"As You Like It" Interview with Kate Morris

   Tomorrow the play As You Like It takes the stage in Huntington for the first of its final two shows - and we have two more interviews with the cast to share! (I know, I said the same thing yesterday - but we received one more interview today!)

   So here’s our next-to-the-last interview (so far), as the lovely and talented Kate Morris tells us about the joys of a Shakespeare play:

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Kate: Who doesn’t love love? It’s a fun and playful romp through the forest. Unless you don’t like fun. Then you definitely shouldn’t come see it. But even if you don’t like fun, you might like Jaques because he doesn’t like fun either. So you should still see it!

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Kate: My part of the story is about two young women who make a bold decision to leave their oppressive life at home and go on an adventure. It’s like Thelma and Louise in corsets. I play Celia, Rosalind’s devoted, fearless, and spirited cousin and best friend. She always looks on the bright side and doesn’t take life too seriously even when things look bleak. It’s nice to be able to go to the theatre each night and live in the shoes of someone with such a positive outlook on life. Speaking of shoes, the costumes are wonderful. Anna Baker and Becky McClelland have outdone themselves.

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Kate: The theatre has been drawing me in with its siren song since I was a teenager. Whether it’s on stage, backstage or in the audience, I can’t seem to stay away.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Kate: As Celia, I spend a lot of time on stage observing and listening without talking. I have the best seat in the house to watch this talented cast work hard to create a neighborhood of characters that speak beautiful words and feel honest emotions. I have to admit I wasn’t completely sure we could pull this off in the allotted rehearsal time, what with illnesses and holidays and snow, but I am as proud of this show as any I’ve been in. More.

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

Kate: Shakespeare is always a challenge for me. Shakespeare’s comedies are even more so. I like a challenge. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Kate: It’s cold outside, but it’s warm and cozy in the Forest of Arden. Come “live a little; comfort a little; cheer thyself a little.” 

Q: And how do you like it?

Kate: Above freezing.

   Thanks, Kate!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

"As You Like It" Interview with Ashby-Lee Foutch

  You have two more chances to catch the ARTS production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, which wraps up this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington. (By the way, I’ve seen it, it’s wonderful - do yourself a favor and go see it.)

   We have a two more cast interviews to share, starting with the lovely Ashby-Lee Foutch, who plays The Page:  

Q: Tell us about As You Like It.

Ashby-Lee: As You Like It is a comedy about fools, exile, adventure, and love. Every character has their own unique story, and each story ties into a celebratory ending in the forest. Huzzah!

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Ashby-Lee: Shakespeare may have lived in a different time and spoken in a slightly different way, but his ideas are still relevant in today’s society. It’s full of love stories, each one with its own challenges and twists.

Q: Tell us about the characters you play.

Ashby-Lee: I’m the page to Oliver and a court musician. I’ve had the pleasure to work with Lara Donahoe, who wrote the majority of the music in the show. It has been fun learning about the different instruments and music of the time period. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Ashby-Lee: I’ve been involved in theatre for five years, and I have loved every minute of it. I auditioned for my first show as a nervous middle schooler, and now I feel at home on stage. I never expected to fall in love with this art form, but I am beyond happy that I did.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Ashby-Lee: The cast is such an amazing group of people. I am the youngest, and they all have taken me under their wing in a way. They are an absolute blast to work with, and I am thankful for the opportunity to create with them!

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

Ashby-Lee: I have never been in a Shakespeare show before, and I thought that As You Like It would be a great start. I also love working with the people at ARTS!  

Q: Why would you recommend this show?\

Ashby-Lee: It is truly a beautiful show that has something for everyone. It will shock you, make you laugh, make you cry. The set is gorgeous. The costumes are wonderful. You don’t want to miss it. 

Q: And how do you like it?

Ashby-Lee: I love it!

   Thanks, Ashby!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

Bitsy and Boots Return!

   Every year at Valentine's Day we get a real treat in Huntington - a new production from First Church Dinner Theatre1 And this year's show features the return of a favorite duo in an all-new story!

   Here's what you need to know about:

“Bitsy and Boots On the Move” by Jonathan Joy

     Bitsy and Boots are back along with Tommy, Kat and their zany friends!

  

              Why are Bitsy and Boots on the move? Where are they going?

                          What is Max running for (or from) now?

              What will Boots contribute to Max’s latest political campaign?

