A Macbeth e-inerview

   Macbeth takes the stage tonight at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (900 8th Street), so let's hear from the cast!

   Here in the first of our e-interviews (as I call 'em) is my pal Mike Naglee, who's a fine actor, stage fighter and a great guy. Here's what he has to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play (I won't name it, in case you hold to the traditional superstition), 

but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Mike: Macbeth (I said it!) is the story of a man's spiral into madness and ruin as his quest for power takes him through regicide, homicide, infanticide and virtual fratricide.  The first domino is tipped at the beginning of the show, and pushes the Macbeths inexorably to their doom.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play The Porter, a character whose sole purpose is to provide comic relief after the first murder.  Keeping with the original intent of the character, the porter gets a bit of "creative license" to go off text in the name of funny.  In the context of the play his job as porter is to answer the castle door, but when Macduff comes knocking in the early hours of the morning, the porter decides to have a little fun before answering.  He pretends to be the porter at the gates of Hell, greeting new arrivals.  

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

Mike: The language, the combat, and the effects are all difficult for a community theatre production to pull off... we'll let you decide how successful we've been!

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Mike: I hope both!  I think even the hardest of hearts will feel the tension of impending doom as it bears down on Macbeth.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Mike: "Mike Murdock's directing Shakespeare?  Where do I sign?"  I already had a tremendous amount of personal and professional respect for those involved and for those I knew planned to audition, and Murdock gave me the opportunity to return to stage combat as Fight Director - a passion of mine I hadn't been able to indulge in a long time... how could I resist?

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

Mike: It's a classic tale of suspense and intrigue, and one of Shakespeare's most exciting.  The cast and crew have done an amazing job bringing it to life.  I guarantee you'll enjoy it!

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

Mike: You can catch Macbeth at ARTS (the Renaissance Center, or old Huntington High) on October 12,13,19,20 at 8pm or 14, 21 at 2pm.  If you'd like to enjoy dinner before the Friday or Saturday performances give a call to 304-733-ARTS for reservations.  Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner and the show.  See you there!

"Macbeth" and More

   In today's Herald-Dispatch, my pal Dave Lavender provides a great overview of some of the shows taking local stages this month, starting with one that premieres on Friday: Macbeth.

   You can read that story (and see a few photos) right here. 

   Here's an excerpt:

   There will be blood at the Renaissance Center as long-time Shakespeare fan and actor Mike Murdock is in the director's chair taking a stab at updating Macbeth, one of Shakespeare's bloodiest, most popular, and most quotable dramas. 

   Starring Greg Morris as Macbeth, Kate Morris as Lady Macbeth as well as such theater veterans as Paul Neace, Bil Neal and Sarah Diamond Burroway, Macbeth is ready to run Friday through Sunday and next weekend as well splaying open the timeless tale of political ambition, fate, deception and treachery of men vying for glory and the crown. 

   Dates are Oct. 12-14 as well as Oct. 19-20 with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday shows and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $10 and dinner and a show reservations (Friday and Saturday only) are $25. 

Into the witching hour 

   Starring American Idol finalist Chase Likens as John Proctor, The Crucible is now burning up the stage at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

   Directed by Jack Cirillo, The Crucible, which won a Tony Award for Best Play in 1953, will continue at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11-13. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The lobby will open at 7 p.m. for coffee and conversation prior to the show. 

   Arthur Miller's parable of mass hysteria draws a chilling parallel between the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 and the McCarthyism which gripped America in the 1950s. The story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice is a savage attack on the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations. 

   Call the box office at 304-696-2787. 

'Alice' in high school land 

   Huntington High School's award-winning theater department dials back the pocket watch to childhood to present the always entertaining and mind-bending Lewis Carroll tale, Alice in Wonderland. 

   Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 11-13; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14. Admission is $5 and free for children under 2 years of age. 

   Dylan Parker, a co-captain on the speech and debate team, will play the March Hare and is creating the Mad Hatter's costume. Sarena Johnson, Luke Hagely and Chloe Donahoe also star in the show. Johnson will play Alice, Hagely will play the Cheshire Cat, and Donahoe will play the caterpillar. Carley Claudio will play the White Rabbit, Jacob Eastman the Mad Hatter, Liz Dyer the Queen of Hearts, Kiersten Oldham the Dodo, with Jamia Shook and Chad Arthur as Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

A Trailer for "The Crucible"

   Marshall's Theatre Alliance has created a trailer to preview the show that started tonight at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center: The Crucible.

