The Oscar Winners!

For those who missed the show, here's the list of winners at last night's Academy Awards:

BEST PICTURE - The King’s Speech

BEST DIRECTOR - Tom Hooper, The King’s Speech

BEST ACTOR - Colin Firth, The King’s Speech

BEST ACTRESS - Natalie Portman, Black Swan

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - Christian Bale, The Fighter

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Melissa Leo, The Fighter

BEST SONG - “We Belong Together,” Toy Story 3, Randy Newman

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS - Inception

BEST LIVE-ACTION SHORT - God of Love

BEST DOCUMENTARY - Inside Job

BEST DOCUMENTARY SHORT - Strangers No More

BEST COSTUME DESIGN - Alice in Wonderland

BEST MAKEUP - The Wolfman

BEST SOUND EDITING - Inception

BEST SOUND MIXING - Inception

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - The Social Network

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM - In a Better World (Denmark)

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY - The King’s Speech

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY - The Social Network

BEST ANIMATED FILM - Toy Story 3

BEST ANIMATED SHORT - The Lost Thing

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - Inception

BEST EDITING - The Social Network

BEST ART DIRECTION - Alice in Wonderland

Tonight: The Oscars!

Holy cats, the Oscars are tonight!

Somehow I forgot to set up our usual "Pick the Winners" friendly competition - sorry about that! (It's been a crazy couple of months out there in the real world.)

So enjoy the show, and I'll post the list of winners here tomorrow. And I'll try to have the contest back next year!

Breakfast with the "Rugrats"

Hey, if you're looking for a place to get breakfast Saturday morning, here's a way to get a meal and help support community theatre: First Stage Theatre Company is holding a Pancake Breakfast at Frankie D's in the Pullman Plaza today from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

The cast of the upcoming musical Rugrats: A Live Adventure will be working as waiters at the event, and odds are they might actually sing a few songs for you.

Tickets are available at the door, so stop by and support the local children's theatre - you'll be glad you did!

On Stage This Weekend: Dead Man Walking

You have two more chances to catch the Marshall Theatre Alliance production Dead Man Walking at Marshall's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Tim Robbins’ dramatic adaption of Sister Helen Prejean’s autobiographical book, Dead Man Walking, has been performed by over 170 universities nationwide and is scheduled to open in New York next year. The Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project enlists the power of theatre arts to enliven the national discourse on the death penalty. The story unfolds as Sister Helen gives witness to the emotional roller coaster of death row inmate, Matthew Poncelet, as well as the deep heartache of his victims and their family members.

You can also see some great photos in the Herald-Dispatch photo gallery.

On Stage Tonight: "A Chorus Line"

Taking the stage tonight is one of the most popular Broadway musicals ever - A Chorus Line!

Here's the story:

In an empty theatre, on a bare stage, casting for a new Broadway musical is almost complete. For 17 dancers, this audition is the chance of a lifetime. It’s what they’ve worked for - with every drop of sweat, every hour of training, every day of their lives. It’s the one opportunity to do what they’ve always dreamed - to have the chance to dance.

This is A Chorus Line, the musical for everyone who’s ever had a dream and put it all on the line. Winner of nine Tony Awards®, including “Best Musical” and the Pulitzer Prize for drama, this singular sensation is the longest-running American Broadway musical ever. Now A Chorus Line returns. Come meet the new generation of Broadway’s best.

The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

Highly recommended!

On Stage Tonight: "Dead Man Walking"

The drama Dead Man Walking takes the stage tonight at 8 p.m. at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

It's a serious look at the topic of capital punishment.

The Theatre Alliance will also host a special discussion of the topic Friday at 3 p.m., and that discussion is open to the public.

Counting Down to "Rugrats: A Live Adventure!"

Here's the latest information on the live stage show that hits the Keith Albee Theatre next month:

FIRST STAGE THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS:

"RUGRATS - A LIVE ADVENTURE" AND "THE BIG SURPRISE PRESHOW"

Welcome to the world of the RUGRATS, Nickelodeon’s classic hit animated series about life from a baby’s point of view.

