What is the "Pay It Forward Anti-Benefit?"

I received an email from my pal Bruce Rous talking about an unusual event coming up soon. Here's what he says:

I am excited to tell you about a new performance I'm working on: It's the Pay It Forward Anti-Benefit.

Weird name, right? What it is - a performance from some amazing performers, all accompanied by me, your favorite former Broadway player, turned piano teacher! It's a collaborative effort presented by theatre gym (a group of theatre folk, who work on honing their performance skills every week) and Highlawn Presbyterian Church (where I serve as organist).

We figured there were so many worthwhile benefits each month. However, each one requires a good deal of cash for the audience member to be admitted. And the cash goes to a specific charity. But what about those folks who don't have $20 or $30 to offer their local charities? Might they also want to help charities/worthwhile causes, while they don't have that kind of cash to spend?

We came up with the idea of an "Anti-Benefit," for which the audience members don't have to spend money. We're actually going to pay $1 to each audience member who attends (only for the first 100 reservations, but after that all audience members will be admitted free of charge). We're paying people to come hear us sing! Now that's a deal!

There is a catch. With that $1 comes some responsibility. You are requested to "pay it forward," that is, do something nice for someone else. Something that might help change someone's life. Here's a blurb from our Facebook post: Rather than the typical benefit, where the audience is charged admission to help to a specific charity, we invite audience members to a cabaret, and pay them $1 for attending!

We give each audience member $1 (only first 100 reservations. All others admitted free of charge). The twist is, it's seed money, they have to pay it forward. How? Only $1?

Here are some ideas:

There's this homeless guy in my town. He collects cans. I started putting my cans in the alley for him. Then I thought, "Hey, he's doing my recycling for me." So I started rolling up a dollar and putting it in one of the cans.

Or, you're a well-connected business person. You take your dollar, and dare your friends to match it - and give the total to your favorite charity.

One lady, who works at MU, says she's going to use her $1 to buy coffee for the parking office, surely the least-appreciated office at MU.

Or you send your dollar to a country where it will feed a child. Or help rebuild. Or to an American place where tragedy has happened.

We invite audience members to share where the dollars have gone via email.

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

theatre gym and Highlawn Presbyterian Church present:

PAY IT FOWARD
An “Anti-Benefit” Night of Song
Featuring amazing performers – accompanied by Bruce S. Rous

NOVEMBER 13 – 8:00 p.m.
Highlawn Presbyterian Church
28th Street and Collis Avenue, Huntington, W.Va.

No cost. Only inspiration. WE CAN HELP change the world.
$1 CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Make reservations by Nov. 10 – fwdpay@gmail.com

On Stage This Weekend

You have several great shows to choose from this weekend. Here's the rundown:

- Little Shop of Horrors - the musical / horror / comedy will be presented at the Pullman Plaza Hotel at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30. Tickets are $30 for dinner and the show. The show only is $15. There will also be a special performance at midnight Sunday, Oct. 31. The midnight show is $15.

- Hector's Warehouse and Other Ghost Stories - the show features six stories of suspense and the supernatural, inspired by true events. Presented by Contemporary Youth Arts Company, performances are Friday, Oct. 29 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 31. All performances are at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, located at 123 Capitol Street in Charleston. Tickets are $5.50 for students and seniors, and $9.50 for adults.

- The Art of Murder - Kanawha Players presents the play Oct. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre. Tickets are $16 for adults and $10 for children.

- Clive Barker's Frankenstein in Love - Red Lion Theatre presents the play Oct. 29 and 30 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. at the KYOVA Tri-State Mall. Tickets are $10 General Admission, $8 Seniors and Students.

ADDITION: In the comments, my pal Stephen points out one I missed:

- Bram Stoker's Dracula - will be presented at Huntington High School at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and a special midnight show Friday night.

"Little Shop of Horrors" Photo Galleries

The Herald-Dispatch's web site has two photo galleries up with some photos from the rehearsals for this weekend's production of Little Shop of Horrors.

You can see one gallery here and the other one here.

The Pullman Plaza Playhouse production of Little Shop of Horrors is offered at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29-30, 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 5-6, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7 at the Pullman Plaza Hotel. Tickets are $30 for dinner and the show. The show only is $15.

There will be a special performance at midnight Sunday, Oct. 31. The midnight show is $15 (show only).

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.pullmanplayhouse.webs.com, on the Facebook group "Pullman Plaza Playhouse,” at the front desk of the Pullman Plaza Hotel or by calling 304-525-1001.

On Stage This Weekend - "Hector's Warehouse"

My pal Mel sends along this information about Hector's Warehouse and Other Ghost Stories, which hits the stage this weekend in Charleston:

Just in time for Halloween, Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Hector's Warehouse and Other Ghost Stories.

Directed by Dan Kehde, the show features six stories of suspense and the supernatural, inspired by true events. CYAC veterans Meredith Overcash, Craig Auge, Mandy Harper and Coleman Richardson make up the four-person cast.

Performances are Thursday, Oct. 28 at 8:15 p.m. (due to Trick or Treat night), Friday, Oct. 29 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 30 at 8:00 p.m. and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Oct. 31. All performances are at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, located at 123 Capitol Street in Charleston.

Tickets are $5.50 for students and seniors, and $9.50 for adults. For more info, go to http://web.me.com/cyac2001.

If you love Paranormal State or Paranormal Activity or are just looking for some some Halloween fun, come get your scare on with CYAC!

On Stage This Weekend - "Little Shop of Horrors"

Taking the stage this weekend in Huntington is the second production by the newest theatre group in town, the Pullman Plaza Playhouse.

