The Best Shows of 2011

I'm not going to name the "Best show of 2011."

For several reasons:

1) I hate applying the "Best of" label to community theatre shows - every single show was created after a lot of hard work by a lot of people, and while some are better or more accomplished or had a bigger budget than others, they were all a labor of love.

2) It's apples and oranges. Unless you're comparing different productions of the same show, there's no way to compare different shows made with different casts, different budgets, different conditions, etc.

3) I didn't see all the shows that hit the stage in the Tri-State area in 2011. I saw lots of shows, but I missed many, many more (this was a year in which life got in the way of shows). I have friends who see lots of shows, more than I see - but I don't think there's anyone who sees every show.

4) I can't be impartial, because I'm the President of First Stage Theatre Company - obviously, I love every show they stage.

What I will do is talk about some of the shows I saw and enjoyed, and invite you, gentle readers, to make comments about shows you liked, too. Send your comments to the link at the bottom of this post, or email them to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll share them.

Brag on shows you worked on, rave about shows you saw, but no negative put-downs, please. (I don't believe in "Worst of the Year" lists, either.)

So, here's my quick recap of shows I saw:

I'll start with First Stage, since it was an excellent year for the children's theatre, with three shows - each one very successful and lots of fun to watch, including: Rugrats: A Live Adventure, with local actors doing an amazing job of imitating the voices and characteristics of the Nickelodeon cartoon kids; Schoolhouse Rock Live, one of my all-time favorites, with a terrific cast bringing the classic educational cartoons to life; and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, a co-production with Marshall's Theatre Alliance that was a sweet, funny and touching holiday tale - it's quickly becoming a holiday staple, and I thought this cast was fantastic!

ARTS presented a couple of outstanding shows this year, including the fast and funny hit The Fantasticks, and the dark musical Jekyll and Hyde, which provided a star vehicle for Ryan Hardiman and an outstanding cast.

Ryan was busy this year, rocking out on stage in HOT's July show, The Wedding Singer with a talented cast that brought the '80s to life!

Fifth Avenue Theatre tackled a couple of big shows - the popular Titanic: the Musical, based on the tragic voyage, and (at the other end of the drama scale), the hilarious Noises Off, which was without a doubt the funniest show I saw this year, thanks to an outstanding cast and an amazing set!

Marshall's Theatre Alliance had several excellent productions this year, including: the terrific musical Working, which was loaded with amazing performers; the fantastic New Works Project; and an awesome production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, which was a showcase for a talented cast, an incredible set and an ingenious adaptation of the original script - it was one of the most impressive shows I can remember seeing in years.

I'm not going to name a best show, of course - but the one that probably managed the best mix of music and comedy, and would certainly be in contention if I were to name the top show, would have to be the Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of Hairspray, which was a pure delight from beginning to end.

Outstanding work by one and all!

So, another great year of theatre - and hopefully another great one on the way!

Happy New Year, theatre fans, and thanks for joining us here at the Tri-State Theatre blog!

So let's hear it - what were your favorite moments?

New Year's Concert with Ryan Hardiman

Here's a fun way to spend New Year's Eve - enjoying music by Ryan Hardiman (and friends) - and what a great price:

Charleston Community Music Association and Goodnight 2011 present two FREE 45-minute New Year's Eve performances - 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Ryan Hardiman - Moonage Daydream: The Bowie Songbook

Special guest vocalist: Madeline Gourevitch

... with pianist Mark Scarpelli and a string quartet featuring Molly Lynn Page and Kristi Holstein (violin), Alasha Al-Qudwah (viola) and Shawn Simms (cello)

New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31
Two 45-minute performances, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Trinity Lutheran
1600 Kanawha Boulevard East
(Corner of Kanawha Blvd and Elizabeth Street)

Featuring the songs of David Bowie:

Moonage Daydream
Space Oddity
China Girl
The Prettiest Star
Life on Mars?
Wild is the Wind
Absolute Beginners
Under Pressure
Changes
Lady Grinning Soul

Merry Christmas!

No silly songs today - just a heartfelt wish, from all of us at the Tri-State Theatre blog, for a Merry Christmas to one and all!

Must Be Santa Claus

Here's another favorite, and a truly odd video - Bob Dylan singing "Must Be Santa Claus." Lots of fun:

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

The late great Burl Ives puts us in the spirit with a beloved song from the animated feature "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."

The Christmas Song

As a break from the usual silly songs I post at this time of the year, here's a classic - the incredible Mel Torme singing a song he composed - "The Christmas Song." You'll recognize it at once:

All I Want for Christmas Is You

Here's a clip from the movie "Love Actually" (which is actually quite good), and my favorite version of this song. A bit silly, but fun:

White Christmas

Here's our first video - an old favorite:

News, Notes, and the Seussical Cast!

Hope everyone's having a great holiday season!

The Christmas shows are over and the stages will be dark for a couple of weeks - so what shall we do in this space? That's easy - starting tomorrow I'll post some Christmas-related videos for you to enjoy! (It's a tradition and I'm sticking with it!)

There is one last bit of business, as First Stage has announced the cast list for its spring show, Seussical the Musical, which will be staged in April at the beautiful Keith-Albee Theatre!

So here's the cast (and a talented bunch it is):

The Cat in the Hat - Jack McGee
Horton - Levi Kelley
JoJo -Arman Karimpour
Gertrude - Meg Barbour
Mayzie - Maggie Donahoe
Sour Kangaroo - Sarah Bryan
Baby Kangaroo - Braylan Balandra

Bird Girls - Alli Bartram, Elizabeth Schmitz, Catherine Dennison, Sam Young

Cat Girls - Emily Underwood, Becca Stevens, Kathryn Booth, Bailey Sanders, Madalein Jackson, Becca Gaunch

Wickershams - Andrew Edwards, Nick Wood, Salem Carlton, Samuel Collins
General Schmitz - Jessie Donahoe
Mayor - Josh Moore
Mrs. Mayor - Rileigh Smirl
Yertle the Turtle - Sarah Metz
Marshall/Lorax - Katie Fulks
Sam I Am - Jalen Nicely
Intro Cat - Lindsay McKelvey
Vlad Vladicoff - Ian Carlton

Seuss Rockettes

Taranee’ Karimpour (Dance Captain)
Olivia Roberts
Lindsay McKelvey
Shannyn Kyle
Erika Turner
Brynne Kyle
Mary Bolano
Savannah Sakkai
Kathryn Jennings
Olivia Johnson
Abby Mandt
Abigail Parks
Hayley Spurlock
Jalen Nicely
Maleea Roy
Emily Branam

Mini Rockettes

Chloe Mayo “Mitsy Godiva”
Cali Ellis “Teeny Godiva”
Piper May “Tizzy”
Emma Pittman “Tizzle”
Sophie Haddox “Kweety”
Elizabeth Blake “Preep”
Cheyenne Ferrell “Proo”
Ellie Reynolds “Foona”
Olivia Roberts (Martha Road) “Yeps”
Natalie Jane Eastone “Yottle”

Cadets

Griffin Conaty “Bipper Fuddnudler”
Abigail Eplin “Skipper Fuddnudler”
Ian Carlton “Bud Fuddnudler”
Zoe May “Jipper Fuddnudler”
Hannah Sparks “Dinwoodie Fuddnudler”
Jacob Gross “Jeffery Fuddnudler”
Ethan Lovejoy “Chief Yookeroo Fuddnudler”
Luke Lovejoy “Frederick Fuddnudler”
Nathaniel Fornash “Slinky Fuddnudler”
Jameson Reynolds “Hendrix Fuddnudler”
Jacob Paul Haddox “Zooks Fuddnudler”
Teddy Haddox “Yooks Fuddnudler”
Patrick Dempsey “Horatio Fuddnudler”
Scotty Ferrell “Stuart Fuddnudler”
Avery Jackson “Zower Fuddnudler”
Hunter Morrison “Wocket Fuddnudler”
Zachary Kincade “Zax Fuddnudler”

