Stars of the Benefit Concert: Laura LaCara

   We've been talking about All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert, which takes the stage at the Keith Albee Theatre on Sept. 22.

   It's time to start telling you which performers are going to be part of the show (we'll have an announcement every day)! Let's start with the lovely and talented Laura LaCara! After starring in an amazing number of community theatre productions while growing up in Huntington (including characters like Ado Annie, Eponine and many others), Laura is now a professional actress in New York and has carved time out of her schedule to be part of this concert.

   (And if her opening song doesn't bring a tear to your eyes, I'll be amazed.)

   More announcements forthcoming!

A Benefit Concert

Whew! Things have been hopping for your pal Chuck of late, so let me apologize for the shortage of posts.

I've been working on two shows at once (I do not recommend this, although I'm having a lot of fun).

The first show that will turn up is something new and different - it's called All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert. We've invited back some of the alumni of the Huntington children's theatre to once again share their talents on the stage of the Keith Albee Theatre (the show takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 22).

The challenge has been tracking down those past stars and then working within their hectic schedules. Not everyone could make it - some are working professionals, some are tied up with college - but thankfully, we've managed to work it out with about 20 of our talented alumni.

It's going to be a terrific, funny and touching show. I'll be talking more over the next two weeks about who will be appearing in the show, and we'll talk more about the "Benefit" part of the show, which will raise money to provide a permanent theatre home for the kids of First Stage.

Tickets are now on sale at the Big Sandy Superstore box office, or you can order them online through Ticketmaster. Don't miss it!

Oh, and the other show I'm working on? It's the production of Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. - lots more about that in the weeks ahead, too!

On Stage This Weekend?

So what shows are on stage this weekend?

Amazingly enough - as far as I can tell - there are no shows on stage this weekend. (Please correct me if I've overlooked one.)

But save up those dollars - there are several great shows coming up later this month, including First Stage's alumni concert All Grown Up at the Keith Albee and Sweeney Todd at City Hall!

More about those in the days ahead - but for now, enjoy your weekend off!

Upcoming Shows and Auditions for Company of Dreams

Here's a nifty poster put together to promote the upcoming season of shows for the Ashland-based group known as Company of Dreams.

The poster includes audition dates for the shows, too!

The Cast of "Dracula the Musical"

My pal Danny Ray sends along the cast list for the next Curtains Up Players production: Dracula the Musical!

And a talented bunch it is! Here's the rundown:

Count Dracula - Jon Lamp

Mina Murray - Lara Donahoe

Jonathan Harker - Chris Sunderland

Professor Van Helsing - Alison Smith

Lucy Westenra- Jane Modlin

Quincey Morris - Austin Trimboli

Dr. Jack Seward - Christian Griswald

Arthur Holmwood - Andrew Potter

Renfield - Paul Merritt

Vampire Girls - Kelsey Anderson, Nancy Jackson, Joanna Berner

Vampire Dancer - Chelsey Keathley

Young Child - Brayden Clagg

Ensemble - Kate Jackson, Sydney Smith, Jennifer Simms, Laura Clagg, Ethan Terry, Max Wilson

Music by Frank Wildhorn

Book & Lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton

Conceived by Christopher Hampton, Frank Wildhorn & Des McAnuff

Performances are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26-27 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2:30 p.m., Thursday - Saturday, Nov. 1-3 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

The show is directed by Clara Adkins with musical direction by Matthew Moore.

First Stage To Present Benefit Concert at Keith Albee Sept. 22

I admit I'm prejudiced (since I'm one of the directors of the show), but this Benefit Concert promises to be something special. Here's the latest press release:

The First Stage Theatre Company has put hundreds of young actors on stage over the past two decades, and now that group is inviting its graduates to be part of a special event - All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert that will take the Keith Albee Theatre stage on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., featuring past stars of the Tri-state’s children’s theatre.

The concert kicks off a fund-raising campaign to help the organization build a new home for the next generation of performers. First Stage President Chuck Minsker said, “The children’s theatre recently purchased a small warehouse near downtown Huntington - our first “home” in the group’s 22-year history. We’re using the space for storage and set construction, but with some improvements, it will eventually include a small theatre space for performances, rehearsals and drama classes.”