             What’s new with Bertie Lou?

Bridget said what?

      All these questions will be answered when you attend “Bitsy and Boots on the Move”, yet another hilarious comedy by our resident playwright, Jonathan Joy. To keep the laughs coming, we have assembled a stellar cast of Dinner Theater veterans:

             

           Bitsy - Jane Morse                 Boots - Loretta Hetzer

                       Tommy – Eric Wilson                                   Kat -  Jenn Naglee

          Bertie Lou – Linda LeMaster                        Bridget – Leann Haines 

                       Policeman – Antwon Williams                     Max - Michael Sheets   

                       Raul - Michael Naglee

                  

 The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991.  It is an integral part of First Church’s Mission program, raising more than $52,000 for Mission projects through 23 productions. For example last year’s proceeds helped West Virginia mission projects, the Campus Christian Center, the City Mission, Blessings in a Back Pack, food and clothing for local families in need, and Christmas in Nicaragua.

First United Methodist Church, 1124 5^th Ave., Huntington

Friday, February 12; Saturday, February 13; Sunday, February 14

Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.     Show at 8:00 p.m.

Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with

Tossed Salad         Baked Potato

Green Peas and Pearl Onions

Dilly Rolls

Assorted Valentine Desserts

Dinner plus Show:  Adult - $25.00   Child under 12 - $8.00

Show only (as space permits) - $5.00

Babysitting available on request for all shows (advance notice required)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL DINNERS

        Call:  (304)522-0357 or  (740)867-8576 

or email  sheepshot@netzero.com

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church.

On Stage in February

    Lots of great shows springing up in February - here’s the rundown:

- As You Like It by William Shakespeare - Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) present the classic play at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

- Mauritius - Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents the play on Feb. 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. The play revolves around two estranged half-sisters who discover a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters’ world, willing to do anything to claim the rare find as their own. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. 

- Bitsy and Boots on the Move - First Church Dinner Theater presents the play by Jonathan Joy at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 12, 13 and 14. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., nd the show at 8 p.m. Tickets for adults are $25 for dinner and the show. Children under 12 are $8 for dinner and the show. Tickets for the show only are $5 for all ages. Reservations are required - call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.

- Annie - The Marshall Artist Series presents the Broadway touring musical on Feb. 24 at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

- Disney's The Little Mermaid - Huntington High School Theatre present the beloved musical on Feb. 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 28 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $7 for  adults and $5 for students.

- A Thousand Cranes - The Covenant School Dramatic Eagles present the play on Feb. 2 at 7 p.m. at Covenant School at 2400 Johnstown Road in Huntington. Tickets are $5 each.

- Mercy - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents a new musical drama with music by Mark Scarpelli and Books and lyrics by Dan Kehde on Feb. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 at 2 p.m. The show centers on the people of Salem Village who blame witchcraft and devilry for the fall from grace that led to Indian attacks, starvation and illness. Suspicions of witchcraft bloom into accusations, investigations and, finally, condemnations as mass hysteria envelops the town and no one, no one except Mercy and the children, is safe from the hangman’s noose.

- Urinetown: The Musical - The Alban Arts Center presents the musical on Feb. 19, 20, 26, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children.

- Moonlight and Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on Feb. 4, 5 , 6 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 2nd Street in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are$16 for adults and $12 for students. 

- Much Ado About Nothing - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare play about two young lovers, Claudio and Hero, who are to be married imminently but the devious scheming of a resentful Prince looks set to thwart the nuptials. It will be presented on the Jenny WIley Main stage in Pikeville, Ky on Feb. 18, 19, 20, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. 

   So get out there and support your local theatre!

On Stage This Weekend

   No musicals on tap for this weekend, but you have three amazing plays to choose from! 

   Here's the rundown:

- As You Like It by William Shakespeare - Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) present the classic play at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 29, 30 and Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

- The Belle of Amherst - The Paramount Arts Center presents the play based on the life of poet Emily Dickinson. It’ll be presented on Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students.

- Moonlight and Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on Jan. 26, 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 4, 5 , 6 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 2nd Street in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are$16 for adults and $12 for students.

   So get out there and support your local theatre!

"As You Like It" Interview with Dylan Clark

   There are just two more days until the premiere of the ARTS play As You Like It - and here's our final (so far) interview with the cast.