They're presenting a great show for Halloween, since it combines horror, music and comedy - the Little Shop of Horrors.

It's the story of a meek and mild guy who's in love but too shy to do anything about it - until he discovers an amazing plant that takes control of his life. It's fast, funny and features some great songs.

The show is directed by Shayne Gue and produced by Paul Neace and Deborah Wolfe. It stars Bradley Leonard, Jennifer Scott, Caleb Donahoe, David Vickers, Alissa Fetheroff, Gabrielle Gardner, Brittany Miller, Garrett Gaunch and Andrew Surber.

Showtimes at the Pullman Plaza Hotel in Huntington are Oct. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m., with a special midnight show Saturday night. It'll also be presented Nov. 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 7 at 2:00 p.m.

You can just see the show or enjoy a dinner before the show - call the hotel at 304-525-1001 for more details or to make reservations.

On Stage Monday - "Legally Blonde: The Musical"

The touring show of the Broadway hit show Legally Blonde: The Musical takes the stage Monday night at the Paramount Arts Center!

I've never seen the show in person, but I did catch the broadcast of the Broadway show on MTV, and (much to my surprise) I really enjoyed it! I wish I could catch this performance, but I can't be there. I strongly urge everyone out there to go - it's a fast-paced, very funny show with tons of energy.

Tickets are $45, $50, $55, $60. Assuming there are still tickets available, here's how to get 'em: Call the Box Office weekdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 606-324-3175. You may also order tickets through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster at 304-523-5757.

Here's the official description of the show:

This much fun shouldn’t be legal!

The Musical will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway's brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser). The verdict? This much fun shouldn't be legal! Sorority star Elle Woods doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle puts down the credit card, hits the books, and sets out to go where no Delta Nu has gone before: Harvard Law. Along the way, Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

Highly recommended!

Last Chance to Rope "Will Rogers"

Today is your last chance to catch Will Rogers Follies - the final show starts at 2 p.m. at the old Huntington High School at 900 8th Street.

The show chronicles the life of Will Rogers. The Will Rogers Follies opened on Broadway at the Palace Theater in 1991 where it ran for 981 performances. After the success of its Broadway run, the show moved onto many national tours.

The talented cast for the ARTS production is led by Bil Neal as Director, Leann Haines as Assistant Director, Produced by Harriett Evans, Choreographer by Kerri Easter-Stambaugh with Musical Direction by Tawny Burdine and Technical Direction from Shane Ross.

The famous role of Will Rogers is held by Stephen Vance. Jane Modlin stars as Betty Blake, with Jim Lamp as Clem Rogers, and Jocelyn Knapp as Zeigfeld's Favorite and in the roles of Rogers and Blakes’ children, Sam Smith as Will Jr., Hunter Easter as Freddy, Jacob Welch as James, and Shelby Easter as Mary.

The talented supporting cast includes Justin Carlson, Tom Ross, Jacob Benson, Remington McClure, Tera Grasser, Cindy Stowers, Andrea Runge, Abby Willis, Natasja VanDijk, Laura Ptakowski, Jillian Clark, Jordan Clark and Jon Lamp as Wiley Post.

The Will Rogers Follies is staged at the ARTS Renaissance Theater and is located at 900 8th St., formerly the old Huntington High School. Tickets are available by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787).

Ticket prices are $15 for adults. Children 12 and under, accompanied by a paying adult, will enjoy the show free of charge. For more information regarding the 2010 season line-up and ticketing, please visit the ARTS website at www.733arts.org.

Support Your Local Theatre and Enjoy Breakfast!

Here's a great chance to enjoy a good breakfast and support your local children's theatre at the same time - it's First Stage Theatre Company's Pancake Breakfast, and it takes place this Saturday morning at Applebee's at the Huntington Mall!

Here are the details:

Come support the Cast and Crew of Once Upon a Mattress at their pancake breakfast this Saturday.

First Stage Theatre Company’s Pancake Breakfast will be held Oct. 23, 2010 from 8 to 10 a.m. The event is sponsored and hosted by Applebee’s of Barboursville (at the Huntington Mall Location).

The cast will take on the role of waiter for one day only!

The cost of the pancake breakfast is only $5.00, and tickets may be purchased from a Once Upon a Mattress cast member or at the door.

The proceeds benefit First Stage Theatre Company’s November production of the musical comedy Once Upon a Mattress!

On Stage This Weekend - Five Shows!

There are quite a few great shows on stage this weekend - check 'em out:

- Will Rogers Follies - ARTS presents the musical comedy Oct. 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 24 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School).

- Nosferatu: The Vampire - ACTC presents the show Oct. 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theater.

- Superior Donuts - Charleston Stage Company presents the play Oct. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Center Theatre.

- The Art of Murder - Kanawha Players presents the play Oct. 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre.

- Clive Barker's Frankenstein in Love will be staged October 22-23 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the KYOVA Tri-State Mall. Tickets are $10 General Admission / $8 Seniors and Students.

A Fundraising Show for Hospice

If you're looking for a good cause to support, there are few (if any) better than Hospice of Huntington, which provides care and support to the gravely ill and their families.

The group provides a wonderful service for so many in our area, and some talented local performers are gathering together Nov. 6 at the Keith Albee Theatre to put on a special show to raise money for the group.

Details are still in the works, but I know it's going to be a terrific show for a fantastic cause, and I urge everyone out there to support it. Here's the poster with the details:

Red Lion Theatre's 2010-2011 Season

Continuing our look at the upcoming seasons for local community theatre groups, we turn now to the Red Lion Theatre Company based in Ashland.

