Finding the "Joy"

My pal Jonathan Joy is a busy guy these days. One of his short plays will be included in Marshall Unversity's New Works Project (more on that soon), and he's the cover story for the April issue of Insight for Playwrights magazine!

The story is titled "Finding the Joy," and it was written by Sandra Hosking. Here's an excerpt:

West Virginia playwright Jonathan Joy considers 2010 a breakout year for his writing. With productions of different plays last year in North Carolina, Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia, he now has had his work performed in 10 states over the past 10 years.

“Among these, I’ve had seven productions in NYC in the past five years. The most recent was a 2009 performance of one of my favorite works, The Princess of Rome, Ohio. What excites me most, however, is my first international show,” Joy says.

His play American Standard was produced in Dubai by Backstage Dubai last November. A Romanian theatre also recently contacted him.

Congratulations, John!

Happy Memorial Day!

When I was young, Memorial Day was a big holiday. A large gathering of my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins would form a caravan of vehicles and visit rural graveyards, placing flowers on the graves of relatives who died long ago. My Uncle Claude would place a small American flag on the graves of the veterans.

We'd have a picnic lunch at a roadside park (back when such things existed) and eventually make our way home. It really wasn't a somber event - it was more a celebration of those who had passed on.

I continue the tradition in a much more limited fashion these days. My Mom and I pay our respects at a few family plots and leave flowers. We also place flags by my Grandfather Hill's grave (he was a veteran of World War I) and my father's grave (he served in the Navy during World War II).

I hope, as a nation, we never forget the debt we owe to the untold thousands of men and women who served their country.

I urge you to observe the day by taking a few moments and remembering your loved ones - even the ancestors you never met. We wouldn't be here without them!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

More Theatre News

Here's another update on local actors who are making their mark in the world of entertainment (and thanks to my pal Elaine Young for passing along this info):

- Congratulations to Nathan Mohebbi, who's on stage this summer at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, N.C. He will be playing the part of Armand in Once on this Island - June 15 - 19 and he'll be in Hairspray - July 20 - August 14.

- Congratulations to Mary Kate Young, who's on stage this summer at the Music Theatre Louisville in Louisville, Ky., where she will be playing the part of Susan Lawrence in BIG - the Musical August 5 - 14.

- And congratulations to John Wolfe, who is performing on stage right now on the Holland America Cruise Lines!

If you have news to add, send me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll post it here!

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Postponed

My apologies to any readers (such as my pal Bil Neal) who made the trip to Charleston to see this show, only to discover it had been postponed.

Here's the explanation from the Charleston Stage Company's website:

Charleston Stage Company's production of Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has been postponed.

Shortly before the play was to open, a member of the cast has had to withdraw from the cast due to health related reasons. New performance dates are to be September 1-3 and 8-10, 2011, 7:30 p.m., at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers St. Charleston.

The company regrets any inconvenience caused by this delay. However, our longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, live theatre to the community would not be served by presenting a production that was hastily prepared. We believe that the cast members, and ultimately the audiences of the Kanawha Valley, will be better served by an integrated ensemble, performing at their best, in this complex, character -driven American stage classic.

While we are all disappointed by the circumstances surrounding this delay, it does mean that Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the capstone play of CSC's 19th season, will be effectively jump-starting our exciting 20th season. We appreciate the support of our community and look forward to a great production.

Please note that all advance and season tickets will be honored at the box office for the new dates.

RESCHEDULED DATE: 7:30 PM, September 1-3 and 8-10, 2011
Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers St., Charleston, WV

And Now, For Something Completely Different

This note arrived recently from my pal Zach Davis about a new comedy project he's working on that sounds like a lot of fun:

Hey Chuck! I have an exciting announcement to make.

I, along with my dear friend Jen Fuller, have been working on creating a new kind of theatre entertainment for the Tri-state area and after several months we can officially make it known to the public.

We are proud to introduce LAST LAUGH! A Comedy and Improv Troupe!