   Have a look:

On Stage: "The Crucible"

   Taking the stage this week on Marshall University's stage is the classic drama The Crucible.

   Here's an excerpt from the story in today's Herald-Dispatch, as written by my pal Rachel Bailey:

    Most people who have taken high school English have at least a passing familiarity with Arthur Miller's classic play, The Crucible. 

    But if you think having read Miller's dramatization of the Salem witch trials of the 17th century is equal to seeing it brought to life onstage, Jack Cirillo of Marshall University's College of Fine Arts has news for you. 

   "Plays were written to be heard; they weren't written to be read," said Cirillo, an associate professor in performance studies and the play's director. "There's great excitement and color to be had by sitting with 500 other people and experiencing the story all at the same time, played by actors who are giving their level best to create a very real, believable world for the audience to explore." 

   Performances of "The Crucible" will take place at 8 p.m. Oct. 10-13, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. The lobby will open at 7 p.m. for coffee and conversation prior to the show.

"Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr."

   Apologies for the limited posting of late, gentle readers, but there's a good reason - I've been swamped working on the upcoming show, Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr.

   It's been a blast working with such a talented cast and directing team - and we're less than a month away from taking the stage.

   I'll talk more about it in the days and weeks ahead, but for now, here's the poster for the show - and the latest press release:

   The story of Ariel, the mermaid who risks everything for true love, will be presented live on stage as First Stage Theatre Company offers Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. on Oct. 26, 27 and 28, 2012, at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

     The show features 50 young performers from the Tri-state area, ranging in age from high school seniors to elementary students. Director Chuck Minsker said, “It’s amazing how much talent these young actors have. I think audiences of all ages are going to be surprised and delighted with this musical." 

     Four shows are being presented, including performances on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m., and matinee performances on Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. 

    The Renaissance Theatre is located in the old Huntington High School building. 

   Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. is based on the beloved animated feature from the Disney Studios and the Broadway play it inspired. It tells the story of young Ariel, a mermaid who falls in love with a human, Prince Eric, and risks everything to win his love. But she’ll have to contend with her father, King Triton, and the evil sea witch, Ursula. 

   The show’s cast is guided by director Chuck Minsker, music director Mark Smith, choreographer Melissa McGuffin, producer Leslie Porter, Assistant Director Robyn Welch, set construction director Jack Welch, and costume designer Trish Woods. 

   Little Mermaid, Jr. kicks off the 23rd season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre.  Shows coming up this season include the holiday musical Scrooge and The Bully Plays in Spring 2013.    

   For more information, visit www.firststagetheatre.org or call 304-416-KIDS. 

   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.

On Stage This Weekend

   Kicking off our busy month of August, you have three fine shows to choose from this weekend - two in Charleston and one in Portsmouth:

- The Legend of Ginger and Billy Joe: The Stock Car Musical – Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents this original Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli musical at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. The musical comedy is a parody of redneck culture – a bit raunchy and very funny. Shows are Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. 

- Evil Dead: The Musical - Kanawha Players presents the horror musical Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater. 

- All My Sons - WIll be offered by Shawnee State University Theatre Department. on Oct 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at Shawnee State University, 940 Second St. in Portsmouth.

   Check 'em out!

A Free Preview of "Macbeth"

Here's a bargain - a free preview of Shakespeare's Macbeth will be offered Thursday night at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington (the old Huntington High School). 

The preview starts at 7:30 p.m. 

It will include a short preview of the show followed by a Question-and-Answer talkback with the cast and directors followed by free snacks. 

I'm hearing great things about this show - it includes some genuine shocks and an All-star cast.  

Did I mention it was free? 

Highly recommended!

On Stage in October

   Hokey smokes, there are loads of shows on tap for October! Twelve, to be exact. (UPDATE: More than 12, actually - I've added several to the list - thanks to those who sent along additional info!)

   Here are the ones I've tracked down - if I've missed any, let me know and I'll add them to the list:

- Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical based on the beloved animated film. The show takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 27 and 28 at 2 p.m.

- Macbeth - ARTS presents one of Shakespeare’s bloodiest and most popular plays. The show takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Oct. 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Dinner and Show available by reservation $25 (Fri & Sat Shows Only) - call 304-733-ARTS for dinner reservations.