The Benefit Concert will star alumni who appeared in a First Stage (or Musical Arts Guild-Children’s Theatre) show. Minsker said, “This gives us a chance to recognize some of the amazing performers who grew up on stage in Huntington - many of whom now have professionals acting careers - and it’s a great chance for them to ‘Pay it Forward’ to the actors of tomorrow.”

“We’ve had quite a few of our alumni sign up already, but there’s still time for others to join in,” Minsker said. Performers interested in taking part can email firststagewv@gmail.com or call 304-736-4366 for more information.

Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and are now on sale at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena box office, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Benefit Concert will be directed by Minsker and musical director Mark Smith.

The First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Founded in 1990, the organization has staged more than 50 theatrical shows starring children from the Tri-State area.

"Avenue Q" - A Review

My lovely wife and I just got back from seeing Avenue Q, a show that's been getting raves reviews - and we agree that it deserves every one of 'em.

It's easy to see why the Broadway show won the Tony for Best Musical - it's a fast-paced show with lots of heart, some great songs, some hilarious moments and a clever premise.

It's basically an adult version of Sesame Street, so the story unfolds through a number of amazingly well-craft puppets and muppets. There's no effort made to hide the humans operating the characters, but surprisingly enough, it's very effective - you're so focused on the characters that each actor has created, the puppets really seem to come to life!

The key to the show is the terrific cast, who manage to combine wonderful singing and acting to create a wide variety of funny, zany and surprisingly human characters. I can't imagine any professional cast anywhere doing a better job than this group!

Add to that an amazing set that makes maximum use of the Jeslyn stage, an excellent orchestra and flawless tech work, and you have a show that should not be missed!

You just have one more chance to catch the show Sunday at 2:30 p.m. - I urge you to take it!

Kudos to director Danny Ray and his team for outstanding work!

The show isn't for everyone - the humor is raunchy at times, crude at others - but it's a vastly entertaining show, certainly one of the best community theatre productions in our area in recent years - and is highly recommended!

On Stage in September

Some great shows coming up in September - here's the rundown:

- All Grown Up: A First Stage Benefit Concert - Some of the most talented alumni from Huntington's long-running children's theatre will return for a special concert to benefit First Stage’s building fund. The concert will be presented Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theatre.

- Avenue Q - Curtains Up Players presents the hilarious adult musical comedy Sept. 1 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. at Huntington’s Jeslyn Theatre.

- Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street - 5th Avenue Theatre presents the hit Broadway musical Sept. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 23 and 30 at 2:30 p.m. at City Hall Auditorium.

- John Legend - Marshall Artists Series presents a concert and discussion by the artist Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theatre.

- Schoolhouse Rock Live - Paramount Players presents the musical based on the ABC animated education cartoons at the Paramount Arts Center Sept. 25 at 7 p.m.

- Dead Man’s Hand - Murder and Merriment present the murder mystery Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. at The Greenhouse of Teays Valley.

It's amazing that so many great shows are available for our enjoyment - so get out there and support your local theatre!

On Stage This Weekend: "Avenue Q" and "Charlotte's Web"

You have two outstanding shows to choose from this weekend:

- Avenue Q - The musical comedy wraps up this weekend, presented by Curtains Up Players (and it's been getting rave reviews). The show is presented at the Jeslyn Theatre in Huntington at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1 as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2. Tickets are $15 and $12 for students. All seats reserved. Call 304-942-8576 or Facebook message Shayne Gue or Alayna Paige Berry to reserve tickets.Because of some adult situations, like full-puppet nudity and splashes of Simpsons-like humor, the show may be inappropriate for children under 13.

- Charlotte's Web - The Alban Players present this theatrical adaption of E.B. White's heartwarming novel about a naive pig who is befriended by a magical spider. Join the adults and children who will bring this beautiful tale to the stage. You have one more chance to catch the show - it will be presented at the Alban Arts and Conference Center on Main Street in St. Albans, W.Va., on Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.

So get out there and support your local theatre!

Auditions Today for "Hello Dolly"

The Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre will begin holding auditions today for Hello Dolly! at 411 Tennessee Ave at Roane Street in Charleston.

Singing audition are at 7 p.m. - prepare a vocal selection; bring music for Guild accompanist.

On Wednesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m., reading and acting auditions will be held. Scripts will be provided; those auditioning for singing ensemble do not need to attend this audition.

On Thursday Aug. 30 at 7 p.m., dancing auditions will be held. Dress to dance; bring jazz, ballet and dance heels for girls; combinations will be taught; BE PROMPT!

