Auditions in Logan for "Little Mermaid" and "Children of Eden"

   I'm thrilled to report that my pal Denise Duellman-LaCara is returning to our area for a fun summer event - she's going to be directing two shows for the Aracoma Story in Logan, including Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. and Children of Eden.

   They're lucky to have her - Denise is amazingly talented. I can't wait to see these shows!

   Here's the press release with the info about auditions:

   The Aracoma Story is seeking talented actors of all ages for its summer season of celebrated musicals. Stephen Schwartz, who created the smash hit “Wicked” and John Caird, the writer of the international phenomenon “Les Miserable,” have crafted a beautifully spiritual musical, “Children of Eden,” about parents and children, second chances and the “spark of creation” in each one of us. Based on the first nine chapters of the book of Genesis, the musical delivers a bittersweet but inspiring message: that "the hardest part of love... is letting go."

   Debuting later in the summer is the children’s musical, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” Based on the 1989 Disney film written by Howard Ashman and Allen Menken and the 2008 Broadway musical, this is the “magical tale of the beautiful young mermaid Ariel, who longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first she'll have to defy her father King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking.” 

    Auditions for both musicals will be held at Logan High School, 1 Wildcat Way in Logan, May 7-8, 6-9 pm. “Children of Eden” will include actors of all ages, “The Little Mermaid, Jr.” will be cast from students in grades 4-12. Actors may come at any time and will be released after their audition. Callbacks for “Children of Eden” principal roles will be on May 13, 6-10 pm. Callbacks for “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” will be on May 14, 5-8 pm. Callback auditions will be held at the Aracoma Story Office at 311 Main St., Logan. Actors should expect to stay the entire audition period. “Children of Eden” rehearsal begins May 16 and “Disney’s the Little Mermaid, Jr.” rehearsal will begin June 23. 

   Actors should prepare one minute of a song from a musical that best showcases your voice. An accompanist will be provided, so bring sheet music, or you may use an accompaniment CD, without vocals. There will be a short movement audition as well. Wear clothes and shoes that you can freely move in. 

   Director Denise Duellman-LaCara and music director Ellen Woods-Ramey will make every effort to work around cast member’s schedules. Please bring your calendar and be prepared to write down all conflicts. If you are unable to attend one of the auditions, or have additional questions, please call or text Denise Duellman-LaCara, (585) 645-2103 or send an email to dduellman@gmail.com. 

   Performances of “Children of Eden” are June 17-July 6 and “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” is scheduled for July 31-Aug. 9 at Chief Logan State Park.

   For more information about our season and ticket purchase visit www.thearacomastory.com.

ACTC's New Play Festival

   I had a lot of fun last night attending the first-ever New Play Festival at Ashland Community and Technical College!

   It's a collection of student plays, monologues and short scenes, embellished with some musical performances.

   The plays feature a good mix of subject matter, including romantic comedy (a hilarious attempt to set up a date between a woman and a man with very specific guidelines), real-world drama (an older man tries to make a new start), monologues (a dad who hates the unusual boyfriend his daughter has brought home; a woman at the edge of sanity; a young woman in despair), a classic bit of character work (a boy and his teacher try to solve a bully problem; a girl is driven to the brink by a math assignment), a children's story (the true story behind a children's classic) and an offbeat comedy / drama (an unlikely couple meet in an elevator - and time is running out for both). Kudos to the excellent work by the actors (especially considering the short amount of rehearsal time they had)!

   The second act in the performance was given over to a dramatic reading of the play "Retribution," written by Mary Shortridge - it tells the story of the discovery of a body by some children and the attempts to solve the mystery behind it. A dozen actors bring the story to life in a spoken format.

   It's great to see a fresh mix of ideas and talents on the stage - you can catch the final performances tonight at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theatre at 1400 College Drive in Ashland. Tickets are just $5 for general admission and $2 for ACTC and MSU-Ashland students.

   Check it out!

