Coming Soon - "Starry Starry Night"

My pal Paul Neace sends along this info about a fundraiser / concert for the Pullman Plaza Playhouse:

Starry Starry Night – A Cabaret

Pullman Plaza Playhouse proudly presents an evening of beautiful music from your favorite musicals! Enjoy an evening and matinee cabaret with a dining option to your ticket! The Pullman Plaza Playhouse is Huntington's newest theater group and this fundraiser will help its inaugural season!

Showtimes are Saturday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. with brunch at 1 p.m.

Tickets for the combination show and dinner are $30 each and for the show only $15.

We will have 25 performers from all over the state, including Marina Jurica, Ryan Hardiman, Deborah Wolfe, Melanie Shafer and many more! With over 30 songs you will enjoy hits from Phantom of the Opera, Hairspray, Mamma Mia, Jekyll and Hyde, and Guys and Dolls, just to name a few!

This is a benefit fundraiser, so please come out and support this amazing new arts venue in Huntington, WV!

Tickets can be purchased online at www.pullmanplayhouse.webs.com or by calling 304-525-1001.

One More Chance to Audition for "Once Upon a Mattress"

This weekend I helped sign up young actors to audition for the First Stage Theatre production of Once Upon a Mattress.

We had some amazingly talented actors show up - but as always (and this is true for every community theatre group), there were a lot more girls than guys trying out.

Since the directing team still needs a few more guys to round out the cast, they're holding one more day of auditions this week. The auditions are open to any students in grades 6-12. No experience is necessary to audition.

Auditions will be held Tuesday, August 31 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church. Actors should come with a 30-second audition song (an accompanist and a CD/tape player will be available) and be prepared to learn a short dance.

Once Upon a Mattress is the musical comedy adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale, The Princess and the Pea. The full-length play will feature 35 young actors from grades 6-12.

The show will be presented at the Renaissance Center in Huntington Nov. 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

For more information on the production of Once Upon a Mattress, contact director Amy Browning at amyb2606@gmail.com or producer Jeanette Bills at jeanette.bills@gmail.com or call 304-634-6401.

"Once Upon a Mattress" Auditions This Weekend

Don't forget: First Stage Theatre Company is holding audition this weekend for young actors in grades six through 12 for an upcoming production of Once Upon A Mattress.

The company will have auditions for the show, a musical comedy adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale The Princess and the Pea, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, and from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church.

The production will take place Nov. 12-14 and 19-21, at the Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., Huntington.

The full-length play will feature 35 young actors from grades six to 12. No experience is necessary to audition.

Actors should come with a 30-second audition song (accompanist, CD and tape player will be available) and be prepared to learn a short dance.

Rehearsals will begin Sept. 2.

The show will be directed by Amy Browning. Musical director will be Chris Bowling. The choreographer will be Melissa McGuffin.

Actors who are in the company's upcoming production of James and the Giant Peach cannot be in Once Upon a Mattress. However, it may be possible to perform in one and work backstage on the other.

For more information on the audition or upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress, contact Amy Browning at amyb2606@gmail.com.

For more information about First Stage Theatre Company, go online at www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage This Weekend - "Baby"

This weekend is your last chance to catch the musical Baby!

And you can enjoy a great meal! Dinner is at 6:30 p.m., and show time is at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28. The show only is 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29.

Tickets are $25 for the show and dinner or $15 for the show only. Seating is limited and the dinner shows tend to sell out, so call 304-733-ARTS.

Baby follows three couples all expecting a child, including university juniors who have just moved in together, a couple who have had some trouble conceiving, and a middle-aged couple who get a "surprise."

Written by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., Baby was originally on Broadway from 1983 to 1984.

The production will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

The End of the Summer Season

Generally the community theatre season can be broken up into two "seasons" - the "regular" season (running in the fall and winter, just like the school year) and the "summer" season, which is mostly made up of outdoor theatre groups (though there are plenty of exceptions to both groups).

The summer season has already wrapped up, although August has one more show to offer, as Baby wraps up this weekend (more about that tomorrow).

There are generally a few weeks (if not longer) between the end of summer and the beginning of the fall season, so next week we'll start looking at the upcoming "seasons" for some of the area's community theatre groups.

There are quite a few great shows on tap for the months ahead, including local shows and touring performances.

And if you're involved with a theatre group, please send along any info about upcoming shows to TheMinskers@aol.com and we'll be glad to talk about them here!

Youth Orchestra Begins New Season

It's not exactly theatre news, but we like to support local arts, so here's some news for string students:

The Tri-State Youth Orchestra String Section begins its 13th performance season on Thursday, Aug 26, 2010 in the basement of ARTS Renaissance Center on 8th Street in Huntington.