   But it’s a good one, as the incredibly funny and talented Dylan Clark checks in with his comments about working on one of Shakespeare’s finest shows:

Q: Tell us about As You Like It.

Dylan: It's a story about a bunch of people falling in love in a forest. 

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Dylan: There's some kissing, I think! 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Dylan: I play Silvius, a shepherd deep in the throes of unrequited love. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Dylan: I got myself a shiny BFA in theatre at Marshall University.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Dylan: A ragtag group of misfits that band together against all odds. 

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

Dylan: Easy. The doublets.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Dylan: It's funny and looks neat.

Q: And how do you like it?

Dylan: I don't like it... I LOVE it!

   Thanks, Dylan!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

Auditions for "Junie B. Jones The Musical" This Weekend

   The beloved book starring Junie B. Jones takes to the stage this Spring in a musical - and local kids can be part of the show!

   Auditions for First Stage's production of Junie B. Jones The Musical will be held on Saturday, January 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington.

   Auditions are open to young people from 8 years old through seniors in high school. The cast size will be approximately 30.

   Please prepare 32 - 64 bars (or 1 - 2 minutes) of a musical theater song (NOT a pop song). An accompanist and CD player will be available. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track- but please, no a cappella auditions. Actors should be prepared to learn a short dance.

   The show will be staged April 7-17.

   Don't miss Junie B!

"As You Like It" Interview with Robert Hutchens

   We’re four days away from the first performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It (slightly delayed by the onset of Snowmageddon) - luckily we have more interviews with the cast to share!

   Today, let’s hear from the talented and dynamic Robert Hutchens, who plays Jacques - and has a great story to share:

Q: Tell us about As You Like It.  

Robert: I first saw As You Like It in Stratford-on-Avon in 1973, performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company. A well-known British actor named Richard Pasco played Jacques, the part I'm now playing. A few years later,  I was playing Jacques myself, but not Pasco's Jacques.  I was Jacques de Boys. (Apparently, Shakespeare was not oversupplied with French names.) I was also doing props for the play, and one day, the director got a strange notion. She turned to me and said, "Can we get a dead deer?" I stared at her with incomprehension. "I'm not a hunter," I said. "Yes, well, but... can you get one?" This deer was to appear in one minor scene, a scene which our director, Mike Murdock, has cut. That's how necessary a dead deer was. The director couldn't be talked out of it. She'd had a vision of the foresters trudging back to camp bearing a deer carcass, and she wouldn't let go of it. So, I went off in search of a corpse. When I called the wildlife management administration, they jumped on me with paranoid suspicion: Why? Who was I?  Where was I? How could I be reached? (Arrested? I wondered.) I was a wreck.  After several days of grabbing people's lapels and demanding, "Where can I get a dead deer," one of the cast members said, "Well, I've got a stuffed head." And another said, "Well, I've got a stuffed rump!" (?!?) It was a start.  I took the head and rump to a taxidermist, who, as luck would have it, had four deer feet in his freezer. (?!?) These various parts were arranged to  project out of a burlap sling attached to a pine branch. No hunter has ever borne home the spoils of the hunt with greater satisfaction than I did carrying the remnants of three (at least) different animals into the theatre. My satisfaction was short-lived. To their delight, our merry band of foresters discovered that if they walked jauntily enough , they could expose our trick, and mercilessly they did so. The bouncier they trod, the more rigid the deer parts appeared, the more fixed and glassy was its stare. The magic of the theatre was sacrificed for a low - and I may say cruel - joke.   

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?  

Robert: For those who idealize nature, it creates a picture of an idyllic existence in the forest. For those who like to laugh, there's a parade of clowns and buffoons and country bumpkins. For those who like sexual tension and naughty innuendo, there's a gender-bending romance. And the most famous speech of the play - "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players" - is as beautiful a poetic expression as exists in English.  

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Robert: I'm very lucky to play Jacques, the Jacques who speaks the immortal lines above. I have great fondness for him. He longs to be a fool, not realizing he is one.  He is vain and temperamental and childish - at least that's the way he is going to be in this production. It's an interpretation quite different from others I've seen.  Jacques is famous in literature as "the melancholy Jacques," and that's the way Pasco played him, and the way a very wonderful actor named Jay Doyle played him in the "stuffed-rump" version. Those actors played him with a stateliness, which is perhaps more in keeping with his moment of unparalleled eloquence.  Mine is not so much a melancholy Jacques as a bi-polar Jacques, a Jacques for the Prozac Century. 

