"Follies" Takes the Stage

   The Herald-Dispatch focuses on Follies today - the musical opens this weekend in Huntington!

   The story by Chuck Minsker (who?) also features some photos - you can see the article at this link. Here's an excerpt:

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   It’s a musical! It’s a love story! It’s a ghost story! It’s a song-and-dance showcase!

   Well, it’s a bit complicated — but with an all-star cast of theatre veterans, the musical “Follies,” which is being staged this weekend in Huntington, is a challenge well worth untangling for the Alchemy Theatre Troupe.

   With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the story centers on a reunion at a theatre on Broadway that’s about to close. Past performers of “Weismann’s Follies” gather for one more chance to remember their younger days.

   The musical is also being presented on a classic stage — at the former Huntington East High School, now known as the Cabell County Board of Education Building, in the Janice Chandler Auditorium at 2850 5th Ave., in Huntington. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 6-7 and March 13-14, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 8.

   Actress Rebekah Sword said, “The musical is mainly about the interconnected relationships of two couples. They are haunted by ghosts of the past — ghosts of their choices, lost loves and mistakes.”

   Those ghosts come to life on stage, performing songs and dance numbers from the original show (complete with glamorous, glittery costumes) and confronting present-day struggles with their marriages.

"Titus Andronicus" Interview with Richard Holicker

   The Shakespeare tragedy Titus Andronicus takes the stage this weekend in Charleston, and we have some comments from the cast to share.

   Let’s hear from Richard Holicker, who provides some light moments in a dark show (he's pictured here in his stage costume):

Q. Tell us about the character you play.

Richard: I play The Clown. He serves a small plot point but mostly he serves as comic relief in an otherwise violent, bloody play. (Though he’s a funny character, he too comes to a violent end.)

Q. What is your background in theatre? 

Richard: I began acting in high school and gave it up to become first a writer and then a lawyer. A few years ago, I heard the siren call again and have been active in Charleston’s community theater scene since, appearing as Ruckley in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, the Jury Foreman in Of Gods and Men, and three short plays as part of the Celtic Calling festival.

Q. This is considered to be Shakespeare's most violent play - does that make it more challenging for the cast?

Richard: Not when one serves as comic relief. And as violent as it is, it also contains what may be the world’s first ‘Yo Mama’ joke. (CHIRON: Thou hast undone our mother. AARON: Villain, I have done thy mother! – Act 4, Scene 2)

Q. Why would you recommend this show to our readers? 

Richard: It’s one of Shakespeare’s least-often performed plays, and we do a pretty good job with it.

   Thanks, Richard!

Titus Andronicus - The Shakespeare tragedy will be presented at The Bullock Distillery at 121 West Washington Street in Elk City (Charleston) on March 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students.

On Stage This Week; Upcoming Shows; and Auditions

Here’s the lineup of community theatre performances for the week beginning Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

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LIVE THEATRE

“Follies” - Alchemy Theatre will present the musical March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each. In 1971, on the soon-to-be demolished stage of the Weismann Theater, a reunion is being held to honor the Weismann's "Follies" shows past, and the beautiful chorus girls who performed there every year between the two World Wars. The once resplendent theater is now little but planks and scaffolding. The reunited actors reminisce, perform old numbers, reignite old flames, and appraise relationships as dilapidated as the old theater - often accompanied by the ghosts of their younger selves. 

“The Complete History of Theatre (abridged)” - The Timberwolf Theatre Company of Spring Valley High School presents the comedy/farce March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m.  and March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the school auditorium. Title characters feature world renowned William Shakespeare, Russian stage craft master Constantine Stanislavsky, and famed stage actress Sarah Bernhardt. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 a piece and donations for the furthering of our young program will always be highly appreciated!

“Titus Andronicus” - The Shakespeare tragedy will be presented at The Bullock Distillery at 121 West Washington Street in Elk City (Charleston) on March 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students.

“Fuddy Mears” - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the adult comedy on March 6, 7, 13 and 14. All showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and students, and $5 for Shawnee State University Students. You can get your tickets the day of, or online, at www.pltlive.com

 “The Crucible” - Southern Coalition for the Arts presents the play by Arthur Miller on March 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and March 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Southern EV Community and Technical College Logan Campus.