All string students in the tri-state area are welcome. There are two orchestras: the Youth Strings, whose members have 2-3 years playing ability on orchestral string instruments, are encouraged to participate in the ensemble that rehearses from 5:30-7:00 every Thursday night; the other group is the Tri-State Youth Orchestra Strings that rehearses from 7:30-9:00 every Thursday evening.

Auditions for Brass, Winds and percussion will be later in October, after marching band. For more information on these orchestras please contact Ron Caviani at tsyo@aol.com, 304-743-7425, 304-528-6462 or 304-972-7501. Please leave a message at any of the phone numbers. Email is quicker.

"Once Upon a Mattress" Auditions This Weekend

Torn from the headlines in today's Herald-Dispatch:

First Stage Theatre Company is looking for young actors in grades six through 12 for an upcoming production of Once Upon A Mattress.

The company will have auditions for the show, a musical comedy adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairytale The Princess and the Pea, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 28, and from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 29, at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church.

The production will take place Nov. 12-14 and 19-21, at the Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., Huntington.

The full-length play will feature 35 young actors from grades six to 12. No experience is necessary to audition.

Actors should come with a 30-second audition song (accompanist, CD and tape player will be available) and be prepared to learn a short dance.

Rehearsals will begin Sept. 2.

The show will be directed by Amy Browning. Musical director will be Chris Bowling. The choreographer will be Melissa McGuffin.

Actors who are in the company's upcoming production of James and the Giant Peach cannot be in Once Upon a Mattress. However, it may be possible to perform in one and work backstage on the other.

For more information on the audition or upcoming production of Once Upon a Mattress, contact Amy Browning at amyb2606@gmail.com.

For more information about First Stage Theatre Company, go online at www.firststagetheatre.org.

A Night at the Pops - and Theatre Zanesville

My lovely wife and I had a great time last night at the Pops concert! We saw lots of friends and enjoyed some terrific music.

It's a shame the show had to be cut short by the storm, but the timing was perfect - we had just finished loading our lawn chairs into the car when the deluge hit! We dived in and paddled out of Huntington.

We also had a lot of fun hanging out with our pals Len LaCara and Denise Duellman-LaCara, who were in town for a visit.

These days they live in the Zanesville area, where Denise is involved in a new theatre group - and they have a fun season coming up! Here are the details:

Theatre Zanesville, a new semiprofessional community theatre located in the Muskingum County Conference and Welcome Center, announces the launch of its inaugural season. Under the direction of Artistic Director Denise Duellman-LaCara and Producing Director Mark W. Douglas, the company was formed with the idea of producing smaller, newer musicals that would provide “something completely different” for audiences of all ages.

An exciting season of three shows is planned, all Central Ohio regional premiers:

The Marvelous Wonderettes – November 4-7, 2010
The Marvelous Wonderettes, by Roger Bean, is the jukebox musical that has been a smash hit all over the country. Take a trip down memory lane and meet Betty Jean, Cindy Lou, Missy and Suzy at the 1958 Springfield senior prom. They are four girls whose hopes and dreams are exceeded only by the size of their crinolines. We learn about their lives and loves and are treated to the girls performing such classic ’50s and ’60s songs as “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Lipstick on Your Collar,” and many more.

Zombie Prom – March 17-20, 2011
Cross Grease with Hairspray, add a 1950s horror comic book and you get Zombie Prom, by Dana P. Rowe and John Dempsey. It is a rock 'n roll musical, a campy, rollicking romp through America’s “Atomic Age” and the “Golden Age” of horror comic books.

The Daly News – May 12-15, 2011
Just in time for Mother’s Day, don’t miss Jonathan Gillard Daly’s World War II musical memoir. The Daly News is a funny, poignant, not-to-be-missed experience that will not only tug at the heartstrings of members of ‘the greatest generation,’ but also of anyone who has longed to say the things he or she never got to say to a parent or to a child.”

Season tickets are now on sale and are only $36 for adults and $26 for students through high school. Visit the website at www.theatrezanesville.com to purchase tickets and to find out more about the theatre, including audition information and how local patrons of the arts can become involved.

One Week Away - Auditions for "Once Upon a Mattress"

A reminder that we're just a week away from auditions for the musical comedy Once Upon A Mattress, which is being presented by First Stage Theatre.

The directing team is: Amy Browning, Director; Chris Bowling, Musical Director; Melissa McGuffin, Choreographer.

Once Upon a Mattress is the musical comedy adaptation of the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, The Princess and the Pea.

The full-length play will feature 35 young actors from grades 6-12. No experience is necessary to audition.

Auditions Dates: Saturday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, August 29 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church.

