll be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Kuhn Memorial Prebyterian Church in Barboursville.

Auditioners should arrive early and be prepared to begin at 2 p.m. Please prepare a minimum of 32 vocal bars and be ready to read from the script. Wear comfortable clothing for movement. Reading may also take place on an individual basis.

Performance dates are Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

All performances take place at The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center - 1030 4th Avenue. For more info, call Clara Adkins, Director at 304-634-9605.

On Stage This Weekend

Lots of great shows to catch this weekend - two are indoors and the rest outdoors:

- Legally Blonde - The comedy musical kicks off its run tonight at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre. It stars Kathryn Davis as Elle Woods, the college student who decides true love (and intelligence) can conquer any obstacle. It runs July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29.

The show begins at 8:30 p.m. The children's preshow "A Tribute to Legends" begins at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own baskets although full concessions are available. General admission $15, seniors 65 and better and children ages 5-12 are $13. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free. Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more information, call 304-412-3393.

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- Steel Magnolias - The Jax Theatre production of Robert Harling’s drama runs Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Wheelersburg, Ohio Cinema Complex (next to Ponderosa). Tickets are $12 adults. It's based on the beloved book and film about the relationships of six strong women in Chinquapin Parish.

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- Proof - The run of the drama was extended since a power outage shut the show down last weekend. Proof will be presented Saturday and Sunday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’'s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red, opened June 13. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

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- Tecumseh! - The life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly. For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes and Grease - Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes July 6 and Grease July 6, 7 and 8. Evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only. For ticket information, call toll free 877-CALL-JWT or locally at 606-886-9274.

"Legally Blonde" Takes the Stage Tonight!

Here's the story from today's Herald-Dispatch by my pal Dave Lavender:

There will be one hot blonde, two dogs and one largemouth singing 'Bass' hanging out in Ritter Park Amphitheater this July as Huntington Outdoor Theater's 19th season features the romantic comedy musical Legally Blonde.

Best known for the 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon and which
inspired the Broadway musical, Legally Blonde dances its way into the park for a July run that kicks off this weekend.

Directed by Helen Freeman and starring Kathryn Davis, two dog actors named Princess and Rufus, and such colorful theater veterans as Kennie Bass, Legally Blonde is set to run July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29.

The main show, which is accompanied by a live orchestra with musical direction by Mark Smith (keyboardist for Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.) begins at 8:30 p.m. with the children's preshow "A Tribute to Legends" beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking. Folks may bring their own baskets although full concessions are available.

General admission $15, seniors 65 and better and children ages 5-12 are $13. Children ages 5 and under are admitted free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more information, call 304-412-3393.

Freeman said they're excited to stage the hip, hot musical that tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner but then discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial.

"I picked Legally Blonde because I knew it would draw and because
it's a really fun, upbeat show that is just great for outside," said Freeman, of
the show which is rated PG.

Freeman said they had lots of people audition for the lead role, played by Witherspoon in the movie and Mercury Records recording artist Laura Bell
Bundy on Broadway. Freeman said no one stood out like Kathryn Davis, who was in the 2004 H.O.T. show Footloose and who in a quirky twist of fate is in fact a young attorney practicing at Huddleston Bolen LLP in Huntington.

"I think she had it from the time she walked in and the moment she opened her mouth," Freeman said. "She has a real distinctive voice, and when she walks in you think she's so beautiful, she's so sweet and she's so cute. All in a second you say those three words. When she opened her mouth to sing everybody just went 'whoa.' You could see it in people's faces. They all wanted her to be Elle, and she works so hard. I will tell her something and she will work real hard until she gets it. She's just a lovely person."

Now in her 19th year of putting on H.O.T., Freeman has seen it all - incredible highs and lows of trying to keep community theater alive in the summer.

This year, though, the trouble and drama level went to 11 when last Friday's storm hit while she was at the printer's and her cast was rehearsing at Ritter Park.