Q: What's your background in the theatre?

Robert: I started doing community theatre when I was a teen-ager. Later, I majored in theatre at the University of Tennessee. I was able to earn a living by acting and directing in regional theatre for a few years, and spend several more years in arts administration. 

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Robert: I'm a newcomer, so perhaps I'm allowed to say this when others cannot: the breadth and depth of talent here (encountered in a very brief acquaintance) is extraordinary. That can be said with no exaggeration. And ARTS is able to attract and hold members and to inspire their devotion to a degree I've only seen once or twice in a lifetime of association with such groups. The concept of having a "company" is very smart, I think. Typically, theatres hold auditions for a play, and those not cast disappear, maybe never to be seen again. Membership in the ARTS company keeps you close to the group, whatever your assignment. This is a very accomplished cast. I'm thoroughly intimidated.

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

Robert: As I started out by saying, I have had a long familiarity with this play, and I have coveted the role of Jacques for decades. Twice I tried out for it and didn't get it.  To be able to speak, "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players..." is a privilege for which I'm deeply grateful. You just don't get to say more beautiful words than these.  I'm an old Jacques - as Jacques's go, but I can't believe there was ever a time in my life when I was riper for speaking these words.  

Q: Why would you recommend this show? 

Robert: This is a lovely and delightful production. I suppose the setting would be called environmental. The audience is surrounded by scenery, accosted by actors, and the story is laid right in their laps - figuratively and maybe literally. The play begins in a stark winter that passes into spring. Given the temperatures outside, I'd think the audience would be glad to be reminded that spring will come again... sweet and new, as it always does.  

Q: How do you like it?

Robert: Sold out. 

   Thanks, Robert!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

"As You Like It" Interview with Nora Ankrom

   This winter storm we call Snowmageddon may have closed down As You Like It for its opening weekend, but that just means we have more time for interviews!

   Up next is our conversation with the lovely and talented Nora Ankrom:

Q: Tell us about the show.

Nora: As You Like It is Shakespeare's comedy of all 

emotions: love, loss, betrayal, lust, anger, 

longing, cheer, and melancholy.

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Nora: Whether young or old, in love or out, polished 

or savage, male or female, everyone can find a 

relatable character in the Forest of Arden, where 

nothing is too serious for too long. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Nora: I play Phebe, a self-absorbed, flirtatious, lusty shepherd lady. Phebe is one-third of an ill-fated love triangle... with a twist.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Nora: This is my third year as part of the ARTS Resident Acting Company. Last year, I performed 

in Medea (Glauce), Into the Woods (Baker's Wife), and Company (Amy). 

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Nora: In the large cast, audiences will find familiar, favorite faces as well as some newcomers to the area and the ARTS stage. 

   Thanks, Nora!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

"As You Like It" Canceled This Weekend

   ARTS has canceled tonight's performance of As You Like It, and has announced new performance dates - the show will now run on Jan. 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 5 and 6.

   We have some more interviews with the cast to share, so stay warm and mark your calendars!

"As You Like It" Closed for Tonight

   Wisely, ARTS has decided to conceal tonight's performance of Shakespeare's As You Like It at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington - the heavy snowfall has made traveling conditions a bit too treacherous out there.

   They'll post their revised schedule (including whether or not there will be a Saturday performance) tomorrow. More news as it develops!

On Stage This Weekend (Maybe)

   With a big snowstorm threatening, we haven't received any word about shows being canceled - yet - so here are the shows taking the stage this weekend (and if we hear otherwise, we'll post updates here).

- As You Like It by William Shakespeare - Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) present the classic play at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

- The Belle of Amherst - The Paramount Arts Center presents the play based on the life of poet Emily Dickinson. It’ll be presented on Jan. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students.

- Moonlight and Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play about the struggle to write the screenplay for the movie “Gone With the Wind.” The show will be presented at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky, on Jan. 22, 26, 28, 29, 30 and Feb. 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m.

- The 39 Steps  - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the play at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg on Jan. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Jan. 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for senior citizens and students.

   And that's it! Stay safe out there!

"As You Like It" Interview with Mike Murdock

   Just two days to the premiere (the Bard laughs at your talk of snow!) of Shakespeare’s As You Like It! 

   And we have more interviews to share - so let’s hear from the director of the play - the multi-talented Mike Murdock! 