Actors should come with a 30 second audition song (accompanist, CD and tape player will be available) and be prepared to learn a short dance.

Rehearsals will begin September 2. The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will open on Nov. 12.

For more information on the production of Once Upon a Mattress, contact Amy at amyb2606@gmail.com.

On Stage This Weekend - "Baby"

There's only one show on stage this weekend, and it's a good one!

The musical Baby will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21 and 27-28. Show time is at 8 p.m. The show only is 3 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29. Dinner and the show is $25, and show only is $15.

You can get tickets by calling 304-733-ARTS. Go online at www.733arts.org for more info.

The Musical "Baby" Takes the Stage This Weekend

In today's Herald-Dispatch, my pal Dave Lavender gives us a look at the musical Baby which takes the stage this weekend:

ARTS is expecting, and it has got just the team of musical doctors to deliver the Baby.

Back for their 17th show together, director Eddie Harbert and choreographer Coni Anthony are part of the Arts Resources for the Tri-State team delivering the musical laughs as they open the musical, Baby, Friday, Aug. 21, at the Huntington High Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., Huntington.

Dinner is at 6:30 p.m., and show time is at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21, as well as Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28. The show only is 3 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29.

Tickets are $25 for the show and dinner or $15 for the show only. Seating is limited and the dinner shows tend to sell out, so call as early as you can at 304-733-ARTS.

Harbert, the veteran musical director who's been pinballing back and forth between intimate ARTS dinner theater productions and larger productions for Fifth Avenue Theatre Company, said it's been a joy revisiting Baby with Anthony since it was the first show they did together in 1994.

Since then, they've notched up 17 shows together, and this is the fifth show with Harbert, Anthony and Mike Campbell, the music director, all working together.

"It's kind of a nice coming home again," Harbert said. "I love working with her because of her professionalism and she is like me. We appreciate our volunteers and the people who come and work with us. A lot of directors are a little bit harsh, but we believe in a gentle way, and we appreciate that people want to work with us. We feel lucky to have the talent pool that we have, and we feel we are lucky to work with them."

Baby, which follows three couples all expecting a child, stars Angela Wolfe Hunt and Mark Radford as Liz and Danny, university juniors who have just moved in together.

Jane Modlin and George Snider III play the athletic Pam and her husband, Nick, a sports instructor, who have had some trouble conceiving.

Mary Olson and Ron Short (Arlene and Alan) play the couple that gets the "surprise."

Arlene, already the mother of three grown daughters, contemplates abortion while her husband Alan is thrilled with the thought of a new baby that is a total surprise and shock.

Harbert said they also added a four-person chorus to punch up the show musically. That chorus features Jaclyn Boylan, Susan Rawn, Justin Adkins and Michael Warden. And veteran props manager Helga Thorn also makes a special appearance.

Written by Sybille Pearson, based on a story developed with Susan Yankowitz, music by David Shire, and lyrics by Richard Maltby, Jr., Baby was originally on Broadway from 1983 to 1984.

Harbert said Campbell has updated the '80s pop music and without changing the script has put a bit of a surprise into the end of the show.

"We really like the storylines because it is something that audiences can identify with," Harbert said. "The show was originally created in the '80s but it is kind of timeless. People are always going to have babies, and the show is very touching. Most of the songs in the show really tell a story. Some of this show makes you laugh and makes you cry and it is very touching. You will leave feeling really good."

If you go

WHAT: ARTS Production of the musical, Baby

WHERE: ARTS Renaissance Ballroom, 900 8th St., Huntington

WHEN: Dinner is at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 20-21. Show time is at 8 p.m. The show only is 3 p.m. Aug. 22 and 29.

HOW MUCH: Dinner and the show is $25, and show only is $15.

GET TIX: Call ARTS at 304-733-ARTS.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.733arts.org for more info.

ABOUT THE SHOW: First on Broadway in the early 1980s, Baby is a comedic modern-day musical that tells the story of three couples on a university campus as they deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of this experience.

OTHER ARTS SHOWS: Will Rogers Follies opens Oct. 15, and Drowsy Chaperone opens April 1, 2011.

Friday's the Deadline to Apply for the Jim Stone Scholarship

A reminder that First Stage Theatre Company is still accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship, a $1000 award that goes to a deserving graduate from the children's theatre.

It's First Stage's way of honoring both the group's young actors and Jim Stone, who was a great actor, a supporter of the arts, a mentor to young actors and, I'm proud to say, a friend of mine.

But time is running out - applications are due by Friday!

Here's the information about the scholarship and how to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for 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.

The deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.

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).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

Artists Series Tickets On Sale

Single tickets are on sale now for the 74th season of the Marshall Artists Series that begins in September and runs through spring semester 2011.

