"Annie" Auditions in Charleston

The Charleston Light Opera Guild, fresh off the huge success of Hairspray, has scheduled auditions for Annie for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, 2011 at beginning at 7 p.m. each evening at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre.

Audition details:

ORPHANS:

(GIRLS ONLY) All auditioners must be school age and in elementary school through middle school. Children may be cast who are older than the stage age.

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2011 (6:00-8:00 p.m.) Singing & Reading - Please bring prepared musical selection and sheet music for our accompanist; Scripts will be provided.

Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 (6:00-7:30 p.m.) Dancing - Dress to move and wear jazz or appropriate shoes; Dance related combinations will be taught.


OLDER TEENS AND ADULTS

Wednesday, August 31, 2011 (8:00-10:30 p.m.) Singing only

Please bring prepared musical selection and sheet music for our accompanist Sept. 1, 2011 (7:30-9:00 p.m.) Dancing; (9:00-10:30 p.m.) Reading

Dress to move and wear jazz/character or appropriate shoes; Dance related combinations will be taught; Scripts will be provided for readings.

All auditions are at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre at 411 Tennessee Ave, West Charleston.

Nina Denton Pasinetti is Director & Choreographer, John Marshall is Musical Director, Leah Lewis is Accompanist, and Tom Pasinetti is Technical Director. Call the director at (304) 545-6945 for more information.

Annie will be presented at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Oct. 28, 29 and Nov. 4, 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:00 p.m., with school-day performances on the mornings of Nov. 2 and 3, 2011.

75 Years of the Artists Series

There was a great story is yesterday's Herald-Dispatch by my pal Dave Lavender, all about the history of the Marshall Artist's Series, which is celebrating a big birthday this year.

Here's the article:

The Marshall Artists Series started 75 years ago with one show - albeit one very cool show.

Celebrating then-named Marshall College's 100th anniversary in 1936, the late professor Curtis Baxter kicked off the first series at Huntington City Hall Auditorium with a talk and film starring famous Antarctic explorer Rear Admiral Richard Byrd whose Sept. 15 event was so important the Naval Reserve accompanied Byrd from Gallipolis, Ohio, to Huntington with a motorcycle squad escort.

Performed first for school kids and then adults, "Conquering the Antarctic" was a hit, and Baxter followed up that first season with entertainment that traipsed around the globe - the Kedroff Quartet of Russian singers, the Miriam Winslow Dancers, Margaret Speaks of NBC Radio Firestone Theatre and the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo.

Marshall College president James Allen was so impressed he asked Baxter to continue the series that is still wrapped in town and gown - sponsored by the university, and paid for with both student fees and community donations.

Seventy-five years later, the series continues to bond Marshall and its home city in a common love of the arts, and in doing so, has proven itself one of the Mountain State's top shelf arts presenters whose legacy ranks up there with Mountain Stage, The Wheeling Jamboree and the Augusta Heritage Center at Davis and Elkins College.

Recognized as the second oldest college-based artists series in the country, the Marshall Artists Series has hosted a who's who of the world's best performers, such as the world's greatest mime Marcel Marceau; actors such as Bette Davis and Henry Fonda; speakers Robert Frost, Alex Haley, Langston Hughes and Eleanor Roosevelt; dancers such as Alvin Ailey and Bolshoi Ballet; and the world's best musicians such as Little Richard, Duke Ellington, Isaac Stern, Itzhak Perlman, Van Cliburn, Yo-Yo Ma and Liza Minnelli.

From Broadway's best musicals to the world's best symphony orchestras and opera companies, they have all performed inside the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, the nearly 3,000-seat theater built in 1928 that has been the series' home from nearly the beginning.

Randall Reid-Smith, commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Culture and History, grew up attending the Marshall Artists Series, and still loves catching a variety of Artists Series shows in the Keith-Albee.

A native of Barboursville who went on to tour the world as an opera singer and concert soloist, Reid-Smith said the Artists Series planted his head full of dreams of being a professional on stage.

"I would never have had a career in the performing arts if my mother would have not had a subscription to the Marshall Artists Series some 40 years ago," said Reid-Smith, who first began attending performances when he was in fifth or sixth grade. "I grew up on it, so I know it is one of those things that is a true treasure not just for the Tri-State but for the entire state of West Virginia. It is so important and crucial that Marshall University continues to support it to the fullest."

Marshall University President Stephen Kopp said the university could not be prouder of its Artists Series and its iconic home in the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

"The Marshall Artists Series is one of the nation's premier and longest running university-affiliated programs of its kind," he said. "It has been a showcase for the performing arts that continues to enrich our community and region each season. Memorable performances from world-renowned entertainers have defined the Artists Series' rich history over the last 75 years. The university's affiliation with and annual support for the Artist Series has been instrumental in its longevity and success. So, too, has been the Keith-Albee Theater, which has served as an timeless performing arts venue and an icon of the cultural landscape of our state and region."

This season, which kicks off with a Sept. 8 special event with red-hot Grammy Award winning pop artist, Cee Lo Green, features an eclectic mix of top shelf entertainment and education including rare performances by Larry King (on his first stand up tour), Glen Campbell (on his last tour), Jack Hanna, Michael McDonald, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Elvis Costello and a new multi-media Andy Warhol film and music show.

The season, which features 18 shows, also has two International film festivals, two hot and current Broadway tours, and also celebrates the best of West Virginia as Mountain Stage is putting together a show for the spring and Beckley native filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock will be kicking off the Fall International Film Festival with a lecture and showing of his latest documentary.

