Today we have my pal Beth McVey talking to us about the latest offering from ARTS - a special Valentine's show.
Q: Tell us about the show that you're presenting this weekend.
Beth: All the Colors of Love, A Valentine Gift, is a collection of love songs from Broadway shows. It follows a storyline from dating, through falling in love, to getting married, falling out of love, divorce, falling in love and getting married a second time, love that lasts forever. You know, all the colors of love!
Q: Who are the singers and actors in the cast?
Beth: The cast is a wonderful group of adult performers, some are Huntington favorites like Linda Reynolds, Mary Olsen, Paul Neace, Leann Haines and Mary Beth Withers. Then we have Mark Baker and Chris Bowling from Kentucky, and some new faces like Michele Conley, Dave Richards and Chris Chiles. Their ensemble sound is gorgeous and I'm sure our audience will enjoy their solo, duet and trio work as well.
Q: In addition to the show, you're offering a dinner before the evening performances.
Beth: As far as the dinner goes, think Under the Tuscan Sun. Romantic Italian. Antipasto, salad and roll, your choice of meat or vegetable lasagna and tiramisu for dessert. The dinner costs $15.00 and starts at 6:30. If you have the dinner with us you will get reserved seating for the show. If you are joining us for the show alone, the seating is general admission. You may bring wine to enjoy with your meal, we can't sell wine because we don't have a license, but we will provide an opener and glasses. It's a great deal for $15.00!
Q: You helped create this show, but it wasn't the one you had originally planned to present. What happened?
Beth: We had first thought to present Jerry's Girls, a musical review of Jerry Herman songs. Upon further examination of that project we felt it was not the best choice for our audiences. So Eddie Harbert, Coni Anthony and I came up with the concept for this show and selected the additional cast members and the songs to make our own musical review. Famous love songs for Valentines Day! There will be old favorites you will recognize and some new ones you will love.
Q: Why did you decide to direct this show?
Beth: I chose to direct this show because I have done a lot of Cabaret work and really enjoy this art form, so I knew this would be a fun show to direct. It has been great to get to work with a wonderful company. We are so fortunate to have Bruce Rous accompanying us. He really makes that piano sing and ties the show together beautifully with his incredible talent. In short, your readers are in for a wonderful evening of entertainment and dinner, for the very reasonable price of $30.00 for both or $15.00 for the show only.
Q: Tell us when and where the show is presented and how the readers can get tickets.
Beth: Show only tickets may be purchased at the door the night of the show. For dinner reservations you may call ARTS at 304-733-2787. Office hours are from 11:00 to 3:00 daily or leave a message and we will return your call. The dinner and show will both take place at the Rennaisance Center (the old Huntington High school) at 900 8th Street between 9th and 10th Avenue. Hope to see you there!
4 comments:
My lovely wife and I spent the evening with ARTS last night (Valentine's Day). Wonderful, terrific dinner and show!
Dinner was excellent -- and the ARTS All-Star Show Choir members were our waitstaff. Lasagna, salad, dinner roll and for dessert, tiramisu -- all very good.
The show was excellent, as well. A collection of love songs, some funny, some touching, all expertly presented by the cast. I'm partial to Broadway blockbusters and was blown away by how good Mary Beth Withers was signing "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera. That is not to diminish the others in the terrific cast, but I literally got chills listening to Mary Beth's voice. Our pals Linda Reynolds, Mary Olsen and Paul Neace were amazing, as usual.
One cast member I need to particularly mention was Cabell County Prosecutor Chris Chiles. I've known Chris for 20+ years as a prosecutor and, more recently, as one of the area's better soccer referees. I had no idea he could sing -- but he's terrific! Shocked the heck out of me.
It really was a wonderful evening. If your readers don't have tickets to the plethora of shows this weekend, or have some free time Friday/Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon, I would encourage them to grab their signicant other and enjoy the show. Its well worth it!
Mark, You took your wife to a Valentine's dinner? What, are you trying to spoil her? Now the slacker husbands out there (including me) will never hear the end of it! Thanks, pal!
Dinner, show, flowers, chocolate and a card buddy!
The only thing missing was dancing, and my wife's toes probably appreciate that not being on the evening's agenda!
You did all that? Geez, bro, you're a regular Valentino! I'm impressed!
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