Winner of the Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship Announced

It's a pleasure to share this with you - the winner of the scholarship named in honor of my dear friend Leslie McElroy. Here's the announcement:

The First Stage Theatre Company has announced the first recipient of the Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship. The $1000 scholarship was awarded to Evan Price, a junior studying performing arts at Shenandoah Conservatory in Virginia. He is the son of Randy and Patricia Price of Huntington.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Leslie McElroy, a beloved member of the local theatre community, a former board member of First Stage, a producer, actor, wife and mother who passed away in 2005.

A $1000 scholarship is available to entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts. Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).

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

I'm really glad to see Evan win this. He's a talented actor and a terrific singer who starred in quite a few local productions (more than 20 shows at least), and it's great to see him enjoying success at the next level. The sky's the limit!

"Alexander" - It's a Wrap!

Sunday afternoon we held the final performance of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move at the Jeslyn Theater in downtown Huntington.

It was a great experience putting on the show there, our first time at that facility. Everyone there went the extra mile to help us along the way, and I look forward to returning sometime in the future.

After the final show wrapped up, the cast and parents loaded the set and props into the truck and moved it all back to the First Stage Theatre storage facility.

So that wraps up the 19th season for the children's theater! I'll have more thoughts about the show in the days ahead, but for now, let me just say it was a great experience with an excellent, talented cast, a terrific group of parents and an outstanding tech crew!

Now, to catch up on some much-needed sleep!

Governor's School for the Arts

Congratulations to the students from around the state who were named to the Governor's School for the Arts! It's a great program that covers several different areas, including theatre, writing, art, vocals, and much more.

It's a great experience for students, and a real honor to be selected! The 2009 School for the Arts is being held at West Liberty State College.

Congratulations to these local talents for their achievement:

(Vocal Music) Elijah Boyles and Maggie Saunders from Huntington, Caleb Donahoe and Garrett Gaunch from Covenant, Amanda Harris who's home schooled and Daniel Harrison from Cabell Midland; (Dance) Amy Klim and Alexandra Smith from St. Joseph Central and Natasja Van Dijk from Huntington; (Digital Imaging) Arynn Cooper from Cabell Midland and Morgan Jacobson from Huntington; (Creative Writing) Nikul Patel from Cabell Midland; (Visual Art) Julia Kirby and Congqi Zhang from Huntington;

Here's the complete list:

GSA 2009 Students

The following students have been selected by the judges to attend GSA in 2009. Their names are followed by the name of the school they attend.