Here's a look at the highlights of the 74th Season of the Marshall Artists Series:

Baxter Series:

Liza Minnelli -- 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $85.25/$65/$45.

Celebrate the Holidays with Marvin Hamlisch and Mark McVey -- 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 6, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $65/$45/$35.

A Chorus Line -- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $58/$50/$45.

Additionally, enjoy Marvin Hamlisch's chat about the development of A Chorus Line (for which he received the Pulitzer Prize) on Monday, Dec. 6.

The Color Purple -- 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $58/$50/$45.

Mount Series:

The Doobie Brothers -- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 16, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $62.50/$40.

Stomp -- 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 11-12, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $60.

Video Games Live -- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Video Games Live is a concert event spectacular featuring music from the most popular video games of all time including - "Mario Brothers," "Zelda," "Halo," "Tomb Raider" and "Guitar Hero" among others. Tickets are $47/$35/$25.

Spring Awakening -- 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 29, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $58/$50/$45

Belanger Specials:

Pablo Ziegler Trio -- 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 15, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Marshall University with Latin-Grammy award-winning pianist, Pablo Ziegler. Tickets are $35/$25.

Daniel Tosh -- 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 19, at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena. Tickets are $25.

The Fall and Spring International Film Festival -- Oct. 1-7, at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center and March 3-9, featuring six different films. Season tickets for the Fall and Spring International Film Festival are available for $75 (all 12 films). Tickets to individual films are $7 and are not available in advance. Tickets to individual films are purchased at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center 15 minutes prior to each film.

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Marshall Artists Series box office at 304-696-6656, or visiting the box office located in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Normal box office hours are noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at www.marshallartistsseries.org, or www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet including select Kroger stores and FYE at the Huntington Mall and the Ashland Town Center.

For additional information, call the Marshall Artists Series at 304-696-3326 or e-mail at artistsseries@marshall.edu.

On Stage Next Weekend - "Baby"

Here's an upcoming performance you'll want to reserve tickets for - the ARTS production called Baby!

Here's the story:

Is there anything more exciting, frightening and utterly transformational than impending parenthood?

Baby tells the story of three couples on a university campus as they deal with the painful, rewarding and agonizingly funny consequences of this universal experience.

Show dates: August 20, 21, 27, 28 - Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and show at 8:00 p.m.

August 22 and 29 - Show only at 3:00 p.m.

All proceeds benefit ARTS. To make reservations or for more informations about Arts Resources for the Tri-State, call 304-733-2787.

The musical will be presented at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom, 900 8th St., Suite 100 in Huntington.

The New Group in Town - the Pullman Plaza Playhouse

We're finally getting some more information about the newest theatre group in town, the Pullman Plaza Playhouse.

Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch has the details about the group, which is (as far as I know) the first attempt at establishing a professional theatre group in Huntington. There hasn't been anything like that since the old Mountaineer Dinner Theatre.

The difference between a professional theatre group and community theatre is that the latter uses volunteers, most of them taking part without pay, while the former uses professionally trained actors and everyone gets paid for their work.

There have been a few attempts toward creating such a group in Huntington in the past, but this is the first one to actually raise the funds and find a location to put on its shows. It's an exciting prospect for local theatre fans, and it'll be interesting to watch the group grow in the years ahead.

Here's the story by my pal Dave Lavender:

When Debbie Wolfe began working at the Pullman Plaza Hotel a few months ago, she would walk into the Grand Theatre room and couldn't help but imagine something more than just hosting the occasional wedding and the Rotary Club's weekly lunch-time meeting.

The professionally trained actress and singer and regional theater veteran recalled the room in its former incarnation, The Club Pompeii, and envisioned some more lights and action.

While they won't be bringing back the Pompeii's volcano, Wolfe and a few dozen folks in Huntington's deep theater community, are launching the Pullman Plaza Playhouse, an intimate, and in-the-round downtown dinner theater.

With a goal of being a professional-quality dinner theater company, the Playhouse is launching now with two upcoming shows set for the fall.

The 25th Annual Spelling Bee will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25, and Oct. 1-2, with Sunday matinees scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26, and Oct. 3.

And Little Shop of Horrors will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 5-6, with an additional midnight showing on Saturday, Oct. 30, and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

Wolfe, who has worked in professional theater productions around the country, and who also has children involved in professional theater, said they hope to successfully launch the Playhouse this fall, and then build up to the point of hosting Friday and Saturday dinner theater with actors getting paid for their work.

Wolfe said while there are many other theater companies in the area, they hope to build up to being a regular, professional dinner theater not unlike the Mountaineer Dinner Theater that ran from 1971 to 1984 in Teays Valley.