Whenever adults are around, the RUGRATS act like real babies, but when they’re alone they drop their witless pose and talk to each other with the vocabulary of five-year-olds.

As TOMMY and his pals wobble through life, supported by legs not yet used to walking, they show us the world as a baby views and understands it. The RUGRATS’ world is one that exists below our knees; here mundane things and events turn into grand, comic adventures.

JIMMY NEUTRON leads “THE BIG SURPRISE” Preshow cast of SPONGEBOB, DORA THE EXPLORER, BLUE’S CLUES and FAIRLY ODD PARENTS through a series of exciting and SURPRISING adventures! Be prepared for audience interaction and lots of fun!

This First Stage Theatre Company production is brought to you on stage by a cast of 67 talented Tri-State area children and teens.

MARCH 17-20, 2011 AT THE KEITH ALBEE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Thursday, Friday, Saturday evening performances: 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday matinee performances: 2:00 p.m.

Tickets: Reserved - $15 for adult, $12 for children 12 and under; $10 general admission (balcony)

Corporate Playpen Tickets are available for $25/person (Orchestra pit with special seating)

Tickets are available now from Ticketmaster and Marshall Artist Series Box Office: Phone: (304)-696-6656

For more information, go to www.firststagetheatre.org or call 304-416-KIDS.

Directors: Mary and Tommy Smirl

Musical Director: Lara Donahoe

Choreographer: Tiffany Carroll

Producers: Leslie Comer-Porter and Elaine Young

A Busy Week for Marshall

There are two shows being offered this week from Marshall University - one from the Artists Series, and another from the Department of Theatre:

- Dead Man Walking - Marshall's Theatre Alliance presents the play based on Tim Robbins’ dramatic adaption of Sister Helen Prejean’s autobiographical book. The show will be presented at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center February 23-26.

- A Chorus Line - The Marshall Artists Series presents the touring version of the classic Broadway musical Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater.

I'll have more about both of these shows in the days ahead - but both are highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend - Three Shows

Here's the community theatre offerings for this weekend:

- Norman Rockwell's An American Love Story - CYAC will present this original musical based on the works of the beloved artist at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater in Charleston Feb. 18 and 19 at 8 p.m.

- The Odd Couple - Kanawha Players presents the female version of the Neil Simon play at the Civic Center Little Theatre Feb. 18, 19 and 20.

- Once Upon a Mattress - ACTC presents the musical comedy Feb. 18 and 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

On Stage Next Week: "A Chorus Line"

Here's a preview from today's Herald-Dispatch about A Chorus Line. That classic musical visits Huntington next week courtesy of the Marshall Artist Series.

It’s funny, it’s heart breaking, Pulitzer Prize-Winning and Tony taking and best of all, it’s coming to Huntington’s Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 24. What is it? Broadway’s A Chorus Line.

It tells the story of 17 dancers as they put themselves on the line to get a job on the line. It’s the chance of a lifetime for the dancers to do what they’ve always dreamed of – dance. These stories are from the everyday to the extravagant with legendary songs like “What I Did for Love” and “I Can Do That.” This show defines a generation as well as opens the door to an entirely new one.

Conceived and originally choreographed and directed by Michael Bennett, A Chorus Line features a book by James Kirkwood and Nicholas Dante, music by recent Marshall Artists Series performer Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban.

This show remains the longest-running American musical in Broadway history and has won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Score and Book, as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Don’t miss your chance to see A Chorus Line Thursday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. at The Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $58, $50 and $45. Tickets may be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office, located on the right side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-6656. Patrons can also visit www.marshallartistsseries.org for ticket information. The box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m.. Tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, including online at www.ticketmaster.com.

A Chorus Line is also sponsored by: WKEE, B-97, WSAZ, The Herald Dispatch, Marshall University, The College of Fine Arts, and the Marshall Artists Series.

Big News from First Stage Theatre

A while back I mentioned that the First Stage Theatre Company (Huntington's long-running children's theatre) had some big news coming up - and now it can be revealed!

