Talking to the cast of "Crimes of the Heart"

Taking the stage this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington is the play Crimes of the Heart, and over the next few days we'll feature some e-interviews with members of the cast.

Let's start off with Amy Carlson:

Q: For those who aren't familiar with Crimes of the Heart, give us the basic story behind it.

Amy: Crimes of the Heart is a story about three sisters who have had a different and sometimes difficult upbringing in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. The oldest sister has been taking care of a sick grandfather, the middle sister is home from Hollywood with a secret, and the youngest sister has just shot her Senator husband. In the middle of all this there is a harpy crazy cousin, a boyfriend from the past and a young lawyer who has an interest in helping the sisters, especially the youngest sister. You will laugh, cry and repeat at this southern gothic, Pulitzer Prize winning play.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Amy: I get to play the middle sister, Meg McGrath. She is a wild child who loves and protects her sisters. She is a singer who left Hazelhurst to pursue a career in Hollywood. But she left behind a ex-boyfriend and a past she has been running away from. She is home to help Babe and ends up helping herself. She is a strong, wild, out spoken, confident and funny girl. I love playing her!

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

Amy: The most challenging this about the show is the constant highs and lows of the story. One minute you are running high on laughs and the next it is a quiet real moment of care and concern. Honesty runs throughout the play and the challenge is keeping the extremes honest and sincere.

Q: What's your favorite scene in the show?

Amy: My favorite scenes to play are really any scenes where the three sisters are on stage together. I love playing a sister and there is a great argument in Act II that is so much fun to play.

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

Amy: I would recommend this show because it is not like anything else that I have seen in this town in years. It is a dark comedy that speaks to the strength of family and how love overcomes even the hardest times. Each sister has to overcome the Crimes of the Heart she has committed. Come check it out!

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Amy: The show runs at ARTS (the Renaissance Theatre) Aug. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

Thanks, Amy! Tomorrow we'll hear from the "Doc."

"Phantom of the Opera" Auditions

Ashland Community and Technical College is tackling a big musical this fall, and auditions are coming up soon:

ACTC Theatre will hold auditions for The Phantom of the Opera on August 20 and 21 at 7 p.m. in the J. B. Sowards Theatre at the College Drive Campus.

Auditions are open to adults and high school and college students, and no advance preparation is required. Cast members should be able to attend 7 p.m. rehearsals and Saturday work sessions. Performances are Thursday to Sunday, Oct. 18 to 21 and Oct. 25 to 28.

The Phantom of the Opera is the first production of the 2012-13 ACTC Theatre Season. The Tony Award winning musical by Andrew Lloyd Weber, with lyrics by Charles Hart, tells the story of a beautiful soprano and the disfigured musical genius who haunts the Paris Opera. The musical is based on the book by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Richard Stilgoe.

Production staff includes Director Edward E. Figgins, ACTC Professor and Director of theatre, Musical Director Karen Curnette, Choreographer Yvonne Dekay Sinnott, and Orchestra Director Eric Akers. For more information, call the Theatre Office at 606-326-2073.

A Weekend of Auditions

I have to admit that there are times when I think about "retiring" from the community theatre business. Life gets in the way, there are other demands - do I really have the time and energy to work on another show?

Despite those feelings, I offered to direct the First Stage production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. We had auditions on Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

And now I remember why I keep tackling these things.

It was an absolute blast to see the kind of talent that's out there, with both experienced young actors who have been in a number of shows and the even younger actors who will be the stars of tomorrow.

I can't wait to get to work on this show and to see these young performers breathing life into this wonderful story.

How could I ever think of giving this up?

Improv Comedy in Charleston

The No Pants Players, West Virginia’s renowned improv comedy troupe is taking the funny on the road.

The troupe will premiere their brand of live comedy at the Smoot Theatre (213 5th Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101) in Parkersburg, W.Va. on Friday, Aug. 10, 2012. This show is appropriate for all ages and begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults, $9 for those 18 and under.

So bring the whole family, bring the whole neighborhood for great fun, hearty belly laughs, and a wonderful, interactive theater experience.

The No Pants Players have not forgotten about the local crowd, however. The very next evening, Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, the troupe will be live and in color at the Clay Center’s Walker Theater for a “Mature Audiences Only,” uncensored performance.

Improv comedy with an adult edge has been a popular draw for the Players and they hope for continued success. The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets have been lowered to $12. Alcoholic drinks will be served and hysterical hijinks will occur.

