Cast of "1776"

ARTS recently announced its cast for 1776, and it's an all-star lineup!

They just started rehearsal, and I know they're going to have a blast - it's a terrific show! Here's the lineup:

John Hancock - C.E. Wilson

Dr. Josiah Bartlett - Max Wilson

John Adams - Clint McElroy

Stephen Hopkins - Dave Vickers

Roger Sherman - Jedd Flowers

Lewis Morris - Chris Bouquot

Robert Livingston - Justin Carlson

Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon - Ric Griffith

Benjamin Franklin - T. Michael Murdock

John Dickinson - Jim Lamp

James Wilson - Jerry Morse

Caesar Rodney - Charlie Woolcock

Col. Thomas McKean - Mark Near

George Read - Allan Stern

Samuel Chase - Marc Albert

Richard Henry Lee - Jon Lamp

Thomas Jefferson - Stephen Vance

Edward Rutledge - David Day

Dr. Lyman Hall - Scott Black

Charles Thomson - Ken Bannon

Andrew McNair - Todd Green

The Courier - Greg Kiser

Abigail Adams - Leann Haines

Martha Jefferson - Kathryn Davis

"9 to 5" Auditions This Weekend

Just got this note from my pal Eddie Harbert:

The City of Huntington Foundation and 5th Avenue Theatre Company are pleased to announce auditions for 9 to 5 – The Musical on Sunday, March 4 at 2 p.m. at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at City Hall in Huntington, W.Va.

The show will be presented on May 4-6 and May 12-13 at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall.

9 to 5 follows the course of three office workers: Violet, Judy and Dora Lee as they navigate the murky waters of politics and discrimination of women in the workplace in the late '70s. This endearing comedy is based on the 1980 movie of the same name starring Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda.

The show has roles for all ages above the age of 14. Those auditioning will be asked to have a 30-second song prepared. An accompanist will be available for those bringing music and a CD player will be available for those wishing to use CDs. The audition will also involve participants reading selected cuts from the script as well as a movement audition. Participants should come comfortably dressed for the movement audition and are asked not to wear sandals or open-toed shoes.

For more information about auditions or to reserve tickets for the show, please call Eddie Harbert at 304-544-2831 or Maxine Loudermilk at 304-654-1471.

Oscar Winners

So what did I think of the Oscars last night?

Meh.

But then, I've only seen one of the films that was up for Best Picture ("Tree of Life"), so perhaps that's why I couldn't work up much interest. I watched the ceremony at high speed (thanks, DVR!), so perhaps I missed the great bits.

Anyway, here's a list of the winners at the 84th Annual Academy Award ceremony in the order they were presented:

1. Cinematography: "Hugo."

2. Art Direction: "Hugo."

3. Costume Design: "The Artist."

4. Makeup: "The Iron Lady."

5. Foreign Language Film: "A Separation," Iran.

6. Supporting Actress: Octavia Spencer, "The Help."

7. Film Editing: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo."

8. Sound Editing: "Hugo."

9. Sound Mixing: "Hugo."

10. Documentary Feature: "Undefeated."

11. Animated Feature Film: "Rango."

12. Visual Effects: "Hugo."

13. Supporting Actor: Christopher Plummer, "Beginners."

14. Original Score: "The Artist."

15. Original Song: "Man or Muppet" from "The Muppets."

16. Adapted Screenplay: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, "The Descendants."

17. Original Screenplay: Woody Allen, "Midnight in Paris."

18. Live Action Short Film: "The Shore."

19. Documentary (short subject): "Saving Face."

20. Animated Short Film: "The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore."

21. Directing: Michel Hazanavicius, "The Artist."

22. Actor: Jean Dujardin, "The Artist."

23. Actress: Meryl Streep, "The Iron Lady."

24. Best Picture: "The Artist."

___

Oscar winners previously presented this season:

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award: Oprah Winfrey.

Honorary Award: James Earl Jones.

Honorary Award: Dick Smith.