Its season continues this weekend with a Halloween-based show:

- Clive Barker's Frankenstein in Love will be staged October 22-23 and 29-30 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 24 and 31 at 2:30 p.m. at the KYOVA Tri-State Mall. Tickets are $10 General Admission / $8 Seniors and Students.

- Nightmare Before Egos Out of Control Saves Christmas will be presented Dec. 9 - 12 at the KYOVA Tri-State Mall.

- Doubt - the drama will be staged March 4, 5 and 6 at the KYOVA Tri-State Mall.

Interviews with Actors from "Will Rogers Follies"

We've heard from the director and the title character, so now here are some comments from some of the actors who are appearing in the Will Rogers Follies this weekend and next at the old Huntington High School.

Here we have my pals Jane Modlin, who plays Betty Blake (that's her in the photo), and Jim Lamp, who plays Clem Rogers.

Here's what they had to say:

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, tell us about Will Rogers Follies.

Jim: The show tells the story of Will Rogers, America’s funny man in the '20s who never met a man he didn’t like.

Q: Tell us about your character in the show.

Jane: I play Betty Blake, Will's wife. She's an amazing woman - she was really his rock and kept him going. She was practically a single mom, since he was gone most of the time, and you have to admire her for that. He always knew she would be there for him when he came home. When the depression hits, she's the one who helps him find his inner strength. This isn't your typical 'boy meets girl' musical, with the predictable happy ending. These were real people who had a romance that lasted their lifetimes. They truly loved each other. Hopefully, Stephen Vance (who plays Will Rogers) and I bring that out.

Jim: I play Clem Rogers, Will’s father, a grouchy but lovable old coot who doesn’t understand Will’s wanderings from the family ranch in Oklahoma but ultimately sees Will for the special, unforgettable person he is. I liked this part because Clem has all the funny lines and grouchy but lovable is a good bit to play.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Jane: I didn't know the show until (director) Bil Neal called me! I wasn't sure I had enough hours in my day to fit in another production, but after reading the script, I couldn't resist it. Betty's songs are the best in the show. Plus, she's a great character. I really like *her*, not just who she is in the show.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about the show for you?

Jane: Other than the steps... the most challenging part has been finding time to learn everything (which is a cop-out, since Stephen has MUCH more to remember than I do). Honestly, the most challenging part is doing justice to Betty and Will and their romance.

Q: Why would you urge our readers to attend?

Jim: People should see this show because it is a throwback to the days of Vaudeville with great costumes, beautiful dancers and a truly endearing and important message – we are all in this together because we are all family.

Jane: Will Rogers Follies is a wonderful family show; for people who like musical theatre, it's an entertaining spectacle and a fun evening. For folks who aren't as big a fan of musicals, it's got gorgeous showgirls, adorable children, the incredibly talented Jim Lamp, and a folksy hero with whom they can identify. It really has something for everyone.

On Stage This Weekend - Four Shows

Several shows to choose from this weekend - one in Huntington, one in Ashland and two in Charleston!

Here's the rundown:

- Will Rogers Follies - ARTS presents the musical comedy Oct. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School).

- Nosferatu: The Vampire - ACTC presents the show Oct. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theater.

- Superior Donuts - Charleston Stage Company presents the play Oct. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Center Theatre.

- Alice in Wonderland - Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the classic play Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theater.

Check 'em out and support your community theatre!

An Interview with the Director of "Will Rogers Follies"

Today our e-interview spotlight turns to the director of Will Rogers Follies, my pal Bil Neal.

It's a challenge to direct any show, much less a big musical extravaganza like this one. Here's what Bil had to say:

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, tell us about Will Rogers Follies.

A: Will Rogers starred in six different versions of the Follies for Florenz Zigfield during his lifetime. This is the story of Will's life, familial relationships, and death as told from a Zigfield stage in a series of vignettes and dance numbers. The dichotomy between the "normalcy" of his life and the production pieces is what caught my interest at first.

Q: This show recreates a different era. What challenges does that cause for you and the production team?

A: The costumes, naturally. It's pretty tough to dress showgirls appropriately from the '20s and '30s. Magic Makers really outdid themselves for us, pretty much allowed our costumer Terri Tagmeyer to live at their store.

Q: Tell us about the cast for the show.

A: Please! Stephen Vance is in his first Title Role. He's earned the right to all the applause the Tri-State can offer him for the next two weekends. He's worked harder than almost anyone in the cast, and added physical rope tricks, all while re-creating a genuine, three-dimensional historical figure. It's an honest portrayal of a very down-to-earth celebrity. It's a pleasure to follow him onstage in the course of the evening.
Jocelyn Clark is the biggest character on the stage. She makes playing Zigfield's Favorite showgirl look like the role of her lifetime. She's in every dance number, changes clothes (and accessories) more than anyone else, and does it with a smile on her face. Every performance finds her running a marathon in three-inch heels while singing. There's just no one else like her.
Jane Modlin brings intimacy and honesty to her role as Betty Rogers - Will's wife. She's a fixture in Tri-State theatre, and with good reason. My favorite aspect of working with her has been sitting back and just listening. She's got the best solos in the show, and I adore her tone and talent. What she does to a torch song is simply amazing.
Jim Lamp is pretty much a constant if I'm gonna do theatre. He makes the whole experience (on and off stage) a blast. His comedic timing is effortless, and in this show we all get to see the heart behind a pretty gruff character.
What could I possibly say about the Showgirls? Stunning? Disciplined? Amazing? Yes, all that and more. The time and devotion they've put into Will Rogers Follies is awesome to me.
The Cowboys own a special place in my heart. Such good men. The scene that features them had me laughing so hard in rehearsal last week that I almost... well, I laughed really really hard.
Jon Lamp has taken over the role of Wiley Post like Grant took Richmond. He literally stops the show.
Justin Carlson is making his Community Theatre debut as our Peter, the Stage Manager, beautifully. The depth he's brought to this character is charming and honest. I couldn't be more pleased for him.
Our four kids are probably the sweetest element of the show - singing, dancing, and getting a few punch lines in on their own.
This production also brings in a big back-stage cast of singers, techs and dressers. Talk about hard working - we've got it in spades.

