History of Theatre in Huntington #6 - ARTS

 

   Here's the story of a theatre organization that got its start over 20 years ago, and began as a unique idea in Huntington - theatre groups working together!

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) got its start with the closing of Huntington High School in the Spring of 1996. The city leaders debated what to do with the structure, and finally decided to turn it over to the Housing Development Corporation to convert most of the building into Senior Housing. Parts of the building were also turned over to the Huntington YMCA, including the gymnasium.

    But someone else had a vision for a third purpose for the building. Local theatre veteran Clint McElroy had worked with every local theatre group, and realized the one thing the groups all needed:  a home.

   He worked with city officials to set aside part of the building - specifically the theatre, the old library and a few other classrooms - to be used jointly by local theatre groups.

   Those groups would include the Musical Arts Guild, Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT), the Musical Arts Guild - Children's Theatre (MAG-CT, now First Stage Theatre Company), and the Appalachian Youth Orchestra. 

   Sadly (and for assorted reasons) the idea didn’t work out and within a few years the original members of the organization all eventually left the ARTS organization.

   But that wasn't the end. The group's board continued on its own, managing the use of the auditorium and renting it out to other organizations. For several years the organization presented concert fundraisers.

   About 15 years ago the group started presenting stage shows as a way to raise money to refurbish the auditorium.

   The output was solid, including shows like Amahl and the Night Visitor, Fiddler on the Roof, Hello Dolly, Will Rogers Follies and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (among many others). 

   But in 2012, ARTS took a surprising new direction. It built a new structure, basing it around a team of four directors. 

   They auditioned and cast a resident acting company, and used that group to present a season of six shows in 2013, using open auditions to round out each cast. 

   It was a tremendous success, and they produced a number of terrific shows, from big musicals like Cabaret, The Pirates of Penzance, The Full Monty and The Boy Friend, to non-musicals like Twelve Angry Men, Fuddy Mears and Rabbit Hole, and annual Shakespeare productions including Much Ado About Nothing and Julius Caesar.  

   But problems began to make staging shows difficult. In 2016, water leaking into the building and electrical problems made the stage unusable. 

   ARTS moved its productions into the old library at the school, but disagreements with the building management continued to escalate, and finally the group dissolved in 2017.

   It was a sad end for what had started as a terrific concept of providing - for the first time - a home for all the wandering theatre troupes.

   But while ARTS may be gone, some of the players involved weren't finished yet. 

   But next, we'll talk about a group of Free Spirits!

   

History of Theatre in Huntington #5 - 5th Avenue Theatre

   For the latest chapter in our history of Huntington community theatre companies, here's a look at the long-running group based out of City Hall:

   The 5th Avenue Theatre Company was founded about 20 years ago for a unique purpose: to raise money for the City of Huntington Foundation.

   Back in 1991 the Foundation began the restoration of City Hall's auditorium. The city had planned to gut the old auditorium to create office space, but interior designer Jean Carlo Stephenson urged City Council to reconsider. She was the Foundation's first director, and because of her efforts, the auditorium is now named after her.

   But maintaining and making improvements to the facility takes a lot of cash. To raise money, the 5th Avenue Theatre Company was created - and in the years since, it has staged a number of shows, including Annie, West Side Story, Carousel, Christmas Carol, White Christmas, The Music Man, Camelot, Man of La Mancha and 9 to 5.

   Because of the uneven nature of bringing in money on shows (not every show makes money, as anyone in theatre can tell you), 5th Avenue has been cautious and focuses on presenting strong musicals. 

   In the meantime, the organization continued making improvements to the auditorium, including a new and improved sound system.

   The group hasn't staged a show in quite a few years, and there are conflicting reports about whether it will return to stage new shows - or if it's seen its final curtain.

   But whatever the case, the group enjoyed a strong run of shows, and hopefully has more to share one day soon!

   Next: A theatre group that supported a classic theater and took a new approach to community theatre!

History of Theatre in Huntington #4 - H.O.T.

    For Part IV of our history of Huntington's theatre groups, let's look at one of the area's biggest success stories - a 20-year tradition in the park!