Larry Groce, the founder and artistic director of Mountain Stage, knows a thing or two about putting on a show as he is also executive director of the state's premier arts festival, the annual FestivALL Charleston.

"It's truly an honor for Mountain Stage to be a part of the Marshall Artists Series 75th Season," he said. "When I look at the quality and variety of this year's line-up, I am seriously impressed. This outstanding series has been, and continues to be, a cultural touchstone in West Virginia, and (current executive director) Penny Watkins has done a fantastic job of producing and promoting a yearly schedule of world class offerings. In a time of cutbacks and financial challenges at every turn, the opportunity to experience high quality arts entertainment should not be taken for granted. In today's world, cultural offerings like this are barometers of community desirability and a real part of economic development. We salute the long and distinguished history of the Marshall Artists Series and applaud Penny (Watkins) and everyone else who helps that tradition continue."

In addressing the legacy and to pay homage to the first Artists Series show, an educational and adventure-themed lecture, The first Mount Series show, which takes place Sept. 29, will be a talk and multi-media presentation by Pulitzer Prize winning writer and journalist, Lawrence Wright, whose best-seller "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11" has been translated into 25 languages.

In a letter addressing the Artists Series patrons, Watkins said bringing in such presentations continues that educational component of the Series.

"Marshall Artists Series will celebrate its 75th anniversary this season by taking our patrons on an artistic and intellectual journey filled with many varied excursions along the way," Watkins wrote to the patrons in the anniversary program.

Ken Bannon, who has worked on the Artists Series for 18 years with MPE Entertainment, which technically helps the Series, said he was excited to see the Artists Series bring in more lectures.

"I was pleased we had a lecture on the series, and I think it is incumbent upon us to offer that homage to its history," Bannon said. "I think you have to offer that. I know every year there are several of the films that I can't wait to see, and I think having one of the filmmakers here to introduce and talk about their film really punches it up a level."

Keeping the Artists Series punched up a level since 1997 has been Watkins, who continues a line of women directors that include Celeste Winters (1988 to 1996) and Nancy Hindsley (1977 to 1985).

An area native, Watkins came back home to run the Artists Series after working in New York City for years as the producer/director of Rockette Operations and Franchise Development at Radio City Music Hall Productions.

Blessed with an innate knowledge of the Tri-State and a slew of contacts across the globe, Watkins has continued to turn up the Artists Series' game bringing in such diverse and big name acts as Savion Glover, Bill Cosby, Marcel Marceau, Liza Minnelli, Def Comedy Jam and Jean Michel Cousteau.

Last year, it featured Video Games Live, an edgy multi-media concert with the world's greatest video game music designer, Tommy Tallarico, who has written and performed music for more than 275 video games. Armed with video screens, rock 'n' roll light production and a 28-piece symphony orchestra live at the Keith-Albee, Tallarico played to sold-out school shows using Skype to talk live with Ralph Baer, who invented the first video game, and on stage, rocked with the symphony turning a next generation onto the power of symphonic music.

Marshall Artists Series Marketing Director Angela Jones said whether it is snagging the hottest comics out like Jim Gaffigan and Daniel Tosh or securing emotion-packed musicals like The Color Purple, Watkins and the Artists Series board have a great feel for building compelling series that engage and educate.

"Penny is great, "Jones said. "She's skilled and has a lot of contacts, and she listens and talks to students about what they want to see. And she has no fear. She just puts in an offer."

Bannon agrees.

"In an organization that is better funded or endowed you would have a development director, a programming director and an executive director," Bannon said. "We have Penny, and she is a pearl of great price for keeping all of those balls in the air."
An anniversary season

Here's the complete 2011-2012 Marshall Artists Series Season Schedule:

Cee Lo Green, 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, Harris Riverfront Park

Lawrence Wright, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, Keith-Albee

Elvis Costello & The Imposters, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, Keith-Albee

Jungle Jack Hanna, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, Keith-Albee

World Music Cabaret, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, Keith-Albee

Comedy Central on Campus, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, Keith-Albee

An Evening with Morgan Spurlock, 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16, Keith-Albee

Fall International Film Festival, Monday Oct. 17-Sunday Oct. 23, Keith-Albee

Broadway's "Young Frankenstein," 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, Keith-Albee

13 Most Beautiful...Songs for Andy Warhol's Screen Tests, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, Keith-Albee

An Evening with Michael McDonald, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, Keith-Albee

Glen Campbell, 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Keith-Albee

100 Years of Broadway, 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29, Keith-Albee

Spring International Film Festival, Friday, Feb. 3-Thursday, Feb. 9, Keith-Albee

"In the Heights," 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, Keith-Albee

Larry King, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1, Keith-Albee

"Oh! What a Piano Can Do," 6:30 and 9 p.m. Friday, April 13, Keith-Albee

Mountain Stage Salutes Marshall Artists Series 75th Anniversary, artists to be announced, 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29, Keith-Albee.

Individual tickets are on sale now. The Marshall Artists Series accepts all major credit cards. Season tickets may be ordered via telephone by calling 304-696-3326. Orders may also be mailed in to Marshall Artists Series, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington, WV 25755-2210, be faxed to 304-696-6658 or emailed to artistsseries@marshall.edu.

The Marshall Artists Series office is located in the Jomie Jazz Center on 5th Avenue across from Marshall University's Student Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Don't Forget to Get "The Last Laugh"

A reminder that the Last Laugh Comedy and Improv Troupe, in association with ARTS Boyd County, presents its debut show, "Laughing Back to School," Aug. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Franks Building located on the Boyd County Fairgrounds!