Following the show on Aug. 11, you can join the No Pants Players for a chance to eat, drink (responsibly) and be merry at Hooters of Charleston (5615 MacCorkle Avenue, Charleston, WV 25304), the official sponsor of the adult-themed evening of hilarity. If you show up wearing official No Pants Players merchandise, you get a free appetizer of your choice! How’s that for incentive?

Again, Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, the No Pants Players perform at The Smoot Theatre in Parkersburg. For tickets and additional information on the show, visit www.smoottheatre.com or call (304) 422-PLAY (7529).

Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, the No Pants Players will be at the Walker Theater, located in the Clay Center. Tickets are available online at www.nopantsplayers.com and at the door (but are known to sell out). Come enjoy a fantastic weekend of improv comedy in your neck of the woods with the No Pants Players, the Smoot Theatre, and Hooters of Charleston.

For more information call the toll free number 1-877-IMPROV-9 (1-877-467-7689), or email admin@nopantsplayers.com.

"Little Mermaid, Jr." Auditions

Auditions are being held this weekend for the musical Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. (based on the beloved animated movie, of course).

Auditions are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Premiere Dance Studio, 716 6th St., in Huntington, W.Va.

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 Theatre Company production, and no the­ater 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 demon­strate 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, 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 Min­sker at 304-736-4366.

On Stage This Weekend

You have two fun shows to choose from this weekend:

- Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids - The show will be presented at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in the Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va. Each performance includes a "Glee" pre-show.

- Dorothy Meets Alice - Ohio River Theatre Company presents this new play of the delightful meeting of two of literature's most famous young ladies. The story unfolds when a young man puts off a book report till the last minute, then suddenly finds himself in a strange place somewhere between Oz and Wonderland. It then becomes his responsiblility to unscramble the stories and steer the familiar characters - the Cowardly Lion, the Mad Hatter, the Scarecrow and the White Rabbit, among others - to their ultimate destinations while avoiding the Wicked Witch and the Red Queen. This hilarious, adventuresome romp is filled with laughter and surprises at every turn. The show will be presented at Ironton High School Aug. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 2:30 p.m. All seats are $10.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

First Stage Looking for Alumni

A message from First Stage Theatre to its alumni:

Here's a reminder about a First Stage show coming up next month that's open to those who have graduated from Children's Theatre:

A special Concert, All Grown Up, takes the stage on Sept. 22, 2012, as First Stage presents its first-ever Benefit Concert at the Keith Albee Theater, starring our alumni!
...
First Stage is inviting those who have graduated from First Stage (or MAG-CT) shows to be part of the performance!

So why are we having our first major fundraiser in 22 years? One year ago First Stage finally took the major step of buying its first home - a small warehouse near downtown Huntington. Right now we use the space for storage and set construction, but with some work, the space will eventually be used for drama classes, rehearsals and as a small theatre space!

But we'll have to raise funds to make those improvements, so we're inviting our veterans of past shows to take part in this performance and help us build a new home for the next generation!

The show will be directed by Chuck Minsker and music director Mark Smith.

We'll have lots more news to share in the weeks ahead. We're excited to bring back some of our top talent in this special showcase!

If you're an alumni and you're interested in taking part (we're looking for soloists and chorus members), email us at firststagewv@gmail.com for more information.

And please pass this along to any alumni you're in touch with - the more the merrier!

Auditions for "Evil Dead The Musical"

Here's one for horror fans - auditions are being held this weekend for the Kanawha Players production of Evil Dead The Musical.

"Evil Dead" is a campy rock-musical based on the cult classic Evil Dead/Army of Darkness movies. The music rocks, the stage blood flows freely and the chainsaws never run out of gas! Evil Dead played to sold out crowds and many extended runs in New York and now, the Kanawha Players Theater brings it here for its area premiere production!

The show will be directed by Ginger Basham-Workman.

Auditions will be held Saturday, Aug. 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 5 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater, 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston.

How to Audition: Choose a rock song: You may sing a capella or bring a cd with no vocal tracks to sing or choose a song from a selection we will provide for the audition. Be prepared to learn and repeat a few simple dance moves. (don't panic it's very simple stuff). Show up fill out an audition form. Turn it in at the designated location. Sit back and enjoy clips of other productions of Evil Dead The Musical until you're called in to audition.

Parts Available: 5 Males, 4 Females, 5 Male Or Female. Age Range: All roles with the exception of the Deadite Choir must look youthful enough to pass as college students. Deadite Choir: Any age range.

The show will be performed at Kanawha Players Theater on Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13.