After 21 years, for the first time ever, First Stage has a home!

The organization signed the papers today on a building in Huntington that will (eventually) provide a permanent location for storage for that group's sets, props and costumes, as well as providing rehearsal space!

It'll take a while for the building to be fixed up for its future purpose, and the organization is planning a big open house event when that happens, so I'll have to hold off on the rest of the details for now - but it's a big step for the organization, and it's going to take a lot of work (and funds) to realize the full potential - but it's a big step, and one that opens up lots of possibilities for the future!

I'll have more news as the story develops, but for now - congratulations to everyone at First Stage!

First Stage Announces Its 22nd Season

Here's a press release that just went out announcing the next season for Huntington's First Stage Theatre Company.

It's going to be a great season, though I admit to being prejudiced (for reasons that will be obvious when you read the release.

Here 'tis:

The First Stage Theatre Company has selected its lineup of shows for its 22nd season, which begins in the Fall of 2011.

The children’s theatre will present three shows, including two musicals and a non-musical.

The season begins with Schoolhouse Rock Live! The musical is based on the classic animated series originally presented on ABC-TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Loaded with memorable songs, the show teaches facts about history, grammar, math, science and politics using clever, tuneful songs. The show will be directed by Amy Browning.

The second show for the season is The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. That play tells the story of a Christmas pageant that must cope with a crowd of inventively awful kids. When the two collide, the result is mayhem - and a lot of fun! The show will be staged in Winter 2011 and it will be directed by Justin McElroy.

The third show of the season is Seussical, a fantastic musical based on the books created by Dr. Seuss. It includes many of his most famous characters, including The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz and a boy named Jojo. The show will be presented in Spring 2012 and will be directed by Mary Smirl.

“We’re very happy with the shows lined up for this season,” said Chuck Minsker, president of First Stage. “Each show is loaded with great parts, so we can cast lots of young performers of all ages. The stories are funny, entertaining and educational - a great combination!”

Audition dates for the shows will be announced in the near future. For more information, go to the First Stage website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

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

Coming Soon: "Dead Man Walking"

There's a story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the next show being presented by Marshall's Theater Alliance - and here it is:

The cast of the Marshall University theater show Dead Man Walking take the stage at 8 p.m. each night on Feb. 23-26 in the Joan C. Edward Playhouse.

The play, written by actor Tim Robbins in 2002, is based on the experiences of Sister Helen Prejean, the spiritual advisor of a death row inmate. Robbins also directed the movie version in 1995.

It has since become a college theater project known as Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project. The project's goal is to integrate theater arts and academic study into the national discourse on the death penalty to replace ignorance, apathy, and cynicism among young people with information, introspection and inspiration.

The theater department also will host a roundtable discussion from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in the Frances-Booth Experimental Theatre. It is free and open to the public. The discussion will be led by Steve Crimaldi, National Coordinator of Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project.

To date, more than 190 schools across the country have performed the play.

Welcome to the Curtain's Up Players

My pal Paul Neace sends along this information about the latest offering - and a new name for the newest theatre group in town.

He writes:

Theatre friends, I'm proud to announce the formation of the newest CUP of theatre in town. The Pullman Plaza Players are now the Curtain's Up Players or CUP for short.

Our first show will be Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on May 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 (subject to change) and will be performed at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (the former Camelot movie theater).

Auditions are slated for Sunday, Feb. 20 from 2 - 5 p.m. at JPAC. Please
arrive by 2 p.m. and be prepared with a 30-second musical selection (accompaniment will be provided) preferably from the show. Also wear comfortable clothing for choreography.

Director - Danny Ray
Assistant Director - Clara Adkins
Producers - Michael Gore, Shayne Gue
Choreographer - Jessica Fox

CUP board:
Presidents - Todd Preston, Marina Jurica
VP(s) - Stewart and Donna Duke
Treasurer - Shayne Gue
Secretary - Paul Neace
Board Members - Trish Sacconi, Jim Sacconi, Michael Gore, Nancy Jackson, Clara Adkins, Danny Ray, Dennis Taylor, Jennifer Scott

We will be announcing more shows very soon so please check your favorite blog site (that would be here) and we hope to see everyone at auditions on the 20th.