- Dracula the Musical - Curtain’s Up Players presents the Halloween thriller at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. 

- The Crucible - The Marshall Theatre Alliance presents Arthur Miller’s parable of mass hysteria based on the Salem witch-hunt of 1692. The story of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice is a savage attack on the evils of mindless

persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations. The play will be presented at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Oct. 10 - 13 at 8 p.m.

- Alice in Wonderland - Huntington High School's Theatre Department presents the classic play based on the book by Lewis Caroll as adapted from Anne Coulter Martins. The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, 12 and 13 as well as 3 p.m. Oct. 14, at the school.

- Phantom of the Opera - ACTC presents Andrew Llyod Webber's famous musical on the ACTC stage Oct. 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, and 27 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 21 and 28 at 2:30 p.m. 

- The Woman in Black - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the scary story of a man who recalls his encounter with the mysterious woman in black, who haunts his memory. The drama will be presented Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.

- Hello, Dolly! - One of the most enduring classic musicals of all time will be presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Oct. 26, 27, Nov. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 28 and Nov. 4 at 2:00 p.m. 

- Peter Pan - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the classic story of the mischievous boy who can fly and spends his never-ending childhood adventuring on the small island of Neverland as the leader of his gang the Lost Boys, interacting with mermaids, Indians, fairies, pirates, and occasionally ordinary children from the world outside of Neverland. The show will be presented at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater Oct. 12 and 13 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 13 and 14 at 2 p.m.

- The Legend of Ginger and Billy Joe: The Stock Car Musical – Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents this original Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli musical at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. The musical comedy is a parody of redneck culture – a bit raunchy and very funny. Shows are Oct. 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. 

- Evil Dead: The Musical - Kanawha Players presents the horror musical Oct. 5, 6,  12 and 13 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theater.

- Animal Farm - Charleston Stage Company presents the play based on the classic George Orwell novel at the WVSU Capital Theatre on Oct. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.

- West Side Story - the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland presents Troika Entertainment's first two showings of the national tour of this beloved musical Oct. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.

- All My Sons - WIll be offered by Shawnee State University Theatre Department. on Oct 3, 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at Shawnee State University, 940 Second St. in Portsmouth.

- Music Man, Jr.- Portsmouth Area Children's Theatre will present the musical October 11, 12 and 13 at Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

- Sleepy Hollow: the Musical - JAX Theatre is staging the Halloween classic on October 19-21 at the JAX Theatre in Wheelersburg.


   Whew! It'll be tough to catch them all, but pick your favorites (or try something new) and get out there and support your community theatre!

"Scrooge" Cast List

First Stage has announced the cast for its holiday show Scrooge - here's the note from director Justin McElroy: 

Thank you so much to those who auditioned for Scrooge, we had a, frankly, amazing crop of talent and some of these decisions were truly agonizing. If you're on the list and do not accept your role or have any questions, please email scroogequestions@gmail.com. Otherwise, we'll see you Monday Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the First Stage Children's Theater Building (yep, the same place you auditioned). Parents, you'll meet at the same spot (at least one parent per child, please). Don't expect this first meeting will last longer than an hour or so. Thanks again, and here we go!

Scrooge - Tommy Smirl
The Ghost of Christmas Past - Sarah Metz
The Ghost of Christmas Present - Jennifer Leist

The Ghost of Christmas Future - TBD
Bob Cratchit - Chad Lovejoy
Mrs. Cratchit - Cindy Westbrook
Annie Jenkins, the soup vendor - Sarah Bryan
Jacob Marley - Allan Stern
Ebby - Ian Carlton
Jen (Ebby’s sister) - Samantha May
Fezziwig - Bill Rawlinson
Mrs. Fezziwig - Jennifer Williams
Dick Wilkins - Andrew Edwards
Young Ebenezer - Levi Kelley
Isabel - Meg Barber
Harry, Scrooge’s nephew - Salem Carlton
Helen, Harry’s wife - Rileigh Smirl
Tiny Tim - Braylon Balandra
Kathy Cratchit - Kathryn Jennings
Julia Cratchit - Madeline Rupp
Martha Cratchit - Zoie Fornash
Matthew Cratchit - Dylan Lovejoy
Peter Cratchit - Nathaniel Fornash
Belinda Cratchit - Paula Ames
Molly Cratchit - Amelia Westbrook
Ms. Dilber - Hannah Clay
Mrs. Dilber - Shannon Card
Punch and Judy Lady - Claire Aulick
Harley, the charity lady - Maggie Donahoe
Jollygood, the charity lady - Emily Harless
Boy with sled - Ethan Lovejoy
Topper - Andrew Edwards
Mary - Maggie Donahoe
Lucy - Emily Harless
Lizzy - Claire Aulick
Stuart - Jameson Reynolds
Charles - Nathaniel Fornash
Sarah - Madalein Jackson
Bess - Macenzie Simmons
Wine merchant - Samantha May
Mr. Carstairs - Jameson Reynolds
Bisset the butcher - Ian Carlton
Pringle, the toy seller - Andrew Edwards
Mrs. Pringle - Madalein Jackson