Q: Why would you urge our readers to attend?

A: Chuck, you and I both know that right now there are a lot of options when it comes to seeing theatre in our area. I can only say this much - this show deserves to be seen. What Will said about the Depression of his era can certainly be related to in our current economy. Add that message to a combination of honest relationships with sweet, loving people and throw in every sparkly costume in our area. This show was written to have heart, and sweetness, and sparkle and fun. It was, somehow, written for the folks who've earned these roles. Their work ethic throughout this project has been overwhelming at times. I've never heard of any other cast setting their own additional rehearsal times just to polish things up so they could amaze me even more. Our Showgirls have done that weekly. The entire cast has worked impressively to produce a show worthy of having huge audiences. I'm so proud of them and what they've become that it humbles me (and a lot of your readers know how amazing that must be).

Q: Tell us when and where the show is staged, and how much the tickets cost.

A: We open October 15 and run for two weekends at the ARTS on Eighth Street. There are already limited Dinner and show combinations for $30 (we're serving brisket, cowboy beans, red potatoes and cobbler - reservations required). Show-only tickets are $15, and one child under 12 gets in free with any single paying adult for the show.

A Interview with "Will Rogers"

Here's the first of (hopefully) several e-interviews with the cast and crew of the Will Rogers Follies, which starts Friday night at the Renaissance Center in Huntington.

We kick off with some comments from my pal Stephen Vance, who plays the title role (that's him on the right in the photo above, and my pal Jim Lamp is on the left):

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, tell us about Will Rogers Follies.

A: This show is a modern take on the follies style show that was popular in the roaring twenties. The show tells the story of an ordinary man in an environment of opulence and spectacle. Everything about the show is extravagant. Beautiful girls, elaborate costumes, dazzling technical aspects, and then right at the core is a character with whom everyone can connect.

Q: Tell us about your character in the show.

A: Well, I play Will Rogers. For those who don't know, Will was a normal fella from Oklahoma who loved to travel. He became famous for his rope tricks and insightful humor and has become one of America's most quotable people. He never met a man he didn't like and was always wanting to meet new people. He wrote a regular column, spoke frequently on the radio, and became so popular with the American people that President Hoover asked him to speak after his radio address in the wake of the depression. At the time of his death, Will Rogers was one of if not the most popular people in America.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

A: The people. I've worked with so many talented and hardworking people throughout my brief history in community theatre. I wanted to have that opportunity again to play every night with talented, fun and dedicated people. Ever since the first read, I couldn't wait to get back to the theatre every night. Maybe it's the show, maybe it's this cast, but the sense of family is very strong with this group. I'm flattered just to be called a part of this cast. Each of them are so skilled at what they do. Not enough time can be spent talking about how impressive the quality of the work is that they do every night. I'm tempted to go through and name every single member of this team and brag on them but I'd have to start my own blog. Everyone uses superlatives when describing their current project, and I'll avoid doing that on purpose, but I can say that I will never forget this experience. It's not just lip service. Each and every one of them are brilliant.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about the show for you?

A: It's going to seem like a silly answer, but honestly, the costume changes. The other stuff like music, lines and rope tricks we have had a decent amount of time to work on, but this past weekend we received the majority of our wardrobe. I believe I have 14 changes, and I know Jocelyn has around 20, and everyone else is changing a lot, too. The costumes are great and they bring so much life to the show. It's worth all of the challenges when you walk out on stage.

Q: Why would you urge our readers to attend?

A: I think they'll love it. I can't speak for everyone, so I'll just list the reasons I would come if I weren't already in the show. Beautiful show girls, great humor, rope tricks, a fantastic set, a great venue, free kid's tickets with paying adult and really just a wonderful evening of theatre.

"Will Rogers Follies" Photo Gallery

If you're looking for a preview of the upcoming show Will Rogers Follies, be sure to check out this Photo Gallery at the Herald-Dispatch's online site.

It's loaded with cowboys, pretty gals and even a few sidekicks. Who could ask for more? (I hear the show's awesome, too!) More on that in the days ahead...

Children's Theatre of Charleston's 2010-2011 Season

Hey, I got busy with a rush of shows and never finished previewing the upcoming seasons for local theatre groups - so let's pick up with a group that kicks its season off this weekend, the Children's Theatre of Charleston.

That organization has three shows on tap, and they'll all be presented at the Civic Center Little Theatre.

- Alice in Wonderland - takes the stage this weekend - Oct. 15 at 7 p.m., Oct. 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children (ages 3-13) and $12 for adults. Tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office or at the door. Call 304-346-0164 for more information.

- Oliver! - the beloved musical will be staged Dec. 3 - 5.

- Beauty and the Beast, Jr. - the "Junior" edition of the Disney musical will be staged March 11 - 13.

