A Look Back at 2009

Before 2009 ends, let's take a moment to look back at some (though not all) of the great community theatre shows and performances that lit up the stage this past year!

Of course, I wasn't able to see all the shows in the Tri-State this year - I'm only one man, after all - so these are my personal highlights, and you're welcome to send along yours, gentle reader. Either click the comment button at the bottom of this post, or send an email to TheMinskers@aol.com.

My impulse is always to list these as a "Top 10" list, but that's not really fair, since I'm the president of First Stage Theatre and would naturally be inclined to put those shows at the top of the list (or not put them at the top in an attempt at being fair) - so I'll stay away from that impulse. But I will list a best performer of the year - how's that?

Let's tackle them in chronological order. Here goes:

One of the first shows I saw this year was Bitsy, Boots... and Ida, a show staged by the First United Methodist Church in February. Written by Jonathan Joy, it's the latest chapter in a series of stories about two cantankerous sisters, their visiting nephew, his fiancee, and another intrusive family member. It's was a true delight - funny, with lots of local references and clever plot twists. They're working on a new story for this February - I can't wait!

In March I saw First Stage Theatre's Charlotte's Web, a wonderful version of the classic story about a little pig and his friendship with a clever spider. I was so impressed with this production - it was outstanding in every way!

At the end of March was a show I'm totally biased about... because I was the director. Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going To Move was a funny, fast-moving musical that featured a terrific, talented young cast (most of whom you'll be seeing again in the upcoming Peanuts musicals next March). I also have to give special kudos to our lone adult in the show, Travis McElroy, who played numerous parts, was hilarious in each one, and also served as a great mentor to those young actors. I'm so proud of the great job by the cast and crew!

In April Marshall's Department of Theatre presented Epic Proportions, a very funny play about the 1930s-era production of a big-budget movie in the desert, and the brothers who try to break into show business. It was very funny and featured a fantastic cast, led by Chuck Hearndon, one of the best actors (comic or otherwise) around.

Despite a hectic summer, in August I saw the Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of Rent, the beloved Broadway musical. It was an amazing production with an incredibly talented cast, terrific production values and a great soundtrack. Definitely one of the area's best productions this year. Special kudos to Ryan Hardiman and Nathan Mohebbi - they knocked it out of the park!

October featured two great shows, each at opposite ends of the scale. I Ought To Be In Pictures was presented by ARTS, and featured a small cast telling the funny story of an estranged father and the daughter who tracks him down in Hollywood. Written by Neil Simon, the show was a star turn for the wonderful Alissa Fetherolf as the daughter, Clint McElroy as the grumpy but loveable Dad, and Leann Haines as the Dad's long-suffering girlfriend. A real delight!

The other show that month was a big musical production of the classic Man of La Mancha, which is based on the book Don Quixote. It was an amazing production with stunning performances by Ryan Hardiman in the title role, Marina Jurica as Dulcinea and Mike Murdock as Sancho Panza. A top-flight production all around!

November brought First Stage Theatre's Into the Woods, the beloved Sondheim musical that combines several fairy tales into a modern tale of love and loss. Featuring an all-star cast of First Stage veterans, it was an outstanding show, and one that would also be in the running for the best show of the year (along with Rent and La Mancha) if I were playing that game.

The last show I saw this year was the one-man production of A Christmas Carol, with Jack Cirillo playing the part of Charles Dickens, who is touring the country doing readings of his famous story - but he's lost his copy of the book, so he has to recreate the story from memory, playing all the parts involved. It was an amazing show, and also in the running for the best of the year.

So I saw lots of great shows and lots of great performances. It's tough to single one out - there are so many great ones to choose from! But I have to admit that the one that impressed me the most was... Jack Cirillo's one-man version of A Christmas Carol. It was amazing to watch - masterful, involving, funny, touching - his performance covered all the bases.

Whew! A great year of shows - and those are just the ones I saw. I urge you to get out there and support your community theatre groups in 2010 - they do amazing work, the ticket prices are (relatively) cheap, and you'll see performances you'll never forget!

Oh, one more thing - Happy New Year!

Pretty As A Picture

Hey, over at my pal Thomas Marsh's blog The Drawing Board (which you can see here or by clicking the link over there on the right of the page), he shows off a cool drawing he did to illustrate the recent Symphony performance at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Pay it a visit and check out the drawing of Marina Jurica, Kimo Furumoto and my pal Ryan Hardiman. It's awesome!

Actors Needed To Bring History To Life

In the holiday crunch I forgot to post this, sent along by my pal Amy - it's of interest to actors out there, especially those with an interest in history - but you'll have to hurry, the deadline is just a day away:

The West Virginia Humanities Council is seeking applications from individuals interested in portraying historical figures as part of the council's popular History Alive! program, according to a release.

Historically significant people no longer living from any period are eligible for consideration.

The humanities council is particularly interested in proposals for characters related to the Civil War and West Virginia statehood, such as "Stonewall" Jackson, John Brown, Francis Pierpont, Arthur Boreman and others.

The application deadline is Jan. 1, 2010. Those chosen receive a stipend to support research to develop the proposed character. Proposals are limited to two potential characters per applicant and must be for portrayal of an actual person. Potential presenters must pass an audition. Selected presenters will join the History Alive! roster effective Nov. 1, 2010, for a minimum two-year period.

Each year, approximately 200 History Alive! presentations are given for schools, libraries, civic groups, historical societies and a wide range of public gatherings across West Virginia.

To apply, contact program officer Mark Payne at 304-346-8500 or payne@wvhumanities.org.

A Flood of Support for ARTS

Over the weekend the music group The 1937 Flood performed at the Renaissance Arts Center for the ARTS annual fundraiser in the center's ballroom at the old Huntington High School.

You can check out some excellent photos right here in the Herald-Dispatch photo gallery by photographer Mark Webb (here's a sample photo), and you can read more about it in this story by my pal Jean Tarbett.

The 1937 Flood is a popular country/bluegrass band. It has performed for the ARTS fundraiser several times.

Biggest Theatre Stories of 2009

Hope everyone had (or is having) a great holiday!

I'm still noodling on my own list of the best shows and performances from 2009, but you can find a list of the top theatre stories from Broadway right here at Playbill's website.

Here's a sample - their top story is about the surge of film stars into Broadway shows:

Stars sell tickets. That's been conventional wisdom along Broadway since the days of Eva Tanguay. This year, however, it seems that only stars could sell tickets. Film stars, specifically. To recession-battered ticketbuyers, only the name about the title was a trustable quantity. Reviews of Blithe Spirit were mixed; but it had Rupert Everett and Angela Lansbury and recouped. Reviewers were unimpressed with A Steady Rain, but, thanks to stars Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, the box office was minting money.

Must Be Santa!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

For our final holiday video, here's a new one - and already one of my all-time favorites. It's none other than Bob Dylan singing "Must Be Santa" in one of the wildest, most frenetic videos ever. Enjoy!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Here's another fun video for you - Bruce Springsteen (wearing a nifty Christmas hat) and the E Street Band singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

By the way, there's nobody better in a live concert that The Boss. I'm just sayin' is all.