Admission is only a $5 donation! Portions of the proceeds will go to support the local Ronald McDonald House Charities!

The show is an interactive audience experience and features Jen Fuller, Greg Kiser, Josh Taylor, Peggy Walker, Tammy Barrett and Zach Davis.

The members of the group create the material being performed. Last Laugh can be booked for private events for companies, businesses or individuals. We can create and adapt original work for any occasion!

For more information, please visit the Facebook page LastLaugh or e-mail at LastlaughCIT@gmail.com.

McVey Tours with "Les Miserables"

Great story in today's Herald-Dispatch by my pal Angela Henderson-Bentley about one of Huntingtons native sons who made an appearance recently on national television.

Here's her story about Mark McVey:

A familiar story of grace, love and redemption has drawn Huntington native J. Mark McVey back to the road.

McVey is starring as ex-convict Jean Valjean in the 25th anniversary national tour of Les Miserables. It's a role McVey has played several times before, including his Broadway debut.

"I didn't expect to go on tour again," McVey said. "But it's one of those shows that if you get the opportunity, you never pass it up. It's a real joy to deliver a message of grace and redemption. It's something that's needed right now. As long as I am able to deliver the message, I couldn't ever let it pass."

The show, which kicked off late last year, has been doing very well, according to McVey.

"It's been breaking box office records and selling out in every city I've been to," he said. "It's great fun to be on such a successful tour."

McVey joined the tour April 15 with his first official opening night in Tempe, Ariz., the first week of June. He signed a contract for six months, but the producers have already asked him for a three-month extension to keep him on the tour until the end of the year.

"If everything goes well, I'll do it as long as I can," McVey said. "This is a very demanding role. I get kicked around quite a bit. Much more than the last production. As long as I can stay healthy I'll be here."

Helping make the tour easier for McVey is that his family is now on the road with him. In fact, his 8-year-old daughter, Kylie, is a member of the cast.

"It's just great fun," he said. "It's a wonderful, wonderful experience. It makes it a real familial situation. (Family) is part of the big decision that has to be made when you go on tour. This takes all that off the table. It really couldn't be better."

Although the tour is keeping McVey very busy, he is working on a number of other projects. The entire family is working on a Christmas album, and they believe they have a record company ready to produce it.

McVey is also working with the gospel quartet Ernie Haase & Signature Sound on a project that will be a combination of southern gospel and Broadway.

"We're choosing all of the sacred music of Broadway," McVey said. "We'll just do them in a four-part or five-part vocal harmony. A more gospel type delivery."

The project will feature songs like "Climb Every Mountain," "You'll Never Walk Alone," "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat" and "Any Dream Will Do."

"It kind of melds two smaller groups of fans," McVey said. "It makes for a wonderful project."

McVey said three songs have already been recorded, and they are currently trying to sell the project as a concert idea. They hope to have something released by the first of the year.

"It's a true gift to do what you love and use the gifts God gave you to make a living," he said.

Cathy Rigby Flying High Again as "Peter Pan"

You can't keep a good performer down, as Cathy Rigby proves, as she flies out of retirement and back on stage in a touring show of the classic musical Peter Pan.

You can read a good story about the stage revival right here at Playbill's site. Here's an excerpt:

Sneering pirates, starchy parents, percussive Indians, lost boys and three British siblings begin singing and dancing today with the launch of a new national tour of Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby as the boy who wouldn't grow up. The Hershey Theater in Hershey, PA, is the first stop on the tour, which continues into 2012.

In addition to limber actress and former Olympic gymnast Rigby, who recreates her Tony Award-nominated turn as J.M. Barrie's famed boy, the cast features Broadway stars Tom Hewitt as Capt. Hook/Mr. Darling and Kim Crosby as Mrs. Darling.

It looks like the closest pass to us this year will be at the Lexington Opera House Sept. 23-25, but there are more dates in the works for 2012.

I've always heard raves about Rigby's performance, so hopefully we'll get a chance to catch the show!

Getting "The Last Laugh"

My pal Zach Davis sends in this info about an upcoming performance:

Last Laugh Comedy and Improv Troupe, in association with ARTS Boyd County, proudly presents its debut show, "Laughing Back to School," Aug. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Franks Building located on the Boyd County Fairgrounds!

Admission is only a $5 donation! Portions of the proceeds will go to support the local Ronald McDonald House Charities!

If Saturday Night Live and Whose Line Is It Anyway had a child, then Last Laugh would be it!

An interactive audience experience! The show features Jen Fuller, Greg Kiser, Josh Taylor, Peggy Walker, Tammy Barrett and Zach Davis.

Last Laugh's mission is to provide a new form of entertainment to the Tri-state area and help raise funds for local and national charities. The group was founded May 1, 2011.

The members of the group create the material being performed. Last Laugh can be booked for private events for companies, businesses or individuals. We can create and adapt original work for any occasion!

For more information, please visit our Facebook page LastLaugh or e-mail us at LastlaughCIT@gmail.com.

Auditions This Weekend for "Jekyll & Hyde"

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this reminder about auditions this weekend:

Arts Resources for the Tri-State will be holding auditions for the musical Jekyll and Hyde on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.

All auditioners need to arrive at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) by 2 p.m. Everyone will be asked to sing, move/dance and read. We are looking mainly for ages 14 and up.

Show dates are Oct. 14-16 and 21-23.

Ryan Hardiman will be playing the role of Jekyll and Hyde. For more info, you can call Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738.

On Stage This Weekend - "Footloose"

This show almost slipped past me - sorry about that!