Whos

Emma Davis “Aunt Annie”
Macenzie Simmons “Violet Vinn”
Zoie Fornash “Vera Vinn”
Lauren Wills “Zooie Catz”
Ashtan Fraser “Kooie Catz”
Makenzie Chapman “Katy Klopps”
Katherine Savageat “LuLu”
Paula Ames “Dapples Thidwick”
Sarah Phillips “Misspecket”
Hadley Massie “Parcifal Thidwick”
Maggie Kayt Franks “Cindy Lou Who”
Jensen Bird “Gussey Headwig”
Samantha May “Lola Lee Lou”
Elisabeth Ross “Spritz Stroodel”
Hallie Trader “Mrs. Umbroso”
Claire Aulick “Dr. Spreckles”
Raven McClintock “Mitsy Von Krandall”
Brooke Ferguson “Jill Ikkajast”
Emily Belcher “Nixie Knox”

Baby Whos/Zoo Animals

Brody Reynolds “Vug”
Amelia Westbrook “Chookie”
Cameron May “Ish”
Mace Owens “Sneedle”
Owen Jennings “Spazzim”
Sophie Eastone “Thing Two”
Jack Eastone “Thing One”
Macy Murdoch “Kitty O’Sullivan”
Caden Chapman “Max the Dog”

On Stage This Weekend - Four Shows!

You have one last weekend to stock up on Christmas cheer! Here are the shows taking a stage near you:

- The Santaland Diaries - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- The Story of My Life - Charleston Stage Company presents the play at the Capitol Theatre Dec. 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- Black Nativity - Kanawha Players presents the play Dec. 15 - 18.

- It's a Wonderful Life - The Paramount Players will present the classic holiday tale on the Paramount stage in Ashland Dec. 16 and 17, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

So check one (or more) out, and take a loved one. Theatre tickets make great Christmas presents!

Tri-State Theatre News and Notes

Thanks to my pal Sarah Diamond Burroway for sending along some theatre notes to share:

- Murder and Merriment presents Silent Night, Deadly Night. A murder mystery dinner theater event. Now taking reservations, make yours today! An eclectic group of characters are vacationing at a mountain ski lodge. An avalanche closes the only road off of the mountain, stranding all the guests and causing a power outage. Then people start disappearing and turning up dead... Come join us for a murderously good time! The murder mystery takes place at Heritage Station Jan, 20, 21, 27 and 28. The show begins at 6 p.m., with catering provided by A Taste From Above Catering. The cost is $35 per person - make your reservations now by calling Event Solutions at 304-523-7526.

- ACTC Children's Theatre auditions for Cinderella are coming up Jan. 3 and 4 at 4 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theatre. It's part of an enrichment class for students in grades 3 through 9, and the cost is $125. Shows will be presented Feb. 17 - 19, with school shows Feb. 15, 16 and 17.

- Stay tuned for details from Ashland's Company of Dreams Theatre - auditions coming this spring for The Curious Savage under the direction of Jim Maggard.

"Seussical" Auditions - A Note

This past Saturday I helped sign up a mob of young actors who were auditioning for the upcoming First Stage Theatre performance of Seussical the Musical, and I witnessed something that reminded me why I support children's theatre.

At one point, a couple of very young girls were at the audition - but they were nervous, they were getting upset, worried about auditioning. One girl was on the verge of tears. (I could sympathize - as a kid I would have been absolutely terrified of auditioning, too, and I've seen many kids similarly struggle over the years.)

Immediately a half-dozen girls, all veterans of local shows, gathered around the new girls, talked them through it and encouraged them. It was a kind, gracious thing to do - I was so proud of them!

In no time, the new girls were smiling, laughing and having fun.

And that, my friends, is what theatre - especially children's theatre - is all about!

On Stage This Weekend - Four Holiday Shows!

Lots of great holiday shows on tap this weekend, including:

- White Christmas - 5th Avenue Theatre Company presents the holiday musical Dec. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

- The Littlest Angel - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 8 - 11.

- The Santaland Diaries - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- The Story of My Life - Charleston Stage Company presents the play at the Capitol Theatre Dec. 8 - 10 and 15 - 17 at 7:30 p.m.

So get out there and get in the spirit of the season!

"White Christmas" Pre-Show - and a Correction

My pal Dave Lavender wrote a nice story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the pre-show that's part of the local White Christmas production - but there's a big error in there, which I'll address in a moment.

First, the story:

Last weekend, Stacy Richardson-Bond got the best birthday present ever. Through some early Christmas miracle, all of her elves somehow remembered their lines, songs and dance steps.

By day, Richardson-Bond is the children's librarian at the Cabell County Public Library in downtown Huntington, and by Christmas nights, she's been writer, director and den mother, of sorts, for the children's pre-show, "Santa's Surprise," which will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall.

The original pre-show is the appetizer for the main show, 5th Avenue Theatre Company's Irving Berlin's White Christmas musical, which is in its last weekend. Accompanied by a 13-piece live orchestra under the direction of Chris Bowling, White Christmas will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for children 12 and under.

Richardson-Bond, who is on the board with Fifth Avenue Theatre Company, said she got involved with the troupe a few years when her niece was in A Christmas Carol, and got hooked.

"It was a lot of fun and I remember (director) Mary Smirl said you'll be back, and I was like 'I don't know about that' but she was right, I kind of got sucked into it and now I'm on the advisory board, and I asked if we were doing anything with the kids and they said 'you can if you want.'"

Richardson-Bond, who wrote "Santa's Surprise," for last year's Christmas pre-show, also wrote, "Titanic Comes to Town," another 30-minute pre-show for last year's "Titanic."

She said the idea was to create short (under 30 minutes-long) pre-shows giving small children and first-time children actors a chance to get on stage, learn lines, simple choreography and singing on a small scale and simple format.

"Other theaters like First Stage really reach the older kids, and so we can take the younger kids and let them get their feet wet so they'll be ready for the other play companies," Richardson-Bond said. "One thing that we do is that every kid wants a line, and so I have found that writing a play was something easier to do on my own. I can go back in and change the script as more kids come and I always have to revise it. This year, I've had four re-writes so every rehearsal almost there's been a new script."

This year, Richardson-Bond is wrangling lines and stage time for 22 children ages 4 to 14 in the 25-minute-long production whose storyline is Santa's elves teaming up to throw him a surprise party for when he gets back from delivering gifts since everyone likes to receive once in a while.

"I know how much my nieces love it and they're in it, so I just want to give all the kids the opportunity to do this," Richardson-Bond said. "It's a lot of work but it is so rewarding. They all think they are an actor and actress now and I love to see how excited they are about it."

Go online at www.cityofhuntingtonfoundation.com for more information.

OK, I'm back.

So the big mistake is where Stacy says, "Other theaters like First Stage really reach the older kids, and so we can take the younger kids and let them get their feet wet so they'll be ready for the other play companies."

Since I'm on the board of First Stage, I have to point out that First Stage does shows for all ages, not just "older kids." The group just wrapped The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which used kids of all ages, and is holding auditions on Saturday for Seussical the Musical, and it's open to kids from pre-school to high school seniors.

First Stage has done shows that focused on older kids, and it's done shows that focused on younger kids. Most of its shows are open to all ages. That's all I'm saying.

Sorry for the rant, I just wanted to set the record straight.

This Saturday: "Seussical" Auditions

This Saturday, First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's long-running children's theatre, will hold auditions for its spring show, Seussical the Musical!

The auditions will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. (auditioners are welcome anytime between 10 and 5).

They'll be held at the First Stage Building at 222 Seventh Avenue in Huntington (the old Electronics Supply building).

Auditions are open to students from Pre-School age to seniors in High School. There is no charge to audition or participate in the show.

Auditioners should arrive ready to sing about 30 seconds of a song demonstrating range and ability. Script excerpts will be provided for reading. Wear shoes you can dance in - auditioners will be taught a short dance to perform.

The show will be staged at the Keith-Albee Theatre April 20, 21, 22, 26, 27 and 28.