Creative Writing

Britney Gordon - Hedgesville

Nikul Patel - Cabell Midland

Brittney Walters - Moorefield

Elisabeth White - Bridgeport

Kiersten Woods - Fairmont

Samantha Bennett - Pikeview

Kathryn Baker - Morgantown

Khristian Smith - Pocahontas County

Kassondra Lilly - Shady Spring

Sarah Morgan - Grafton

Chelsi Hewitt - Parkersburg


Dance

Chelsey Bennett - Martinsburg

Kendall Cox - Musselman

Brittany Greenfield - Martinsburg

Amy Klim - St. Joseph Central

Alexandra Smith - St. Joseph Central

Natasja Van Dijk - Huntington

Renata DiGregorio - George Washington

Jovon Minimah - Capital

Katelyn Drake - Home School

Bethany Goff - University

Kelsey McClung - University

Hannah Crewdson - Teays Valley Christian

Kara Daniel - Liberty

Amelia Paine - Shady Spring


Digital Imaging

Arynn Cooper - Cabell Midland

Morgan Jacobson - Huntington

Rachel Steed - Meadow Bridge

Ellie Coughlin - Greenbrier West

Kristie Sparks - Trinity Christian

Erik Abrahams - Morgantown

Jessica Wilson - Woodrow Wilson

Dawnelle Martin - Magnolia


Instrumental Music

Emily Watkins - Philip Barbour

Lauren Trumble - Martinsburg

Kendra Berkley - Notre Dame

Heather McKibben - Bridgeport

Chapman Sklar - Bridgeport

Hallie Brotherton - Capital

Hilary Keller - Capital

Johnna O'Rourke - Logan Senior

Kristine Price - Princeton

Jason Snyder - Morgantown

Keith Michael - Wheeling Park

Sarah Dunaway - Preston

Leah Drumheller - Woodrow Wilson

Cody Hatcher - Shady Spring

Kristina Lipscomb - Summers County

Henry Wang - Parkersburg


Theatre/Acting

Laurna Grubb - Hedgesville

Meaghan Macey - Musselman

Maura Reiff - Martinsburg

Eileen Waggoner - Hedgesville

Laura Holliday - Greenbrier East

Tyler Stovall - Oak Glen

John Jackson II - Moorfield

Sadie Crow - John Marshall

Megan Jack - John Marshall

Seth Skiles - Winfield

Brooks Cline - Woodrow Wilson

Holli Perkins - Independence

Emily Pritchard - Woodrow Wilson

Meghan Martin - Roane County

Bradley Luckton - Summers County

Ryan McAtee - Buckhannon-Upshur


Visual Art

Aleece Abell - Musselman

Sydney Weiler - Brooke

Julia Kirby - Huntington

Congqi Zhang - Huntington

Kathryn Neely - Oak Glen

Melanie Judd - Washington

Meredith Chapman - George Washington

Amber Munn - North Marion

Benjamin Rondy - Trinity Christian

Lillian Warner - Trinity Christian

Laura Stefanow - Wheeling Park

Merandia Shinaberry - Pocahontas County

Julie Sniadowski - Woodrow Wilson

Katherine Sniadowski - Woodrow Wilson

Samantha Truman - Woodrow Wilson

Tessa Maynard - Tolsia

Tyler Ann Jones - Wirt County


Vocal Music

Elijah Boyles - Huntington

Caleb Donahoe - Covenant

Garrett Gaunch - Covenant

Amanda Harris - Home schooled

Daniel Harrison - Cabell Midland

Maggie Saunders - Huntington

Jeffrey Tice - Oak Glen

Audry Wood - Ravenswood

Jessica Starkey - Jefferson

Lindsay Heywood - George Washington

Jared Morgan - George Washington

Victoria Neil - Chapmanville regional

Russell King - Princeton

Elizabeth Kolar - University

Julia Paladino - University

Levi Reynolds - Morgantown

Laura Dailey - Parkersburg

Morgan Schott - Parkersburg South

Congratulations to all!

On Stage This Weekend - "Alexander" and "Cinderella"

I've been so focused on the final weekend of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move that I've neglected to mention another show running tonight and tomorrow - sorry about that!

So you have two shows to choose from this weekend:

- Alexander will be presented tonight at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the former Camelot Theater) at 1030 Fourth Avenue in downtown Huntington. It's a musical comedy based on the sequel to the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for children and senior citizens, and group discounts are available. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS or check the First Stage Theatre Company website right here.

- Fairland High School’s spring musical, Cinderella, will be performed at 7 p.m. tonight and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the school, 812 County Road 411 in Proctorville. Tickets are $10 for reserved seating, $7 for general admission, $5 for children ages 5-12 and free for children 5 and under. For more information, call 740-886-3250.

So get out there and support your local community theatre!

On Stage Tonight - "Alexander. Who's Not (x6) Going to Move"

Tonight kicks off the final weekend for "Alexander!"

The First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical comedy Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move at 7:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

“Alexander” is based on the popular book by Judith Viorst with music by Shelly Markham, and is the sequel to the book 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.

This is the first time the show has been presented locally. And where else can you see singing dogs, a huge family of talented girls, and a kid taking a bath in pickle juice?

The show will be presented Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the former Camelot Theater). Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437). You can also find more information at the First Stage website.

A Fun Day

Today got off to an early start (at least it was early for theatre-goers), as the cast from Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move gathered this morning at the Jeslyn Theater to perform the show for a few hundred students.

Staging school shows has been successful for First Stage Theatre Company - it brings in a large number of young people who might not otherwise see a live stage show. It serves as a "brush-up" rehearsal for the second weekend of shows, and it charges up the cast, because they get to perform in front of their fellow classmates.

We actually hesitated to stage school shows for years, because we weren't sure we wanted to take our cast members out of school for a day. (My personal motto as a director is: school is the most important thing.)

Finally, after much debate, First Stage decided to give it a try (although I can't remember which show was the first to offer a school performance). It was a huge success, so we've continued the tradition.

After the school performance was finished, we rested for a while - and then this evening the "Alexander" actors gathered for the cast party at a place in Barboursville called "Pump Up The Fun." We had a blast, and now everyone's psyched up for the final three performances of the show!

The next show is Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn (the old Camelot Theater in downtown Huntington). Hope to see you there!

More Comments About "Alexander"

My pal Zach Davis sent in this comment about Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move:

I thought everyone did a great job.

If it wasn't obvious enough - the children had me busting out loud laughing. I, along with the cast of Charlotte's Web, rather enjoyed the stuffed pig and fake spider.

The set, as Mr. Vance stated, was bare yet effective. May I also point out that I feel my house made a remarkable addition to Alexander's neighborhood!

I love the young talent our shows have introduced to the world of Huntington Theatre! I had a fantastic time and look forward to further productions with these rising new stars.

Zach, thanks for the kind words!

The "house" he refers to is the door that served as the Arable house in Charlotte's Web. When "Charlotte" wrapped, C.E. Wilson, Eric Newfeld and I threw the door in the back of a truck and moved it to the Jeslyn Theater, where it became the neighbor door in "Alexander." Hey, we try to get lots of mileage out of our sets.

Zach, I also agree that it's great to see so much young talent getting a chance to take the stage. At First Stage we've done quite a few shows lately that featured "older" casts (which is to say, high school and middle school students) - we were overdue for shows that give younger actors a shot at the spotlight!

Between Peter Pan, Charlotte's Web and Alexander, I think we've accomplished that goal!

"Alexander" News and a Review

There was a nice write-up in today's Herald-Dispatch about the opening weekend of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move, which you can read right here.

You can also check out the photo gallery with some still shots from Sunday's performance right here. The photos were taken by the H-D'sMark Webb. (In this photo on the right, Alexander (Drew Edwards) is being scrunched between his babysitter Rachel (Meg Barber) and the neighbor's dog, Swoozie (Kate Colclough.)

And my pal Stephen Vance sent in a review of the show - which was awfully nice of him! As he points out, it's hardly fair for me to review my own show (there's a good chance that I would tend to rave about it) - but I'm happy to reprint his review here.