A Carpenters Christmas

Here's another holiday video for you, gentle readers. This one features one of the great voices in music, Karen Carpenter, singing an arrangement by her brother Richard of "Merry Christmas, Darling."

All I Want for Christmas...

Hey, the holidays are closing in, so for the next week I'll be posting some daily holiday music clips for your enjoyment and otherwise taking a break here.

We'll be back at work next week presenting some Year-In-Review lists - in the meantime, enjoy the music and have a great holiday season!

Let's start with a local girl who's done quite well for herself - Miley Cyrus, singing one of my favorite new holiday songs, "All I Want for Christmas is You."

Merry Christmas, y'all!

5th Avenue Theatre Announces 2010 Season

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this announcement (thanks, Eddie!):

Just when we thought we had our season planned, 5th Avenue Theatre company has added another show. The 2010 Season will begin with Camelot April 23 - 25 and April 30 - May 1 with a school performance on Thursday, April 29. Tickets for the show are $12.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. Auditions for this show will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall.

We have added a fall show to the season as well. Steel Magnolias will be presented Sept. 17 - 19 and 24 - 26. This show will be directed by Zach Davis who will be making his directoral debut. Tickets for the show are $10.00 for adults and $8.00 for children.

5th Avenue will close the season with the blockbuster show White Christmas. Dates for the show are Dec. 3 - 5 and 10 - 12 with a school performance on Thursday, Dec. 9. Tickets for the show are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for children. 5th Avenue Theatre is pleased to be one of the first community theatre companies to be given the rights to do White Christmas. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Auditions for this show will be held at 2:00 p.m. Aug. 1 at the Jean C. Carlo Auditorium in City Hall.

For the first time ever, 5th Avenue Theatre Company will be selling Season Tickets for the 2010 Season. The price for the Season Ticket is $30.00 for all three shows, which is a discount of almost 20 percent off individual tickets. Season Tickets will go on sale beginning Feb. 1 and will be available until April 1.

For more information about Season Tickets, auditions, or to volunteer to help with a show, please call 304-696-5522.

Kudos to Zach!

Congratulations to our pal Zach Davis, who often comments here - he's getting ready to tackle his first show as a director!

He'll be handling a show-yet-to-be-named for the 5th Avenue Theatre Company.

We're looking forward to hearing more about it, Zach!

Where did I hear this news? On Twitter, of course. If you're into the whole Twitter thing (and who isn't?), you can follow this blog right here: http://twitter.com/chuckminsker.

I'd say "Tell 'em Chuck sent you," but that would be silly.

Winding Down to the End of 2009

A friend in Asheville, N.C., says they have a foot of snow on the ground right now. Looks like we're going to get a blast of snow this weekend in the Tri-State area, but hopefully nothing that severe.

As 2009 winds down, I'm working on some "Year in Review" lists, which we'll roll out the last week of the year. (No plans to attempt a "Decade's Best Shows," but maybe I'll change my mind.) I plan to name some of the best actors of the past year and my own picks for the year's best shows.

As always, gentle readers, if you have comments about your favorites (especially since I wasn't able to see all the shows this year), feel free to make a comment at the link below, or email it to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll post it here.

Stay warm and drive carefully, y'all!

A Concert and a Cool Christmas Gift

There were a couple of good stories in today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch of interest to theatre fans.

- My pal Dave Lavender wrote an article about Saturday's Huntington Symphony concert at the Keith-Albee. You can read it here, and here's an excerpt:

This holiday Kimo Furumoto is running on an equal fuel blend of holly and jolly.

Come Saturday, Dec. 19, maestro Furumoto and the Huntington Symphony Orchestra will spread musical Christmas cheer in the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center as they present the orchestra's Holiday Spectacular at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $18 to $31.

Furumoto said the orchestra is excited to share the holidays with many of the vocalists who've been featured with the symphony in years past including Randall Reid-Smith, Marina Jurica, Ryan Hardiman, the Ironton Varsity Singers, as well as Furumoto's wife, Linda Leyrer.

"We have had so many different singers over the years like Marina and Ryan and Randall Reid-Smith, and now we are bringing them all together and really celebrating all of these wonderful songs we love to hear, both the traditional ones and the ones that are yearly favorites this time of year. We really picked things that would be great for the different singers. They are all unique in their own way and I am really hoping to shine a light on what their niche in singing really is. Having all four of them we are having each of them with their own moment of glory in the program, so we're excited to hear all of them."

Just a few of the selections include Reid-Smith, the celebrated tenor singing, "O' Holy Night," the Ironton Varsity Singers on "Joy to the World," Leyrer singing "Gesu Bambino," by Pietro Yon, Hardiman singing "O Little Town of Bethlehem," and Jurica singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."

To purchase tickets, call 304-781-8343, or stop by the HSO administrative offices at 763 3rd Ave., or www.huntingtonsymphony.org.

- If you're looking for the perfect holiday gift, the Marshall Artists Series has a great suggestion:

The Holiday season is here so give the gift that will last a lifetime: the gift of the arts!

Great tickets are still available for all Marshall Artists Series performances. Kicking off the season Feb. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Cabell Huntington Hospital brings you Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS. Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, and with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, CATS won seven 1983 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Lighting and Best Costumes. There’s no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theatre than with the magic, the mystery, the memory of CATS!

Then on Feb. 23, at 8 p.m. spend An Evening with Lucille Ball in Thank You For Asking at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Join Lucy as she guides us through a lifetime of personal memories inspiring her timeless sketches on I Love Lucy, her 30-year television career and never-before heard personal recollections about her tempestuous and complicated marriage to Cuban bandleader turned impresario, Desi Arnaz. It’s the Lucy the whole world loved – from "Ricardo" to "Mame" – but, more importantly, it’s an evening with the REAL Lucy, as you’ve never seen her before. Produced by Lucie Arnaz.

St. Mary’s Medical Center and HIMG bring Mozart’s masterpiece Don Giovanni, live with a 30-piece world-class orchestra to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center on March 15 at 8 p.m. Hailed by many as the greatest of all operas, Mozart's Don Giovanni is based on the true-life escapades of Don Juan of Seville, an aristocratic lothario who lived during the 1600s. The full-scale production features beautiful sets and costumes and a cast of soloists who are excellent actors as well as first-class singers.

Closing out the season, Beford Auto presents Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance April 22, at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Described by the New York Post as "fascinating, rewarding and above all, entertaining," and by the Los Angeles Times as "a showpiece extravaganza," Lord of the Dance is a mesmerizing blend of traditional and modern Celtic music and dance. The story is based upon mythical Irish folklore as Don Dorcha, Lord of Darkness, challenges the ethereal lord of light, the Lord of the Dance. Battle lines are drawn, passions ignite and a love story fueled by the dramatic leaps and turns of dancers’ bodies begins to build against a backdrop of Celtic rhythm. The action is played out over 21 scenes on a grand scale of precision dancing, dramatic music, colorful costumes and state-of-the-art staging and lighting.