The Paramount Players are presenting Footloose this weekend, the musical based on the hit film!

It takes the stage at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a matinee Saturday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $12 for kids.

It's a fun show - check it out!

Mark McVey on "America's Got Talent"

My pal C.E. Wilson passes along this message from Huntington's own Mark McVey, who's presently heading up the touring show of the musical Les Miserables.

The message says:

Anyone watch America's Got Talent?

This Wednesday, August 17, the cast of Les Mis, the show I am currently on tour with, is doing a guest star performance.

I play Jean Valjean and we are doing a number from the end of the first act called "One Day More." Be sure to check it out and tell all your friends!

Should be a great one - don't miss it!

"Schoolhouse Rock Live" Cast List

First Stage Theatre Company has announced its cast list for Schoolhouse Rock Live!

The show will be presented Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8:00 p.m. and Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center in Huntington.

It's a great show - I can't wait to see it!

Here's the list:

Dina – Katie Fulks
Dori – Chloe Donahoe
Shulie – Leslie Collins
Joe – Luke Lovejoy
George – Salem Carlton
Tom – Ian Carlton

Ensemble

Red Group
Ethan Lovejoy
Jenna Dorsey
Charlotte Edmonds
Jalen Nicely
Emma Pittman
Lillian Ramsier
Isabella Reynolds

Yellow Group
Ginny Blake
Kathryn Booth
Madi Cogor
Rebecca Craig
Ruth Finley
Teddy Haddox
Ally Henderson
Kaylah Hunter
Shannyn Kyle
Maddie Johnson
Hunter Morrison
Taylor Purdue
Jameson Reynolds
Elisabeth Ross
Maleea Roy
Macenzie Simmons
Hayley Spurlock
Hannah Spurlock

Blue Group
Sarah Bryan
Amy Cole
Catherine Dennison
Olivia Fosson
Audrey Fosson
Catey Giompalo
Armaan Karimpour
Taranee Karimpour
Brynne Kyle
Raven McClintock
Sophie Mowdy
Clara Poling
Allison Riley
Bailey Sanders
Emma Taylor
Kimberly Wolfe
Nick Wood
Sarah Williams
Samantha Young

Featured Characters
Rufus Xavier Sarsparilla – Nick Wood
Rafaella Gabriella Sarsaparilla – Maddie Johnson
Kangaroo – Shannyn Kyle
Aardvark – Isabella Reynolds
Rhinoceros – Kathryn Booth
Statue of Liberty – Ruth Finley
Jefferson – Jameson Reynolds
Napoleon – Ethan Lovejoy
Sacajawea – Hannah Spurlock
Reginald – Armaan Karimpour
Doctor – Taylor Purdue
Geraldine – Catey Giompalo
Geraldo – Teddy Haddox


Planets:
Janet – Rebecca Craig
Mercury – Audrey Fosson
Venus – Sarah Bryan
Earth – Catherine Dennison
Mars – Samantha Young
Jupiter – Taranee Karimpour
Saturn – Maleea Roy
Uranus – Sophie Mowdy
Neptune – Clara Poling
Pluto – Ethan Lovejoy

Mr. Morton – Hunter Morrison
Cat – Jenna Dorsey
Pearl - Charlotte Edmonds

Cast Lists - and "Hairspray!"

It's been a hectic theatre weekend, with loads of shows, auditions and casts announced!

I managed to take in two wonderful shows this weekend - The Fantasticks, which I've already raved about, and this afternoon my mom-in-law Linda and I drove to Charleston to catch Hairspray - and I'm glad we did!

It was a terrific show, loaded with incredible talent, great songs, fantastic performances and an awesome set. It was a great achievement, due in no small part to two of Huntington's finest - Danny Ray was delightful as Wilbur, and Jon Lamp killed as the devilishly handsome Link Larkin.

I couldn't stop smiling through the show - one of the best I've ever seen in Charleston, and that's saying something!

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Two shows were cast over the weekend (one partially):

For White Christmas, being staged by 5th Avenue Theatre, the following roles were cast:

Bob - Josh Janotta
Phil - Greg Kiser
Betty - Jane Modlin
Judy - Melanie Sweeney
General - Scott Black
Martha - Jen Fuller
Rita - Kerri Easter
Rhoda - Stephanie Sands
Ezekiel - Max Wilson
Snoring Man - Zach Davis
Ms. Snoring Man - Sharon Whitehead
Tessie - Betty Craddock

Other parts will be cast after the auditions on Oct. 1.

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The other show that announced its cast is Bat Boy the Musical, being staged by the Curtains Up Players. Here's that cast:

Maggie / Clem - Trish Sacconi
Bud / Dr. / Dr. #2 / Mother - Aaron Pennington
Mrs. Taylor / Dillon - Ethan Terry
Rev. Hightower / Ned - Holly Maynard
Pan - Bronson Bush
Townsperson - Max Wilson
Townsperson - Julie Hoss
Rick Taylor/ Lorraine - Luc Adkins
Ruthie/Roy - Alex O'Donnell
Ron / Daisy / Father - Andrew Surber
Bat Boy (Edgar) - Chris Sunderland
Sheriff - Jim Sacconi
Meredith - Nancy Jackson
Shelley - Kate Jackson
Dr. Parker - Mark Baker

"White Christmas" Auditions on Sunday

Yep, it's Christmas in August as my pal Eddie Harbert holds auditions for this winter's production of White Christmas on Sunday, Aug. 14 at 2:00 p.m. at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in Huntington's City Hall.