On Stage This Weekend: Three Shows!

You have three shows to choose from this weekend (the first one starts tonight, the other two on Friday) - all are highly recommended:

- Norman Rockwell's An American Love Story - CYAC will present this original musical based on the works of the beloved artist at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater in Charleston Feb. 10,11,12,17,18 and 19 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.

- Nunset Boulevard - First United Methodist Church presents the musical comedy and dinner Feb. 11, 12 and 14. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22.00 for adults and $8.00 for children under 12. Show only (as space permits) - $5.00. For Reservations, call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576. (I recommend getting the dinner - it's awesome!)

- The Odd Couple (Both Versions) - Kanawha Players presents the Neil Simon play (the Male version) at the Civic Center Little Theatre Feb. 11,12 and 13, and the female version Feb. 18, 19 and 20.

"Norman Rockwell's An American Love Story"

Here's a show you'll want to check out - an original musical based on artwork by Norman Rockwell.

The cast will bring an assortment of classic paintings to life and you'll learn the story behind the painting.

I believe this is the second musical Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde have developed for CYAC based on the work of Rockwell, and the estate of the artist has given it their seal of approval.

As a fan of Rockwell's work, I enjoyed the first musical tremendously and I'm anxious to see this one - it's highly recommended!

"Nunset Boulevard"

A fine story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the upcoming dinner theatre performance of Nunset Boulevard - you can read it right here:

It has been the "Morse code" for years - if a Dan Goggin comedy comes out, dinner theater veterans, Jerry and Jane Morse are on it faster than a falling crucifix on the head of sister Mary Amnesia.

The Morse's have reeled in what Goggin says is the last of his Nunsense musical comedies, Nunset Boulevard, a dinner theater set to run Friday, Feb. 11, Saturday, Feb. 12 and Monday, Feb. 14, at the First United Methodist Church, 1124 5th Ave., Huntington.

Dinner (a choice of prime rib or glazed Cornish hen and all the trimmings including dessert) is served at 6:30 p.m. with shows at 8 p.m.

Reservations must be made in advance. Tickets (dinner and show) are $22 and $8 for children under 12. Show-only tickets are $5 if space permits. There is babysitting (by request).

Jerry Morse, who is stage director, with Eddie Harbert as musical director, said they're excited to put on the Tri-State premiere Nunset Boulevard, which in title and musical stylings spoof the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, Sunset Boulevard.

"We never did the first two but we did the next four that came out," he said. "After we found out about them we grabbed them as soon as they would come out and did them as dinner theater. We found out this may be the last one, so we perused the script and went for it. They've been immensely popular so this will get us going for this year."

For the past three years they went with locally-based, nationally-published playwright Jon Joy, whose Bitsy and Boots, comedy shows had become a big hit.

But when Joy took some time off with his newborn child, Morse said they began searching and Harbert alerted them to the fact Goggin's last Nunsense was coming out.

Harbert just helped put on two weekends of sold-out murder mysteries at Heritage Station and is now working on Titanic, which will be performed this spring for Fifth Avenue Theatre Company. He said this Nunsense is the most complex musically of the Nunsense musicals, which were birthed in 1985 and whose original show became the second longest running Off Broadway production in history.

"I think I have been a part of about five of the seven of them," Harbert said. "This one is a little bit harder because he tried to make it a little like the musical 'Sunset Boulevard' and trying to imitate Andrew Lloyd Webber's music is not easy. Most of the 'Nunsense' shows are pretty light musically."

What Goggins doesn't go light on is the comedy.

Once again, the usual cast of nuns such as Sister Amnesia (played by Sara Tschop), Sister Leo (Jane Modlin), Sister Hubert (Loretta Hetzer), Sister Robert Ann (Leeann Haines), Rev. Mother (Jane Morse) and Ursul Deen Snedecher (Stacy Morgan) are busy putting the fun into dysfunctional.

