"Classics" in Charleston!

   I had a blast this morning attending the play Classics at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium! I got to see our own Emily Asbury tackling a number of different roles, from barbarian princess to dotty aunt to zombie sister! 

   She's part of a traveling show that stages a production made of several classic stories, including "Fall of the House of Usher," "The Lady or the Tiger" and "The Most Dangerous Game" (among others). 

   It's an outstanding production, with an excellent acting troupe of five actors (each managing numerous roles), outstanding sets (cleverly designed to tackle a number of functions - very impressive), great costumes and strong tech support (though they did have some mic problems at one point, naturally - the theatre curse - but these actors were pros and projected well without missing a beat). 

   I got to see the show with my lovely wife and my pals Jill, Gerald, Penny and Oma, along with a thousand (or more) students from area schools, including a group from Huntington High (which included at least one of my "Little Mermaid, Jr." cast - hi, Olivia!).

   The show is on the road to its next destination, but I thoroughly enjoyed it - highly recommended!

Touring Stage Show Features Local Actress

   Thursday morning in Charleston's Municipal Auditorium a traveling theatre group will stage a two-act show called Classics, which focus on two great stories, including "The Lady or the Tiger."

   One of the stars of the show is familiar to local audiences - Barboursville native Emily Asbury starred in numerous productions in Huntington, including First Stage Theatre's Seussical, Bye Bye Birdie and many others. After graduating from Cabell Midland High School, Emily studied drama at Ohio's Otterbein College, and now lives and works in New York City.

   She's a member of the troupe that's part of Boston's Chamber Theatre Productions. They tour the country putting on stage shows for schools using professional actors, and they're expecting a crowded house tomorrow. The goal of the performance is to educate students about literature, but they have a lot of fun along the way.

   I spoke to Emily recently about the show, and she told me that she gets to play the part of an action hero, taking part in an over-the-top sword fighting scene. 

   It's always great to see local actors enjoying success on the national stage - congratulations, Emily!  

On Stage This Weekend: "Scrooge the Musical"

   Three days to the premiere of Scrooge the Musical! 

   It's based on the classic Charles Dickens story about a miser who learns the true meaning of the holiday, and it's based on the film that starred Albert Finney - but there's something surprising about the show that you may not know... 

   But we'll save that surprise for now.

   Stop by and see the show at the Huntington City Hall auditorium this weekend or next - Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm - and you'll see what we mean!

The Cast of "Cabaret"

   Our pals at ARTS announced the cast list for its next show today, and it's a talented bunch! Here's the list:

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State is proud to present the cast list for Cabaret, the inaugural show of the ARTS 2013 season. 

   The show will be presented Feb. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Ballroom. The space will be transformed like never before for an exciting evening of "Environmental Theatre". 

   Cast Li

st:

 

Emcee – Michael Naglee
Cliff – Clay McKnight
Sally – Andrea Parkins
Fraulein Schneider – Linda Reynolds
Herr Schultz – Ric Fleenor
Ernst - Eric Wilson
Fraulein Kost - Jenn Naglee
Telephone girls – Joanna Berner and Sheila Meade
Two Ladies – Marnie Riddell and Tiffany Trent
Maitre D’ – Tristan Reynolds
Frau Wendel – Karen Kelly Pruitt
Herr Wendel - Gregory Picklesimer
Frau Kruger – Sarah Diamond Burroway
The Kit Kat Girls - Marnie Riddell, Tiffany Trent, Joanna Berner, Sheila Meade 

   2013 is going to be a very exciting year at ARTS, won't you join us?

Next Weekend: "Joytacular!"

The No Pants Players are finishing off their 11th Season in style - and helping out a great cause!    Joytacular is a benefit for The American Heart Association. It'll take place Dec. 1 at the Alban Arts and Conference Center in St. Albans, W.Va.     The comedy troupe will present all-ages improv comedy, this time holiday-themed!    Also, there will be prizes raffled off, also benefiting the American Heart Association. And local magician Joey Stepp will be doing a preshow performance at 6:45 p.m., and again at intermission.    Tickets are on sale at www.nopantsplayers.com/schedule.