The director is Mary Smirl and the producer is Tommy Smirl. For more information, call Mary or Tommy at 304-525-2557 between 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Good luck!

"It's a Wonderful Life"

Here's a show I somehow missed: It's a Wonderful Life by the Paramount Players!

"Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings," and this time it will happen on the Paramount stage in Ashland during the performance of It's a Wonderful Life. This heart-warming story is a Christmas classic that follows the saga of George Bailey as he discovers what life would be like for his friends and family if he had never been born.

There are three evening performances by the Paramount Players, Thursday through Saturday, December 15 through 17, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

Tickets are $15 adults, $12 kids.

Last Chance to Catch "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

Today's your last chance to catch The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

The First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's children's theater, and the Marshall Theatre Alliance have teamed up to present the rollicking show.

Co-directed by the husband and wife team of Justin and Sydnee McElroy, the one-hour play will be presented at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $12 and $8 for children. Call the box office at 304-696-2787 for more information.

Based on the best-selling 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, "Pageant" tells the story about the six wild urchins in the Herdman family who come to church just for the snacks and stay to take all the roles in the Sunday School's Christmas play, giving the show a little bit of a twist.

It's a fun show and really captures the meaning of Christmas. Don't miss it!

On Stage: "White Christmas"

Back again by popular demand is the holiday classic White Christmas:

Like an extra helping of mashed potatoes and gravy at Thanksgiving, who's going to turn down seconds of a White Christmas?

Last year, Huntington's 5th Avenue Theatre Company was one of only 20 community theater companies in the nation to get the first crack at putting up the Broadway musical, Irving Berlin's White Christmas: Musical.

They had such a good time swinging into the holidays 1940s style that Fifth Avenue is back dreaming and tap dancing again into the holidays.

Director Eddie Harbert, a cast of more than two dozen actors and a 13-piece orchestra present White Christmas at 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 and Dec. 9-10, as well as matinee performances at 2:30 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 4 and 11, at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium located in Huntington's City Hall.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for children 12 and under.

Harbert, who had just finished up a successful October run of Jekyll and Hyde, said White Christmas was such a tremendous success last year that they made a rare move and decided to stage the production again.

They've actually also got it on the calendar for 2013 as well.

"We're thinking about playing it annually," Harbert said. "It's a story that everybody loves, and everybody loves the music and so everybody loves the songs and it's just a feel good show. It's kind of like Wizard of Oz you know what is going to happen but you don't care because you feel so good in the end. Here in this rush of Christmas we hope White Christmas will become that Christmas tradition that everyone takes their families to see."

Based on the classic 1954 movie that starred Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, and regional native starlet Rosemary Clooney (who hails from Augusta, Ky.), White Christmas follows Army buddies Bob Wallace (George Snider) and Phil Davis (Greg Kiser), first on the Western Front in World War II and then in their travels as performers on tour in the U.S.

They run into the talent-laden Haynes sister act, Betty and Judy Haynes (played by Jane Modlin, Brittany Adkins, respectively). When Judy and Phil fall in love, they conspire to reroute the guys to the Vermont lodge where the Haynes sisters were booked.

Although at first reluctant, Bob, gets on fire to create a fresh show with the ladies to help save the Vermont ski resort inn owned by General Waverly (Michael Byrd) by having a show in the barn of the inn. The new collaboration sets off sparks on stage and off as the two pairs of singers find their soulmates.

Kiser and Modlin are two of the only returning major cast members, although Modlin played a different role last year.

Assisting Harbert is musical director Chris Bowling, who directs a 13-piece orchestra, choreographer is Josh Meredith, and producing the show is Maxine Loudermilk, who is responsible for reeling in the hard-to-get rights for the show.

Loudermilk, who was just voted onto the Huntington Wall of Fame earlier this year and who heads up the non-profit City of Huntington Foundation, was applying every six months or so to get the rights to the musical of her favorite holiday movie.

Harbert said the dance and music-packed show is infused with new energy yet benefits greatly from having a year of experience - not to mention costly custom costumes and sets with which to work.

"Different people always make it different and we were able to come up with better things," Harbert said. "We have more snow, and the snow works better this year and so experience helps a lot. For me, last year was learning the show, and I think this year I have a better understanding of the show and I think that's helped us choreographically with new routines. This is also the biggest costumed show we have ever done and at this point will probably ever do. Having those things taken care of has helped me to be more creative about different ideas."

The wheeled set spins from New York to a train to an office in New York to the inn, and then barn in Vermont, as the actors stay on stage while the set revolves behind them.

While veteran choreographer Coni Anthony has done 20 shows with Harbert, she doesn't do Christmas shows, so young dancer Josh Meredith, who was taught to tap by Coni's husband Gene, is taking his first crack at choreographing a show.

"White Christmas in itself is such a dance show, I mean people watch it to see Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, so I watched the movie a lot to gather inspiration," Meredith said.

Of course, front and center throughout the show are the timeless classic songs of Berlin.

The sisters swoon and sway with super-sized sky-blue ostrich feather fans to "Sisters," the entire cast frolics about on the number, "Snow," both songs from the original movie.

The musical is beefed up by other Berlin hits ("I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm," "I Love a Piano," "Let Yourself Go") and, of course, "White Christmas," one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time - written by Berlin for the 1942 movie musical, "Holiday Inn," softly crooned in the movie by Bing Crosby.

That song has sold more than 100 million copies, making it the best selling record of all time, and one that Crosby sang again in "Blue Skies," in 1946 as well as the classic movie, "White Christmas" in 1954.

To add to the holiday magic, White Christmas has added live musical entertainment downstairs in the city hall lobby (where folks buy tickets), as well as a cute, original Christmas children's pre-show that starts about 45 minutes before show time, and written by Stacy Richardson-Bond, who works in the children's department at the Cabell County Public Library.

With Paramount Players set to put up It's a Wonderful Life in a couple weeks, Harbert said it's an exciting time in the Tri-State as fans of the greatest holiday movies can see them come to life on stage.

"This year with us and the Players doing 'Wonderful Life' you have your choice of these perennial favorites and instead of just seeing them on TV you can go and see them live and let that become a tradition."

All in the Family at "Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

My pal Dave Lavender files this excellent story about The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, which runs tonight and this weekend:

While Marshall University students are prepping for finals, the younger kids in the area have commandeered the bright lights of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

The First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's children's theater, and the Marshall Theatre Alliance have teamed up to present the rollicking show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Co-directed by the husband and wife team of Justin and Sydnee McElroy, the one-hour play will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3, as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $12 and $8 for children. Call the box office at 304-696-2787 for more information.

Based on the best-selling 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, "Pageant" tells the story about the six wild urchins in the Herdman family who come to church just for the snacks and stay to take all the roles in the Sunday School's Christmas play, giving the show a little bit of a twist.

Robinson adapted the book to the stage, and since 1982 it has been a solid community theater holiday hit around the world. The book was made into an ABC movie in 1983 starring Loretta Swit, of MASH fame.

The McElroys, who also co-directed the play back in 2005 for First Stage when they weren't married, said although they're both super busy, they couldn't pass up a chance to have another go at "Christmas Pageant."

"It takes about six years to wash away any bad memories, so we thought wasn't that a lot of fun," Sydnee McElroy said.

"Yeah, you know survivors of disasters are often drawn together," said Justin McElroy.

Seriously, though, both said they were drawn to the play for the fun of it and the chance to work with the First Stage family, which includes family of their own since Justin McElroy's dad Clint McElroy, and Sydnee's mom, Mary Smirl are the producers. Sydnee's sister Rileigh Smirl is also in the play.

"It's easy to get lost in everything you have to do, all the stress of the holidays but being around all of these kids they are just so excited and being out there and having fun celebrating Christmas is kind of refreshing and that is what it is all about," Sydnee McElroy said. "Everybody being together and sharing this time of year and it's kind of been a family affair for us."

In her third year of residency through Marshall University's School of Medicine at Marshall Family Practice, Sydnee McElroy had to not only direct, but had to step in to play the role of the Mother when someone dropped out.

