You have three great shows to choose from this weekend:
- Beauty and the Beast - Huntington High School presents the Disney musical March 29, 30, 31, April 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids.
- Annie - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical about everyone's favorite orphan March 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m.
- Jesus Christ, Superstar - CYAC presents the beloved musical (starring Ryan Hardiman in the title role) at the Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street on March 29, 30, 31, April 5, 6, 7 at 8 p.m. and April 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for Students and Seniors Citizens.
So get out there and support your local theatre!
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
On Stage This Weekend - "Beauty and the Beast"
Here's one that almost slipped past me (thanks to my pal Stephen Vance for the info):
Huntington High School is presenting the Disney musical Beauty and the Beast over the next two weekends: March 29, 30, 31, April 5, 6, 7 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids.
The Cast includes:
Belle - Kristin Caviani
Beast - Jacob Jarvis
Lumiere - Barry Westmoreland
Cogsworth - Jacob Eastman
Mrs Potts - Chloe Donahoe
Chip - Lydia Waybright
Babette - Christin Gerwig
Gaston - Ben Aulick
Lefou - Dylan Parker
Maurice - Steve Freeman
as well as a multitude of other talented students!
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Jim Stone Scholarship Applications Being Accepted
The First Stage Theatre Company is now accepting applications for the Jim Stone Scholarship.
First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.
The deadline for entries is Tuesday, April 24, 2012.
Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).
Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts.
Applications should be mailed to: First Stage Scholarships, P.O. Box 4, Huntington, WV 25706-0004.
Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org. For more information, call 304-736-4366.
First Stage sponsors the scholarship to honor the memory of Jim Stone, a longtime supporter of the arts and mentor to local children in the performing arts. A $1000 scholarship is available for entering freshmen or current full-time students who are studying dramatic or performing arts at a college, university or certified school of the performing arts.
The deadline for entries is Tuesday, April 24, 2012.
Applicants must have been involved with at least one First Stage Theatre Company show, either on-stage (as a performer) or off-stage (as a member of the tech crew).
Applicants must send: a list of the shows they’ve been in; a list of school-related extra-curricular activities; a list of civic or public service activities; a copy of an official school document showing the individual's most recent grade-point average; identification of the college the individual is attending or will attend; and a brief statement (250 words or less) on why the applicant is interested in studying dramatic or performing arts.
Applications should be mailed to: First Stage Scholarships, P.O. Box 4, Huntington, WV 25706-0004.
Complete application information and forms are available at the First Stage Theatre website at www.firststagetheatre.org. For more information, call 304-736-4366.
Monday, March 26, 2012
On Stage This Weekend: "Jesus Christ, Superstar"
It's the classic rock opera taking the stage in Charleston: CYAC presents Jesus Christ Superstar March 29 - April 7
Rice and Webber's iconic concept album turned rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar returns to the WVSU Capitol Center stage with former Symphony Idol winner Ryan Hardiman in the title role of this massive local production. Donnie Smith [Jack the Ripper] reprises his role as Judas Iscariot with Erin Martin as Mary Magdalene, Craig Auge as Pilate and Ted Brightwell as Herod.
Directed by Dan Kehde, with music direction by Mark Scarpelli and choreography by Robert Royce
Performances
Thursday, March 29 - 8 p.m.
Friday, March 30 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 31 - 8 p.m.
Sunday, April 1 - at 2 p.m.
and
Thursday, April 5 - 8 p.m.
Friday, April 6 - 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 7 - 8 p.m.
WVSU Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers St, Charleston, WV
Tickets available at the door the evenings of the performances,
$6 Students and Seniors (65 +)
$10 for adults
For advance reservations, call the WVSU Capitol Center box office at
304-342-6522 during regular business hours.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Auditions for "Avenue Q"
From my pal Danny Ray, here's the announcement about auditions for the next show from CUP:
Curtains Up Players (CUP) is pleased to announce auditions for the upcoming Tony Award winning musical AVENUE Q on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Kuhn Memorial Presbyterian Church, 955 Main Street in Barboursville.
Everyone should prepare 32 bars from any Broadway musical and be prepared to read from the script. All actors must bring his or her own sheet music - accompaniment will be provided.
Parts are available for 4-5 men and 4-5 women. There are no roles available for children under 16.
It is expected that we will cast the show traditionally for Princeton/Rod, Kate Monster/Lucy, Nicky/Trekkie Monster. However, that is not set in stone.
Rehearsals will be 4-5 days per week beginning in June 2012, and performances are scheduled for August 24 – September 2 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.
For more information you may call director Danny Ray at 304-654-0587.
Friday, March 23, 2012
On Stage: "The Sound of Music"
Tomorrow's your last chance to catch the beloved musical called - what else? - The Sound of Music, which is being performed at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.You can also see some photos of the show by Mark Webb (like the one above) at the Herald-Dispatch's Photo Gallery.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
On Stage This Weekend
You have four great shows to choose from this weekend, including:
- Broadway Melody Dinner Theatre - presented Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Underwood Senior Center, 632 9th Avenue in Huntington. Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner and enjoy a great show with such local talent as Ryan Hardiman, Mary Olson, Stevie Brigode, Jane Modlin, the cast of 1776, the cast of 9 to 5, Curtain Up Players, among others.