On Stage This Weekend: "Mary"

   Here's one that slipped by me during the holiday season: CYAC's annual musical production of Mary, based on the story of the mother of Jesus.

   This is the 16th year CYAC has presented the show - it'll be staged at 8 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. on Sunday at WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. 

   Don't miss it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

   Hope everyone's having a great Thanksgiving!

   Local theatre fans have a lot to be thankful for - there have been many outstanding shows so far this year, and quite a few more are in the works! We'll have lots of news and reviews in the days and weeks ahead.

   Have a great holiday!

Auditions for "Cabaret"

   ARTS will be holding auditions for four roles for the musical Cabaret this Sunday at 2 p.m. and Monday at 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington. 

   Please prepare a 30 second / 16 bar piece to be sung a capella. You may also be asked to cold read and dance so be prepared to move.

   The four roles available are:

- Sally Bowles - lead role 25-35 singer / actress / dancer

- Herr Schultz - leading character man 45+ actor / singer / needs to have some movement skills (ie. simple ballroom dance).

- Two young men multiple featured roles 16-25 actor / singer / modest dance skills.

   Rehearsals begin Nov. 29 and will run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

  Director's Note from Gene Anthony - In the “Golden Age” of Broadway musicals such as Hello Dolly, The Music Man, My Fair Lady and all such, the generic term used to describe them was “Musical Comedy.” With the advent of Andrew Lloyd Weber and Stephen Sondheim with titles like Phantom of the Opera and Sweeny Todd, the nomenclature became “Musical Theatre.” Think of Cabaret as a transitional, cross-genre musical work. It is full of comic and entertaining moments, but it is set against a very dark and serious background, Nazi Germany. The milieu of the piece is a cabaret set in this period. It centers around three major characters, Sally Bowles, Cliff Bradshaw, and a comic narrator type called the M.C. It is a story that embraces love, tragedy, hardship, persecution, satire, frolic and sensuality. It causes an observer to experience both laughter and shock. It is a totally engaging evening of music, comedy and provocative thought. Coni Anthony and I have been entertaining the notion of creating a version of this piece of entertainment for years and we have been discussing concepts for it for a long time. ARTS has offered us an opportunity to stage it in a very unique and, we think, exciting format which I refer to as “Environmental Theatre.” Be prepared for a spell-binding evening of theatre.

ARTS Announces First Resident Acting Company

    ARTS in Huntington has set out on an exciting new approach to community theatre - the details are in this press release:

   Arts Resources of the Tri-State today announced its first-ever Resident Acting Company. The troupe of nineteen local actors was selected through an audition process and will work with ARTS’ resident directors and other members of the theatre community to present ARTS 2013 season.

   The Resident Acting Company is a new venture for ARTS, which will present six shows in the New Year. Resident directors for the season selected the actors after auditions and interviews were conducted at The Renaissance Center on November 16 and 17, 2012.

   "The directors are elated at the caliber of talent presented during auditions," said Bil Neal, ARTS current President and resident director. The actors were selected because of what they have to offer to our 2013 season, he continued.

   Each member of the Resident Acting Company has accepted a role in at least three of the six season shows and one technical role, such as stage crew or costuming. Company members will also be able to study theatre and other arts-related classes offered by ARTS at no cost.

   "The ARTS resident directors couldn’t be happier with this solid and diverse base on which to build our upcoming season," beamed Neal. Open auditions for the six shows will be held prior to each production for all remaining roles.

   Members of the 2013 Resident Acting Company include: Joanna Berner, Jonathan Maynard, Clay McKnight, Sheila Meade, Len Trent and Tiffany Trent, all of Ashland, Ky.; Sarah Diamond Burroway and Emma Imes of Flatwoods, Ky.; Gregory Picklesimer of Greenup, Ky.; Marnie Riddell of Charleston, W.Va.; Stevie Brigode of Cross Lanes, W.Va.; Jenn Naglee, Michael Naglee, Karen Pruitt, Tristan Reynolds, Linda Reynolds, Eric Wilson and Simon Woods, all of Huntington, W.Va.; and Amy Knell Carlson of Milton, W.Va.

   The ARTS resident directors for 2013 are: Neal, Gene Anthony, Stephen Vance and Mike Murdock. Coni Anthony will serve as resident choreographer.