"Strangely enough this is probably my biggest role and the most lines to do ever, which I didn't plan to do but I was going there every night any way and it's so rewarding and such a nice break," she said. "My job tends to be very serious so getting to go play with 50 kids every night is a great stress reliever. That is the best part for me. The kids are just little comedians, and since it's based on a children's book, it's their kind of humor and it's really hilarious and parents will think it is hilarious too."

Clocking in at just about an hour, the one-act "Christmas Pageant" is a great show to bring the family since it is fast-paced and has a nice message tucked in as well, Justin McElroy said.

"It's just a great show for people who don't see a lot of plays because it's structured a lot like a TV show with quick cuts and 30 seconds here and there and James (Morris-Smith) and the lighting has a lot to do with making that work," he said. "It's also only a one-act so it's good for smaller kids who maybe can't sit through a whole play."

Justin McElroy, who graduated from Marshall with a theater degree, said they've felt blessed to be able to come back to the home turf and get to utilize the professional talents of MU's award-winning staff such as Morris-Smith and Deborah Carder-Deem.

Clint McElroy seconded that emotion.

"When Mary Smirl and I, the co-producers, were putting together the deal with Marshall we were blown away that we would be able to use what is one of the best facilities and most creative theater programs in the region," he said. "Our kids are loving the experience, and there's a lot of connections inside the school too. Chris Crawford - one of the crew in the theater department - started out with First Stage and now he is in theater because he fell in love with it doing First Stage. It's fun to see it come full circle."

On Stage in December

Holy cow, it's December already?

Here are a list of the shows taking the stage this month - as always, if I missed any, let me know by clicking the comment link below, or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

Now, on to the list:

- The Best Christmas Pageant Ever - First Stage Theatre Company presents the one-hour play at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 1, 2 and 3, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

- White Christmas - 5th Avenue Theatre Company presents the holiday musical Dec. 2, 3, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 and 11 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

- A Christmas Carol: Scrooge and Marley - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the classic holiday tale Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

- Mary - CYAC presents its annual musical about the mother of Jesus at 8 p.m. Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- The Littlest Angel - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre Dec. 8 - 11.

- The Santaland Diaries - Portmouth Little Theatre presents the play Dec. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- The Story of My Life - Charleston Stage Company presents the play at the Capitol Theatre Dec. 8 - 10 and 15 - 17 at 7:30 p.m.

- Black Nativity - Kanawha Players presents the play Dec. 15 - 18.

- It's a Wonderful Life - The Paramount Players will present the classic holiday tale on the Paramount stage in Ashland Dec. 15 through 17, with a matinee at 3 p.m. Dec. 17.

So lots of great shows to check out - Happy Holidays, everyone!

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

My lovely wife and I had a wonderful time last night at the first performance of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! (Not counting the sold-out school show earlier in the day.)

I admit to being prejudiced - I am on the board of the First Stage Theatre Company (although I wasn't directly involved with this show) - but the show is a pure delight, and guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

The play is a co-production with the Marshall Theatre Alliance, and it's what we call a "small" show, with minimal sets and costuming, but the army of young performers put on a terrific show.

It tells the story of the attempts by a church to stage its annual Christmas pageant - but things go terribly wrong when the world's "worst" family, the Herdmans, decide to take part. Will the show be a disaster - or can the holiday work its magic and make this the best pageant ever?

The show will make you laugh and may even bring a tear to your eye (as it did for me). Special kudos to the choir that provides songs that bridge between scenes - they're terrific!

You have several more chances to catch the show - it runs Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Marshall's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Go see it - you can thank me later!

On Stage Tonight - "Best Christmas Pageant Ever!"

The wait is over: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever takes the stage tonight!

Here's the story from today's Herald-Dispatch:

While Marshall University’s students are in the maw of finals, the younger kids in the area have commandeered the bright lights of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center as the First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington’s children’s theater, and the Marshall Theatre Alliance have teamed up to present the rollicking show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Co-directed by the husband and wife team of Justin and Sydnee McElroy, the one-hour play will be presented at 7 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, Nov. 30-Dec. 3 as well as 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4.

Tickets are $12 and $8 for children. Call the Box Office at 304-696-2787 for more info.

Based on the best-selling 1972 book by Barbara Robinson, “Pageant” tells the story about the six wild urchins in the Herdman family who come to church just for the snacks and stay to take all the roles in the Sunday School’s Christmas play, giving the show a little bit of a twist.

Robinson adapted the book to the stage and since 1982 it has been a solid community theater holiday hit around the world. The book was made into an ABC movie in 1983 starring Loretta Swit, of MASH fame.

The McElroys also co-directed the play back in 2005 when First Stage presented the play. Read an interview with the couple in Thursday’s Herald-Dispatch Weekend section, packed with 20 pages and hundreds of ideas of great entertainment for the weekend and beyond in the Tri-State.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

A special play is taking the stage this Wednesday at Marshall University - The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

It's special for several reasons: it's a delightful show; it's a great way to get yourself in the holiday spirit; and it's a rare creature - a co-production between the First Stage Theatre Company and the Marshall Theatre Alliance.

It's also directed by alumni of both. Justin McElroy starred in numerous shows for both First Stage and Marshall, and he and his wife Sydnee (who is the co-director) met while acting in First Stage shows.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever uses both local young actors and Marshall's actors, and the set has been designed by Jamez Morris-Smith at MU.

For those who haven't seen it, here's what the show is about:

All the kids in school are scared of the bullying, cigar-smoking Herdman clan.

The only safe place for them has been at church where the Herdmans wouldn’t be caught dead. That is, until little Charlie Bradley lets it out that church is followed by free cookies, punch, and other refreshments.

The Herdmans show up in force the next Sunday to see if this miracle of free goodies is true and are just in time to learn about auditions for the upcoming Christmas Pageant. And when they decide they want the key parts, who’s going to stand in their way?

The result will either be the most disastrous Christmas Pageant ever... or the best!

The show will be presented on the main stage at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Nov. 30 through Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m.

Don't miss it!

On Stage Tonight!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope everyone had a great holiday! I'm celebrating Black Friday my usual way: hiding at home (I went out to the store once on this date many years ago. It's not for the weak of heart).

There are two great shows being staged tonight:

- Curtains Up Players presents its Second Annual Holiday Cabaret, Family Memories! The show features a talented group of area performers, including special guest Chris Sizemore! The performances are at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at the beautiful Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the old Camelot Theatre in downtown Huntington)!

- Mary, based on the life of the woman who was the mother of Jesus, is an original Scarpelli-Kehde rock opera presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company. It takes the stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

On Stage This Week: Mary!

Charleston has a Christmas tradition that's returning to the stage for the 15th year. It's Mary, based on the life of the woman who was the mother of Jesus.

It's an original Scarpelli-Kehde rock opera presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company.

It takes the stage at 8 p.m. Nov. 25, 26, Dec. 1, 2 and 3, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

It's a great show, and highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend: Family Memories!

My pal Paul Neace sends along a reminder about a special concert this holiday weekend:

On behalf of Curtains Up Players, I would like to invite you to attend our Second Annual Holiday Cabaret, Family Memories!

As always, our show will feature a phenomenal group of area performers, and this year, we are happy to share a special guest - Huntington native and now professional performer Chris Sizemore.

The performances will take place at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 25 and 26 at the beautiful Jeslyn Performing Arts Center!

Tickets will be available at the door one hour prior to each performance. HOWEVER, by making reservations online or through a CUP Board Member, you can receive a special discount.

We at CUP would like to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and hope you are able to share it with us!

Be sure to "Like" us on Facebook, Follow us on Twitter @CUPofTheatreWV, and check us out online at www.curtainsupplayers.org.