   The Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT) got its start back in 1993, and - of course - its origins can be traced to the Musical Arts Guild. At one MAG performance Helen Freeman first met Patti Shaver. The two kicked around the idea of starting an outdoor theatre in Huntington - and finally decided to give it a try. 

   HOT’s shows have all been presented at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The shows usually run through each weekend in July. Each year the group has presented one or two shows per summer.

    The group was led by Helen, who served as the President and Artistic Director, and Patti, who was Vice-President and Managing Director for most of the group's run. Helen directed most of the shows, and Patti choreographed and organized things behind the scenes. Of course, they had lots of help, with a board of directors and an small army of managers tackling every job from designing posters to selling tickets and T-shirts. 

    HOT established itself as a summer tradition, and focused on presenting big musicals, including shows like Guys and Dolls, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Legally Blonde, The Music Man, Huntington: The Jewel of West Virginia, Oklahoma and Hello, Dolly.

    Each show also featured a pre-show, with a variety of performers singing or dancing, and a prepared performance by young actors.

    HOT was a true success story, bringing in huge crowds through the summer. Like any outdoor theatre, its only enemy was bad weather, but thankfully Huntington’s summers are usually mild.

    But sadly, 2013 was the 20th and final season for HOT. The group went out on a high note, with a powerhouse presentation of the musical Hairspray. 

   The summer tradition has continued, but HOT (and Helen and Patty) are enshrined in the Huntington Theatre Hall of Fame for two decades of amazing shows!

    Next: A theatre group that was created for a specific purpose: to raise money for the City of Huntington!

History of Theatre in Huntington #3 - First Stage Theatre Company

 We've looked at Marshall University and Musical Arts Guild, so now it's time to look at the longest-running community theatre group (that's still active) in Huntington. The group has gone by two names over the years, but the one it's carried the longest is First Stage: 

   The First Stage Theatre Company got its start 30 years ago. After auditions in 1990 for shows like Annie and Hansel and Gretel brought in - literally - hundreds of kids, it was obvious that there was a need for an outlet for these young thespians. 

   As with many local theatre groups, its beginning are tied to the Musical Arts Guild (MAG). George Snider and Jennifer Salcines approached the board of MAG and asked the group to sponsor a children’s theatre, and that’s how the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre (MAG-CT) began. The group’s first production was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Sept. 14 and 15, 1990, at Marshall University's Smith Hall.

   There are, basically, two kinds of children’s theatres. One features adults putting on shows for young people (with the cast perhaps including a few young actors), and the other stars young actors in the leads (with the cast sometimes including a few adults). MAG-CT would be the latter, and over the years it has allowed young people the chance to star in all kinds of shows, both musical and non-musical.

   Like any youth organization, the group has an ever-changing board, as young actors and their parents get involved, graduate and move on to other interests. 

    By 2001 it was obvious that MAG-CT was able to stand on its own two feet, so in an amicable split the two groups separated, and the children’s theatre adopted a new name (one suggested by then-board member Clint McElroy): the First Stage Theatre Company.  

    Like its parent group, First Stage was a theatre group without a home - so it roamed from theater to theater, depending on which one is available and which one fits the needs of the production. Every year the group produces either two or three shows (and in 2014 it did five shows), each one featuring young actors from across the Tri-State area. The purpose of the group is to provide young people with a positive experience either on the stage or working behind the scenes.  

    If anyone out there is avoiding their shows because it’s a “children’s theatre,” you’re missing out on some great young talent - many of whom you’ll see on stage in other local theatre productions. 

   Over the years the group has staged major shows like Newsies, Disney's Frozen, School of Rock, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seussical the Musical, Honk, Les Miserables the School Edition, The Little Mermaid, Jr., Cats and Bye, Bye Birdie, in addition to smaller shows like Tom Sawyer, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Winnie the Pooh, A Christmas Story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Three Musketeers and Babes in Toyland.

    First Stage also offers up two $1,000 scholarship programs - one named in honor of Jim Stone, a local actor who was a great supporter of the arts and a mentor to many young actors, and another in honor of Leslie McElroy, an actress and board member for First Stage. 

    First Stage has established itself as a great place for young people to get their start in theatre. There they gain the skills and confidence that will serve them well throughout their life. 