“Sense and Sensibility” - The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will present the adaptation of the Jane Austen novel by Kate Hamill. Set in the 1790s in England, this play concerns the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their journey into happiness and fulfillment. At a time in which a woman’s value and place in society is based upon her husband and his wealth, Elinor and Marianne face many challenges. Will they find a husband who can secure their position? Or, should society allow strong, intelligent, capable women their own position? The play is filled with subtly funny moments, tender scenes, and broad comedy. The play will be presented on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14.

Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties) For a complete list of upcoming murder mysteries, visit www.murderandmerriment-dot-com.

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UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“Mamma Mia” - Paramount Players will present the show based on the music of Abba at the Paramount Theater in Ashland, Ky. on March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $30.

“Romeo & Juliet” - BlackRoot Theatre in Belle / Quincy, W.Va., will present the Shakespeare play. Performances will be March 27, 28 and April 4 at 8 p.m. and March 29 and April 5 at 3 p.m.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - First Stage Theatre will present the musical based on the classic comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz. The show will be performed at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on April 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and April 4 and 5 at 2:30 p.m.

“Mary Poppins, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the popular Disney movie and the Broadway musical. Performances will be April 2-5 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater.

“Disney’s Moana, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical based on the beloved 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The show will be performed on April 23, 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.

“The Wizard of Oz” - Huntington High School’s Theatre Department will present the musical based on the beloved film on April 23, 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.

“Memphis the Musical” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical on April 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theater. “Memphis” is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ol' local boy with a passion for R&B and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones, they embark on a dangerous romance as Huey optimistically believes music can transcend race.

“Long Day’s Journey into Night” - The Alban Arts Center will present the show on April 24, 25, May 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Performing Arts Center on Main Street in St. Albans.

“The Producers” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the musical based on the Mel Brooks movie on April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8 p.m., April 26 at 2:30 p.m., and May 3 at 6 p.m.

“Ring of Fire” - The Mid-Ohio Valley Players will present the musical at the Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater at 227 Putnam Street in Marietta, Ohio, on May 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 8 p.m. and May 3 at 2:30 p.m. The Music of Johnny Cash has had a remarkable journey from Broadway to theatres across the world. The show recently received a hot new re-conception by original creator Richard Maltby, Jr. featuring a cast of five actor/musicians.

“The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon”  - The Kanawha Players will present the play. The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like The Devil's Grandmother and The Girl Without Hands. A wild, free-form comedy with lots of audience participation and madcap fun.

“The Addams Family” - HART in the Park will present the musical at Huntington Ritter Park Amphitheater in June 2020.

“James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” - Zadokite Woods Productions will present the musical based on the beloved book on June 25, 26 and 27 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

“Elf the Musical” - HART in the Park will present the musical at Huntington Ritter Park Amphitheater in July 2020.

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AUDITIONS:

“Sordid Lives” - On The Edge Theatre Company will hold auditions on March 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the The Venue at 1570 Diederich Blvd. in Russell, Ky. Please bring a resume (not required). The audition will consist of a cold read from the script. Please come any time during the time listed. 

"Follies" Interview with Nora Ankrom

    We’re just a few days away from the musical Follies taking the stage in Huntington - and we have another interview with a member of the cast!

   Today let hear from the amazingly talented Nora Ankrom:

Q: What is Follies about?

Nora: Follies is about a group of former Follies performers who have come together for one last reunion before their theater is torn down. The story focuses on two couples - Ben and Phyllis, Buddy and Sally - and their complicated relationship histories. As the evening unfolds and the party-goers reminisce, the ghosts and shadows of their former selves appear and replay the drama of their younger days. 

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

Nora: Sondheim’s music and lyrics are complicated and challenging - in story, orchestrations, harmonies, and rhythm. In this show in particular, while the set is fairly basic (an old theater), the costumes are completely glamorous. It’s a treat for a performer. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Nora: I play the ghost of a former showgirl. So I get to sing and dance to beautiful music and wear about a hundred different fabulous costumes and headpieces covered in sequins and feathers. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Nora: I’ve been involved in community theatre for the last seven years. I was primarily involved with ARTS, but I’ve also performed with the Alban Arts Center and Appalachian Artists Collective. I’m a founding member and Vice President of Alchemy Theatre Troupe. In our first two years we produced three cabarets, four contemporary plays, and two Shakespearean comedies in partnership with the West Virginia Shakespeare Festival. Follies kicks off our third season of shows and is our first musical, of which I’m very proud. 