"We have such an unusual concentration of artists and talent, and I have cast shows all over the country and there is just an inherent musicality about this area," Wolfe said. "Look at the disproportionate number of country music stars from the area. It is just a shame that singers and actors have to go away from the area to make a living."

Wolfe said the hotel has given the theater group the space to try out the dinner theater to see if they can make it work, and the hotel will be providing meal service to the dinner theater as well.

Since tossing out the idea, many area theater supporters such as Marina Jurica, Paul Neace and others have come on board to help launch the endeavor.

Shayne Gue, director of the ARTS (Arts Resources for the Tri-State) All-Star Show Choir and a veteran of many Huntington Outdoor Theatre (H.O.T.) and youth theater productions, is the president of the board for the Playhouse.

"We have the room, we have the lights, we have a theater and now we've got to prove it," Wolfe said. "We want to bring this corner of downtown back to life and anything that people can give us in terms of energy and bucks is appreciated. We know there are folks who would like to see this be what it can be."

Producing the first two shows is area theater veteran Paul Neace, who just came off of a July of starring in H.O.T.'s version of Annie.

Neace, who works at Connoisseur Media, said they are throwing everything they have into these shows, the first of which goes up in just about a month.

"We're not going to do this halfway," Neace said addressing a crowd of about 30 at an informational meeting on Monday, Aug. 9. "We are committed for the long haul, and we're going to give it all the elbow grease we can muster."

For the first show, the Playhouse is getting some technical assistance from John Wolfe, a senior Music-Dance-Theatre major at Brigham Young University, who oversaw this week's casting call with a fellow actor from Utah.

John Wolfe, who has been performing with the professional Hale Centre Theatre in Utah, is helping out while he is awaiting an eight-month contract performing aboard the Nieuw Amsterdam of Holland America Cruise Lines.

"I know a lot of people will say that it won't work but I'm in between shows at Hale, which started out in the middle of a desert in the an old lingerie warehouse and now has a $6 million budget," John Wolfe said. "It may seem tough to start out but we have much better conditions, and we have the talent that you've got to have."

Here's a closer look at the new Pullman Plaza Hotel Playhouse:

WHAT: A new professional-quality dinner theater company, which will begin presenting productions in September in the hotel's Grand Theatre. It will be renamed the Pullman Plaza Playhouse for the shows.

UPCOMING SHOWS: The 25th Annual Spelling Bee will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25 and Oct. 1-2, with Sunday matinees scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Sept. 26 and Oct. 3.

Little Shop of Horrors will be presented at 7:30 p.m. on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30, and Nov. 5-6, with an additional midnight showing on Saturday, Oct. 30, and a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 7.

CONTACT: For more information, call Shayne Gue at 304-412-0129 or Deborah Wolfe at 304-525-1001, e-mail at pullmanplayhouse@gmail.com or contact Gue through facebook or e-mail shaynegue@hotmail.com

GET INVOLVED: The Pullman Plaza Playhouse is looking for show sponsors as well as playbill sponsors for its season. Show sponsorships range from $500 to $1,000; playbill sponsor ads run from $100, and a full season underwriter would be $7,500.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.pullmanplaza.com for more info about overnight packages for the Playhouse shows.

FUNDRAISER: There will be a Starry Starry Night Fundraising concert with a cast of 22 singers at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Pullman Plaza Hotel. Tickets will be $30 for dinner and a show or $10 for show only.

Artists Series Individual Tickets on Sale Monday

My pals at the Marshall Artists Series sent along this poster as a reminder that individual tickets go on sale Monday for the fantastic shows they have lined up in the year ahead.

Check 'em out and place your order soon!

Personally, I'm really looking forward to Spring Awakening and the Video Games Live concert, which I hear great things about...

Auditions This Weekend

One more reminder about auditions this weekend:

- ARTS is pleased to announce auditions for Will Rogers Follies Saturday, August 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

There are roles for nine men (including a cowboy quartet) and eight women (including a showgirl sextet) and four children ages 5 to 9. Show runs October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Bil Neal, Directing; Kerri Easter-Stambough, Choreographer; and Tawny Burdine, Musical Director.

No need to stress or prepare too much - auditions will start at 3:00 with everyone learning one of the songs from the show for the musical section, and readings will be available for the acting portion. Wear something you can move in.