It’s not too late. Still looking for that perfect gift they’ll remember for a lifetime? The Marshall Artists Series has your ticket. Tickets for all shows are on sale now, and may be purchased at The Marshall Artists Series Box Office, located in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse, open Monday — Friday, noon — 5 p.m. Or call the Box Office at 304-696-6656, or 304-523-5757. Adults tickets range from $45-$55 and Youth may receive a 20 percent discount. Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.marshallartistsseries.org, or www.ticketmaster.com.

Not a (Theatrical) Creature Was Stirring...

Ah, it's the time of year when the local stages grow dark as everyone takes a break to enjoy the holiday season.

There is one show coming up, but it's not a stage show - it's a concert this Saturday at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center - you can read all about it right here.

But not to worry, there's still lots to talk about! Coming up in the days ahead we'll look at the shows coming up in 2010, we'll talk about why that year is a big milestone for a local theatre group, and we'll look back at the best shows from 2009!

So stay warm, enjoy the holidays, and keep checking in for the latest here at the Tri-State Theatre blog!

The Cast of "Peanutsapalooza"

From the First Stage Theatre website, here's the cast list for the two shows that are, together, being called Peanutsapalooza:

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Charlie Brown – Levi Kelley
Lucy – Hannah Stevenson
Snoopy – Kate Colclough
Linus- Justin Hesson
Sally – Meg Riley
Schroeder – Elijah Boyles
Woodstock – Rebecca Craig

Snoopy the Musical

Snoopy – Kristin Caviani
Charlie Brown – Chad Arthur
Lucy – Meg Barber
Peppermint Patty – Elizabeth Schmitz
Linus – Samuel Collins
Sally – Leslie Paige Collins
Woodstock – Rileigh Smirl

BASEBALL PLAYERS, TRICK OR TREATERS, MOVIE GOERS, CLOUDS, BLANKETS, PUPPIES, BIRDS, SCHOOL KIDS (Both shows)

Emily Bannon
Clarke Betz
William Beverage
Kacey Blatt
Kathryn Booth
Sarah Bryan
Ian Carlton
Salem Carlton
Rose Colclough
Catherine Dennison
Maggie Donahoe
Nathaniel Fornash
Drew Goodall
Kadin Gould
Madalein Jackson
Sarena Johnson
Taranee Karimpour
Kennedy Magner
Kylie Magner
Ryan McGuffin
Nathaniel Porter
Allison Riley
Natalie Riley
Bailey Sanders
Holly Smith
Andrea Steele
Abigail Turner
Emily Underwood
Annie Wolfe
Samantha Young

Lots of great talent there - I can't wait to see these shows!

Holiday Concert at the Keith-Albee

Here's a holiday show you'll want to mark on your calendar - a holiday concert at Huntington's premiere theatre next weekend!

You may not know that WSAZ-TV's meteorologist Marina Jurica is also a terrific singer. You'll get the chance to hear her and my pal Ryan Hardiman (who's also an amazing singer) at this concert - she sent this email with all the information:

Ryan and I are singing in a really great holiday concert with the Huntington Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater in Huntington.

It is going to be a really fun concert with standards and favorites! You can get tickets by calling 304-781-8343 or online at huntingtonsymphony.org.

It will be a great event for the whole family, so I hope to see you there!

Auditions in Portsmouth for "Damn Yankees"

It's the time of year for auditions!

As proof, my pal Mark sends along this notice:

Portsmouth Little Theatre will hold open auditions for this spring's musical, Damn Yankees at 8 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 15 at the theatre, 1117 Lawson Street.

Those interested should come with a prepared Broadway musical number.

Damn Yankees will be directed by Eric Armstrong with musical direction by Linda Tieman.

Final Day for Peanuts Auditions

Today's the last day for young people to audition for two musicals based on the Peanuts comic strip.

Here's the info:

The First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions Sunday, Dec. 13 for two musicals based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts. Auditions for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Snoopy!!! will be held Sunday, Dec. 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 E. Pea Ridge Road in Huntington.

Casting is available for young actors in grades 3-12. There are multiple parts with all different varieties of skills.

Those auditioning will be provided scripts to read aloud. Performers should be prepared to sing a 30-second song selection. There will be a pianist, or performers may use an accompaniment tape or CD (with no vocals). Performers will also be taught a short dance, so please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes.

The musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the first production ever staged by First Stage Theatre in 1990, and it was last presented on the organization’s 10th anniversary in 2000. This production is part of the group’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

The show is based on the popular Charles M. Schulz comic strip, and includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally and Pigpen. The musical Snoopy!!! is the musical sequel, and offers more adventures of the Peanuts gang.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Snoopy!!! will be performed March 18-21 and March 25-28, 2010 at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium located in Huntington’s City Hall. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (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.

These are great shows - I can't wait to see them!

One More Chance to Catch "A Christmas Carol" at Marshall!

For some reason, Saturday evening's performance of A Christmas Carol at Marshall University didn't get mentioned in any of the publicity that I've seen (including my posts here).

Don't let that fool you - there's one more show Saturday evening at 8 p.m. at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, and I recommend it highly!

My pal C.E. called me Friday afternoon and suggested we see the show, so we joined the large crowd at last night's performance of the one-man show by Jack Cirillo.

What a terrific performance! I should admit right up front that I've been feeling a bit burned out on A Christmas Carol - I've seen the stage show at least once a year for I don't know how many years, in addition to numerous movie versions. I was ready to take a break from it - but I had heard great things about this version, and was happy to check it out.

Am I glad I did! Cirillo plays the part of Charles Dickens, who is on a reading tour of the United States. There's just one problem - his luggage has been misdirected, so he can't do a reading. Instead, he recites the story from memory, acting out all the parts and bringing new life to the beloved classic.

It's very much a one-man show - the only supporting elements are a modest set, an outstanding costume and makeup, some understated lighting effects and a few sound cues.

The rest, including all the characters, their individual voices and dialects, the scene descriptions, the action depicted - all comes from a powerful performance by an amazing actor.

You'll be moved to tears, you'll laugh, and you'll be throughly entertained by this amazing show.

Saturday night's your last chance to see it. I wouldn't miss it if I were you.

Highly, highly recommended!

Cast Announced for "I Love You...You're Perfect...Now Change"

My pal Eddie Harbert is directing the musical I Love You...You're Perfect...Now Change, and sends along this announcement:

I wanted to make sure that you were the first one to get the announcement of the cast for I Love You...You're Perfect...Now Change.

The show is performed with an ensemble cast in a show that is done through a series of vignettes (sort of like Saturday Night Live with songs!).

The ensemble includes: Jane Modlin, Dave Benton, Mary Olson, Mark Baker, Betty Craddock, Ron Short, Jennifer Scott and Josh Taylor.

The story explores the ups-and-downs, joys, sorrows, frustrations and comedy of relationships. The actors will take the audience through the dating, marriage, children, divorce, empty-nest syndrome, mid-life crisis and golden years that make up our relationships.

The show will be done in a cabaret-style setting. Dinner theatre tickets as well as general admission for the show will be sold. It is the perfect pre-Valentine show for couples, both married and unmarried.