   The group's final show in the last season was You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, celebrating the show that started it all 30 years ago - and because of COVID-19 concerns, it was staged as a drive-in show in a parking lot. 

    Next: Started just a few years after the Children’s Theatre, this group once ruled the month of July - which is why it was called HOT.

History of Theatre in Huntington #2 - Musical Arts Guild

    Continuing the history of theatre in Huntington, originally written in 2006 and updated. Yesterday we looked at Marshall University's history (it's the longest-running continuous theatre company in the area). 

   The Musical Arts Guild (MAG) is the second-longest-running (and still active) community theater group in the Huntington area. The group got its start in 1965 when several area churches combined their choirs to provide music for a preaching mission. 

   Those early missions were presented for a while at the Keith-Albee Theater, and when that ended, the group continued doing concerts and finally “regular” stage shows at the original Huntington High School auditorium. 

   Over the years since, the group has produced some terrific shows and given stage time to some local talent, including Broadway stars Michael Cerveris and Mark and Beth McVey. 

    The group produced a couple of shows every year, covering everything from Mame to Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma, Sound of Music and many others.  Almost every other theatre group in Huntington has connections that go back to MAG.

    Unfortunately, it’s been a while since MAG tackled a stage show - their last stage show was The King and I, directed by the dearly departed Danny Ray and staged at the old Huntington East High School auditorium in 2003. The group is still active, but has gone back to its roots and presents shows in concert form only. 

   MAG annually holds a fundraising concert for the scholarships the group awards every year to Marshall students.

   They’ve carried the torch of community theatre for almost 50 years - and hopefully they’ll continue to bring the gift of music to the area for many more years to come.

    MAG was also directly responsible for the next-oldest local community theatre group - the one devoted to local children. Our next post will look at the group that provides many young performers their First Stage show.

History of Theatre in Huntington #1 - Marshall University

 

   Since the COVID-19 epidemic has left us without much in the way of theatre news in Huntington, it seems like a good time to revisit our History of Theatre in Huntington series, first written when this blog was young, and updated a few times over the years.

   In thinking about theatre here in Huntington, I often think about the history of it. As far as I know, no complete history of local theatre has ever been assembled - and there's not much to be found on the subject on the Internet. 

   Touring shows have probably been presented in Huntington since the city was founded, and certainly city schools have put on shows since the first teacher or parent volunteered to take on the challenge. (I've seen a very old photo of Elementary kids wearing overalls and presenting The Mikado - I'd pay good money to see that show!) 

   The Internet reveals that the newest section of Marshall’s Old Main - the part with the auditorium in it - was built in 1907, and no doubt the students started staging shows there not long after. Although I don't have any research to back it up (and I trust you'll correct me if I'm wrong, dear reader), it seems safe to assume that Marshall has the longest continuing tradition of putting on shows in Huntington.

   Assuming they've averaged four shows a year for most of those years, that's over 400 shows (at a very rough estimate) that the school has staged in the 113 years since.

   I have wonderful memories of seeing great shows in that auditorium. When I was a student in the late ‘70s, one of the outstanding performers was a guy named Joe Johns, who is well known today for his work as a news reporter on CNN (and NBC before that). Perhaps Marshall's most famous acting alumni are the Oscar-winning Brad Dourif and "Two and a Half Men" star Conchata Ferrell (and Billy Crystal attended for a semester). Actually, my hero Soupy Sales is probably the most famous, though I'm not sure if he (or Crystal) ever acted on the Marshall stage.

    There are many other alumni who are actively working now in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, as well as others traveling the country in touring shows.

   These days Marshall has a new theater, and it’s a beauty. The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center is a state of the art facility, and the Department of Theatre uses it to maximum effect. The shows they’ve staged in recent years certainly live up to (and often surpass) the ones from the past. They stage at least four shows a year, many of them directed by professors Jack Cirillo or Leah Turley - and they do amazing work.

   They do a great mix of classic theatre, modern plays, musicals and almost every year they tackle a Shakespeare play, like the excellent Midsummer Night's Dream or The Taming of the Shrew - you owe it to yourself to see these.

   If you’re not checking these out on a regular basis, you’re missing some excellent work - not to mention the chance to see the potential stars of the future!

