You have three shows to choose from this weekend, including a classic musical, a modern musical, and a mystery musical.
They are:
- Peter Pan will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at Huntington High School’s auditorium tonight at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater tonight at 10 p.m. (it's a special Halloween performance). Tickets are $15.
- The Producers will be presented by The Charleston Light Opera Guild at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater tonight at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. This is the first community theatre production of this show in our area, so kudos to the Guild!
So there you go - three fun shows to check out! What are you waiting for?
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
On Stage This Weekend - "Peter Pan"
After more than eight weeks of learning lines, singing songs, mastering dances, making costumes, building sets and tracking down props - tonight, Peter Pan takes the stage (and flies above it, for that matter).
The classic musical will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the (new) Huntington High School Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The show also takes place next weekend, Nov. 7 - 9.
Tickets are $12 and $10 for children 12 and under.
The stage show tells the story of the boy from Never-Never Land who refuses to grow up, and his adventures with Wendy, Michael, John and the Lost Boys, as they fight the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates.
The show includes a cast of more than 80 young actors and features professional flying effects provided by the ZFX company, which allows Peter to soar across the stage.
The performance will also include a pre-show featuring Tinkerbellettes and Little Pirates.
The directing team includes director Mary Smirl, musical director Lara Donahoe and producer Elaine Young. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).
The First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Peter Pan kicks off the company's 19th season.
The classic musical will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the (new) Huntington High School Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The show also takes place next weekend, Nov. 7 - 9.
Tickets are $12 and $10 for children 12 and under.
The stage show tells the story of the boy from Never-Never Land who refuses to grow up, and his adventures with Wendy, Michael, John and the Lost Boys, as they fight the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates.The show includes a cast of more than 80 young actors and features professional flying effects provided by the ZFX company, which allows Peter to soar across the stage.
The performance will also include a pre-show featuring Tinkerbellettes and Little Pirates.
The directing team includes director Mary Smirl, musical director Lara Donahoe and producer Elaine Young. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).
The First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Peter Pan kicks off the company's 19th season.
"Peter Pan" Gallery
The Herald-Dispatch has posted several photos from a Peter Pan rehearsal this week, and you can check them out right here.
The show starts this Friday, and runs this weekend and the next at (the new) Huntington High School's auditorium. It's going to be a terrific show (though I admit to being prejudiced). You'll kick yourself if you miss this one!
Here's an example of the photos you'll see, as Peter Pan (played wonderfully by Mary Kate Young) sneaks up on the unsuspecting Captain Hook (played zestfully by Tommy Smirl):
The show starts this Friday, and runs this weekend and the next at (the new) Huntington High School's auditorium. It's going to be a terrific show (though I admit to being prejudiced). You'll kick yourself if you miss this one!
Here's an example of the photos you'll see, as Peter Pan (played wonderfully by Mary Kate Young) sneaks up on the unsuspecting Captain Hook (played zestfully by Tommy Smirl):
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
On Stage Tonight - "The Pajama Game"
The touring show of the Broadway hit musical The Pajama Game hits the stage at the Paramount Arts Center tonight. Here's the story from the Herald-Dispatch by my pal Beth Hendricks:
It's love on the factory line.
The Tony Award-winning Broadway hit The Pajama Game unfolds at the Paramount Arts Center tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $60.
Chock full of musical numbers such as "Hey There," "Steam Heat" and "Hernando's Hideaway" and romantic subplots, the storyline revolves around a raise demanded by the factory workers and the dispute between them and the labor union. Main characters "Sid," the factory superintendent, and "Babe," a representative of the grievances committee, struggle with doing their jobs and their feelings for each other. The original 1955 production and a subsequent revival in 2006 received 12 Tony Award nominations. Additionally, a movie starring Doris Day and John Raitt was produced in the late 1950s.
"It's a very simple plot that goes through the lives of the people in the factory with a love story that goes on throughout the show," said Dionysia Williams, who plays "Poopsie." "It's very high in entertainment value because of the songs and dance numbers, but it's also very relevant to life today with the economy and the way things are for the working class."
Williams, who hails from Circleville, Ohio, describes the show as fresh, funny and energetic and - maybe - even a little sexy (though still entirely kid-appropriate).
"There is very much a 'girl power' aspect to this, but the guy is a good guy and he really wants to do the right thing for everybody," Williams said. "There are so many relevant topics in this show."
For more information or tickets, call 606-324-3175 or visit www.paramountartscenter.com.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
"Peter Pan" Takes Flight on Friday!
The much-anticipated Peter Pan takes the stage on Friday. Here's the official press release:
You will believe a boy can fly!