Dates for the show are January 29-31 and February 5-7. All performances will be held in the ballroom at the Renaissance Center. More information will be forthcoming in the near future.

Thanks, Eddie! A great cast and a terrific show - can't wait to see it!

On Stage This Weekend - Three Holiday Shows

You have three great shows to choose from this week, and two of them start tonight! Here's the rundown:

- A Christmas Carol - Presented by the Marshall Theatre Alliance, this unique, one-man version of the Christmas classic starring Jack Cirillo takes the stage Dec. 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- Underneath the Lintel - Presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers Street in Charleston, Dec. 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Written by Glen Berger, it tells the story of a reclusive Dutch librarian whose mundane life is transformed when a book is returned in the overnight slot 123 years overdue. Notes scribbled in the margins of the book lead to clue after clue that compel the librarian on a world-wide quest for the mysterious borrower and the meaning of life. Don't miss this memorable one-man show. Joe Miller plays the librarian. Geoff Coward directs.

- Ebenezer Junior - Presented by the Children's Theatre of Charleston at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Dec. 12 and 13 at 2:00 p.m. The beloved classic of the miserly Scrooge who hates anything having to do with Christmas, comes alive with catchy new songs. The score features a wealth of musical styles including Rock ‘n Roll, Blues, Rap and Ballads. Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Fred, the Ghosts and, of course, Tiny Tim all interweave with a large cast and choir in this version by Malcolm Sircom.

Check 'em out!

Upcoming Christmas Concerts

Hey, a mysterious email brings with it this information about some upcoming Christmas concerts:

- The award-winning Grand Champion Cabell Midland H.S. Marching Knights will present their annual Christmas Concert Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. in the school auditorium. The band will be performing songs for the season. The Cabell-Midland Jazz Band will also perform that same evening. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert is free and open to the public.

- The Cabell-Midland and Huntington High Orchestras will combine to perform their annual Christmas Concert on Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, in the Huntington High Auditorium. The orchestra will be performing festive Holiday music. The concert is at 7:00 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public.

- The Tri-State Youth Orchestra will be presenting their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2009, in the Ballroom of ARTS Renaissance Center. The orchestra will be performing music for the season. Admission is $5, children under 12 free. The doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Check 'em out, music lovers!

The Dickens You Say!

OK, I admit it's a terrible title for this post - but the show it represents is awesome!

You can read all about it in this story by Beth Hendricks in the Herald-Dispatch:

It's a solitary Christmas show Scrooge himself would appreciate.

A one-man presentation of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, adapted by Greg Oliver Bodine, will be presented by Marshall University professor of theater, Jack Cirillo.

Showtimes are 8 p.m. nightly Dec. 10 and 11 at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

"Christmas Carol came about this time last year, we were talking about two things. One, how can we present faculty work on a more regular basis? The department chair, Julie Jackson, was eager for me to find something I wanted to do acting-wise," Cirillo said.

"Two, we were looking to create an annual benefit, one of our shows that would directly benefit the students. What we want to do is create a library within our building of play scripts. The main library doesn't have a theater section, per se. This would allow us a little more control to the access of play scripts. The goal is to have something put together by spring.

"So, we have a nice holiday event and it's for a terrific cause."

The one-man show Cirillo said has become a "very solitary activity" is an adaptation of Dicken's novella. In researching the piece, Cirillo said he discovered that Dickens himself did two reading tours in America in the 1800s, bringing a condensed version of his stories. The show, which runs approximately an hour and 15 minutes, was one Cirillo saw acted by Patrick Stewart in the late 1980s.

"It's performed from memory, 42 pages of dialogue, in full regalia and complete prosthetic makeup. When I saw Patrick Stewart do it, I was just blown away. With just a very few props and costuming, I want young people to see that theater can be powerful, engaging and moving, even without the bells and whistles. The power of one action with great language, embodying a character, can be astounding," Cirillo offered.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children. Call 304-696-2787 for tickets or additional information.

A Different Version of "A Christmas Carol"

Hey, coming up soon to Marshall University's stage is a different version of a holiday classic.

Here's the basic information listed on Marshall's website:

A Christmas Carol will be presented by the Marshall Theatre Alliance Dec. 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

I ran into my pal Clint McElroy this evening and he tells me that this is a special one-man performance of the show by my pal Jack Cirillo. (It's nice to have so many talented friends.)

Jack plays the part of Charles Dickens, who reenacts his classic story from memory, providing all the voices and characters. Jack's an outstanding actor, and I'm really looking forward to seeing his performance.

Highly recommended!

Next Weekend - "Peanuts" Auditions

Here's another audition notice for young performers - next weekend auditions will be held in Huntington for two musicals based on the comic strip Peanuts!

Here's the info:

The First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions Dec. 12 and 13, 2009, for two musicals based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts. Auditions for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Snoopy!!! will be held Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 E. Pea Ridge Road in Huntington.

Casting is available for young actors in grades 3-12. There are multiple parts with all different varieties of skills.

Those auditioning will be provided scripts to read aloud. Performers should be prepared to sing a 30-second song selection. There will be a pianist, but performers may use an accompaniment tape or CD (with no vocals). Performers will also be taught a short dance, so please wear comfortable clothing and appropriate shoes.

The musical You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the first production ever staged by First Stage Theatre in 1990, and it was last presented on the organization’s 10th anniversary in 2000. This production is part of the group’s 20th Anniversary celebration.

The show is based on the popular Charles M. Schulz comic strip, and includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally and Pigpen. The musical Snoopy!!! is the musical sequel, and offers more adventures of the Peanuts gang.

You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Snoopy!!! will be performed March 18-21 and March 25-28, 2010 at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium located in Huntington’s City Hall. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (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.

Looking for Actresses with "True Grit"

Thanks to my pals Jon and Mike for pointing out this story from the Associated Press:

The makers of the upcoming True Grit remake are bringing their search for someone to play the role of Mattie Ross to West Virginia.

The Casting Office says auditions will be held from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Hampton Inn in Charleston.

Paramount Pictures and The Coen Brothers are looking for a 12-year-old to 16-year-old Caucasian girl.

The Casting Office says they want a girl who is “tough, strong and tells it like is” to play the 14-year-old Mattie.

Kim Darby played Mattie in the 1969 original.

Sounds like a great opportunity for a young actress - so if you're interested (or know of a young actress who might be interested), pass this along!

On Stage This Weekend - Scrooge, Santa and MARY

There are three holiday shows hitting the stage this weekend in a theater near you! Here's the rundown:

- A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - Presented by Ashland Community and Technical College at 1400 College Drive in Ashland, Ky. Performances are Thursday - Sunday, Dec. 3 - 6.

- MARY - Presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company. This is the 13th annual production of the Mark Scarpelli - Dan Kehde musical. It takes the stage Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summer Street, Charleston. It tells the story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of a young girl destined to be the most important woman in the Christian tradition.

- Miracle on 34th Street - Presented by the Kanawha Players at the Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 3-5 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. When a white-bearded gentleman claims to be the real Santa Claus he brings about a genuine miracle, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter, and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.

So get a jump on Christmas and check out these shows!