Cast List for "Will Rogers Follies"

I've neglected to post the cast list for next weekend's production of Will Rogers Follies (and a talented bunch it is!) - so let me correct that oversight:

Will Rogers - Stephen Vance
Betty Blake - Jane Modlin
Clem Rogers - Jim Lamp

Ziegfeld's Favorite - Jocelyn Knapp

The Follies Girls

Jordan Clark
Jillian Clark
Laura Ptakowski
Natasja van Dijk
Abby Willis
Andrea Runge

Wiley Post - Jon Lamp

Stage Manager - Justin Carlson

The Cowboys

Jake Benson
Tom Ross
Remington McClure
Daniel Phillips


Will Rogers, Jr. - Sam Smittle
James Rogers - Jacob Welch
Mary Rogers - Shelby Easter
Freddy Rogers - Hunter Easter

Chorus

Tera Grasser
Cindy Stowers

On Stage This Weekend - "Saturday, Sunday, Monday"

You only have one show being staged this weekend, but it's a good one - Saturday, Sunday, Monday runs tonight and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Joan Edwards Performing Arts Center.

You can see photos from the show (including this one by Lori Wolfe) at this Photo Gallery on the Herald-Dispatch's website.

Here's a description of the show:
Brooklyn, 1985. As Mama Rosa prepares her celebrated sauce for the ritual Sunday meal, she recalls her own Mama’s lessons. “To make ragu, my Mama used to say, takes patience.” And love. Family tensions simmer during the Saturday preparations. On Sunday, smoldering antagonisms fuel misunderstanding and harsh words. Pasta plates and wine classes are abandoned on the table as the party breaks up, but on Monday morning, “Nothing gets put away until it is counted,” including the family’s abiding love for each other.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for MU Faculty and Senior Citizens, and Free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

For more information, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office at 304-696-2787.

Will Rogers Follies Brings a Legend to Life

My pal Bil Neal sends along this press release about the upcoming musical comedy production of The Will Rogers Follies:

"Will-a-mania" is back with local cast and crew of the critically acclaimed Will Rogers Follies.

Spotlighting the glamour of Will’s Ziegfeld Follies days, this spectacular revue encapsulates the straightforward wit and wisdom of America’s favorite son! Winner of six Tony awards and the Grammy award for Best Musical Show Album, you won’t want to miss this extraordinary show about an ordinary man.

The Will Rogers Follies chronicles the life of Will Rogers and his time with Florenz Zeigfeld and his Follies.

The Will Rogers Follies had 33 successful previews before it opened on Broadway at the Palace Theater in 1991 where it ran for 981 performances. After the success of its Broadway run, The Will Rogers Follies moved onto many national tours.

In 1991, The Will Rogers Follies was given 11 Tony® Award nominations and ended up receiving six of the awards including; Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Choreography, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Costume Design and Best Lighting Design.

The talented cast for the ARTS is led by Bil Neal as Director, Leann Haines as Assistant Director, Produced by Harriett Evans, Choreographer by Kerri Easter-Stambaugh with Musical Direction by Tawny Burdine and Technical Direction from Shane Ross.

The famous role of Will Rogers is held by our leading man, Stephen Vance. You won’t want to miss your chance to see Stephen as America’s favorite son! Jane Modlin will star as Betty Blake, with Jim Lamp as Clem Rogers, and Jocelyn Knapp as Zeigfeld's Favorite and in the roles of Rogers and Blakes’ children, Sam Smith as Will Jr., Hunter Easter as Freddy, Jacob Welch as James, and Shelby Easter as Mary.

The talented supporting cast includes Justin Carlson, Tom Ross, Jacob Benson, Remington McClure, Tera Grasser, Cindy Stowers, Andrea Runge, Abby Willis, Natasja VanDijk, Laura Ptakowski, Jillian Clark, Jordan Clark and Jon Lamp as Wiley Post.

The Will Rogers Follies opens October 15 at the ARTS Renaissance Theater and is located at 900 8th St. formerly the old Huntington High School. Tickets are available by calling 304-733-ARTS (2787). The production schedule is the second and third weekends of October 15, 16, 22 & 23 at 8 p.m. On October 17 & 24 we will host a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices are $30 which includes dinner and show, and $15 for show only. Children 12 and under, accompanied by a paying adult, will enjoy our show free of charge. For more information regarding the 2010 season line-up and ticketing, please visit us online at www.733arts.org.

On Stage Today - "Saturday, Sunday, Monday"

The Marshall Theatre Alliance is presenting a unique show this week.

Saturday, Sunday, Monday runs tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Joan Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Here's a description of the show:

Brooklyn, 1985. As Mama Rosa prepares her celebrated sauce for the ritual Sunday meal, she recalls her own Mama’s lessons. “To make ragu, my Mama used to say, takes patience.” And love. Family tensions simmer during the Saturday preparations. On Sunday, smoldering antagonisms fuel misunderstanding and harsh words. Pasta plates and wine classes are abandoned on the table as the party breaks up, but on Monday morning, “Nothing gets put away until it is counted,” including the family’s abiding love for each other.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for MU Faculty and Senior Citizens, and Free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

For more information, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office at 304-696-2787.

Looking for Elves for a Children's Pre-Show Performance

My pal Eddie Harbert sends out this message: he's looking for elves!

WANTED: ELVES, ELVES, AND MORE ELVES FOR A HOLIDAY PRE-SHOW!

The City of Huntington Foundation, Inc. and the 5th Avenue Theatre Company are proud to present Irving Belin's White Christmas. Show dates are December 3-5 and 10-12 with a school show on December 9.

Pre-show auditions for children ages four years to ten years of age will be held on Sunday, October 10, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall located at 800 5th Avenue.