The classic musical Peter Pan will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way in Huntington, W.Va., on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 7, 8 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 2 and 9 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under.
The stage show tells the story of the boy from Never-Never Land who refuses to grow up, and his adventures with Wendy, Michael, John and the Lost Boys, as they fight the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates.
The show includes a cast of more than 80 young actors and features professional flying effects provided by the ZFX company, which allows Peter to soar across the stage.
The performance will also include a pre-show featuring Tinkerbellettes and Little Pirates.
The directing team includes director Mary Smirl, musical director Lara Donahoe and producer Elaine Young. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).
The First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Peter Pan kicks off the company's 19th season.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Peter, Pan and Mary
Yesterday we talked about the load-in for Peter Pan, which will be presented over the next two weekends at (the new) Huntington High School, starting Friday, Oct. 31.
As the cast and crew put the final touches on the show, I just wanted to take a moment to say that none of it would have been possible without a great directing team. We'll talk more about them this week, but today I have to single out my pal Mary Smirl, who's the director of the show.
Mary's a veteran of the First Stage Theatre Company (one of the few who have been on the advisory board longer then your truly), and she has handled virtually every job community theatre can throw at you, including making costumes, tracking down props and building sets.
But her biggest jobs have been choreographing shows like Cats, Seussical the Musical and Honk, and directing shows like Schoolhouse Rock Live, A Christmas Carol, and now Peter Pan.
Directing any show can be challenging, but a show like Pan is a major undertaking - it combines great songs, dancing, acting, flying (yes, flying) and a huge cast. Coordinating all that, figuring out the solution to a hundred different problems, and getting it all to come together on stage is a herculean task - and Mary has handled it with great skill, always with an eye on how to make the experience even better for the young people involved.
My hat is off to her and the rest of her directing team for a job well done! More on the other members of the team in the days ahead.
As the cast and crew put the final touches on the show, I just wanted to take a moment to say that none of it would have been possible without a great directing team. We'll talk more about them this week, but today I have to single out my pal Mary Smirl, who's the director of the show.
Mary's a veteran of the First Stage Theatre Company (one of the few who have been on the advisory board longer then your truly), and she has handled virtually every job community theatre can throw at you, including making costumes, tracking down props and building sets.
But her biggest jobs have been choreographing shows like Cats, Seussical the Musical and Honk, and directing shows like Schoolhouse Rock Live, A Christmas Carol, and now Peter Pan.
Directing any show can be challenging, but a show like Pan is a major undertaking - it combines great songs, dancing, acting, flying (yes, flying) and a huge cast. Coordinating all that, figuring out the solution to a hundred different problems, and getting it all to come together on stage is a herculean task - and Mary has handled it with great skill, always with an eye on how to make the experience even better for the young people involved.
My hat is off to her and the rest of her directing team for a job well done! More on the other members of the team in the days ahead.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Set the Stage, Light the Lights!
Whew! Your friendly neighborhood blogger is a bit tuckered out today - that's because Saturday was "Load-in" day for Peter Pan, which is being presented by the First Stage Theatre Company.
For about two months now, parents and cast members have spent their spare moments working on the gigantic set for that show, which includes a bedroom set, a lair for Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, and a Pirate Ship!
It may very well be the biggest set First Stage has assembled (though it's difficult to be sure, since they all take different shapes). It took three trips in a rental truck to move the set to the new Huntington High School, where the show will be presented starting next Friday (Oct. 31).
Before the set was loaded onto the stage, crews had already installed the flying gear which allows cast members to soar through the air - it was fun to see them practicing.
Thankfully, we had quite a few parents helping out with the loading and unloading of the set, and assembling the whole thing - it's a huge job.
But kudos have to go out to the four who did the lion's share of the work - namely, Jack, Tim and Aaron, who took on the massive construction job and did incredible work, and Pat, who did even more amazing work painting and decorating the set pieces. Those four put forth a superhuman effort, and deserve medals.
Lots of others helped, and kudos to them, too. As I always say, theatre is a team effort, and it takes a lot of people working together to bring together the many elements needed to put on a show.
The cast gets to take a bow at the end of the show - but lots of others deserve some of that applause, too. Here's to them!
For about two months now, parents and cast members have spent their spare moments working on the gigantic set for that show, which includes a bedroom set, a lair for Peter Pan and the Lost Boys, and a Pirate Ship!
It may very well be the biggest set First Stage has assembled (though it's difficult to be sure, since they all take different shapes). It took three trips in a rental truck to move the set to the new Huntington High School, where the show will be presented starting next Friday (Oct. 31).