Improv Comedy This Weekend

My pal Tony Slack sends along this note about this weekend's improv comedy performance in South Charleston:

Just a reminder that the No Pants Players will have their annual holiday "Joytacular" this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m.

The shows will be all improv comedy, with plenty of holiday-themed cheer! Also, for the fourth year in a row the troupe will be holding their annual "Pants Drive" clothing drive to benefit Covenant House of Charleston.

To be a part of this great charity event, all you have to do is bring a new clothing item to the show. For each item you donate, you will be entered into a drawing to win great prizes each night, including a nightly grand prize that includes a night's stay at Charleston House Holiday Inn with breakfast at First Watch! Other prizes include gift certificates to Calvin Broyles Jewelers and Hooters Restaurant.

So, come out and support local families in need, and maybe win a cool prize in return! As always the shows will be held at the Labelle Theater, 311 D Street in South Charleston, just behind the mound. Tickets are still only $6 each. Concessions and No Pants Merchandise will be available, including for the first time, fresh, hot, coffee!

If you any questions about the shows or you would like to reserve seats, please call 1-877-IMPROV9. The troupe would like to thank everyone for all their support in making 2009 our most successful season to date.

Hope to see everyone next week-end, and have a Merry Christmas!

Shows On Stage in December

Surprisingly enough, all the shows this month seem to have a holiday flavor (with one exception). Here's the list - as always, gentle readers, let me know if I've missed one:

- A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - Presented by Ashland Community and Technical College at 1400 College Drive in Ashland, Ky. Performances are Thursday - Sunday, Dec. 3 - 6. The co-directors are Sam Butler and Brian Cook. Musical director: Max Jackson.

- MARY - Presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company. This is the 13th annual production of the Mark Scarpelli-Dan Kehde musical. It takes the stage Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summer Street, Charleston. It tells the story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of a young girl destined to be the most important woman in the Christian tradition. The show has become a family-friendly holiday tradition throughout the greater Charleston area.

- Miracle on 34th Street - Presented by the Kanawha Players at the Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 3-5 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. When a white-bearded gentleman claims to be the real Santa Claus he brings about a genuine miracle, spreading a wave of love throughout New York City, convincing a divorced, cynical single mother, her somber daughter, and the entire state of New York that Santa Claus is no myth.

- A Christmas Carol - Presented by the Marshall Theatre Alliance, the Christmas classic will take the stage Dec. 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. at the Playhouse at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- Underneath the Lintel - Presented by the Charleston Stage Company at the Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers Street in Charleston, Thursday-Saturday, December 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. Written by Glen Berger, it tells the story of a reclusive Dutch librarian, whose mundane little life is transformed when a book is returned in the overnight slot 123 years overdue. Notes scribbled in the margins of the book lead to clue after clue that compel the librarian on a world wide quest for the mysterious borrower... and the meaning of life. Don't miss this memorable one-man show. Joe Miller plays the librarian. Geoff Coward directs.

- Ebenezer Junior - Presented by the Children's Theatre of Charleston at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 11 and 12 at 7:00 p.m. and Dec. 12 and 13 at 2:00 p.m. The beloved classic of the miserly Scrooge who hates anything having to do with Christmas, comes alive with catchy new songs. The score features a wealth of musical styles including Rock ‘n Roll, Blues, Rap and Ballads. Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, Fred, the Ghosts and, of course, Tiny Tim all interweave with a large cast and choir in this version by Malcolm Sircom.

On Stage Tonight - "The Rat Pack"

My pal Dave Lavender provides lots of background information about tonight's performance by The Rat Pack at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

You can read the story right here - and here's an excerpt:

If you're in town Monday, Frosty the Snowman, you'll want to thumpety thump, thump down to 4th Avenue where the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center is going to be cool like that.

For its last show of the semester, the Marshall Artists Series is pumping in some 1950s-holiday cool, Las Vegas lounge style, at 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

Straight out of Vegas, it's the live comedy-and-music-filled holiday show, The Rat Pack is Back: Here for the Holidays, that fires up its jokes and the vocal stylings of classic crooners Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop swinging with a 12-piece big band orchestra.

Tickets are $45 to $55 and on sale at the Artists Series box office and Ticketmaster.

As part of the holiday celebration, folks are asked to bring in non-perishable food items to the show for donation to the Huntington-based Cridlin Pantry.

Not your typical wall-to-wall all-Christmas show, this favorite lounge show that only does brief mini tours away from Vegas, tosses in many of the late, great legends' holiday classics such as "I'll Be Home for Christmas," "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" and "Baby it's Cold Outside," along with plenty of jokes, stories and swing tunes.

Brian Duprey, a 28-year-old who has been playing Frank Sinatra with the show since 2002, said it's a cool show that doesn't push the Christmas overload button.

"Probably about 15 percent of the songs are holiday songs," Duprey said. "We try to maintain that level to get rid of that corniness that can be associated with too much Christmas. We throw in a lot of Christmas flavor, but there's no reason to beat people over the head with it."

Auditions for "I Love You... You're Perfect... Now Change"

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this note about upcoming auditions:

Auditions for I Love You... You're Perfect... Now Change will be held at ARTS (old Huntington High School) on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 2 p.m. in the main theatre.

Please bring a song to perform during your audition. Keyboardist Mike Campbell will be there to play for your audition. The music is very upbeat and modern so keep that in mind when choosing your selection. You will also be asked to do a movement audition as well as to read.

Auditions are being done differently this time. We are only having one day of auditions, and we would like everyone to be there at the same time so that we can see everyone together. Rapport among the cast is a very important aspect of this show so that is why we need to see everyone together. If you cannot come to auditions on that day, please feel free to email me or call me, 304-412-8738, to schedule a private audition. It is to your advantage though to be at the open auditions so we can pair you with other people.

The show will be presented in a dinner theatre format on Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7, 2010. I will be serving as director, Mike Campbell will be music director and Coni Anthony will be choreographer.

The show is being sponsored by ARTS. The read-through for the show is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 13. Due to the short rehearsal schedule, we will also be required to have rehearsals on the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.

To get an idea of the show and to see some scenes of it from other productions, log on to youtube and type in 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" in the search engine. You can see most of the musical selections from the show as done by other theatre companies.

The show originally was cast with only four people. Coni and I have added more people to the cast. We will be casting four men and four women. We are looking for one couple in their 20s, one couple in their 30s, and two mature couples.

I hope to see all of you at auditions. I'm sure that the show will be another great experience! If you are not interested in this show, auditions for Camelot will be coming up on Feb. 21, 2010. I will send out more information about that show as we get closer to auditions. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email or call.

A Musical Version of "A Christmas Story?"

Under the category of "is nothing sacred," we find a story today on the Playbill website about the premiere of a new musical based on the hilarious movie A Christmas Story - which was in turn based on Jean Shepherd's stories of growing up in the 1930s and dreaming of owning a Red Ryder BB Gun.

There's been a non-musical stage version of the story in existence for quite a few years - I've directed it twice with First Stage Theatre, and it's a very funny show, thank you - but a musical?