Freeman drove across downed limbs and under a tree across a road to get to the amphitheater where she found her cast and crew safe. They were without power until Tuesday when they were able to find a commercial-grade generator to ensure that the show would go on with proper sound and lighting.

Although she's been battling the elements and loss of power, Freeman said she feels lucky to have such great people by her side including long-time musical director Mark Smith, who's best known these days for backing nationally touring act Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr.

Smith, who has gigs with Murphy in July in California, Utah, Michigan and Clarksburg, W.Va., is still vocal coach and musical director for the show, although he's not physically playing H.O.T., something he's done for years.

In addition to the main show and the community pre-show, which often features a who's who of H.O.T. alums and other Tri-State talent living both here and folks visiting, is the children's pre-show.

This year, that perennial favorite part of the show is called "A Tribute to Legends," with the dynamic duo of directors Kerri Easter Stambaugh and Smith, guiding the kids through a music tribute to such late music icons as Whitney Houston, Randy Gibb of The Bee Gees, Donna Summer and Dick Clark.

"The pre-show is always very cute but this year they're really dancing and singing like nobody's business," Freeman said. "There are so many great songs like 'Bandstand,' and Whitney's 'I Wanna Dance with Somebody.' "

"Legally Blonde" : The Show Will Go On

Despite the harsh weather we've seen recently (to put it mildly), the word from Huntington Outdoor Theatre is: the show will go on.

Regardless of whether or not Ritter Park gains power, the show will go on as scheduled as Huntington Outdoor Theatre has secured a commercial-grade generator to power up this weekend’s opening performance of the hit romantic comedy musical, Legally Blonde.

Director and H.O.T. founder Helen Freeman said Tuesday afternoon that they have just secured a generator thanks to Dave Thompson at Creative Audio.

Freeman said the generator, which is costing the non-profit group, $1,200 for a weekend rental, will enable them to put on the show which starts at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 5, with a pay-what-you-will performance.

The show will open Friday and run through Sunday at the Ritter Park Ampitheater (above the Rose Garden and the Tennis Courts in Ritter Park). The show will then continue each weekend in July: July 6-8, July 13-15, July 20-22 and July 27-29

The main show begins at 8:30 p.m. with the children’s preshow beginning at 7 p.m. and a community preshow at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking.

General admission $15, seniors 65 and better and children ages 5-12 are $13. Ages 5 and under are free.

Tickets may be purchased at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena or at the gate on the nights of the show. Group rates are available. For more information, call 304-412-3393.

Read more about Legally Blonde in Thursday’s pullout Weekend section inside The Herald-Dispatch.

One Show Canceled, One Moved

Hope everyone is safe and well after yesterday's fierce storm!

The resultant power outages have resulted in some changes to local performances.

Proof was been canceled at the Alban Theatre because of a power outage, and Dear Edwina, Jr. is tonight at new location. The 1st Congregational Church at the corner of 7th Street and 5th Avenue in Huntington will host the show.

No word on the outdoor performances, but I assume they're running - good luck to the actors out there in this heat - they're a hardy bunch!

On Stage This Weekend

Lots of great shows taking the stage this weekend - here's the rundown:

- Proof - Alban Arts and Conference Center

Proof will be presented June 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and July 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans

Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Dear Edwina, Jr. - ARTS

   The play runs Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at ARTS (the old Huntington High School).Tickets are $5. Come see this dancing and singing extravaganza! Its a lot of fun courtesy of the kids at the ARTS drama camp.

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- Ring of Fire - presented at Chief Logan State Park

The musical will be presented through July 1. The show will feature 39 of the best-known songs by Johnny Cash to describe the journey of a man in search of his soul.

All shows begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12. To pur­chase tickets or for more information, call 304-752-0253 or visit the website at www.loganshows.com.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - presented by Theatre West Virginia

Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’'s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red, opened June 13. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

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- Tecumseh!