Q: What’s more challenging in this show, the singing or the dancing?

Nora: I’ll always argue that Sondheim’s music and lyrics are the most challenging of any composer, but as a showgirl ghost, I have a lot more dancing than singing in this one. Our choreographer Amy Browning has created a lot of fun, challenging material. 

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show?

Nora: Jane Modlin’s “Could I Leave You?” is so awesome and powerful and comes as a big surprise at that point in the show. 

   Jinnie Knight’s “Losing My Mind” is haunting, beautiful, and so very honest. It breaks my heart every time. 

   Robert Jackson’s incredible performance in the show’s final number “Live, Laugh, Love” is equal parts spectacular and gut-wrenching. 

   John Campbell’s “The Right Girl” is so creative and indicative of the internal struggle of his character, displaying his skill as both a singer and an actor. 

   Todd Green and Becky McClelland are just the most adorable little couple in their sweet song “Rain on the Roof.”

   Rebekah Sword’s powerful soprano has such a lovely and fun display in “Ah, Paris.”

   Sheila Redling will absolutely bring down the house every night with her hilarious, fantastic version of the iconic “Broadway Baby.”

   Hilary Brewster is a complete powerhouse as she belts while tapping in “Who’s That Woman?” 

   Mary Olson is just perfect and makes me laugh and cry in her beautiful rendition of “I’m Still Here.” 

   Linda Dobbs and Laura Campbell will blow away audiences with their soaring, gorgeous duet “One More Kiss.”

   Carl Taylor’s incredible, jaw-dropping tenor opens the show with the fantastic “Beautiful Girls.” 

   Kathleen Aluise, Madasyn Warnock, Shane Lloyd, and Colt Sowards are sweet and adorable and handle so well one of Sondheim’s very complicated arrangements, “You’re Gonna Love Tomorrow/ Love Will See Us Through.” 

   And I love performing as a showgirl ghost with Alyssa Poindexter, Kristen Rucker, Natasha Allen, and Joanna Murdock in all our songs, but my favorite is “Buddy’s Blues.“  

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Nora: In addition to all the amazing songs above, this show also features Kennie Bass as Mr. Weismann, the reunion’s host and MC and debuts Aaron Hale in his very first stage performance. 

   Choreographer Amy Browning has created beautiful dances and pictures throughout the show that both challenge and showcase the cast.

   Music Director TK Lombardo masterfully conducts the cast and orchestra through some very complicated music.

   Artistic Director and Producer Mike Murdock has handled all the technical, behind-the-scenes aspects you can think of (and many you probably wouldn’t think of) beautifully. 

   And our Director Bil Neal fearlessly leads our entire cast so well. He creates a welcoming environment where everyone from seasoned stage veterans to complete newbies feels comfortable and has a great time. 

   I can’t think of a reason NOT to see this show. 

   Thanks, Nora!

   Follies - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.

"Titus Andronicus" Interview with Melanie Larch

   The Shakespeare tragedy Titus Andronicus is considered the Bard’s most violent work (and perhaps, most appealing to modern theatregoers) - and it has ardent fans.

   The show takes the stage this weekend (note the poster to the left), and we have some interviews with the cast to share - the first is with Melanie Larch, who plays the Queen of the Goths. She jumped at the chance to be part of this production!

Q. What is Titus Andronicus about?

Mel: Basically, it's the fictional story of Titus, a general in the Roman army, who finds himself locked in a vicious cycle of revenge with Tamora, the Queen of the Goths. 

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

Mel: Well, there are a couple of reasons. After playing Margaret in Richard III for the Alban back in 2013, I wanted to see how many other badass women Shakespeare came up with (laughs). I did some research into Titus, found out about Tamora, and thought, "Oh, it would be fun to play her someday." I didn't know if the opportunity would ever present itself. When I found out about auditions, I knew I had to go and take the chance to see what would happen.  And now, here I am! (laughs)

   The other reason is that it's been six years since I've done a show. After finishing Antigone for the Alban in 2014, I decided that since I was getting married a few months later, I was going to take a year off from performing to enjoy being a newlywed with my husband.  About two months after our wedding, I landed my present job, which also required some time for transition and training, so then it was a matter of "okay, this year off thing may get stretched out a little longer."  We also like to travel a lot and it's really difficult to do that and be involved with a production.  