I should quickly add that, since I've never seen the musical, for all I know it's a wonderful show and even better than the original (It's apparently selling out shows like crazy, so this is likely). But the material is so good already, I'm not sure how songs are going to improve it.

According to the story (which you can read right here):

Jean Shepherd's nostalgic and comic stories of holidays past are regifted in the world premiere of A Christmas Story, The Musical!, opening Nov. 28 at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre.

Scott Davenport Richards penned the score to the musical based on the Jean Shepherd stories and the 1983 MGM film. The libretto is by Joseph Robinette. A Christmas Story, The Musical!, which has already broken box office records at KC Rep, is aiming for a 2010 Broadway debut.

Songs in the production include "Getting Ready for Christmas," "Take That!," "I Won (A Major Award)," "You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!," "Ho, Ho, Ho!," "I'm Awake," "On Christmas, We Go Eat Chinese" and "There Must Be Something We've Forgotten."

Would I go see it? Of course! I love the movie, I love the original stories, I love the play, and musicals are always fun. What's not to like? (Sorry about those opening paragraphs - I was just channeling a bit of Scrooge there.)

The Rat Pack Is Back!

Celebrate the holidays with the swinging, free-wheeling and festive sounds of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop with full orchestra and original holiday arrangements.

THE RAT PACK IS BACK recreates one of the famous "Summit at the Sands" nights, when the ring-a-ding group known as the "Rat Pack" was creating hipster legend with a no-holds barred nightclub act.

The show takes the stage Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 at 8 p.m. at the beautiful Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

Written by Sandy Hackett, son of legendary comedian Buddy Hackett, THE RAT PACK IS BACK features uncanny vocal recreations, unbridled humor, and a hot, live orchestra that sends audiences straight back to the coolest time in history. Hits include "That’s Amore," "My Way," "Mr. Bojangles" and many more. See why The Las Vegas Sun writes, "This is as close as anyone has come to capturing the feeling of the real thing."

Sounds like fun, cats!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to wish all out gentle readers out there a Happy Thanksgiving!

It's a great time to think about the things that make our lives a little brighter, and for me one of those things is those of you reading these words.

The Tri-State Theatre blog is here for all of us to talk about community theatre - the shows that are coming up, shows we've seen in the past and what we'd like to see in the future.

As always, feel free to send in your comments at the link below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com, and I'll be glad to pass your thoughts along through this site.

A reminder, too, that you can follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ChuckMinsker.

Have a great holiday, all!

"Mary" Is Back For 2009

Hey, here's an announcement about an upcoming Christmas show from The Contemporary Youth Arts Company in Charleston:

13th Annual Mary Production Opens Nov. 27!

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company opens its 13th annual production of the Mark Scarpelli-Dan Kehde musical Mary at 8 p.m., Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summer Street, Charleston.

The story of the nine months prior to the birth of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of a young girl destined to be the most important woman in the Christian tradition, Mary has become a family-friendly holiday tradition throughout the greater Charleston area.

Drawing from a mix of young talent from all over the greater Kanawha Valley, the annual production began rehearsals in early October for the traditional opening night the day after Thanksgiving.

A driving score and an ageless story continue to inspire audiences with new insights to the days and months leading up to the first Christmas.

This year’s cast includes Molly Means as the title character, with Austin Thomas as Joseph, Micah Atkinson as Gabriel, Maddy Gourevitch as Elizabeth, Niklaus Tidquist as Zechariah and Meredith Overcash as Herod; with a large supporting cast including soloists Haylee Veronda, Samantha Oxley, April Richardson-Morgan and Sarah Mandirola. A 15-piece orchestra, conducted by music director Eli Chambers, accompanies the production.

Performances continue at 8 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 3, 4, 5 with a Sunday matinee Nov. 29 beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5.50 for students and seniors and $9.50 for adults and can be purchased at the door the evenings of the performance.

2010 Season for 5th Avenue Theatre

My pal Paul Neace sends along this announcement - it's the 2010 season for the 5th Avenue Theatre Company:

Camelot: April 30, May 1, 2 and May 7-9.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas: Dec. 3 – 5 and Dec. 10 – 12.

Possible school shows for both.

More details to follow.

Sounds great to me - especially Camelot, which has always been a big favorite of mine!

One Last Chance To Go "Into the Woods"

Sunday afternoon is your last chance to catch the musical Into the Woods. It's being presented by the First Stage Theatre Company at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington's City Hall at 4 p.m.

It's the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. It offers a unique view of several well-known fairy tale characters who are trying to find their own "Happily Ever After." It mashes together the stories of The Baker and His Wife, The Witch, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and a couple of Wolves and Princes. It's also a lot of fun!

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909. For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage This Weekend - "Into the Woods" and "Almost, Maine"

Make plans now - you have two great shows to choose from this weekend:

- The beloved musical Into the Woods will be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington's City Hall at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

It's the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. It's an entertaining view of fairy tale characters trying to live "Happily Ever After." When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - they'll need items from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (who climbed the beanstalk).

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909. For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

- Marshall's Theatre Alliance will present the play Almost, Maine Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

On a clear, moonless Friday night in deepest winter, the northern lights hover over the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. All is not quite what it seems as Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected, unusual ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. And ache is all around as love is — literally — lost, found, and realized.

The tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for MU Faculty and Senior Citizens, and free to full-time MU students with valid ID. For more information, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office phone at 304-696-2787, or visit their online site right here.

Both shows are highly recommended!

Thoughts About "Into the Woods"

So here's the deal: since I'm the President of First Stage Theatre Company, I really can't write a review of the new production of Into the Woods being staged this weekend at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

I'm obviously prejudiced. But I will share a few thoughts about the production.

I saw the musical last Saturday, and it was amazing to see this talented cast tackling such a challenging show. Into the Woods has a lot going for it - a great directing team, a fine orchestra, an amazing set, a terrific tech crew - but the burden of the show falls on the cast, and they're outstanding.

I wanted to single out a few of the veterans in the cast. Sarah Hayes (The Baker's Wife) (that's her on the left) is a performer I've watched grow up on stage in Huntington, and it's hard to believe that she's already a senior. She's grown into such a beautiful and talented performer, with strong acting skills and outstanding comic timing, her excellent singing and incredible dancing. She's been in dozens of shows and it's great to see her back with First Stage one final time!

And she's not the only senior - Mary Kate Young (Cinderella) (on the right) has also grown up on stage - it seems like just yesterday (instead of seven years ago) she was hobbling around on crutches in Alexander. She's grown into a beautiful leading lady, with an amazing singing voice and great stage presence. She's also a terrific dancer and flies well, too (at least she did in Peter Pan).

Eric Newfeld (The Baker) (on the left) is also a senior, and he's been a terrific addition to dozens of shows. I'm convinced he was born to be on stage - he's a fine actor with great comedic skills and a fine singer, and he's also a heck of a great guy. I was lucky enough to work with him on my last show - he was the assistant director, and he was dedicated, hard-working and an inspiration to the young cast.

Senior Holly Smith (Rapunzel) had a small but key role as Rapunzel, and managed to wring loads of laughs out of the part, and got to show off her outstanding singing voice, too.