   By the way, Marshall Department of Theatre also has an excellent history archive on its website, with photos from many shows and lots more information - check it out right here.

   So I'm assuming Marshall has been putting on shows the longest - although certainly the local high schools are also in the running, although their output has been sporadic over the years. So who's next on the longest-running list? 

  That's the topic of the next post, which will cover The Musical Arts Guild.

An Encore for "Charlie Brown"

“Charlie Brown” is back for an encore!

Thanks to popular demand (and two sold-out performances), three additional performances of the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company on Wednesday, Aug. 5, Thursday, Aug, 6 and Friday, Aug. 7 at 8 p.m. at the parking lot of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va.

In keeping with COVID-19 recommended social distancing, the musical will be presented like a drive-in movie – the audience will remain in their cars in the parking lot and the sound of the performance will be broadcast over their car radios (at 101.1 FM).

The musical is a celebration of 30 years of First Stage Theatre. “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was the first show presented by the Huntington children’s theatre in September 1990.

The musical is based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts created by Charles Schulz. It includes the characters Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally and Linus. The musical features classic songs “Happiness,” “Suppertime,” “My New Philosophy” and “A Book Report.”

The production features six student performers from the Tri-state area. Tickets are $10 for an individual and $20 for a carload (cash or checks are preferred). Spaces are limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis - the "theatre" will begin parking cars at 7 p.m on the night of the performance. Tickets are only available at the location.

The directing team includes: Director Mike Murdock, Music Director Mike Campbell, Choreographer Joanna Murdock, Assistant Director Nora Ankrom, Producer Jeanette Bailey and Stage Manager Michael Sullivan.

“You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is the final show in the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Based in Huntington, W.Va., 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.

For more information, call 304-416-5437.

Theatre Returns to Huntington With "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

   Community theatre has been shut down in the Tri-state since March - but there are signs of its return!

   First Stage announced it's staging a show next weekend - but in a very unusual setting! Here's the info they released:

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Theatre returns to the Tri-state as the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company on July 31 and Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. at the parking lot of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, WV.

 

In keeping with COVID-19 recommended social distancing, the musical will be presented like a drive-in movie – the audience will remain in their cars in the parking lot and the sound of the performance will be broadcast over their car radios (at 101.1 FM).

 

The musical is a celebration of 30 years of First Stage Theatre, and was the first show presented by Huntington’s children’s theatre in September 1990 (the organization was originally known as the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre).

         

          The musical is based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts created by Charles Schulz. It includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally and Linus. The musical features classic songs “Happiness,” “Suppertime,” “My New Philosophy” and “A Book Report.”

         

             The production features six student performers from the Tri-state area. Tickets are $10 for an individual and $20 for a carload (cash or checks are preferred). Spaces are limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

         

            The directing team includes: Director Mike Murdock, Music Director Mike Campbell, Choreographer Joanna Murdock, Assistant Director Nora Ankrom, Producer Jeanette Bailey and Stage Manager Michael Sullivan.

         

          “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is the final show in the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Based in Huntington, WV, 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.

 

           For more information, call 304-416-5437.

Alchemy Shuts Down "Dixie Swim Club"

Huntington's community theatre has lost another show to COVID-19, as Alchemy Theatre Troupe made this announcement today via Facebook:

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Our business, the business of theatre and live entertainment, is in danger. If you don't believe that, do a cursory Google search of theatre's that are closing due to the pandemic and / or abandoning their seasons until 2021 at the earliest, including Broadway.

While we, at Alchemy, continually try to keep moving, at every turn we find ourselves taking one step forward and two steps back, just like everyone else.

As a community theatre, we rely on the community for literally everything. Whether that's talent, time, money, resources or anything else. With that in mind, we constantly strive to keep our community safe, especially now.

Due in-part to the pandemic, as well as the current state of the world, we have decided to cancel The Dixie Swim Club at this time.

Plans are still being made for The Tempest, the West Virginia Shakespeare Festival and the rest of our season, but, just like everyone else, we will need to play it all by ear and be as fluid as possible.

