First Stage Announces New Spring 2009 Season

Finally, the decisions have been made, the contracts signed, and here's the press release announcing the two shows First Stage will be presenting in Spring 2009 (note that the auditions for both shows will be held together on the second weekend in January):

The First Stage Theatre Company has a new lineup of performances for its Spring 2009 season, which wraps up the 19th season for the area children’s theater. Two shows will be staged in March 2009: Charlotte’s Web and Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move. Auditions for actors for both plays will take place in January.

Charlotte’s Web is based on the popular children’s book by E.B. White. The show will be presented at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington, W.Va., March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15, 2009. The non-musical play tells the story of a girl named Fern who saves a runt pig named Wilbur, and how his life in turn is saved by a clever spider named Charlotte. The play will feature a cast of about 35 young performers and will be directed by Amy Browning and produced by Jeanette Bills.

Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move is a musical comedy based on the popular book by Judith Viorst with music by Shelly Markham, and is the sequel to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It tells the story of a young boy and how he reacts when his parents tell him the family has to move to a new town. The show will be presented at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center in Huntington, W.Va., March 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29, 2009. The musical will feature a cast of about 15 performers. The directing team is: director Chuck Minsker, producer Jeanette Rowsey, music director Mark Smith, choreographer Melissa McGuffin, and assistant director Eric Newfeld.

Auditions for both shows will take place at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 E. Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, Jan. 11 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Auditions are open to performers ages 10 to seniors in high school. Those auditioning for both shows will be provided scripts to read aloud. Those auditioning for “Alexander” should be prepared to sing a 30-second song selection. There will be a pianist, but you may use an accompaniment tape or CD (with no vocals). Wear comfortable clothes for dance.

The First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Its website is www.firststagetheatre.org.