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

Kennie Talk About "Jekyll & Hyde!"

Coming this weekend to the stage in Huntington is Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, the hit Broadway show based on the famous book.

One of the stars of the show is my pal Kennie Bass (he plays John Utterson), and he provides some more information about the show in this e-interview (and I'll have more of them in the days ahead).

Q: Why did you want to be part of the musical Jekyll & Hyde?

Kennie: I wasn't very familiar with the musical. I had previously heard the song "Facade" but I didn't know its origin. However, after listening to the soundtrack, I became a fan. The music is absolutely incredible, and the leads... Ryan Hardiman (Jekyll), Brittany Adkins (Emma) and Andrea Parkins (Lucy)... perform the songs beautifully. I am very honored and humbled to be working alongside them... they can just flat-out sing. It's going to be amazing.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, give us the basics.

Kennie: Set in the fall of 1888, Dr. Henry Jekyll's father is mentally ill. For several years, Jekyll has been seeking a cure for mental illness... to somehow separate the good and evil in man. He thinks he's found the answer, but he needs the ruling authorities to sanction his experiments. When he's denied, Jekyll decides to proceed and experiment on himself, with less than stellar results.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Kennie: John Utterson is Jekyll's lawyer, but more importantly he is his best friend. In a couple of spots he serves as narrator, moving the story forward. But his main role is to support his friend... and to act as his conscience. I've joked with Ryan that Utterson is this musical's Jiminy Cricket... trying to steer Jekyll down the correct path. History shows that Utterson is not entirely successful in his efforts.

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

Kennie: Since it's set in London, I had to figure out how much of an accent should be used. Under the direction of Eddie Harbert, I came up with a formal style of speaking. I don't use a heavy British accent. You'll notice it when I speak a few words here and there... but mostly Utterson speaks in a formal, gentlemanly manner.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Kennie: "His Work and Nothing More" features Jekyll, Utterson, Emma and Sir Danvers. It's a big number with a classic Broadway-style finish. But like many others, I'd have to say that "This Is The Moment" is my favorite. It's a show-stopper... and a tremendous showcase of Ryan Hardiman's vocal and acting talents. It will give you chills. But there are many, many great songs... Ryan, Brittany and Andrea deliver on each and every one of them.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Kennie: The cast has been a dream. Besides Ryan, Brittany and Andrea... who are all brilliant choices, Terry Salyer just nails it as Sir Danvers. He's Emma's father and very concerned his daughter is getting into a "complicated" relationship with her fiance', Dr. Jekyll.

Additionally, we have a great group playing the Board of Governors. Betty Craddock, Scott Black, Michael Byrd, Joshua Price and Levi Kelley are all properly snobbish and "upper crust." Michael Naglee is perfect as Simon Stride, who is Jekyll's rival for Emma's love. When you add in Jenn Naglee (Lucy's friend Nellie), Aaron Pennington (Spider/Poole/Priest) the "Red Rat" girls (including the wonderful Jane Modlin) and an energetic ensemble, you have a pretty potent mixture of talent.

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

Kennie: It's a classic story of love... betrayal... life... and death. A tale of a man reaching for the heavens... and falling utterly and completely into hell. You combine that with an incredibly talented cast which can deliver all of the emotions of the story and hit all of the notes of the music, and you have the recipe for a winner. Director Eddie Harbert possessed a specific vision for this story... and he found the right cast to tell it. With Maestro Chris Bowling's outstanding musical direction... and choreography by Coni Anthony... you will be entertained. I've been listening to these people sing these songs nearly every day for six weeks... and I'm not tired of them! They are as fresh and exciting now as they were the first time they performed them.

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

Kennie: Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS)

October 14-16 / 21-23
Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinees 2:30 p.m.

Show only tickets: $15
Dinner and show: $30 (Fri-Sat only - Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.)

The Renaissance Center Auditorium
(Old Huntington High)
900 8th Street, Huntington, WV

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and info.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

I caught the final performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, as staged by the Marshall Theatre Alliance, and I'm so glad I did!

It demonstrated why Marshall is the Gold Standard which all other theatre groups aspire to.