On Stage This Weekend

   Lots of great shows to catch this weekend - here's the rundown, courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman:

- The Taming of the Shrew (Play)
by William Shakespeeare
Marshall Theatre Alliance
Wed-Sat April 23-26 at 7:30pm
Joan C. Edwards Playhouse
Marshall University
1655 5th Ave., Huntington, WV
$20 Adults / $15 Seniors and faculty / FREE to full time students w/MU ID
304-696-ARTS

- ACTC's New Play Festival (10 Student plays, monologues, short scenes)
Ashland Community and Technical College
Fri. - Sat., April 25-26 at 8 p.m.
Matinee Sun., April 27 at 2:30 p.m.
J.B. Sowards Theatre
ACTC, 1400 College Drive, Ashland KY.
Tickets are $5 general admission and $2/ ACTC and MSU-Ashland students and may be reserved or purchased with a major credit card through the college bookstore, 606.326.2014

- The Three Musketeers (Play)
Adapted from the novel by Alexander Dumas
Limelight Theatre Company
Fri. - Sat., April 25-26 and May 2-3 at 7 p.m.
Matinees Sun., April 27 and May 4 at 2 p.m.
WVSU Capitol Center Theatre
123 Summers St, Charleston, WV
$15 Adults / $11 Children (12 and under)
304-342-6522

- Antigone (Play)

by Sophocles
Alban Arts Center,
Fri. - Sat., April 25-26 and May 2-3 at 8 p.m.
Matinees Sun., April 27 and May 4 at 2 p.m.
Alban Arts Center,
65 Olde Main St., St. Albans WV
$15 Adults / $10 for Students/Seniors Group rates are available for groups 10 and over.
Reserved seating 304-721-8896

- Murder at the Opera (Interactive Murder Dinner Party)
Murder and Merriment
Fri. - Sat., April 25-26, Time TBA
The Greenhouse of Teays Valley, Hurricane, WV
Tickets $40
Reservations Required: 304.744.5301

   So get out there and support your local theatre!

Comments on "The Taming of the Shrew"

   My lovely wife and I had a wonderful date night this evening: a great dinner at Black Sheep Burrito, and then a terrific show - The Taming of the Shrew - timed nicely to coincide with William Shakespeare's 450th birthday this week!

     In a clever bit of staging, the show takes place in a rowdy modern-day bar, as the customers stage an impromptu performance, often injecting modern songs that tie into the story.

   Marshall University typically alternate staging a major musical one season and a Shakespeare play the next - but director Jack Cirillo has slyly managed to combine the two into one.

   The story is one of the most straightforward in Shakespeare's arsenal. It follows the story of two daughters -  one sweet, the other a shrew. The problem is, the elder Kate must be married first - a real trick, since she's harsh, violent and untamed - and then her sweet and pretty sister can be married.

   Several suitors hope to wed the younger (and there are multiple cases of exchanged identities and disguises along the way) - but first a man must be found who is willing and able to control and wed Kate.

   The story is definitely a product of its time - don't expect political correctness here - but it's also very funny, with lots of laugh out loud moments.

   As always with Marshall's productions, the sets and costumes are top-notch, the staging is terrific (with some wonderful and comical fight sequences) and the music is terrific. Impressive to note that the singers also play their own instruments - they make the show a rousing good time.

   Kudos to the talented cast and crew for a tremendous production. It may take a few liberties with the original text, but it's all done lovingly and with great energy.

   Highly recommended!

ACTC "New Play Festival" Interview #2

  Taking the stage this weekend is the ACTC New Play Festival, which will feature 10 student and faculty written plays (short scenes, monologues, ten-minutes, one acts).

   Here's our second interview with the directors of the show - this time, let's hear from the talented Sarah Diamond Burroway: 

Q: Tell us about the upcoming festival.

Sarah: This is the first-ever New Play Festival at Ashland Community and Technical College. The works that are being presented are the result of a playwriting class taught at the college last fall by Jonathan Joy. The Festival will showcase 10 short plays, monologues and scenes written by ACTC students, by Joy and by Mary Shortridge, an associate professor and published writer who also took the playwriting course to brush up on her skills.

Q: Which plays are you directing?

Sarah: I'm happy to direct two pieces in the Festival. The first is a short scene, "Tammy and Tom" by Jonathan Joy. It features actors Anna Baker and Jason Kretzer. It's a play about a woman asking a man out for a date, which seems pretty straightforward, but Tom's list of demands complicates the process for Tammy.