Children need to have a holiday song ready to sing onstage with or without music. A piano player will be provided as well as a CD player. Children should also be prepared to read out loud on stage. If you are not a reader, we will have something else for you to do.

For more information about the pre-show or with any questions, please call the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522, Stacy Bond at 304-633-4210, or Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738.

More About Marshall's New Season

Here's another story about Marshall's new season of theatre, which begins with the play Saturday, Sunday, Monday.

Hee's the story from my pal Angela Henderson-Bentley:

A mixture of comedy, drama and music will make up the 2010-2011 Marshall University Department of Theatre schedule.

"We've been able to cover all tastes during the season," said Sam Kincaid, project coordinator for the MU Department of Theatre. "It's a little bit of something for everybody."

The season kicks off with Saturday, Sunday, Monday, a comedy by Eduardo De Filippo, which runs at 8 p.m. Oct. 6-9. It follows a large Italian family over a weekend as they prepare for a traditional Sunday dinner.

Kincaid compared the play, which is set in 1985, to the movie, Moonstruck.

"It's a nice, big ensemble comedy," Kincaid said. "There are a lot of different personalities."

A unique aspect about the play is that the actresses actually prepare the meal on stage.

Next on the schedule is The Good Doctor, which runs 8 p.m. nightly Nov. 10-13. The play was written by Neil Simon, based on the writings of Anton Chekov.

"It invokes people from all walks of life," Kincaid said. "It's made up of vignettes, so it's several plays in one."

Dead Man Walking, which runs at 8 p.m. Feb. 23-26, is an adaption of Sister Helen Prejean's nonfiction book about her personal experience with a death row inmate. The play is written by Tim Robbins, who also wrote and adapted the film of the same name.

"It's a great challenge for the student actors because it's such a serious subject matter," Kincaid said.

Closing out the season is Working, based on the book by Studs Terkel, which featured interviews with people about their jobs.

"One way or another, we're defined by our jobs," Kincaid said. "This takes everyday experiences we all share and turns them into a musical."

Working will be presented at 8 p.m. April 20-23, and at 2:30 p.m. April 24.

Individual tickets to the four shows are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $7 for children 12 and under. Marshall University students are admitted free to each show with a valid ID.

The department is also presenting a bonus show this season - A Christmas Carol. But Kincaid said this is not your traditional production of the holiday classic. The play will be done in a one-man format with Jack Cirillo, a member of the Marshall faculty, playing all the characters.

"It's really fascinating to watch," Kincaid said. "It really blows you away."

The show will run Dec. 2-4. Tickets are $12 for adults.

Season tickets are also available up until the first show. Kincaid said that even if patrons miss the first show, they can still buy a season pass and save money. Season tickets can be purchased from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday by calling the box office at 304-696-2787 or Kincaid at 304-696-6395.

Marshall Theatre's New Season Starts Wednesday With "Saturday, Sunday, Monday"

From Sunday's Herald-Dispatch, here's a story by Paul Sebert about Marshall University's theatre seasons, which starts on Wednesday:

Marshall University's Theatre Department is kicking off its new season with Saturday, Sunday, Monday, a comedy/drama about a family gathering in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The show will run at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Oct. 6 to 9, at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on the university's Huntington campus. Other productions this season include The Good Doctor: A Comedy With Music, an adaptation of Anton Chekov's short stories by acclaimed playwright Neil Simon, from Nov. 10 to 13; and Jack Cirillo's one man performance of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol from Dec. 2 to 4.

These productions are a long way from the program's roots, which began in the university's speech program. The department moved to the newly formed College of Fine Arts in the early 1980s and now offers bachelor's degrees in two areas: Production and performance.

Plays, like Saturday, Sunday, Monday are carefully chosen to provide valuable experiences for the students.

"It's a long process," Samuel Kincaid, project coordinator for the Marshall University Theatre Department, said.

"The faculty gets together and decides which plays they will do for the next school year. We need to consider things like how big the cast is going to be and what the cost is to produce the show. The students usually know what we will be doing by next fall. We try to choose a lot ensemble shows so the students have as many chances to perform as possible."

Saturday, Sunday, Monday was written by Eduardo de Filippo and is about family tensions related to preparations for a Sunday dinner in Brooklyn N.Y., in 1985. The show will provide acting opportunities and behind-the-scenes work.

"There are usually about 12 to 18 people working backstage on any given show," Kincaid said. "We have a crew consisting of everything from construction to stage management to lighting. Once rehearsals begin, theater majors start putting in 14-hour days, while stage crew works on the set three days a week. It's long hours, and some very hard work goes into these shows."

General admission to the plays are $20, while tickets for faculty and senior citizens go for $15. Children under 12 can attend for $5. Tickets to A Christmas Carol cost $12.

A season ticket package is available for $72 includes tickets to all four season productions and a copy of the book "Working: People Talk About What they Do All Day" by Studs Terkel. For more information, you can stop by the Ticket Office at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center or call 304-696-2787.

A Guest Editorial and Three Reviews

As always, we encourage guest commentaries and articles at your Tri-State Theatre blog - and here's one now!

My lovely wife Jeanette sends along this essay with reviews of several shows and a comment on the large number of community theatre performances out there:

I noticed in one of Chuck’s recent posts that 14 plays and musicals have been scheduled in the area during October - four in Ashland, five in Charleston, and five here in Huntington — a few touring shows, but most staged by local theatre groups.