Before the set was loaded onto the stage, crews had already installed the flying gear which allows cast members to soar through the air - it was fun to see them practicing.
Thankfully, we had quite a few parents helping out with the loading and unloading of the set, and assembling the whole thing - it's a huge job.
But kudos have to go out to the four who did the lion's share of the work - namely, Jack, Tim and Aaron, who took on the massive construction job and did incredible work, and Pat, who did even more amazing work painting and decorating the set pieces. Those four put forth a superhuman effort, and deserve medals.
Lots of others helped, and kudos to them, too. As I always say, theatre is a team effort, and it takes a lot of people working together to bring together the many elements needed to put on a show.
The cast gets to take a bow at the end of the show - but lots of others deserve some of that applause, too. Here's to them!
On Stage Today - Four Shows!
There are four shows being presented today, and it's your last chance to catch the first three.
Here's the list:
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium today at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater today at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Dracula will be presented by Capital High School at the school’s theater tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $5.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater today at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. It'll also be presented next weekend, so you'll have three more chances after today.
Check 'em out!
Here's the list:
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium today at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater today at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Dracula will be presented by Capital High School at the school’s theater tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $5.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater today at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15. It'll also be presented next weekend, so you'll have three more chances after today.
Check 'em out!
Saturday, October 25, 2008
On Stage Tonight - Five New Shows!
Our crowded weekend at the theater continues tonight with no less than five community theatre shows being presented in Huntington, Charleston and Ashland.
They are:
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
- Dracula will be presented by the Backstage Players tonight at 8 p.m. at the Franks Extension Building at the Boyd County Fairgrounds at 1760 Addington Road, Coalton, Ky. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Dracula will also be presented by Capital High School at the school’s theater tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $5.
So pick one and treat yourself to a night out!
They are:
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.
- Dracula will be presented by the Backstage Players tonight at 8 p.m. at the Franks Extension Building at the Boyd County Fairgrounds at 1760 Addington Road, Coalton, Ky. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Dracula will also be presented by Capital High School at the school’s theater tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $5.
So pick one and treat yourself to a night out!
"Clue, The Musical" - A Review
I haven't had a chance to see the show yet, but my lovely wife Jeanette attended the dress rehearsal Thursday night, and here's her review of Clue, The Musical:
One of the most popular American board games is Clue. How many of us remember the delicious sense of triumph after correctly deducing that Mr. Boddy was done in by Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with the candlestick?
My own family has enjoyed various incarnations of the Clue experience over the years, including a children's book series and a video game version. Now, thanks to Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS), audiences can play along with the musical stage version of the Parker Brothers game, which opened Friday at the Renaissance (Old HHS) in Huntington.
In addition to being treated to the animated performances of the musically talented cast, each theatre-goer receives a play-along form before the curtain opens. A whole new level of fun is added as Mr. Boddy appears throughout the play to provide clues, which are different at each show - resulting in 216 possible endings. Even better, there's a special prize at the end for the audience member who has correctly checked off the weapon, room and character pegged to the dastardly deed.
"TV's own" meteorologist Marina Jurica shines as the sultry Miss Scarlet, joined by a solid cast of suspects - Jazzy Dodson as Mrs. White, Miles Klein as Professor Plum, Todd Preston as Mr. Green, Karen Pruitt as Mrs. Peacock, and David Mize as Colonel Mustard. Mr. Boddy is played by Nathan Cron, and the detective by Rachel Mize. The vocals are solid, the choreography sophisticated, and hilarity often ensues as Mr. Boddy is pursued in a fashion resembling a Bugs Bunny cartoon.
Saturday's performance offers the option of a pre-show dinner. Clue, The Musical provides a great time for adults of any age, and I can imagine a thrilling experience for a sleuthful kid to enjoy with a favorite grown-up.
One of the most popular American board games is Clue. How many of us remember the delicious sense of triumph after correctly deducing that Mr. Boddy was done in by Colonel Mustard in the conservatory with the candlestick?My own family has enjoyed various incarnations of the Clue experience over the years, including a children's book series and a video game version. Now, thanks to Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS), audiences can play along with the musical stage version of the Parker Brothers game, which opened Friday at the Renaissance (Old HHS) in Huntington.
In addition to being treated to the animated performances of the musically talented cast, each theatre-goer receives a play-along form before the curtain opens. A whole new level of fun is added as Mr. Boddy appears throughout the play to provide clues, which are different at each show - resulting in 216 possible endings. Even better, there's a special prize at the end for the audience member who has correctly checked off the weapon, room and character pegged to the dastardly deed.