I'm also directing a short play written by student Chelsea Fannin called "Strange Things Happen." Actors Kate Morris and Tyler Bradley are cast as two strangers who find themselves stuck together in an unlikely circumstance that leads to both labor pains and laughs.

Both pieces are comedic works, which I find enjoyable to direct. I hope the audience will like them, too.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this event?

Sarah: I've wanted the opportunity to work with Jonathan Joy for a while and we both work at the college, so when he asked me to direct a couple of the pieces, I was thrilled. A few years ago, I was involved in the production of two new works: "Albert's Hall" and "Here Lies Allen Chase," both by playwright Jason McAllister. I really enjoyed working to create original characters, staging stories for the first time.

I think it is important to promote the work of local writers. Without local contemporary plays, short stories and other writings, the voice of our generation of Appalachia will not be heard. There is a wealth of talent in our region. We need to find a way to showcase it, to capture what's important to us now. This New Play Festival is one way we can ensure that happens. Plans are already in the works for the 2015 New Play Festival.

Q: Is it tough putting these plays together in such a short time?

Sarah: The casts I am working with are wonderful to work with. The actors seem to be having fun creating the characters and telling these stories for an audience for the first time. Originating a character and having the opportunity to work directly with some of the playwrights is something not a lot of people in community theatre get the chance to do. I really love it.

The process actually started last fall, with the students in the playwriting class. From first draft to revision to final draft, that process has involved a lot of effort on the part of the writers in consultation with their writing professor. I actually came to the project late in the game, beginning work last month. As far as actual production time goes, it has been about the same as the time it takes to produce a traditional dramatic or comedic play.

Q: Why would you recommend this to our readers?

Sarah: The New Play Festival at ACTC offers 10 distinctly different short plays. Some of them are funny. Some are serious. A couple of the plays will be presented as staged readings, with most being blocked and performed in the traditional sense. These plays offer fresh looks at a variety of topics: parenting, personal relationships, self- discovery, new beginnings, revenge, and more. The Festival is sponsored by the ACTC Division of Humanities and will feature performances by students in the college's vocal music classes as part of their final project for the semester. There will be something for everyone.

Q: Tell us when and where the show will be offered.

Sarah: The New Play Festival at Ashland Community and Technical College is one weekend only: April 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and April 27 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are only $5 for the public and $2 for students (ACTC and MSU-Ashland). Performances will be staged in the J.B. Sowards Theatre on the main campus of ACTC, located at 1400 College Drive, Ashland Ky. I hope to see you at the New Play Festival!

One more thing: The playwriting class by Jonathan Joy is being offered again in the fall semester at ACTC in several formats: a traditional face-to-face course and a completely online course. For more information on registration visit http://www.ashland.kctcs.edu/Admissions/Contact_Us.aspx

Thanks, Sarah!

"The Taming of the Shrew"

   Taking the stage this week at Marshall University is one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays - The Taming of the Shrew. But as you'd expect, they're bringing an interesting twist to the performance.

   Paul Sebert filed an excellent story about the show in today's Herald-Dispatch, which you can read right here.

   Here's an excerpt from the story: 

   A classic comedy gets an update as William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew will be presented by the Marshall Theater Alliance at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse this week.

   The show will take place at 7:30 p.m. April 23-26.

   The classic comedy is being reimagined just in time for the bard's 450th birthday. In the classic romantic comedy a woman by the name of Bianca wants to get married, however her father Baptista forbids her to marry until her short-tempered, sarcastic sister Kate finds a husband of her own. Kate finds an unlikely suitor named Petruchio who engages her in a battle of wills and wits.

"We alternate between Shakespeare and a musical every other year," said Jack Cirillo, program director of the Marshall Theater Alliance and the play's director. "This is a Shakespeare year, and I enjoy working with Shakespeare's text and I think it's a good educational exercise for our students, particularly the actors working with that language. One of the challenges of Shakespeare's text is making it accessible for our audience.