Gordon E. Sawyer Award: Douglas Trumbull.

Award of Merit: ARRI cameras.

Post #2000

Hard to believe that this is the 2000th post I've made to the Tri-State Theatre blog!

So let's see - about 400 words to a post, so I've written... a heck of a lot of words about community theatre! (OK, 800,000 - give or take a few.)

It was in October of 2006 that I had a phone call from my pal Dave Lavender, wondering if I knew someone who'd be interested in writing a blog about community theatre in Huntington. I said, "You mean besides me?"

I had just finished a years-long stint writing video game reviews with my sons for the Herald-Dispatch. We wrapped that effort when my youngest son left for college, so it was a natural step to switch over to writing about one of my other main hobbies - community theatre.

Sons Justin and Evan were the ones who got me involved with community theatre - they tried out for local shows and took part in dozens (and dozens) of productions, and I trailed along, helping out where I could.

I ran the sound board for shows, helped build sets, served on theatre boards, produced and ultimately directed nine community theatre productions (a tenth is on the drawing board).

Even though my kids are no longer directly involved in community theatre, I'm still happy to champion it. Children's theatre is my main focus, of course, because I've seen what a positive influence it can be on the lives of kids who take part - they gain confidence, learn teamwork, make lifelong friendships and have fun all at the same time. They learn skills that will be useful no matter what career they eventually pursue - public speaking, memorization and the ability to work with others, for example.

But community theatre for grownups is the same - it's a wonderful, collaborative effort that combines art, music, dance, performance and tells important stories. And adults get the same benefits out of it as young performers.

It's difficult for theatre groups to promote their efforts - most have only a limited advertising budget (if that), and it's been my hope that this blog would help "get the word out" about upcoming productions, auditions and other theatre-related news.

(As I write this, I realize that I dropped the ball this week - we usually run a fun little "guess the Oscar winners" contest, but between family and work, I didn't get around to it. Or maybe I'm boycotting because they overlooked Albert Brooks for Best Supporting Actor. Yeah, that's it.)

At any rate, it's been a lot of fun working on this blog over the five-and-a-half years (!) it's been in existence. Thanks to my editor Andrea for all her support and patience, to all my pals at the Herald-Dispatch (especially Dave and Robyn), to my lovely wife and kids, and most of all, to you, the readers who have made this one of the most-read blogs on the Herald-Dispatch site!

It's a great time for community theatre in our area, and we'll try to keep you up-to-date here. Of course, that means we're depending on you to send in news, notes and photos to share with the rest of the community (as always, send such things to TheMinskers@aol.com).

This is your site to get the word out about theatre opportunities in our area - it's time to start on the next thousand posts!

Last Chance to Catch "Proof"

Saturday is your last chance to catch Proof, the play about a young woman, her difficult relationship with her father (who is a math genius and mentally disturbed), her controlling sister and a young man who changes her life.

I can recommend the show wholeheartedly because I was at Friday night's performance and enjoyed it tremendously.

As a self-admitted math geek, I enjoyed the references to the field of mathematics, but it's also a very personal tale of relationships and facing life's challenges.

Most of us dread the thought that we might be just like our parents, and that's the fear that strikes the acerbic and intelligent Catherine (played by Adrienne Goodwin). She has great aptitude at math, just like her father (played by Clint McElroy). But does she also share his madness?

The story is further complicated by her growing relationship with one of her father's former students, Hal (played by Patrick Taylor), and her struggles with her sister Claire (played by Shelby Brewster).

It's a sharp, well-written play by David Auburn. The characters are real, the situations clever and heart-rending (and sometimes very funny).

I should also mention the set designed by James Morris-Smith, which recreates the backyard of a home in Chicago. It's amazingly realistic, down to the shrubs, trash cans, trees and the leaves on the ground (gathered from his backyard). Very impressive!

With so many light and fluffy plays around, it's a real delight to find one that challenges you mentally and emotionally. There are no easy answers in this show - and that's one of the things that makes it a real delight.