We are based out of Boyd County, Ky., and have lined up performances in the Frank's Building until June of next year. Our first performance will be in August and have a back-to-school theme. We are also working on setting dates for venues in Huntington as well.

Last Laugh! is comprised of six core members which include Josh Taylor, Greg Kiser, Susan Rawn, Peggy Walker, Jen Fuller and myself. Of course we have plenty of room to expand as well for those interested.

Our mission and purpose is not only to bring a new form of entertainment to the Tri-State but each show will benefit a charity as well. We will be donating most of the proceeds to a different charity - that way we can give back and spread the joy that theatre and entertainment can bring to others.

Last Laugh! members will be showcasing their own work and bringing an assortment of characters with them. Each member will mimic a celebrity and bring new characters to life as well.

Our goal is to blend the classic "Who's Line..." and Saturday Night Live into one unique showcase each performance. There will be plenty of audience participation games and skits.

We also are encouraging community playwrights to submit material to us as well. We are super excited to be offering this to our area. Last Laugh! is also available to be booked for private events and parties as well.

So get ready for a new and exciting year, Tri-State. Keep a sharp eye open for more show details and if anyone is interested in possibly joining our group or writing skits for us, please contact me via email, facebook or phone!

Theatre Notes

A few news items about young performers with roots in Huntington who are making their mark in the world of entertainment:

- Congratulations to Sarah Hayes, who recently danced as part of a special tour in New York (off Broadway) and in Washington, DC!

- Congratulations to Maggie Saunders, who was chosen as a finalist for the second West Virginia Symphony Idol competition in Charleston, and will sing with the symphony in February! The first Symphony Idol - my pal Ryan Hardiman - recently ended his reign.

- Congratulations to Josh Meredith, who has a busy summer at the Weathervane Playhouse in Newark, Ohio - he'll be Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors June 2-11, Huck Finn in Big River June 30-July 9, Rolf in The Sound of Music July 14-July 23, and a Principal dancer in Chicago July 28-August 6!

- Congratulations to Laura LaCara, who recently signed on to perform as part of the Greenbrier Entertainers. That group is staging the musical Blues in the Night at the world-class resort. The show is a dynamic collection of torchy blues classics.

And that just scratches the surface - if you have news to share, send it to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll post it here!

On Stage This Weekend

You have three great shows to choose from this weekend, including two musicals and a drama:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Curtain Up Players presents the musical May 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Charleston Stage Company presents the drama by Edward Albee at 7:30 p.m., May 26-28, June 2-4, 2011, at the Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- Godspell - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the hit musical May 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.

ARTS Celebrates Its First Decade

The group known as ARTS (Arts Resources for the Tri-State) is planning a gala 10th Anniversary Celebration.

It takes place Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a review of show tunes performed by some of the Tri-State's finest performers. The review will be in The Renaissance Theatre with Chris Bowling as Musical Director.

During the review ARTS will honor several outstanding individuals in the community.

Wine and hors d'oeuvers reception will follow the review. Tickets for the show only at $15, and tickets for the reception and the show are $25.

For more information call 304-733-2787.

One Last "Joseph" Interview!

For the last of our e-interviews with some of the cast members of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (which wraps up this weekend in Huntington), let's hear from my pal Jonathan Lamp who plays two roles in the show - he's the Pharaoh and Gad, one of Joseph's brothers.

About eight years ago Jon did great work in the last production of "Joseph" staged in Huntington, and he must have had fun, because he's back for more:

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is "Joseph" about?

Jonathan: "Joseph" is based off a story from the Old Testament. It is about a young man who could interpret dreams. He gets sold away by his brothers, due to their jealousy towards him. Joseph later makes makes a name for himself. To find out more, come see the show!

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Jonathan: This is my favorite musical. I have loved it since I was a child and am honored to have a second opportunity to do it.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Jonathan: My favorite part of the show is the Song of the King. Then again... it is my song so I am biased. :-)

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Jonathan: I love this cast. We are more like a family at this point.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Jonathan: Friday May 27 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 28 at 8 p.m. All shows are performed at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center also known as the former Camelot Theater.