"Because a lot of people's first experience with Shakespeare has to do with being in an 10th or 11th grade classroom reading the text, sometimes Shakespeare gets a bad rap," added Cirillo. "By modernizing it, we added a spoon full of sugar to make the medicine go down. I try to find ways to Shakespeare to be enjoyable and an exciting experience for our audience. During my time here we've done about six of Shakespeare's plays and I hope to do about as many more."

"We encourage families to attend," Cirillo said. "This should be a good family show. It's very funny, and I think anyone in junior high or older will get a lot out of it.

Showtime is at 7:30 p.m. General admission is $20 with tickets for faculty and seniors being $15. Tickets for children ages 5-12 is $7. Admission is free to full-time Marshall students with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased at the Marshall University box office or over the phone at 304-696-2787.

(Photo by Sholten Singer)

"ACTC New Play Festival" Interview #1

  Taking the stage this weekend is the ACTC New Play Festival - it will feature 10 student and faculty written plays (short scenes, monologues, ten-minutes, one acts).

   Sounds like fun! Here to tell us more about it is one of the directors - Huntington's own Jonathan Joy!

   Here's our e-interview with Jon:

Q: Tell us about the festival.

Jon: ACTC’s first ever New Play Festival highlights student and faculty written work. 10 new plays will be performed. All were written as a part of a Playwriting class that I taught in the Fall of 2013.

Q: Which plays are you directing? 

Jon: I’m coordinating the festival and directing seven of the 10 pieces.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this event?

Jon: I’ve been a part of a lot of new play festivals regionally and in other areas. I am usually involved as a writer, though I’ve done some acting and directing with these too. At this point in my life and career, I am principally interested in new works. I think Shakespeare is great and I love musical theatre, but developing new characters and stories is my primary goal. I’ve wanted to do something like this at ACTC for a long time. I always tell my students that “Everyone has a story to tell.” This festival shows that they have some terrific, imaginative, original stories. 

Q: Is it tough putting these plays together in such a short time? 

Jon: It’s not really tough to put together a 5- to 15-minute piece and get it ready for the stage in two or three weeks. What is tough is doing it with 10 plays at once. It’s been an adventure.  

Q: Why would you recommend this to our readers? 

Jon: It’s fun! The pieces are well written and we have an excellent cast. It’s also not often that you get to see the world premiere of someone’s play.

Q: Tell us when and where the show will be offered.

Jon: The plays will be performed April 25 and 26 at 8 p.m. and April 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Ashland Community and Technical College. Tickets are only $5 for the public and $2 for ACTC students and are available at the door.

Thanks, Jon!

On Stage This Weekend - Two Shows

   After a flurry of shows last week, things slow down considerably this weekend - here's the rundown of community theatre shows, courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman:

- Little Shop of Horrors (Musical)
by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman
West Virginia State University
Wed. - Fri., April 16 - 18 at 8 p.m.
Davis Fine Arts Theatre
5000 Fairlawn Avenue, Institute, W.Va.
$10 Tickets available at the door

- The Vagina Monologues (Play)
by Eve Ensler
V-Day Charleston 2014 Benefit Production
ONE NIGHT ONLY Sat., April 19 at 7 p.m.
Alban Arts Center
65 Olde Main Plaza, St Albans, W.Va.
$15 tickets available at http://ticketpeak.com/ticket_details.php?id=4260
Proceeds benefit REACH (Rape Education, Advocacy, Counseling, & Healing)

   So get out there and support your local theatre company!

On Stage Tonight - "Little Shop of Horrors"

   On stage starting tonight, the science fiction musical Little Shop of Horrors will be presented at West Virginia State University in Institute, W.Va.

   The show is based on the famous Roger Corman low-budget film from the '60s, which was adapted into a Broadway musical in the early '80s, and then updated into a full-color movie musical starring Rick Moranis in 1986.

   It's all about a humble florist who can't get the girl he dreams of to pay any attention to him - until he starts getting advice from a strange plant he discovers. But the plant charges a high price for its advice.

   It's a fun show, loaded with great songs and black comedy.

   It'll be presented tonight through Saturday at 8 p.m. Students get in free, the rest of us pay $10 for a ticket.

   It's a fun show with a great cast - don't miss it!