He wrote:

As the local reviewer, I'm sure you'll probably skip reviewing your own show, so I thought I'd shoot across a brief one.

I went to see "Alexander" on Sunday expecting a somewhat typical sedate matinee audience and walked into a crowd bubbling with enthusiasm. I learned that the cast and crew of Charlotte's Web had decided to come over and show their support for their sister show. The added excitement brought something that you only experience with live theatre.

The first thing I noticed was the relatively bare stage. A couple of enormous stacks of boxes and a bed were the only set pieces for the opening scene. The scrim, colored lights, door signs, and minimal set pieces did a great job of assisting the story without stealing from the kids.

This show, like Charlotte's Web, had a cast list of mostly newcomers, and I think that's one of the great things about companies like First Stage. It give kids, regardless of experience, a chance to get on stage and do their thing.

I really didn't know what to expect, but within just the first few minutes, the kids had the audience rolling in the aisles. I have never seen such a young group have such a strong sense of comedic timing. "Nick" played by Drew Goodall and "Swoozie" played by Kate Colclough had me laughing out loud every time they spoke, barked, or moved across stage.

I was also very impressed with the singing talents of the "mother" played by Hannah Stevenson, "Anthony" played by Justin Hesson, and "Audrey" played by Sarah Bryan.

The title role was played by Drew Edwards and he did a great job moving the show along and pulling the audience in to the story.

The entire ensemble had a great energy and each had moments where they shined.

Of course, one of the highlights of the show was First Stage Alumnus Travis McElroy. He played five different roles and was hilarious in each and every one. I really liked that both "Alexander" and "Charlotte's Web" pulled in the Alumni, because with these exceptionally young casts it appeared these experienced actors brought both a passion and stability to the stage.

Overall, I expected a cute show, but I left smiling from this laugh-a-minute comedy. It was a very entertaining show, and its great to see all of these new faces growing on our local stages. Congrats Chuck on the show! And continue breaking legs over the next weekend.

What can I add, except to say: Aw, shucks! Thanks for the kind words, Stephen!

"Alexander" Wraps Up Its Opening Weekend!

Whew! Sunday afternoon the cast and crew of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move wrapped up the show's opening weekend - and we had a great crowd along for the ride!

One reason for that was a great turnout by many of the cast members from the recently-wrapped Charlotte's Web production.

And let me just say, it's always great to see how the members of the theatre community support each other's productions.

At any rate, the cast now gets to enjoy a few days off before gearing up for the final weekend of the show - the next show is Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Theater in downtown Huntington.

Hope to see you there!

On Stage This Afternoon - "Alexander"

So are you tired of me talking about Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move?

I know the ol' Tri-State Theatre blog has had something of a one-track mind lately, but I'm just so proud of the great job the cast and crew is doing on the show.

They wrapped up their second performance last night - which just leaves five to go, including next Thursday's special school performance (and there are still some seats available for that - call 304-736-4366 for more information).

(This photo shows Alexander's brothers, Anthony (Justin Hesson) and Nick (Drew Goodall) teasing their brother.)

It's a small show and not well known - the title character is more famous for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day - but it's a funny, fast-paced show, with lots of fun songs and dances, loads of laughs and a sweet message to share. It's a blast for young theater-goers, but adults will find a lot to enjoy in there, too.

You have one more chance to catch it this weekend - there's one more show this afternoon at 2:30 p.m. at the refurbished Jeslyn Theater in downtown Huntington (which is the old Camelot Theater, where I saw countless movies).

Since I directed the show (along with a terrific directing team), I'm naturally prejudiced - but it's a show I'm sure you'll enjoy!

So drop by today or next weekend and enjoy a fresh look at "Alexander." And bring a friend!

The First Performance of "Alexander"

Friday night all the hard work paid off, and the cast of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move had their first performance!

Thursday night they put on their dress rehearsal, which is the final rehearsal before the show starts - and once again, theatre tradition was upheld. The dress rehearsal was a rough one, but according to theatre legend, that means the actual show is going to go well - and it did!

Friday night's show was almost flawless - the cast sang and performed energetically, and the audience laughed and applauded loudly!

If you missed the show, you have two more chances this weekend - performances are at 7:30 p.m. tonight and 2:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon at the Jeslyn Theatre (the old Camelot Theater) in downtown Huntington.

Drop by and support your community theatre!

More About "Alexander"

Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch featured an excellent story about the musical Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move (of course, to be honest, it's hard for me to dislike a story that includes a quote from me).

In case you missed it, here's the story:

If you're looking for singing dogs and a kid taking a bath in pickle juice, First Stage Theatre Company has just the show for you.

Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move, adapted from the popular children's book Alexander, Who's Not (Do You Hear Me? I Mean It!) Going to Move, by Judith Viorst, will be presented March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 22 and 29 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.

The show, a musical comedy, 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. It is a follow-up to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.

"About seven years ago, we did the play based on the first book, and it was a huge success. The kids loved it," said Director Chuck Minsker. "We decided to cast two shows at the same time - this one and Charlotte's Web - to give more children the opportunity to be involved."

The play, which runs about an hour and 15 minutes, features a smaller cast of 13, including Barboursville Middle School student Andrew Edwards, who plays the title role of Alexander. It is the 12-year-old's first time having a lead role.