In Hello, Dolly!, Dolly Levi, the well-known matchmaker at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century in Yonkers, New York, sets out to find herself a husband in the wealthy Horace Vandergelder. Meanwhile, she matches together a rich widow, Irene Malloy, with Vandergelder’s employee, Cornelius Hackl. She also sets up Molloy’s assistant, Minnie, with Cornelius’s assistant, Barnaby, and then further matches the poor artist, Ambrose, with Vandergelder’s niece Ermengarde. In the end, after a ruckus at an upscale restaurant and a court case, Dolly convinces Vandergelder to marry her and all is well.

With lyrics and music by Jerry Herman and a book by Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s The Matchmaker, the original Broadway production starred Carol Channing and won the Tony Award for Best Musical plus nine other Tonys. The show album, Hello, Dolly! An Original Cast Recording, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2002.

The memorable score includes It Takes A Woman, Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Ribbons Down My Back, Before the Parade Passes By, Elegance, It Only Takes a Moment, So Long, Dearie and the title song. The show has enjoyed three Broadway revivals and international success and was also made into a 1969 film starring Barbra Streisand.

Hello, Dolly!, one of the most enduring classic musicals of all time, will be presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild in a collaborative production with the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 2 and 3, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 28 and Nov. 4, 2012 at 2 p.m.

The production is sponsored by Ed and Susan Maier and Charleston Area Medical Center. Tickets are currently on sale at the Clay Center. Call 304-561-3570 or visit the Clay Center website. The Guild previously produced Hello, Dolly! in 1969 and 1997.

CAST

Dolly Levi - (40s – 60s) A charming meddling matchmaker in her middle years who has decided to begin her life again. Requires excellent comic timing; strong alto character voice

Horace Vandergelder – (40s – 60s) Proprietor of a Hay & Feed store and a client of Dolly Levi. He is a widower of some means. Requires comic timing; comic baritone voice

Irene Molloy – (20s – 40s) A milliner with a Hat Shop in New York City. Mezzo soprano

Cornelius Hackl – (20s -40) Vandergelder’s chief clerk. Requires comic timing; Baritone

Minnie Fay – (16 – 30) A young girl who works in Irene’s hat shop. Some singing and dance/movement; Mezzo

Barnaby Tucker – (16 – 30) An assistant to Cornelius at Vandergelder’s Hay & Feed store. Some movement required; Baritone

Ermengarde – (16 – 25) The young weeping niece of Horace Vandergelder. Spoken with some movement/dance

Ambrose Kemper – (17 – 30) An explosive young artist seeking to marry Ermingarde. Some movement/dance

Ernestina Money – (40s – 60) An eccentric looking woman in need of Dolly’s matchmaker service. Requires comic timing. A non-singing role, but could double in ensemble.

Rudolf Reisenweber – (40s – 60s) The major-domo of the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant. Bass

Mrs. Rose – (40s – 60s) Sells vegetables and is a friend of Dolly’s from years before. Alto

The Judge – (50 – older) White whiskered night court judge; Bass

Singing Ensemble – (15 – adult) Great choral singing show!; Ensemble plays townspeople of New York plus Harmonia Gardens waiters and others

Dancing Ensemble – (teenagers – adult) Need strong dancers with musical comedy/ballet training; Acrobats and Gymnasts are needed for several features.

Directing team: Nina Denton Pasinetti ~ stage director/choreographer
John Marshall ~ musical director
Thomas P. Pasinetti ~ technical director

For more information call 304-545-6945.

Drama Class for Kids

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this note:

My children's theatre class will be starting up for the semester at ARTS on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-5:30. (Classes will be held at the Renaissance Theatre - the old Huntington High School.)

The class will begin Tuesday, Sept. 11 and continue every Tuesday through Tuesday, Nov. 13, when we will do a presentation for the public from the musical Once on This Island.

Cost for the class is $90 which will include all materials and scripts which the children will get to keep. Ages for the class are 6-12 years of age. For more information, please contact Eddie Harbert at 304-544-2831.

Hope to see your little ones in class!

"Crimes of the Heart" - A Review

I finally got a chance to see the play Crimes of the Heart tonight - it's a rare example of a straight play being presented by a community theatre group (in this case, ARTS).