Trailer for "The Last Night of Ballyhoo"

Hey, the Marshall Theatre Alliance has created a trailer to promote this week's performance of The Last Night of Ballyhoo - and here it is:



The show is getting rave reviews - here are two comments we've received:

Bil Neal wrote:

Saw the last rehearsal last night. Not only is it a beautiful show, some of my favorites turned in lovely performances. Well worth the price of admission, and perfect for the whole family this time of year.

Stephen Vance wrote:

I agree with Bil. Great performances, strong script, and as always great lighting and set design. First show I've seen directed by Nicole Perrone and it was a great one. Kudos to the whole team. Go see this show.

The play runs this week, Nov. 17, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse in Huntington. Don't miss it!

On Stage This Week: The Last Night of Ballyhoo

Taking the stage this week is the latest production from Marshall's Theatre Alliance.

The play is The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry.

Here's a recap:

It’s December, 1939. Hitler has invaded Poland. Gone with the Wind is about to storm the silver screen in Atlanta, and the biggest concern of the Freitag family is Ballyhoo, a lavish ball for Atlanta’s Jewish socialites.

Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Broadway Play, The Last Night of Ballyhoo is a luminous and achingly beautiful play that confirms the importance of faith and family heritage.

The play runs this week, Nov. 16, 17, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse in Huntington.

Highly recommended!

On Stage Next Week: Albert's Hall

Here's a show I somehow missed when I listed the shows for November - it's Albert's Hall, an original play by Jason McAllister.

(Thanks to my pal Sarah Diamond Burroway for passing along this info!)

The play takes the stage Friday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Community Church at 1100 Greenup Avenue, 2nd Floor (above Hope's Place) in Ashland, Ky.

The play was created by Sarah Diamond Burroway, Tiffany Caldwell Trent and Brian Cook.

Albert's Hall is the story of a hard-working river town and a mid-80's dispute between Maytown Coal and the union which impacts the lives of these modest people.

Comraderie is challenged as friends gather for a drink at Albert's Hall with labor talks going on behind closed doors across the street. The events of a single evening cause everyone to contemplate on a deeper level about what it all means for tonight - and for their futures.

This production is a fundraiser for Hope's Place, a children's advocacy center. Admission is $5.00 at the door.

The play is written and directed by Jason McAllister, with original music by Jason McAllister and Rob McNurlin.

Cast:
TALMAGE - Jason McAllister
WHITNEY - Tiffany Trent
ROBERT - Brian Cook
DAVE - Josh Day
ETHAN - Wes Thompson
DENTON - Kenny Riffe
CHARLES MAC - Tim Holmes
JOE JENKINS - Mark Cole
JOHNNY - Len Trent
SARAH - Sarah Diamond Burroway
JACOB - Rob McNurlin
CAROL HENSON - Sarah Diamond Burroway
TV REPORTER - Brittany Quillen Shaw

So see the show and support a great cause - it's a win-win situation!

On Stage This Weekend - Ashland's the Only Game Around

I was about to post that we have a rare weekend where there's no show to see... but then I got a message from my pal Jane Modlin about a show being staged by the Blazer Theatre Arts Society.

The show is called Murder's Bad... But Monday Can Kill You! It's described as an adventure in 'film noir.' Sounds like fun!

The show runs Saturday, Nov. 12 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2:30 p.m. at The Millennium Center at Paul Blazer High School.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. For more information call 606-327-6040, extension 3602.

On Stage This Week - "Young Frankenstein"

My pal Dave Lavender files this story about the upcoming performance of Young Frankenstein:

When Rory Donovan graduated college he hoped to land a role, any role, in a touring production. He sure landed a "big one."

Tromping around the stage in five-inch heels, Donovan gets to play the 7-foot-tall and about 4-foot wide monster that's created nightly in the campy comedic national tour of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.

Brought in as part of the Marshall Artists Series' 75th anniversary season, the musical will be performed in the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10.

Tickets are $58, $50 and $45. Tickets can be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series box office, located on the east side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326.

Donovan, a 27-year-old and 2011 Graduate of University of the Arts, said it's been a rip to be out nightly immersed in the camp of one of America's true comedic mad men, Mel Brooks. Brooks first twisted the classic Mary Shelley story in his Oscar-nominated smash hit 1974 film Young Frankenstein that starred Gene Wilder.

"It's a very cool and it's funny and it's campy and interesting and it doesn't get stale," Donovan said, "Some musicals doing them night after night you can feel a little stale. This one always feels fresh and always feels different and fun."

Young Frankenstein follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's "Frankensteen") as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterpiece and bring a corpse to life.

Together with his endearing helper Igor, his lab assistant Igna, and in spite of his self-absorbed fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster, but not without scary and quiet often hilarious complications.

Unfolding in the forbidding Castle Frankenstein and the foggy moors of Transylvania Heights, the show's raucous score includes "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and the unforgettable treatment of Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On the Ritz."

That razzle dazzle and slapstick comedy is the work of the Brooks, the three-time Tony winner who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book along with his record-breaking team from The Producers - five-time Tony winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman and three-time Tony winning writer, Thomas Meehan.

Stroman most recently won critical acclaim for her direction and choreography of the Broadway production of The Scottsboro Boys. She directed and choreographed The Producers, winner of a record-making 12 Tony Awards including Best Direction and Best Choreography.

Donovan said it's been amazing to be on stage when the musical magic of comedy, camp and choreography collide.

"Highlights for me are doing the hermit scene and that scene is always a blast because it is such well-written slapstick comedy and it really works off the audience," Donovan said. "That and 'Putting on the Ritz' and just feeling that energy every night. They know what is coming but they are going to laugh at it as if this is the first time they ever heard it."

Donovan said it's been a challenge but a lot of fun portraying the monster since all emotions get poured onto the stage nightly.

"The thing I really appreciate about the monster is that is innocence in its purest form," Donovan said. "The way I look at it it's like a new born baby in a 7-foot-tall-and-4-foot-wide body. Everything is acted to the nth degree. You're as terrified as possible and as happy as possible and every reaction is completely over the top like an infant would respond, and it's monstrous and a lot of fun."

Donovan, who grew up as a huge fan of Brooks' cult-classic comedy movies such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights and SpaceBalls said it's been really cool to turn on more of his generation to the earlier works of Brooks from the 1970s when he reeled off such classics as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.

"I think what this musical and The Producers does is that it helps people fall in love with his earlier work that I think my generation is a little less familiar with," Donovan said of Young Frankenstein which won the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Musical. "It's one of the better movies and that is what I appreciate that the musical is turning on a whole new generation."

Donovan said especially this fall in the run-up to Halloween, it's been a blast playing one of the classic monsters as crowds have been all jacked up for the show.

"The crowds have been fantastic and obviously around Halloween it vibes really well with the audience and we've been getting some really great crowds."

If you go

WHAT: The new Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein as part of the 75th anniversary season of the Marshall Artists Series.

WHERE: Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, 825 4th Ave., Huntington

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10

HOW MUCH: $58, $50 & $45

GET TICKETS: At the Marshall Artists Series box office, located on the east side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326

ON THE WEB: www.marshallartistsseries.org

A Sad Farewell

It's been a rough week for Huntington.

First my beloved Chili Willi's closed - a restaurant I've been visiting since it opened in a tiny venue next to the Cinema Theatre.

Then the Jolly Pirate on First Street closed - thankfully, the one on Route 60 is still around.

Then Friday came the word that the Cinema Theater had closed its doors.

That's sad, not just because it's the last of the three Fourth Avenue theaters, not just because I saw so many great (and some not-so-great) movies there, but because I have such fond memories of the people who worked there over the years.

When I was in college at Marshall I spent a couple of years working at the Keith-Albee Theater as a doorman and projectionist, and I sometimes worked with or assisted fellow employees at the Cinema and Camelot Theaters.

We'd assemble new movies late Thursday night (and sometimes "screen" the new releases after midnight), change the Marquee letters and the posters - it was a fun job (especially for a college kid), and I got to see lots of movies and eat lots of popcorn.

It'll be interesting to see what happens next for the Cinema. But I'll miss the old girl.

Here's the story about the closing from the Herald-Dispatch:

The Cinema at 1021 4th Ave. closed its doors for good on Thursday.