The City of Huntington Foundation and 5th Avenue Theatre Company will present the show. Roles cover an age range from 10 and up, with the main child role being the role of Susan, the General's granddaughter.

Auditioners are requested to prepare a song. Accompaniment will be provided. Participants will also have to have move/dance and read passages from the show.

Show dates will be Dec. 2-4 and 9-11. For more information call Maxine Loudermilk at 304-696-5522.

"Schoolhouse Rock" Auditions This Weekend!

A reminder that auditions are being held today and tomorrow for Schoolhouse Rock Live, and First Stage Theatre is inviting kids to try out to be part of the upcoming performance!

Schoolhouse Rock Live is adapted from the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs. The full-length play will feature young actors from Kindergarten through the 12th Grade. No experience is necessary to audition, and there is no charge to audition or participate in the play.

Auditions will be held Saturday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, August 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Premiere Dance Studio at 716 6th Street, Huntington, W.Va. Young actors may audition on either day.

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

The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will run Sept. 23-25, 29, 30 and October 1-2.

The show will be directed by Amy Browning and choreographed by Melissa McGuffin.

For more information on the production of Schoolhouse Rock, contact Amy at amyb2606@gmail.com.

Highly recommended!

"The Fantasticks" - A Great Show!

My lovely wife and I had a great time tonight enjoying The Fantasticks!

There's a good reason why the show holds the record as the longest-running musical: it's a great show!

Loaded with great songs, lots of humor, fantastic performances by some of Huntington's top actors, clever staging and an affecting story, it's just a joy from start to finish.

Taking the cast in order: Mike Murdock is both the Narrator and the wicked El Gallo, and he just kills - he's funny, charming, dynamic and drives the show with the skill and assurance of a theatre pro. It's a simple rule of thumb: if Mike's in a show, go see it.

Kristin Caviani is Luisa, the sweet, naive dreamer, and she's wonderful, with an outstanding singing voice and acting skills far beyond her young age. I knew she was a talented actress, but I was also impressed with her comedic skills - a terrific job!

Owen Reynolds is Matt, and in many ways he has the toughest job. His character is young, sincere, idealistic - a poet. As such he has to be the straight man for most of the show - but he plays it perfectly. He's also a terrific singer and manages an impressive swordfight with a broomstick! Oh, and he was also the show's choreographer!

Mark Near plays Hucklebee, one of the fathers - and I should admit I'm prejudiced here, because Mark is an old and dear friend - but he's a delight in this, with a perfect comedic touch and a wonderful singing voice.

The other dad is played by theatre veteran Bil Neal (who was also the musical director for the show), and he always lights up the stage - a great singer and a fantastic (and very funny) performer.

Dylan Clark (as Henry) and Erik Woods (as Mortimer) manage the near-impossible task (considering the talent on the stage) of stealing almost every scene they're in - absolutely a scream.

Patrick Taylor as Mute doesn't get to sing or even talk - but he pulls the show together, acting as sort of a living stage and prop master all at the same time.

Kudos to director Stephen Vance for a terrific show - cleverly staged with a minimal set and a cast with maximum talent!

Highly recommended! (Oh, and the meal was great, too!)

On Stage This Weekend

You have five shows to choose from this weekend:

- The Fantasticks - ARTS presents the world’s longest running musical for one weekend only at The Renaissance Theatre, Aug. 12, 13 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. For dinner reservations and info, call 304-733-ARTS (2787).

- Hairspray - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit musical comedy August 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance August 14 at 2:00 p.m., at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences Maier Performance Hall. Call the Clay Center box office at 304-561-3570 for tickets and more information.

- Cupid Falling / Cupid Rising - CYAC presents a farce on teen love, morality and misinformation Aug. 12 - 17 at the WVSU Capitol Center, 123 Summers Street, Charleston.

- Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids - Logan State Park presents the Disney musical Aug. 12, 13 and 14.

- The Legend of Jenny Wiley - presented by Jenny Wiley (of course) Aug. 12 and 13.

So get out there and support your community theatre!

Another "Fantasticks" Interview!

This e-interview is with my pal Mike Murdock, who's one of the stars of The Fantasticks, which takes the stage for this weekend only in Huntington (that's him on the right in the photo above, next to the lovely Kristin Caviani).

Q: Why did you want to be part of The Fantasticks?

Mike: It's a show I've always wanted to be a part of and a role I've always wanted to play since I saw my friends Herschel Jeffrey, Jeremy Richter and Phil Wilcox in it years ago. It tells such a sweet story of young love and the romanticized notion of the world. The songs are great, too. Every single one. There aren't a lot of musicals where I like literally every song.

Q: It's the longest-running show ever - so what makes this such a great show?

Mike: It's a tight - compact - show with a small cast and great songs. They don't rely on spectacle, but instead rely on pure theatricality and ingenuity. It tells a pretty basic, relateable story, too. It's a love story and an adventure. There's something for everyone.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mike: I play the narrator / bandit king El Gallo. He moves the story along, but he is also hired by the fathers to create an elaborate hoax - the hoax has repercussions, though, and heart-strings get pulled in many directions.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about preparing for this role?

Mike: I was thinking about this earlier, and this may well be the most songs / stage time I've ever had in a musical, as far as sheer numbers. Jesus in Godspell might be a close second. I'm onstage quite a lot in this show either narrating, singing, dancing or conversing. It's been a healthy chunk of memorization that I'm still working on. No doubt I'll still be pouring over my script until the minute we open, and probably until the day we close.

Q: Do you have a favorite song or scene?