We will keep trying to do more virtual and online performances like The Play's The Thing, as well as some other new and interesting ideas. We hope you join us for all of them as we try to navigate the new world.

Stay safe, everyone. And thank you for the continued support.

Broadway Closed Until January

   Sad news today as the announcement was made that shows on Broadway are extending their shutdown into January. 

   Here's the latest from Playbill (you can read the complete story at this link): 

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   As performing arts organizations across the country announce plans to forgo their fall programming, Broadway is following suit. The Broadway League has announced that all productions will remain closed through at least January 3, 2021.

   While it is now official, the decision does not come as a surprise. The League stated in May that while shows would be dark through September 6, this date serves more as a determination of how late productions would offer refunds and exchanges than as a look into when the curtain will rise again.

   Once that is able to happen, audiences can expect shows to return on a rolling basis, rather than on one specific date. Details concerning this scheduling and ticketing will be announced in the coming weeks.

Love Streaming "A Wrinkle in Time"

   The Alban Theater is continuing its theatre productions via streaming services, and the next one is coming up this weekend. (For more info go to www.albanartscenter.com.) 

   Here's the info:

   A Wrinkle in Time

   A Live Streaming Theatrical Experience

   June 26, 27, 28

   A Wrinkle in Time is the story of Meg Murry, a high-school-aged girl who is transported on an adventure through time and space with her younger brother Charles Wallace and her friend Calvin O’Keefe to rescue her father, a gifted scientist, from the evil forces that hold him prisoner on another planet.

   This production will be live streamed from the Alban Theater. The actors will be performing on stage at the same time you are watching the show, so please plan on watching at the scheduled time. When you buy a ticket you will receive a confirmation email, and then on the day of the show you will receive a link that will take you to the Live Stream. So please use your preferred email when purchasing a ticket, and log into the stream 10 - 15 minutes early so you can make sure that everything is working correctly before the show starts. 

   We will be streaming the show via YouTube so anyone with an internet connection should be able to access it. The Link you receive will take you to an unlisted Stream, and you will not be able to use your YouTube App to search for the stream. 

   So if you are planning to watch the show on your television make sure you can either cast to your television from your computer or cell phone, or directly connect the device to your television.

"9 to 5" Has Been Canceled

   This afternoon the Paramount Players announced that their auditions for the musical "9 to 5" were canceled. 

   Here's the statement they released on Facebook:

To all Paramount Players: Due to the large number of people who have traveled to or are planning on traveling to hot spot areas for COVID-19 during the time period of 9 to 5 rehearsals and shows, the Paramount Arts Center executive committee has made the decision for the safety of our community and performers to cancel the upcoming auditions and performances of the musical 9 to 5.  

We are sorry for the late notice, but we were holding out until the last possible minute in hopes that this show would be possible. The safety of our cast, crew and audience remains our biggest concern. 

We look forward to being operational as soon as possible and hope to announce an abbreviated season shortly.

Auditions for "9 to 5"

   The Paramount Players have announced their next show - and auditions next week:

   Audition dates for The Paramount Players Production of "9 to 5" will be Tuesday, June 23, and Wednesday, June 24.

   June 23 will be music auditions.

   June 24 will be dance and cold readings.

   Both will begin at 6 p.m.

   Auditions are open to all ages 13 and up. 

   You can pick up music cuts at the PAC Box Office, open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday - Thursday. 

   If you'd like the music emailed to you, email awiisonhammond@gmail.com .

Auditions This Weekend of "The Dixie Swim Club"

   As COVID-19 restrictions start lifting, area groups are starting to hold auditions for shows. 

   Here's the first one for Huntington:

   Alchemy Theatre will hold auditions for "The Dixie Swim Club" by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, Jamie Wooten. The play will be directed by Mary Poindexter Williams.

   Auditions will be Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. and Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. at the Trinity Episcopal Church at 520 11th Street in Huntington (enter at 11th Street Door). ALL ROLES ARE OPEN, and Alchemy encourages women of ALL ETHNICITIES to audition! The age range for roles is 30 - 100! Ladies, you probably fit in there somewhere! Whether you've done a ton of shows or have always wanted to try it out, this is a great time to give it a shot!

   Due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing will be in effect. You may also feel free to wear a mask if you so choose.