Q: Tell us about As You Like It.

Mike: This is one of Shakespeare’s better known comedies, and one of the first to have a female character dress up like a man. Rosalind is banished from court by her uncle, Duke Frederick, who has usurped the throne from her father, his own brother, Duke Senior. Rosalind and Duke Frederick’s daughter, Celia, and the court jester Touchstone, go off on an adventure to the Forest of Arden to find Rosalind’s father.  Along the way, there are all sorts of appropriate (and inappropriate) comedic mishaps. Music, dancing, puppets, goats, giant trees, tiny sticks, love, lust and much, much more.

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Mike: Shakespeare is universal. The locales may be different. The clothes might be different.  The language might be more verbose, but, ultimately, the stories are the same. Boy meets girl. Boy loses girl. Girl dresses up like man to go to the forest to find her lost father with her best friend and a fool with a puppet. Girl finds boy. Boy thinks girl is boy. Girl plays trick on boy to see if boy really loves girl. A different girl falls for girl dressed as boy. Original boy’s brother falls in love with original girl’s best friend. Fools falls in love with a goat-herder. The God of Marriage shows up and they have a dance about it. You know, just like real life.

Q: Tell us about your work on the show.

Mike: I’m the humble director of this incredible version of Shakespeare’s timeless classic, brought to beautiful life by one of the best theatre companies in the state. Super humble.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Mike: I’ve done a lot of theatre, both professionally and for free. I’ve also done a lot of Shakespeare across this fair globe of ours, and I have loved every minute of it.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Mike: The cast is brilliant, funny, poignant, honest and so great to watch every night.  I can’t get enough.  My wife, Joanna Murdock, who I consider one of the very best actresses in the Tri-State (even before I married her, so it’s not just a husband doting on his wife – but I’m certainly doing that, too) plays Rosalind, switching seamlessly between tenderness and toughness, fragility and strength – it’s astounding to watch her work, and Kate Morris, another of my favorite females actors around these parts, plays Celia, finding the joy in the character, the fun, and at the same time, the anguish, loss and love. These two women are forces to be reckoned with, and seeing them finally work together is a dream come true for me. I love seeing them play with each other and find new things every night.  Great actors are so fun to watch.

   Speaking of great actors, Robert Hutchens as Jaques is doing a simply marvelous job as the melancholy lord who believes all the world is a stage. Jonathan Maynard plays Touchstone, the fool, with a mischievous and uninhibited fervor that I truly enjoy. John Campbell does double-duty as both brother Dukes, and his transformations are delicious. Michael Naglee is back in his element as a true Renaissance man, carrying the role of Orlando on his awesome shoulders as he fight for love and to find his place in this world. Simon Woods finds previously untapped sweetness and more in his star turn as Oliver, Orlando’s brother. Todd Green, Rick Walker, Cameron Knight and Dylan Clark all bring hilariously wonderful moments to this show. And let’s not forget all the people in the show that have never done Shakespeare before, or, at least, not with me: Becky McClelland (who built us a $%*#@!% AMAZING tree) is killing it as Le Beau, Kristina Richins is terrific as Amiens and sings beautifully with the incredibly talented duo of Ashby Foutch and Lara Donahoe (with some original music by Lara as well), Tyler Bradley nails Corin, Cyndi Mac Fuller has created some amazing props for us (GOATS, I SAY!) and is wonderful as Audrey, Andrew Surber is the perfect Hymen, God of Marriage, lyrically and poetically showing a wonderful mastery of the language of the show and Nora Ankrom is transcendent as Phebe, bringing another famous Shakespeare character and famous monologue to life in an exceptional and passionate way from the first time she steps on stage.

   This cast is simply incredible. I can’t say enough about them. And we got it up in like four weeks. So, try to catch up, literally everyone else.

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

Mike: I love Shakespeare and I love doing new things at ARTS.  This show is both!

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Mike: There’s something for the whole family to enjoy. We’ve transformed the ballroom space into a forest (and the Duke’s Court). The costumes that Anna Baker and Becky McClelland built, mainly from scratch, are so @#%^$#@ good.  Everybody needs to see the show, so we can show you the power of community theatre and how you don’t need $100,000, rented sets and rented costumes in order to have an amazing show. The set is cool. Nathan Bradley's lights are good. Michael Sullivan's sound is good. Sometimes getting creative is better. Also, if you have $100,000, we’ll take that, too. Obviously. Don’t be a jerk.