"I didn't care which part I got. I just wanted to make it," he said. "I've been acting with First Stage for about a year and did Peter Pan and Children of Eden."

Edwards said he enjoys one aspect of the show in particular.

"I think it's funny all the ways Alexander tries to get out of moving, but the whole show is really good," he said.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Group discounts are available. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS.

On Stage Tonight - "Alexander"

Tonight's the night! After almost two months of rehearsals, Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move takes the stage!

It's been a lot of fun, and I think audiences are going to get a big kick out of it. (The photo below shows Travis McElroy (right), wearing a funny wig, and as "Alexander," Drew Edwards.)

There's a story running in today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch (which I'll link to when it shows up), but in the meantime, here's the last press release that went out (hey, it includes a quote from me!):

The First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical comedy Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move March 20 – 22 and 27 – 29, 2009 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

“Alexander” is based on the popular book by Judith Viorst with music by Shelly Markham, and is the sequel to the children's book 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.

A limited number of tickets are still available for a morning school performance March 26. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

The musical features a cast of 13, including a dozen young performers from around the Tri-State. The cast includes one adult cast member, Travis McElroy, who portrays “Dad” and several other grown-ups in the show.

“This is the first time this show has been presented in our area, and audiences are going to love it – it’s funny, the songs are catchy and the actors are terrific,” according to director Chuck Minsker. “Where else can you see singing dogs, a huge family of talented girls, and a kid taking a bath in pickle juice?”

The show will be presented at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the former Camelot Theater) March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m., and March 22 and 29 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437). You can also find more information at the First Stage website.

Photo Gallery for "Alexander"

A photographer for the Herald-Dispatch, Taylor Kuykendall, paid a visit to Tuesday night's rehearsal for Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move, and filed a bunch of photos in this Photo Gallery.

For example, this photo shows Drew Edwards (left), who plays the title role (Alexander, of course), while his brothers Anthony (Justin Hesson) and Nick (Drew Goodall) look on.

The first performance of the First Stage Theatre Company production of "Alexander" will take place Friday at 7:30 p.m. the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the old Camelot Theater) in downtown Huntington. The show will run the last two weekends in March.

Another Day of Tech for "Alexander"

We made it through our second day of Tech Week for Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going To Move with no major problems - which is actually kind of disconcerting, because tech rehearsals are usually a nightmare.

But there's still time for problems to spring up, so I shouldn't brag too much. But I'm really proud of the cast, the tech crew, the musicians and the directing team, who have worked hard to make the show a reality.

There are still lots of little problems to fix and scenes to fine-tune, but so far, so good. Tonight a photographer from the Herald-Dispatch stopped by to take photos - I'll provide a link as soon as they're online.

I should also mention the cool online ad you can see on the home page of the Herald-Dispatch (it's in rotation with other ads, so you may have to look a few times to catch it). It's a nifty bit of animation, based on the poster designed by my son Justin and featuring art by my pal Jill Asbury.

To be continued!

Tech Week for "Alexander"

Monday was the first day of Tech Week for the show Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move, and surprisingly enough, it went well.

It's surprising because tech rehearsals are notorious for running long and late into the evening. Some shows have been known to rehearse well into the early hours of the next morning.

But we wrapped up just 15 minutes over our usual stopping time - a tribute to the cast, the band and especially our small but mighty tech crew. Oh, there are still problems to solve - but they're all pretty minor.

(By the way, this photo is from an earlier rehearsal.)

I was also worried because we're staging the show in the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the old Camelot Theater), and the First Stage Theatre Company has never put on a show there before. I shouldn't have worried - the workers there have been terrific, incredibly helpful and very understanding.

The stage is just the right size for a musical like this, and I think it's going to be a good fit for us. But there's no time to relax or get overconfident - we still have a lot of work to do to get ready for Friday's first performance!

A "Princess" in New York!

Exciting news! I got this message from my pal Laura Frye in New York:

Hyperion Theatre Project and Gotham Comedy Club presents: Jon Joy's The Princess of Rome, Ohio

Starring: Laura Frye, Raven Peters, Aaron White, Laura Montes, Ann Marie Siegwarth, John Sundham and Lenny Banovez.

For those who know the "I killed him" monologue, this is the show!

Hope to see you there!

Jon Joy, of course, is a writer here in Huntington. I asked him about the show and he wrote:

My full length comedy The Princess of Rome, Ohio will be presented at the Gotham Comedy Club in New York City this week. I wrote the play as a part of my thesis for my Master's degree at Marshall in 2004.

I premiered it at the Huntington Museum of Art (and the Columbus Fringe Festival in Columbus, OH) in May 2005. Laura Frye, an original cast member and fellow MU Theatre alum, is heading up the current NYC premiere. The play will be presented March 16 and 17.

"Princess" has always been one of my favorites. We had a great ensemble cast for the original production and it was a lot of fun. I'm glad to see Laura breathing new life into it.

And she's not the only Marshall Theatre grad that's involved. The NYC premiere will feature two original cast members from that Huntington show four years ago. Laura will play the role of Lulu and Raven Peters, also a graduate of MU Theatre, returns as her ex-husband, Bud. They were both excellent in the original production and it sounds like they've rounded up a great cast for this show.