   Rehearsals for this project will begin the following week, with evening performances set for July 31, August 1, 7 and 8, with a matinee performance on August 2.

  The play focuses on five Southern women whose friendships began many years ago on their college swim team. They set aside a long weekend every August to recharge those relationships. Free from husbands, kids, and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina's Outer Banks to catch up, laugh, and meddle in each other's lives. "The Dixie Swim Club" focuses on four of those weekends and spans a period of 33 years. Sheree, the spunky team captain, desperately tries to maintain her organized and "perfect" life, and continues to be the group's leader. Dinah, the wisecracking overachiever, is a career dynamo. But her victories in the courtroom are in stark contrast to the frustrations of her personal life. Lexie, pampered and outspoken, is determined to hold on to her looks and youth as long as possible. She enjoys being married - over and over and over again. The self-deprecating and acerbic Vernadette, acutely aware of the dark cloud that hovers over her life, has decided to just give in and embrace the chaos. And sweet, eager-to-please Jeri Neal experiences a late entry into motherhood that takes them all by surprise. As their lives unfold and the years pass, these women increasingly rely on one another, through advice and raucous repartee, to get through the challenges (men, sex, marriage, parenting, divorce, aging) that life flings at them. And when fate throws a wrench into one of their lives in the second act, these friends, proving the enduring power of "teamwork" rally 'round their own with the strength and love that takes this comedy in a poignant and surprising direction. "The Dixie Swim Club" is the story of these five unforgettable women - a hilarious and touching comedy about friendships that last forever.

   If you aren't interested in being in the play but would like to volunteer to help backstage or usher, please sign up at the auditions or send a message.

Introducing a New Style of Theatre: The Eugene O’Neill Project

   At last, we’re starting to see signs of life from local theatre groups - and one impressive new experiment!

    The Alban Arts Center is leading the way with a new way to watch a stage show - from the comfort of your home!

    They’re staging The Eugene O’Neill Project - A Digital Experience!

    They taped a performance of the show based on works by the beloved playwright, and you can buy a ticket and watch the play unfold on your TV or computer!

   It’ll be presented Sunday, June 14 at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 17 at 7 p.m., Thursday, June 18 at 7 p.m., Friday, June 19 at 7 p.m., and June 20 at 7 p.m.

   You can buy tickets at this website: https://www.onthestage.com/show/alban-arts-center/the-eugene-oneill-project-a-digital-experience-90172/tickets  

   The tickets are $10 each. It’s a great way to support your local theatre and their efforts to find a way to keep producing great shows despite the COVID-19 concerns. 

   Kudos to them!

HART Shuts Down for the Summer

   HART in the Park and the Huntington Park Board have announced that they won't be presenting any shows on stage at Ritter Park this summer. 

   Here's what they posted on Facebook:

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   It is with heavy hearts that we have made the difficult decision to postpone Huntington Area Regional Theater's production of "The Addams Family the Musical" until fall.

   Dates will be determined at a later time.

   We hope that you will come out and get spooky with us then!

Southern Coalition for the Arts Shuts Down for the Summer

   

   Another day, another bout of bad news for theatre fans.

   Southern Coalition for the Arts sent out this note today about their summer plans:

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Friends and family of the ARTS,

   We hope this post finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. 

 

   As you all know, we were set to bring "Into the Woods" to the stage at Southern WV Community and Technical College beginning June 12. Unfortunately, the show will have to be postponed indefinitely. 

   We are continuing to monitor the situation and guidelines from the Governor's office, as well as plans from the college. This has been a difficult decision, but one that is in the best interest of our actors and audience.

   We appreciate the continued support from you all, and hope to see you again in the fall if it is safe to do so. 

   And remember, even though we can't be on the stage right now this is only an intermission. We love you all. 

   Stay safe, stay healthy, and spread kindness in this difficult time.

Fairmont State to Close its Theatre Program

   Sad news out of Fairmont State University, which announced recently that it's closing down its theatre and theatre education program, along with it music program.

   The announcement has gathered quite a few protests, as those programs were highly regarded. 