Please email any questions to: Ginger Basham-Workman at Kanawhaplayers@yahoo.com.

One More Show for August - "Winnie the Pooh"

Whoops, missed one:

- Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids - The show will be presented at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in the Chief Logan State Park in Logan, W.Va. Each performance includes a "Glee" pre-show.

On Stage in August

There was a time, a few years back, when August was the quiet month in local theatre, with no shows taking the stage.

Those days are over, and there are several excellent shows coming up. Here's the list:

- Crimes of the Heart - ARTS presents the award-winning drama. It's set in Hazelhurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the hospital. This is the story of how people escape the past to seize the future. The play will be presented at the Renaissance Theatre Aug. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m.

- Avenue Q - Curtains Up Players proudly presents the Tony Award-winning Best Musical at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (1030 4th Avenue - Huntington). Shows will be presented Aug. 24, 25, 30, 31 and Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 26 and Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m.

- Legally Blonde: the Musical - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical comedy about the beautiful Elle Woods who follows her heart to Harvard Law School! It'll be presented at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater Aug. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.

- Here Lies Alan Chase... - The original drama written by Ashland native Jason McAllister centers around a small town newspaper and the people, events and secrets surrounding the sudden death of a well-noted reporter. Layer after layer, the lies are stripped away, but... we all have to decide how much truth we can live with. The play will be presented in Ashland at the Hillside Community Church on Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

- Disney's Camp Rock - The Paramount Players present the energy-packed rock musical based on Disney's movies, Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Shows will be presented Thursday, Aug. 2, Friday, Aug. 3 and Saturday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m., and a matinee will be presented Saturday, Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children.

- Dorothy Meets Alice - Ohio River Theatre Company presents this new play of the delightful meeting of two of literature's most famous young ladies. The story unfolds when a young man puts off a book report till the last minute, then suddenly finds himself in a strange place somewhere between Oz and Wonderland. It then becomes his responsiblility to unscramble the stories and steer the familiar characters - the Cowardly Lion, the Mad Hatter, the Scarecrow and the White Rabbit, among others - to their ultimate destinations while avoiding the Wicked Witch and the Red Queen. This hilarious, adventuresome romp is filled with laughter and surprises at every turn. The show will be presented at Ironton High School Aug. 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 12 at 2:30 p.m. All seats are $10.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

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

Just a reminder that we're a mere 11 days away from this event (the reason for my fondness will become evident to those who read this press release):

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 take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, at the Premiere Dance Studio, 716 6th St., in Huntington.

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 the­ater 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 demon­strate 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, 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 Min­sker at 304-736-4366.

On Stage This Weekend: "Here Lies Alan Chase"

The play Here Lies Alan Chase takes the stage for one weekend only in Ashland at the Hillside Community Church.

The show will be presented Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. Admission is $5.

Here Lies Alan Chase is an original play written by Ashland native Jason McAllister. The story centers around a small town newspaper and the people, events and secrets surrounding the sudden death of a well-noted reporter. Layer after layer, the lies are stripped away, but... we all have to decide how much truth we can live with.

The show runs this weekend only, so make time to support your community theatre!

A Double Dose of "Legally Blonde"

This weekend you can see two Elle Woods - and in two towns, too!

This is the final weekend for the show Legally Blonde: The Musical for the Huntington Outdoor Theatre, and the opening weekend for the same show by the Charleston Light Opera Guild!

As my pal Ryan Hardiman pointed out, you could actually watch both shows in one day - on Sunday, you could catch the matinee of CLOG's show, then drive to Huntington to catch the evening show from HOT.

I finally got to see Huntington's version Friday night, and had a great time (although the rain tried to interfere). The show succeeds for many reasons: a great cast, wonderful songs, fun dance numbers, lots of humor and a terrific orchestra.

But the show's best move was casting Kathryn Davis in the title role. She's beautiful, immediately likable as the resourceful Elle, has perfect comic timing, she has great star power - you can't take your eyes off her - and she has a powerful voice (if you don't get chills at the end of "So Much Better," there's no hope for you). A wonderful performance!

Kudos also to Chloe Donahoe, who's hilarious as the off-kilter beautician Paulette - and she's also a terrific singer, too!

You have two more chances to catch the Huntington version - it runs Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m., and the main show starts at 8:30 p.m.

If you're in a Charleston state of mind, you can catch that show at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on July 28 at 7:30 p.m., July 29 at 3 p.m., and August 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 3 p.m.

The show is a lot of fun, and highly recommended!