Brushed with a Hollywood theme, the Little Sisters of Hoboken head to Hollywood to perform in the fabled Hollywood Bowl. They'll be bowling all right but not in the famous venue they think they're playing.

Harbert, who plays Sister Mary Edward in the play, said he's been part of a couple of the productions at First United because it is for such a good cause.

"It all goes toward their missions, and it's very funny and it's also very informal," Harbert said of one of the city's longest running annual dinner theaters.

In the past 18 productions, the dinner theater, which started as a part of First Night in 1991, has raised more than $35,000 for missions that range from Ebenezer Medical Outreach to the church's mission work teams in West Virginia, Alaska and Nicaragua.

Jerry Morse said he thinks the quality of the food coupled with the quality of the performance has kept folks coming back. They estimate more than 4,000 people have seen a performance at the church.

Morse said the production could never happen without a dedicated small army of about 75 church and community volunteers.

"I think that is the thing that is most impressive when we talk about it here is the volunteers," Morse said. "You look at the amount of preparation it takes with the food and setting up tables and serving and cleaning up afterwards and we are always able to get that kind of support and pull it off. That is fabulous."

Coming Soon: "Nunset Boulevard"

On stage this weekend is a great show and dinner for Valentine's Day, as First Church Dinner Theater presents the Tri-State premiere of Nunset Boulevard

Here's the info:

The Nunsense Hollywood Bowl Show

First United Methodist Church is excited to be the first in the Tri-State area to present this brand-new musical comedy in the Nunsense series, by Dan Goggin, for your Valentine’s entertainment.

In Nunset Boulevard, the Little Sisters of Hoboken head to Hollywood to perform in the fabled Hollywood Bowl. Or so they think.

The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991. Begun as a part of First Night, the Dinner Theater has been an integral part of First Church’s Mission program, raising more than $35,000 for Mission projects through 18 productions.

Huntington’s First United Methodist is a church in Mission, supporting community projects, Mission projects across West Virginia, and national and international relief efforts. Members volunteer throughout the community, and participate in mission work teams in West Virginia, Alaska, and Nicaragua.

First United Methodist Church, 1124 5th Ave., Huntington

The performances will be on Friday, Feb. 11, 2001; Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011; and Monday, Feb. 14, 2011.

Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Show at 8 p.m.
Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with
Tossed Salad Baked Potato
Green peas and Pearl Onions
Dilly Rolls
Assorted Valentine Desserts

Dinner plus Show: Adult - $22.00 Child under 12 - $8.00
Show only (as space permits) - $5.00

Babysitting available on request for all shows (advance notice required)

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED FOR ALL SHOWS
For Reservations, call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist

So, plan on joining us Feb, 11, 12, and 14 for some rollicking fun as only nuns can deliver. The cast includes:

Sister Mary Hubert - Loretta Hetzer
Sister Mary Leo - Jane Modlin
Sister Mary Paul - Sara Tschop
Sister Robert Ann - Leann Haines
Reverend Mother - Jane Morse
Announcer, Ursuldeen Snedeker - Stacy Morgan
Musical Director - Eddie Harbert
Director - Jerry Morse

Theatre News

Hey, congratulations to my pal Josh Meredith, who's a theatre major at Marshall University (he appeared in about a zillion community theatre shows in Huntington before going off to college) - he's lined up some great work for this summer!

He recently posted on Twitter:

I have been cast as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors, Huck Finn in Big River, Rolf in Sound of Music, and a dancer in Chicago this summer at the Weathervane Playhouse near Columbus. I couldn't be happier in this moment, my dreams are coming true!

Mighty impressive, Josh - we're all proud of you!

Break a leg!

"Video Games Live" Photo Gallery

The Herald-Dispatch has a great photo gallery of shots from the Video Games Live concert Thursday night, which you can see right here.

It also has a brief recap of the show, which you can read right here:

It was an event for the ages, where Mario met Mozart during the latest installment of the Marshall Artists Series at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center Thursday evening.