Kudos to the outstanding cast, to director Jack Cirillo and to the excellent tech crew - great work all around!

Remember, last chance to catch Proof is Saturday night at 8 p.m. at Marshall's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend - "Proof" and "Heart"

There are two great shows to choose from this weekend:

- Proof - Marshall's Theatre Alliance presents this drama about a woman who sacrifices herself for her brilliant father - but is he a genius, or is he mentally ill? The show runs Feb. 23 – 25 at 8 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. (I've been hearing rave reviews from friends - don't miss it!)

- A Piece of My Heart - Charleston Stage Company presents the drama at the Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 23, 24, 25 and March 1, 2 and 3. Taken from actual interviews of Army nurses, Women’s Army Corp, USO performers and Red Cross volunteers, the play details a subject largely missing from the reams of material written about Vietnam, namely the women who served. Interweaving the stories of six women as they gather at the memorial wall in Washington to tell their stories and experience a heart wrenching atonement.

"Shakespeare" Fundraiser This Weekend

Here's a great way to support a good cause!

Arts Boyd County will be hosting a fundraiser for Shakespeare in the Park this weekend, Feb. 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2:30 p.m. they will be hosting Love Letters by A. R. Gurney at Ashland Community and Technical College.

Tickets are $8 and donations will be accepted! They need the support to make Shakespeare in the Park a piece of tourism that supports community and economic development in the Tri-State area.

Arts Boyd County appreciates the hard work of artists in the area, and they need your help to make it happen!

"In the Heights" Photo Gallery

The Herald-Dispatch has a photo gallery of shots from Tuesday night's performance of the Tony-winning musical In the Heights, which you can see right here.

"In the Heights"

In the Heights takes the stage Tuesday night at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center as part of the Marshall Artists Series.

Here's a clip from the 2008 Tony Awards of the song "96,000" - by the way, 2008 was the year the show won the Best Musical award!

On Stage This Week: "In the Heights"

Broadway comes to Huntington this week with a performance of In the Heights. My pal Dave Lavender files this preview:

It's kind of ironic that when British dancer and actress Chloe Campbell moved to New York City, the dance company she was performing with was located in the vibrant Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Heights.

Campbell has, since September, gotten to know that colorful Latino community inside, outside and upside down.

She's one of 38 people in the young, talented cast, crew and band that is crisscrossing the nation with the energy-packed musical, In the Heights, which won the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical as well as the Grammy that year for Best Musical Show Album, beating out such shows as Young Frankenstein and The Little Mermaid.

Called "a groundbreaking 21st century musical" by New York Times, In the Heights is coming to the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, as the Marshall Artists Series continues to celebrate its 75th anniversary season.

Tickets are on sale now for $58/$50/$45 and may be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office, in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-3326, or at any Ticketmaster location, including online at www.ticketmaster.com. The main show sponsor is Chesapeake Energy.

Called "Pure Broadway" by the Washington Post, In the Heights is a moving, funny and uplifting new show about a community of hard-working immigrants seeking a better life and trying to find their place - their home - in their new country. Filled with such great tunes as "96,000" (about winning the lottery) and the heart-warming ballad "When You're Home," In the Heights fuses Latin rhythms and hip-hop beats to tell a traditional story in a new way.

Campbell said that, as the musical tells the passionate story of the Latino neighborhood of Washington Heights, it makes you reassess what you think of as home and tradition.

"I actually got to see the show in 2008 when it first opened on Broadway and I fell in love with it," Campbell said. "I feel like it resonates no matter where you are from. I'm from London and I knew nothing about Washington Heights, but it is all about family and home and feeling part of a home no matter where your roots are. Every night we are singing about home and finding my place which is home and which was not my home before."

Campbell said part of the magic of this resonance is the true voice of its writer.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who grew up in a close-knit Puerto Rican family, was a sophomore at Wesleyan University in Connecticut when this postcard to his colorful neighborhood came spilling out.