Time for Another "Joseph" Interview!

You have two more chances to catch the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this weekend in Huntington, and here's another e-interview with one of the stars of the show!

Let's talk with my pal Julie Hoss, who plays the wife of Jacob:

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is Joseph about?

Julie: This story is found in Genesis, and tells the story of the father (Jacob-Israel) of the twelve tribes of Israel, and how God used Jacob's favorite son, Joseph to save their family from starvation. Joseph's brothers were very jealous of him because Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob-Israel, so they sold him into slavery, but told Jacob that Joseph was dead. What the brothers intended for evil ended up being a part of God's plan to eventually save all of their lives.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Julie: I love musical theatre, and have wanted to return to it for years. So I am grateful and honored to be allowed to participate in this wonderful live entertainment.

Q: What's your favorite thing about the show?

Julie: The variety of mood settings in this musical help keep it interesting for both the cast members and the audience. And the lighthearted comedy parts help convey the historical tale in a way that can keep you laughing and also help you retain the story content in your memory.

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Julie: Have had an absolute blast! Love the fact that there is a huge variety of age groups represented in a relatively small cast.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Julie: The shows are May 27 and 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Ave in downtown Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children. Church groups of 15 or more get discounts. Curtains Up Players can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

My pal Dave Lavender filed an excellent story in today's Herald-Dispatch about "Joseph" - you can read it right here:

King James may have the lock-down on the Bible's definitive print version, but when it comes to juicing up the Bible's stories with a little pop-rocked razzle dazzle, nobody's kicked up that Middle Eastern historical sand like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

This weekend, Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, 1030 4th Ave., dials the time machine back a couple thousand years for Webber and Rice's gloriously rollicking musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Put on by the new theater group Curtains Up Players (formerly known as the Pullman Plaza Players), "Joseph" runs 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 20-21 and May 27-28. Weekend matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for children.

Paul Neace, one of the founders of Curtains Up Players, said they scoured a long list of musical shows to do, but settled on Webber and Rice's first collaboration, the campy and musically diverse, "Joseph," which they debuted in 1967, a few years before they struck the big-time with Jesus Christ Superstar.

Armed with Bradley Leonard, who played the lead role of Seymour in their production of Little Shop of Horrors, last fall, Curtains Up has drawn in a wide array of regional talent put together by veteran director, Danny Ray, who is joined by musical director, Steve Burnett; assistant director, Clara Adkins; choreographer, Jessica Fox; and producers, Shayne Gue and Michael Gore.

Todd Preston, who helped start the Curtains Up Players, said the production benefits from a strong cast (that includes such actors as Angela Hunt (who will be going to the University of Colorado to purse a Ph.D. in acting), Shayne Gue and Nancy Jackson) as well as some folks like Charleston resident Alan Pennington, and theater veteran, Rhett Pennell, who just moved into the area.

"I think one of the interesting things about this cast is that there are a lot of people who've not been seen in this community theater scene," Preston said.

A new face to the scene is Pennell, who plays Simeon. He has added a personal touch to the show with a seasoned stage presence and he designed an array of colorful, movable animal props for the set from a serpent and a scorpion to a flock of sheep.

A professional toy designer who moved to the Tri-State from New Jersey last year, Pennell said while as a young adult he'd been an equity actor in New York and did national theater tours, he'd put his acting on hold for his art career, drawing and designing toys for large companies.

Pennell said he couldn't resist auditioning when he saw the Facebook post for "Joseph," the first effort by Webber and Rice, who went on to write Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita together.

"This is a great release and gets my butt from out in front of a computer all day," Pennell said. "You can't say no to 'Joseph.' I've loved doing this for 20 years."

Neace said the show that runs the gamut from Elvisy rock 'n' roll to hand-clapping, western swinging country music to sheer Broadway pop hadn't been done for a while and is just a great show for all ages since it only runs about an hour and 30 minutes.

Neace said they hope "Joseph" is just the first of many more Curtains Up Players' productions to come at Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, the former Camelot movie theater that was turned into a dance academy and arts venue by local dance teacher, Jessica Fox.