On Stage in May: "Leap of Faith"

   There's a great show taking the stage in a few weeks at Huntington High School - here's a press release all about the musical Leap of Faith:

    The Huntington High School Fine Arts Department is proud to announce its Theater students' performance of Leap of Faith during the first two weeks of May.
 
Show dates and times are: May 1, 2, 8, 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and May 3, 4 and 11 at 3 p.m.

 
   Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.

    Leap of Faith, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Glenn Slater, is based on the motion picture Leap of Faith, produced by Paramount Pictures Corporation and written by Janus Cercone. The film was adapted from a book written by Janus Cercone and Warren Leight.
 
   Musical Theater International (MTI) offers the following synopsis:  "Love will get you every time… and one charismatic con-man is about to find that out. The “Reverend” Jonas Nightingale, an electrifying performer and con artist, is traveling with his ministry when his bus breaks down in a small Kansas town. The part-time reverend and full-time crook pitches a tent and invites the locals to a revival. The sheriff, a woman named Marla McGowan, is determined to stop Jonas from separating the townspeople from their money, and Jonas' real challenge arises when he meets the sheriff and her son, whose love forces an ultimate cynic to take a real leap of faith.
 
   Leap of Faith features a roof-raising score by eight-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken (Disney's Beauty and the Beast and Little Shop of Horrors). The creative team includes bookwriters Janus Cercone and Tony®-winner Warren Leight (Side Man) and Grammy®-winning lyricist Glenn Slater (Tangled)."

Auditions for “Traipsin’ Woman”

 Jean Thomas “Traipsin’ Woman”

   Here's some information about upcoming auditions in Kentucky for actors of all ages:

   The Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. is pleased to announce an upcoming arts event in Carter County. 

   The project will be a community drama featuring the life and adventures of Jean Thomas (the Traipsin' Woman) as she traveled on a "jolt wagon" throughout Eastern Kentucky, and how her experiences with the musical traditions and folkways of mountain people led to her to form the “American Folk Song Festival.” 

   The performances are set for June 13 at East Carter Middle School and on June 14 at West Carter High School; others to be announced. 

   This project was funded through an Appalachian Regional Commission grant through the Kentucky Department for Local Government and administered by Brushy Fork Institute of Berea College. These funds are made available to distressed ARC counties in Kentucky for projects that are designed to build capacity in these communities. Additional funding and/or support will be provided by the sponsoring organizations as well as community, business and individual supporters.

   Tryouts for this production will be on April 29 and 30 at 6 p.m. each evening at the Grayson Gallery and Art Center, located at 301 E. Third St. in Grayson, KY. 

   All are small speaking parts with the exception of Jean Thomas. The adult actors that do not require singing are: Jean Thomas (the Traipsin’ Woman); Modern Day Teacher; Judge; Lawyer, Sheriff and the Preacher. 

   We are seeking talented middle and high school students who can act and sing for the parts of Bride and Groom. The scene of Harper Valley PTA requires acting and singing in the parts of a Middle-aged Woman to play the part of the Mother and a High School-aged girl to play the part of the Daughter.

   For questions and information, please contact Robin Waggoner, Project Coordinator via e-mail: robin.waggoner76@gmail.com and watch for additional details coming soon.

(Photo of Jean Thomas is courtesy of University of Louisville Digital Collections; Louisville, KY)

On Stage This Weekend - Eight Shows!

    You have lots of great shows to choose from this weekend - here's the list:

- Dear Edwina, Jr. - First Stage Theatre presents the musical that follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver extraordinaire Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of production numbers as part of the latest edition of her weekly "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. The “girl power” musical will be presented Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults.

- Pippin - The City of Huntington Foundation and 5th Avenue Theatre Company present the classic Broadway musical at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Theatre in Huntington City Hall on April 11-13. Tickets are $15. The show takes the audience along with Pippin on his journey to try to find the meaning of life. The show occurs in a circus setting and there will be monkeys provided the Twins and Jungle Friends and aerial choreography by the aerial troupe Cirque d' Art.

- Jesus Christ Superstar in Concert - Trinity Episcopal Church presents the beloved rock opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice in concert April 11 and 12 at 7 p.m. at the church at 520 11th Street in Huntington. Admission is free. Performers include Ryan Hardiman as Jesus and Chris Sizemore as Judas.