- Doubt - The Clay Center presents the drama March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The Sound of Music - The classic musical will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center on March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Annie - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical about everyone's favorite orphan March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m.
- Broadway Melody Dinner Theatre - presented Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Underwood Senior Center, 632 9th Avenue in Huntington. Come enjoy a spaghetti dinner and enjoy a great show with such local talent as Ryan Hardiman, Mary Olson, Stevie Brigode, Jane Modlin, the cast of 1776, the cast of 9 to 5, Curtain Up Players, among others.
- Doubt - The Clay Center presents the drama March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The Sound of Music - The classic musical will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center on March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Annie - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical about everyone's favorite orphan March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Auditions for "Next to Normal"
Auditions are being held this week for the acclaimed play NEXT TO NORMAL.
They'll be held Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theater at 411 Tennessee Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302.
Prepare a musical selection showing your vocal range. An accompanist will be provided, you must bring the sheet music for your selection. Scripts will be provided for reading auditions.
This is a six person ensemble show. All roles require strong singers.
The roles are: Diana - Sharp, sexy, delusional mother; plays 30s-40s (E3-F5).
Dan - Diana's husband; handsome, genuine, constant, tired; plays 30s-40s (B3-B5).
Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine - On the young side of ageless, assured, a rock star; plays 30s-40s (A3-G5).
Gabe - Diana's son, dashing, gentle, bright, playful, everything a mother could want; plays late teens (A3-B5).
Natalie - Diana's daughter, trying to be perfect; plays late teens (G3-F5).
Henry - Natalie's boyfriend, musician, slacker, romantic, philosopher king; plays late teens (A3-B5).
NEXT TO NORMAL is a FestivALL Charleston Featured Event. It will be staged June 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 17 and 24 at 5 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theate. The production is sponsored by Mrs. Alex Schoenbaum.
For more information, contact Artistic Director Nina Denton Pasinetti at 304-343-6015.
NEXT TO NORMAL is an inventive, emotional and powerful production about one family trying to take care of themselves and each other.
NEXT TO NORMAL is the acclaimed groundbreaking musical that won three 2009 Tony awards for best actress, Alice Ripley, best score and best orchestrations and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama. This original musical has an electrifying score with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. NEXT TO NORMAL is one of the most talked about Broadway shows in recent history and is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking musical experience.
They'll be held Thursday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theater at 411 Tennessee Avenue, Charleston, WV 25302.
Prepare a musical selection showing your vocal range. An accompanist will be provided, you must bring the sheet music for your selection. Scripts will be provided for reading auditions.
This is a six person ensemble show. All roles require strong singers.
The roles are: Diana - Sharp, sexy, delusional mother; plays 30s-40s (E3-F5).
Dan - Diana's husband; handsome, genuine, constant, tired; plays 30s-40s (B3-B5).
Dr. Madden/Dr. Fine - On the young side of ageless, assured, a rock star; plays 30s-40s (A3-G5).
Gabe - Diana's son, dashing, gentle, bright, playful, everything a mother could want; plays late teens (A3-B5).
Natalie - Diana's daughter, trying to be perfect; plays late teens (G3-F5).
Henry - Natalie's boyfriend, musician, slacker, romantic, philosopher king; plays late teens (A3-B5).
NEXT TO NORMAL is a FestivALL Charleston Featured Event. It will be staged June 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 17 and 24 at 5 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theate. The production is sponsored by Mrs. Alex Schoenbaum.
For more information, contact Artistic Director Nina Denton Pasinetti at 304-343-6015.
NEXT TO NORMAL is an inventive, emotional and powerful production about one family trying to take care of themselves and each other.
NEXT TO NORMAL is the acclaimed groundbreaking musical that won three 2009 Tony awards for best actress, Alice Ripley, best score and best orchestrations and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama. This original musical has an electrifying score with music by Tom Kitt and book and lyrics by Brian Yorkey. NEXT TO NORMAL is one of the most talked about Broadway shows in recent history and is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking musical experience.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
A Quiet Weekend
Sorry for the lack of posts, gentle reader - but this is one of those extremely rare weekends where no shows are being staged in our area.
Shocking, I know.
Next week more than makes up for it with not less than three shows (naturally) scattered across the Tri-State, including:
- Doubt at the Clay Center March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The Sound of Music at the Paramount Arts Center March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Annie presented by the Portsmouth Little Theatre March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m.
So save up your dough and get ready for the storm of shows on the way - including one in April that will feature a guest appearance by none other than... me!
More on that frightening thought in the days ahead...
Shocking, I know.
Next week more than makes up for it with not less than three shows (naturally) scattered across the Tri-State, including:
- Doubt at the Clay Center March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The Sound of Music at the Paramount Arts Center March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Annie presented by the Portsmouth Little Theatre March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m.
