First Stage To Present Benefit Concert at Keith Albee Sept. 22

I admit I'm prejudiced (since I'm one of the directors of the show), but this Benefit Concert promises to be something special. Here's the latest press release:

The First Stage Theatre Company has put hundreds of young actors on stage over the past two decades, and now that group is inviting its graduates to be part of a special event - All Grown Up: A Benefit Concert that will take the Keith Albee Theatre stage on Sept. 22 at 7:30 p.m., featuring past stars of the Tri-state’s children’s theatre.

The concert kicks off a fund-raising campaign to help the organization build a new home for the next generation of performers. First Stage President Chuck Minsker said, “The children’s theatre recently purchased a small warehouse near downtown Huntington - our first “home” in the group’s 22-year history. We’re using the space for storage and set construction, but with some improvements, it will eventually include a small theatre space for performances, rehearsals and drama classes.”

The Benefit Concert will star alumni who appeared in a First Stage (or Musical Arts Guild-Children’s Theatre) show. Minsker said, “This gives us a chance to recognize some of the amazing performers who grew up on stage in Huntington - many of whom now have professionals acting careers - and it’s a great chance for them to ‘Pay it Forward’ to the actors of tomorrow.”

“We’ve had quite a few of our alumni sign up already, but there’s still time for others to join in,” Minsker said. Performers interested in taking part can email firststagewv@gmail.com or call 304-736-4366 for more information.

Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors, and are now on sale at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena box office, or by calling Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000, or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Benefit Concert will be directed by Minsker and musical director Mark Smith.

The First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Founded in 1990, the organization has staged more than 50 theatrical shows starring children from the Tri-State area.