Dancers - Kathryn Booth, Ayla Williams, Emily Branam, Shannyn Kyle, Shannon Rawlinson, Hunter Morrison, Angie Reynolds, Maggie Donahoe, Meg Barbour, Hannah Clay, Jennifer Williams, Rileigh Smirl, Salem Carlton, Emily Harless, McKenzie Simmons, Anastasia Burdick, Madison Plybon

Urchins - Patrick Dempsey, Brody Reynolds, Owen Jennings, Abigail Parks, Ellie Reynolds, Sophie Eastone, Jack Eastone, Luke Lovejoy, Olivia Roberts

Party Goers - Lily Browning, Lauren Wills, Katelynn Higginbotham, Christian Higginbotham, Dustin Spencer

Congratulations to all who were cast! This is going to be great!

Auditions This Weekend: "Scrooge" and "Marvin's Room"

   There are two shows holding auditions this weekend:

- Scrooge – First Stage Theatre Company presents the holiday musical based on A Christmas Carol. Auditions are open to all ages (both adult and children encouraged to try out! Be prepared to sing up to one minute of a song (cd player and piano accompanist provided or you may sing a cappella. Be prepared to read. Wear something you can dance in. Auditions will be held Sept. 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the First Stage Theater Company building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington. The show will be directed by Justin and Sydnee Smirl McElroy.

- Marvin’s Room – Company of Dreams will hold auditions Sept. 29 at 2:30 p.m. at Fairview High School in Ashland. The production is under the direction of Jim Maggard. Show dates are Nov. 8-10, 2012 at Hillside Community Church in Ashland. Marvin's Room is a dark and mordantly funny comedy by Scott McPherson, which centers on a woman's commitment to caring for her family first, even in the face of personal tragedy.

On Stage This Weekend: Sweeney, Stock Car and Charlie Brown!

On stage this weekend – three great shows!

- Sweeney Todd – 5th Avenue Theatre is presenting the dark musical about the demon barber from Fleet Street this weekend at Huntington's City Hall Auditorium. The show stars Ryan Hardiman and Mary Olson as it tells the story of a barber who seeks his revenge in a unique way - and the woman who helps him dispose of the evidence in a grisly (but efficient) manner. The show will be presented at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in Huntington's City Hall on Sept. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12. For more information, call the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522.

- The Legend of Ginger and Billy Joe: The Stock Car Musical – Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents this original Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli musical at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. The musical comedy is a parody of redneck culture – a bit raunchy and very funny. Shows are Sept. 28, 29, Oct. 4, 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $6 for students and seniors.

- You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown – This is the first show to be presented by the Main Street Players Theatre Company. Based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts, the musical comedy will run Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for youth (18 and Under) and seniors (55+). It’ll be presented at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

"Scrooge" Auditions on Saturday

Auditions for the musical "Scrooge" are this Saturday! The show is presented by First Stage Theatre Company.

Auditions are open to all ages (both adult and children encouraged to try out!). Be prepared to sing up to one minu

te of a song (cd player and piano accompanist will be provided or you may sing a cappella). Be prepared to read from a provided script. Wear shoes and clothes you can dance in.

Where: First Stage Theater Company building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington, W.Va.
When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Can’t make it? Video auditions are also accepted! Just record a minute of singing and read a monologue (short, one person scene longer than 15 seconds) from a film, play or musical. Either email digital version to scroogequestions@gmail.com or mail a DVD or thumb drive to: Justin McElroy, P.O. Box 54, Huntington, WV 25706

Show will be presented Nov. 29 thru Dec. 2 and Dec. 6 thru Dec. 9. (No rehearsals will be held over Thanksgiving.)