Cast of characters (Singing roles are marked with a *):

*Will Rogers - never met a man he didn't like - will be able to handle a rope
*Ziegfeld's Favorite - a beautiful chorus girl
Wiley Post - Aeroplane pilot
*Clem Rogers - Will's Father
*Will's Six Sisters (ALSO) Betty's Six Sisters - played by a sextet from the chorus
*Four Cowboys - male quartet from the chorus
Stage Manager - Peter
*Betty Blake - Will's wife
*The Four Rogers Children - Will Junior, Mary, James and Freddy
Roper- a professional rope spinner
6-12 stage hands/wardrobe people/chorus

Any questions please call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926 or ARTS at 304-733-ARTS or Email Bil at bil@733arts.org.

------------------

- 5th Avenue Theatre will hold auditions on Sunday:

Ensemble auditions for White Christmas will be held on August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall.

We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time. There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post Wold War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Participants wishing to audition should come with a prepared selection to sing. Auditioners will also be asked to read various selections from the script.

For more information about White Christmas or the auditions, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738. Come join us for a spectacular show!

On Stage This Weekend - Three Shows

You have three fine shows to choose from this weekend:

- Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park tonight through Sunday, August 15. All performances start at 8:30 p.m.

- Pippin: His Life and Times - Red Lion Theatre will present the musical Aug. 12 through 15 at 8 p.m. at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Jenny Wiley presents the musical at 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 12, 13 and 14.

Check 'em out and support your local theatre!

More Auditions

Hey, we have more auditions going on than we can shake a stick at!

My pal Paul Neace tells me about this one:

We held auditions for our inaugural Pullman Plaza Playhouse shows yesterday – The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Little Shop of Horrors at the Hotel.

We’re having callbacks tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. for "Little Shop." However, if anyone couldn’t make it to earlier auditions, they can audition at that time also.

Then my pal Eddie Harbert sent along this reminder about auditions for White Christmas on Sunday:

Ensemble auditions for White Christmas will be held on Sunday, August 15 at 1 p.m. at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditiorium in City Hall.

We will also be auditioning for the roles of the General and Susan at that time. There will be a children's pre-show prior to the start of the show each evening. Children interested in being in the pre-show should also come to the auditions on August 15.

We are still looking for someone to fill the role of General Henry Waverly. He is a gentleman in his 50s to 60s. He is a retired U.S. Army General adjusting to returning to civilian life in post Wold War II America. Beneath his curmudgeonly, military exterior lies a warm, compassionate man in need of family and love. With the exception of one line, this is primarily a non-singing role.

We are also auditioning for the role of Susan Waverly, the General's granddaughter. She is a lovable, outgoing kid ranging between the ages of 9-12. She is smart and wise beyond her years. She must have an excellent belting voice and be able to move well.

There are several small reading parts for the ensemble to perform. Participants wishing to audition should come with a prepared selection to sing. Auditioners will also be asked to read various selections from the script.

For more information about White Christmas or the auditions, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738. Come join us for a spectacular show!

Auditions for "Will Rogers Follies"

We try to alert you to upcoming auditions, and here's one to watch for, as ARTS auditions for its big fall production, the musical Will Rogers Follies.

Here's the info from my pal Bil Neal:

ARTS is pleased to announce auditions for Will Rogers Follies Saturday, August 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

There are roles for nine men (including a cowboy quartet) and eight women (including a showgirl sextet) and four children ages 5 to 9. Show runs October 14, 15, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23 and 24.

Bil Neal, Directing; Kerri Easter-Stambough, Choreographer; and Tawny Burdine, Musical Director.

No need to stress or prepare too much - auditions will start at 3:00 with everyone learning one of the songs from the show for the musical section, and readings will be available for the acting portion. Wear something you can move in.

Cast of characters (Singing roles are marked with a *):

*Will Rogers - never met a man he didn't like - will be able to handle a rope
*Ziegfeld's Favorite - a beautiful chorus girl
Wiley Post - Aeroplane pilot
*Clem Rogers - Will's Father
*Will's Six Sisters (ALSO) Betty's Six Sisters - played by a sextet from the chorus
*Four Cowboys - male quartet from the chorus
Stage Manager - Peter
*Betty Blake - Will's wife
*The Four Rogers Children - Will Junior, Mary, James and Freddy
Roper- a professional rope spinner
6-12 stage hands/wardrobe people/chorus

Any questions please call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926 or ARTS 304-733-ARTS or Email Bil at bil@733arts.org

"The Jungle Book Kids" Opens Tonight in Logan

There's a nice story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the Jungle Book musical that opens tonight - you can read it right here:

For the first time in their rich 35 year history, The Aracoma Story, Inc. presents a Disney Kids Production on their stage as part of their summer season at The Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park. Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will feature a cast that includes some of the most talented kids in the region as it opens for six nights this Tuesday, August 10 running through Sunday, August 15.

