Bringing Pinocchio to the Stage in "Without Strings"

   Huntington’s long-time children’s theatre - First Stage Theatre Company - has a new show taking the stage this weekend, and it's being directed by one of its (former) kids!

   Zach Davis acted in First Stage plays while growing up and he continues to appear on stage regularly for other companies. He has also directed shows for several different community theatre companies.

   Now he’s sitting in the director’s chair with First Stage’s next show, Without Strings, being presented this weekend at Huntington Middle School’s auditorium.

   The show tells the story of Pinocchio, the marionette who is magically brought to life - but must prove he’s worthy before he can become a real boy. So he’ll have to endure a series of adventures, make new friends and survive an encounter with a monster of the deep.

    The story has been one of Zach’s favorites for a long time. He said, “Who doesn't love a story about Pinocchio? I grew up on variations of his story. My mother always told me my nose would grow like Pinocchio’s if I told lies and for some time I was terrified - I had to be the most honest kid in the world. This particular version is different than one expects but has similarities - with a twist.”

    When First Stage was planning its 26th season last year, Zach proposed making room on the schedule for Without Strings, a non-musical that features a cast of more than 30 young actors from the Tri-state area.

   “Directing for First Stage is a huge honor for me. I grew up on stage with the company, although it was late in my school days. I learned so much from the directors, staff,  and made such amazing friends. When the opportunity arose for a chance to take the helm, I couldn't pass it up. I get to finally give back and mentor young actors like I received from my time with First Stage. We are a family - it is just an endless circle that I am proud to be part of.”

    This is the second time First Stage has presented the story of Pinocchio - the last time was 16 years ago, before most of the cast of the new version were even born.

   It’s a fun, fast-paced show that offers a new take on the classic tale - and it’s one audiences will love. Zach said, “This version of Pinocchio is unlike anything you have seen before. We start in the ‘Real World’ where a boy finds himself auditioning to travel with Professor Pinecone’s traveling puppet theatre. We watch him change into Pinocchio and watch him enter a storybook world. It has unique characters and twists in every scene. I have had so much fun with this show and I’m so proud of my young cast. You don’t want to miss out on this quirky adventure!”

   First Stage Theatre Company presents Without Strings, which is based on Carlo Collodi's “The Adventures of Pinocchio” as written by Patrick Rainville Dorn. It will be staged on Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington Middle School at 925 3rd Street in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children (12 and under) and senior citizens. 

ACT and Paramount Players Win Awards at SETC

   Congratulations to two Kentucky theatre groups - Actors for Children Theatre (ACT) and the Paramount Players - received several awards at the Sountheastern Theatre Conference (SETC) in Greensboro, North Carolina. 

   They won:

ACTORS FOR CHILDREN THEATRE:
Outstanding Achievement in Acting
Alicia Tish Maynard
"Chu Chu" in The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi

Outstanding Achievement in Costuming
The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi

Spirit of the Road
The Garden of Rikki Tikki Tavi

PARAMOUNT PLAYERS:
Outstanding Achievement in Musical Performance
Joshua Michael Jannotta
"Roger" in Rent

Outstanding Ensemble
Rent

Outstanding Achievement in Musical Performance
Rick Payne
"Collins" in Rent

Outstanding Achievement in Sound
Rent

   Congratulations!

Remembering Danny Ray

   The theatre community in the Tri-State was shocked this morning by news of the sudden passing of teacher / director / actor Danny Ray.

   Danny was a force of nature, a terrific craftsman who was an amazing actor, a terrific director and a wonderful guy. The outpouring of love on social media has been wonderful to see, and an obvious sign of how many lives he touched. 

   He graduated from Marshall University, starring in numerous shows with the Theatre Department. After graduating, he worked as a professional actor, eventually returning home to Huntington where he shared his talents both on stage and behind the scenes.

   He worked with young actors as an instructor and as a director, creating amazing shows like Into the Woods (somehow staging a terrific version of the show on the tiny stage at the Museum of Art), the hugely successful Rocky Horror Live, The King and I, Nunsense, Big Fish, Noises Off, The Sound of Music, and one of the best community shows I've ever seen, Avenue Q. There are just a few of the many shows he directed.

