Summer Theatre Indoors

Yesterday we talked about the outdoor shows available during the summer, so today let's talk about the indoor shows.

There are a surprising number of them, considering that June through August has traditionally been a quiet time for indoor theatre.

Here are the shows to watch for (and as always, if I missed any, drop me a line at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll add the show to the list):

- Stepping Out - ARTS presents the tap-dancing hit musical that promises to be a lot of fun! It's being presented June 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and June 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Directed by Gene Anthony and choreographed by Coni Anthony, it features an all-star cast. The good-natured comedy chronicles several months in the life of a beginning dance class. Each of the eight students, from a variety of backgrounds, has his or her own reason for joining. They make a point of coming every week to chat, relax and, if they can manage to, learn a couple of dance steps. Led by Mavis, their eternally patient instructor, and accompanied by the acerbic pianist Mrs. Fraser, the students (who range from hopeless to competent) strive to master the basics of dance. But the steps and routines are just the background for the real focus of the play — the relationships and interactions of these very different people. For reservation and more information call 304-733-ARTS.

- Next to Normal - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit Broadway musical 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 Theater at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston, WV 25301. The show stars Ryan Hardiman and is an inventive, emotional and powerful production about one family trying to take care of themselves and each other. With a thrilling contemporary score, it is the acclaimed groundbreaking musical that won three 2009 Tony awards. Call the Box Office at 304-343-2287 for tickets and more information.

- Einstein and God - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde. In 1937, with the threat of arrest and imprisonment looming, German intellectual Hermann Strasser abandons his homeland and escapes to America with his wife and two granddaughters; his son and daughter-in-law choosing to stay behind. Settling in the university town of Princeton, NJ, he begins a new life as the town baker, while his granddaughters Magdalena, 16, and Emilia, 12, begin their education in public school. As the war approaches and news arrives that their father has become an officer in the German army, the girls are forced to decide between allegiance to their parents or to the friends and lovers in their new-found home. Humorous, tragic and altogether human, Einstein and God paints a picture of a family striving to transcend the obstacles of war with humor, love and strength of character. Shows will be presented May 31, June 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. at the West Virginia State University Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- Our Lady of 121st Street - Kanawha Players present the dark comedy June 15, 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. and June 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston. Call 304-343-PLAY for tickets and information.

- Robert and Ted by Denise Giardina - Charleston Stage Company presents a staged reading by Giardina of her new play, which she calls a “bromance” between Robert C. Byrd and Edward M. Kennedy. The two prominent US Senators were not immediate friends. They met, clashed over civil rights legislation, figured out how to work together and eventually gained respect for each other. West Virginia playwright and novelist Denise Giardina is previewing her new play in a staged reading as a benefit for Charleston Stage Company June 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Walker Theatre in the Clay Center in Charleston.