"TV's own" meteorologist Marina Jurica shines as the sultry Miss Scarlet, joined by a solid cast of suspects - Jazzy Dodson as Mrs. White, Miles Klein as Professor Plum, Todd Preston as Mr. Green, Karen Pruitt as Mrs. Peacock, and David Mize as Colonel Mustard. Mr. Boddy is played by Nathan Cron, and the detective by Rachel Mize. The vocals are solid, the choreography sophisticated, and hilarity often ensues as Mr. Boddy is pursued in a fashion resembling a Bugs Bunny cartoon.
Saturday's performance offers the option of a pre-show dinner. Clue, The Musical provides a great time for adults of any age, and I can imagine a thrilling experience for a sleuthful kid to enjoy with a favorite grown-up.
Friday, October 24, 2008
On Stage Tonight - Lots of Shows!
Coming up tonight on a stage near you - a community theatre show! You have lots of shows to choose from, as this is one of those weekends where there are more shows to see than time to see them!
Here's the rundown:
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10. You can read a review of the show right here.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. You can read more about the show in this story.
- Dracula will be presented by the Backstage Players tonight at 8 p.m. at the Franks Extension Building at the Boyd County Fairgrounds at 1760 Addington Road, Coalton, Ky. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. You can read more about that show right here.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Dracula will also be presented by Capital High School at the school’s theater tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $5.
Whew! So get out there and enjoy some outstanding live theatre performances!
Here's the rundown:
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10. You can read a review of the show right here.
- Clue: The Musical will be presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15. You can read more about the show in this story.
- Dracula will be presented by the Backstage Players tonight at 8 p.m. at the Franks Extension Building at the Boyd County Fairgrounds at 1760 Addington Road, Coalton, Ky. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors. You can read more about that show right here.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Dracula will also be presented by Capital High School at the school’s theater tonight at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 and $5.
Whew! So get out there and enjoy some outstanding live theatre performances!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
"And Then There Were None" - A Review
When it comes to community theatre shows, you usually know what to expect. There will be singing and dancing, bands playing, a happy ending - the usual routine.
But thankfully there are alternatives, and it's great to see one playing out on stage in Huntington. The 5th Avenue Theatre Company has tackled one of literature's most popular genres - a mystery! It's being presented this weekend at the beautiful and spacious Huntington City Hall Auditorium. The play is a clever, perfectly devised murder mystery that will keep you guessing right up to the end, and it features some of the best actors in the Tri-State area.
The play is Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, which is based on her famous mystery, Ten Little Indians. The story is set on a vacation home on an island, where eight guests, a butler and a cook are gathered.
They think they're about to enjoy a relaxing weekend, but each one carries a dark secret - and one guest has murder in his or her heart. One by one, the guests suffer a terrible fate. Can the survivors - or the audience - discover the identity of the murderer before it's too late?
I love a mystery, and this is an excellent one! In short order you're introduced to the characters, and you'll find yourself trying desperately to figure out which one is the murderer. There's a good reason why Dame Agatha Christie is considered one of the greatest mystery writers of all - she gives you all the information you need to solve the mystery, and then defies you to figure it out.
At different points in the play I suspected almost every character (and by the end I was looking suspiciously at the guy sitting in the next row). If you manage to sort it out, you're better at that sort of thing than I am. But I had a blast trying!
Another factor that makes the show a lot of fun is the terrific cast, which I will talk about in alphabetical order in my continuing attempt at not giving anything away (which is what makes reviewing a mystery so tricky).
Michael Beck plays the part of the Butler (Rogers), and he's perfect as the haughty servant who barely tolerates the rude guests at the home.
Griffin McElroy plays the part of Anthony, and does a wonderful job of being a annoying, beastly little prat of a fellow (and I mean that in the best way possible).
Justin McElroy is the 11th actor in this show, putting in a cameo appearance as Fred, the pilot of the ferryboat, and getting a nice turn late in the show.
Travis McElroy plays the part of Phillip, a soldier of fortune and ladies' man who's ready for almost anything. Almost! (He also did an excellent job designing the set for the show, by the way.)
Jane Modlin gets to play the part of Emily, the prissy little old lady, and she has a lot of fun with the role.
Paul Neace plays the part of Sir Lawrence, a judge who finds himself playing detective and analyzing the killer's first moves. He also gets to wear the show's most unique costume at one point.
Mark Near plays the part of General McKenzie, a tragic figure who harbors a dark secret. Mark earns bonus points for having the most impressive facial hair in the cast - his sideburns and mustache will make you think of that guy on the cough drops. Awesome!