   He wasn't perfect, of course - he could be flinty and fierce in fighting for his actors and his concepts - but he was a big ol' lovable bear of a guy and a real treasure, with a big laugh and a bigger heart. 

   He was so wonderful on stage, I selfishly wanted him to do more and more shows - but his career as an instructor at Marshall took up a lot of his time. 

   My heart goes out to his family and his wide-ranging army of friends on this sad and difficult day.

-------------------

   Marshall University sent out this statement today: 

   Marshall University President Jerome A. Gilbert issued the following statement today upon learning of the sudden passing of faculty member Danny Ray.

   “The entire Marshall community was deeply saddened today to learn one of our valued faculty members has passed away.

   “I got a chance to meet Danny a few weeks ago at the John Marshall Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. He welcomed me into the competition and we even took a ‘selfie’ photo together with some of the students. He was a dedicated mentor who rebuilt Marshall’s speech and debate team and helped make it one of the leading teams in the entire country.

   “We will all remember his spirit and contributions to the Marshall family. He was a true son of Marshall.

   “Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”

   A graduate of Marshall, Ray was an instructor in the Department of Communication Studies and coached the university’s award-winning “Thundering Word” Speech and Debate Team.

   Just this weekend, the team competed in the 2016 West Virginia Intercollegiate Forensics Association (WVIFA) tournament—winning the state title for the sixth consecutive time. The “Thundering Word” brought home first-place awards in Combined Sweepstakes and Individual Events Sweepstakes, as well as second place in Debate Sweepstakes.

   Ray joined the Marshall faculty in August 2010 and taught classes including Intercollegiate Debate, Fundamentals of  Speech Communication and Special Topics in Forensic Competition. He currently served as the president of WVIFA.

On Stage in March

   Lots of great shows coming up in March, including classic plays and beloved musicals. 

   Here's the rundown: 

   

- Without Strings - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Carlo Collodi's “The Adventures of Pinocchio” written by Patrick Rainville Dorn. It will be staged on March 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and March 13 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington Middle School at 925 3rd Street in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children (12 and under) and senior citizens. 

- A Little Night Music - ARTS presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street on March 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and the show. Call for reservation 304-733-2787.

- Peter Pan - The Paramount Players present the classic musical based on the play by Sir J. M. Barrie on March 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and March 19 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $30 for adults (in advance) and $15 for students.

- Shrek: The Musical Jr. - Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre on March 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. and March 12 and 13 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $10 for students and seniors. 

- Carousel: In Concert - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents a concert version of the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein on March 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. and March 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- The Velveteen Rabbit - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play on March 10, 11, 12, 15, 17, 18, 19 22, 24, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. on the Pikeville Main Stage. 

- Ring of Fire - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical about Johnny Cash on March 31, April 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and April 3 at 3 p.m. and April 9 and 16 at 2 p.m. on the Pikeville Main Stage.

- Murder Mysteries - Murder and Merriment present Interactive Dinner Murder Mysteries, including: "Murder at the Museum!" on March 4 at 6 p.m. - a Benefit Fundraiser for Ashland Lion's Club at the Ashland Transportation Center, tickets $60 per guest by reservation only - call 606-571-9168 or 606-833-3957; "Marriage, Mob, & Murder!" on March 5 at 7 p.m. at Hawks Nest State Park in Ansted, WV at the Hawk's Nest Restaurant - tickets $59 by reservation only - call 304-658-5212; "A Murderous Wake!" on March 6 at 4:30 p.m. at the Copper Pint Pub at 808 Kanawha Blvd East in Charleston - tickets are $10 per guest.

   Lots of great shows to see - so get out there and support your community theatre!

"Mauritius" - A Review

   Not every play has to be an over-the-top extravaganza (thank goodness), and Marshall has crafted a gem of a "small" show with its latest production, Mauritius.

   The play focuses on two dysfunctional step-sisters (hoo boy, are they ever dysfunctional) who are picking up the pieces after the death of their mother.

   One sister, Jackie (played with poignance and grit by Story Moosa), was left behind to care for her aging mother, and feels the crushing weight of debt and despair. 