It was a fantastic production with an incredibly talented cast, an amazing set (including clever use of MU's rotating stage), great period costumes and props from the 1960s, and an ingenious take on Shakespeare's classic comedy. It even included dancing and singing, and that was terrific, too!

The play was set in the '60s at the Athens Corporation, a company that you might see in the TV show "Mad Men," as executives chase their true loves and encounter some flower children in the woods. Magic spells follow, the wrong people fall in love, some hilarious "actors" get in the mix, and the whole thing is just a scream from beginning to end.

The show was funny, outrageous, randy, clever and just a blast to watch. It was also great to enjoy it with such a large, appreciative crowd.

My hat's off to director Jack Cirillo, who has managed to create what is now my all-time favorite Shakespeare performance, and a show that may very well win the "Best of the Year" honors.

I wish I could say, "Run out and see it," but that was the last performance - so if you missed it, all I can say is: shame on you!

Murder Mystery on a Train

Everyone loves a mystery! Here's your chance to solve one:

WHO: The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society & Murder and Merriment

WHAT: Interactive Murder Mystery Theatre presentation of The Murdered Mistress

WHEN: Oct. 14, 15, 21, & 22: nightly at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Heritage Station, Huntington, WV

The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society presents The Murdered Mistress on the New River Train, an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Party Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22, nightly at 7:00 p.m., at Heritage Station at 210 Eleventh Street in Huntington, WV.

"Murder and Merriment" will provide the entertainment each night. The Murdered Mistress focuses on the 2012 Presidential campaign trail, as U.S. Senator Joe Jackson is traveling by train throughout West Virginia with his family and staff campaigning for President. Murder, scandal and intrigue unfortunately threaten to destroy his bid for the country's highest office.

The cast features local actors James Edward Holley, Kendra Egnor, Josh Taylor, Joanna Berner, Allan Stern, Sarah Diamond Burroway, Scott Neill, Ron Short, Ashley Bond and George R. Snider III as Lieutenant Frank Columbus.

Crumpets and Tea will be serving a catered dinner to the Guests. Tickets are $40 each and must be reserved by calling 1-866-639-7487. The first 40 guests each night will have the opportunity to eat dinner on the Pullman Dining Car at Heritage Station.

Since 1966, the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society has presented the world-renowned New River Train excursions through the beautiful New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. As one of the newest national parklands, the "Grand Canyon of the East" along the New River is aglow in fall colors in mid to late October.

It is during this peak autumn foliage time that their train traverses the former Chesapeake & Ohio main line from Huntington, WV to Hinton, WV, allowing for a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Nearly 4,000 visitors and travelers depart from Huntington on this train excursion during the two week period in October. The Railroad Historical Society is sponsoring the Murder Mystery to provide additional entertainment to these out-of-town guests as well as to local mystery theatre audience members. It is also another opportunity to showcase the local theatrical talent in the Huntington area and strengthen the value of this community.

The sponsoring organization is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and is operating the train trip and murder mystery to help fund restoration of railroad equipment, maintain its museum, and associated railroad historical projects.

This is the fifth Murder Mystery presented at Heritage Station within the last year. Previous mysteries performed have included: “Murder at the Opera,” “A Murderous Reunion,” “Goering's Diamonds” and “Marriage, Mob, & Murder.”

On Stage This Weekend - "Midsummer," "Ramona" and "Family Cabaret"

You have two great stage shows to choose from this weekend - and a fun concert:

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the last performance of the comedy Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Ramona Quimby - the Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the beloved book at the Civic Center Little Theatre Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

- Family Cabaret - “Bring Your Own” Dinner Theatre at the Highlawn Presbyterian Church at 2814 Collis Avenue, Huntington. Pack your favorite casserole or pizzaa, hear songs from Disney and MGM, the Muppet Show, television and a family sing-along. Drinks and dessert available. Shows will be presented Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.

Family Cabaret This Weekend

My pal Bruce Rous sends along this info about a fun performance this weekend:

Family Cabaret

A performance for the entire family!

“Bring Your Own” Dinner Theatre

Pack your favorite casserole or pizza – bring the kids and Grandma.