   And there was also a bit of waiting for the right show to come along, too!  

Q. Tell us about the character you play. 

Mel: I play Tamora, the Queen of the Goths, who have been at war with the Roman forces for 10 years. At the beginning of the play, Titus has returned to Rome with her as his prisoner, along with her sons Alarbus, Demetrius, and Chiron, and Aaron the Moor, who is her secret lover.  When Titus orders the sacrifice of her eldest son to avenge the deaths of so many of his sons at the hands of the Goths, Tamora vows revenge on Titus and his family, thus starting the whole vicious cycle of revenge that follows.

Q. What is your background in theatre?

Mel: I've basically been doing theatre my entire adult life. The first local group I worked with was the Charleston Light Opera Guild and a lot of my body of work is in musical theatre. But I always knew I wanted to do straight plays, too and just kept trying out for lots of different things. I've also done opera, operetta, choral music, been a vocal soloist with the West Virginia Symphony, done background vocals on a couple of albums - even a couple of indy horror films! Like any actor, there's been my share of "ones that got away," but I've been blessedly lucky to do the things I've done! 

   Especially this show - it’s wonderful to be part of such a smart, talented, and all around good bunch people who all bring something to the table to make this piece come together. There's been this wonderful spirit of cooperation and bouncing ideas off of each other, and just generally working together for the good of the whole project.  I've been reading my friend Mark Larson's book, "Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theatre" and I see a lot of parallels between what we're doing with The Titus Project and the idea of ensemble theatre. 

Q. This is considered to be Shakespeare's most violent play - does that make it more challenging for the cast?

Mel: We've had some discussions during rehearsal about the nature of the violence, but I don't think any of us have significant qualms about it. Staging the various acts of violence can be challenging, yes. We've taken great care to work with that throughout our process so that things will look violent to the audience, while keeping ourselves safe so we can live to fight another day. 

Q. Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Mel: Well, how about the fact we're performing it in a distillery? (laughs) Our performance space is The Bullock Distillery on Charleston's West Side (Elk City), not too far from Gonzoburger, Books & Brews, and a lot of other new businesses that are popping up in that area. We're also part of the Celtic Calling event that's been taking place in Charleston for the last several years. And who doesn't enjoy a good story of revenge every now and then? 

    Thanks, Mel!

“Titus Andronicus” - The Shakespeare tragedy will be presented at The Bullock Distillery at 121 West Washington Street in Elk City (Charleston) on March 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students.

"Follies" Interview with Rebekah Sword

    We’re just a week away from the musical Follies taking the stage - and we have an interview with a member of the cast to share! 

   Today let talk to the lovely and talented Rebekah Sword, who plays “Solange.”

Q: What is “Follies” about? 

Rebekah: “Follies” is mainly about the interconnected relationships of two couples. They are haunted by ghosts of the past - ghosts of their choices, lost loves, and mistakes. The backdrop for the main love triangle and conflict in these marriages is a cocktail party where those who once performed in the follies come back together before their home theater becomes a parking lot. 

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

Rebekah: I wanted to be a part of this show because I love singing Stephen Sondheim and it’s uncommon in our area for a Sondheim work to be performed. I also love working with director Bil Neal. I haven’t had the opportunity to be on stage in about two years, so when this opportunity came along, I had to take it. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Rebekah: The character I play is Solange LaFitte, a French former showgirl turned perfume mogul.  She had brought along her perfumes and is attempting to drum up sales amongst her former friends and colleagues. She is possibly going to branch out into skincare or makeup sales as she brags about looking “this good at 66” - an age that she cannot possibly be. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Rebekah: I have a degree in voice from WVU and was active in their opera theater during my time there. I was also active in Marshall’s opera theater while finishing up my English degree. I have performed with 5^th Avenue Theater Company, Kanawha Players, and ARTS previously. I am really more of a singer than I am an actor, but I do enjoy getting to perform in any capacity.  