"All Grown Up!"

   Great story in the Herald-Dispatch today by Bill Rosenberger about last night's phenomenal All Grown Up Benefit Concert, which brought back some of First Stage Theatre's talented alumni to kick off that group's fundraising efforts. You can read that story right here - there's also a gallery of photos by Mark Webb right here.

   Here's the story: 

   Huntington native J.T. Walker is a singer and actor whose natural talents would likely have led him to where he is now, serving as an actor, manager and administrator at Shadowbox Live in Columbus, Ohio.

   But the 2000 graduate of Huntington High School gives a lot of credit for his development to First Stage Theatre Company, which has provided the Tri-State area with a children's theater since 1990.

Now in its 23rd year, First Stage Theatre held a benefit concert Saturday night called All Grown Up. The performance featured a host of former actors and singers who have gone on to careers in the arts, medicine and law, among others. The group convened at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington, where Walker and many others sang and told the audience -- comprised of youth involved in the group's current show The Little Mermaid, Jr. and community members -- the impact First Stage had on their lives.

   "This was my second family, where all my best friends and interactions were," Walker said. "That's what I looked forward to every week. This gives so many people an opportunity to have an outlet in the arts."

   Others who took part in the reunion concert were Mary Ellen Wolfe, a professional acrobat and singer; Kathryn Davis, a local attorney who recently starred as Elle Woods in Huntington Outdoor Theatre's Legally Blonde: the Musical, Josh Meredith, a senior theater major at Marshall University; Sarah Hayes, a junior dance major and theater minor at Radford University; Eric Newfeld, a junior at Marshall; Bronson Bush, a professional songwriter and performer; Justin McElroy, the managing editor of the Polygon video game site; Sydnee Smirl McElroy, an attending physician and assistant professor at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine; Jessica Lamp Jordan, who works in higher education; Levi Kelly, who recently starred as Horton in Seussical; along with actors Jonathan Lamp, Jennifer Leist, Zach Davis, Robyn Welch and Meag Elkins Muller.

   Proceeds from Saturday night's event will be used in transforming First Stage's new space on 2nd Street and 7th Avenue from a warehouse to a full working theater with classrooms and a stage, said First Stage president Chuck Minsker. He said it will help to provide a theatrical program for children that could lead to more fulfilling a dream to perform on stage.

   "As far as community theater goes, children's theater flies under the radar," Minsker said. "The talent here is really amazing."

Stars of the Benefit Show: Jessica Jordan and Jon Lamp

Our next announced performers for "All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert" are a couple of talented Lamps!

Jessica Lamp Jordan grew up local stages, acting along with her brother Jon Lamp (and sometimes their parents joined the show)! A few of her favorite First Stage roles include the Narrator in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” Apassionata in “Lil' Abner,” Gloria in “Bye Bye Birdie,” and Peppermint Patty in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown” (among many others).

Jon is a Marshall graduate with a degree in Elementary Education and a specialization in both elementary and special education. He performed in many First Stage shows and is currently in rehearsals for his latest role as Dracula in “Dracula the Musical” with CUP. The performances will be the weekends surrounding Halloween.

They'll join Laura LaCara, J.T. Walker, Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen, Kathryn Davis, Sarah Hayes, Eric Newfeld, Bronson Bush and the rest of the cast (to be announced) in the Benefit Concert.

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

Don't miss it!

First Stage to Present Alumni Concert

   There's a nice story in today's Herald-Dispatch by Dave Lavender previewing the Benefit Concert  (although I have two corrections: Jonathan Joy's play is a one-minute play; and the concert was first suggested by alum Michael Moore.

   Here's an excerpt:  

In less than a month First Stage Theatre group will head underseas with a production of "Little Mermaid." 

But before that song and dance exploration, the group will be piling into the DeLorean and racing "Back to the Future," as an all-star cast of alums has assembled to raise funds for their new warehouse home. 

Called "All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert," the benefit is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. 

"All Grown Up," will feature song, dance, laughs and even aerial acrobatics from a who's who of First Stage alums. The cast includes many who are now performing professionally around the country including Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielson and her husband Tyce Nielson, who are both working as aerialists and performers in the show, Cirque De La Mer at Sea World San Diego. 