It's a touching, sometimes-dark and sometimes-funny story about three sisters in Mississippi, each dealing with different problems and personality quirks - including one sister who holds the family together, one who runs away from her responsibilities, and one who finds herself on the wrong side of the law.

The small-but-mighty cast does a wonderful job bringing these all-too-real characters to life (including authentic accents), and the strength of the show lies in the fact that you've met (or are related to) people just like them.

The set is fantastic, with authentic touches (including a bottle opener on the counter and a slamming screen door), and it includes an actual working kitchen (I don't think I've seen a working sink on stage before)!

What a delight to see a "straight" drama - kudos to the talented cast and the directing team!

Gentle readers, you only have one more chance to see this one - Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

Don't miss it!

On Stage This Weekend - Four Shows

You have four great shows to choose from this weekend:

- Crimes of the Heart - It's the final weekend for this fine drama from ARTS. The award-winning Southern drama will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25 at Renaissance Arts Center, 900 8th St., Huntington. A Southern comfort dinner of tossed salad with raspberry vinagrette dressing, Shake and Bake chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, biscuits and honey and birthday cake is served at 6:30 p.m. Dinner (by reservation only) is $15. There is also a show-only matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. Show only tickets are $10. Call 304-733-ARTS.

- Avenue Q - The musical comedy premieres this weekend from Curtains Up Players. The show is presented at the Jeslyn Theatre in Huntington at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. Also, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1 as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2. Tickets are $15 and $12 for students. All seats reserved. Call 304-942-8576 or Facebook message Shayne Gue or Alayna Paige Berry to reserve tickets.Because of some adult situations, like full-puppet nudity and splashes of Simpsons-like humor, the show may be inappropriate for children under 13.

- Little Women: The Broadway Musical - Scene One Theatre presents the musical with book by Allan Knee, music by Jason Howland, and lyrics by Mindi Dickstein at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26 at Ironton High School. Tickets are $10. Tickets are available at the door or presale online at www.scene1theatre.com/buy_tickets. Contact number for questions is 740-331-1448.

- Charlotte's Web - The Alban Players will present this theatrical adaption of E.B. White's heartwarming novel about a naive pig who is befriended by a magical spider. Join the adults and children who will bring this beautiful tale to the stage. The show will be presented at the Alban Arts and Conference Center on Main Street in St. Albans, W.Va., on Aug. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m., Aug. 26 at 2 p.m., and Aug. 31 at 8 p.m.

So celebrate the arts and get out there and support your community theatre!

"Avenue Q"

My pal Dave Lavender provides this excellent story about the musical comedy Avenue Q:

On the front door of Jeslyn Performing Arts Center hangs a giant, glittery orange "Q" -- an obvious clue that changes are afoot along this downtown avenue.

For the next two weekends, let's just call this stretch of Fourth Avenue -- "Avenue Q."

Inside the former Camelot Theater, Curtains Up Players are presenting the laugh-out-loud musical comedy, "Avenue Q," that's been described as "Sesame Street" for adults with darling puppets singing straight-talking, politically incorrect songs such as "It Sucks to Be Me," "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" and "The Internet's for Porn."

Directed by Danny Ray and packed with 25 quirky and catchy songs played by CUP's seven piece band, "Avenue Q," takes to the theatrical streets at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. Also, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1 as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for students. All seats reserved. Call 304-942-8576 or Facebook message Shayne Gue or Alayna Paige Berry to reserve tickets.

Because of some adult situations, like full-puppet nudity and splashes of Simpsons-like humor, "Avenue Q" may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Called "The most fun on-stage this year," by the New Yorker when "Avenue Q" opened on Broadway in 2003, "Avenue Q," which beat out the popular musical, "Wicked," to win "Best Musical," "Best Score" and "Best Book" that year, uses actors on stage with the puppets to tell a heart-warming story with a mockumentary edge -- poking gentle fun at the preachiness of kids TV shows. There is even a TV monitor beside the stage flashing mock-educational vignettes.

Like a "Sesame Street" set, "Avenue Q," has three, two-story walk-up apartments where Princeton, a poor college graduate with big dreams living in New York City is a new resident who runs into a menagerie of neighborhood characters who help him discover his purpose in life.

Like many Tri-Staters, Gue was blown away when Marshall Artists Series reeled in the Broadway musical tour in 2009 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

When CUP formed a couple years ago to produce such contemporary fare as "Bat Boy The Musical," "Putnam County Spelling Bee," and "How I Learned to Drive," producer Paul Neace said Gue's dream was always to put on "Avenue Q."