Mike: I love the dynamic of "This Plum Is Too Ripe." They really tear it up and I just love it. Like I said before, though, I literally do like *every* song in this show. And I don't want to be that guy, but "It Depends On What You Pay" is a lot of fun to do. I'm just kidding. I TOTALLY want to be that guy.

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

Mike: It's sweet, poignant, funny, tells a good, clever story and reminds people of better times, when things weren't so complicated. Or were they? We have an AMAZING cast - it's certainly one of the finest groups I've ever had the pleasure to work with. They've accepted me with open arms and, more importantly, put up with me on a near-daily basis. There's some great comedic work done in this show as well, by Dylan Clark and Erik Woods. They're worth the price of admission (and the rest of us are worth the price of dinner). All of the leads are doing great, strong work - Kristin and Owen especially - you see the yearning in their eyes - and Bil and Mark bring the perfect blend of deep affection and protection for and over their children. Patrick is also really busting his hump as the Mute. He may work harder than anyone else on stage. Be sure to watch him. He's always involved. And I haven't even mentioned Tawny yet! What an amazing accompanist she is! She's brilliant! It's my first time working with her, and between Bil's music direction and her playing, even *I* sound good. Stephen Vance has done a great job of bringing the show together and giving Huntington something really special. I hope that everyone takes the time to come and enjoy the show. It's not often that something like this comes along. I'm just glad my director, fellow actors, the musician and costumers allowed me to even share the space with them. Their generosity, passion and willingness to do great work is dizzyingly inspirational. That's the cold, hard truth. Don't miss the opportunity to see it in action.

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

Mike: The Fantasticks takes the stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11 - Saturday, Aug. 13 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, in the ballroom of the Renassiance Center (Old Huntington High School), 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15. A dinner and show ticket is available for the evening performances for $30. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 304-733-2787.

"Fantasticks" Interview #1

Let's kick off some e-interviews with the cast of The Fantasticks with a few answers from my pal Mark Near:

Q: It's the longest-running show ever - so what makes The Fantasticks such a great show?

Mark: It's not a spectacle. No huge set or vast number of actors. The audience is encouraged to use their imaginations, and parts of the show connect with a variety of moods.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Mark: I play Huckabee, a father, bursting with pride in his son, but burdened by the responsibility of making sure he turns out well.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Mark: "Try To Remember" is the best-known song. "This Plum is too Ripe" is my favorite, because the two fathers and the kids sing it together. It's a fugue and it has some nice resultant harmony.

Thanks, Mark!

The Fantasticks takes the stage at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, through Saturday, Aug. 13, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, in the ballroom of the Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., in Huntington. Tickets are $15. A dinner and show ticket is available for the evening performances for $30. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 304-733-2787 by Wednesday, Aug. 10.

One Weekend Only: "The Fantasticks"

A great show coming up this weekend (for one weekend only): The Fantasticks!

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

The longest-running musical in the world is coming to Huntington for a special one weekend only engagement.

ARTS Resources for the Tri-State will present The Fantasticks at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, through Saturday, Aug. 13, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, in the ballroom of the Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., in Huntington. Tickets are $15.

A dinner and show ticket is available for the evening performances for $30. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 304-733-2787 by Wednesday, Aug. 10. The dinner will be an indoor picnic with pulled pork and all the trimmings.

The Fantasticks centers on Luisa and Matt, a young couple who are kept apart by their feuding fathers.

However, the quarrel between the fathers is actually a ruse to get Luisa and Matt together. And when the truth comes out, the lovers split up, only to discover they are truly meant to be together.

“It’s a very simple love story,” said Stephen Vance, the director. “It’s very funny. It has dramatic parts, but it is a comedy.”

The style of the show is also very simple, according to Vance, with the costumes and makeup being the most elaborate elements.

“That’s so the focus will be on the music and the performers,” he said.

The simple elements of the show allow for a more intimate feel to the production.

“There's not a lot of flash,” Vance said. “It's not about anything technical. A lot of the dialogue is directed right at the audience.

“The audience is brought in,” he added. “These people are living their lives and the audience just happens to drop by.”

Because this is such a cast-driven piece, Vance said it was very important to get the right people.

“One of my directors told me once that the number one job of a director is to cast well,” he said. “This is a great cast.”

The small cast is made up of Mike Murdock, Kristin Caviani, Owen Reynolds, Mark Near, Bil Neal, Dylan Clark, Erik Woods and Patrick Taylor. Tawny Burdine is the pianist.

“It’s as good of a cast as I’ve ever worked with,” Vance said.

But the centerpiece of the show, according to Vance, is the music.

“It’s pretty complex. It’s very detailed,” he said. “There’s no way I could sing what these guys are singing. I just try not to get in the way.”

The original off-broadway version of The Fantasticks ran for 42 years. Vance said that shows the production really has something that people like.

“It’s a very simple show,” he said. “But it has a charm that will draw people.”

Auditions for "Bat Boy - the Musical"

A reminder that auditions for the Curtains Up Players' production of Bat Boy - the Musical will take place Monday, August 8 at 6:00 p.m. at Kuhn Memorial Church in Barboursville.

Anyone interested in auditioning should come with a headshot, 16-bar vocal selection and comfortable attire for movement. Everyone should arrive and be prepared to begin at 6:00 p.m. They're looking for actors from ages 14 and up.

The musical is based on a West Virginia story that became famous in 1992 in the Weekly World News tabloid.

Raves for "Hairspray!"