   "We believe that to be a true resource for the arts for the Tri-State, that we must aspire to something greater," Neal explained.

   By having a season that includes three musicals and three non-musicals, with four on the Renaissance Center main stage and two in the ballroom, ARTS will continue to grow, he said.
"Now, in ARTS’ eleventh year, we are forming a community of talented, dedicated, hard-working artisans, striving for the best possible theatre we can create together," concluded Neal.

   The six show schedule for 2013 includes: Cabaret - February 1, 2, 8 and 9, 2013; Julius Caesar - March 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2013; How to Succeed in Business - May 24, 25, 26, 31 and June 1, 2, 2013; The Man Who Came to Dinner - August 16, 17, 23, 24, 2013; Shenandoah - October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 2013; and Neil Simon’s Laughter on the 23th Floor - November 29, 30 and December 6, 7, 2013.

"Scrooge" Tickets on Sale

   There's a story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the upcoming show Scrooge the Musical which you can read right here - or right here:

   Tickets are on sale now for First Stage Theater Company's upcoming production of Scrooge The Musical.

   Directed by Justin and Sydnee McElroy, "Scrooge" is set for 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30-Dec. 1 and Dec. 7-8, as well as at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 2 and 9.

   Tickets are $10 for seniors and children ages 12 and under. All others are $12. Group rates of 10 or more get $2 off ticket price.

   In keeping with its theme of "giving" during the holiday season, First Stage is taking the lead characters to the Woodlands on Sunday, Nov. 25 to perform some of the songs from the show, and on Friday, Nov. 30 to the pediatric unit at Cabell-Huntington Hospital to sing Christmas carols.

   The Pottery Place is partnering with First Stage by bringing Christmas ornaments to City Hall for ticket buyers to purchase an ornament and paint it right there at City Hall.

   The show consists of 55 cast members, adults and children.

   Here is a look at the principle cast: Tommy Smirl, Scrooge; Sarah Metz, Ghost of Christmas Past; Jennifer Leist, Ghost of Christmas Present; Chad Lovejoy, Bob Crachit; Cindy Westbrook, Mrs. Crachit; Sara Bryan, Annie Jenkins; Allen Stern, Jacob Marley; Ian Carlton, Ebby; Samantha May, Jen; Bill Rawlinson, Fezziwig; Jen Williams, Mrs. Fezziwig; Levi Kelly, Young Ebenezer; Meg Barber, Isabel; Salem Carlton, Harry; Rileigh Smirl, Helen; Braylon Balandra, Tiny Tim; Kathryn Jennings, Kathy Cratchit; and a host of other Crachit kids, town merchants, urchins, partygoers and dancers.

   For more information, go online at www.firststagetheatre.org.

On Stage This Weekend: "Arabian Nights" and "Cup of Cheer"

   There are two shows on stage this week you can check out:

- The Arabian Nights - The Marshall Theatre Alliance presents this play based on the classic tales of Scheherezade. It runs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

- A CUP of Cheer - Curtains Up Players presents a holiday concert Nov. 16, 17 and 18 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center. Admission is $10, but free admission is also available with the donation of a gift to NECCO.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

CUP of Cheer

   This weekend Curtains Up Players is partnering up with NECCO to provide entertainment and charity to kick off the holiday season.  

   CUP will present its annual Holiday Concert, A CUP of Cheer, Nov. 16, 17 and 18 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.  

   Admission is $10, but free admission is also available to patrons who donate a gift to NECCO.

   NECCO is an area foster care agency with locations throughout West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Georgia. Gifts will be distributed to the children in NECCO’s care this holiday season.  

   Patrons are asked to bring a gift of at least a $10 value for boys and girls age 18 and under.   

   A CUP of Cheer features Ryan Hardiman and Lara Donahoe and Master of Ceremonies Paul Neace.  The show is directed by Holly Maynard and Kaitlin DeSpain and features a dozen area performers presenting holiday favorites old and new.  

Theatre Links on the Web (Kanawha County)

   Continuing our look at Social Media and local community theatre groups, here’s a look at some of the sites being operated by groups based out of Kanawha County: 

- Charleston Stage Company operates a website, though the main page seems to be acting up - but here’s the link to their shows for the upcoming season.