So save up your dough and get ready for the storm of shows on the way - including one in April that will feature a guest appearance by none other than... me!
More on that frightening thought in the days ahead...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
On Stage Thursday: Dog Sees God
A talented performer from Marshall University is presenting a special performance this week - it's called:
Highly recommended!
DOG SEES GOD: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead!Nathan's a great talent - this should be a terrific theatre experience!
MARCH 15, 2012 at 5 p.m.
FREE ADMISSION
Nathan Mohebbi's Senior Capstone
at the Francis Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.
When CB's dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. But a chance meeting with an artistic kid, the target of this group's bullying, offers CB a peace of mind and sets in motion a friendship that will push teen angst to the very limits. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that's both haunting and hopeful.
Featuring:
CB - Ryan Cardwell
CB'S SIS - Rachel Stefursky
VAN - Patrick Taylor
BEETHOVEN - Josh Meredith
MATT - James P. Smith
TRICIA - Miranda Harrison
MARCY - Whitney Adkins
VAN'S SIS - Jordan Bean
Highly recommended!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
On Stage Wednesday: Three Scrumptious Plays
This sounds like a lot of fun - three shows by a talented actor / writer at Marshall University:
Three Scrumptious Plays by Erik Hamilton Woods
Satisfy your appetite for beautiful theatre!
A live quartet will provide the soundtrack to the action!
It's free of charge! One night only! Don't miss a once in a lifetime experience of plays Erik wrote!
The show will be presented Wednesday, March 14 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.
Directed by: Adam Stephens
Music by: Nicolas Blain & Mike Waldeck
Stage Manager: Christopher Crawford
"Charlotte's Web" Auditions
This note arrives courtesy of my pal Sarah:
Calling All Kids! The Backstage Players, a youth theatre group, is seeking actors for the upcoming production of Charlotte’s Web.
Auditions will be held Saturday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, March 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the KYOVA Mall across from Becca’s Place of Inspiration.
Actors ages 10 to 20 will be cast in this show. No prior performance experience is necessary. Twenty-five youth roles will be cast for the production, which will include school matinees and one evening performance May 3 - 5 at the Cultural Arts Center at Raceland-Worthington (KY) High School.
Charlotte's Web is under the direction of Eliza Lee.
For more information, call 606-922-2903 or 606-219-8567.
Thursday, March 08, 2012
On Stage This Weekend... and Beyond!
My pal Dave Lavender turned in a massive story today recapping all the latest theatre news - which you can read right here:
Curtains Up Players have put up a bunch of cool shows such as musicals like "Putnam County Spelling Bee," "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" and "Bat Boy."
But hold the music this weekend as they take a dramatic turn with their first non-musical "How I Learned to Drive" that will run at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 8-10, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 11, at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.
Directed by Misha Renee, this Pulitizer-Prize-winning play by Paula Vogel explores the complex relationship between Li'l Bit and her Uncle Peck, through a series of driving lessons that progress from innocent to something darker.
Tickets are $10 and can be reserved online at www.curtainsuplayers.org or purchased at the door before the show or call 304-688-7403.
More murder mysteries on the way
George Snider's Murder and Merriment murder mystery troupe is having a killer run with their interactive dinner theater shows now being held around the Tri-State.
The troupe, which has sold out Saturday, March 10, at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup, Ky., now has murder mysteries booked around the region at various country clubs, private parties and parks.
They return home here in a couple weeks (March 23-24 and March 30-31) to the historic B&O train station as the Heritage Station Shop Owners Association in partnership with the Cabell-Huntington Convention & Visitors Bureau presents "Trial By Murder!" an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Party. Susan Hicks and Suzcatering will be serving a catered dinner. Tickets are $35 each and are on sale at 304-523-7526 for this 1930s-era themed show that traces the story of a railroad magnet on trial following a tragic train derailment .
The cast features local actors: Michael Murdock, Ron Anderson, Mary Williams, Stephanie Kay Sands, Brian Cook, Kendra Egnor, Allan Stern, Greg Kiser, Sheila Meade, and George R. Snider III as Detective Phillip Merlot. This is the 7th Murder Mystery that has been presented at Heritage Station.
FestivALL playwriting contest
Charleston Stage Company is announcing its Seventh Annual New Play Project for Charleston's FestivALL. Open to all West Virginia writers, they are hosting a contest for new short works to be written and then performed during the ten days of FestivALL. This year's location is The Library Play, the first line of the play must be "Quiet, please!" and have a performance time of no more than 15 minutes. Winning submissions will be performed at the Kanawha County Public Library, main branch, in the Children's Reading Room. For complete rules go online at www.charlestonstagecompany.com or call 304-766-5721. Deadline for play submission is May 10. All plays must be typewritten and mailed to the Charleston Stage Company at 123 Summers St., Charleston, WV 25301 or emailed in Word or PDF format to charlestonstagecompany@yahoo.com
'Mamma Mia'
The historic Paramount Arts Center has just announced that the smash hit musical "Mamma Mia," based on the songs of ABBA, will be performed at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 9.