Part of the proceeds in New York will go to benefit people here in the Tri-State. A portion of the ticket money will go to the Stella Fuller Settlement House in Huntington, WV. Stella Fuller is a wonderful organization that provides food, clothing, toys and help with bills for low income families in the Tri-State area.

A Busy Day

Whew! The ol' scout is tuckered out, folks, after taking part in both a load-in and a load-out - both in one day!

I should explain what that is: for most community theatre groups, you have to build the set for your show at a different building, and then load it onto a truck and move it to the theater where you're staging the show. After the show's over, you load the set back out of the theatre.

Today, for example, the cast and parents of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move loaded up the set and put it in place on the stage at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the old Camelot Theater downtown).

Right after that, it was over to the Renaissance Center, where the cast and families of Charlotte's Web wrapped up their final show, and the set was taken apart, loaded onto a truck, and moved back to the storage building.

That's what we call a busy time for the First Stage Theatre Company! Two shows, two sets, about 40 young performers and tech crew and more than a dozen performances (not including rehearsals) in four weeks! Whew!

Last Chance to Catch "Charlotte's Web"

This afternoon is your last chance to catch the excellent play Charlotte's Web, which is being presented by First Stage Theatre Company at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Theater (the old Huntington High School).

It's a fun and touching show based on the classic story by E.B. White.

The photo here by Mark Webb is one of many you can see right here in the Herald-Dispatch Photo Gallery.

And this just marks the halfway point in the First Stage "March of Fun" - the first two weekends belonged to Charlotte's Web, and the last two weekends in March will feature Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move.

More about that in the week ahead!

Having Fun on Saturday

If you're looking for something fun to do today, here are a couple of suggestions: you can see a great show, or you can catch a preview of an upcoming show. Or you can do both!

- You can catch Charlotte's Web at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) tonight at 8 p.m.

The play is based on the classic story of the friendship between Wilbur the pig, a girl named Fern and Charlotte, a beautiful spider (that's her in the photo on the right). It's a great story, brought to life by a talented cast of young performers.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children younger than 12. For more information or tickets, call 304-416-KIDS or visit www.firststagetheatre.org.

- You can also catch a free preview of the upcoming comedy musical, Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move today at 2 p.m. at Border's in the Huntington Mall. Members of the cast will be performing a couple of the songs from that show, and they'll read the original book to the kids in the audience. (The cast is rehearsing for the show in the photo on the right.)

So don't say there's nothing to do this weekend!

On Stage Tonight - "Charlotte's Web"

You only have three more chances to catch Charlotte's Web, which is being presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

The play is based on the classic story of love and friendship between a pig named Wilbur, a girl named Fern and a spider named Charlotte. It's a touching and entertaining story, brought to life by a talented cast of young performers.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children younger than 12. For more information or tickets, call 304-416-KIDS or visit www.firststagetheatre.org.

I caught the show last Saturday and loved it - highly recommended for one and all!

Starring in "Sweeney Todd"

Hey, I have to take a moment and brag on one of our local performers who's making her mark in the world of theatre!

Laura LaCara starred in a number of shows locally, and these days she's studying theatre at Wright State University, where she's currently starring in a production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

As you can see in this article, she's getting rave reviews - which is no surprise to those of us who saw her star in shows like Les Miserables: School Edition and Seussical the Musical, to name just two.

Here's an excerpt from the review:

Individual performances during the Saturday, March 7, performance were effective. Tim Singleton was a somewhat subtle Sweeney whose vengeance burned most powerfully on the inside. Laura Lacara, by contrast, was an openly expressive Mrs. Lovett.

... there was no overlooking the ensemble's energy, unity and ability to connect with the audience in snug Herbst Theatre, which was draped in burlap and fogged with Londonesque stage smoke...

I was hoping to go see the production, but I just couldn't work out the scheduling - but isn't it great to hear that one of our local stars is enjoying success out there?

We're proud of you, Laura!

Thoughts In The Middle Of The Week

Ah, it's Wednesday - a last day of rest for the casts of at least two community theatre shows.

For the cast of the excellent Charlotte's Web, it's their last night off before tomorrow morning's school shows (you see five members of the cast in this photo from the Herald-Dispatch). First Stage tries to offer school performances of their shows to give students the chance to see a show that stars their peers.

Then they move into their final weekend of shows at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School). Shows this weekend are at 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, which is the final performance for the show.

Today is also the last weekday off for the cast of Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move.

Next week, the Alexander cast moves into the theatre for Tech Week (which I'll talk about more next week), and then the show hits the stage the last two weekends in March.

There will also be a school performance for Alexander, and there are still some seats available. For more information, send an email to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll pass it along. But hurry - it's "first come, first served."

So visit Charlotte this weekend, and mark your calendar to visit Alexander the last two weekends of the month!

"Blues Journey"

My apologies, gentle readers - the show Blues Journey slipped right past me.

Which is a shame, because it looks like a great show. Luckily, thousands of students got to check it out. Here's a recap from the Herald-Dispatch:

The Marshall Artist Series brought another Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences' production to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center Monday for three shows.

Blues Journey, a journey through the history of blues, is a live musical about a cotton picker who also is a music prodigy who gets discovered.

More than 1,200 elementary school children from Wayne and Cabell counties saw the show earlier in the day before an evening show drew dozens of families from around the area.

This is the seventh-straight year the Marshall Artist Series has brought a Kennedy Center production to Huntington.