A co-founding member of Freestyle Love Supreme, Miranda, who has toured comedy festivals with his group's fusion of hip-hop, storytelling, improv and musical theater, began the arduous seven-year-long journey of creating a full-length musical that found a home at off-Broadway's 37 Arts Theatre where he polished the show.

While Miranda was teaching middle school English and composing commercial music for political candidates that included Eliot Spitzer, he drew in director Thomas Kail to rework and restage the campus hit for a larger audience and a team of producers who'd put up such ground-breaking shows as Rent and Avenue Q.

After more than 200 off-Broadway performances, In the Heights spent four years on Broadway before it began touring nationally and internationally.

"I think the thing that stands out for this show in particular is that there is so much passion in it," Campbell said. "Just raw passion and energy. When I first saw the show, it just hit me in the face. I was so taken in by the passion, and I think that is what Lin-Manuel was able to create when he was in college. You are in a different place in college, and you are struggling and finding your way and wanting more, and I think that totally comes through in the lyrics and the music because it is blending so many types of music - salsa, hip hop and traditional musical theater, as well. That is why it is so appealing and that is what makes it raw and different, blending all of these different things."

Campbell, who moved to New York City to work in theater, said it's been a fantastic journey to be able to share this unique, but universal, show about just one of some 300 neighborhoods in NYC's five boroughs.

"A lot of people may have never been to New York, and if they have been to New York they have been to Times Square and haven't really seen the actual communities," Campbell said. "People forget there are communities there. It's such a crazy, rush-about place, but it is so nice that there are communities here and such a sense of home and family and having fun. I guess a lot of people look at it as a place that you just see in the movies all the time, so it is nice to show there is that heart and soul."

If you go

WHAT: Chesapeake Energy and the Marshall Artists Series presents the national tour of In The Heights, the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical

WHERE: Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center, Huntington

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21

HOW MUCH: $58, $50 and $45

GET TIX: Tickets may be purchased at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office, located on the right side of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, or by calling 304-696-6656. Patrons can also visit www.marshallartistsseries.org for ticket information. Tickets can also be purchased at any Ticketmaster location, including online at www.ticketmaster.com.

ON THE WEB: www.marshallartistsseries.org.

ABOUT THE SHOW: A moving, funny and uplifting new show about a community of hard-working immigrants seeking a better life and trying to find their place -- their home -- in their new country. The show features a young cast as well as Tony Award-winning dancing and score.

WHAT THEY SAID: The Washington Post said In the Heights is "Pure Broadway. An evening of old-style, innocent pleasure" and Ben Brantley of The New York Times enthused "In The Heights" is "an exuberant, animated shrine to the importance of family ties and being faithful to where you come from."

ON DECK @ THE ARTISTS SERIES: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1 - Larry King: Standing Up. King in his first stage performance since completing his 25-year run on the award-winning CNN program "Larry King Live." Also, at the end of the night, audience members will receive the rare opportunity to have their very own Q&A session with the star. Tickets are $57.50 and $35.

6:30 and 9 p.m. Friday, April 13 - "OH! What A Piano Can Do." Spend an intimate evening under the stars at your table on the Keith-Albee stage starring master pianist, Duke Thompson. Tickets are: $45 each or table of four for $225 (includes beverages and appetizer for four).

7 p.m. Sunday, April 29 - Mountain Stage Salutes 75 Years of the Marshall Artists Series. Join Larry Groce, host and artistic director of the iconic West Virginia radio program "Mountain Stage" as he helps salute the 75-year legacy that is the Marshall Artists Series. Artists so far include Arlo Guthrie and Paul Thorn. Additional artists to be announced. Tickets are $35.

Last Chance for "Love Letters"

Tonight (Saturday night) is your last chance to catch Love Letters at the Renaissance Theatre.

Love Letters is a Pulitzer Prize for Drama nominated play by A. R. Gurney.