He credits two Curtains Up Players' board members, Danny Ray and Clara Adkins, for suggesting Jeslyn, which seats about 350 or so, as a possible theater home for the troupe.

"Our board and her board wanted to give this new-found relationship a try, and so we've decided to try this on a trial run for the first year or so to see if it will work for both parties," said Neace, whose theater group initially formed at Pullman Plaza Hotel in the fall of 2010. "The bottom line is that it seems to make sense for everybody. Jessica and her husband and staff couldn't be nicer and more supportive. We want it to work for them as much as we want it to work for us. I truly think this will be a fabulous relationship and the talents that we can bring to them and that they can add to us are going to create something unlike anything this town has seen."

If you go

WHAT: Curtains Up Players presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

WHERE: Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, 1030 4th Ave., Huntington

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 20-21 and May 27-28. Weekend matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $15 and $12 for children

GET TIX: For tickets, call 304-634-9605. You can also follow Curtains Up on Twitter at twitter@CUPofTheatreWV and the Facebook Page is Curtain's Up Players.

THE CAST: Nancy Jackson, Bradley Leonard, Alan Pennington, Michael Gore, Diane Slater, Rhett Pennell, Lindsay Calhoun, Christopher Sunderland, Kristen Pennington, Andrew Surber, Leslie Collins, Jacob Jarvis, Elaine Adkins, Shayne Gue, Angela Hunt, Jonathan Lamp, Holly Maynard, Ethan Terry, Rachel Geiger, Max Wilson, Alex O'Donnell, Luc Adkins, Maggie Donahoe, Julie Hoss. Children's Choir: Will Hunt, Ethan Hunt, Ben Hunt, Braedyn Clagg, Laura Clagg, Ella Wilburn, Hannah Tussy, Dylan Herrmann-Holt, Haylee Winters, Colby Winters, Sydney Winters, Samuel Collins and Leela Jackson

On Stage This Weekend - Four Musicals

It's a busy weekend for your community theatre groups, as the spring season nears the end. Here are the four musicals you have to choose from:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Curtain Up Players presents the musical May 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

- The Drowsy Chaperone - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit Broadway musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 20 and 21.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - Clay Center presents the musical based on the animated film Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m.

- Godspell - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the hit musical May 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Jennifer Garner to Host Benefit in Charleston

The mystery has been solved! One of Charleston's most famous daughters is giving back to her home town:

Actress Jennifer Garner plans to host a benefit for the Charleston Light Opera Guild next month during the city’s FestivALL.

Light Opera Guild and FestivALL officials on Thursday announced Garner’s appearance.

Garner, a former Light Opera Guild performer, will host the benefit June 18 at the Charleston Civic Center.

The Light Opera Guild will perform Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Civic Center’s Little Theatre and a reception will follow the show.

Tickets for the show and reception range from $120 to $200 and go on sale June 1 at the Little Theatre’s box office.

Garner, who’s married to actor Ben Affleck, grew up in Charleston.

Our Third "Joseph" Interview!

Time for another e-interview with one of the cast members of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which takes the stage Friday night in Huntington!

This time we talk with Rhett Pennell who plays the part of Simeon, one of Joseph's 11 brothers.

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is Joseph about?

Rhett: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a fun musical adaption of the story of the life of Joseph that finishes off the Book of Genesis in the Old Testament. When Joseph is given a coat of many colors by his father Jacob, it's the final straw for his 11 brothers who have always been jealous that he is their father's favorite. Joseph is sold into slavery, dragged into Egypt and winds up tossed in jail. Strange as it seems, it is there that Joseph will begin a journey that will take him from being a lowly prisoner to becoming the savior of Egypt - all accompanied by one of the bounciest scores in the history of musical theatre.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Rhett:: I used to be a professional actor living in New York (the bulk of my career was spent criss-crossing the country in a number of children's theatrical tours - I just found out this past week that I've performed here in Huntington at the Huntington High Renaissance)! These days I'm a toy designer for Fisher-Price and a few other companies, which means I usually spend all day sitting at my desk drawing on my computer. My family came to Huntington last year to help care for relatives and when I saw the audition notice for "Joseph" I couldn't refuse. I've loved the music for over 20 years and this seemed like a good opportunity to get off my rear and stretch some muscles (physical and theatrical) that I haven't had a chance to exercise in a while. More, in fact, than I ever have before: I've never had to remember so much choreography and harmony singing in my life!