Final Weekend for "Legally Blonde"

Huntington Outdoor Theatre presents the final weekend of Legally Blonde: The Musical with shows Friday through Sunday, July 27-29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m., and the main show starts at 8:30 p.m.

The show stars Kathryn Davis, an attorney who works in legacy planning at Huddleston Bolen and who is portraying the determined and resourceful Elle Woods. (You can read a great story about her in Thursday's edition of the Herald-Dispatch.)

"Legally Blonde" tells the story of sorority girl who follows an ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School for the cause of love, only to find out that she has surprising talent for the law, and that love brings some surprises as well.

It's a funny, high-energy show with great songs and terrific dance numbers - highly recommended!

Professional Theatre Classes

My pal Gene Anthony sends along this note about an upcoming class that's being offered at ARTS - a chance to learn acting and tap from a professional:

Sean Watkins, a Marshall graduate, will be back in West Virginia after he wraps up a run of Annie at the Northshore Playhouse and before he begins rehearsals at the end of August for the Broadway Company national tour of Anything Goes starring Rachael York.

He is scheduled to teach a tap workshop and a musical theatre dance workshop beginning Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School). There are six classes in each workshop and they will be taught on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

The cost of each workshop (six tap or six musical theatre dance classes) will be $100. Both workshops can be taken for $150. The classes will be limited in size and filled on a "first come, first served" basis. Those interested should call 304-733-ARTS.

Here's the bio information for Sean:

Sean Watkins was born and raised in West Virginia. He graduated from Marshall University in 2009 with a B.F.A. in Theatre and a B.A. in Spanish. While at Marshall he could be seen on stage in The Rainmaker, Hair, Little Shop of Horrors, The Diary of Anne Frank and George M! among many others.

Backstage he translated and directed the East Coast premiere of La Historia de una Escalera (The History of a Staircase) and directed Edward Albees’ hit play The Zoo Story.

After leaving Marshall, he has performed professionally all over the United States and New York in shows varying from Les Miserables, The Producers, Crazy for You, Footloose, Annie, The Drowsy Chaperone and many more.

He has been involved with numerous workshops focusing on developing new material and has originated roles in shows such as Bruce Lee: Journey to the West, Apathy, Big Man on Campus and All Hands On Deck. He worked closely with the Gershwin family on the new musical ‘S Wonderful where he played the iconic Gene Kelly.

He has worked with Tony award winning directors, actors and choreographers. He will be setting sail with the Broadway company of Anything Goes, which will be touring the United States over the next year.

Last Weekend for HOT's "Legally Blonde"

Sunday brought a beautiful evening to enjoy some music and comedy at Ritter Park Amphitheater.

Huntington Outdoor Theatre finished its third weekend of Legally Blonde: The Musical, which continues with the final three shows Friday through Sunday, July 27-29. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Preshows start at 7 p.m.

This year's show stars Kathryn Davis, an actual attorney who works in legacy planning at Huddleston Bolen and who is portraying the charming Elle Woods, a character made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 Hollywood production. Broadway introduced Legally Blonde: The Musical in 2007.

"Legally Blonde" tells the story of sorority girl who follows an ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School for the cause of love, only to find out that she has surprising talent for the law, and that love brings some surprises as well.

Also starring in this year's HOT production are WCHS 8/Fox 11 news reporter Kennie Bass as a Harvard law professor, as well as Jacob Jarvis as love interest Emmett Forrest, Chloe Donahoe as Elle's beautician friend Paulette, Caroline Hunter as fitness celebrity Brooke Wyndham and many others.

You can also check out a photo gallery from the show by photographer Mark Webb (like the photo above) right here.

The New Season for the Marshall Artists Series

My pal Dave Lavender writes this story in today's Herald-Dispatch, spelling out the upcoming season for the Marshall Artists Series:

Angela Jones isn’t sure they could have survived another super-sized season like the last one.

The Marshall Artists Series, which has a whopping three people in its office, put on a mammoth 75th anniversary season that featured 16 events, plus two week-long film festivals and not to mention three event fundraisers including the recent, Uncorked Wine Festival.

Thankfully for the Artists Series, which managed to produce six events in a little over a week last October, the 76th season of the Marshall Artists Series is down to its normal size. That includes nine events plus two international film festivals at the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Executive director Penny Watkins said the new season strives to provide the community with culturally significant and educationally-driven entertainment for Marshall University and the surrounding community.