Website: http://charlestonstagecompany.com/?page_id=68


- Children’s Theatre of Charleston is one of the more media-savvy groups around. They operate a website, a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a Flickr page.

    Website: http://www.ctoc.org/home.html

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Childrens-Theatre-of-Charleston/130905103358

   Twitter: https://twitter.com/CTOC_WV

   Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/80015190@N08/

- Charleston Light Opera Guild has an excellent website and a Facebook page.

   Website: http://www.charlestonlightoperaguild.org

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Charleston-Light-Opera-Guild-Inc/189678760106?v=wall

- Kanawha Players has a website with the latest on their season.

   Website: http://kanawhaplayers.org

- Charleston Youth Arts Company has a website with a rundown of their upcoming season.

    Website: http://cyac2001.com/WELCOME.html

- Alban Arts and Conference Center is one of the newest groups around. They have a website and a Facebook page.

   Website: http://albanartscenter.com

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Alban-Arts-and-Conference-Center/146490819399?fref=ts

- The LimeLight Theatre Company is the newest group around. They promote their first season their Facebook page and their drama camps on their website.

   Website: http://www.stromstudios.com

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLimeLightTheatreCompany

   As always, let me know if we missed anyone!

Theatre Links on the Web (Huntington edition)

   The world of Social Media has exploded in recent years, with community theatre groups creating web sites and Facebook accounts (among others) to help spread the word about upcoming productions and projects.

   It's not easy - most groups are run by volunteers, so time and resources are limited to manage those sites. Still, if you know where to look, you can stay up to date on the shows coming up. It certainly helps me keep track of local groups for this blog.

   Just to make things easier for you, gentle reader, I thought I'd compile some of those links, grouping them by city or area (as always, if I've missed anything, let me know and I'll add it to the mix).

   Since we're based out of Huntington, let's start there:

  - First Stage Theatre Company operates two social media sites, focusing on its upcoming production of Scrooge:

     Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Stage-Theatre-Company/151408134941398

     Website: www.firststagetheatre.org

- ARTS has been focusing on its excellent Facebook page (while its website is under construction), rolling out information (and posters) about its upcoming season, its audition schedule and much more. 

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artstristate

- Curtains Up Players - operates two social media sites (you'll find lots of info about its concert coming up this weekend):

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Curtains-Up-Players-Inc/128258443910260?fref=ts

Website: http://www.curtainsupplayers.org

  - 5th Avenue Theatre Company manages a website in conjuction with the City of Huntington Foundation:

Website: http://cityofhuntingtonfoundation.com/pages/aa-theater.html


- Huntington Outdoor Theatre operates a website that kicks into gear in the spring when they start auditions for each summer's show:

http://www.hotwv.org

   - Marshall Theatre Alliance has the most impressive website of the bunch (which includes videos  and recently added a Facebook page:

   Website: http://www.marshall.edu/cofa/theatre/

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/111137362277538/

   
- Murder and Merriment, which hosts murder mystery events, has a Facebook page.

   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Murder-and-Merriment/188552984513967

  Next up: Charleston!

Murder and Merriment in Hurricane

   Murder and Merriment presents the interactive murder mystery, “Fashion Runway: Murdering Divas!” this weekend - Nov. 16-17 at the Greenhouse of Teays Valley in Hurricane, W.Va. at 7 p.m. 

   Guests will view the Season Finale of “Fashion Runway” hosted by Heidi Klam. Guest judges Simon Powell and Nicole Richley join her as they choose from five final contestants who will be selected as this season’s Fashion Diva. Competing are Charlana Costa, Christophe Alonzo, Scarlett Pepper, Dmitry Lenin, and McKenna Sangaria. 

   Everyone is dying to find out who will be crowned. Detective Horace Cain will be on hand to help guests solve a mystery which will unfold that evening. 

   A catered buffet dinner prepared by Joe Reckard and his staff will be served. Guests correctly solving “who dunnit?” can compete to win a valuable prize at the end of the evening. Tickets are $40 per Guest.  

   Performing in this murder mystery are: Ashley Bond, George R. Snider III, Allison Plants, Alex Bannerman, Tara Phares-Pauley, Mandy Jane Petry, Kevin Michael Pauley, Nicole Michaelis and John Eric Booth.