Linda Reynolds plays the cook, Ethel, sometimes grouchy and sometimes sensitive - as an actor she's always fun to watch.
Dwight Slappe plays William, a man hiding behind a false identity - but why? He deserves credit for sporting the best accent in the show (or at least the one I enjoyed the most) - though I have to say the entire cast did an excellent job in that regard. In putting on British accents, many casts just don't try at all, or do it badly - every actor in this cast was strong, and the accents weren't exaggerated - they were soft and spot on.
Cindy Stowers plays the secretary Vera, and does a great job carrying a lot of the dramatic weight of the show - she has to be the host, the love interest, the endangered female - she was kept hopping throughout!
Stephen Vance plays the part of Dr. Armstrong, a man with lots of secrets. Stephen is a fine comedic actor, and it's great to see him in a serious role - he does a great job.
Hats off to my pal Clint McElroy, who directed the show. A mighty undertaking, and as always, he does a fantastic job!
This is the kind of community theatre we need more of - serious, thoughtful and darned entertaining performances with terrific actors. What more could you ask?
This is the last weekend for the show, so I urge you to get out there and enjoy it before the mystery is solved for the last time.
But thankfully there are alternatives, and it's great to see one playing out on stage in Huntington. The 5th Avenue Theatre Company has tackled one of literature's most popular genres - a mystery! It's being presented this weekend at the beautiful and spacious Huntington City Hall Auditorium. The play is a clever, perfectly devised murder mystery that will keep you guessing right up to the end, and it features some of the best actors in the Tri-State area.
The play is Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None, which is based on her famous mystery, Ten Little Indians. The story is set on a vacation home on an island, where eight guests, a butler and a cook are gathered.They think they're about to enjoy a relaxing weekend, but each one carries a dark secret - and one guest has murder in his or her heart. One by one, the guests suffer a terrible fate. Can the survivors - or the audience - discover the identity of the murderer before it's too late?
I love a mystery, and this is an excellent one! In short order you're introduced to the characters, and you'll find yourself trying desperately to figure out which one is the murderer. There's a good reason why Dame Agatha Christie is considered one of the greatest mystery writers of all - she gives you all the information you need to solve the mystery, and then defies you to figure it out.
At different points in the play I suspected almost every character (and by the end I was looking suspiciously at the guy sitting in the next row). If you manage to sort it out, you're better at that sort of thing than I am. But I had a blast trying!
Another factor that makes the show a lot of fun is the terrific cast, which I will talk about in alphabetical order in my continuing attempt at not giving anything away (which is what makes reviewing a mystery so tricky).
Michael Beck plays the part of the Butler (Rogers), and he's perfect as the haughty servant who barely tolerates the rude guests at the home.
Griffin McElroy plays the part of Anthony, and does a wonderful job of being a annoying, beastly little prat of a fellow (and I mean that in the best way possible).
Justin McElroy is the 11th actor in this show, putting in a cameo appearance as Fred, the pilot of the ferryboat, and getting a nice turn late in the show.
Travis McElroy plays the part of Phillip, a soldier of fortune and ladies' man who's ready for almost anything. Almost! (He also did an excellent job designing the set for the show, by the way.)
Jane Modlin gets to play the part of Emily, the prissy little old lady, and she has a lot of fun with the role.
Paul Neace plays the part of Sir Lawrence, a judge who finds himself playing detective and analyzing the killer's first moves. He also gets to wear the show's most unique costume at one point.
Mark Near plays the part of General McKenzie, a tragic figure who harbors a dark secret. Mark earns bonus points for having the most impressive facial hair in the cast - his sideburns and mustache will make you think of that guy on the cough drops. Awesome!
Linda Reynolds plays the cook, Ethel, sometimes grouchy and sometimes sensitive - as an actor she's always fun to watch.
Dwight Slappe plays William, a man hiding behind a false identity - but why? He deserves credit for sporting the best accent in the show (or at least the one I enjoyed the most) - though I have to say the entire cast did an excellent job in that regard. In putting on British accents, many casts just don't try at all, or do it badly - every actor in this cast was strong, and the accents weren't exaggerated - they were soft and spot on.
Cindy Stowers plays the secretary Vera, and does a great job carrying a lot of the dramatic weight of the show - she has to be the host, the love interest, the endangered female - she was kept hopping throughout!
Stephen Vance plays the part of Dr. Armstrong, a man with lots of secrets. Stephen is a fine comedic actor, and it's great to see him in a serious role - he does a great job.