Originally based on Rudyard Kipling’s 1894 novel, Walt Disney’s blockbuster hit film The Jungle Book was the last animated feature that Walt Disney personally supervised – he died during its production. Its winning combination of captivating characters, humor, drama and music – including “I Want To Be Like You” and “The Bare Necessities” has made the film one of Disney’s most beloved animated features with its release in 1967.

Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids was released by Disney through Music Theatre International in 2005 and has received rave reviews across the country. The Jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! The memorable characters of Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Specially adapted from the beloved film, this Rated G musical includes many of your favorite Disney tunes. With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

The Aracoma Story, Inc. will open the show each night with a Talent Showcase that will include featured performances by some from the show’s cast. The Talent Showcase will include musical numbers, comedy, dance and a creative arts performance. “We wanted to take the opportunity to showcase some of our talented young performers from this show’s cast that have appeared in some of our pervious productions” says The Aracoma Story, Inc. President Jim Frye. “We also have some very talented new faces in this show and I am confident that they will bring energy and excitement to our stage!” says Frye.

The cast of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids includes Levi Browning (Baby Elephant), Taylor Browning (Peacock), Seth Bunting (Mowgli), Alayna Bryant (Monkey), DJ Conley (Elephant), Julie Coombs (Hyena), Destinee Elkins (Porcupine), Summer Elkins (Monkey), Faith Ferrell (Peacock), Lauren Leboeuf (Kaa The Snake), Jessie Murray (Monkey), Abigail Nagy (Lizard), Shana Nelson (Bagheera The Panther), Samantha Shell (Louie, King of the Monkeys), Tori Shell (Colonel Hathi, Elephant Leader), Shiann Sigmon (Shanti), Khiry Starghill (Baloo The Bear), Stephanie Thornhill (Monkey) and Charles Wallace (Shere Khan The Tiger).

Special Promotional Nights are planned for the 1 week production: Wednesday, August 16 will be Military Night with FREE ADMISSION to all Active Military Personnel and HALF-PRICE ADMISSION to all Veterans for their ticket purchased at their Box Office on the night of the performance.

The final performance on Sunday, August 16 will be “Bring Your Pet Night” at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre. All pet owners are urged to bring their pets to the show with them on Sunday night. A special prize will be given away at the beginning of the show to one lucky pet owner who brings their pet to the show. “We see it as a fun way to salute pet owners. Our Chairman of the Board, Liz Spurlock loves her dogs dearly and has inspired us to salute pet owners who love theater. This may be a first in theater anywhere in our region!” says Frye.

Performances of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids are expected to be somewhat shorter than most T.A.S.I. productions. The expected length of the Talent Showcase and Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids including an intermission is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Adult ticket prices have been reduced from the usual ticket price for this production.

Opening Night of Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater in Chief Logan State Park on Tuesday, August 10 at 8:30 p.m. The show will run Tuesday through Sunday, August 15. All performances start at 8:30 p.m. nightly.

Advance ticket discounts are available at The UPS Store in Logan, Necessary Things in Logan, Pic-Pac in Man and Aracoma Drug in Chapmanville. You can purchase tickets by phone including Group Discounted Tickets using Visa or MasterCard by calling The Aracoma Story, Inc. office at 304-752-0253.

For more information about this summer production visit www.loganshows.com.

"Disney's Jungle Book Kids" Moves Into Logan State Park

Hey, here's an August show I somehow missed - and it starts tomorrow at Chief Logan State Park!

It's Disney's The Jungle Book Kids, based on the beloved animated musical adaptation of the classic Rudyard Kipling tales.

Here's a recap of the story:

The Jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan.

Specially adapted from the beloved film, this musical includes all your favorite Disney tunes, like "The Bare Necessities" and "I Wanna Be Like You." With colorful characters and that toe-tapping jungle rhythm, The Jungle Book Kids is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for audiences of all ages.

Tickets are now on sale at The UPS Store at Oaks Plaza in Logan, Necessary Things in Logan, Pic Pac Supermarket in Man and
Aracoma Drug in Chapmanville - or you can purchase by phone calling 304-752-0253.

The show runs Aug. 10 - 15. Don't miss it!

Paramount's New Season Features Lots of Shows

Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch includes a big article about the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland's upcoming season (you can read the whole article right here).

Of special interest to theatre fans are the touring Broadway shows, and the announcement of a new community theatre group working through the Paramount!

Here are some of the highlights:

Broadway Series

The Broadway Series will feature three musicals -- Legally Blonde on Oct. 25, Wizard of Oz on May 10, and Spamalot on April 7.

Legally Blonde is a story that goes from the sorority house to the halls of justice. Elle Woods gets serious after getting dumped by her boyfriend and decides to go to Harvard Law. She proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Wizard of Oz proves again that there is no place like home. The lavish production features amazing special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs.