The play centers on just two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Acted by Amy Knell Carlson and Bil Neal, the characters sit side by side at tables and read notes, letters and cards - in which over nearly 50 years, they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats - that have passed between them throughout their separated lives.

The show runs Feb. 18 at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

Reservations are required, so call 304-733-ARTS for more info. You can get the dinner and show for $25 (dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.), or just see the show for $15 (it starts at 8 p.m.).

Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend - Four Shows

You have four great shows to choose from this weekend - here's the rundown:

- Proof - Marshall's Theatre Alliance presents this drama about a woman who sacrifices herself for her brilliant father - but is he a genius, or is he mentally ill? The show runs two weekends: Feb. 16 – 18 and Feb. 23 – 25 at 8 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre.

- Love Letters - ARTS stages the Valentine's show (also with dinner) Feb. 17 and 18 at the Renaissance Ballroom (the old Huntington High School).

- Lend Me a Tenor - Kanawha Players presents the musical comedy performance Feb. 17 and 18.

- G2K Cinderella - ACTC presents the classic show in a "Get To Know" format Feb. 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

So lots of great shows to choose from - get out there and support your local theatre!

"1776" Auditions This Weekend

If you're a guy and you've thought about trying out to be part of a stage show - here's the perfect show to be in. It's 1776, and it needs lots of men (and two women) to fill the ranks.

I was part of a production about 10 years ago and had a great time. Auditions are coming up this weekend for the latest take on it - here are the details:

1776 Auditions at ARTS

Auditions will be Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Callbacks may be necessary on Feb. 19 starting at 2 p.m.

Auditions will be at at ARTS Resources for the Tri-State at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

Performance dates are April 27, 28, 29, May 1, (school show) 4, 5 and 6.

Roles are available for 21 men and 2 women. Clint McElroy has accepted the role of John Adams.

All actors need to be prepared to show movement skills, have 16 measures of music prepared (accompanist provided), and participate in cold readings from the script.

For more information call Bil Neal at 304-544-3926

Talking to the Director of "Proof"

Marshall University's latest show (which is on stage the next two weekends) is Proof.

We did an e-interview with the director, my pal Jack Cirillo, and here's what he had to say:


Q: For those who haven't seen it, what is the story behind Proof?

Jack: The discovery of a groundbreaking formula sets off a compelling mystery in this Pulitzer prize-winning drama about the razor-thin line between genius and mental illness. Catherine sacrificed her education in order to care for her aging father, a brilliant but unstable mathematician. Gifted and highly emotional, the arrival of an unexpected visitor forces her to confront the troubling question: How much of her father’s madness – or genius – will she inherit?

Q: What makes Proof a great show?

Jack: Proof deals with a lot of complex human emotions: love, jealousy, despair, doubt, grief and passion. The relationships are also very multi-dmensional: sibling rivalry, parent and child, and a couple spotlighted at the very start of a serious relationship. This is a contemporary drama, set in present day Chicago. The play is very “slice of life” and very cinematic. The plot is central to this piece, so audiences will be carried away right from the start. It has many of the elements that people enjoy in a good drama — conflict, love, mystery and the possibility of a happy ending.

Q: You're obviously a fan of this play.

Jack: Proof is an outstanding play. It is modeled after the “Well Made Plays” of the 19th century, which were created to guarantee audience satisfaction—literally! There are lots of surprises, twists and turns in the plot and it will definitely keep the audience guessing. The set, designed by James Morris-Smith is breathtaking. This is truly a great night in the theatre!


Thanks, Jack! Proof runs at 8 p.m. on Feb. 15 – 18 and Feb. 23 – 25 in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre, which is in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at Marshall University.

On Stage Tonight: "Proof"

The latest production by Marshall's Theatre Alliance is Proof.

Written by David Auburn, it actually runs two weekends (which is unusual for Marshall) - it starts tonight at 8 p.m. and runs Feb. 15 – 18 and Feb. 23 – 25 at 8 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre.

This play contains adult language.