   The other sister, Mary (played with haughty determination by Mandy Harper), left home at a young age and achieved success - and never looked back. 

   Jackie sees possible salvation in a book of stamps that include some rare specimens that may be worth a fortune. But do the stamps belong to her - or to Mary?

   Jackie's attempts to find their value leads her to a shop with a quirky owner, Phillip (the very funny M.G. Dalton), and the shady Dennis (played by skill and cunning by Remy Sylvain), who brings in a potential buyer, the mercurial Sterling (played with dynamic energy by Ethan Lyvers).

   The results manage to combine both dramatic conflict and a lot of humor (not to mention a fair share of adult language and fisticuffs).

   It's a clever story about broken people and their desperate efforts to put the pieces of their lives together. The production has a small but mighty cast and an artful and clever set, and will keep you guessing throughout.

   I enjoyed it and recommend it highly!

   I almost forgot to add, since she suggested it, that the production was framed nicely by my pal Sarah Hayes - I watched it over her shoulder (she was sitting in the row in front of me).

    You only have one more chance to catch the production! Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents Mauritius on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12. 

On Stage This Weekend

  Lots of great shows springing up this weekend - here’s the rundown:

- Mauritius - Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents the play on Feb. 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. 

- Disney's The Little Mermaid - Huntington High School Theatre present the beloved musical on Feb. 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.

- 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.

- 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. 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. 

    So get out there and support your local theatre!

Upcoming Auditions

    If you'd like to be part of an upcoming performance, here are three auditions coming up soon:


- Selfie - The Theatre Project directed by Jon Brennan will hold auditions for the play on Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Children's Theatre of Charleston workshop at 1007 Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Roles are available for students from 8th to 12th grade. Performances will be at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on May 13 at 7 p.m., May 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and May 15 at 2 p.m.


 - Alice Through the Looking Glass - The LimeLight Theatre Company will hold auditions for the play on March 6 from 2 to 5 p.m. and March 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the LimeLight Theatre Company Workshop at 1007 Bigley Avenue in Charleston. Performances will be at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on April 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., May 1 at 2 p.m., May 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m.


- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Aracoma Story Inc. will hold auditions for the musical on March 4 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., March 5 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., and March 6 from 2 - 3 p.m.
Auditions will be held on Middleburg Island in the Little Theater of Logan High School, The performances will be at The Aracoma Story, Inc. this summer.


   So get out there and be part of a show!

On Stage This Weekend

   It's a busy weekend for shows, as the Spring Theatre season kicks into gear - we have lots of great shows to check out!

   Here's the list:

- Mauritius - Marshall University’s Theatre Department presents the play on Feb. 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. 

- Disney's The Little Mermaid - Huntington High School Theatre present the beloved musical on Feb. 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.

- 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. 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.

- 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. 19, 20, 25 and 26 at 7:30 p.m. 

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Now on Stage: "Mauritius"

   Coming up this weekend, Marshall's Theatre Department kicks off the first of two weekend performances of the play Mauritius.

   You can see some photos of the show at this photo gallery (the photo above is one of the shots by Anthony Davis).

   From this preview in the Herald-Dispatch: 

   Marshall Theater ramps up the drama inside The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre as Nicole Perrone directs a production of the Mauritius, a drama, which pits two estranged sisters against each other as they battle over valuables in the wake of their mothers' death.

   The 2007 Broadway debut of Theresa Rebeck, a 2004 nominee for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Mauritius refers to the "Blue Mauritius," one of the world's rarest stamps. In the play, two half sisters discover a book of rare stamps after their mother's death, which may include the crown jewel for collectors. One sister tries to collect on the windfall, while the other resists for sentimental reasons. 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.

   The drama will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 18-20, as well as Feb. 25-27. Tickets are $20 or $15 for seniors. Marshall University students are admitted free with a valid ID.

The Cast of "Spamalot"

The Charleston Light Opera Guild will be presenting the hit musical Monty Python's Spamalot in May (mark your calendars!) - and they just announced the cast list for the show.