"I am going to give all the credit to Shayne," Neace said. "When it came through town, it made such an impression on everybody that when we started our group in 2010 it was one of the things he defined as wanting to bring -- when and if -- it would ever be available. The second he found out it was, he was like a locomotive and couldn't be stopped in getting this show to town."

Gue, who deftly plays Princeton and Rod in the musical, is not alone in his passion for the play as most folks involved either saw it on Broadway or the Broadway tour of the musical that's promoted as being "part flesh, part felt and packed with heart.

West Virginia University student Kristen Pennington, of Charleston, loves it so much she and her mom have been driving her back and forth from Morgantown this past week to be in the show.

Pennington, who was in the CUP production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" last year, said "Avenue Q," hits home in a powerful way.

"It's very modern, and the importance of that is that it targets to everyone but deals with the plight of young professionals and young people in general who are trying to find out what their purpose in life is and how their reality is not the same as those idealistic views from college and how important it is to not get jaded from it and how to always fight for the dream that you have," said Pennington, who plays two different puppets, Kate Monster and Lucy the Slut, both of whom are going after Princeton.

The musical has some rollicking absurd moments like when the landlord character, Gary Coleman (the tiny, little troubled childhood actor) sings the R&B belter ("You Can Be as Loud as the Hell You Want When You're Makin' Love") after the two puppets, Princeton and Kate hook up.

Holly Maynard, who saw the show on Broadway, plays the Gary Coleman character for CUP. She's one of several women who have played the part.

"They needed somebody to step in and I jumped at it," Maynard said. "I think what is so good about this show is that it just hits you in the face with it. And it's funny because there are all of these issues that people tiptoe around and don't want to talk about and all of a sudden you hear these puppets talk about it, tough issues like racism or about being gay, and it's hilarious and all you can really do is laugh."

Pennington said it's impossible to pass up the chance to do these kind of roles.

"First off it is just hysterical but it has a great message and that is all about friends and about love and not just your average romantic love but the camaraderie that comes from being young and trying to realize what life is all about," she said. "It's slightly daunting at times but with the right people in your life it doesn't matter so much where you are but more about what you are doing and who you are with."

While Ray, who also saw the show on Broadway, helped erect the stellar two-story set, whose backdrop and sides are enhanced by the theater's high walls of exposed brick, CUP also got an expert's hand in building the puppets.

Nationally-known toy designer and former professional touring actor, Rhett Pennell, who was in a couple CUP productions before moving away earlier this summer, built all of the puppets.

"If I would have been asked what the hardest thing to do in this show would be, it would be the puppets but we had such an amazing toy maker Rhett Pennell make the puppets for us that it made the entire process 1,000 percent easier," Neace said. "That was a huge weight off of our minds, and the whole show has been like that. Normally you have to beg people to come out and work but that hasn't been the case. There have been more people willing to working so hard on this show because of their regard for it."

With Ryan Jackson and Stephanie Sands dancing around and squeaking out the mischievous voices of the Bad Idea Bears (Care Bears who sporadically stir up trouble), veteran props supervisor, Helga Thorn, said after seeing the Broadway tour a few years ago, she has been amazed what is now being recreated again locally with the unique play in which puppeteers are on stage with puppets in hand.

"I was like how are they going to project their voices to the puppets and Danny said 'well, you don't have to because after a while you forget they are there and just see the puppets,'" Thorn said, "and that's true, and that is amazing."

Head On Over to Avenue Q:
Here's a closer look at musical production of "Avenue Q"

WHAT: Curtains Up Players presents the adult-humor, puppet-driven musical, "Avenue Q." Note that the show is for teens and adults as it addresses issues such as sex, drinking and surfing the web for mature content.

WHERE: Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, 1030 4th Ave., (formerly The Camelot Theater)

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 26. Also, 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 30-31 and Sept. 1 as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 2.

THE STORY: "Avenue Q" is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets Kate (the girl next door), Rod (the Republican), Trekkie (the Internet sexpert), and other colorful types who help him finally discover his purpose in life.

GET TIX: Tickets are $15 and $12 for students. All seats reserved. Call 304-942-8576 or Facebook message Shayne Gue or Alayna Paige Berry to reserve tickets.

