Theatre Moves Outdoors

Here's an excellent recap of the summer theatre scene from the Herald-Dispatch - but unlike years past, the summer isn't just about outdoor theater. We'll talk about the shows taking the indoor stages tomorrow - but first, to the great outdoors.

Actually, this story overlooks Huntington's own outdoor theatre show - Legally Blonde - the Musical, being staged every Thursday, Friday and Saturday (whoops! That's actually every Friday, Saturday and Sunday - sorry!) in July at 8 p.m. at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre by Huntington Outdoor Theatre.

We'll have lots more on that show in the weeks ahead - but here are the other offerings on the way:

Now that summer is unofficially here, many people pre­fer to take their theater experi­ence outside.

If you fall into that category then you live in the right region. There are plenty of ways to enjoy outdoor dramas this summer. Here’s a look at few of them.

The Aracoma Story, Inc.

The Aracoma Story, Inc. will feature three shows during its 2012 season. All productions are performed at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park. The nonprofit theater company has produced shows in Logan, W.Va., for 38 consecutive years.

First up will be Ring of Fire from June 12 through July 1. The show will feature 39 of the best-known songs by Johnny Cash to describe the journey of a man in search of his soul.

In the heart of the summer will be The Aracoma Story from July 17-29. This show tells the story of Princess Aracoma and British soldier Boling Baker. It is a story of love and a dramatic account of the cultural fight for survival in a rapidly changing world.

Finally, the season will conclude with the Disney classic Winnie The Pooh from July 31 to Aug. 12. The animals in the Hundred Acre Wood learn about teamwork, friendship and sharing snacks in their attempt to rescue Christopher Robin.

All shows begin at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $8 for children ages 3-12. To pur­chase tickets or for more information, call 304-752-0253 or visit the website at www.loganshows.com.

Theatre West Virginia

The world-famous feud of the Hat­fields & McCoys might be getting the Hollywood treatment this year via a new television miniseries, but the feud has come to life every year at Cliffside Amphitheatre for more than four decades. And this year is no different.

Theatre West Virginia’'s 52nd season will begin June 12 with “Honey in the Rock,” the nation’'s oldest Civil War drama. “Hatfields & McCoys,” the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red, opens June 13. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27. As is the tradition, there is no admission charge for the opening nights of both “Honey in the Rock” and “Hatfields & McCoys” to anyone who brings a staple food item (one item per person), with all donations being distributed to local charities.

Rounding out the season will be the return of “Rocket Boys the Musical,” Aug. 1-16. “Rocket Boys” had its successful world premiere at Theatre West Virginia last summer, playing to sell-out crowds.

Tickets for Theatre West Virginia’s productions are on sale now and can be purchased by phone at 304-256-6800 or 800-666-9142 or online at www.theatrewestvirginia.com. Prices range from $7 to $19.

Tecumseh!

“Tecumseh!,” the life story of the Shawnee leader as he struggles to defend his sacred homelands in the Ohio country during the late 1700s, will take place Monday through Saturday from June 8 to Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

More than 100 people are involved each summer in bringing the drama to life.

Tickets are $24.25 for adults and $17.25 for children ages 10 and younger. The show begins at 8 p.m. nightly.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call toll free at 866-775-0700 or go online at www.tecumsehdrama.com.

Jenny Wiley Theatre

Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer three summer shows. The music-filled “The Marvelous Wonderettes” and “Grease” are first up. A kid-friendly “Honk!” is also on the schedule.

Lunch performances begin at 1 p.m. and evening performances at 8:15 p.m. Some shows include a dinner options while others are show only.

“The Marvelous Wonderettes” will take place June 15-17, 20-24 and 27-28, July 6, 11-12, 17, 21 and 28, as well as Aug. 2-3, 8 and 10.

“Grease” will be performed on June 29-30, July 1, 3, 5-8, 10, 18-19, 21-22, 24, 26, 28-29 and 31, and Aug. 3-4 and 9-11.

“Honk!” will take place July 13-15, 19-20, 25 and 27 and Aug. 1, 4-5 and 8.

Tickets are $13 for youth, $20 seniors and $22 for adults.

For information or to purchase tickets, call 877-225-5598 or go online at www.jwtheatre.com.