   Here's the talented cast lined up to bring this show to life:

King Arthur – Chris Terpening

Lady of the Lake - Megan Sydnor Collins

Sir Galahand, Black Knight, Prince Herbert’s Father - Ryan Hardiman

Sir Robin, Brother Maynard – Horace Emery

Sir Lancelot, French Taunter, Knight of Ni, Tim the Enchanter - Gary Lanham

Patsy, Mayor, Guard - Tim Whitener

Historian, Minstrel, Prince Herbert, Not Dead Fred - Ted Brightwell

Sir Bedevere, Concorde, Galahad’s Mother - Anthony Woody

Knight, Guard, Sir Not Appearing - Stephen Hayward

Knight, Bors, Sir Robin’s Minstrels - Clayton Strohmenger

Knight, Monk, Sir Robin’s Minstrels - Maxwell Ross

Knight, Fr. Guard - Austin A. Thomas

Body, Knight, Ni - Cassandra Phelps

Laker Girl - Sarah King
Laker Girl - Susanna Lilly
Laker Girl - Lauren Meyer
Laker Girl - Kim Patterson
Laker Girl - Rhiannon Turley
Laker Girl - Shakira Martin

Come see this talented group of people at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 6, 7, 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21, 2016.

TICKETS GO ON SALE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2016

On Stage This Weekend

   On stage this weekend, you have two great shows to choose from

- 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 Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14. The dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and 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.

- Mercy - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents a new musical drama with music by Mark Scarpelli and book and lyrics by Dan Kehde on Saturday, Feb. 13, and Feb. 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.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

"Bitsy and Boots On The Move" Interview with Leann Haines

   Let's continue our interviews with the cast and crew of the comedy Bitsy and Boots On The Move, which takes the stage this weekend only in Huntington.

   Let's hear from the lovely and incredibly talented Leann Haines, who plays the part of Bridget, a fast talking, scatterbrained friend of the sisters, Bitsy and Boots.

Q: Who the heck are Bitsy and Boots? 

Leann: Two wacky broads for whom life is a mad-cap adventure!

Q: What is "On the Move" about? 

Leann: Bitsy and Boots sold their house to a mysterious stranger. What will this next chapter bring?

Q: What's the secret of the success of this series of plays? 

Leann: Jonathan Joy's clever writing and the people who bring it to life. And, the food. It's dinner theatre!

Q: People who attend this show are also helping out a great cause - tell us about it. 

Leann: It's all about missions. Giving locally and to other worthy causes. Over $52,000 in 20-some years. Amazing, and totally worth spending an evening laughing your face off!

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Leann: I've been very fortunate to sneak into several productions. Sometimes I get to put glow tape on things. Sometimes I get to sing.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Leann: Where else can you see a Dark Crystal lunchbox up close? Great fun, great food, helping our community. Join us!

   Thanks, Leann!

   Bitsy and Boots on the Move is presented by First Church Dinner Theater 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.

Coming Soon to Broadway: "Frozen the Broadway Musical"

                                                

   Well, expect Disney fans to be swamping Broadway in a couple of years. (Even more than usual!)

   That's because, according to this article, Frozen, a new musical based on Disney's Academy Award®-winning musical film, will join Disney hits Aladdin and The Lion King on Broadway at a theatre to be announced in spring 2018.

   Frozen features music and lyrics by creators of the film score Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and a book by Jennifer Lee, the film's screenwriter and director (with Chris Buck). 

   Frozen won 2014 Oscars® for Best Song ("Let It Go") and Best Animated Feature.

"Bitsy and Boots On The Move" Interview with Jerry Morse

   This weekend only you can enjoy a new comedy starring local icons Bitsy and Boots, as created by Huntington playwright Jonathan Joy.

   The two sisters are On The Move, and you can enjoy the show, have a great dinner and support a great cause all at the same time. 

   Here to tell us more about it is the show’s director, the talented and hard-working Jerry Morse:

Q: Who the heck are Bitsy and Boots?

Jerry: Bitsy and Boots are two elderly sisters who raised their nephew Tommy. The sisters are, to say the least, eccentric, and end up in a lot of adventures, and misadventures. They are the product of the creative mind of Jonathan Joy, a local playwright and theater instructor. 