Video game and music lovers alike packed into the Keith Albee to experience Video Games Live, which features music from the most popular video games of all time performed by top orchestras and choirs.

As part of the Video Games Live experience, a special festival of events opened early for guests, a costume contest, prize give-a-ways and a meet-and-greet with top game composers and designers.

The next performance in the Marshall Artists Series will feature Broadway musical A Chorus Line at 7:30 p.m., Thursday Feb. 24 at the Keith Albee.

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

"Video Games Live" Rocks

My lovely wife and I went to the Keith Albee Theater this evening to see the Video Games Live concert, and we had a great time!

The music was fantastic as an orchestra and choral group combined to recreate some of the best music of video games - from the earliest games to more recent fare.

The show featured a great video and lights display and some entertaining surprises - including a live video link with the man who invented video games! I enjoyed some of the history lessons and gag videos that were included - but the music was the main feature, and it was outstanding!

I can't recommend this show highly enough - if you get the chance to see it, by all means, go!

And if you don't believe me, just ask any of the 2,000-plus people who attended the show tonight - everyone I talked to had a blast!

Video from "Video Games Live!"

Here's a video that should give you a good idea of what Video Games Live is all about - it's actually an ad from a recent PBS production, but once you get past the commercial part of the video, you'll get a sample of what you'll see when you go to the concert.

(And friends who have seen it recommend it highly - and so do I!)

On Stage in February

February is usually a slow month for shows - perhaps most groups avoid it because of the threat of snow.

But there are a few hardy souls putting on seven shows (by my count - let me know if I missed anyone), including:

- Video Games Live! - The Marshall Artists Series presents a concert experience Thursday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater.

- Norman Rockwell's An American Love Story - CYAC will present this original musical based on the works of the beloved artist at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater in Charleston Feb. 10 - 19.

- Nunset Boulevard - First United Methodist Church presents the musical comedy and dinner Feb. 11, 12 and 14, 2011. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $22.00 for adults and $8.00 for children under 12. Show only (as space permits) - $5.00. For Reservations, call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576.

- The Odd Couple (Both Versions) - Kanawha Players presents the Neil Simon play at the Civic Center Little Theatre Feb. 11, 12, 13 with the Male version and Feb. 18, 19 and 20 with the female version.

- Once Upon a Mattress - ACTC presents the musical comedy Feb. 18 and 19 at 4:30 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m.

- Dead Man Walking - Marshall's Theatre Alliance presents the play based on Tim Robbins’ dramatic adaption of Sister Helen Prejean’s autobiographical book. The show will be presented at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center February 23-26.

- A Chorus Line - The Marshall Artists Series presents the classic musical Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Theater.

"Video Games Live" in Concert!

There was a terrific story in Sunday's Herald-Dispatch about this week's Video Games Live™ concert / event being sponsored by the Marshall Artist Series, but unfortunately, it's a print exclusive - so I urge you to track down a copy of Sunday's paper and read it.

Here's the opening paragraph:

When Tommy Tallarico was 10 years old he would take his dad’s tape recorder to the pizza parlor and tape his favorite arcade games. Then he would record his favorite home systems like the Commodore 64, Apple II and Intellivision, splice them together on the TV and invite neighborhood kids in for a nickel to watch his video-game-fueled music productions.

Here's some information from the Artists Series website:

Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. A 28-piece orchestra will perform along with video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive entertainment experience!

Video Games Live™ bridges a gap for entertainment by exposing new generations of music lovers and fans to the symphonic orchestral experience while also providing a completely new and unique family experience. It's the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra mixed with the excitement and energy of a rock concert and the technology and interactivity of a video game all synchronized to cutting edge visuals, state-of-the-art lighting and special on-stage interactive segments with the audience.

I've heard the show is amazing - one kids will enjoy, since it plays music from some of their favorite games.

I expect even geezers like me would enjoy it, too! I'll have more about the show tomorrow - but the show is at the Keith-Albee Theatre Thursday at 7:30 p.m., and you can get tickets from Ticketmaster.

Don't miss it!