Concert for Kids

   The Cabell Midland High School orchestra will perform for elementary students at four schools on April 2, 2015.  

   The 34 member high school orchestra will perform a variety of musical styles ranging from Disney movie themes to a section from an orchestral suite.  

   The elementary students will get close-up demonstrations of the different string instruments and how they sound and relate to the orchestra.  

   The Cabell Midland orchestra has been performing at elementary schools for 20 years. The itinerary for the day is Milton Elementary School at 8:30 a.m.; On a Elementary at 10 a.m.; Davis Creek Elementary around noon and Nichols Elementary around 1 p.m.  

   The orchestra is directed by Ron Caviani. 

   For more information contact rcaviani@k12.wv.us or 304-743-7425.

"Company" Interview with Nic Skaggs

    This weekend wraps up the ARTS production of the beloved musical Company - so before time runs out, here's one more interview with the cast!

   This time around, we hear from the incredibly talented Nic Skaggs, who plays the lead: 

Q: Tell us the basic story behind Company. 

Nic: The story is centered around Robert and his interactions with his friends and three VERY lovely ladies. At this particular time in Bobby's life he is searching for what marriage is (aren't we all?!) You get to see how his observations, encounters, and advice from his coupled friends play a role in his rationalization and realization of what love and marriage is.  

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

        

Nic: Robert. Bobby. Bobbi bubi. Robbie. Sweetheart. Whatever you want to call me! He seems to answer to everything. And does so with a smile. It's an extremely pleasure to play this very intricate guy who is searching. 

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

Nic: With Sondheim as the composer/lyricist, can you just choose one?! I absolutely love the way we have staged "Marry Me A Little." Our director, Amy Carlson, has really put so much thought into every blocking and movement in the whole show, but in this song it just absolutely overtakes me. 

Q: Is the music challenging? 

Nic: It's Sondheim! Haha. Of course it is. If you ever meet someone who says they have perfected a Sondheim song within a month's time, turn to them and call them a liar. I could sing this music for years and still never fully discover every ounce of meat he has saturated it with. He's Sondheim. 

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

Nic: The role of Bobby has always been on the "Dream List." It's right up at the top with only two others. There's a part of me that got extremely excited when I heard that ARTS (my resident acting home) was going to tackle it. But there was also this gnawing at the back of my mind: "Can you pull this off?" I told myself that I had to take the challenge. The opportunity may never come again. So... in short. I did it for the challenge. I did it because as an actor we look for these roles that will stretch us and hopefully make an impact on someone who sees it. 

Q: What's your background in theater? 

  

Nic: I have been at ARTS for coming up on two years. In that time, I have played the Pirate King in Gilbert and Sullivan's Pirates of Penzance, a boyfriend in The Boyfriend and Balthazar in Much Ado About Nothing. 

Q: Performing in the Renaissance Ballroom puts you very close to the audience - does that make it easier or more difficult to perform?

Nic: With the show being in the ballroom, it creates a very intimate space. It almost feels like you are sitting in the living room, bedroom, club, or subway with the characters. It allows the audience to completely get sucked into the world. There's nothing quite like black box style theater. It's amazing. 

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

Nic: Come see the show for a laugh. For great music. For introspection. Come and watch an amazing story told by an incredible cast. 

   Thanks, Nic!

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical Company by Stephen Sondheim on March 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787 (but hurry - the dinners have been selling out).

"Company" Interview with Director Amy Carlson

    This weekend you have two chances to catch the musical Company - you’ll see why everyone is raving about it!

    The show also features a couple of “firsts” - it’s the first ARTS show directed by a woman, and it’s the first show Amy Knell Carlson has ever directed!

   She’s starred in quite a few shows, but we talked with her about her turn as director:

Q: Tell us the basic story of Company.

Amy: Company is a musical comedy that follows Robert on his 35th birthday. It's a story that does not follow a linear plot, but instead shows us moments in Robert's life through a series of vignettes. He is wondering about his life and what marriage means. Robert is surrounded by married friends and girlfriends, but in spite of these relationships, he is a lonely man. 

Q: You've been onstage many times as an actor, but this is your first show as director. What's your reaction to that challenge?