The discount theater was the last of the Huntington locations for Greater Huntington Theater Corp., and it closed because of a lack of business, according to a press release from the company.

"First, we would like to thank all our customers who have supported the Cinema over the many years we have been in business," the release said. "We have been carrying losses over the past several years in hopes we could turn things around and keep the Cinema open but that didn't happen. We found that with the first run theaters keeping the movies longer and the shorter time before the DVDs are released, the discount movie theater business just doesn't work."

The Cinema had eight employees.

Greater Huntington Theater Corp., run by President Derek Hyman of Huntington, still operates three other theaters in the region: Park Place Stadium Cinema in Charleston, Fountain Place Cinema 8 in Logan, and Pierce Point Cinema 10 in Amelia, Ohio. But the Cinema wasn't sustaining itself.

"There's so much money you need to run a building like that, and with discounted prices, we didn't manage to make enough to keep it open," Hyman said in an interview Friday morning.

In 2006, the company closed the historic Keith-Albee as a movie theater, as well as the Camelot movie theater, citing competition from the Marquee Cinema at Pullman Square, which opened in late 2004.

The Cinema was kept alive as a discount theater featuring second-run movies. It offered a variety of specials to attract movie-goers, such as free movies for kids in the summertime - which drew crowds of local day care children - and "Flashback Mondays," when they showed classic movies on the big screen, as well as offering "$2 Tuesdays."

Its closing marks the end of an era for a company that got into the entertainment business in downtown Huntington in the 1920s.

"I've known I'd do this for a couple of months and I thought I was prepared, but it's made me sad today," Hyman said.

The Greater Huntington Theatre Corp. was opened by Derek's grandfather, Abe Hyman, and great uncle Saul Hyman, who opened the ornate Keith-Albee Theatre in 1928. The theater corporation was handed down from Abe and Saul Hyman to Jack Hyman, who ran it until the 1990s, when Derek took over.

Along with the theaters downtown and its remaining current theaters, the business has had others as well, including the East Drive-In along U.S. 60 near the current site of HIMG. There also was Starlight in South Point.

The Cinema was once the Orpheum Theater, and it was in business years before the Keith-Albee opened in 1928, according to local historian Jim Casto.

"The Orpheum was built as a vaudeville theater," he said. "When movies came along, it featured both movies and vaudeville acts. Ultimately, like the nation's other theaters, it became strictly a movie house."

Before it was turned into a multiplex, it seated more than 1,300 people, Casto said.

Anyone holding gift cards with balances, valid gift coupons or valid advance tickets for The Cinema can contact its corporate office at 304-523-0185 for a refund.

On Stage in November

Running a little late with this month's rundown - sorry about that!

As always, if I've missed any shows, send in a comment through the link at the bottom of this post, or email the info to me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

Now, the list for November:

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Nov. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center (the old Camelot Theatre).

- Best Christmas Pageant Ever - First Stage Theatre and the Marshall Theatre Alliance present the holiday play about the worst kids in school who decide to be part of the school’s Christmas play. The result will either be the most disastrous Christmas Pageant ever - or the best! The play will be presented Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2 and 3 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 4 at 2:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Young Frankenstein - The Marshall Artists Series presents the touring version of the hit Broadway musical at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Nov. 4, 5 and 6, 2011 at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

- Mary - Contemporary Youth Arts Company will present its 15th annual production of the Scarpelli-Kehde rock opera at 8 p.m. Nov. 25-26, and Dec. 1-3, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 27 at the WVSU Capitol Center, 123 Summers Street, Charleston.

- The Last Night of Ballyhoo - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the play that confirms the importance of faith and family heritage Nov. 16 – 19 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

It's "Frahnk-en-steen"

The Broadway touring show of Young Frankenstein, which is based (of course) on the hilarious Mel Brooks movie, will take the stage at the Keith Albee next week - and here's a great story about it from the Herald-Dispatch:

Halloween might be over but you can keep the freaky fun going as tickets are on sale for the new Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein.

Brought in as part of the Marshall Artists Series packed 75th anniversary season, the musical will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, in the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

This re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that's Frankensteen) as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterpiece and bring a corpse to life. Together with his endearing helper Igor, his lab assistant Inga, and in spite of his self-absorbed fiancé Elizabeth, Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster, but not without scary and quiet often hilarious complications.

It is based on the 1974 film, Young Frankenstein of the same name and both were created by Mel Brooks, who wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book. It was created by the same team as The Producers, including director and choreographer Susan Stroman and Thomas Meehan.

When Frederick Frankenstein, an esteemed New York brain surgeon and professor, inherits a castle and laboratory in Transylvania from his grandfather, deranged genius Victor Von Frankenstein, he faces a dilemma. Does he continue to run from his family's tortured past or does he stay in Transylvania to carry on his grandfather's mad experiments reanimating the dead and, in the process, fall in love with his sexy lab assistant Inga?

Unfolding in the forbidding Castle Frankenstein and the foggy moors of Transylvania Heights, the show's raucous score includes "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and the unforgettable treatment of Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On the Ritz."

Young Frankenstein is the winner of the 2008 Outer Critics Circle Award and the Broadway.com Audience Award for Best Musical. The New York Times said Young Frankenstein has "the largest percentage of gags per scene."

Tickets are $58, $50 & $45. Tickets may be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office, located on the east side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326. Patrons can also visit www.marshallartistsseries.org for ticket information. The box office is open noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, including online at www.ticketmaster.com.

On Stage This Weekend

Several great shows to choose from this weekend, including:

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Oct. 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5 and 6 at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center (the old Camelot Theatre).

- Othello by William Shakespeare - Charleston Stage Company presents the classic play October 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Oct. 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5, 6, 2011 at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

- Chicago - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the Broadway hit musical Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 30 at 2:30 p.m. (the show was originally scheduled to end last week, but it was pushed back an extra week because of an illness in the cast).

- Bug - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the intense psychological drama Oct. 29.

A "Bat Boy" e-Interview

As we prepare for Bat Boy The Musical to take the stage this weekend in Huntington, let's hear from some of the members of the cast.

Stepping up to our imaginary e-interview microphone is Trish Sacconi, who plays both Mayor Maggic and Clem.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with "Bat Boy," give us the basic story behind it.

Trish: Bat Boy is the creation of a fictional Weekly World News story that ran back in 1992 about a half-boy, half-bat found living in a cave in Hope Falls, WV. When he is found by some local kids and turned over to the local sheriff, he is placed in the home of the local veterinarian whose wife reforms him into a loving and caring boy. The story is so much deeper than just the fiction and humor at the surface, but it is that of a soul who is truly seeking acceptance and love but is faced with racism, jealousy, revenge, rage, and hatred. When a “plague” is believed to be affecting the cattle within the town, Bat Boy is used as the scapegoat to explain the loss of revenue.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Trish: I play two characters: Clem, a local guy who isn’t too bright and who is pretty much afraid of his own shadow; and Maggie, Hope Falls’ Mayor and head of Town Council. Maggie, along with the local ranchers, is worried about the large number of cattle that are mysteriously dying. When rumors circulate about the Bat Boy’s discovery, she is lead to believe (along with the entire town) that he is the one preying on the cattle.

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

Trish: For me personally, it would be the fact that I am returning to the stage after a very long absence.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Trish: My favorite song would be "A Home for You." It displays a deep emotion describing what ‘family’ is all about and how important it is for everyone to recognize and feel the love and acceptance that is vital for survival. It reflects that “home” is a place where you are not judged and it doesn’t matter what you do. A family’s love will always prevail.

Q: Sounds like this would be a fun show to work on... is it?

Trish: Yes, it is! The variety of characters and the mixture of laughter and horror are like none other I have ever worked with. One thing that makes this musical stand above others is the fact that just about the time you believe you have it all figured out the story takes an interesting turn and you are left with your mouth hanging open.