Tecumseh!, the life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly. For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Jenny Wiley Theatre

Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes June 27-28, July 6, 11-12, 17, 21 and 28, as well as Aug. 2-3, 8 and 10.

Lunch performances begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only.

The Cast of CLOG's "Legally Blonde"

Give credit to the Charleston Light Opera Guild - they not only sent out a press release about the cast for their upcoming production of Legally Blonde - the Musical, they also sent along a photo!

It shows Micah Atkinson as Elle Woods (with "Bruiser") in a photo by Joshua Jones.

Here's the info:

CHARLESTON LIGHT OPERA GUILD ANNOUNCES CAST OF LEGALLY BLONDE

Micah Atkinson will star as Elle Woods when the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical Legally Blonde July 27, 28, August 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday July 29 and August 5 at 3 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre. Mrs. Alex Schoenbaum and Brooks Run Mining Company, a subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources, sponsor the production.

The large youthful cast includes Matthew Bryant as Emmett Forrest, the law student who takes Elle under his wing; Allison Plants as Paulette, the hair stylist with a heart of gold; Cameron Vance as Warner Huntington III, Elle’s conceited ex-boyfriend; Toni M. Pilato as Vivienne Kensington, Warner’s new Harvard girlfriend; Rudi Raynes-Kidder as Brooke Wyndam, the exercise queen and Michael D. Gore as Professor Callahan.

Elle’s Delta Nu sorority girlfriends are led by Allison Whitener as Margot, Ashley Showen as Serena, Madeline Southall as Pilar and Jessica Cooper as Kate with Megan Sydnor, Lindsey Duvall and Kristin Showen.

Jeannie Matras and Tim Whitener play Elle’s Mom and Dad and Steve Brannon is the UPS guy, Kyle. Harvard students are portrayed by Paul R. Isaacs Jr. as Aaron, Danae L. Samms as Enid, Afsheen Misaghi as Padamadan and Sarah Williams as Whitney.

Bill Rainey and Cameron Burford play Harvard officials. Rounding out the cast is Caroline Chamness Rainey as the Judge, Carly Thaw as Brooke Wyndam’s step daughter Chutney, Austin Thomas as Carlos, Tyler Lee as Grandmaster Chad and Erin Murphy, Joshua Price and Mark Worlledge.

Nina Denton Pasinetti is the director and choreographer, Bobby Hodges, Jr. is musical director and Mark Scarpelli is accompanist. Thomas P. Pasinetti is the tech director and Paul Shannon is the assistant to the choreographer.

The Box Office for Legally Blonde opens Monday July 23 at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre. Box Office hours are Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and 1 hour before shows. All seats are reserved at $20. Call 304-343-2287 or send a message to charlestonlightoperaguild@gmail.com. Don’t miss this feel good musical!

Check out the Guild on our web page at charlestonlightoperaguild.org

The show is an energetic singing, dancing fun fest with contagious music that leaves a smile on your face.

Two Cast Lists

There are two great shows coming up later this summer: Crimes of the Heart (in Huntington) and Here Lies Alan Chase (in Ashland).

Both shows were recently cast - here's the lineup of actors, beginning with the announcement by my pal Bil Neal:

It's my tremendous pleasure to announce the cast for Crimes of the Heart at ARTS.

I was impressed by the talent of all who auditioned, and encourage all of the folks whose names aren't on the following list to keep coming back. I'd love to see you all on our stage at some point, and wish I could've done it this time.

Terri Tagmeyer will be our CHICK
Amy Browning will be our LENNY
Amy Knell Carlson will be our MEG
Jamie Mathis will be our BABE
Jason R. Kretzer will be our DOC
Dylan Clark will be our Barnette

I'm also delighted to announce that our Stage Manager will be Leann Haines.

Personally I am humbled to have these talented folks commit to this project, and a little overwhelmed by the work load ahead of each of us. I hope you'll each plan on seeing the results of our labor in August.

Now it's over to Brian Cook, who sent out this announcement:

Here Lies Alan Chase...