- The Rack -  Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents this original play by Dan Kehde that tells the story of the aftermath of a fictional elementary school massacre as seen through the eyes of members of the community in which it occurred. C]The story centers around the grieving members of the shooter’s family as they try to understand the reasons behind the boy’s actions. The show will be presented Thursday - Saturday, April 10-12 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $8 for Students.

- Damn Yankees - Ironton High School presents the Broadway musical April 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. and April 13 at 3 p.m. at 1701 S. 7th Street in Ironton, Ohio. Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for students. For more information, call 740- 532-3911.

- WV Shakespeare Festival - The event will be held April 12 at 7 p.m. at the Walker Theatre at the Clay Center (rear entrance) at One Clay Square in Charleston. There will also be a Stage Combat Workshop from 1 to 5 p.m.  Admission is free, donations will be accepted.

- Murder & Merriment - Interactive murder mysteries will be presented on: April 11 - "Dead Man's Hand!" Shanty Boat Night at the River Museum in Point Pleasant. Reservations Required: Ticket Prices & Time TBA,  Call 304-674-0144; April 12 - "Another Fistful of Bullets!" at Hawk's Nest State Park & Restaurant,  Ansted, W.Va. Reservations Required:  304.658.5212, ext 1542. Tickets are $40 per Guest.

   So get out there are support your community theatre!

Three More Chances to Catch "Dear Edwina, Jr!"

   You just have three chances left to catch the delightful Dear Edwina, Jr. (you can see part of the cast in this lovely photo by Stephen Vance).

   First Stage Theatre presents the musical that follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver extraordinaire Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of production numbers as part of the latest edition of her weekly "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. As her friends pose their problems, it's up to Edwina to come up with a solution (all presented in song, of course) - some are funny, some are touching and all are entertaining. 

   It's a great show for kids and grownups - it's fast, funny, and you just might learn something!

   The “girl power” musical will be presented Friday and Saturday, April 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. at theRenaissance Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington.Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults.

   Don't miss it!

"Jesus Christ, Superstar" in Concert

   Coming up this weekend in Huntington is a special performance of one of my all-time favorites: the rock musical Jesus Christ Superstar. 

   It features an all-star cast and some terrific musicians - you can read all about it in this story in the Herald-Dispatch.

   Here's an excerpt:

   As the pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church, Chip Graves has learned that when music director Mark Smith has a crazy idea, you just step back and let the spirit move.

   Armed with a good portion of his fellow musicians from Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.'s big band, and starring stage rockers Ryan Hardiman and Chris Sizemore (as Jesus and Judas), Smith directs a concert-only version of Jesus Christ Superstar: In Concert. at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 11-12 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 520 11th St., Huntington.

   The concert is free and open to the public. Donations will be taken, and you'll want to get there early as both shows are expected to be standing room only.

A Day for "Gift-Bear" and "Dear Edwina"

 What a fun day for children's theatre! 

   This afternoon I saw the next-to-the-last performance of A Gift-Bear for the King at the Alban Theatre.

   It was a delightful show staged by ACT for an enthusiastic crowd of little kids (plus a few geezers like me). 

   It was lots of fun, light-hearted and cleverly staged for maximum laughs! That's the great thing about a young audience - you can tell when the show is working. They laugh, cheer and applaud gleefully - and there was a lot of that at this performance! 

   Great work, ACT!

   Then this evening my lovely wife and I saw Dear Edwina, Jr. - and we loved it! 

   It tells the story of a girl who's trying to take her place alongside "Dear Abby" by proving she's the best at giving advice. She solves all the problems her friends are facing - but can she deal with her own problems? 

   It's fast and very funny, loaded with wonderful performances and terrific songs. I knew nothing about the show, but I'll be seeing it again before the run is over - it's so much fun (and I must admit that the next-to-the-last song actually had me choking up)! 

   Highly recommended! 

Helen Freeman Wins the Herald-Dispatch Award for the Arts

   Congratulations to my pal Helen Freeman, who is honored in today's Herald-Dispatch for her efforts on behalf of the arts in Huntington.