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

Trish: I would recommend the show because there is a mixture of everything... humor, love, family, and a little horror along the way. We can all relate to issues that life throws in our path, and this show actually showcases most of those issues in a unique and fun sort of way. We have all been a victim of injustice/inequality, whether at school, work, or society in general, and this musical makes you step back and relate, even if in the most unusual way possible…through that of a humanoid.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Trish: Bat Boy: The Musical is being presented by Curtains Up Players, Huntington's newest theatre company. The show opens this Friday, Oct. 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (1030 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701). Performances run Oct. 28 and 29 and November 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $12 for Students and can be reserved online at www.curtainsupplayers.org. To receive a $2 discount, wear costumes Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29 to enter into our Costume Contest (prizes awarded). For the second weekend of performances (Nov. 3-6), patrons can receive a $2 discount by bringing 2 canned goods to be donated to the Huntington Area Food Bank. For other discounts and special offers, "Like" us on Facebook (Curtains Up Players) and follow us on Twitter (@CUPofTheatreWV).

Thanks, Trish! We'll have more e-interviews in the days ahead!

On Stage This Weekend: "Bat Boy the Musical"

Just in time for the Halloween season, a truly unique musical takes the stage this weekend. Based on the tabloid creation, it's Bat Boy: The Musical!

We'll have some e-interviews with members of the cast coming up, but here's what you need to know to catch the show:

WHERE: Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington

PERFORMANCES: Oct. 28, 29 and Nov. 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m.

CAST:
Bat Boy - Chris Sunderland
Meredith - Nancy Jackson
Dr. Parker - Mark Baker
Shelley - Kate Jackson
Sheriff - Paul Neace
Rev. Hightower / Ned / Institute Man - Holly Maynard
Pan - Bronson Bush
Rick / Lorraine - Luc Adkins
Mrs. Taylor / Dillon - Ethan Terry
Ron / Daisy / Voice of Mother - Andrew Surber
Ruthie / Roy - Alex O'Donnell
Mayor Maggie / Clem - Trish Sacconi
Bud / Voice of Young Meredith - Julie Hoss
Dr. 1 / Dr. 2 / Voice of Father - Max Wilson
Sleeping Townsperson - Jim Sacconi

Director - Clara Adkins
Executive Producer - Shayne Gue
Music Director - Tawny Burdine
Choreography - Clara Adkins and Mark Baker

Marshall Theatre Has An Awesome Website

Do you have some time to kill?

Make sure you do before you go to the site I'm about to recommend, because if you're like me, you'll spend hours searching through it.

The home page for Marshall University's Theatre Department is already pretty nifty, with previews of upcoming shows, photos and some recently-added videos (including an interview with my pal Gene Anthony, who tells a great story about how he got a part in a famous film). You can find that site at this link.

But what I'm talking about is a new feature (at least it's new to me - I just found it a few weeks ago). It's a history site that the Marshall University Department of Theatre has created, and it offers a look back at decades of stage shows that have been produced by MU theatre.

Here's a sample - a photo from a production of Romeo and Juliet in the 1920s:

And that's just the beginning! There are decades worth of photos to look through, and memories of shows you've seen (or perhaps been part of).

But the site is also looking for help. There are lots of shows with no photos available, and many of the photos have no identification. If you can help, you're urged to contact the theatre department by sending an e-mail to theatre@marshall.edu.

OK, I've stalled long enough (but only because we like having you here on our website, too): go to this link and check it out - but allow lots of time! It's a treasure trove of history, and kudos for Marshall's Theatre Department for tackling this project!

Last Chance to Catch "Jekyll & Hyde!"

Fair warning: Sunday afternoon is your last chance to catch Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical!

Based on the classic tale, the Broadway hit has been getting rave reviews from everyone I've talked to - including a couple of guys who are very hard to please!

Once again, here's what you need to know: Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the musical at the Renaissance Arts Center (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

The final performance starts at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. Tickets are $15.

The musical stars a fantastic cast, including Ryan Hardiman, Andrea Parkins, Brittany Adkins, Kennie Bass, Terry Salyer, Betty Craddock and many others.

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets, or yuou can buy them at the door. For more information, go online at www.733arts.org.

Busy Theatre Weekend!

Lots of coverage for weekend theatre events in today's Herald-Dispatch, including auditions for a holiday show:

Auditions will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22 for First Stage Theatre Company's production of the hilarious Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

Auditions will be held at FSTC's new building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington. The show is being directed by Justin and Sydnee McElroy for presentation on the Main Stage at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Nov. 30 through Dec. 4.

Children do not have to prepare a song since this is a non-musical. This is a great show for first-time actors. We will be auditioning young people from first grade through high school.

Any questions: Call 304-208-4167.

And my pal Dave Lavender prepared this excellent recap of the shows taking the stage this weekend:

All the world may not be a stage, but all of the Tri-State certainly seems to be.

The thespians have gone wild this weekend with Tri-State theaters tackling everything from Othello and Chicago to some seasonal fare such as Jekyll & Hyde.

Here’s a look at some of the productions happening this weekend.

Little bit Jekyll, whole lot Hyde

Just in time for Halloween, Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents a timely fall run of the macabre musical, Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical over at the Renaissance Arts Center, the old Huntington High at 900 8th St., Huntington.

Performed for the first time in Huntington or Charleston, the musical, which ran on Broadway from 1997 to 2001, runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 21-22, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th St., Huntington.

Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and a show. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday only and will begin at 6:30 p.m. Be advised that last weekend’s dinner reservations sold out.

The musical stars veteran theatrical rocker Ryan Hardiman as well as Andrea Parkins, Brittany Adkins, Kennie Bass, Terry Salyer, Betty Craddock and many others.

It is directed by Eddie Harbert, who is directing his 40th local show. Choreography is by Coni Anthony, who is doing her 19th show with Harbert. Chris Bowling is the musical director. The assistant director is Marissa Miller, and the director’s assistant is Carol Scarberry.

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and information or go online at www.733arts.org.

Five directors + one-act plays = suspense

Five new directors in training will showcase their directing skills in a new event called Tales of Suspense: an Evening of One-Act Scary Plays at the Paramount Arts Center, that runs at 7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 24 and 25.

Under the direction of Paramount Player producer Melanie Sweeney, five directors in training will be directing: The Veldt, The Lottery, Reunion on Gallows Hill, The Monkey’s Paw and The Cask of Amontillado.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in the box office in advance or night of show. Call 606-324-3175.

Tales of Suspense will go on the road the following weekend for a one-night show (Oct. 28) dinner theater performance at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, in partnership with the Paramount Arts Center. The dinner theater starts at 6:30 p.m. in the park’s conference center.

Dinner includes choice of rib-eye or tilapia, soup, salad, two vegetables, drink and dessert.

Tickets for the dinner and show are $35 per person plus tax. Reservations must be made by Oct. 21 by emailing stephanie.poplin@ky.gov or calling the park at 1-800-325-0083.

Sweet home ‘Chicago’

The Ashland Community and Technical College Theatre opens its 2011-2012 theater season with the Roaring ’20s scorcher Chicago, The Musical, that follows two death row murderesses, Roxie Hart and Velma Kelly, in their quest for fame, fortune and acquittal.

The Tony Award winning musical features Molly Maynard as “Velma Kelly” and Rachel Coleman, an Ohio University Southern student from Ashland, as “Roxie Hart.” The cast of Tri-State residents includes Allison Davis and Zach Davis from Huntington.

Performances will run at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Oct. 20-22 and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. The play will run Oct. 27-30 as well.

Tickets are $2 for ACTC/Morehead State University students, $4 for ACTC employees, $5 students, seniors and groups (10 or more) and $8. Tickets can be reserved through the college bookstore by calling 606-326-2014. Tickets already sold may be used at any performance.

For more information, call the ACTC Theatre Office at 606-326-2073.

Staging Shakespeare

Charleston Stage Company presents William Shakespeare’s classic Othello to kick off its 20th anniversary season. Performance dates are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20-22 and 27-29 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers St., in downtown Charleston. Tickets are $15, and $10 for students and seniors and free to West Virginia State University students.