Cast List:

KATE - Joanna Berner
MAGGIE - Brittainy Quillin Shaw
TAMMY - Sarah Diamond Burroway
MRS. CHASE - Nancy R. Jackson
BILL - Len Trent
LES - Jonathan Maynard
JACK - Jim Maggard
MR. X - Gregory Picklesimer

Stephanie Cook will be Assistant Director.
Jason McAllister will be Set Designer and Sound Engineer.
Jesse Riggs will be Audio-Visual Designer.
Kenny The-Bearded will be Poster Designer and be in charge of refreshments.

Performances will be Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. at Hillside Church in Ashland. Admission is $5.

Spice Girls Unite to Launch Musical "Viva Forever"

In the category of "it's about darn time," we have news that the Spice Girls have reunited to launch a new musical.

Here's the story from the Associated Press:

The Spice Girls gave fans what they want — what they really, really want — Tuesday, reuniting onstage to announce the details of a musical based on their songs.

Producers stress that the stage show "Viva Forever" isn't a biography of the band, but there are plenty of real-life resonances for the 1990s "Girl Power" group in its tale of female empowerment and friendship tested by fame. The show opens in London in December.

"We're going to be introducing a whole new generation to 'Girl Power,'" said Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham, who attended a media launch alongside Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisholm and Melanie Brown — also known as Baby, Ginger, Sporty and Scary Spice.

"Viva Forever" aims to tap the same vast female fan base as world-conquering ABBA musical "Mamma Mia," which has been produced in 14 languages and spawned a hit film starring Meryl Streep. The Spice Girls show tells the story of four friends whose bond becomes strained when their band enters a TV talent show.

Scored to Spice Girls hits including "Wannabe," ''Spice Up Your Life," ''Mama" and the title track, it was written by comedian Jennifer Saunders — co-creator of celebrity-skewering sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous" — and produced by Judy Craymer, the woman behind "Mamma Mia."

Craymer called the musical, with its focus on female friends and mother-daughter relationships, "a heartwarming family tale" that touches on the role of media and celebrity in the modern world.

"There's just something empowering about women's stories that interests me a lot," Craymer said.

Saunders — who once spoofed the Spice Girls in a mock band called the Sugar Lumps — said the show aimed to catch "the joy that they brought, their energy and their positivity."

The Spice Girls said they were delighted with the show, which was unveiled for the press in the grand neo-Gothic hotel where the video for their 1996 breakthrough hit "Wannabe" — in which the band promised to "tell you what I want, what I really, really want" — was filmed.

"Sixteen years ago when we were writing the words 'zig-a-zig-ah,' we could never have imagined they would be in a West End show," Halliwell said, quoting the catchy if confusing refrain of "Wannabe."

Added Chisholm: "It's better than we could ever have imagined."

"They sing it better than us," said Brown.

The band's outsized personalities and Halliwell's Union Jack dress made the Spice Girls icons of 1990s "Cool Britannia," and they sold 75 million records around the world. Halliwell left the group acrimoniously in 1998 and the Spice Girls effectively split a decade ago. The five members have not appeared together since a 2007-2008 reunion tour.

Since then, several have released solo records, and Beckham has become a fashion designer and part of a celebrity power couple with her soccer-star husband, David Beckham.

Despite their past differences, they appeared in good spirits as they joked and praised one another Tuesday.

Halliwell said her band mates "individually and collectively, they're really lovely."

"She's only saying that because she left!" said Chisholm.

True, Halliwell conceded, "but they took me back."

"Viva Forever" begins previews Nov. 27 and opens Dec. 11 at London's Piccadilly Theatre.

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Online: http://vivaforeverthemusical.com/

On Stage This Week: "Dear Edwina, Jr."

Here's a note from my pal Eddie Harbert:

Dear Edwina, Jr. opens this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at ARTS (the old Huntington High School).

Tickets are $5. Come see this dancing and singing extravaganza! Its a lot of fun and the kids (at the ARTS drama camp) have worked very hard.