As Chuck has been elbow-deep in James and the Giant Peach at the Old Huntington High/Renaissance Center, I took it upon myself to see both Steel Magnolias last weekend at City Hall, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Pullman Plaza. That’s three locally-produced shows that overlapped a single weekend, and on top of that, a weekend when Marshall played a football game at home. I overhead it more than once: "What are these people thinking?"

Before I answer that looming question, some comments on all three shows.

James and the Giant Peach, like most local children’s theatre shows, is near to my heart. The play featured 31 kids, more than half who were appearing in only their first or second show. Jonathan Joy’s directing talents brought the best out of these bright, animated young people, including a colorful troop of six female “insects,” two deliciously evil aunts, three great narrators who helped us visualize the invisible, and the polite and unflappable Samuel Collins as James. Even the main set piece, the Giant Peach, was nicely rendered and magical in its own right. I couldn’t help but notice that even the very smallest children in the audience were captivated by the adventure that Mr. Joy brought to life.

Steel Magnolias was a great opportunity for a “sister-date” last Saturday. As perhaps the lone American woman never to see the full movie version of the story, I got to absorb the full impact of the lives, loves and losses of the gals in Truvy’s beauty shop. I was glad I did. Zach Davis directed a great team of local actresses. I was particularly delighted to see the lovely Kyle Fisher (the mom of one of my best high school friends), in her first substantial role, and she cracked me up, as did the always-wonderful Loretta Hetzer. The entire cast brought believability and lots of heart to the story.

In contrast, I had already seen The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee in Chicago shortly after its Tony-Award winning Broadway run in 2006, but made a point to see the first local effort of the Pullman Plaza Playhouse. And I must say, the sheer talent and appeal of this cast matched up well against any high-priced touring company. Particular props go to the bombastic and nerd-tastic Mark Radford, the cartoonish frolics of Angela Wolfe-Hunt and Bradley Leonard, and the stellar vocals of Nancy Jackson and Elijah Boyles. Shayne Gue morphed seamlessly from one role to the next. My favorite of all was Alissa Fetherolf, whose emotional performance as latch-key daughter Olive was nothing short of luminous.

So three shows in one weekend, in Huntington, W.Va. – does it make sense? As a one-time co-director and occasional producer of First Stage shows, I know the volunteer effort and shoe-string inventiveness that lifts these shows to opening night. Each one is a labor of love, and it is a shame if small audience turnout doesn’t support the cost of production. There are only so many weekends in prime fall season between the time everyone returns from vacation and the time that holiday plans take over our lives.

But would you ask yourself if the Marquis or Cinemark wasted their money on too many screens, or if the area has too many sports leagues? Of course not! Thanks to the efforts of all these crazy dreamers, theatre is part of Huntington's cultural landscape. We’re blessed with a number of workable venues. And in sheer talent, energy, and “Garland & Rooney-style Let’s Put on a Show” determination — Huntington rivals cities twice its size. With a little more marketing savvy, maybe a few corporate “sugar daddies,” the inevitable maturing of our young audiences, and about a thousand more local adults who are willing to break from the pack and take a chance on a real live show for the same price as a movie night, the possibilities are endless!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

Hard to believe, but today marks the fourth anniversary of the Tri-State Theatre blog!

It's been a lot of fun, and many thanks to all of you who have sent in notes and info about local shows - as I've said before, this is our space to talk about community theatre, so let's make the most of it!

So thanks for reading along - I'm still having fun (and I hope you are as well), so I plan to stick around for a while longer. Thanks as always to my pal and editor Andrea Copley for keeping me in line here!

As always, I'd appreciate your comments and recommendations - what would you like to see covered here?

Just for fun, here's a reprint of my first post back in 2006:

Local theatre in an interesting phenomenon, wherein a group of people gather together to “Put On A Show.”

Huntington has a rich history of theatre, both at Marshall University and its outstanding Department of Theatre, and through community efforts, including groups like the Musical Arts Guild, the First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre and ARTS, to name the ones that leap immediately to mind.

You’ll also find active theatre groups at almost every local high school, and several groups just a short drive away in Charleston and Ashland.

And thanks to the Marshall Artists Series, we even get to see professional theatre groups perform locally.

So if you like live theatre (and we assume you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t), there’s a lot to choose from. In addition to its rich history, Huntington has a bright future ahead, with some impressive shows on the way in the months and years ahead.

In October alone, you can see "Jesus Christ Superstar," "Hair," "Fiddler on the Roof" and "The Three Musketeers."

That’s why, under the kind auspices of The Herald-Dispatch, we’re launching this theatre blog -- to focus on those local shows, and talk about the shows that are coming up, shows from years past (the ones you loved and the ones you hated), and to take you behind the scenes to see how shows are made.

If you have a topic you want to offer up, drop me an e-mail (at TheMinskers@aol.com) and we’ll get the discussion going. I’ll be offering my own comments, reviews and previews as we go along. Comments are always welcome, as long as they’re civil.

So thanks for stopping by -- we hope you’ll add us to your “Favorites List” (hint, hint)!

Meet "James and the Giant Peach" Director Jon Joy

There's an article in today's Herald-Dispatch about my pal Jon Joy, who's the director for the play James and the Giant Peach, which runs tonight and tomorrow afternoon at the old Huntington High School.

You can read the story right here, or right here:

Huntington native Jonathan Joy spends a lot of time teaching and directing young actors on stage, and that's only natural, since that's where his own career got started.

As a junior in high school he decided to try out for the 1992 production of Alice in Wonderland, which was staged by the new Huntington children's theatre.

He was hooked, and he's been active in theatre ever since as an actor, a playwright and a director.