Mary Frances Wilkes (Florinda) is a senior who earns big laughs as one of Cinderella's ill-tempered (and ill-fated) step-sisters. A terrific performance!

Senior Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince, Wolf 2) also gets the most out of several roles, whether he's chasing the Three Little Pigs, wooing Rapunzel or singing a duet about the burdens of being a Prince. He's a talented young performer who does great work here.

The whole cast does a great job, but let me single out just a few more performers:

- Caleb Donahoe steals scenes like crazy (this is a good thing) as the Mysterious Man and the Narrator - he's funny, a fine actor, and he has a fantastic singing voice.

- Sarah Bryan has a great turn as Little Red Riding Hood - the character who is at the same time vicious and very, very funny.

- Kristin Caviani is a scream as the mother of Jack (he of the beanstalk), and she's a heck of a good singer, too.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince / Wolf 1) has a powerful voice and turns in a strong performance here. Where has he been hiding?

- Meg Riley (Cinderella's Stepmother) and Emily Dennison (Cinderella's Stepsister Lucinda) are both hilarious, playing spiteful roles for comedy and getting big laughs.

- and a big round of applause to Maggie Saunders (on the left) for her amazing turn as The Witch. Maggie is such a mature and talented performer that it's hard to believe that she's "just" a junior. She has an incredible, powerful voice and puts it to good use in several pivotal songs in this show, and she also has some great comedic moments - and even some tender, loving moments. An awesome performance.

Of course, putting on a show is a team effort, and it takes the whole cast working together to make the show happen - including a small army of trees who become a living part of the set, in addition to singing in those difficult Sondheim songs!

It's a production the cast and crew can be very proud of - it's a challenging show that's one of Sondheim's best (it's my favorite of his, actually), and this cast does a terrific job with it.

This weekend you have three more chances to see Into the Woods. It'll be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall) 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909. For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Highly recommended!

On Stage Wednesday - "Almost, Maine"

The latest production from the Marshall Theatre Alliance hits the stage on Wednesday evening.

The show is Almost, Maine, and it was written by John Cariani. It runs Nov. 18 - 21 at 8 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

Here's the description of the show:

On a clear, moonless Friday night in deepest winter, the northern lights hover over the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine.

All is not quite what it seems as Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected, unusual ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. And ache is all around as love is — literally — lost, found, and realized.

Almost, Maine will showcase the talents of student directors and designers in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre.

The tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for MU Faculty and Senior Citizens, and free to full-time MU students with valid ID. For more information, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office phone at 304-696-2787.

Marshall's productions are always outstanding - I have to admit I'm not familiar with this show, but it sounds like a good one!

The Jim Stone Scholarship Goes To...

Congratulations to Josh Meredith, who was officially awarded the 2009 Jim Stone Scholarship during a presentation Saturday night during intermission of Into the Woods.

The $1000 scholarship is presented annually by First Stage Theatre Company to an outstanding student who is studying Performing Arts at an institution of higher learning.

Josh has starred in dozens of shows, including High School Musical, Cats, Les Miserables: School Edition, Peter Pan, Seussical the Musical and many, many others. You can now catch him in productions at Marshall University - in fact, he's involved in the next show which starts Wednesday (more about that later this week).

Until this year, the scholarship was a $250 award, presented every year for four years to each winner - but thanks to the support of the community, First Stage changed it this year to make it a one-time $1000 award. That means the three past winners received the bulk of their scholarship, too - so congratulations to Laura LaCara (a senior who received $250), John Wolfe (a junior who received $500) and Brittany Hazeldine (a sophomore who received $750).

The award is named in honor of Jim Stone, a beloved actor and supporter of community theatre in Huntington. I worked with him several times, and he was a wonderful guy and a great mentor to young performers.

Congratulations to all the winners!

"Into the Woods" Photo Gallery

One more note about Into the Woods - you can see an excellent Photo Gallery at the Herald-Dispatch's online site right here - here's a sample below, with Eric Newfeld and Sarah Hayes playing the part of the Baker and the Baker's Wife.

On Stage This Afternoon - "Into the Woods"

I saw Into the Woods last night and enjoyed it tremendously! What amazing talent we have here in the Tri-State!

I'll have more to say about it soon, but you have one more chance to see the show this weekend (and then three more chances next weekend)!

The musical will be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall) today at 4 p.m. and then next weekend at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

This is the full version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. The duo presents an entertaining view of everyone's favorite fairytale characters in this hysterical take on the Brothers Grimm. When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - they'll need items from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (who climbed the beanstalk).

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909.

For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend - "Into the Woods"

Taking the stage this weekend is First Stage Theatre Company's production of the musical Into the Woods.

It'll be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall). The show will run at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

This is the full version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. The duo presents a cock-eyed view of everyone's favorite fairytale characters in this hysterical take on the Brothers Grimm. When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - they'll need items from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (who climbed the beanstalk).

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909.

For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 5)

Here's the final chapter in our e-interview with the cast of Into the Woods, and just in time - the show starts tonight at 8 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall auditorium!

The musical mashes together the fairy tale stories of several familiar characters, including the Baker and his Wife, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Wolf, two Princes and much more! It also tells the story of what happens after "Happily Ever After."

Here's how several members of the cast answered our final question:

Why should our readers come to see this show?

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) Even though it's a hard show to do, our cast has been working really hard and I think it is going to be a great show.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - Into the Woods is not just a cute little show for the kids, but it's also a show that shows real-life struggles and issues that come up after the "happily ever after."

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - Everyone should come see the show because the cast is amazing. It's an amazing story with so many great themes about life. Also, First Stage is such an amazing company and it gives kids a great opportunity to get out of their shell, and coming to the show will help keep the company going.

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) Readers should come see the show to have a good laugh, journey into the woods, meet amazing cast members and have fun while enjoying the magic of the theatre.

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) This is a very unique show, and the audience has probably never seen anything like it before.

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) You should definitely come to this show because we have spent and put in so much work and time into this. Not only that, it is a GREAT show. You would have a couple of hard laughs. You might even cry because of some of the songs. It is simply beautiful.

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) It has a deep moral with intoxicating music and an interesting set and cast. I think that everyone who comes to see this show will really be excited and love the show when they walk out of the doors.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince and Wolf 1) The people who put on these shows and the directors are absolutely amazing people and will help you through anything. The best is what they give you, so you have to be ready to give them the best of what you have. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!!!!

"Into the Woods" - Interview with the Directors

Into the Woods (which starts Friday at 8 p.m. at the Huntington City Hall auditorium) actually has co-directors - Mary and Tommy Smirl (as you might expect, they're married).

They graciously took time out of their busy tech week to take part in an e-interview:

Q: Why did you want to direct Into the Woods?

Mary: I love this Show! It pretty much has everything one could want to have when embarking on a creative journey with 40 talented kids. Amazing, "age old" characters to develop, period costumes, imaginative set potential, special effects, and let us not forget Mr. (Stephen) Sondheim’s music and lyrics! The kids always say, "Challenge us PLEASE," and this show fits the bill!

Q: What's the most challenging thing about staging this show?