Just a few of the other performers include: Laura LaCara, a professional actress from New York, J.T. Walker, a professional actor from Columbus currently starring as Billy Flynn in the musical "Chicago" and Kathryn Davis, a local attorney who recently starred as Elle Woods in HOT's "Legally Blonde: The Musical" and as Martha Jefferson in ARTS' "1776."

   You can read the rest right here.

Benefit Concert Stars: Bronson Bush

The next announced performer for All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert, which will take the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. this Saturday, is a singer-songwriter who divides his time between the Tri-state and Nashville.

Bronson Bush is a professional songwriter and performer who recently recorded an album for a Nickelodeon cartoon. He appeared on stage locally in numerous shows, including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Oliver. Now he is co-writing with hit songwriters in Nashville and exploring record label opportunities.

He'll join Laura LaCara, J.T. Walker, Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen, Kathryn Davis, Sarah Hayes, Eric Newfeld and the rest of the cast (to be announced) in the Benefit Concert.

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

 Don't miss it!

Benefit Concert Stars: Sarah Hayes and Eric Newfeld

   Our next announced performers for All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert are two talented college students who will team up to reprise one of their last roles on stage in Huntington.


   Sarah Hayes and Eric Newfeld last worked together in the First Stage production of Into the Woods, and they’ll reprise one of their songs from that show in the concert which will take the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22.

   Sarah (who will also present a dance in the show) is a junior at Radford University. She’s a dance major with a theater minor and has worked professionally as an actress/dancer the last two summers at WV Public Theatre (Sillibub in CATS) and Theatre West Virginia (Hatfields and McCoys / Honey in the Rock / Rocket Boys - The Musical). Next month Sarah will be performing again in The Choreographers Canvas in NYC for the Bob Boross Freestyle Jazz Company.

   Eric is a junior at Marshall, recently returned to Huntington from Washington University in St. Louis. While in St. Louis, he performed in a Jewish a cappella group called Staam and played varied roles in school plays, including Jimmy Harper in Reefer Madness and Corny Collins in Hairspray.

They'll join Laura LaCara, J.T. Walker, Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen, Kathryn Davis and the rest of the cast (to be announced) in the Benefit Concert.

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

Don't miss it!

On Stage This Weekend: Sweeney Todd

   We've been talking a lot about this weekend's Benefit Concert, but it's not the only show taking the stage this weekend - 5th Avenue Theatre is presenting the dark musical Sweeney Todd this weekend and next at Huntington's City Hall Auditorium.

   The show stars Ryan Hardiman and Mary Olson as it tells the story of a barber who seeks his revenge in a unique way - and the woman who helps him dispose of the evidence in a grisly (but efficient) manner.

   The show will be presented at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in Huntington's City Hall. Shows will be offered Sept. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 23 and 30 at 2:30 p.m.

  Tickets are $12. For more information, call the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522.

Benefit Concert Stars: Kathryn Davis

   The next announced performer for "All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert," which will take the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, is a theatre major who uses those skills in the courtroom.

   Kathryn Davis is an Ashland native who appeared as Mammy Yokum in First Stage’s 2002 production of "Lil’ Abner." She earned a B.A. in Musical Theatre from Palm Beach Atlantic University and her J.D. from the University of Kentucky. She now practices law in Huntington. She was most recently seen as Elle Woods in HOT’s "Legally Blonde," and, in October, she will play Christine in ACTC’s production of "Phantom of the Opera."

She'll join Laura LaCara, J.T. Walker, Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen and the rest of the cast (to be announced) in the Benefit Concert.

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

Don't miss it!

Stars of the Benefit Concert: Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen

The next announced performer for All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert, which will take the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center stage at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, is a high-flying artist.

Mary Ellen Wolfe-Nielsen has performed as an aerialist, a stunt woman and performs a high-flying act on trapeze and silks with her husband, Tyce Nielsen (that's the two of them enjoying a day at the beach above).

They're making a return visit to Huntington and will fly above the stage at the Keith Albee Theatre as part of the Benefit Concert.

Mary Ellen grew up in Huntington and performed in a number of First Stage shows, starring as Little Orphan Annie in Annie and in HOT's Wizard of Oz as Dorothy. She and Tyce will join Laura LaCara, J.T.Walker and many other performers in the All Grown Up concert.

Tickets are available from Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena box office.