Q: This is Alchemy’s first musical production - what’s more challenging, the singing or the dancing? 

Rebekah: The dancing.  In every show that I’ve ever been in, dancing has been the bane of my existence and I have been a choreographer’s nightmare.  I am truly a “park and bark” singer, but choreographer Amy Browning has been so patient and attentive to my lack of skill and coordination. 

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show? 

Rebekah: It is so hard to choose just one song as a favorite.  I honestly don’t believe that I can.  One of my favorites is Carlotta’s “I’m Still Here.”  This was one of the few songs that I knew before beginning this show.  Mary Olsen does a brilliant job of being clever and poignant.  It’s a beautiful song that can make a listener both laugh and cry.  I also love “The-God-Why-Don’t-You-Love-Me-Blues.”  While Dr. John Campbell does a wonderful job with this, the two showgirls representing Margie and Sally, played by Johanna Murdock and Nora Ankrom, are hysterical.  I have watched it many times and it never fails to make me laugh.  

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Rebekah: This show has something for everyone.  There are beautiful dancing girls.  There’s fabulous music.  There are brilliant actors.  There’s passion and pain.  There’s humor.  It’s just a brilliant work and Bil has done a fabulous job with it.  The play sucks me in and I get very angry at the characters of Ben and Sally.  I feel sorry for Buddy.  I cheer for Phyllis – my favorite character.  If you see this play for no other reason, see it for Jane Modlin’s Phyllis.  

   Thanks, Rebekah!

   “Follies” - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.

"Follies" Interview with John Campbell

    There are several shows in the area getting ready to take the stage, including the beloved musical Follies!

   To get you ready for the show, we have interviews with the cast to share, starting with the amazingly talented John Campbell, who plays “Buddy."

Q: What is “Follies” about? 

John: Frustrated expectations about love, life, marriage, career. As my character sings, "The things that you want, you don't seem to get." Sound familiar?

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

John: I always enjoy working with director Bil Neal, and playing with the folks at Alchemy. Sondheim writes some wonderful tunes, and this show has some of his best.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

John: Buddy is at the reunion of the theater where his wife had performed 30 years earlier as a showgirl, and he has memories of their relationship back then while dealing with the difficulties of their marriage in the present.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

John: I have acted in several shows in the area, and directed a couple.

Q: This is Alchemy’s first musical production - what’s more challenging, the singing or the dancing?

John: For me, the dancing is definitely the greater challenge. Of course, in one of my numbers ("Buddy's Blues") I do both simultaneously, and that's a mental as well as physical workout. But it's a lot of fun too.

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show?

John:"Losing My Mind" is simply exquisite. Jinnie Knight does a superb job with it. Hearing it is worth the price of the ticket.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

John: Sondheim's tunes are lovely, and his lyrics are sharp. You'll see some very, very fine acting from this talented cast, hear some wonderful voices, and enjoy the visual splendor of the glittering costumes and big dance numbers. The subject matter - couples struggling in their relationships - is difficult at times. If you aren't in such a situation yourself, you know someone who is, and you will see them on the stage. And yet… there is hope. You will laugh - there are some really funny moments - and you very well may cry; there is catharsis in the journey.

   Thanks, John!

   “Follies” - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.

On Stage This Weekend and Upcoming Shows

Here’s the lineup of community theatre performances for the week beginning Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

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LIVE THEATRE

“The Colored Museum” - The Alban Arts Center will present the play by George C. Wolfe on Feb. 28, 29 and March 1 at 8 pm on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students. The play is Rated “R” due to adult language and content. Making his directorial debut at the Alban Arts Center, Stuart Frazier brings “The Colored Museum” to the Alban Arts Center stage. In the play, African-American “exhibits” come to life to explore culture, identity, and stereotypes. The 1986 play is by African-American playwright George C. Wolfe. Serving as an elaborate satire of the prominent themes and identities of African-American culture, the play is set in a fictional museum where African-American figures are kept for public consumption. Told in a series of 11 sketches, each segment centers on a different “exhibit” in the museum. Exploring themes of racism, stereotypes, intra-community conflicts in black culture, and the ongoing legacy of slavery and segregation, “The Colored Museum” received overwhelming critical praise for its provocative subject matter and in-depth exploration of the African-American theatrical and cultural past.