   Reservations are required. Call 304-397-6316.

CUP of Cheer for the Holidays

    A special holiday show is coming up later this month - here's the press release from CUP with all the info:

    Curtains Up Players, Huntington’s newest theatre company, is partnering up with NECCO to provide entertainment and charity this holiday season.  Curtains Up Players will produce its annual Holiday Concert, “A CUP of Cheer,” November 16-18 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center.  But this year, CUP is shaking things up by offering free admission to patrons who donate a gift to NECCO. 

   NECCO is an area foster care agency with locations throughout West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky and Georgia.  Gifts collected by CUP will be distributed to the children in NECCO’s care this holiday season.   

   Patrons are asked to bring a gift of at least a $10 value for boys and girls age 18 and under.   Holly Maynard, one of the show's directors, said, “We are thrilled about this wonderful opportunity to take a bigger role in our community. Now, more than ever, it’s so important for our community to support the arts; but we, as artists, can in turn support our community through our work.”   

   “A CUP of Cheer” features Ryan Hardiman and Lara Donahoe and Master of Ceremonies Paul Neace. The show is directed by Holly Maynard and Kaitlin DeSpain, and features a dozen area performers presenting holiday favorites old and new.   

   Tickets are $10 each or patrons can bring a gift of equal or greater value to gain free admittance.  

“A CUP of Cheer”

At the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center

1030 4^th Avenue, Huntington

Friday, November 16 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, November 17 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, November 18 at 2:30 p.m.

On Stage This Weekend - Three Shows!

•    There are three performances this weekend you should take in: 
  - The Arabian Nights - The Marshall Theatre Alliance presents this play based on the classic tales of Scheherezade. It runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

• - Marvin’s Room - Company of Dreams presents the dark comedy about a woman’s commitment to caring for her family, even in the face of personal tragedy. It will be staged Nov. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m. at Hillside Community Church in Ashland, Ky.

- Amahl and the Night Visitors - MU Opera presents a concert featuring the JM Sanctuary Choir at Johnson Memorial Church Nov. 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Youth Orchestra Auditions

   Sorry for the short notice, but I just got this message about youth orchestra auditions: 

   The Tri-State Youth Orchestra will have auditions Thursday, Nov. 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at ARTS Renaissance Center.   

   The orchestra has openings for flutes, clarinets, tenor sax, trombones and percussion. There is also room for more string students.   

   Audition requirements include scales 3 flats to 3 sharps, an etude or solo and sight reading from the orchestras current repertoire.   

   For more information contact Ron Caviani at tsyo@aol.com or 304-743-7425.

On Stage This Week: Marvin's Room

   For one weekend only in Ashland you can pay a visit to Marvin's Room.

   The play will be presented by Company of Dreams at 8 p.m. nightly Nov. 8-10, 2012, at Hillside Community Church in Ashland, Ky. Admission is $5 at the door. 

   Marvin's Room is a dark and mordantly funny comedy by Scott McPherson, which centers on a woman's commitment to caring for her family first, even in the face of personal tragedy. 

   Marvin's Room is heralded as "unquestioningly, one of the most beloved, critically acclaimed and significant new plays that the off-Broadway season has seen in years." 

   And it helps a good cause - a portion of proceeds from this production will benefit Golden Kidz, a nonprofit organization for families of children with cancer. 

On Stage This Week: Arabian Nights

   The Marshall Theatre Alliance is doing something unusual with its latest show, The Arabian Nights: it's running for two weeks!

    Marshall unusually limits its shows to a single week, but happily they're giving audiences more chances to catch the latest production.

   Here's more info about the play, which runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 26 and 17 at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

   Here's the description of the show: 

The Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman 

And the nights over Bagdad were whiter than the days; the nights over Bagdad were white… 

The award winning adaptation weaves tales of wonder into a poetic testament to the transformational power of storytelling. King Shahryar marries, loves, and then kills a young woman each night – until he encounters Scheherazade. For one thousand and one nights, he delays her murder as he eagerly awaits her next tale of love, betrayal, courage, ingenuity, human folly and physical sensuality.