Q: What is "On the Move" about?

Jerry: It is the sixth in Joy’s Bitsy and Boots series, and, simply put, is just the latest set of adventures and misadventures that seem to befall the two sisters. To say any more would spoil the suspense, and the fun. The real answers to that question are only days away. Call now for reservations, so you don’t miss out – 304-522-0357, or 740-867-8576. Best meal in town for the price, funniest show in town, too.

Q: What is your part in the production?

Jerry: I have the distinct honor to be directing this newest romp of Jonathan Joy’s.

Q: What's the secret of the success of this series of plays?

Jerry: Jonathan’s delightful sense of humor, mingled with the flavor of local people and places, and wonderfully brought to life by a bevy of accomplished actors.

Q: People who attend this show are also helping out a great cause - tell us about it.

Jerry: All proceeds from the production go toward the Mission work of the United Methodist Church. That Mission work is as close as Ebenezer Outreach Center, and Blessings in Backpacks at Central Elementary School, both in Huntington; it’s at other Mission Projects throughout the state of West Virginia; it’s at Christmas in Nicaragua, or Volunteers in Mission in Belfast, Northern Ireland, or Cherokee, North Carolina, to name only a few. Over 23 years of Dinner Theater productions, we have raised over $52,000 dollars for this Mission work. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Jerry: From Julius Caesar in high school (eons ago), to Community Players (almost as many eons ago), to Huntington Outdoor Theater, Musical Arts Guild, Summer Motion, and ARTS Resources for the Tri-State, onstage. Directed for Musical Arts Guild Children’s Theater, later First Stage Theater Company, and Church chancel dramas. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Jerry: A lively show with lots of laughs and surprises, accompanied by an excellent meal. Come see what Bitsy and Boots and their friends are up to this time!

   Thanks, Jerry!

   Bitsy and Boots on the Move is presented by First Church Dinner Theater 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.

On Stage Soon: "Bitsy and Boots On The Move"

   Coming up next weekend is the latest installment in hilarious series of plays written by Huntington playwright Jonathan Joy.

   Bitsy and Boots On The Move returns the dysfunctional (and very funny) sisters to wreak more havoc on the lives of.. well, just about everyone!

    The show makes a great Valentine's date - you get a terrific meal and a hilarious show and you get to support a great cause at the same time! I never miss a show, and I love the Bitsy and Boots plays - someday, a clever TV producer will realize they'll make a terrific sitcom. Also, I love the local angle - did I mention Bitsy and Boots are from the Tri-State?

   We'll have more about the show in the week ahead - here are the basic details: 

   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., and 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.

"As You Like It" Interview with Mike Naglee

   You have one last chance to catch Shakespeare’s As You Like It this Saturday night at Huntington’s Renaissance Theatre - and we have one final interview with the cast to share with you.

    So let's hear from the amazingly talented Mike Naglee, who is very physical - and very funny - playing the part of the lover and the fighter named Orlando.

   

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

Mike: After a brief meeting in which they are mutually smitten with one another, Rosalind and Orlando are separately forced to flee the kingdom for their lives into the forest of Arden - taking refuge from the vengeful Duke and Orlando's fratricidal brother. Rosalind, disguised as a man, leaves the kingdom with her cousin Celia and the court Fool, Touchstone. Orlando is accompanied by his family's servant, Adam. Once in Arden, the runaways find other noble exiles and plenty of common folk, all with their stories to tell - the banished former Duke, lovesick Silvius, vain Phoebe, melancholy Jaques, hardy Corin, stout William, wayward Audrey, a trio of minstrels, and more. After much chicanery, hoodwinking, and a literal deus ex machina, everyone comes together in the end just in time for things to turn out exactly as they like it.

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

Mike: Love, villainy, and being a fool for both are pretty timeless. As You Like It is one of Shakespeare's more accessible plays, and quite subversive for its time - Nobles marrying commoners and abandoning their titles, ignoring primogeniture, strong female characters that expertly maneuver the men around them... cool stuff.

    

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play Orlando, youngest son of the late Sir Roland de Boys. My elder brother has taken my inheritance, and bars me from courtly and educational pursuits in order to keep me powerless. I'm furious, but if I show too much backbone, who knows what lengths he'd go to...