The Marshall Artist Series continues at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 with The 5 Browns. The Tony-Award winning musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee hits the Keith-Albee at 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28.

For more information, visit www.marshall.edu/muartser//.

You can also see a photo gallery about the show right here.

Auditions for "Steel Magnolias"

My pal Bruce Rous sends along this casting notice about an upcoming audition:

I am directing Steel Magnolias in Huntington.

It will be performed the end of May at Highlawn Presbyterian Church. We're casting 6 women.

Auditions will be by appointment only the weekend of March 28.

Actors may call at 304-696-3149 or email me to schedule an appointment at rous1@marshall.edu.

"Charlotte's Web" story

There was a nice write-up about the first weekend of Charlotte's Web in today's Herald-Dispatch. Hey, here it is now:

The world's most famous spider spun her web Sunday at the Renaissance Theatre.

In its 19th season, the First Stage Theatre Company presented Charlotte's Web, based on the popular children's book by E.B. White.

Performances continue at 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 13 and 14, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 15. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children younger than 12. For more information or tickets, call 304-416-KIDS or visit www.firststagetheatre.org.

Charlotte's Web is one of two shows this month being performed by First Stage Theatre. The other is the musical comedy Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going To Move, which will be presented Friday-Sunday, March 20-22 and 27-29, at Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.

Lessons From a Master

Some theatre students at Marshall University got a rare chance to learn from a Broadway veteran over the weekend, as we see in this story (and this photo gallery) from Bryan Chambers and The Herald-Dispatch:

Several Marshall University theatre students shook off the grogginess from daylight-saving time Sunday morning for an opportunity to spend a few hours with Broadway actress Tovah Feldshuh.

About 25 students and faculty members attended the master class, which Feldshuh titled "Audition: Stopping the Conveyor Belt." It was held at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Feldshuh was fresh off her performance Saturday night in Golda's Balcony at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. The one-woman Broadway play was presented by the Marshall Artists Series.

"Charlotte's Web"

Tonight I got to see the new production of Charlotte's Web, and what a treat it was!
(And here I must disclose that I'm the president of the First Stage Theatre Company, which staged the show - so I can't claim to be impartial or write a review of the show - but I can make some comments about it.)

This show always has a warm place in my heart, because the first time the children's theatre staged it (about 10 years ago), my youngest son Evan played the part of Young Spider #2, and delivered his first lines in a show. My oldest son Justin worked backstage as a member of the tech crew. It was a great experience for both of them, and from what I've seen, today's cast is enjoying the same experience.

The show is directed by my pal Amy Browning. We've worked together on quite a few shows, and she's not only a talented and creative director and choreographer, but she's also a great teacher and mentor to these young actors.

The story, of course, is touching and sweet - all about friends looking out for each other, and the power of love.

The cast is fantastic - many of them are on stage for the first time, while others are veterans - and several "alumni" of First Stage were recruited to fill roles, too. They all work together like seasoned veterans, and turn in delightful performances.

It's a lot of fun to see this classic story come to life - and I certainly hope you, gentle reader, will make time today (at 2:30 p.m.) or next weekend to fall into Charlotte's Web. You'll be glad you did!

On Stage This Weekend - Three Great Shows

Is this a great place to live or what? There are three great community theatre shows you should check out this weekend:

- Charlotte's Web will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company tonight at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center (the old Huntington High School).

- Golda's Balcony will be presented by the Marshall Artist's Series tonight at 8 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater.

- The Secret Garden will be presented by the Charleston Children's Theatre tonight at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

So get out there and support your local theatre company!

On Stage Tonight - "Charlotte's Web"

First Stage Theatre Company is marching into Spring with two great shows - and the first one, Charlotte's Web, takes the stage tonight at 8:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School).

It's going to be a fun and heartwarming show - but don't take my work for it - here's the story from the Herald-Dispatch's Beth Hendricks:

The world's most famous spider is spinning her web at the Renaissance Theatre this weekend and next.

In its 19th season, the First Stage Theatre Company presents Charlotte's Web, based on the popular children's book by E.B. White.

Performances are at 8 p.m. March 6, 7, 13 and 14, and at 2:30 p.m. March 8 and 15. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children younger than 12.

"What we're trying to do are 'pages to stage' shows. That means, selecting a show because it's based on a book, particularly one that children are going to be familiar with. We even have teachers sometimes who teach the books or create study guides and then bring their kids to see the show," said show director Amy Browning. "We hope this series can evolve in the next year to, perhaps, even traveling around the area with it.

"We also selected this show because it's a straight show and not a musical. We have kids who aren't singers and dancers who still love to act, and we want to make sure those kids still have the opportunity to be involved."

Charlotte's Web tells the story of a girl named Fern who saves a runt pig named Wilbur, and how his life is saved by a clever spider named Charlotte. The First Stage production features 30 students from third grade to eighth grade. Browning said the play is remarkably similar to the intent of the author.

"There's a quote on the front page of the script from E.B. White that says, 'You have kept my spirit and my intent. Congratulations and cheers.' So, the scriptwriter followed the book very closely," she explained. "What you'll see from us are only some creative liberties on the characters. For instance, our pig is not wearing a giant pig suit but overalls and a pink hat with pig ears. Our goose wears a big poufy dress. We tried to punch up the costumes a little because there's not a lot of singing and dancing and movement.