   Here's the official announcement:

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   During the Thursday, May 21 meeting of the Fairmont State Board of Governors, the board voted to continue its community theatre, community music programs, and Academy for the Arts programming. The board also voted to discontinue academic programs in music and theatre, including music and theatre education. Fairmont State has always been a destination for performing arts education and events in North Central West Virginia and throughout the state. As we transition our theater and music programs the institution’s goal is to continue to honor and uphold that tradition through continued partnerships with our community.

   The academic programs will continue through the next academic year as faculty members work on a program teach-out to ensure that most current majors can graduate in their chosen discipline. Beyond the next academic year, Fairmont State will continue to work to produce vocal concerts, theatrical performances, and direct our marching band. Members of the university's administration are working to operationalize a plan based on the board vote. 

   While these degree programs will no longer be offered at Fairmont State, we recognize the indelible impacts of Music and Theater on the wider University community, and the exceptional pedagogical opportunities inherent in the Performing Arts; therefore, the board chose to keep the broader community segments of these programs viable. 

   Throughout the United States, universities like Fairmont State are making tough decisions to avoid financial exigency. Institutions are canceling non-performing and under-performing programs in an effort to avoid closing their doors. Regrettably, consecutive years of focused review confirm that the academic programs in music and theatre have had consistent low enrollment for a number of years at a very high cost to the university. 

   Decisions like these are never made lightly. Fairmont State is committed to keeping the institution open and financially healthy. Fairmont State remains committed to educating the next generation of leaders who are poised for success in an innovative and ever-changing economy. The university will continue to provide cultural opportunities to our students and community through participation in community theatre and community music. 

   Together with the programs under the Academy of the Arts, community theatre, and community music, Fairmont State University looks forward to broadening opportunities for our students and our community to join together in celebration of the arts. 

"Hamilton" Arrives Early

    In this time of "hunkering down," musical fans got some great news today. 

   Mark Kennedy with the Associated Press reports:

   This July Fourth holiday, you’ll be able to see the original Broadway cast of “Hamilton” perform the musical smash about a Founding Father from the comfort of your couch.

   The Walt Disney Company said Tuesday it will put the live capture of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s show on Disney TV Plus starting on July 3. It had been slated to be in movie theaters in October, 2021.

   “I’m so grateful to all the fans who asked for this, and I’m so glad that we’re able to make it happen. I’m so proud of this show. I can’t wait for you to see it,” Miranda said in a statement.

   The groundbreaking, biographical hip-hop show about the life of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton won 11 Tony Awards and made numerous tours.

   The film was made at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, and stars all of the original Tony Award winners — Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; and Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr.

   Others who star include Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jonathan Groff as King George; Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; and Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton. The filmed version is directed by the show’s director, Tommy Kail.

Outdoor Theatre Announce Summer Adjustments

   Today's Herald-Dispatch covered the plans of two of the Tri-state's outdoor theatre groups. One is shutting down for the season, and the other one is cutting back.

   You can read the story at this link - here's an excerpt:

   The Aracoma Story Inc.’s board of directors has officially announced the cancellation of the company’s 2020 summer season, while locally, Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District and Huntington Area Regional Theater have announced changes to its performance plans.

   “While we are all anxious to return to the stage, we have been monitoring this health crisis and do not think we can safely continue with our summer schedule,” said The Aracoma Story President Diana O’Briant. “The safety and health of our company and audience members are our main priority, and although we are saddened to come to this decision, we know it’s for the best.

   The shows canceled include the company’s namesake and original drama, “The Aracoma Story,” the battle between love and Harvard Law in “Legally Blonde," and the Johnny Cash musical “Ring of Fire."

   O’Briant said she is hopeful the company will be able to return to the stage this year, in the fall or winter.

   HART in the Park on Tuesday announced the cancellation of “Elf: The Musical” due to the ongoing pandemic. However, “The Addams Family the Musical” and “101 Dalmatian Kids Pre-Show,” previously scheduled for June, will be performed in July in the Ritter Park Amphitheater.

   Tentative show dates are July 10-12, July 17-19 and July 24-26, with the pre-show beginning at 7:30 p.m. and the main show at 8:30 p.m.

   Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District will be adhering to all physical distancing guidelines regarding crowd occupancy.