Q: What's your favorite thing about the show?

Rhett:: The music. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wrote a version of this show when they were barely out of their teens - I still think it's one of the best things they've ever done.

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Rhett:: Heck, yes. There's a lot of talent in this bunch.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Rhett:: May 20 through May 28, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. Matinee performances on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 at 2:30 p.m. At the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (formerly the Camelot Theatre) in downtown Huntington.

Mystery Guest, Sign In Please!

Here's a mystery to be solved Thursday morning, as per this press release sent along by my pal Sallie Daugherty:

Charleston Light Opera Guild and FestivALL Charleston 2011 will hold a press conference on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre to announce that a major star will be returning to Charleston to host a Charleston Light Opera Guild/FestivALL Charleston featured event.

Mayor Danny Jones, FestivALL Charleston director Larry Groce, Charleston Light Opera Guild artistic director Nina Denton Pasinetti and Charleston Light Opera Guild Board President Tim Whitener will be on hand to announce the name.

For more information, call Sallie Daugherty at 304-419-5557.

I love a mystery! I'll share the announcement as soon as it arrives (sadly, I won't be able to attend the press conference).

(By the way, bonus geek points for those who know the origin of the headline at the top of this post.)

Another "Joseph" Interview

Let's continue our e-interviews with members of the cast of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which takes the stage this weekend in Huntington!

Today, let's hear from the show's co-star - the Narrator, played by my pal Nancy Jackson.

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is Joseph about?

Nancy: Joseph is the story from Genesis in the Bible about Jacob and his 12 sons. Joseph is Jacob's favorite. Jacob buys Joseph a multicolored coat, which causes jealousy in the brothers. Joseph is also a dream interpreter, which makes the brothers angry when they don't like his dreams. They then decide to kill Joseph and hide the truth from their father. They end up selling Joseph into slavery. He ends up in Egypt and interprets Pharoah's dream, saving Egypt from seven years of famine. Pharoah makes Joseph his second in command. His brothers end up starving from the famine and come to Egypt to ask for food. They discover that it is Joseph who has saved them and he is reunited with his family. The Narrator guides the audience through the story.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Nancy: The Narrator is a role that has great appeal to most every female musical theater singer. It has an impressive range vocally and LOTS of lyrics to learn! She is the front and center teller of the story. She dances and flirts and plays along through the entire story, (hopefully!) engaging the audience and drawing them into her tale.

Q: What's your favorite thing about the show?

Nancy: It is fun and colorful and surprising and will have you tapping your toes and dancing in the aisles!

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Nancy: We have an amazing group of talented people who are fun and and great to work with. It has been a total joy!

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Nancy: The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Ave in downtown Huntington. May 20, 21, 27, 28 at 8 p.m. and May 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

An Interview with "Joseph"

Starting this weekend is one of my favorite musicals - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - and to tell you more about it we have a series of e-interviews with assorted members of the cast.

Let's start off with the title character, Joseph, who is played by Bradley Leonard:

Q: For those who haven't seen it, what is Joseph about?