The blockbuster feature film adaptation of "Mamma Mia," is the most successful movie musical of all time grossing $600 million worldwide.
Tickets for "Mamma Mia!" are $60, $65, $70 and $80 and are available at www.paramountartscenter.com or by calling the box office at 606-324-3175. For information. go to www.mammamianorthamerica.com.
Auditions, auditions
There's several auditions happening this weekend.
The Albans Arts and Conference Center, 65 Olde Main St., in St. Albans is hosting auditions at 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 10, and 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 11, for the show "Waiting for Godot."
Charleston Stage Company is holding auditions for Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile," at 7 p.m. Sunday and Monday, March 11-12. Parts available for seven men and four women, ages 20-60. Auditions take place at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre, 123 Summers St. Performance dates are May 10-12, 17-19 . Visit www.charlestonstagecompany.com or call 304-766-5721.
Plays -- it's what's for dinner
At 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center or the Playhouse, is hosting the performance of three original short plays in a performance called "Three Scrumptious Plays by Erik Hamilton Woods."
Woods will be getting by with a little help from his friends with a live quartet providing the soundtrack to the action. The music is by Nicolas Blain and Mike Waldeck; the plays are directed by Adam Stephens and the stage manager is Christopher Crawford.
The performances are free and open to the public.
'Tecumseh' named for 40th season
One of the region's most beloved outdoor dramas, "Tecumseh!" has just announced that an eight-year veteran of the production will take over the lead role. Stevyn Carmona, who first performed in the outdoor drama in 2004, has been selected the 19th Tecumseh as the production enters its 40th season.
"I have dreamed about portraying the great Shawnee leader since I joined the cast," Carmona said. "My journey to getting the role has been amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. "I love the drama, the men and women who keep it running year after year and the city of Chillicothe ... the summer home I can't wait to get back to. 'Tecumseh!' means the world to me."
"Tecumseh!" opens its 2012 season on June 8 and runs through Sept. 1. Shows are at 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For additional information and to make reservations visit www.tecumsehdrama.com or visit their Facebook page at "Tecumseh! Outdoor Drama -- Official Site." Reservations can also be made at calling 1-866-775-0700.
A rockin' Easter celebration
This Easter you can celebrate the life of Christ rock opera style as Huntington stage rocker Ryan Hardiman has been cast as the lead role in The Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of the iconic Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, "Jesus Christ Superstar." Donnie Smith reprises his role as Judas Iscariot with Erin Martin as Mary Magdalene, Craig Auge as Pilate and Christopher Connard as Herod. The musical is directed by Dan Kehde, with music direction by Mark Scarpelli and choreography by Robert Royce.
Advance tickets are on sale now for the production which will run March 29-31 as well as April 1, and April 5-7.
For advance reservations, call the WVSU Capitol Center box office at 342-6522 during regular business hours.
One More e-Interview for "How I Learned to Drive"
We have one more e-interview for you from the cast of How I Learned to Drive, which starts tonight in Huntington.
This time around, let's hear from Rhett Pennell, who plays "Uncle Peck."
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Rhett: I auditioned not knowing much about the play. Truth be told, the appeal was that as a drama it would have a shorter rehearsal run than the musical I was in with the Curtains Up Players last year - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I certainly enjoyed my time with CUP in that show, but I'm STILL getting complaints from my seven-year-old daughter about how many nights I was away for that one. THIS show has been a dream - just about every rehearsal has fallen on a night my little lady has her Tae Kwon Do classes... so no complaints.
Now, if you tweak this question into "Why am I thrilled to be IN How I Learned To Drive?" then the answer is that this is a show with rich meat on its bones (there are many reasons it's a Pulitzer Prize winner). It tackles big, dark issues, but it does it with warmth and humor. I'm not so far from my professional acting days (ran off to New York City in the '90s and spent years on the road in National Tours of Children's Shows) that I can't appreciate what a gift I've got in this role - a damaged soul making bad choices and looking for love in the most inappropriate places. It's going to be an acting roller coaster for me come March 8 - 11.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Rhett: The answer to that is going to change as we get closer to the performances. Right now, my challenge is trying to get the words of Paula Vogel's southern, damaged, middle-aged, alcoholic pedophile to come out of my mouth. As I get a grip on the role, the challenge will be to convince the audience that this is a man worth caring about.
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
I've known Nancy Jackson (Female Chorus) since "Joseph" and have found her to be a wonderful asset to any show (plus my family loves hanging out with her family offstage). The rest of the cast is made of of the Morris family - Kate Morris (Li'l Bit), Greg Morris (Male Chorus), and Olivia (Teenage Chorus) - who are certainly a talented bunch of individuals and who have been known to host a classy soirée at their lovely home. This is Kate's show, and she's going to be great. (Oh, um, Greg will be great, too... and I'm not just saying that because I'll be kissing his wife onstage). And I'd be remiss not to mention our director, Misha Renee, who's the driving force behind this production and whose heartfelt devotion to this play is palpable and inspirational.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Rhett: Because, if we do our jobs right, they are going to laugh, be disturbed, and be moved by this story of a young woman who has been given the tools to deal with the darkness in her life by the unlikeliest of sources. It's a play with serious themes, but there is also love and life and hope.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Rhett: Performances will be at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (formerly the Camelot Theatre) 1030 4th Avenue, Huntington, on March 8 - 11, Thursday thru Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday Matinee at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Please come! (But don't tell my daughter... she'll never be allowed to see it.)