   For her tireless work and her 20-year-successful run as a co-founder of Huntington Outdoor Theatre, and for her continued spirit-filled work as an award-winning speech and theater teacher at Huntington High School, Freeman received the 2013 Herald-Dispatch Award for the Arts.

   You can read all about it in Dave Lavender's excellent story right here.

"Dear Edwina, Jr." Interview #4

  Tomorrow (Friday) is the premiere of Dear Edwina, Jr., and just for fun we’ve been interviewing members of the cast. 

   The musical, based on the beloved book, follows the adventures of young Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of production numbers as part of her "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. 

   For our fourth interview with the cast, let’s hear from the kid who had a star turn a year ago in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. - Elyse Samassekou:

Q: Tell us the basic story behind Dear Edwina, Jr.

Elyse: Dear Edwina, Jr. is about a teen who is a bit fed up with living in her siblings' shadows. Her siblings have talents like being able to play the piano and the drums, but her talent is advice-giving. She is
trying to broadcast her talent to the city of Paw Paw by putting on a show in her yard every Sunday to answer someone's letter asking for advice.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Elyse: I play an upbeat Jamaican girl named Ziggy Montego. She has a lot of trouble when it comes to saving money. She writes to Edwina to tell her about her steel drum band, and how she really wants to go to a steel drum band parade. She spends all the money for the trip, and now she needs help!

Q: What's your background in local theatre?

Elyse: This is my second production ever. My first was The Little Mermaid, Jr. I played Flounder. I really wish I had joined sooner!

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Elyse: Honestly, I love "Frankenguest!" It's an amazing song and so fun to put on!

Q: Tell us about your trip to the Music Theatre International Festival in Atlanta - was it fun?

Elyse: Atlanta was the best experience of my life. I loved every second. But without my friends I feel it would not have been as great. I learned a lot about theatre and had a great time doing it!

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Elyse: You should come and see this show because not only is it fun to be a part of, but also it might contain some advice that would be helpful to you! We worked hard on it, and we are positive that if you see the show you won't be disappointed!

Q: If a kid is thinking about trying out for a future First Stage show, what advice would you tell them?

Elyse: Don't be nervous! It might be a new environment, and it maybe a little scary, but we are all a family! I met my best friends here, and I would be glad to welcome you to the family!

   Thanks, Elyse!

   The musical will be presented April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and April 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults.

   Don’t miss it!

On Stage This Weekend!

    You have lots of great shows to choose from this weekend - here's the list:

- Dear Edwina, Jr. - First Stage Theatre presents the musical that follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver extraordinaire Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of production numbers as part of the latest edition of her weekly "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. The “girl power” musical will be presented Fridays and Saturdays, April 4, 5 , 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, April 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington.Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults.

- Pippin - The City of Huntington Foundation and 5th Avenue Theatre Company present the classic Broadway musical at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Theatre in Huntington City Hall on April 4-6 and 11-13. Tickets are $15. The show takes the audience along with Pippin on his journey to try to find the meaning of life. The show occurs in a circus setting and there will be monkeys provided the Twins and Jungle Friends and aerial choreography by the aerial troupe Cirque d' Art.

- The Rack -  Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents this original play by Dan Kehde that tells the story of the aftermath of a fictional elementary school massacre as seen through the eyes of members of the community in which it occurred. C]The story centers around the grieving members of the shooter’s family as they try to understand the reasons behind the boy’s actions. The show will be presented Thursday and Friday, April 3-4 and Thursday - Saturday, April 10-12 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $8 for Students.

- A Gift Bear for the King - ACT (Actors for Children)  presents an interactive show aimed at preschool through grade 4 that is sure to thrill and entertain children of all ages! A talented bear is sent as a birthday gift for the king by an old couple who love him very much. As he travels, he helps many people along the way. But when he finally arrives at the palace, the king’s birthday has passed and the guard locks him up in the dungeon! The show will be presented April 5 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $10.

- The Great American Songbook - the Musical Arts Guild presents a dinner and concert benefitting Marshall Arts student scholarships. The show features guest artist Landau Eugene Murphy. The concert will be presented Saturday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Guyan Country Club at 5450 US Route 60 in Huntington. Tickets are $50. For more information, call 304-638-6716.