DID YOU KNOW? When it debuted on Broadway, "Avenue Q," promoted as "part flesh, part felt and packed with heart," won the Tony triple crown winning, "Best Musical," "Best Score" and "Best Book."

CAST: Shayne Gue, Kristen Pennington, Michael Edward Rose, Holly Maynard, Greg Kiser, April Frye, Ryan Jackson, Stephanie Kay Sands and Chris Sunderland.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Directed by Danny Ray, musical direction by Kaitlin DeSpain, produced by Paul Neace and choreographed by Chris Sunderland

ON THE WEB: http://www.curtainsupplayers.org/

One More "Avenue Q" e-Interview!

We've been conducting e-Interviews with the cast of the musical comedy Avenue Q, which takes the stage this weekend at Huntington's Jeslyn Theatre.

Today let's hear from Stephanie Kay Sands:

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

Stephanie: The basic story follows Princeton, a recent college graduate, through his transition from legal adult to true adult. The show teaches lessons on personal responsibility, charity, and decision making for adults in a very Sesame Street-style fashion. Music, humor and puppets allow us to discuss serious topics like racism and sexual relationships without losing any of the show's levity.

Q: Tell us about the character and/or puppet you play.

Stephanie: I play Mrs. Thistletwat and the pink bad idea bear. Mrs. Thistletwat is an elderly educator who represents the old-fashioned way of life. While the Bad Idea Bears are adorable scoundrels who follow the other characters around suggesting poor choices to them. As foul-mouthed as they are cute, the Bad Idea Bears are sure to be a crowd pleaser.

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

Stephanie: REMEMBERING WHO I AM!!! I play seven different puppets throughout the duration of this show and sometimes have to switch in a matter of seconds. So it can be confusing to remember who you're playing, which arm they should be on, and which voice you should be speaking in. But the Curtain Up Players have been rehearsing extensively for weeks and promises you an event you won't want to miss.

Q: What's your favorite scene (or song) in the show?

Stephanie: "You can be as Loud as the Hell You Want (when you're making love)" It's hilarious and has an old school R&B riff style to it that permeates your brain. And there is not a single member of the cast not involved with this powerhouse number.

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

Stephanie: Put simply, it's different and fun. This isn't like any musical you've ever seen in the Tri-state area EVER. If you have a sense of humor and you're tired of watching sitcom re-runs, come down to the Jesalyn and we'll knock your socks off.

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

Stephanie: Aug. 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 and Sept. 1 and 2, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2:30 p.m. All performances take place at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (1030 4th Avenue - Huntington). Tickets are available NOW! All seats reserved! Simply call 304-942-8576 or Facebook message Shayne Gue or Alayna Paige Berry to RESERVE your tickets today!

Thanks, Stephanie!

Another "Avenue Q" e-Interview!

We've been talking this week with actors from Avenue Q, the musical comedy that takes the stage this weekend at Huntington's Jeslyn Theatre.

Today, let's hear from Greg Kiser:

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

Greg: Well, Avenue Q follows the story of Princeton, a newly college graduate, who moves to Avenue Q while looking for his purpose. Though the plot is primarily about Princeton looking for his purpose, we meet his new neighbors on Avenue Q and the show revolves around them as well. As the show moves from scene to scene we see the characters, for the most part, grow and change their lives. From to living arrangements, lifestyles, occupation, or even marital status the characters will continue to grow. You will find yourself getting caught up in Princeton and his love interest, Kate Monster, go through the scary world of dating; as well as hear some songs that are not only funny and catchy, but touch on topics like racism and homosexuality.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Greg: I play Brian, the unemployed comedian, one of the humans who lives on Avenue Q. Brian is a 32-year-old, recently unemployed comedian who lives with his fiancée Christmas Eve.

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

Greg: The most challenging thing about this show was learning to act with the puppets, not the person controlling the puppet. For a while there we didn’t have the puppets to work with, since they were still being built; so it was easy to get use to acting with the people playing the puppet roles.

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

Greg: I would say that my favorite song in the show would have to be, “There is Life Outside Your Apartment,” the big opening number of act two. It gets the energy back up after the end of act one and the intermission. This is also a number in which everyone in the cast is a part of and are all on stage at the same time.

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

Greg: Avenue Q is a nice change of pace from traditional community theater. It pushes the edge more than most shows, but still uses the humor to address various issues. It is a great show full of laughs, and is a great way to spend the evening.