This time around, let's hear from Rhett Pennell, who plays "Uncle Peck."
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Rhett: I auditioned not knowing much about the play. Truth be told, the appeal was that as a drama it would have a shorter rehearsal run than the musical I was in with the Curtains Up Players last year - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. I certainly enjoyed my time with CUP in that show, but I'm STILL getting complaints from my seven-year-old daughter about how many nights I was away for that one. THIS show has been a dream - just about every rehearsal has fallen on a night my little lady has her Tae Kwon Do classes... so no complaints.
Now, if you tweak this question into "Why am I thrilled to be IN How I Learned To Drive?" then the answer is that this is a show with rich meat on its bones (there are many reasons it's a Pulitzer Prize winner). It tackles big, dark issues, but it does it with warmth and humor. I'm not so far from my professional acting days (ran off to New York City in the '90s and spent years on the road in National Tours of Children's Shows) that I can't appreciate what a gift I've got in this role - a damaged soul making bad choices and looking for love in the most inappropriate places. It's going to be an acting roller coaster for me come March 8 - 11.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Rhett: The answer to that is going to change as we get closer to the performances. Right now, my challenge is trying to get the words of Paula Vogel's southern, damaged, middle-aged, alcoholic pedophile to come out of my mouth. As I get a grip on the role, the challenge will be to convince the audience that this is a man worth caring about.
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
I've known Nancy Jackson (Female Chorus) since "Joseph" and have found her to be a wonderful asset to any show (plus my family loves hanging out with her family offstage). The rest of the cast is made of of the Morris family - Kate Morris (Li'l Bit), Greg Morris (Male Chorus), and Olivia (Teenage Chorus) - who are certainly a talented bunch of individuals and who have been known to host a classy soirée at their lovely home. This is Kate's show, and she's going to be great. (Oh, um, Greg will be great, too... and I'm not just saying that because I'll be kissing his wife onstage). And I'd be remiss not to mention our director, Misha Renee, who's the driving force behind this production and whose heartfelt devotion to this play is palpable and inspirational.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Rhett: Because, if we do our jobs right, they are going to laugh, be disturbed, and be moved by this story of a young woman who has been given the tools to deal with the darkness in her life by the unlikeliest of sources. It's a play with serious themes, but there is also love and life and hope.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Rhett: Performances will be at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (formerly the Camelot Theatre) 1030 4th Avenue, Huntington, on March 8 - 11, Thursday thru Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday Matinee at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Please come! (But don't tell my daughter... she'll never be allowed to see it.)
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
e-Interview #3 with the Cast of "How I Learned to Drive"
For our third cast interview, let's hear from Kate Morris, who plays "Lil’ Bit" in How I Learned to Drive:
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Kate: I seem to be the only person on Earth who had never heard of this play until recently. When I heard that Curtains Up Players (CUP) was producing it, I got the script and read it, and it really affected me. I knew that I wanted to be part of it in some way. For sure, it is about a woman who survives childhood trauma, and some people could see that as off-putting. But at its core, it’s about so much more than that. It is a story of family, love, strength, and survival. And you don’t have to have experienced something as extreme as Lil’ Bit to connect to her story. I think all of us can relate to having a crazy family that may not have supported us in the way we wanted. Most of us have probably been in a less-than-healthy relationship. And I think just about everyone has had some kind of difficult time to go through; when we’ve had to dig deep and decide if we were going to let our life experiences swallow us up or make us stronger. What is inspiring about this story is that it is about person who has had a tough life. She could’ve thrown in the towel, and let life beat her, but instead she learns, moves on, and shares her story in order to inspire others. We don’t always see female characters like Lil Bit on the stage. She is certainly not perfect, but she is definitely strong, and people with that kind of strength are incredibly interesting to me.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Kate: Everything that is challenging about this play is also what makes working on it a joy. This story is told in a non-linear way, so Lil Bit moves between ages throughout the story. She starts the story as an adult, and jumps in time between different ages from 17 to 13 to 27 to 11 years old. So, the first challenge was to figure out why the author, Paula Vogel, chose to tell it this way. And I’ve realized that, though it may seem strange at first, this is a very natural way to tell the story of our memories. When we tell the story of our lives, we rarely start at the “beginning” and go through to the end. We often get sidetracked and feel like we have to go back and explain things that happen before or after.
The second challenge for me was not to judge these characters from my personal perspective as we were exploring them. By having to play a 13-year-old, a 17-year-old, etc., the author has challenged me to get in touch with that part of myself that is trusting, naive, and easily manipulated, and to put aside the adult part of me that would jump in and judge and interfere with what these characters are doing. I have never worked on a play where I felt like the playwright was more present in the room without actually being there. Her characters often do things that are unexpected, or react in ways that are opposite to what I, personally, would do or expect. So, as we are going through the rehearsal process we are really delving into human emotions and what makes us, as humans, do what we do. There have been times in rehearsals when we would be discussing a scene at length, then there would be a few moments of silence, and one of us would say, “Wow, this is an amazing script.”