Songs from Disney and MGM, the Muppet Show, television and a Family sing-along.

Drinks and dessert available.

Highlawn Presbyterian Church at 2814 Collis Avenue, Huntington.

Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.

Performers - Scott Burner, Laura Campbell, Amy and Justin Carlson, Bil Neal, Mary Olsen, Linda Reynolds, Bruce Rous and Michael Sidoti.

Tickets: $15 - adults, $7 - children under 13. $45 for family of 5.

Reservations required - call 304–654-7399

(Performance not suitable for children under age 3.)

On Stage This Weekend - "Ramona Quimby"

Here's a show that almost slipped past me - the Children's Theatre of Charleston is presenting Ramona Quimby at the Civic Center Little Theatre Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for children (ages 3-13) and $12 for adults.

Tickets available at the Civic Center Box Office or at the door. Call 304-346-0164 for more information.

For those who haven't met Ramona, here's what to expect:

Unpredictable. Exasperating. Boisterous and Independent. That's Ramona Quimby for you.

Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble and sometimes "making a big, noisy fuss" when things don't go her way. As narrator, Beezus (Beatrice Quimby) introduces the Quimby family and friends and thereby sets the scene for the collection of vignettes that trace Ramona's tumultuous passage through third grade and through her family relationships.

At school, she throws a tantrum when provoked by a classmate and is sent home in disgrace. The teacher's wrath, an important family wedding, persistent sibling bickering and Mr. Quimby's attempts to give up smoking are part of the fabric that shape a humorous, loving family portrait.

The characters and the material, adapted by Obie Award-winning playwright Len Jenkin, are as "today" as the morning newspaper. The problems facing the Quimbys, a middle-class Oregon family, are problems common to most families, and the family's togetherness in tackling the sacrifices and adjustments required when the father is unexpectedly fired from his job is a clear statement of traditional family values.

Along with the discovery that life is not always fair, eventually Ramona and Beezus come to realize that sisters may not always agree, but they can be good to have around.

On Stage This Week - "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Starting Wednesday, Marshall University's Theatre Alliance is presenting one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

But this isn't just any old production of the play - the creative team has transplanted it to a more recent setting. Here's a synopsis of the show:

The high modern style of the 1960s defines the urbane and conformist society of Athens, where men are masterful and women are compliant.

All’s right with the world, until the love dust hits the air on a riotous midsummer night and the children of privilege prove to be unruly.

In Shakespeare’s dream world of reversals, confusion, and shifting realities, the deceptive allure of surface gives way to the deeper mysteries of identity.

The show runs Oct. 5, 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Here's a video to whet your appetite:

Happy Birthday to This Blog!

It's amazing to realize this humble blog celebrates its fifth "birthday" today!

What a blast it has been to be part of the community theatre scene - I've made many new friends though this venue, and hopefully we've provided some key information about local shows and events.

With just over 1900 posts written, I find I'm still having a heck of a lot of fun, so I hope to continue on into the future - I hope you'll keep following along, gentle readers, and don't forget to chime in every now and then and let us know what you think.

Just for fun, here's the first post from way back in October 4, 2005 (with some minor editing to take out dated references to "coming soon" attractions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shows On Stage in October

Here are the shows coming up in October - as always, if I missed any, drop me a line via the comments link at the bottom of this post, or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

- Jekyll & Hyde - ARTS presents the blockbuster musical Oct. 14, 15, 16 and Oct. 21, 22 and 23 at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th Street in Huntington.

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the comedy Oct. 5 - 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Oct. 27, 28, 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5 and 6 at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center.

- Ramona Quimby - the Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the beloved book at the Civic Center Little Theatre Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

- 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.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Oct. 28, 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. 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- Rock of Ages - Paramount Arts Center presents the touring version of the hit Broadway musical Oct. 12 at 7:30 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.

Last Chance to Catch "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

You have one more chance to catch the musical Schoolhouse Rock Live!

It's based on the short educational cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s. It includes songs like "Interjections," "I'm Just a Bill," "Mother Necessity" and "My Hero Zero" among many, many others.

The last show takes the stage at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the old Huntington High School auditorium at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.