Bradley: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a story taken from the Bible and is a story of a boy with the gift of explaining dreams. The show starts with a narrator telling a group of children of how their dreams can change the world and to explain this she tells the story of Joseph. So throughout the show the narrator is telling the tale and we see how Joseph’s dreams change the world around him for the better.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Bradley: One of the main reasons I really wanted to do this show came to me when I started researching it. I believe it was in the song "Close Every Door." During this song Joseph is in jail and he feels worthless. I found I really could relate to this because through the course of my life I fought medical problems and troubles with people who wanted to throw me away instead of helping me. Once I saw that song I knew that I wanted o portray that part because in many ways I was this character.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Bradley: I have so many favorite parts of this show I guess one that I can narrow down is the children. The children add a certain magic to the show. It’s weird but it seems that when we might be tired of maybe unsure about something all we have to do is look at the kids and their smiling faces give us a strong purpose for what we need to do. Because in a sense the show is a story for children and they are a constant reminder of how we need to embrace the child like mindset to be who we are.

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Bradley: This cast has truly been fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every moment that I’ve spent with them, whether it be building a set or blocking a scene - they have all been wonderful and I will be very sad to have to say goodbye to them in the end.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Bradley: The show will be at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Academy located in downtown Huntington on May 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and May 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

Is Theatre Too Expensive? (Part III)

I've enjoyed this ongoing debate - it's one that's probably been around about as long as community theatre has been in existence.

I wanted to add a few points: few if any community theatre groups are in it to get rich. Almost all of them are non-profit organizations, with most of the people involved volunteering their time - and most are operating on slim margins. None of them will last long if they put on shows that lose money.

The problem is, no one knows how many people will turn out for any given show, so they have to use experience and educated guesses to determine what price to charge for a ticket. Some groups charges $10, $12, $15, $20 or more - all depending on how expensive the show is and how many people they guess will attend.

Each group hopes to make a profit on each show so they can fund the next show. More than one group has folded - or almost folded - because it ran out of funds.

Most theatre groups would be thrilled if they could present the show for free. (Lest you think I'm being silly, son Justin tells me that there are theatre groups in Austin, Texas, that are completely underwritten and charge nothing for their performances.)

But the reality is that most groups survive on ticket sales. And even at the $20 price, community theatre is quite a bargain. To see live performances on a stage is a wonderful experience - there's really nothing like it. No film can match the energy of a live performance, which can combine costumes, scenery, music, dancing, drama - the list goes on and on.

But these are tough economic times, and buying a ticket for a show or a movie is beyond some people - and that's a shame. The more people are exposed to live theatre, the more they enjoy it - but getting them in the theatre isn't easy, and there's a lot of competition out there for your entertainment dollar.

There are ways to see a show without buying a ticket. You can volunteer with a local theatre group - help build sets, make costumes, etc. - then you can see the show you helped create.

The easiest way is to volunteer to be an usher. As my pal Bil Neal said:

Most of the time when we're putting on a show we need ushers. It's about 30 minutes worth of work, and you see the show at no cost.

Do I wish tickets were cheaper? Absolutely. I know it's a lot of money for a family to pay for a show.

But you can see live theatre for about the cost of a movie ticket, some popcorn and a drink - and that's not too bad.

And believe me, every local theatre group is grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and supports their efforts. It's a tough time for theatre, and they need all the help they can get!

Is Theatre Too Expensive? (Part II)

We've had some interesting letters on the recent comment about the high cost of community theatre tickets - but a couple of them seem to have been lost during recent problems with Blogger... so let's print them here for all to see and discuss.

Stephen Vance wrote:

I've had this conversation several times with people I know. Our take ends up being almost the exact opposite.

Community theatre ticket prices in Huntington are not only reasonable but probably a little cheaper than they should be. I've had the opportunity to see shows both professionally produced and locally produced not just in Huntington but in other cities as well. On average, I've paid $20 to $25 for community produced shows nearly everywhere except for in Huntington.

I know we've intentionally kept the prices down in groups I've worked with, afraid that it would keep audiences away, even though there would be huge benefits to the quality and sanity of the productions with more revenue.

The point we arrive at is this. Seeing a community theatre show for $15 is equivalent to almost any form of entertainment we have otherwise in this area. Going to the movies are a little cheaper, but if you see one in 3D it's almost the same. Bowling a few games, going out to eat, spending a day at the mall or Walmart, etc. all have comparable entertainment costs, but its a matter of choice.