Amy: Directing has been a mix of both expected and unexpected experiences. I've learned along the way. I simply tried to follow the rule of "do as you would have others do unto you." That may sound silly but I know what I like in a director and I tried to give that to my cast and crew. The people at ARTS have supported me and have believed in me from the beginning. I am a speech-language pathologist who loves theatre. That's all. I don't pretend to have a degree or be an authority on any of this. I just want to put up a product that means something to me, to the cast, to ARTS, and to the people who see it.  I don't see myself going into another project as a director right away. I think I wouldn't be much good to anyone after this. My battery needs a recharge. But, I would do it again in the future if ARTS asks me. 

Q: Tell us about the cast you're working with - a talented crew!

Amy: I know everyone says this but this cast is everything to me. First off, they trusted me when they had no reason to. I've never done this, it's blind faith on their parts. Secondly, I have asked a lot of them and they have continued to deliver no matter what came their way. One thing directing has given me is a greater appreciation for the time and energy actors and crew put into getting a show on its feet. When it's "your" show and you see people volunteering their time and talents to bring something to life it is a remarkable feeling. I've been incredibly humbled by the kindness of my cast and my crew.  There really are no people like theatre people. 

  
Q: Why would you recommend Company to our readers?

Amy: Here is what I've been telling people who don't know the show. I recommend Company because it is a musical for adults about adult subject matter. It has an amazing score written by Stephen Sondheim, and for my money there is no one better. This musical is an actor's musical. Sondheim writes for actors and that gives his work a different feel from other musicals. You have two chances to see this show and I urge you to take one of those. I can't guarantee you'll think it's a great show or even a good show. But I can guarantee you'll see brave actors taking chances and putting themselves out there for you to see.  These actors and techs deserve an audience. I hope you can make it. 

   Thanks, Amy!

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical Company by Stephen Sondheim on March 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787 (but hurry - the dinners have been selling out).

On Stage Tonight - "Voices of the Mountain"

 

 

 

ARTS Holding Auditions

   As if ARTS wasn't busy enough hosting the musical Company (more on that tomorrow), they also have auditions coming up for some key roles in upcoming shows!

   Here's the info: 

MONDAY, MARCH 30 & TUESDAY, MARCH 31 at 7 p.m.

Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents open auditions for various roles in two of their upcoming shows - one outrageous comedy and one musical!

ARTS is having open, public auditions for the following roles in their next two upcoming productions:

FUDDY MEERS:

Gertie: a 50+ female, ok with profanity and willing to speak in "stroke talk." The play describes her as "Gertie – sixties, a clear-headed lady who's had a stroke and can't speak properly."

INTO THE WOODS:

Narrator/Mysterious: Male 40+ baritone. Physical role.

Cinderella's Step-Mother: Female 40+ mezzo

FUDDY MEERS is an American play by David Lindsay-Abaire. It tells the story of an amnesiac, Claire, who awakens each morning as a blank slate on which her husband and teenage son must imprint the facts of her life. One morning Claire is abducted by a limping, lisping man who claims her husband wants to kill her. The audience views the ensuing mayhem through the kaleidoscope of Claire's world. The play culminates in a cacophony of revelations, proving that everything is not what it appears to be.

The show runs May 8, 9, 15 & 16, 2015 all at 8 p.m. No matinees. It is directed by Mike Murdock.

INTO THE WOODS is a musical with music & lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The show intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and follows them to explore the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel," and "Cinderella," as well as several others. The musical is tied together by an original story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey.

The show runs June 19, 20, 21 & 26, 27, 28 (four 8 p.m. shows and two 2 p.m. matinees). It is directed by Bil Neal with choreography by Coni Anthony.

Be prepared to cold read, sing and move.

In preparation for this audition, ARTS is holding a free audition workshop on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11 a.m., open to the public. We'll be talking about these shows, what's available, what's coming up, and what you can do to be prepared for auditions in the future.

ARTS to Host Free Audition Workshop

   ARTS is having an audition workshop on Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to noon in the   ARTS Renaissance Ballroom! If you've never auditioned with us before (or even if you have and just want to brush up), stop by and join us!

   They'll break down their audition process with a segment on cold reading / acting, singing and movement, all to get you ready for the upcoming auditions on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the ARTS Ballroom.

   They'll be auditioning for roles and gauging interest in their upcoming shows Fuddy Meers, Into the Woods, Medea and Brigadoon. Get ahead of the game and the competition!

   The workshop will last about an hour.

   This workshop is free and open to the public!