Q: And how do you like it?

Mike: I like it so well. And so will you.

    Thanks, Mike!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

"As You Like It" Interview with Joanna Berner Murdock

   Just three days to the premiere of Shakespeare’s As You Like It, and here’s our fourth interview with the cast and crew!

    Today’s interview is with the lovely and talented Joanna Berner Murdock, who plays two roles - Rosalind and Ganymede.

Q: Tell us about Shakespeare’s As You Like It.

Joanna: As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s comedies. It’s a play about exile, about forests, about fools, about poetry (good and bad), and about love.

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Joanna: I think the show relates to modern audiences because it’s a timeless story. Boy and girl meet, they like and then they love. Who doesn’t like to see multiple pairs of lovers in love? It’s like a live action Hallmark movie times 10!

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Joanna: I developed an interest in theatre when I was a kid, started doing all the local theatre I could and I never stopped. I liked it so much I majored in it in college - I have a BFA in Acting from UK. I have been in the ARTS resident company since 2013.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Joanna: The cast and crew of As You Like It is made of wonderful, special, talented people that I love. This show would not have been possible if not for the talents of every single person involved.

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

Joanna: This is my second experience performing As You Like It - I played Phebe almost 8 years ago (yikes - time flies). I auditioned for ARTS production because I was interested in doing the show again - but maybe from another character’s prospective.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Joanna: I recommend this show because I think there’s something in the show for everyone. Also because it’s less fun to perform for empty seats.

Q: And how do you like it?

Joanna: How do I like it, you ask? I like it the most. I also like it well done, with sprinkles, and with the salad dressing on the side. J  

   Thanks, Joanna!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.

"As You Like It" Interview with Anna Baker

   Just a few more days until the first performance of Shakespeare’s As You Like It - so let’s share another interview with the cast and crew!

   Today, we hear from Anna Baker, who designed the costumes for the show:

Q: How does the show relate to modern-day audiences?

Anna: It's a love story with four branches. Love triangles, deceptive disguises, unrequited feelings... it's what we all experience at one time or another. It's the kind of thing I love to watch, that's for sure!

Q: Tell us about your position on the crew.

Anna: I am the costume designer for this classic piece. Though I've costumed shows before, this was the most challenging and enjoyable show I've ever worked on. (Director) Mike Murdock knew exactly what styles he wanted, and let me run free with fabrics and trims and "creative juices." It was an absolutely huge endeavor to build all of these period costumes, and I am so thankful that Becky McClelland was there to help. We got to use a lot of brocade and thicker upholstery fabrics, which we got to pick out. We've had a blast, and it reminded me of how much I love creating the wardrobe for so many different characters and personalities.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Anna: I started out at ACTC in Ashland after I saw Hairspray on a trip to NYC when I was 15. I got a taste, and couldn't put the bottle down. Paula Krepsik, the costume designer there at the time, taught me everything I know now. She's definitely a big influence in my community theatre life.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Anna: The cast is a fun one. We have a new company, so we've welcomed new, exciting people who bring so much joy and excitement to the theatre. Robert Hutches (playing Jaquis) is a new company member. His attitude and talent are so enjoyable and add to the dynamic of the show on and off stage. Kate Morris let me put her in a corset, so she is definitely a trooper. She has such a calm, pleasant air that calms even the craziest of us (mainly me) down. Lara Donahoe and Ashby Foutch are also some newish faces in our company. They're so fun, and sing like angels. This cast is a great one. They've handled my costume rules well, and that's all you can really ask for, ya know?

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

Anna: I wanted to get back into costuming more classic pieces. I helped costume shows like A Christmas Carol for four years straight with Paula. We did shows like Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls, Jesus Christ Superstar, etc. Getting back to such a structured, gorgeous, forgotten style is a dream for any costumer. I think moreso, it helps people engulf themselves in a character because most of these women don't wear corsets, or renaissance ball gowns on a day-to-day basis. And the men don't wear leather pants everyday...which is a shame in my eyes.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Anna: 1. Great cast 2. Great Director 3. Great show 4. Great costumes

Q: And how do you like it?

Anna: I like it well - especially if the cast only has hard candy and water around my costumes!

   Thanks, Anna!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Jan. 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - for dinner, you must make a reservation by calling 304-733-2787.