Dracula the Musical

   Today's your last chance to catch Dracula the Musical!

   The final show is being presented at 2:30 p.m. by Curtains Up Players at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center  at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

   The show features a great cast, including Jon Lamp in the title role - and what a terrific job he does, tackling both the European accent with ease and the soaring songs with great power.

   He's joined by Lara Donahoe as Mina, who has a wonderful voice and great stage presence (she needs to do more theatre) and Jane Modlin as the tragic Lucy, who steals a few scenes and provides several outstanding solos, as well.

    The surprise in the show is Alison Smith who plays Van Helsing, a role traditionally played by an older man - but she manages it (and his tragic song) with great skill - an excellent performance!

   The show, of course, is based on the original Bram Stoker novel about the mysterious Count who decides to move to England at the end of the Victorian Age - he is, of course, looking for a new start and some fresh blood.

   Time's running out to catch this final treat for the Halloween season - don't miss it!

  

On Stage in November

   Hey, it’s November - and here are the shows taking the stage this month:

• Dracula: the Musical - Curtains Up Players offers the musical based on the novel by Bram Stoker. It will be presented at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue Nov. 2, 3 and 4.

• Scrooge - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical version of the classic Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol. It’s being staged at Huntington’s City Hall Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9.

• The Arabian Nights - The Marshall Theatre Alliance presents this play based on the classic tales of Scheherezade. It runs at 8 p.m. Nov. 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

• Hello, Dolly! - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the enduring classic musical at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Nov. 2 and 3, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 2 p.m.  

• The Woman in Black - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the mystery Nov. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Little Theatre at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, OH. 

• Marvin’s Room - Company of Dreams presents the dark comedy about a woman’s commitment to caring for her family, even in the face of personal tragedy. It will be staged Nov. 8 - 10 at 8 p.m. at Hillside community Church in Ashland, Ky.

   So get out there and support your local theatre!

ARTS Announces Its 2013 Season

   ARTS in Huntington announced its upcoming season today, and it's a great selection of classic and exciting shows - a mix of musical and non-musicals. Here's the press release:

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State today announced its exciting theatrical season for 2013. The schedule features three musicals and three non-musicals, with something to satisfy every theatrical appetite.

   The six shows will kick off with the musical “Cabaret” by Kander and Ebb. ARTS resident director Gene Anthony will direct “Cabaret,” which will be presented February 1-2 and February 8-9, 2013. Open auditions for “Cabaret” will be held November 25 at 2:00 pm and November 26 at 7:00 pm at ARTS.

   Another of Shakespeare’s works will show on the ARTS stage in the spring of 2013. ARTS resident director Mike Murdock, who just directed the successful production of Macbeth in October 2012, will direct “Julius Caesar” on March 15-16 and 22-23, 2013.

   The musical “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” by Loesser, Burrows, Weinstock, Gilbert, Mead is next in ARTS line-up. ARTS president Bil Neal will direct “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.” Show dates are set for May 24-26, May 31, and June 1-2, 2013.

   The comedy, “The Man Who Came to Dinner” by Kaufmann and Hart will be presented August 16-17 and August 23-24 under the direction of Gene Anthony. The production will feature Mike Murdock as Sheridan Whiteside.

   “Shenandoah” (The Musical) is scheduled for fall 2013. The show by Geld, Udell, Rose, Barrett will be presented October 11-13 and October 18-20. ARTS resident director Stephen Vance will serve as director for “Shenandoah,” which will feature Bil Neal as Charlie Anderson.

   Rounding out the 2013 season for ARTS will be “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” by Neil Simon. Directed by Mike Murdock, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” will be presented November 29-30 and December 6-7, 2013.

   Neal said open auditions for the productions will be announced in the new year. “ARTS is pleased to offer a schedule full of variety and award-winning shows that will be enjoyed by audiences young and old,” said Neal.

   All shows will be presented at the Renaissance Center, located at 900 8th Street in Huntington,WV. For more information, call ARTS at 304-733-ARTS.

   Last week, ARTS announced auditions for the first-ever ARTS Resident Acting Company which are set for November 16 & 17 by appointment. Many roles for these productions will be cast from the Resident Acting Company, with open auditions for the community to round out each cast.