On Stage This Weekend: "Company," "Cinderella" and "Promises, Promises"

    There are three great shows taking the stage this weekend - one in Huntington, one in Ashland and one in Charleston, and all musicals!

   Here's the list, courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman:

- Company (Musical)
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim / Book by George Furth
Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS)
Fri. - Sat., March 20 - 21/ 27 - 28 at 8 p.m.
Matinee Sun., March 22 at 2 p.m.
ARTS Ballroom
900 8th St. Huntington, WV
General Admission
$15 Show Only / $30 Dinner and show
Dinner menu: Garden salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, chicken Marsala, baked sweet potato, broccoli , spiced apple ring, rolls, New York Cheese Cake. Alcohol cannot be sold at this venue, However, you are more than welcome to bring a bottle of wine to enjoy.
Seating extremely limited. Call for reservation 304-733-2787
artstristate.org

 - Cinderella (Musical)
by Rodgers and Hammerstein
Paramount Players
Fri. - Sat., March 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee Sat., March 21 at 3 p.m.
Paramount Arts Center
1300 Winchester Ave, Ashland, KY
$14 Adults / $10 Students (Advance)
$16 Adults / $12 Students (Day of show)
(Extra charges: Phone orders- $5 for entire order / Online purchases- 10% additional charge per order. All tickets will be charged an additional .50 restoration fee)
***Least expensive option is to by tickets before the day of show, in person, at the box office***
606-324-0007

 - Promises, Promises (Musical)
Music by Burt Bacharach / Book by Neil Simon
GWHS Theatre of the Nevertheless
Fri. - Sat., March 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.
Sun., March 22 at 1 p.m.
George Washington High School Auditorium
1522 Tennis Club Rd, Charleston, WV
Adults $15 / Students $10

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

Auditions for ACTC New Play Festival!

"Company" Cast Interview #4 - Tiffany Trent

Just two days until the premiere of the musical Company!

A few days ago we heard from Len Trent, so now let's hear from his lovely and talented wife (both on and off-stage), Tiffany Trent!

Q: Tell us the basic story of Company.

Tiffany: Company is about a single guy named Robert who is living in NYC trying to figure out what he really wants out of life. He has married couples who are his friends and they give him advice on getting married. All of the wives try to take care of Robert and most of the husbands envy his single life. What will he decide? Come to the show to find out!

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Tiffany: I play Sarah, who is married to Harry. Sarah is an interesting character who is trying to find excitement in her own life. My character is the mother hen to Robert, always wanting to take care of him. Sarah likes to try new and different things, like karate.

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

Tiffany: I love "Sorry - Grateful" and "Being Alive." I’m a sucker for emotional ballads.

Q: Is the music challenging?

Tiffany: It’s Stephen Sondheim, so YES! Special thank you to Lara Donahoe for teaching us this challenging music!

Q: Why did you want to be part of the show?

Tiffany: I love Sondheim, so I was very excited when ARTS announced it was part of the 2015 season. Company is a great ensemble piece and I knew it would be full of fun and great music. I also really wanted to work with Amy Knell Carlson as the director. Amy knows what she wants and how to pull it out of you.

Q: What’s your background in theatre?

Tiffany: I grew up taking dance classes and singing in school choirs. I didn’t start participating in theatre until college at ACTC, then majored in theatre at Morehead State University. I participated in regional shows in Richmond, Va., while living there. I lived in NYC for three years were I took classes at HB studios. I moved back to the area about 12 years ago and got back into theatre, then ended up making a home at ARTS.

Q: This is being performed in the Renaissance ballroom, an intimate setting, with the audience right in front of you. Does that make the show easier or more difficult to perform?

Tiffany: The first show I did in the ballroom was intimidating, but once you get used to it, you're fine. I actually like it better now because you can hear and see the reactions from the audience, even whispers. The intimacy makes me feel like I have a better connection with the audience. In Company the cast is on stage the entire show, so feeling comfortable is very important.

Q: Why would you recommend Company to our readers?

Tiffany: This show is full of great music, great laughter, intimate moments, emotional moments, dancing, and it makes you feel and think. Plus it’s all live, happening right in front of you. What could be better than that?

Thanks, Tiffany!

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical Company by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787.

"Company" Cast Interview #3 - Cyndi Fuller

 Just three days to the first performance of the musical Company, so let's continue our interviews with the members of the cast!