“Sense and Sensibility” - The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will present the adaptation of the Jane Austen novel by Kate Hamill. Set in the 1790s in England, this play concerns the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their journey into happiness and fulfillment. At a time in which a woman’s value and place in society is based upon her husband and his wealth, Elinor and Marianne face many challenges. Will they find a husband who can secure their position? Or, should society allow strong, intelligent, capable women their own position? The play is filled with subtly funny moments, tender scenes, and broad comedy. The play will be presented on Feb. 28, 29, and March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14.

Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties) For a complete list of upcoming murder mysteries, visit www.murderandmerriment-dot-com.

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UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“Follies” - Alchemy Theatre will present the musical March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each. In 1971, on the soon-to-be demolished stage of the Weismann Theater, a reunion is being held to honor the Weismann's "Follies" shows past, and the beautiful chorus girls who performed there every year between the two World Wars. The once resplendent theater is now little but planks and scaffolding. The reunited actors reminisce, perform old numbers, reignite old flames, and appraise relationships as dilapidated as the old theater - often accompanied by the ghosts of their younger selves. 

“The Complete History of Theatre (abridged)” - The Timberwolf Theatre Company of Spring Valley High School presents the comedy/farce March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m.  and March 8 at 2:30 p.m. at the school auditorium. Title characters feature world renowned William Shakespeare, Russian stage craft master Constantine Stanislavsky, and famed stage actress Sarah Bernhardt. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 a piece and donations for the furthering of our young program will always be highly appreciated!

“Titus Andronicus” - The Shakespeare tragedy will be presented at The Bullock Distillery at 121 West Washington Street in Elk City (Charleston) on March 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students.

 “The Crucible” - Southern Coalition for the Arts presents the play by Arthur Miller on March 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and March 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Southern EV COmmunity and Technical College Logan Campus. 

“Mamma Mia” - Paramount Players will present the show based on the music of Abba at the Paramount Theater in Ashland, Ky. on March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $30.

“Romeo & Juliet” - BlackRoot Theatre in Belle / Quincy, W.Va., will present the Shakespeare play. Performances will be March 27, 28 and April 4 at 8 p.m. and March 29 and April 5 at 3 p.m.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - First Stage Theatre will present the musical based on the classic comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz. The show will be performed at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on April 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and April 4 and 5 at 2:30 p.m.

“Mary Poppins, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the popular Disney movie and the Broadway musical. Performances will be April 2-5 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater.

“Disney’s Moana, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical based on the beloved 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The show will be performed on April 23, 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.

“The Wizard of Oz” - Huntington High School’s Theatre Department will present the musical based on the beloved film on April 23, 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.

“Memphis the Musical” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical on April 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theater. “Memphis” is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ol' local boy with a passion for R&B and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones, they embark on a dangerous romance as Huey optimistically believes music can transcend race.

“Long Day’s Journey into Night” - The Alban Arts Center will present the show on April 24, 25, May 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Performing Arts Center on Main Street in St. Albans.

“The Producers” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the musical based on the Mel Brooks movie on April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8 p.m., April 26 at 2:30 p.m., and May 3 at 6 p.m.

“Ring of Fire” - The Mid-Ohio Valley Players will present the musical at the Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater at 227 Putnam Street in Marietta, Ohio, on May 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 8 p.m. and May 3 at 2:30 p.m. The Music of Johnny Cash has had a remarkable journey from Broadway to theatres across the world. The show recently received a hot new re-conception by original creator Richard Maltby, Jr. featuring a cast of five actor/musicians.

“The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon”  - The Kanawha Players will present the play. The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like The Devil's Grandmother and The Girl Without Hands. A wild, free-form comedy with lots of audience participation and madcap fun.

“The Addams Family” - HART in the Park will present the musical at Huntington Ritter Park Amphitheater in June 2020.

“James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” - Zadokite Woods Productions will present the musical based on the beloved book on June 25, 26 and 27 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

“Elf the Musical” - HART in the Park will present the musical at Huntington Ritter Park Amphitheater in July 2020.