Hats off to my pal Clint McElroy, who directed the show. A mighty undertaking, and as always, he does a fantastic job!
This is the kind of community theatre we need more of - serious, thoughtful and darned entertaining performances with terrific actors. What more could you ask?
This is the last weekend for the show, so I urge you to get out there and enjoy it before the mystery is solved for the last time.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
On Stage Tonight - "Nunsense"
Tonight at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, you can catch Emmy-Award winner Sally Struthers and the cast of Nunsense for its 25th Anniversary National Tour!
The hilarious show tells the story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken as they cope with an unexpected turn of events. The sisters are suddenly faced with enormous expenses and must find some way to raise the funds! Get ready to giggle as they put on a variety show to raise funds, utilizing their own unusual talents.
Tickets for Nunsense are $55, $50 & $45. Youth tickets (17 & under) are $27.50, $25, & $22.50. Tickets can be purchased through the Marshall Artists Series box office, located in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling (304) 696-6656 or (304) 523-5757. Or buy them at the window at the Keith-Albee!
Highly recommended!
The hilarious show tells the story of the Little Sisters of Hoboken as they cope with an unexpected turn of events. The sisters are suddenly faced with enormous expenses and must find some way to raise the funds! Get ready to giggle as they put on a variety show to raise funds, utilizing their own unusual talents.
Tickets for Nunsense are $55, $50 & $45. Youth tickets (17 & under) are $27.50, $25, & $22.50. Tickets can be purchased through the Marshall Artists Series box office, located in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling (304) 696-6656 or (304) 523-5757. Or buy them at the window at the Keith-Albee!
Highly recommended!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
The End Is Near For "Spamalot"
Sad but true - the long-running Broadway show Spamalot will be shutting down early next year. Here's an excerpt from the story at Broadway.com:
Spamalot, the Tony-winning musical “lovingly ripped off” from cult flick Monty Python and the Holy Grail, will play its final Broadway performance on January 18, 2009. At the time of its closing, the show will have played 1,582 performances and 35 previews at the Shubert Theatre.This is especially sad because I haven't seen the darn thing yet! I was planning to catch it this Spring, but I had to cancel my trip at the last minute. Luckily, there's still time!
The musical comedy features a book and lyrics by Eric Idle, music by John Du Prez and Idle, direction by Mike Nichols, choreography by Casey Nicholaw and is based on the screenplay of Monty Python and the Holy Grail by Monty Python creators Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin.
Monday, October 20, 2008
On Stage This Week - "Nunsense" with Sally Struthers
I'm surprised to hear that there are still tickets available for this week's performance of Nunsense, which stars All in the Family star Sally Struthers!
Here's the information about the show:
Here's the information about the show:
Emmy-Award Winner Sally Struthers joins the cast of Nunsense for its 25th Anniversary National Tour!It's a fun show with lots of laughs. Highly recommended!
This zany comedy tells the story of the one-of-a-kind Little Sisters of Hoboken as they cope with the unexpected funerals of 52 of their sisters who were accidentally poisoned by the cook. The sisters are suddenly faced with enormous expenses and must find some way to raise the funds! Get ready to giggle as the Little Sisters of Hoboken put on a variety show to raise funds for the funerals, utilizing their own peculiar talents.
The New York Times applauds Nunsense as “a hail of fun and frolic!” Emmy-Award winner Sally Struthers leads a phenomenal cast as Reverend Mother Regina, lending her musical talents and undeniable comedy to the role. The show features show-stopping musical numbers, tap and ballet dancing, an interactive audience quiz, and endless comic surprises that are sure to have the audience rolling in the aisles and singing along.
Tickets are going fast, so reserve your seats today!
Tickets for Nunsense are $55, $50 & $45. Youth tickets (17 & under) are $27.50, $25, & $22.50. Tickets can be purchased through the Marshall Artists Series box office, located in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling (304) 696-6656 or (304) 523-5757. The box office is open Monday-Friday from noon - 5 p.m. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.
Nunsense is also sponsored by WKEE, B-97, WTCR, WOWK 13, The Herald-Dispatch, Marshall University, and the College of Fine Arts.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
On Stage Today - "George M!" and "Then There Were None"
You have two shows to choose from this afternoon in Huntington.
Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
Marshall University usually doesn't do Sunday performances, but they're making an exception for the excellent George M!, which has one last performance this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The show is presented by the Marshall University Department of Theatre, and tickets are $14, $12, $7 and $5.
I'm also sure you'll enjoy either show - so roll into downtown Huntington and check one out!
Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
Marshall University usually doesn't do Sunday performances, but they're making an exception for the excellent George M!, which has one last performance this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The show is presented by the Marshall University Department of Theatre, and tickets are $14, $12, $7 and $5.
I'm also sure you'll enjoy either show - so roll into downtown Huntington and check one out!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
On Stage Tonight - Four Shows!
The choices are even more difficult tonight, as four shows hit local stages. Two are in Charleston and two are in Huntington. Your choices:
- George M! will be presented by the Marshall University Department of Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14, $12, $7 and $5.
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Bright Ideas will be presented by the Kanawha Players at the Kanawha Players Theater tonight. Tickets are $16 and $10.
So much to see, so little time! Oh, and if it helps you figure out your schedule, Sunday's your last chance to catch George M! and Bright Ideas.
- George M! will be presented by the Marshall University Department of Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14, $12, $7 and $5.
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12 and $10.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
- Bright Ideas will be presented by the Kanawha Players at the Kanawha Players Theater tonight. Tickets are $16 and $10.
So much to see, so little time! Oh, and if it helps you figure out your schedule, Sunday's your last chance to catch George M! and Bright Ideas.
"George M!" - A Review
Most stage shows face the challenge of living up to previous productions of the same show - but George M! has an even bigger challenge. It has to live up to one of the greatest films of all time, Yankee Doodle Dandy, which starred James Cagney.
I'm happy to report that Marshall University's Department of Theatre production holds up very well indeed, thanks to a terrific cast and some fantastic performances.
It's not often you see a show that has the crowd enthusiastically clapping along, but this is that kind of a show. It took an effort of will to keep from singing along with the cast on several songs (and I heard a few people in the audience who gave in to the urge).
The show tells the story of Broadway performer / writer / producer / director George M. Cohan, who became the king of Broadway in the early part of the 20th Century. The show is filled with the songs that made Cohan famous, including "Give My Regards to Broadway," "Harrigan," "Over There" and "You're a Grand Old Flag."
The title role is brought to life in amazing fashion by Sean Watkins, who captures the larger-than-life character perfectly, right down to the accent, the incredible dancing, and the powerful voice of Cohan. Truly impressive!
He's joined by an excellent supporting cast, including Chris Ferris and Emily Chapman as George's parents, and Maggie Saunders as his sister, the fourth member of The Four Cohans.
This is a dance-intensive show (and tap-intensive), which can be extremely difficult to stage, and the cast worked for months getting ready. Their hard work paid off, and the dancing is excellent, especially some of the big tap numbers. And Watkins is incredible with his dancing in the "Yankee Doodle Dandy" number.
The cast includes a surprising number of young actors, and the directors managed to draw on some incredibly talented local performers - in fact, a third of the cast members are recent stars from local children's theatre shows, including the radiant Sarah Hayes, Chuck Herndon, Scott Burner, Amy Klim, Nathan Mohebbi, Jeremy Plyburn and Maggie Saunders.
The rest of the cast also does a terrific job, including Sara Booth, Shelby Brewster, Katie Cavis, Brittany Flowers, Caitlin Haught, Greg Kiser, Erika Lawson, Erin Martin, Tristan Reynolds, Leila Rozzi, Rocky Scarbro and Alisha Woodall.
George M! offers a great look back at the early days of Broadway, and the tough road performers faced, learning the ropes in vaudeville, traveling across the country, and if they were lucky enough and talented enough, working their way up to Broadway.
The show features terrific music and dancing numbers, and is a heckuva lot of fun. Kudos to the directing team - Gene Anthony, who's one of our best directors (if not the best); Coni Anthony, who directing the outstanding choreography on display in the show; Jamez Morris-Smith, who created the fantastic scenic design; Joan St. Germaine, who designed the costumes (which perfectly evoked the era); and Bruce S. Rous, who was the music director and delivered outstanding performances from every member of the cast.
If you're looking for an entertaining show (and who isn't?), want a reminder of a more innocent time, or you're ready for a shot of patriotism, be sure to catch George M! - and bring the whole family. You'll thank me, your mother will thank me, your father will thank me, and your sister will thank me. (And that line will make sense when you see the show.)
Go, and tell your friends! We want to encourage Marshall to produce more terrific musicals like this! Oh, and buy those tickets as soon as you can - Friday night's show was virtually sold out, and the Saturday and Sunday tickets are going fast!
I'm happy to report that Marshall University's Department of Theatre production holds up very well indeed, thanks to a terrific cast and some fantastic performances.
It's not often you see a show that has the crowd enthusiastically clapping along, but this is that kind of a show. It took an effort of will to keep from singing along with the cast on several songs (and I heard a few people in the audience who gave in to the urge).