   Up next is the lovely and talented (and very funny) Cyndi Fuller:

Q: Tell us the basic story behind Company?

Cyndi: Company is about a guy named Bobby. During the course of the show, we see his relationships with all of his married friends. Basically, they're all pushing him toward marriage. The audience gets to see the struggles Bobby experiences as he sees first hand the positive and negative sides to being married.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Cyndi: Throughout the show, the audience meets three of Bobby's girlfriends. I play his girlfriend Marta. She is certainly unique! Marta is in love with New York. She's the kind of girl who has never met a stranger and wants YOU to be her next best friend. Marta is eccentric and just downright fun.

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

Cyndi: This is such a tough question to answer. Each song in the show is so meaningful and interesting. I'm going to have to say my favorite is the girlfriend's trio: "You Could Drive A Person Crazy". It's catchy and witty. It's the song every girl wants to sing to their ex.

Q: Is the music challenging?

Cyndi: The word challenging doesn't do Sondheim justice. This has certainly been the hardest harmony I've ever worked on in my life. The music is genius... and so, so, SO difficult. Every person involved in this show is insane for tackling this music.

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

Cyndi: I just love being part of ARTS. This show in particular isn't like most musicals. There aren't big, fluffy dance numbers. We don't smile cheesy smiles the whole show in outrageous costumes (though I do love all those things). The music is about living and what life brings you, whether that's good or bad. There are funny moments followed immediately by heart wrenching ones. It's a musical unlike any other.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Cyndi: I loved being on stage as a child. Somewhere down the line, I stopped performing. ARTS' production of Much Ado About Nothing was my first show in five years. Thankfully they were crazy enough to let me audition for ARTS resident company! I don't plan on retiring from the stage anytime soon.

Q: This is being performed in the Renaissance Ballroom - an intimate setting, with the audience right in front of you. Does that make the show easier or more difficult to perform?

Cyndi: This will be my first opportunity performing in the Renaissance Ballroom, so I don't know how the arrangement affects actors nerves yet. I do think the intimate setting is appropriate for a show like this. We want the audience to feel like they are right there with Bobby during all his experiences.

Q: Why would you recommend Company to our readers?

Cyndi: There's no other musical like it. I guarantee you'll love it. There's never been a better time to be at ARTS. Won't you join us?

Thanks, Cyndi!

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical Company by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787.

ACTC Theatre Auditions - March 23 & 24

Ashland Community and Technical College Theatre will hold auditions for The Festival of One-Act Plays on Monday, March 23, at 6 p.m. and Tuesday, March 24, at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the J. B. Sowards Theatre at the College Drive Campus.

Auditions are open to area adults and high school and college students. Dramatic roles are available for male and female performers. 

Those auditioning will do cold readings from the script, and no advance preparation is needed.  

The Festival will feature 12 short monologues and plays written by ACTC students in the fall 2014 playwriting class taught by Assistant Professor Jonathan Joy.  

ACTC faculty and staff members will direct the plays, and performances will be given April 24 to 26.  

For more information, email Dr. Carol Greene at ACTC, carol.greene@kctcs.edu, or call 606.326.2142.

"Company" Interview #2 - Len Trent

   Time for another interview with the cast of the much-anticipated musical Company!

   Today, let's talk with the talented Len Trent!

Q: Tell us the story behind Company.

Len: Company is the story of Robert and his search for answers about love and marriage. We see Robert and his relationships with his married friends as well as some of the single ladies in his life.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Len: I play Harry. Harry and Sarah are one of the married couples in Robert's close circle of friends.  Harry is kind of partial to booze and the relationship between Harry and Sarah is a bit unique. There may be some competition between husband and wife, but it's all in love.

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

Len: No way I can pick a favorite. It is such a great show. There is now way to pick just one.

Q: Is the music challenging?

Len: The music is some of the most challenging I have ever experienced. Sondheim writes in such a unique way. His challenging style and story line are what make it such a great show.

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

Len: Sondheim. I get to be on stage with my wife. ARTS. Amy Carlson directing. I think each one of those is reason enough to do this show.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Len: Theatre has been a part of my life for over 20 years. These past few years as an ARTS company member have been some of the best.

Q: This is being performed in the Renaissance Ballroom - an intimate setting, with the audience right in front of you. Does that make the show easier or more difficult to perform?

