On Stage This Weekend - Lots of Shows!

Wow, once again we have a busy weekend loaded with nine terrific shows!

Is this a great time to be a fan of community theatre or what?

Here's the rundown:

- Stepping Out - presented by ARTS

(You can read my review right here.)

The show will be presented June 22 and 23 at 8 p.m. and June 24 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Art Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

A revised version of the hit musical Stepping Out, this good-natured comedy from Richard Harris 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.

For instance, Maxine, a confident, fast-talking saleswoman (and former Ovaltine dancer), is there on doctor's orders, while self-sacrificing Andy participates because it is the only thing she does for herself. Whatever the cause, 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 ten very different people. By their final performance, not only have the class members developed some degree of skill, but they have also overcome the inhibitions, awkwardness and personality conflicts that have kept them out of sync.

For reservation and more information call 304-733-ARTS.

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- Next to Normal - presented by The Charleston Light Opera Guild

(You can read my review right here.)

The hit Broadway musical will be presented June 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and June 24, 2012 at 5 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston.

Next to Normal 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 for best actress, best score and best orchestrations and a 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama. This original musical about people 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. It is a deeply affecting and thought-provoking musical experience.

Call the Guild Box Office at 304-343-2287 for tickets and more information. All tickets are $20 reserved seating.

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- Norman Rockwell's American Paradise - presented by CYAC

The musical will be presented June 21- 23 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

The Contemporary Youth Arts Company proudly announces the return of Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli's original nostalgic musical, Norman Rockwell's American Paradise, an endearing look at the nation in simpler times through the eyes of the beloved American painter, illustrator and creator of hundreds of iconic covers for the classic Saturday Evening Post. Relive the golden years of America as nearly 40 singers, dancers and actors of all ages bring to life 28 of Norman Rockwell's best known, best remembered works of art covering five decades of 20th century Americana, including The Four Freedoms, The Right To Know, Saying Grace, Disciplinary Action, The Check-Up, The Plumbers, The Barbershop Quartet, and many more. With songs shadowing the musical styles from the twenties to the seventies, Norman Rockwell's American Paradise conjures the comfort and simplicity of the America of our parents and grandparents.

This show is family friendly, and is suitable and entertaining for all ages, children through grandparents (and great-grand parents). Tickets are available at the door - $6 for students and seniors, $10 for adults. Call 342-6522 for reservations or more information.

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- Proof - presented by the Alban Arts and Conference Center

The drama will be presented June 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m., and June 24 and July 1 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for Students and Seniors.

On the eve of her 25th birthday, Catherine, a troubled young woman, has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, a famous mathematician. Now, following his death, she must deal with her own volatile emotions; the arrival of her estranged sister, Claire; and the attentions of Hal, a former student of her father's who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that her father left behind. Over the long weekend that follows, a burgeoning romance and the discovery of a mysterious notebook draw Catherine into the most difficult problem of all: How much of her father's madness — or genius — will she inherit? This show contains strong language.

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- Ring of Fire - presented at Chief Logan State Park

The musical will be presented 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.

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.

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- Honey in the Rock and Hatfields & McCoys - presented by Theatre West Virginia

Theatre West Virginia’s 52nd season is underway with Honey in the Rock, the nation’s oldest Civil War drama. Hatfields & McCoys, the violent dispute that made the mountains bleed red. These two historical dramas will run in rotating repertory through July 27.

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.

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- 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 through Sept. 1 at the Sugarloaf Mountain Amphitheatre in Chillicothe, Ohio.

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.

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- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Jenny Wiley Theatre

Jenny Wiley Theatre at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg, Ky., will offer The Marvelous Wonderettes June 21-24 and 27-28, July 6, 11-12, 17, 21 and 28, as well as Aug. 2-3, 8 and 10.

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.

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Whew! Lots to see and enjoy - so get out there and support your local theatre group!