Spamalot, winner of the 2005 Tony Award for Best Musical, is "lovingly ripped off from the film classic Monty Python and The Holy Grail." It is a comedic tale of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on their quest for the Holy Grail.

Paramount Players Series

The Paramount Players Series is new this season. It is community theater featuring the Paramount Players. The shows will be Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe on Oct. 14, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Dec. 16-18, Clue Jan. 21-22 (which will also feature dinner), and Hairspray March 25-26.

Special Events

A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed by National Players, will take place on Feb. 11. This will feature the Twittering Shakespeare experience. Patrons can bring their phones and receive fun, informative facts and trivia about the performance. The show will feature a fresh twist on the setting as woods glow in the dark and fairies dance to electronica. Audience members will see mistaken love, dark nights and dubious tricks in this classic comedy turned electric farce. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children.

New subscribers wishing to buy series tickets can do so anytime. Individual ticket sales begin on Aug. 23.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Paramount box office, call 606-324-3175 or go online at www.paramountartscenter.com.

Jim Stone Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

A reminder that First Stage Theatre Company is still accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship, a $1000 award that goes to a deserving graduate from the children's theatre.

It's First Stage's way of honoring both the group's young actors and Jim Stone, who was a great actor and a true supporter of the arts.

Here's the information about the scholarship and how to apply:

The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.

First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for 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.

The deadline for entries is Friday, Aug. 20, 2010.

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).

Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts and detailing the applicant's financial need for the award.

Applications should be sent to First Stage Scholarships, c/o C.E. Wilson, 6421 Rt. 60 East, Barboursville, WV 25504. For more information, call 304-736-4366.

Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage This Weekend

August is warming up, and you have four shows taking the stage this weekend - one show in Charleston, one in Logan and two at Jenny Wiley:

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 8 at 3 p.m.

- The Aracoma Story - runs through Aug. 7 at Logan State Park.

Jenny Wiley hosts:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Aug. 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14 at 8:15 p.m.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - Aug. 8 and 10 at 8:15 p.m.

Getting Started on "James and the Giant Peach"

The cast of James and the Giant Peach had its first meeting tonight, and those are always fun, as the cast, their parents, the director and the producers get together for the first time to start the process of getting ready for the show.

The first meeting is all about saying "Hello" and getting the paperwork out of the way - filling out information forms, release forms and getting all the necessary email addresses - stuff like that.

The show is being guided by my pal Jonathan Joy, who's not only a terrific playwright and actor - he's also a great director! I know he's going to get the most out of this young cast, and he's an outstanding drama teacher, so they're going to learn a lot about stagecraft, too.

The producers for the First Stage Theatre Company show are Becky Craig and your humble blogger here (Chuck Minsker, that is). I'm wearing the (co-)producer hat for the first time in a while, but glad to be part of the team!

I'll have more updates as the rehearsal process moves along - we're just in the earliest stages right now, but it's a very talented cast, so you can expect great things when they take the stage at the Renaissance Theatre at the end of September!

(Not that I'm prejudiced or anything.)

Cast List for "Steel Magnolias"

My pal Zach Davis sent along the cast list for 5th Avenue Theatre's play Steel Magnolias, which he'll be directing.

Here's the list - it's an impressive cast:

Truvy Jones - Twinkie Smith
Annelle Dupuy - Desoto-Shannon Bates
Clairee Belcher - Kyle Fisher
Shelby Eatenton-Latcherie - Stephanie Sands
M'Lynn Eatenton - Jen Jacobson
Ouiser Boudreaux - Loretta Hetzer
Radio DJ - Peggy Walker

Zach adds, "I am very excited about this cast. So much talent! I am sure the audience will enjoy this forever classic!"

Steel Magnolias runs September 17-19 and 24-26 at Huntington's City Hall.

On Stage in August

Several community theatre shows are on tap for August (which is kind of surprising - it's traditionally a slow month for stage shows).

As always, if I missed one, send me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com. Here's the rundown:

- Hair - Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical Aug. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 1 and 8 at 3 p.m.

- Baby - ARTS presents the musical at the Renaissance Center ballroom August 20-22 and 27-29.

- The Aracoma Story - runs through Aug. 7 at at Logan State Park.

- Pippin: His Life and Times - Red Lion Theatre will present the musical Aug. 12 through 15 at 8 p.m. at the Greenbo Lake State Resort Park Amphitheatre.

Jenny Wiley presents two shows this month:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - 8:15 p.m. on Aug. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 14.

- Jack and the Beanstalk - Aug. 8 and 10 at 8:15 p.m.

And that's it! (I think!)