The show tells the story of Broadway performer / writer / producer / director George M. Cohan, who became the king of Broadway in the early part of the 20th Century. The show is filled with the songs that made Cohan famous, including "Give My Regards to Broadway," "Harrigan," "Over There" and "You're a Grand Old Flag."
The title role is brought to life in amazing fashion by Sean Watkins, who captures the larger-than-life character perfectly, right down to the accent, the incredible dancing, and the powerful voice of Cohan. Truly impressive!
He's joined by an excellent supporting cast, including Chris Ferris and Emily Chapman as George's parents, and Maggie Saunders as his sister, the fourth member of The Four Cohans.
This is a dance-intensive show (and tap-intensive), which can be extremely difficult to stage, and the cast worked for months getting ready. Their hard work paid off, and the dancing is excellent, especially some of the big tap numbers. And Watkins is incredible with his dancing in the "Yankee Doodle Dandy" number.
The cast includes a surprising number of young actors, and the directors managed to draw on some incredibly talented local performers - in fact, a third of the cast members are recent stars from local children's theatre shows, including the radiant Sarah Hayes, Chuck Herndon, Scott Burner, Amy Klim, Nathan Mohebbi, Jeremy Plyburn and Maggie Saunders.
The rest of the cast also does a terrific job, including Sara Booth, Shelby Brewster, Katie Cavis, Brittany Flowers, Caitlin Haught, Greg Kiser, Erika Lawson, Erin Martin, Tristan Reynolds, Leila Rozzi, Rocky Scarbro and Alisha Woodall.
George M! offers a great look back at the early days of Broadway, and the tough road performers faced, learning the ropes in vaudeville, traveling across the country, and if they were lucky enough and talented enough, working their way up to Broadway.
The show features terrific music and dancing numbers, and is a heckuva lot of fun. Kudos to the directing team - Gene Anthony, who's one of our best directors (if not the best); Coni Anthony, who directing the outstanding choreography on display in the show; Jamez Morris-Smith, who created the fantastic scenic design; Joan St. Germaine, who designed the costumes (which perfectly evoked the era); and Bruce S. Rous, who was the music director and delivered outstanding performances from every member of the cast.
If you're looking for an entertaining show (and who isn't?), want a reminder of a more innocent time, or you're ready for a shot of patriotism, be sure to catch George M! - and bring the whole family. You'll thank me, your mother will thank me, your father will thank me, and your sister will thank me. (And that line will make sense when you see the show.)
Go, and tell your friends! We want to encourage Marshall to produce more terrific musicals like this! Oh, and buy those tickets as soon as you can - Friday night's show was virtually sold out, and the Saturday and Sunday tickets are going fast!
Friday, October 17, 2008
On Stage Tonight - "And Then," "George" and "Measure"
Tonight the choices get tougher for theatre fans, as three shows take the stage - two in Huntington, and one in Charleston.
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight.
- George M! will be presented by the Marshall University Department of Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14, $12, $7 and $5.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
So you can choose between a mystery, a musical and the Bard!
- Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None will be presented by the 5th Avenue Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium tonight.
- George M! will be presented by the Marshall University Department of Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $14, $12, $7 and $5.
- Shakespeare’s Measure by Measure will be presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $10.
So you can choose between a mystery, a musical and the Bard!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
"And Then There Were None"
The famous play by mystery writer Agatha Christie begins its run at the Huntington City Hall auditorium Friday night - but you can learn more about it by reading this article by my pal Dave Lavender.
Here's an excerpt:
Here's an excerpt:
Imagine an island.
And on that foggy island, a Victorian mansion filled with a flock of house guests - all strangers.
Imagine every last one of these strangers has dark secrets in his or her past that have floated to the surface - each have caused someone's death.
Now imagine that these guests and even the hosts begin dying off one at a time.
Like Lost set in an elegant Victorian living room, Agatha Christie's island murder mystery And Then There Were None swirls with suspense, checkered pasts and the stench of evil on the loose and present.
Fifth Avenue Theatre Company's production of the murder mystery begins its first weekend run tonight at 8 p.m. at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium on the second floor of Huntington City Hall, 800 5th Ave.
Featuring veteran actor and director Clint McElroy at the helm this oft hilarious and plot-turning who-done-it, the show also takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, as well as 8 p.m. Oct. 24 and 25 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 26.
Admission is $12 or $10 for children 12 and under.
McElroy said it's a great play to do since it was adapted to the stage by Christie, whose more than 80 detective novels are second in sales only to the Bible.
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