Judging by Facebook (yes, I finally gave in and joined - apparently it isn't just a flash in the pan after all), most of the people in Huntington's theatre community went to see the Charleston Light Opera Guild production of the musical comedy Hairspray tonight.

That's not surprising, since it's been getting rave reviews - and that's not surprising either, because it's a great show with a terrific cast, including my pals Danny Ray and Jon Lamp, both wonderfully gifted performers!

And from what I hear, the hometown crowd thoroughly enjoyed the show!

Highly recommended!

Congratulations to Shane!

Hey, we always like to recognize local actors for their achievements, and here's an impressive one: Shane Gue, who has practically grown up on stages in Huntington and appeared in countless community theatre productions (most recently in The Wedding Singer), was one of the medical students who received their white coats during the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine White Coat Ceremony Thursday at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

That's him in the white coat in this photo by Mark Webb. Congratulations, Shane!

"Schoolhouse Rock Live" Auditions

Great news for young actors looking for a fun show!

Based on the educational cartoon series that ran on ABC-TV, Schoolhouse Rock Live is also a musical for the stage, and First Stage Theatre is inviting kids to audition Aug. 13 and 14 for the upcoming performance!

The show kicks off First Stage Theatre Company's 22nd season. The children's theatre plans to stage three shows this season, including two musicals and a non-musical production.

Schoolhouse Rock Live is adapted from the Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs. The full-length play will feature young actors from Kindergarten through the 12th Grade. No experience is necessary to audition, and there is no charge to audition or participate in the play.

Auditions will be held Saturday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sunday, August 14 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Premiere Dance Studio at 716 6th Street, Huntington, W.Va. Young actors may audition on either day.

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

Rehearsals will begin August 16 with a full cast and parents meeting. The show, which will run two weekends at the Renaissance Center in Huntington, will run Sept. 23-25, 29, 30 and October 1-2.

The show will be directed by Amy Browning and choreographed by Melissa McGuffin.

For more information on the production of Schoolhouse Rock, contact Amy at amyb2606@gmail.com.

First Stage presented this show almost 10 years ago, and it was a blast from start to finish (which is why they're doing it again, of course) - it's a fun show with great songs, dances and parts for all ages! Highly recommended!

Shows on Stage in August

There are quite a few shows on tap to help you forget the August heat, including:

- The Fantasticks - ARTS presents the world’s longest running musical for one weekend only at The Renaissance Theatre, Aug. 11, 12, 13 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 14 at 2 p.m. For dinner reservations and info, call 304-733-ARTS (2787).

- Hairspray - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit musical comedy August 5, 6, 12, and 13 at 7:30 p.m., with matinee performances on August 7 and 14 at 2:00 p.m., at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences Maier Performance Hall. Call the Clay Center box office at 304-561-3570 for tickets and more information.

- Cupid Falling / Cupid Rising - CYAC presents a farce on teen love, morality and misinformation Aug. 4 - 6, 11 - 17 at the WVSU Capitol Center, 123 Summers Street, Charleston.

Logan State Park presents two shows in August:
- The Aracoma Story - Aug. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
- Disney’s The Jungle Book Kids - Aug. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

Jenny Wiley wraps up its season in August with three shows:
- The Legend of Jenny Wiley - Aug. 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13
- The Dixie Swim Club - Aug. 4 and 5
- The Frog Prince - Aug. 7

More About the Marshall Artist's Series

Here's more info about the new season of the Marshall Artist's Series, courtesy of writer Dave Lavender:

The 75th anniversary of the Marshall Artists Series has already gotten off to a "crazy" start -- and the season that's stacked and packed with about eight extra shows has yet to even begin.

When Cee Lo Green, who's chalked up such No. 1 songs as "Crazy" and "Forget You," played "The Today Show" last week, word leaked out that one of the world's biggest pop stars and songwriters was also coming to Huntington.

A student's Facebook post and a couple newspaper web posts later and the Artists Series office phones were blowing up all day that Friday, giving the anniversary season more buzz than a beekeepers convention.

Artists Series Marketing Director Angela Jones said she's expecting that kind of reaction to continue as the historic Artists Series -- the second oldest town and gown artist series in the nation -- has cranked up the number of shows from an average of about 10 to a calendar-busting 18 events.

It also has reeled in some rare acts to the historic Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, the series' home.

The season, which kicks off with a Sept. 8 special event with red-hot Grammy Award winning pop artist Cee Lo Green, features an eclectic mix of top shelf entertainment, including rare performances here by Larry King (on his first stand-up tour), Glen Campbell (on his last tour), Jack Hanna, Michael McDonald, Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer Elvis Costello and a new multimedia Andy Warhol film and music show.

Tossed onto that heap is a Mountain Stage-made spring show, two new Broadway shows ("Young Frankenstein" and "In the Heights"), a Comedy Central new comics show, a talk by Pulitzer-Prize writer Lawrence Wright and a talk and screening with Morgan Spurlock, a Beckley native who is one of the top documentary filmmakers of his generation.

Jones said they wanted to kick off the 75th anniversary series with a bang. They have teamed up with the Marshall University Student Government and the MU Student Activities Programming Board to bring in the Grammy-winning Green, who is coming off the hit summer TV show "The Voice."

"The students have been wanting more hip hop, and you can't get more current than Cee Lo Green," Jones said of the concert, which will be in the Harris Riverfront Park field with a capacity of about 5,000. "We're thrilled he is coming and for the students to be excited about it, because it is right when they get back to school and right in time for us to celebrate our 75th anniversary. He's very eclectic, has a great voice, is compelling to watch and kind of appeals to everybody. Even my mom is excited."