"Our set is really cute and has a 16-feet wide red barn that takes up a giant chunk of the set."

Many of the Charlotte's Web cast members are new to the stage, but Browning said it worked out for each actor to have at least one or two speaking parts during the show.

"We didn't do that intentionally, but that's kind of how it worked out, and we think it's pretty cool," she said. "It's a great opportunity for these kids."

For more information or tickets, call 304-416-KIDS or visit www.firststagetheatre.org.

Charlotte's Web is one of two shows this month being performed by First Stage Theatre. The other is the musical comedy Alexander Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going To Move, which will be presented March 20-22 and 27-29, at Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.

Here's the cast for the show:

Fern Arable: Abigail Turner

John Arable: Zach Davis

Martha Arable: Sarah Stevenson

Avery Arable: Jonathan Ross

Homer Zuckerman: Jonathan Lamp

Edith Zuckerman: Caroline Hunter

Luray: Rachel Geiger

Wilbur: Samantha Young

Templeton: Jack McGee

Charlotte: Sarena Johnson

The Narrators: Leslie Collins, Rebecca Craig, Chloe Donahoe

Farm Animals: Goose, Brooke Alexander; Gander, Kathryn Booth; Sheep, Emily Bannon; Lamb, Kennedy Magner.

Chorus Members: Cassie Bowen, Karenann Flouhouse, Madalein Jackson, Hannah Kirby, Shelby McKeand, Emily Underwood, Angel Yarussi, Stephanie Yuhasz.

Baby Spiders/Chorus Member: Nathaniel Fornash, Morgan Hush, Maria Vance.

On Stage This Weekend - Golda's Balcony

There are several shows to choose from this weekend, including Golda's Balcony, which is part of the Marshall Artist's Series.

Here's an excerpt from this story for the Herald-Dispatch by my pal Beth Hendricks:

The former woman Israeli Prime Minister who David Ben-Gurion called "the best man in the government," will be chronicled in a production of Golda's Balcony with Emmy Award- and four-time Tony Award-nominee Tovah Feldshuh.

Audiences can relive Golda Meir's journey from Milwaukee schoolteacher to Israeli Prime Minister at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center Saturday at 8 p.m. The event is part of the Marshall Artist Series schedule.

"Golda's Balcony," written by William Gibson, focuses primarily on one incident, the Yom Kippur War of 1973, as Meir fields a never-ending stream of phone calls, crises large and small and political posturing while pondering her most difficult decision yet: whether to utilize nuclear weapons against her Egyptian and Syrian enemies.

"My hope is to do this role the rest of my performing life," Feldshuh said. "I think it gives little Israel a fighting chance."

Tickets are available from the Marshall Artists Series Box Office by calling 304-696-6656 or visiting www.marshallartistsseries.org or www.ticketmaster.com. Prices range from $45 to $55 for adults and $22.50 to $27.50 for children.

But wait, there's more!

In addition to the performance, Feldshuh will host a Masters class, which is open to the public.

The Marshall Artists Series and the Marshall University Department of Theatre will present a master class titled "Audition: Stopping the Conveyor Belt" with Tovah Feldshuh from 10 a.m. to noon, Sunday, March 8 in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. She will work with Marshall University Theatre students on monologue selections and provide direction and insight about the professional audition experience.

There will be a 45 minute Q & A after Tovah's teaching session. Audience members must present their ticket stub to "Golda's Balcony" for entrance to the master class. Seating is limited.

On Stage This Week - "Charlotte's Web"

Last Sunday I found myself driving a U-Haul truck loaded with the set for Charlotte's Web, the First Stage Theatre production that takes the stage starting Friday night.

I parked the truck in front of the old Huntington High School, and a small army of parents and actors carried the pieces of the set into the auditorium at the Renaissance Theatre, where they re-assembled the barn, the farmhouse, and all the other parts of the set.

This week, the cast is making its way through Tech Week, as they combine the lights, sound, costumes, sets, props and (of course) actors, putting the final touches on the classic show.

Charlotte's Web, of course, is based on the story of Wilbur, a young pig whose life is saved by his friend - a spider named Charlotte.

On Friday evening at 8:00 p.m., the curtain will raise on the first performance - I urge you to be there to see it. It's a great show for (if you'll excuse the phrase) kids of all ages!

EDIT: I had the wrong start time in this original post - now corrected to read 8:00 p.m. Sorry about that!

Is "Rent" a High School Musical?

My pals Denise and Len sent along a link to this story over a week ago, but I've been on the run and haven't had a chance to bring it up here - until now.

The New York Times ran a story Feb. 20 about the musical called Rent: School Edition, and the controversy that's grown around it.

It's an edited version of the popular musical that's been adapted for schools to produce. "School Editions" are a relatively recent invention, and allow major Broadway productions that aren't available for community theatre groups to be staged by school groups and children's theatres.

The shows are edited (slightly) and the music is altered for younger voices. Among the shows that have been adapted this way are Les Miserables, Sweeney Todd, Avenue Q and Rent.

I have to admit that I'm still not sure how I feel about schools staging adult shows like Rent, Sweeney Todd or Avenue Q. Even Les Miz has some adult content (and this one I've very familiar with - I directed a local production with First Stage Theatre). I'm generally opposed to censorship, but I also think there's material in these productions that may not be appropriate for young people.

