First Stage Announces its 23rd Season

Huntington's long-running children's theatre, First Stage, just wrapped its latest season with a terrific production of Seussical (I admit to being prejudiced for reasons that will be made clear when you read this press release).

The group has just announced its lineup for the fall and spring - and here it is:

The First Stage Theatre Company has selected its lineup of shows for its 23rd season, which begins in the Fall of 2012.

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

The season begins with the beloved musical Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. The musical is based on the classic animated story about the mermaid Ariel and her attempts to find the Prince she’s fallen in love with. The show will be directed by Chuck Minsker, the music director is Mark Smith and the choreographer is Melissa McGuffin.

The second show for the season is Scrooge, a stage adaptation of the film musical based on the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. The show will be staged in Winter 2012 and will be directed by Justin and Sydnee McElroy.

The third show of the season is The Bully Plays, a non-musical that address the issue of bullying. The show will be presented in Spring 2013 and will be directed by Mary Smirl.

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

Audition dates for the shows will be announced in the near future. For more information, go to the First Stage website at www.firststagetheatre.org, follow First Stage on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/IWlfan or send questions by email to firststagewv@gmail.com.

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

Founded in 1990, the organization produces stage shows starring young performers. There is no charge to take part in a First Stage production.

Yep, I'm taking on my 10th show as director - it's going to be a lot of work, but it's also going to be a lot of fun.

I can't wait!