- No Exit - The George Washington High School Theatre of the Nevertheless presents Jean-Paul Sartre's classic existentialist play in which three damned souls discover that "Hell is other people!" It is being produced as a senior showcase, featuring seniors Lily Odekirk, Kathryn Tweel, Austin Susman and Jacob McLaughlin. The show runs one night only at the George Washington High School Auditorium at 7 p.m. on April 4. Admission is free, although donations will be accepted.

   Whew! So get out there and enjoy some community theatre!

"Dear Edwina, Jr." Interview #3

  As we run up on Friday’s premiere of Dear Edwina, Jr., we’ve been interviewing members of the cast. 

   The musical, based on the beloved book, follows the adventures of young Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of production numbers as part of her "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. 

   For our third interview with the cast, let’s hear from one of the youngest members of the team - 9-year-old Brooklyn Nelson:

Q: Tell us the basic story behind Dear Edwina, Jr.

Brooklyn: Basic story: there's a girl, Edwina, that thinks her sisters are better than her at everything because they win awards for music and math. Edwina really wants to win at something and be noticed by her parents, so she is really trying to show off her advice giving skills to get into the Advice-a-palooza festival in Kalamazoo. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Brooklyn: I'm one of Edwina's friends that helps in her show, and I'm also a napkin in the band Susie and the Napkins that performs a song about having good manners. 

Q: What's your background in local theatre (what shows have you done)?

Brooklyn: I was in Little Mermaid, Jr. (chef/sea), Superman Preshow (Mighty Mouse), and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (ditch fairy) with First Stage. I also played Young Fiona and Baby Bear in CUP's Shrek the Musical.

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Brooklyn:  “Sing your Own Song,” because of its message, which is to not let others push you down and that you should always be yourself and do your own thing. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Brooklyn: Because it has a great message and lots of fun songs!

Q: If a kid is thinking about trying out for a future First Stage show, what advice would you tell them?

Brooklyn: Just be yourself, don't be nervous and most importantly, have fun with it!

   Thanks, Brooklyn!

   The musical will be presented April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and April 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults.

   Don’t miss it!

"Dear Edwina, Jr." Interview #2

   Taking the stage this Friday is Dear Edwina, Jr., the musical that follows the adventures of plucky advice-giver extraordinaire Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood kids in a series of production numbers as part of the latest edition of her weekly "Advice-A-Palooza" extravaganza. 

   So let’s hear from the cast! Our second interview is with “Edwina” herself - the lovely and talented Katie Fulks:

Q: Tell us the basic story behind Dear Edwina, Jr.

Katie: Edwina and her friends put on shows to give advice to their town. When a talent scout from the "advice-a-palooza" festival comes, Edwina wants to make sure everything is perfect. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Katie: I play Edwina Spoonapple. Edwina is a very headstrong character. She know what she wants and goes for it. Most of the time she feels like she lives in her sibling's shadows. 

Q: What's your background in local theatre (what shows have you done)?

Katie: I have been in over 15 community theatre shows. Some of the more recent shows include Shrek, Hairspray and The Little Mermaid Jr. 

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Katie: I really love the song "Edwina" because it's cute and fun! Everyone in the cast loves it and the lyrics are so cheesy! 

Q: Tell us about your trip to the Music Theatre International festival in Atlanta - was it fun?

Katie: Atlanta was one of the BEST experiences I've ever had! To spend the weekend with 4,000 other people who have the same passion is unbelievable! Everyone was so nice and supportive! Hopefully I'll be able to go back again! 

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Katie: This show is just really fun and cute! Not only are the songs catchy, but you might learn something from them! Also, a big part of this show is centered around being yourself 100 percent of the time. I think that is a big thing that everyone can learn from Dear Edwina.

Q: If a kid is thinking about trying out for a future First Stage show, what advice would you tell them?

Katie: Have fun and go all out! Through First Stage I have made so many lifelong friends and memories! Most of the fun happens backstage!!!

   Thanks, Katie!

   The musical will be presented April 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m., and April 6 and 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Center at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $10 for children and $12 for adults.

   Don’t miss it!