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
Kate: Well, three out of the five actors in this show are related to me, which doesn’t happen very often. Having the opportunity to work with my step-daughter, Olivia, for the first time has been a joy. As a family, we have really been able to get into some of the nitty gritty of the script because we have extra time to discuss it while we’re making dinner or over coffee or while walking the dogs. And what we have realized through discussing the play, is that this play is all about family; how sometimes they misguide us, but usually they are doing their best with what they have learned from their lives, and ultimately they are the most important part of our life. It’s a good lesson to be reminded of.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Kate: This story is about real life. And real life isn’t always neat and pretty. It’s about the human journey from pain and brokenness to healing. It’s about forgiving the past and not letting it control the future. These are not new themes in plays or literature, but it never hurts for us to be reminded of them. In How I Learned to Drive, Paula Vogel asks the actors and the audience to allow themselves to be uncomfortable with the circumstances of the play; because sometimes we have to go to some deep dark places before true growth and healing begins. I am confident that the audience that goes on this journey with us will leave with smiles on their faces and a good feeling about the human will to survive.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Kate: It'll be at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Avenue in downtown Huntington, March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Thanks, Kate!
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Kate: I seem to be the only person on Earth who had never heard of this play until recently. When I heard that Curtains Up Players (CUP) was producing it, I got the script and read it, and it really affected me. I knew that I wanted to be part of it in some way. For sure, it is about a woman who survives childhood trauma, and some people could see that as off-putting. But at its core, it’s about so much more than that. It is a story of family, love, strength, and survival. And you don’t have to have experienced something as extreme as Lil’ Bit to connect to her story. I think all of us can relate to having a crazy family that may not have supported us in the way we wanted. Most of us have probably been in a less-than-healthy relationship. And I think just about everyone has had some kind of difficult time to go through; when we’ve had to dig deep and decide if we were going to let our life experiences swallow us up or make us stronger. What is inspiring about this story is that it is about person who has had a tough life. She could’ve thrown in the towel, and let life beat her, but instead she learns, moves on, and shares her story in order to inspire others. We don’t always see female characters like Lil Bit on the stage. She is certainly not perfect, but she is definitely strong, and people with that kind of strength are incredibly interesting to me.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Kate: Everything that is challenging about this play is also what makes working on it a joy. This story is told in a non-linear way, so Lil Bit moves between ages throughout the story. She starts the story as an adult, and jumps in time between different ages from 17 to 13 to 27 to 11 years old. So, the first challenge was to figure out why the author, Paula Vogel, chose to tell it this way. And I’ve realized that, though it may seem strange at first, this is a very natural way to tell the story of our memories. When we tell the story of our lives, we rarely start at the “beginning” and go through to the end. We often get sidetracked and feel like we have to go back and explain things that happen before or after.
The second challenge for me was not to judge these characters from my personal perspective as we were exploring them. By having to play a 13-year-old, a 17-year-old, etc., the author has challenged me to get in touch with that part of myself that is trusting, naive, and easily manipulated, and to put aside the adult part of me that would jump in and judge and interfere with what these characters are doing. I have never worked on a play where I felt like the playwright was more present in the room without actually being there. Her characters often do things that are unexpected, or react in ways that are opposite to what I, personally, would do or expect. So, as we are going through the rehearsal process we are really delving into human emotions and what makes us, as humans, do what we do. There have been times in rehearsals when we would be discussing a scene at length, then there would be a few moments of silence, and one of us would say, “Wow, this is an amazing script.”
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
Kate: Well, three out of the five actors in this show are related to me, which doesn’t happen very often. Having the opportunity to work with my step-daughter, Olivia, for the first time has been a joy. As a family, we have really been able to get into some of the nitty gritty of the script because we have extra time to discuss it while we’re making dinner or over coffee or while walking the dogs. And what we have realized through discussing the play, is that this play is all about family; how sometimes they misguide us, but usually they are doing their best with what they have learned from their lives, and ultimately they are the most important part of our life. It’s a good lesson to be reminded of.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Kate: This story is about real life. And real life isn’t always neat and pretty. It’s about the human journey from pain and brokenness to healing. It’s about forgiving the past and not letting it control the future. These are not new themes in plays or literature, but it never hurts for us to be reminded of them. In How I Learned to Drive, Paula Vogel asks the actors and the audience to allow themselves to be uncomfortable with the circumstances of the play; because sometimes we have to go to some deep dark places before true growth and healing begins. I am confident that the audience that goes on this journey with us will leave with smiles on their faces and a good feeling about the human will to survive.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Kate: It'll be at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Avenue in downtown Huntington, March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Thanks, Kate!
Tuesday, March 06, 2012
Auditions for "Waiting for Godot"
Auditions for Waiting for Godot will be held this weekend at the Albans Arts and Conference Center in St. Albans.