“From the 100 year anniversary of the voyage of the Titanic, to the election of a new president, to discussions about social justice and solving poverty in America, the events offered this season are a sign of our times,” Watkins said.” The Occupy Wall Street movement had its roots from the protests of the ‘Hair’ generation, and the documentary ‘Skateistan’ shows how a seeming small effort in Kabul, Afghanistan, can have a big impact on the world we live in.

“We invite you to come along on our journey this season to hear some timeless Motown tunes sung by the man himself, Smokey Robinson, see the much-loved TV icon, Ed Asner, take on one of our country’s most beloved presidents and hear a current pop star use his music and influence to effect change in our world. Join us. It is sure to be an exciting journey.”

The deadline to purchase or renew season tickets is Friday, Aug. 3.

After that date, all orders will be processed in order of date and time received. Individual tickets go on sale at noon Thursday, Aug. 30. Season tickets may be ordered at 304-696-3326. Orders may also be mailed in to Marshall Artists Series, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755-2210, be faxed to 304-696-6658 or emailed to artistsseries@marshall.edu. The Marshall Artists Series office is located in the Jomie Jazz Center on Fifth Avenue across from Marshall’s Student Center.

Jones, the marketing director for the Artists Series, said having the regular amount of shows Watkins made sure every one was a knockout.

“We are coming back to a normal size season and getting back to what we normally do year in and year out, and so we’ve got some of the Broadway shows that are touring, and we’ve got some great music and film and we throw in some legends here and there,” Jones said.

She’s not kidding on the legends part.

Kicking off the 76th season is nine-time Grammy Award-winning R&B artist, John Legend, who will be in concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 20, with his “Show Me Campaign,” a non-profit organization fighting poverty around the world.

Jones said that Legend, the multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter and activist who was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, will be playing and sharing his mission with students and the community.

“He will be doing some discussion and weave in some music to underscore his thoughts on how people can get involved and take charge, and we all need that.”

The Artists Series rachets up the legends quota in the 2013 portion of the season with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and Songwriters’ Hall of Fame member, Smokey Robinson, who will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Jones said they’re super excited to get the Motown legend, who not only wrote such hits for the Miracles like “Shop Around” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooo Baby Baby,” “The Tracks of My Tears,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “I Second That Emotion” but also wrote many of the other Motown greats including: “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” and “My Guy.”

TV legend, Ed Asner will be here at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, in his one-man drama, “FDR,” based on the long-running Broadway hit, “Sunrise at Campobello.”

The TV Academy Hall of Fame member is, of course, known of late for being the voice of Carl Fredricksen in Pixar’s award-winning animated film, “Up.” Asner is best known for his Emmy Award-winning role as Lou Grant on both “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and its spin-off series, “Lou Grant.”

“What’s neat about this show is that it will be at the Playhouse, so it will be really small and intimate,” Jones said. “People of course know him from all of his TV work, and this is a historic year with the presidential election, so this performance will come right on the heels of the Inauguration.”

One of the backbones of the Artists Series has long been reeling in touring Broadway shows and this year, there will be three tours coming through including “Titanic: The Musical,” which plays on Oct. 1 in this, the 100th year anniversary of the Titanic sinking.

Also playing the historic Keith-Albee will be the Broadway revival of “Hair,” which won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival with such sing-a-long songs as “Aquarius,” “Let the Sun Shine In,” and “Good Morning, Starshine.”

Created by the monster hit, “Jersey Boys,” (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice) with Drama Desk-winning composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa, comes “The Addams Family,” a Broadway smash musical comedy based on the hit TV show that starred the campy world of Gomez, Morticia, Uncle Fester, Grandma, Wednesday, Pugsley and, of course, Lurch. “The Addams Family” plays April 28.

A couple of 2012/2013 shows are back by popular demand.

Mountain Stage, the Charleston-based National Public Radio show heard weekly around the world, drew a great crowd this spring to pay homage to the 75th anniversary season with such American music icons as Arlo Guthrie (who paid tribute to his late father Woody) at the Keith-Albee.

Hosted by Grammy Award-winning host, Larry Groce, Mountain Stage will be returning for a concert at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, at the Keith-Albee with music acts to be announced later.

Mountain Stage is a two-hour music radio show produced by WV Public Broadcasting and distributed worldwide by National Public Radio (NPR) and the Voice of America’s satellite radio service.

Jones said one constant feedback they hear is on people’s love of Celtic shows, so they’ve reeled in the renowned Irish Tenors (Ronan Tynan, Finbar Wright, Anthony Kearns) who will be performing an Irish Holiday Celebration with a 30-piece orchestra at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

Tucked into both the fall and the spring semesters is the Marshall Artists Series International Film Festivals.