For more information about the drama, which has a running time of 2:15, call 304-766-5721 or go to www.charlestonstagecompany.com.

Lots of Shows On Stage This Weekend

Don't say there's nothing to do around here - at least not this weekend!

Here are the shows taking the stage:

- Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical - ARTS presents the blockbuster musical Oct. 21, 22 and 23 at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th Street in Huntington.

- The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon - Huntington High School Theatre students present the show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.

- Othello by William Shakespeare - Charleston Stage Company presents the classic play October 20-22, 27-29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

- Chicago - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the Broadway hit musical Oct. 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- Bug - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the intense psychological drama Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29.

- Suessical the Musical - Portsmouth Childrens Theatre presents the delightful Dr. Seuss play on Oct. 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. at Shawnee State University on the Vern Riffe Stage.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

On Stage This Weekend - "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon"

Huntington High School Theatre students will present their first show of the 2011-2012 school year at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20-21.

The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon takes well-known fairy tales and turns them upside down with a fast-paced comedy.

Narrators Elise Steele and Jacob Jarvis, both seniors, will lead the audience through such favorites as Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, and Rumpelstiltskin.

The plot is light-hearted and simple, but the cast has found friendship and education in the experience, said director Helen Freeman.

The cast includes Dylan Parker as Rumpelstiltskin, Mady Parks as Rapunzel, Chad Arthur as Hansel, Sarena Johnson as Gretel, Brian Leonard as the Frog Prince, Kayla Payton as Little Red Riding Hood, Joey Keith as the wolf, Lydia Waybright as Cinderella and Austin Trimboli as Prince Charming.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. Huntington High School is located off W.Va. 10.

Auditions Saturday for “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”

Auditions are coming up next weekend for a fun show. It's become a holiday classic, and it's a heck of a lot of fun.

Here's the info:

First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for its next show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2011, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Auditions will be held at First Stage's new building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington (the old Electronics Supply building). Auditions are open to young people from first grade through high school.

The show is not a musical, so no need to prepare a song for the audition. Those auditioning will be given lines to look over and read for the audition.

This is a great show for first-time actors. There is no charge to audition or participate in the program.

The show is being produced in conjunction with Marshall University's Theatre Alliance. It will be directed by Justin and Sydnee McElroy for presentation on the Main Stage at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center Nov. 30 through Dec. 4, 2011.

For more information, call 304-208-4167.

On Stage Tomorrow - "Jekyll & Hyde"

The Herald-Dispatch has some great coverage of the upcoming musical Jekyll & Hyde, including an excellent photo gallery that you can see right here.

There's also an excellent story by my pal Dave Lavender, which you can read right here:

Everyone has a little Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in them.

Just look at director Eddie Harbert's production schedule that teeter totters back and forth between the syrupy sweetness of shows such as White Christmas and Legally Blonde to shows that shall we say cut a little closer to the bone of the human condition like, Sweeney Todd and Jekyll and Hyde.

And this my friends, this time of the waning moon, darkening hours, dismal rain and a world boiling with trouble, is no time for Legally Blonde.

In the creaky auditorium of the old Huntington High School, ARTS pulls back the curtains on Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical.

The musical, which ran on Broadway from 1997 to 2001, runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14-15, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th St., Huntington.

Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and a show. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday only and will begin at 6:30 p.m. The show also runs Oct. 21-23 as well.

The musical stars Ryan Hardiman, Andrea Parkins, Brittany Adkins, Kennie Bass, Terry Salyer, Betty Craddock and many others.

It is directed by Eddie Harbert, who is directing his 40th local show. Choreography is by Coni Anthony, who is doing her 19th show with Harbert. Chris Bowling is the musical director. The assistant director is Marissa Miller and the director's assistant is Carol Scarberry.

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and information or go online at www.733arts.org.

"This is my year of death and dying and murder. I killed off 47 people in my last show," said Harbert with a laugh talking about his directing of Titanic: The Musical.

Harbert said this show, based on the Robert Louis Stevenson novella, "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," is rated PG-13, since there are eight murders on stage including six in the opening number of Act Two.

"It is physical, and it's gruesome, and it's violent because it is all very relevant to the story, especially the last murder," Harbert said.

Harbert said he would have not done the show without an ace as Jekyll and Hyde - Huntington's own Ryan Hardiman, the veteran stage rocker who's been in everything from Rocky Horror Picture Show and Beauty and the Beast to Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

"We got Ryan, and then Brittany Adkins has done the show playing Emma so we were lucky that they came into the show," Harbert said. "It's very dark and scary. This is my fourth time working with Ryan, and this is the first time I've been frightened by him. I think the audience is really going to like the music. It's haunting and it's the kind of story that sucks you in, especially this time of year. When you think of Halloween you think of top hats and cloaks and London. That is the set, a lot of dark and black, and the lighting is very moody.

Perhaps because of the sheer physicality of the show and the complexity of the music, this is the first time for the show to be produced in either Huntington and Charleston.

Hardiman, who played Jekyll and Hyde 10 years ago in Ashland, said he lunged at the chance to get to go further into the role of the conflicted Jekyll and Hyde with a couple of folks from that show - Chris Bowling, the music director played percussion in the orchestra then and Jen Naglee, was in ensembles as a Red Rat Girl for both shows.

"I think that in 10 years that hopefully I have grown as an actor, and attempting this role has made me open up to new depths in the roles, and I am looking at Hyde as less of a caricature and more of what a lot of us may be like if we didn't have any morals or consequences involved in our action," Hardiman said. "Even though Hyde is thought of as a classic monster. What Hyde really is, is the unbridled side of Jekyll unleashed without boundaries. I am trying to keep that in mind when I am playing the roles, and in doing that I have to give little hints of what Jekyll is tempted to do."

Hardiman said the role of Jekyll and Hyde is difficult because there is no costume change, no makeup addition, just one man on stage twisting and fighting a losing battle with the inner pressure of his demons.

"There is a lot of strenuous movement and constant action taking place - even when you are completely still Jekyll is very frustrated and internalizing that pressure and it comes through," he said. "You can feel it through the whole show. Vocally, it is extremely challenging because I have to convey Hyde vocally, and the score is extremely demanding and after you do the Hyde voice for a while it is hard to keep a good singing voice so I have had to go all out and build up my tolerance."

That battle hits a pinnacle in "The Confrontation," a song in which Hardiman shifts back and forth between the conflicting voices in his head.

"When Jekyll turns into Hyde it is out of control and that is one thing that is really hard for an actor to do is to let go of all their inhibitions and just be ugly on stage," Hardiman said. "You can't have any shame playing a role like this. The transformation takes place and you throw yourself into convulsions and there is no makeup involved, the hair comes down and he lets everything go."

While Jekyll and Hyde is the marquee role, Hardiman and Harbert said they were extremely lucky to be working with Adkins, who recently graduated from Liberty University and who will be doing a professional acting tour later this year, as well as veteran singer, Andrea Parkins, who folks will know in the region from the Celtic group, Blackbirds and Thrushes.

"Andrea and Brittany were both godsends to the production," Hardiman said. "Those roles are extremely hard to cast as well and they carry a lot of the show. The show is called 'Jekyll and Hyde' but the score and the story involves the two female leads as much as they involve Jekyll and Hyde."

Hardiman said he can't hardly wait to start the two weekend run of the play.

"It's hard to believe it's never been done in Charleston and Huntington," Hardiman said. "It's such a beautiful show and I am not sure if it's maybe because it is such a challenging show, and such a hard show to cast, maybe that has stood in the way of it being produced, but Eddie certainly has brought the right people together and has a great vision for the show. We're all excited to unleash it on Huntington."

If You Go:

WHAT: ARTS (Arts Resources for The Tri-State) presents Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical

WHERE: Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th St., Huntington

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, as well as Oct. 21-23

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and a show. Dinner will be served Friday and Saturday only and will begin at 6:30 p.m.

GET TICKETS: Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and info or go online at www.733arts.org