They'll be held Saturday, March 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The play focuses on two dilapidated bums who fill their days as painlessly as they can. They wait for Godot, a personage who will explain their interminable insignificance, or put an end to it. They are resourceful, with quarrels and their dependence on each other, as children are. They pass the time 'which would have passed anyway.' A brutal man of means comes by, leading a weakling slave who does his bidding like a mechanical doll. Later on he comes back, blind, and his slave is mute, but the relationship is unchanged. Every day a child comes from the unknown Godot, and evasively puts the big arrival off until tomorrow. It is a tragic view. Yet, in performance, most of it is brilliant, bitter comedy. It is a portrait of the dogged resilience of a man's spirit in the face of little hope.
The Alban Arts and Conference Center is located at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans.
The show runs April 27-28, 8 p.m., April 29 at 2 p.m., May 4-5 at 8 p.m. and May 6 at 2 p.m.
They'll be held Saturday, March 10 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Sunday, March 11 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The play focuses on two dilapidated bums who fill their days as painlessly as they can. They wait for Godot, a personage who will explain their interminable insignificance, or put an end to it. They are resourceful, with quarrels and their dependence on each other, as children are. They pass the time 'which would have passed anyway.' A brutal man of means comes by, leading a weakling slave who does his bidding like a mechanical doll. Later on he comes back, blind, and his slave is mute, but the relationship is unchanged. Every day a child comes from the unknown Godot, and evasively puts the big arrival off until tomorrow. It is a tragic view. Yet, in performance, most of it is brilliant, bitter comedy. It is a portrait of the dogged resilience of a man's spirit in the face of little hope.
The Alban Arts and Conference Center is located at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans.
The show runs April 27-28, 8 p.m., April 29 at 2 p.m., May 4-5 at 8 p.m. and May 6 at 2 p.m.
Another e-Interview with the Cast of "How I Learned to Drive"
Here's the second of our e-interviews with cast members of the play coming up this weekend, How I Learned to Drive.
This time around we hear from Greg Morris, who plays the Male Greek Chorus.
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Greg: Good dramas are a rare find in these here parts, and it’s a very good play, one that I knew I would be proud to be a part of. Plus, I’m always looking to grow as an actor, and to work with folks I’ve never worked with before. And it just seemed right.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Greg: The Male Greek Chorus is not, by any means, a difficult or challenging role; to the contrary, playwright Paula Vogel has written the part so well that there’s really little that I can do to improve it (but a lot I could do to muck it up!). The challenge comes in understanding the Male Greek Chorus’s part in Li’l Bit’s journey, and then seeing to it that I fulfill that character’s function.
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
Greg: Half the other cast members are related to me. It’s a small town.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Greg: If good theater has the power to transform us - and it should have that power, and we should be open to it – then great theater should transform us greatly... at least, that’s the hope, isn’t it? Sure, we go to the theater to be entertained, but even in the entertainment there’s the promise that, somehow, some way, we’ll “leave the theater different than when we went in,” as a character in a play I was recently in said. There’s a lot to think about in this play, and much to come away with. It’s serious, but not too, too serious, and so I think there’s something for everyone.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Greg: I have no idea. (Just kidding.) The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Avenue in downtown Huntington, March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Thanks, Greg!
This time around we hear from Greg Morris, who plays the Male Greek Chorus.
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Greg: Good dramas are a rare find in these here parts, and it’s a very good play, one that I knew I would be proud to be a part of. Plus, I’m always looking to grow as an actor, and to work with folks I’ve never worked with before. And it just seemed right.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Greg: The Male Greek Chorus is not, by any means, a difficult or challenging role; to the contrary, playwright Paula Vogel has written the part so well that there’s really little that I can do to improve it (but a lot I could do to muck it up!). The challenge comes in understanding the Male Greek Chorus’s part in Li’l Bit’s journey, and then seeing to it that I fulfill that character’s function.
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
Greg: Half the other cast members are related to me. It’s a small town.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Greg: If good theater has the power to transform us - and it should have that power, and we should be open to it – then great theater should transform us greatly... at least, that’s the hope, isn’t it? Sure, we go to the theater to be entertained, but even in the entertainment there’s the promise that, somehow, some way, we’ll “leave the theater different than when we went in,” as a character in a play I was recently in said. There’s a lot to think about in this play, and much to come away with. It’s serious, but not too, too serious, and so I think there’s something for everyone.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Greg: I have no idea. (Just kidding.) The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Avenue in downtown Huntington, March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Thanks, Greg!
Monday, March 05, 2012
An E-interview with the cast of "How I Learned to Drive"
Coming up this weekend is the drama How I Learned to Drive, so we wanted to hear from the cast - so here's the first of several e-interviews we'll be running this week.
Let's begin with my pal Nancy Jackson, who plays the part of the Female Greek Chorus:
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Nancy: It's a beautifully written piece that deals with a very touchy subject with loving humor and sensitivity.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Nancy: There are several monologues for the Female Greek Chorus, which I find challenging because you are not interacting with the other actors on the stage, but through the fourth wall to imaginary characters and/or the audience.