Here's a recap:

The discovery of a groundbreaking formula sets off a compelling mystery in this Pulitzer prize-winning drama about the razor-thin line between genius and mental illness. Catherine sacrificed her education in order to care for her aging father, a brilliant but unstable mathematician. Gifted and highly emotional, the arrival of an unexpected visitor forces her to confront the troubling question: How much of her father’s madness – or genius – will she inherit?

I'll have more about this show in the days ahead, including comments from director Jack Cirillo, but it's an intense drama and highly recommended!

Here's a trailer Marshall has created to promote the show:

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm running a day late with that wish, but my lovely wife and I had a great time this evening on our Valentine's date, enjoying a fine dinner and a very funny play.

We were at the First United Methodist Church in Huntington to see Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics, another hilarious comedy written by my pal Jonathan Joy.

It's become an annual Valentine's Day event, and one we really enjoy. The dinner was terrific, and the show was a delight. It followed the (mis)adventures of sisters Bitsy and Boots (played wonderfully by Jane Morse and Loretta Hetzer) as they visited new parents Tommy (Adam Stephens) and Kat (Melissa Langham) while they're on vacation on a tropical island.

Also joining in the fun are the devilish Ida (Rebecca Payne), Kat's spiteful Mom, Pearl (Leann Haines) and a police officer (Stacy Morgan).

It was especially fun to watch three stage veterans - Max (T. Michael Murdock), Raul (Michael Naglee) and Franklin (Stephen Vance) taking turns stealing scenes - three very funny guys who know when to play it small and when to go big.

We laughed and laughed - and enjoyed the heck out of the show.

Best of all, it was for a good cause: supporting the church's mission trips. If you missed it, mark your calendar and be there next year.

You can thank me later.

One Last Chance to Catch "Bitsy & Boots"

The weekend is over, but tomorrow is your last chance to see the latest misadventures of Bitsy and Boots, the sisters from Getaway who are starring in another original comedy.

The first two shows were packed, and Tuesday night is your last chance! Here's what you need to know:

Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics is another hilarious comedy by Huntington playwright Jonathan Joy.

The show stars a stellar cast of Dinner Theater veterans, including Jane Morse (Bitsy), Loretta Hetzer (Boots), Adam Stephens (Tommy), Melissa Langham (Kat), T. Michael Murdock (Max), Rebecca Payne (Ida), Leann Haines (Pearl), Michael Naglee (Raul), Stephen Vance (Franklin) and Stacy Morgan (Officer).

The Dinner Theater is an integral part of First Church's Mission program, raising more than $38,000 for Mission projects through 19 productions. Last year's proceeds helped West Virginia mission projects, the Campus Christian Center, the City Mission, flood buckets for disaster relief and food and clothing for local families in need.

The show will be staged at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with Tossed Salad, Baked Potato, Green peas and Pearl Onions, Dilly Rolls and Assorted Valentine Desserts.

Dinner plus Show: Adult - $24, Child under 12 - $8, Show only (as space permits)- $5.

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

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL SHOWS! For Reservations, call 304-522-0357 or (740) 867-8576.

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church.

On Stage This Weekend

You have four great shows to choose from this weekend - two in Huntington and two in Charleston, and the first two include a dinner option!

Here's the rundown:

- Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics - First United Methodist Church presents Jonathan Joy's latest comedy (with a great dinner) Feb. 10, 11 and 14.

- Love Letters - ARTS stages the Valentine's show (also with dinner) Feb. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Renaissance Ballroom>

- The Belle of Amherst - CYAC presents the drama Feb. 10 and 11.

- Lend Me a Tenor - Kanawha Players presents the comedy Feb. 10, 11, 12, 14, 17 and 18.

"Love Letters"

There are two great shows to choose from this weekend: Bitsy & Boots we talked about in the last post - and the other show is Love Letters.

It's a Valentine's show for friends, lovers, or anyone in between.