The Fall Film fest will run Oct. 12-17, at the Keith-Albee with award-winning films from Iran, Belgium, Denmark, Israel, the United States and Norway. Headlining that will be “A Separation,” the Iranian film that won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2011.
Jones said they’re experimenting in the fall with a 10:30 a.m. showing on the Saturday and Sunday, and have punted the late show (9:45 p.m. on those nights).

The Spring International Film Festival runs Feb. 22 -28, and features films from Japan, Spain, France, Brazil, Lebanon and England. The fest features “The Deep Blue Sea,” starring Rachel Weiss in an English remake of the 1955 film that Vivien Leigh made famous.

Kicking off the Fall International Film Festival will be a special one-night-only showing at 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 11, of “Skateistan,” a documentary that tells the story of the skateboard park in Kabul, Afghanistan, that has been transforming the lives of young people in Kabul.

“Skateistan” won the Cinema for Peace Award of Most Valuable Documentary, was an official selection of the Santa Barbara Film Festival and won a Jury Prize at the Woodstock Film Festival.

A post-film lecture will take place featuring Huntington native and skateboard industry veteran, Bryan Ridgeway, who is the global skateboarding advisor for the Skateistan project. Ridgeway will be speaking at the public screening as well as a special screening for high school students.

Jones said they are really proud to host “Skateistan,” which has only been screened in a handful of theaters and film festivals around the world.

Jones said Ridgeway has to Fed Ex the copy of the film the next day to Lithuania.

“I am really proud of the lineup for the festival,” Jones said. “It’s my baby, but I think it’s a really strong lineup, and I’m really excited about the diversity. And, I am really excited about ‘Skateistan,’ and I know Bryan couldn’t be more proud to be coming back.”

Cast List for "MacBeth"

The director of the ARTS production of Shakespeare's MacBeth, my pal Mike Murdock, posted this notice today listing the cast for the production:

Thanks to all who auditioned!

If you do not see your name on the list below, thank you so very much for sharing some time with us over the weekend, and we hope to see you at future auditions at ARTS.

Macbeth – Greg Morris
Lady Macbeth – Kate Morris

Macduff – Len Trent
Lady Macduff, Nurse – Tish Maynard

Banquo – Herschel Jeffrey
Fleance – Damon Noel
King Duncan – Paul Neace
Malcolm – Eric Wilson
Donalbain – Gregory Picklesimer

Witch – Sarah Diamond Burroway
Witch – Sheila Meade
Witch – Jenn Naglee

Lennox – Jonathan Maynard
Ross – Brian Cook
Angus – Roger Hagley
Menteith – Marc Albert
Caithness – Todd Green
Old Siward – Mark Harrison Near
Seyton, Murderer – Erik Hamilton Woods
Bloody Sergeant, Young Siward, Murderer – Simon Woods
Porter / Old Man / *Fight Captain*– Michael Naglee
Doctor / Murderer – Stephen Vance

Servant, Apparition, etc. – Tiffini Yvonne Taylor

Once again, thank you all SO very much for auditioning and sharing your talents with me. Those that didn't get cast, I hope that you will get a chance to see the show, and not hesitate to audition for future shows at ARTS. As much as we would always love to cast every single person, sometimes we can't. That doesn't diminish your talent or ability, it just means that I went a different way with it. I still thank you very much coming to play with me on Friday and Saturday. I hope you had as much fun as I did.

What an amazing, talented cast! I can't wait to see this one!

The Next Marshall Artists Series

The Marshall Artists Series has set its lineup for the 2012 - 2013 season, and as always, there are several great theatre shows in the mix.

This lineup includes the Broadway touring shows of The Addams Family (April 28, 2013), Hair (March 7, 2013), Ed Asner in a one-man show FDR (Jan. 30, 2013) and Titanic the Musical (Oct. 1, 2012).

We'll have the complete lineup soon!

Jon Joy's Newest Books Are Available!

Exciting news - my pal, local playwright, director and actor Jonathan Joy is now a published author!

His play, The Princess of Rome, Ohio, is now available in paperback, and so is Short Plays and Monologues - both are available on Amazon.com!

In case you haven't seen the play, here's the recap of "Princess:"

The dysfunctional tenants of a ramshackle house air their dirty laundry on the front porch while their young daughter dreams of getting away to start a better life. An outrageous front porch comedy featuring a wide variety of small town characters.

I've ordered my copies - shouldn't you?

Congratulations, Jon!