Tommy: Two things come to mind. First, the music, I mean after all, it is Stephen Sondheim! However, we knew that the veteran kids we had to draw from could handle this kind of challenge. Ron Neal has been great in being both a teacher and a task master. He doesn’t just settle for being close, he wants them right on it. The new kids I think were surprised by how much we expected of them, but the ones that have grown up with First Stage not only rose to it, but I think expected it to be difficult and challenging. Now of course, I didn’t have to worry about the music as much because that was Ron’s job. For Mary and I, I think the most challenging part was relaying the movement and story in a limited space with limited set options. If you watch professional versions of this show, there are rotating stages, moving sets, elevators, flying things and all the magic that theatre can bring. Of course, we don’t have those options and we have to “create” the movement and change to try and convey the progression of the story. The living woods was one of the ways we sought to do that. It was kind of inspired by the hybrid car commercials that having the living flowers and such. We couldn’t go to that extreme, but we felt if the woods can move with the actors, it will relay a change of location to the audience without really going anywhere. The concept seemed easy enough at first, but I have to say, we did have our doubts along the way as to whether it was a good decision. However, the first night they were on the stage in costume, with the accompanying lighting, we just sat back and said, “Yeah, this is going to work!”

Q: The show is based on fairy tales, but it's not a "kiddie show" - has that been a challenge?

Mary: No, not where the cast is concerned. When you say, not a "kiddie show" as in...well, as I try to come up with even one "kiddie show" to compare, I find something that might eliminate pretty much all of them that are considered just that. Peter Pan has kidnapping Pirates that kill. Seussical has child abandonment. Wizard of Oz has death, even if it is of a Witch that is killed. I guess my point is, all "fairy tales" have lessons to be learned and never without questionable behavior exhibited and the consequences that follow. If you look hard enough you can find that in pretty much every story put to stage. We talked at length one of the first nights of reading through the show about this very question. I am always amazed but never surprised when they look for the good and never argue for the negative. It comes natural to them and I consider myself very lucky to be exposed to their perspective. When I asked them how they felt about the dark turn this story takes, they all were able to focus immediately on the cause for the destruction instead of the destructive act. In other words, as I think Cody Verbage said something like, "If you do not steal, lie, or break vows, you won’t end up getting crushed by a Giant." I think that perspective alone makes this a very good show for kids. As for any scenes that had questionable material, a good example being when Jack's Mom gets "killed," we handle it with humor, she gets bonked on the head, she dies standing up and then you see her walk across the stage later on with spoon in hand! We have as young as 6-year-olds in this show and one of the coolest things I have experienced is my own 9-year-old who plays a bird, now looks for the "morals", the lessons to be learned in pretty much everything she reads. She now has a keener perspective from being a part of this show. It has not been a challenge at all with this cast of intuitive, caring kids. The Witch tells us, "Careful The Tales you Tell, Children Will Listen." To that I say, "Hats off to the parents of this the kids in this show, they listened well!

Q: How is the cast handling the music - the show has a challenging score...

Mary: Oh My Goodness! I can’t begin to say enough about how they have met this challenge. I always say, "Argue for your limitations and they shall become yours." This group never argues for limits to be put in place, they demand to be challenged. They beg for material that limits others, or that others say will limit them just so they can overcome. I have never seen kids with such determination. Ron Neal has been amazing. His work ethic set the bar, his expectations set the tone and as usual, the kids put their heads down and tackled it and came out winning. They sat for the first two weeks in a typical classroom setting and studied the music. They spoke every song, they tapped out rhythms, they studied it like kids readying for the ACT or SAT. It was awesome to be able to watch them. I know those who come out to see and hear them will be amazed and moved. There are times the sound their harmonies put out causes a vibration in my chest and then takes my breath away. I would go as far as to say, you could sit through the entire show with eyes closed and enjoy, understand, and feel as though you have taken a journey Into The Woods. Imagine that and then add beautiful costumes, imaginative sets, and wonderfully rich characters... there's no reason to NOT come see this one!

Q: Why would you recommend community theatre as an activity for young people?

Tommy: I personally think team sports are an important part of a child’s development. They learn to trust others and the responsibility of others depending on you to do your part. Additionally, you learn you can’t quit, you must work hard to achieve a goal, and you learn there are others there to pick you up when you are not at your best. I grew up playing football, basketball and baseball and being a good teammate is a lesson I learned at an early age. However, not all kids are cut out for sports or have the desire to compete. Community theatre is as much a team sport as any actual team I was ever on. All of those same elements described above are present, when a kid makes the commitment to be a part of a cast. I think theatre is one more valuable outlet for children to be a part of something positive and to learn that the sum total of the effort can far exceed the individuals involved. I think this show really demonstrates that. It is already an ensemble cast, but with the addition of the living woods, you will see real teamwork in the execution of the production.

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

Tommy: First of all, it is very entertaining. We have some of the most talented kids in the Tri-State area in this show. The music is phenomenal, there are many very funny parts that will keep you on your toes and the story is familiar. Who doesn’t know about Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk? But, can you imagine taking those tales as well as three or four more and rolling them all together in to one big story that ties them together at their roots. Don’t be fooled though by the fairy tale background, while children would be amused by the characters and music and dancing, this is also a show for grownups. The story emphasizes several life lessons, such as, “Be careful what you wish for,” and “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Several songs will touch your heart if you are a mother or father. My personal favorites are “Children Will Listen” and “No More.” Having three daughters, those songs get me every time I hear them. For just being Middle and High School kids, I think these amazing young people really capture the lightness of the first Act and the contrasting heaviness of the second Act. I have truly been honored to witness their growth and understanding of their characters as this show progressed.

Q: Tell us when and where the show will be staged.

Tommy: It is at City Hall on Nov. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Friday and Saturday night shows are at 8 p.m. and the two Sunday performances are at 4 p.m.

Thanks, Mary and Tommy!

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 4)

Continuing our e-interview with some of the cast members of the musical Into the Woods (which starts Friday evening at Huntington's City Hall auditorium), our next question is:

Would you recommend community theatre as an activity for young people?

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) Of course! It has changed my life in so many great ways. Theatre is a great way to meet amazing people. It also gives you confidence and respect for yourself and everyone around you.

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) Yes, I definitely think that young people should take part in community theater. You make so many new friends and memories. Also, after opening night, when the show is over you really feel like you've accomplished something. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - Of course, it's a really great experience, and one of the best things you can take from it are friendships, you can find people who share the same passion for theatre that you do.

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - Of course, community theatre has shaped me into the individual I am today. I've made so many great friends through the process. My only regret is not starting sooner.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince and Wolf 1) I would recommend this to anyone who loves music and would like to challenge theirself.

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) I totally recommend children taking part in these shows! They would want to do them all after just one.

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) Yes, because it's a fun way to meet other people and learn more about yourself. Also, if your a very shy person, it helps you become more outgoing. The directors and producers are so fun to work with, that is one of the reasons I have stayed with theatre so long.

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) I would definitely recommend this to other young people because it is a challenge and in the end it is always really good and you feel proud of yourself.