That special event show has $40 general admission tickets that went on sale at 10 a.m. today.

New season subscription orders and season ticket orders went on sale Tuesday, and the deadline for season ticket renewal is Monday, Aug. 8. After that day, all orders will be processed in order of date and time received.

Individual tickets go on sale Monday, Aug. 22.

Jones said the breadth and the depth of the 75th anniversary season can be attributed to Artists Series Executive Director Penny Watkins, an area native who came back home in 1997 to run the Artists Series after working in New York City for years as the producer/director of Rockette Operations and Franchise Development at Radio City Music Hall Productions.

"Penny is great, "Jones said. "She's skilled and has a lot of contacts, and she listens and talks to students about what they want to see. And she has no fear. She just puts in an offer."

Speaking of "offers coming over the phone," one of the great gets this season is a Dec. 11 tour stop on "The Rhinestone Cowboy" Glen Campbell's last tour.

After a recent diagnosis of Alzheimer's, the legendary pop and country music singer and performer is saying goodbye to fans with a new album, "Ghosts on the Canvas," and an extensive tour, that heads overseas for two months this fall before swinging back to the States.

Jones said Campbell, who charted 81 songs during his career, will perform one of the series' two matinee shows this season. He will play at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the Keith-Albee.

"We're very excited about this because he is such a legend, and we get one of the stops on his goodbye tour," Jones said. "We know a lot of people in the community will want to see him live and see him in the Keith-Albee."

Another rare tour the Artists Series picked up is "Larry King: Standing Up. It is the first tour for the man who has conducted about 50,000 interviews, including every living president since the Nixon administration.

King will be here March 1 doing his story- and comedy-filled show, which will include a question and answer session.

"'Who is this person that everyone let into their living rooms for all of these years?' " Jones said. "We get to see him outside of asking other people questions and putting himself in the hot seat."

While the Artists Series has become known over the years for hosting a stream of great touring Broadway productions, this season will feature a fresh mix of new shows, including two 2008 award winners.

Coming Nov. 10 and kicking off the five-show Baxter Series is "Young Frankenstein," the new Mel Brooks musical put together by the campy three-time Tony winner and his team that produced his record-breaking show "The Producers."

Other theater productions on the Baxter Series include a new edgy multimedia show, "13 Most Beautiful ... Songs For Andy Warhol's Screen Tests," at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29. In its first commissioned piece, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh has sifted through 500 of the famed artist's black and white screen tests of such famous folks as Lou Reed shot in the 1960s in NYC and chosen the 13 "most beautiful" screen tests. They teamed up with indie music darlings Dean Wareham and Britta Philips, who composed the music.

Another Broadway production is at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 29. "100 Years of Broadway" is a cast of Broadway stars singing songs from the smash hit shows they starred in, such as "The Phantom of the Opera," "Les Miserables," "Chicago," "CATS," "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Jekyll & Hyde."

As part of the Mount Series, the Keith will host the 2008 Tony Award-winning musical, "In the Heights," which not only won Best Musical but also a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album.

That dance-filled show (which also won the Tony for choreography in 2008) will be here Feb. 21.

Appropriately, the Mount Series, has a true mountain of music.

Grammy Award-winning host and artistic director Larry Groce, who has for years often brought live tapings of the radio show Mountain Stage to the Artists Series, is putting together a special show that will salute the series' legacy at 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29.

"It's truly an honor for Mountain Stage to be a part of the Marshall Artists Series 75th Season," Groce said. "When I look at the quality and variety of this year's line-up, I am seriously impressed. This outstanding series has been, and continues to be, a cultural touchstone in West Virginia and Penny Watkins has done a fantastic job of producing and promoting a yearly schedule of world class offerings. In a time of cutbacks and financial challenges at every turn, the opportunity to experience high quality arts entertainment should not be taken for granted. In today's world, cultural offerings like this are barometers of community desirability and a real part of economic development. We salute the long and distinguished history of the Marshall Artist Series and applaud Penny and everyone else who helps that tradition continue."

Also on the Mount Series is Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame member and singer-songwriter Elvis Costello on Oct. 8 and the five-time Grammy winning singer Michael McDonald on Nov. 17.

The first Mount Series show, which takes place Sept. 29, will be a talk and multimedia presentation by Pulitzer Prize winning writer and journalist Lawrence Wright, whose bestseller "The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11" has been translated into 25 languages.

Wright, who co-wrote the film "The Siege" starring Denzel Washington, Bruce Willis and Annette Bening, sold out six weeks Off Broadway of his one-man play, "My Trip to Al-Qaeda," which is being made into a documentary film.

In a letter addressing the Artists Series patrons, Watkins said bringing in such thought-provoking presentations as Wright's continues that educational component of the Series, which began Sept. 15, 1936, when rear admiral Richard Byrd, the explorer of Antarctica, spoke and showed a film at city hall.

"I think this year there is a lot of diversity, and there is a lot of history, and people did not just always go to the Artists Series to be entertained but came to be educated as well," Jones said.

Marshall University President Stephen Kopp said the university could not be prouder of its Artists Series and this special anniversary season.

"The Marshall Artists Series is one of the nation's premiere and longest running university-affiliated programs of its kind. It has been a showcase for the performing arts that continues to enrich our community and region each season. Memorable performances from world-renowned entertainers have defined the Artists Series' rich history over the last 75 years. The university's affiliation with and annual support for the Artist Series has been instrumental in its longevity and success. So, too, has been the Keith-Albee Theater, which has served as an timeless performing arts venue and an icon of the cultural landscape of our state and region."