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Mike: Usually a sort of warm wash on the cyc, with the occasional gobo.... I kid, I kid. :) I've a BFA in Theatre from Marshall and have been an ARTS Company member since its inception. I love this stuff. 

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Mike: They're the most fantastic, talented, professional, dedicated and loving bunch of scoundrels and beauties you'll ever meet. Each and every one of them is THE BEST.

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

Mike: See above. Also - It's Shakespeare! And with this director? I'll do Shakespeare in a volcano if it's with Mike Murdock.

  

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Mike: It's an entertaining and accessible Shakespeare comedy with all the fights, fools, love, leather pants, and shenanigans you could want... why are you still reading?! Get your tickets!

Q: And how do you like it?

Mike: Exactly like this.

   Thanks, Mike!

   As You Like It by William Shakespeare will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Saturday, Feb. 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” - A Review

   I should admit up front that, when it comes to Shakespeare, I’m more of a fan of his comedies.

   So I expected to enjoy the ARTS production of William Shakespeare’s As You Like It, which wraps up this Friday and Saturday at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (at 900 8th Street). 

  But even going in with high expectations, I must admit - the show was amazing! It’s a classic story about love, impetuous youth, vindictive Dukes (and other, nicer Dukes) and a woman who disguises herself as a man, which leads to comic mischief when the man she loves asks him/her for romantic advice.

   Whew! Sounds complicated, but it rolls along easily, thanks to the tremendously talented crew of actors who make up the ARTS resident company. 

   They work together seamlessly to bring the characters, story and era to life, all set on a clever stage “in the round” (meaning the audience is seated all around the edges of the stage, centered around an impressive tree at the center of the forest). The setting works well, and there's never a problem hearing an actor no matter where they're located. 

   Much of the show rests on the slender shoulders of Joanna Berner Murdock, who plays the beautiful Rosalind, the daughter of royalty who’s forced to flee from her home with the evil Duke (John Campbell), who threatens her with death if she stays. (Campbell also plays the evil Duke’s good-hearted brother, a much happier fellow, though the switch from one character to another can be confusing at times.)

   When her upbeat cousin Celia (Kate Morris) offers to go along, Rosalind disguises herself as a man to protect them both from “predators” - and they take along the court Jester (don’t leave home without one), played with manic intensity and perfect comedic timing by Jonathan Maynard.

   So Rosalind becomes the manly Ganymede - and her efforts at disguising (or failing to disguise) her true nature are hilarious.

   Her lover, Orlando, is played by the amazing Mike Naglee, who is a wonder in this play, whether trading humorous quips, taking part in an amazingly physical (and convincing) wrestling match with the athletic Cameron Knight, or writing sickening love songs in the woods.

   But the cast is loaded with such riches! Nora Ankrom absolutely kills as Phebe, a woman indifferent to the pleas of the (equally funny) shepherd Silvius, played by Dylan Clark. Phebe's interest is roused by an encounter with the “manly Ganymede,” and her transformation into a she-wolf is delightful.

   The play’s most famous line is delivered by the melancholy traveler Jaques, who provides the “All the world’s a stage” speech - and Robert Hutchens does so masterfully.

   There’s not a weak point in the show, which includes: the commanding Simon Woods as Orlando’s ever-angry brother; Rick Walker as Orlando’s comically hapless (but well-meaning) servant Adam; Tyler Bradley as the serious and stolid shepherd Corin; Todd Green as the funny would-be lover (but-alas-ill-fated) William; the luminous Cyndi Mac Fuller as Audrey, the innocent object of William’s interest; and the Lara Donahoe-led trio of musicians who provide sweet support to the proceedings.

    Kudos to director Mike Murdock and the cast and crew of As You Like It - it’s a real treat, and yet another in the ever-growing line of top-notch Shakespeare productions from ARTS.

   Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend: Shakespeare and "Moonlight!"

   Only two shows on tap this weekend - but they’re great ones! 

   Here’s the list:

- 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.

- Moonlight and Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on Feb. 5 and 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 enjoy a show!