The show runs Feb. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

Reservations are required, so call 304-733-ARTS for more info. You can get the dinner and show for $25 (dinner is served at 6:30 p.m.), or just see the show for $15 (it starts at 8 p.m.).

Love Letters is a Pulitzer Prize for Drama nominated play by A. R. Gurney. The play centers on just two characters, Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III. Acted by Amy Knell Carlson and Bil Neal, the characters sit side by side at tables and read notes, letters and cards - in which over nearly 50 years, they discuss their hopes and ambitions, dreams and disappointments, victories and defeats - that have passed between them throughout their separated lives.

"Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics"

One of my favorite theatre events of the year is on the way, as Jonathan Joy's characters Bitsy and Boots are back in a new original play!

It's all part of the annual First Church Dinner Theater 2012: 20 Years of Fun for Mission. You get to see a very funny show and enjoy a terrific dinner and support a great cause - who could ask for more?

Here's everything you need to know:

They're back! But, where are they? Not Getaway, that's for sure.

How did Bitsy and Boots end up on a tropical island? Will Tommy and Kat get to enjoy their romantic vacation? How many people can one hotel room hold? Will Max survive?

All these questions will be answered when you attend Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics, another hilarious comedy by our resident playwright, Jonathan Joy. To keep the laughs coming, we have assembled a stellar cast of Dinner Theater veterans, including Jane Morse (Bitsy), Loretta Hetzer (Boots), Adam Stephens (Tommy), Melissa Langham (Kat), T. Michael Murdock (Max), Rebecca Payne (Ida), Leann Haines (Pearl), Michael Naglee (Raul), Stephen Vance (Franklin) and Stacy Morgan (Officer).

The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991. It is an integral part of First Church's Mission program, raising more than $38,000 for Mission projects through 19 productions. For example last year's proceeds helped West Virginia mission projects, the Campus Christian Center, the City Mission, flood buckets for disaster relief and food and clothing for local families in need.

The show will be staged at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington on Friday, Feb. 10; Saturday, Feb. 11; and Tuesday, Feb. 14. Dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.

Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with Tossed Salad, Baked Potato, Green peas and Pearl Onions, Dilly Rolls and Assorted Valentine Desserts.

Dinner plus Show: Adult - $24.00, Child under 12 - $8.00, Show only (as space permits)- $5.00.

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

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL SHOWS! For Reservations, call 304-522-0357 or (740) 867-8576.

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church.

"Seussical the Musical" In Rehearsal

This is the time of year when lots of shows are in rehearsal, getting ready for their spring performances.

These photos were taken recently at just such a rehearsal - in this case, it's from Seussical the Musical, which First Stage will be presenting in April at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

In the photo above is Levi, who plays Horton the Elephant. I've listened in on a few rehearsals and I have to say, the cast already sounds amazing, which is impressive this early in the rehearsal process.

I admit I'm prejudiced - I love this musical and I can't wait to see it!

I'll wrap this up with another shot of some of the cast members waiting in the wings for their chance to take the stage. Aren't they adorable?

Cast List of “How I Learned to Drive”

My pal Jessica Jordan sends along this info about the upcoming show How I Learned to Drive:

Curtains Up Players is announcing the cast list of their newest production, How I Learned to Drive. This will mark the first ever non-musical production for Curtains Up Players.

This Pulitzer Prize-winning production is a wildly funny, surprising and devastating tale of survival as seen through the lens of a troubling relationship between a young girl and an older man. It is the story of a woman who learns the rules of the road and life from behind the wheel.

The production will run March 8, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m., with a Sunday matinee performance on March 11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.