This is the first year that Rent has been available in a somewhat toned-down version for schools. But even this version tackles some adult subjects, including drug use, theft, H.I.V. and homosexuality - not exactly the usual fare for school shows.

My feeling is that (senior) high school kids are mature enough to tackle the story, although I'm not sure it's fair to subject any young performer to the pressure of playing some of the adult roles involved. Any younger than that, and I don't think it would be appropriate.

But it's a decision each school has to make. The music in the show is great, and Rent has certainly become a big favorite among theatre fans, but it would be a tough call.

As the story indicates, a school in Bridgeport, W.Va., tried to stage it, but the show was shut down by the school administration - so the production was moved to a local college campus, although the cast was still made up of local high school students.

Here's an excerpt from the story:

Theater directors and students at more than 40 high schools across the country have selected a new show for their big springtime musical this year: Rent: School Edition, a modified version of the hit Broadway musical that, while toned down a bit, remains provocative by traditional drama club standards.

Too provocative, in the view of some high school officials and parents. At least three of the planned high school productions, in California, Texas and West Virginia, have been canceled...

... “Our high school shows are so important to our community — we have alumni who come back, we bus in children for them — and I didn’t see Rent working here,” said Susan Collins, the superintendent of the Harrison County schools in West Virginia, who canceled a production at Bridgeport High School there this winter. “But look, I know we can’t stick our heads in the sand, I know drugs are out there, I know children are having babies at 12, I know teens are having sex and always must have safe sex. But I don’t know if we need Rent.”

So what do you think, readers? Is it much ado about nothing? Is Rent appropriate for high school or middle school students? Can you see a local school tackling this show?

I can't see it happening locally without major changes to the show - but maybe I'm wrong.

On Stage In March

Here are the shows to watch for this month:

- Charlotte's Web will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company March 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m., and March 8 and 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center (the old Huntington High School).

- Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going To Move will be presented by First Stage March 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m., and March 22 and 29 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the former Camelot Theater).

- Golda's Balcony will be presented by the Marshall Artist's Series March 7 at 8 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater.

- Blues Journey will be presented by the Marshall Artist's Series March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater.

- The Secret Garden will be presented by the Charleston Children's Theatre March 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m., and March 7 at 2:30 p.m.

On Stage This Week - "The Tender Land"

Postponed from a couple of weeks back but back on the schedule this week:

Marshall University Opera Theatre, together with the choral department of Cabell Midland High School and dancers of The Elite Performance Academy, will present Aaron Copland’s quintessential American opera, The Tender Land, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, at Cabell Midland High School in Ona.

Tickets are $10 for adults. Students of high school age and below are free, and Marshall students will be admitted free with IDs.

The Tender Land is a bittersweet tale of coming of age for a young woman on the eve of her high school graduation. Faced with a life-changing decision, she leaves her hometown alone to find her own “promise of living.”

Like his earlier symphonic works, "Rodeo" and "Appalachian Spring," Copland’s opera displays truly American writing complete with folk melodies, a hoedown for dancers, and soaring lyrical singing. The opera was originally written for television and, though it was later revised for the stage, it is intimate and appropriate for young performers.

“I’m so appreciative of the support we have had in bringing this timeless musical drama to our region and for our collaboration with so many talented artists in our community,” said Linda Dobbs, professor of music at Marshall, who is directing the production. “David Castleberry, our Director of Choral Activities, painted our background scenery. Marlo Wentz and her terrific dancers bring Copland’s hoedown to life and when weather and illness forced us to move our performances from the Huntington campus, the CMHS Choir Boosters stepped in to help us provide the opportunity for our singers to present their work. As Copland says in the opera, ‘It promises to be a fine night.’”

For further information, persons may call the Marshall Department of Music at 304-696-3117.

"A Dream in Hanoi" Airs Monday Night

My pal Richard Bartram sends along this program note of interest:

I thought your readers might be interested --

The documentary, A Dream In Hanoi, will air on March 2, Monday night at 8 p.m. and again at 11 p.m. on Huntington Public Access TV (Huntington Comcast Channel 20).

(From the filmmaker's website):

Twenty five years after the end of the Vietnam War, Vietnamese and Americans join forces in a unique collaboration. Two theater companies, one American, one Vietnamese, come together to stage the first performances in Vietnam of Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

A DREAM IN HANOI follows the actors, directors, producers and technicians from both countries as they struggle to surmount the obstacles of language, culture, ideology and a history of war—on their journey to opening night at Hanoi's famous Opera House.

"The Drowsy Chaperone"

Friends have been raving about this show for years, and last night my lovely wife Jeanette and I got to see The Drowsy Chaperone when the touring show visited the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky.

And it's easy to see why my friends are so crazy about it - the show has terrific music, several entertaining song-and-dance numbers, and it's very, very funny.

It's a clever concept - the host of the show is the otherwise-unnamed "Man in Chair," who is sharing his favorite record album (remember those?), the cast recording to the (fictional) 1920s-era musical, The Drowsy Chaperone.

As he plays the album, the story comes to life on the stage, and our host provides background information, anecdotes and personal observations. It's smart, entertaining and lots of fun. If you get the chance to see the show, take it!

Of course, it was also great to see so many friends after the show - I think half the theatre community in Huntington was there!