It is a great way to spend the evening with your family and is very kid-friendly.

Auditions for "Here Lies Alan Chase"

Auditions are being held this weekend for the play Here Lies Alan Chase, a new, original drama written by Ashland native Jason McAllister, author of Albert's Hall.

The play, directed by Brian Cook, is the story of a small town newspaper and the secrets surrounding Alan Chase's last assignment and sudden death.

Auditions will take place at Hillside Community Church in Ashland on Saturday and Sunday, June 23 and 24 at 7 p.m. each night.

There are roles available for four women and four men, ages 18 and older. There will be a cold reading; materials will be provided.

Performances are scheduled for August 2, 3 and 4 at Hillside Community Church.

On Stage This Weekend - Lots of Shows!

Wow, once again we have a busy weekend loaded with nine terrific shows!

Is this a great time to be a fan of community theatre or what?

Here's the rundown:

- Stepping Out - presented by ARTS

(You can read my review right here.)

The show will be presented June 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and June 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

A revised version of the hit musical Stepping Out, this good-natured comedy from Richard Harris chronicles several months in the life of a beginning dance class. Each of the eight students, from a variety of backgrounds, has his or her own reason for joining.

For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman (and former Ovaltine dancer), is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, they make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps. Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance.

But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play - the relationships and interactions of these ten very different people. By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of sync.

For reservation and more information call 304-733-ARTS.

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- Next to Normal - presented by The Charleston Light Opera Guild

(You can read my review right here.)

The hit Broadway musical will be presented June 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 24, 2012 at 5 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston.

Next to Normal is an inventive, emotional and powerful production about one family trying to take care of themselves and each other. With a thrilling contemporary score, it is the acclaimed groundbreaking musical
that won three 2009 Tony awards for best actress, best score and best orchestrations and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama. This original musical about people has an electrifying score with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. Next to Normal is one of the most talked about Broadway shows in recent history. It is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking musical experience.

Call the Guild Box Office at 304-343-2287 for tickets and more information. All tickets are $20 reserved seating.

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- Norman Rockwell's American Paradise - presented by CYAC

The musical will be presented June 21- 23 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company proudly announces the return of Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli's original nostalgic musical, Norman Rockwell's American Paradise, an endearing look at the nation in simpler times through the eyes of the beloved American painter, illustrator and creator of hundreds of iconic covers for the classic Saturday Evening Post. Relive the golden years of America as nearly 40 singers, dancers and actors of all ages bring to life 28 of Norman Rockwell's best known, best remembered works of art covering five decades of 20th century Americana, including The Four Freedoms, The Right To Know, Saying Grace, Disciplinary Action, The Check-Up, The Plumbers, The Barbershop Quartet, and many more. With songs shadowing the musical styles from the twenties to the seventies, Norman Rockwell's American Paradise conjures the comfort and simplicity of the America of our parents and grandparents.

This show is family friendly, and is suitable and entertaining for all ages, children through grandparents (and great-grand parents). Tickets are available at the door - $6 for students and seniors, $10 for adults. Call 342-6522 for reservations or more information.

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- Proof - presented by the Alban Arts and Conference Center

The drama will be presented June 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and June 24 and July 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Ring of Fire - presented at Chief Logan State Park

The musical will be presented through July 1. The show will feature 39 of the best-known songs by Johnny Cash to describe the journey of a man in search of his soul.

All shows begin at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12. To pur­chase tickets or for more information, call 304-752-0253 or visit the website at www.loganshows.com.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - presented by Theatre West Virginia

Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

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- Tecumseh!

Tecumseh!, the life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly. For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Jenny Wiley Theatre

Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes June 21-24 and 27-28, July 6, 11-12, 17, 21 and 28, as well as Aug. 2-3, 8 and 10.

Lunch performances begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only.

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Whew! Lots to see and enjoy - so get out there and support your local theatre group!