The cast list is as follows:

Lil Bit - Kate Morris
Uncle Peck - Rhett Pennell
Male Chorus - Greg Morris
Female Chorus - Nancy Jackson
Teenage Chorus - Olivia Morris

How I Learned to Drive will be directed by Misha Renee with a production staff made up of:

Production Director - Misha Renee
Executive Producer - Shayne Gue
Associate Producer - Kaitlin DeSpain
Assistant Director - Mary P Williams
Production Stage Manager - Holly Maynard
Company Artistic Director - Danny Ray
Publicity Director - Jessica Jordan
Graphic Designer - Ryan Hardiman
Production Tech - Bradley Leonard
House Manager - Michael Gore

Any questions or concerns can be directed to: Shayne Gue (Producer) 304-412-0129.

On Stage This Weekend - "Belle" and "Love"

There are two shows you should check out this weekend:

- The Belle of Amherst - CYAC presents the drama Feb. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11. Poet Emily Dickinson takes the stage in William Luce’s play at 8 p.m. Feb. 3-4 and 9-11 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater, 123 Summers Street, Charleston. Produced by The Contemporary Youth Arts Company and directed by Dan Kehde, the one-person show features the talents of Mandy Harper in the title role. The play follows the tragedy and turmoil in the life of the New England poetess whose humor, sensitivity and profound sense of irony permeate the script.

- All You Need Is Love - the Paramount Arts Center presents the Valentine's concert Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. The show will include performances by: Bo Bice, Stephen Salyers, Ryan Hardiman, Rob McNurlin, Chesi Spriggs, Blue Eyes Rising and Angie Fletcher. Tickets: $15, Table by the stage: $250

Auditions for "The Curious Savage"

My pal Sarah sends along this note about some auditions coming up next month in Kentucky:

Director Jim Maggard and Company of Dreams Theatre will hold auditions for The Curious Savage, written by John Patrick, on Friday, March 2 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, March 3 at 2 p.m.

Five males and six females will be cast. The auditions will be held at Fairview High School.

The Curious Savage is a comedic play about Ethel P. Savage, a woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately 10 million dollars. The play opens with the five residents of a sanatorium awaiting a new resident. The current residents of the sanatorium, called The Cloisters, function normally, excepting one small ailment. Soon, Mrs. Savage and her stepchildren arrive, and the five inmates eavesdrop from the hallway outside.

Ethel's three stepchildren, Titus, Lily Belle and Samuel Savage, had been shocked to find out that their stepmother had set up a memorial fund with her inherited money in order to fund the ridiculous dreams of average people. They had her committed to The Cloisters so that they could take the money from her. When Ethel's three stepchildren leave, the five inmates introduce themselves: Jeff, Florence, Fairy May, Mrs. Paddy, and Hannibal.

Company of Dreams will present The Curious Savage April 13 - 14 on the stage at Hillside Community Church, 1100 Greenup Avenue, Ashland, Ky. For more information, call 606-615-8439.

On Stage in February

Things are starting to heat up after a relatively quiet January - here are the shows you can watch for in February (as always, if I've missed any, drop me a line at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll add them to the list):

- Proof - Marshall's Theatre Alliance presents this drama about a woman who sacrifices herself for her brilliant father - but is he a genius, or is he mentally ill? The show runs two weekends: Feb. 15 – 18 and Feb. 23 – 25 at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre.

- Bitsy and Boots in the Tropics - First United Methodist Church presents Jonathan Joy's latest comedy (with a great dinner) Feb. 10, 11 and 14.

- Love Letters - ARTS stages the Valentine's show (also with dinner) Feb. 10, 11, 17 and 18 at the Renaissance Ballroom>

- In the Heights - the Marshall Artists Series presents the touring Broadway show at the Keith-Albee Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

- A Piece of My Heart - Charleston Stage Company presents the drama Feb. 23, 24, 25 and March 1, 2 and 3.

- The Belle of Amherst - CYAC presents the drama Feb. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11.

- Lend Me a Tenor - Kanawha Players presents the performance Feb. 10, 11, 12, 14, 17 and 18.

- All You Need Is Love - the Paramount Arts Center presents the show Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.

- G2K Cinderella - ACTC presents the classic show in a "Get To Know" format Feb. 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 19 at 2:30 p.m.

So get out there and support your community theatre!