Len: I think the audience being so close to us is wonderful but does have its challenges. It is an intimate space, so the smallest details are magnified. You have to be conscious of it from the very start of rehearsal.  

Q: Why would you recommend Company to our readers?

Len: If you are a fan of musical theatre you need to see this show. Company is up there with some the best musicals ever. Come join us at ARTS.

  Thanks, Len! 

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787.

The Cast of "Company" Speaks Out!

   Coming up next week, the musical Company takes the stage at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre - so let's hear from the cast!

   We'll have a series of interviews with the cast in the days ahead, starting with the lovely and talented Anna Baker:

Q: What is Company about?

Anna: Company is about a man with the desire to be loved, wabted, and needed - to an extent. Bobby is the best friend of five couples who are always asking him to be around. They also always ask him why he is not married. This show is about the basic human desire to be wanted. It's about the struggles of marriage and how Bobby figures out what HE truly wants.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Anna: I play Susan, a belle of the south who has relocated to the Big Apple with her husband, Peter. She's so much fun. I get to be charming, funny, sassy and sweet. Susan is the wife who figures out that marriage is sometimes best when you're unmarried. 

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

Anna: My favorite song in this show is "Poor Baby." It's a song about how petty and jealous women can be over a male friend's new lover. The wives get to get up close and personal to Bobby and April, saying nasty things about her. The song is so much fun, and has a good amount of sarcastic, mean lyrics. What more could you ask for?

Q: Is the music challenging?

Anna: It's Sondhiem, so definitely. It was hard to learn, and takes lots of memorization and hard work. It may be challenging, but once you hear the harmonies, it gives you chills. 

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Anna: I wanted to be in this show because it is something a lot of people can relate to - married or unmarried. We all want to be wanted. We all have had friends by conveniece, and we all have to grow up sometimes. I also wanted to be in this show because it's a challenge. It's always good to challenge yourself as performer, but this takes the cake. It's amazing to do this and grow with people who you consider your closest friends. 

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Anna: I've done theatre for around nine years now. I started because I saw Hairspray on Broadway, and wanted to feel how it felt to be the one making people react so intensely. I started my theatre life with A Christmas Carol at ACTC in 2004, and I never looked back. I didn't know I could sing, so I got a big surprise when people said I could. With a little more confidence, I continued and I've never looked back. 

Q: The Renaissance Ballroom is an intimate setting, with the audience close to the actors. Is that intimidating?

Anna: Since this show is being performed inches from the faces of the audience, it definitely makes it more intimate and difficult. We don't have a break to go backstage - we're onstage the entire show. I'm excited to have such a intimate setting and to be so close with the audience. It will be a challenge, but it's always fun to be someone else, isn't it? Especially with people watching.

   Thanks, Anna! 

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787.

It's a Monster!

   Congratulations to Actors for Children Theatre's (ACT) production Monsters Under the Bed! 

   Sarah Diamond Burroway directed the show, which enjoyed a sold-out tour last fall.

   In November, ACT won Outstanding Production, Best Ensemble and Outstanding Costumes and Make-Up at the Kentucky Theatre Association Community Theatre Festival, which advanced the show to Regionals. 

   ACT performed at the Southeastern Theatre Conference last Friday with Gay Hammond, the talented playwright from Georgia, in the audience. 

   The cast walked away with honors, as ACT was selected as one of 13 Outstanding Productions in the southeast and one of only 42 Outstanding Productions in the nation. 

   At SETC, theatre companies performed in adjudicated competition with community theatre troupes from 10 state including Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“Monsters Under the Bed provides a great story for children,” Burroway said.  “It’s fun and quirky and shares an imaginative anthology of scenes, stories and poems with the underlying message for children that sometimes the things we fear really aren’t what they seem to be.”

Cast members include: ACT co-founder Bill Burroway, Emma Grace Imes and Miranda Hutchinson, all of Flatwoods; Ethan Darby and Kristina Richins, both of Ashland; and Matthew Johnson of Wheelersburg, Ohio.

ACT is a troupe of adult actors who perform theatre for youth in settings like schools, arts centers, libraries and other venues. For more information about booking a performances by Actors for Children Theatre, contact director Sarah Diamond Burroway at 606-922-2903.  Or, look for Actors for Children Theatre on Facebook.

Photo by Brad Bear

"Once on This Island, Jr."