Even if theatre tickets are slightly more expensive, you are taking part of something you can't get anywhere else, live theatre.

As far as cutting ticket prices down further, I think everyone knows this is impossible. Over half of the budget for the last three shows I've worked on has been in fees paid to the rights holder. (That's before even the first costume was rented or the first box of screws was bought).

I understand the misconception that ticket prices are too high, but if you want to see live entertainment it has non-negotiable costs that the ticket sales sometimes actually cover. I think everyone involved in local theatre can agree that ticket sales aren't about making someone rich, it's simply about just getting the show actually paid for.

Linda Reynolds wrote:

As most folks know,very seldom does the ticket revenue pay for the cost of presenting a community threatre show, especially a musical. Program ads, T-shirt sales, fund raising events such as pancake breakfasts are used to help defray the substantial costs involved.

The desire to present theatre, involving children or not, runs very strong in this town. I mean, who WANTS to do those fund raising things. The rights and royalties of even a modest musical can easily run to $10,000. In addition, the cost of the venue has to be included in the budget and that can run another $8000 or more.

Rarely, if we are fortunate, a benefactor will act as an "angel" or sponsor and defray some of the cost involved. We who perform, crew and support in any other way, those on stage, are in the same boat as far as personal finances are concerned, as the writer. We work full time to "play" part-time, often supplying our costumes and sometimes props for our productions.

So don't think we are not honored by your presence and the financial sacrifice it represents. You could have gone to a MU Football game for a minimum ticket price of $16, you could have gone to Charleston where community theatre often costs $20 a ticket and is well worth it. But, you chose us. Thank you. We will give you more than your $15 worth.

Eddie Harbert wrote:

Ditto Stephen. Just to do Titanic, we had to pay the royalty company over $2000.00. Costumes were about $1000 and set was about $1500.

After that you have to add publicity costs, orchestra, staff, etc. I would love to cut ticket prices, but we simply can't do that if we are going to produce quality shows. We have had to raise ticket prices because it now costs us more money to produce the shows.

Lisa Williams wrote:

Linda,

I think your response was so nicely worded. Those folks who are associated with the world of theatre (on stage or in the audience) do understand the cost, hard work, time, etc. to put on a show, but I like the idea that the cast and crew also understand it's a financial sacrifice for those sitting in the audience. That was a cool thing to say. :-)

And I've never been to a show in the Huntington area where the cast and crew haven't given 110%. The performers in Huntington have always given us more than our $15 worth. And as someone who LOVES live theatre, THANK YOU!

I don't have a problem with the ticket prices as much as I have a problem with the fact that all the plays are performed in the same month. I don't mind spending the money to see live theater; I just wish I didn't have to spend it all at the same time. :-)

It seems like there are so many wonderful shows all running at the same time (October and May) that I can't see them all... not for lack of funds but for lack of available days in my calendar. :-(

I do wish there was a way to "hook" more people in this area. I am always so disappointed in the low attendance rates of some of the shows I've seen. The shows are outstanding and should be playing to packed houses, but they are not. I don't understand people in Huntington for not coming out and seeing a show.

But it's not just local theatre. My husband and I were at the comedy club at Pullman last week-end... on a Saturday night... at the 10:30 show. It should have been packed, but it wasn't. And they were giving away tickets! So much for things being too expensive to come out and see!

We have a lot of good stuff in the way of live entertainment for the people of Huntington. I'm not sure why people aren't filling up the seats!

Thanks for the comments! I have a few things to add, which I'll pitch in tomorrow. As always, if you'd like to join the discussion, click on the comment link below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

On Stage This Weekend

You have two great shows taking the stage this weekend, although you’ll have to drive to Charleston to see them.

They are:

- The Drowsy Chaperone - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit Broadway musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 13, 14, 15, 20 and 21, 2011. It's a terrific show and highly recommended!

- Airwaves - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the drama written and directed by Dan Kehde at 8 p.m. May 12-14 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $10 for Adults and $6 for Students and Seniors. I haven't seen this show but I hear wonderful things about it - check it out!