Now he's back where it all started, with First Stage Theatre Company -- but instead of acting, he's in the director's chair. He's been working for the past two months with more than 30 young actors as they bring to life the stage version of James and the Giant Peach.

"It's always been one of my favorite stories," Joy said. "I played the Old-Green Grasshopper at the Phoenix Theatre Circle in Columbus 11 years ago and had a blast. Ever since then, I've talked about doing it again."

The play is based on the classic book by Roald Dahl (who's most famous for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which starred Willy Wonka). It's being presented at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School) at 8 p.m. today, Oct. 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under.

The story is all about a young boy named James who is treated badly by his aunts. When a magic spell causes a giant peach to appear, James crawls inside and meets a strange group of friends -- giant, talking insects. They all make their escape and find their way into bigger and wilder adventures.

Joy's been impressed at the skills of the young actors in the play.

"This whole process was remarkably smooth," he said. "We had about 20 rehearsals and many of the performers had their lines memorized after only six or seven of those. It's a very focused, intelligent group and that made for a great experience."

Some of the actors are already stage veterans, but for almost half the cast, it's their first time on stage.

"There are also a lot of kids that are new to the theatre," Joy said. "I like watching them get to experience this for the first time. It reminds me of the shows I did 18 years ago and how much they meant to me."

This is a stage show he recommends highly.

"It's fun, imaginative, funny and, I believe, a show that all ages will enjoy," he said. "It's a classic story with a very talented cast. What more could you ask for?"

Joy said he enjoys teaching young actors because of the many benefits of taking the stage.

"Being involved in theatre is a great way to meet people and make friends," he said. "In addition, it's a great way to build important life skills, such as confidence, work ethic, drive and cooperation."

He speaks from experience, because working in theatre made such a difference in his life.

"I was shy and acting brought me out of my shell," he said. "I had a lot of fun meeting new people and being on stage boosted my self-esteem."

His involvement in theatre has covered a lot of ground since then.

He's the author of 22 plays, including The Princess of Rome, Ohio, The First Day of Summer and Bitsy and Boots. His plays have been performed in 10 states, including stages in New York City, San Francisco and Chicago. His political comedy "American Standard" will make its international debut in Dubai this November.

As an actor, he has performed as Stuart Little in The Adventures of Stuart Little, Lysander in A Midsummer Nights Dream and Crumpet in The Santaland Diaries. Directing credits include Much Ado About Nothing, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and now, James and the Giant Peach.

He's also proud of his work in the classroom. Over the past 10 years he has worked with thousands of Tri-State youth in a variety of theatre programming at the Huntington Museum of Art and the Paramount Arts Center.

Joy has other stage shows in the works, but a lot of his offstage time is occupied at the moment with an even more important project -- he and his wife Rissie are new parents and are enjoying their 6-month-old son Levi -- a true bundle of "Joy."

For more information about James and the Giant Peach, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437) or visit the website at www.FirstStageTheatre.org.

On Stage in October

Lots of great shows on the way this month - by my count, there are 14 shows on the way! Here are the ones I've tracked down - if I missed any, send me a comment at the link below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

- James and the Giant Peach - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic play Oct. 1, 2 and 3 at the Renaissance Center.

- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - Pullman Plaza Players presents the musical comedy Oct. 1, 2 and 3 at the Pullman Plaza Hotel.

- Will Rogers Follies - ARTS presents the musical comedy Oct. 15 - 24 at the Renaissance Center.

- Little Shop of Horrors - Pullman Plaza Players presents the musical comedy Oct. 29 and 30 at the Pullman Plaza Hotel.

- Saturday, Sunday, Monday - Marshall Theatre Alliance presents this play Oct. 6 - 9 at the Joan Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- Hoods - CYAC presents the drama Oct. 1 and 2 at the Historic WVSU Capitol Center in Charleston.

- Nosferatu: The Vampire - ACTC presents the show Oct. 15 - 24 at the J.B. Sowards Theater.

- Superior Donuts - Charleston Stage Company presents the play Oct. 14 - 23 at the Capitol Center Theatre.

- Li'l Abner - Kanawha Players presents the classic musical comedy Oct. 1, 2 and 3 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- The Art of Murder - Kanawha Players presents the play Oct. 22 - 31 at the Kanawha Players Theatre.

- Legally Blonde: The Musical - Paramount Arts Center presents the Broadway touring show Oct. 25.

- Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe - Paramount Arts Center presents the drama Oct. 14.

- Clive Barker's Frankenstein in Love - Red Lion Theatre presents the play Oct. 22 - 31 at the KYOVA Tri-State Mall.

- Alice in Wonderland - Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the classic play Oct. 15 - 17 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

On Stage This Weekend - "Peach," "Spelling Bee" and "Hoods"

You have three shows taking the stage this weekend - two in Huntington and one in Charleston!

Here are your choices:

- James and the Giant Peach - The play based on the classic children's book will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Center (the former Huntington High School) at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1 and 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. Directed by Jon Joy, the show includes a cast of 31 young actors from around the Tri-State. Tickets are $10 and $8 for children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437) or visit www.FirstStageTheatre.org.

- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - The inaugural show for the new Pullman Plaza Playhouse at the Pullman Plaza Hotel wraps up this weekend. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 1-2, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. Tickets are $33 for dinner and the show or $18 for show only. Go online at www.pullmanplayhouse.webs.com.

- Hoods - A new production from Charleston Youth Arts Company, this original drama by Dan Kehde takes the stage Oct. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. at the Historic WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $9.50 for adults and $5.50 for students. For reservations, call 304-342-6522. For more information, visit the CYAC website.

So get out there and support your community theatre!