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

Greg: Avenue Q opens on Friday, Aug. 24 at 8 p.m., with shows also on the 25, 26, 30, 31, Sept. 1 and 2. Shows on Thursdays through Saturdays start at 8 p.m., whereas Sunday shows start at 2:30 p.m.

Thanks, Greg!

The Cast of "Avenue Q" Speaks!

Hey, it's time for some more e-Interviews! Today we'll kick of the first interview with the cast of the musical comedy Avenue Q, which takes the stage this weekend at Huntington's Jeslyn Theatre.

We'll start with comments from April Frye:

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

April: This show is basically an adult Sesame Street. Instead of singing about your ABC's or how to count, we sing about porn, sex and racism. I suppose it could be a show that expresses the reality of growing up.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

April: My character, Christmas Eve, is a Japanese-American therapist trying to make a better life for herself and her seemingly aimless fiancé, Brian. She's trying to break through the stereotypes of her race and be taken more seriously.

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

April: I think the most challenging aspect of this show is the presentation. A lot of the story line revolves around taboo subjects in a comedic manner, and there's a fine line between funny and offensive.

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

April: My favorite song is "I Wish I Could Go Back to College" because the harmonies are so beautiful, and I feel like it shows the heart of the show. My favorite scene is when the Bad Idea Bears try to convince Princeton to spend the money from his parents on beer.

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

April: This show is great for anyone with a sense of humor. It has a little bit of funny for everyone and plenty of places to laugh. I think the ideal demographic would be college students, not that anyone else wouldn't enjoy it as well.

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

April: Show dates are Aug 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, Sept 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. at the Jeslyn Theatre.

Thanks, April!

A Busy Week Ahead...

Lots happening in Huntington's Community Theatre this week!

The second (and final) weekend of the play Crimes of the Heart takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre on Friday.

The opening weekend for the musical Avenue Q also takes the stage Friday at the Jeslyn Theatre.

And ARTS is also offering adult drama classes on a limited basis - here's the info from Bil Neal:

Arts Resources for the Tri-state announces the second session of its Adult Acting Class. The session will run for seven consecutive Wednesday nights starting on Sept. 12.

Classes are held at ARTS in the dance studio and begin at 7:30 p.m. until 8:40 p.m. They are taught by Gene Anthony, retired Professor Emeritus of the Theater Department at Marshall University.

There is no cost for the class, it is free and the students are chosen by lottery. Those who submitted their names for the first session need not submit again. Their names remain "in the hat." Prosepective new students are asked to contact Bil Neal at 304-544-3926, request to be considered and give him your contact phone number. The only way to enter the lottery is by contacting Bil.

Students are asked to bring any copy of Death of a Salesman, a journal, and a pencil to each class. The deadline for submission is Sunday, Sept. 2. Bil will call the selected students by Sept. 5.

Good luck and we hope to see you at ARTS in September.

On Stage This Weekend: "Crimes of the Heart"

Just one show taking the stage this weekend - but it's a great one!

Crimes of the Heart is an award-winning drama being staged by ARTS in Huntington.

Hazelhurst, Mississippi is where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at thirty and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, who outgrew Hazelurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach. Their troubles are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer Barnette who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her. Doc is Meg's High School sweetheart who livens up the mix even more.

This is the story of how people escape the past to seize the future.

Tickets are $10. 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.

Highly recommended!

Another e-Interview with the Cast of "Crimes of the Heart"

Taking the stage this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre 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 hear from Jason Kretzer:

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Jason: "Doc Porter" is your classic rugged country boy who has come back to
Hazelhurst to take care of his father's farm. Though he is married and has two children, he still has a soft spot for Meg. Solid and centered, a couple of life altering events have left him looking attractively worn and older than he really is.

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

Jason: For me, it was getting the level of emotion right. Sometimes, you have to go from really high to really low all in the same breath. There are a number of those instances for every character.

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

Jason: I don't want to give away a spoiler but it was the scene of inappropriate laughter in Act 3.

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

Jason: Probably not to younger readers, as there are some very heavy topics in this play. However, it is a very powerful drama and I urge people to come experience this slice of life. The dialogue is extraordinary and the performances of the three sisters really hit you in the gut, whether with laughter or tears.

Thanks, Jason! 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.