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
Nancy: Curtains Up Players is very lucky to have such tremendous talent in this play. The Morris family is working with us for the first time and I have enjoyed immensely getting to know them as people and working with them as actors. I welcome them to our Curtains Up Players family with open arms! And of course Rhett Pennell, who was a vital part of our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Simeon (or the guy who sings the French song). Rhett is one of the very special talents in our Tri-State and we (and the audience!) are so fortunate to have him in this role.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Nancy: Absolutely. It is a clandestine look inside the world of this struggling family that is, unfortunately, too common an experience in our society. Chances are, we all know or know of someone who has been affected by just this kind of experience. To be a part of the audience is to reach a new level of understanding and empathy for anyone who has been in this kind of life situation.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Nancy: The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Avenue in downtown Huntington, March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Thanks, Nancy!
Let's begin with my pal Nancy Jackson, who plays the part of the Female Greek Chorus:
Q: Why did you want to be part of How I Learned to Drive?
Nancy: It's a beautifully written piece that deals with a very touchy subject with loving humor and sensitivity.
Q: What's the most challenging thing about being in this play?
Nancy: There are several monologues for the Female Greek Chorus, which I find challenging because you are not interacting with the other actors on the stage, but through the fourth wall to imaginary characters and/or the audience.
Q: Tell us a bit about your fellow cast members.
Nancy: Curtains Up Players is very lucky to have such tremendous talent in this play. The Morris family is working with us for the first time and I have enjoyed immensely getting to know them as people and working with them as actors. I welcome them to our Curtains Up Players family with open arms! And of course Rhett Pennell, who was a vital part of our production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Simeon (or the guy who sings the French song). Rhett is one of the very special talents in our Tri-State and we (and the audience!) are so fortunate to have him in this role.
Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Nancy: Absolutely. It is a clandestine look inside the world of this struggling family that is, unfortunately, too common an experience in our society. Chances are, we all know or know of someone who has been affected by just this kind of experience. To be a part of the audience is to reach a new level of understanding and empathy for anyone who has been in this kind of life situation.
Q: When and where will the show be staged?
Nancy: The Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Avenue in downtown Huntington, March 8-10 at 8 p.m. and March 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Thanks, Nancy!
Saturday, March 03, 2012
On Stage This Weekend: "Sweeney Todd: School Edition"
Darn it, somehow I missed this one: the very funny musical Sweeney Todd: The School Edition is being presented this weekend only at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts in Portsmouth.
Tickets are $10 and can be ordered through the Box Office at 740-351-3642.
Shows are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
There's also a Thriller pre-show!
I'm hearing rave reviews, so check it out - but hurry!
Tickets are $10 and can be ordered through the Box Office at 740-351-3642.
Shows are Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.
There's also a Thriller pre-show!
I'm hearing rave reviews, so check it out - but hurry!
Friday, March 02, 2012
On Stage This Weekend
There are two great shows being presented this weekend - but you'll have to drive to Charleston to see them (unless you already live there, that is).
Here's the lineup:
- 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 March 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.
- The Vagina Monologues - Kanawha Players presents the play March 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre at 309 Beauregard Street. The performance is a fundraiser for the Starlena Pratt Foundation to support the work of the Kanawha County Victim Services Center.
So get out there and support your local theatre!
Here's the lineup:
- 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 March 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.
- The Vagina Monologues - Kanawha Players presents the play March 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre at 309 Beauregard Street. The performance is a fundraiser for the Starlena Pratt Foundation to support the work of the Kanawha County Victim Services Center.
So get out there and support your local theatre!
Thursday, March 01, 2012
On Stage in March 2012
There are several shows on the way for March.
Here's the list:
- How I Learned to Drive - Curtain's Up Players presents the drama at the Jeslyn Theatre on March 8 - 11.
- 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 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.
- The Vagina Monologues - Kanawha Players presents the play March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.
- Doubt - The Clay Center presents the drama March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The Sound of Music - The classic musical will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center on March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Annie - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical about everyone's favorite orphan March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m.
- Jesus Christ, Superstar - CYAC presents the beloved musical (starring Ryan Hardiman in the title role) at the Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street on March 29 - 31, April 1, 5, 6 and 7.
A great lineup! As always, if I've missed any, send in a comment or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll fix it.
Here's the list:
- How I Learned to Drive - Curtain's Up Players presents the drama at the Jeslyn Theatre on March 8 - 11.
- 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 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.
- The Vagina Monologues - Kanawha Players presents the play March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.
- Doubt - The Clay Center presents the drama March 23 at 8 p.m.
- The Sound of Music - The classic musical will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center on March 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Annie - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical about everyone's favorite orphan March 23, 24, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m.
- Jesus Christ, Superstar - CYAC presents the beloved musical (starring Ryan Hardiman in the title role) at the Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street on March 29 - 31, April 1, 5, 6 and 7.
A great lineup! As always, if I've missed any, send in a comment or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll fix it.
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