   In the interests of fairness, I must admit that I'm on the board of First Stage Theatre Company, so I can't really write an objective review of Once on This Island, Jr. - but here are some thoughts I'd like to share about the production.

   I am so proud of these young performers!

   I refer to Once on This Island, Jr. as "the show that never ends" because it's been rehearsing since last summer.

   The reason for the long rehearsal schedule is because this isn't just a show - it's a show and an event and an activity and an experience of a lifetime for the performers involved.

   The auditions were held in August 2014, then the cast of about 25 kids rehearsed part-time and took part in numerous fundraisers to be able to take the entire cast to Atlanta for the annual Music Theatre International Junior Theatre Festival, where they joined 4,000 other kids from around the country. They performed a 15-minute segment of the show for professional judges, took part in workshops and saw professional Broadway stars live on stage!

   It was a terrific experience for them - and then they came back and rehearsed the full show, which wraps up this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street (the old Huntington High School).

   I got to see the full show last weekend, and while I'm prejudiced, I have to say - I loved it! It's a fast, often breezy (but also serious and touching) story of a young island girl, Ti Moune (Brooklyn Nelson) who is rescued from a flood by a kindly couple (Katie Fulks and Nick Wood). She often wonders why she was saved by the spirits of the island (each of which is wonderfully realized by four performers - Olivia Fosson, Teddy Haddox, Armaan Karimpour and Elysse Samassekou).

     As Ti Moune grows into a lovely young woman (played by the wonderful Samantha Young), she discovers the reason - a young man (Samuel Collins) is injured in an accident, and she pledges her life to saving his. But the gods are intrigued - can love be greater than death? And can Ti Moune overcome the culture gap that dictates that her people and his must be separated?

   That's the story that plays out in island songs and creative dances - what an entertaining production it is! The cast is loaded with talented young performers, decked out in colorful costumes, with a cleverly-designed three-level set.

   Kudos to the tech crew and the directing team - director Amy Browning, music director Chris Bowling, choreographer Sarah Hayes, assistant director / technical director Ashleigh Bailey-Bannon, and producer Jeanette Bailey - for their work bringing this touching show to life, and making this opportunity available to this cast!

   You just have two chances left to catch the show - it runs Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. - it's highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend

    The snow - as far as I know - hasn't cancelled any of the shows scheduled for this weekend. 

   Lots of great shows to choose from, including:

- Once On This Island, Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” Shows will be presented March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437.

- Magic Makers Reunion - A concert will be presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company and the City of Huntington Foundation. It will be presented March 7. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., the show at 8 p.m. at the JCS Auditorium in Huntington’s City Hall at 800 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets for the wine and cheese reception and show: $30, show-only tickets are $25. To reserve tickets call 304-696-5522.

- The Rockin' Tale of Snow White - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and March 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students (ages 4 to 18). 

- The Lion in Winter - The Limelight Theatre Company presents the play March 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All seats are $16.

   So get out there and support your local theatre! 

A Tribute to Magic Makers

   This Saturday performers will gather at Huntington's City Hall to honor a tradition that is in the process of closing - Magic Makers.

   My pal Dave Lavender wrote a terrific feature about it last Sunday in the Herald-Dispatch. You can read that article here - and here's an excerpt:

 Just ask Ken Epperly and Ken Fox, there really is no business like sew business.

   After 36 years of providing custom-made costumes coast to coast - from Los Angeles' film studios to The White House Easter egg hunts - Magic Makers National Costume Supply House is closing down.

   But the local theater community could never and would never let the magical couple, Ken Epperly and Ken Fox - and their small family of employees - go quietly into the night without a fitting tribute.

   On Saturday, March 7, the City of Huntington Foundation is presenting "Magic Makers Reunion," a musical theater tribute featuring area stage veterans singing a slew of Ken and Ken's favorite Broadway showtunes at Huntington City Hall's Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium.

   Hosted by long-time friends, Debbie Wolfe and Dave Benton, the star-studded tribute show features such performers as Huntington native Broadway star Beth McVey, as well as Ryan Hardiman, Helen Freeman, John Eric Booth, and Clint McElroy, members of the Cirque d' Art Theater troupe out of Portsmouth, Ohio, Ella Hay's dance studio and the Charleston Light Opera Guild.

   There will also be some short, spoken tributes including one by Huntington mayor Steve Williams, as well as video tributes shown from such nationally-known area natives as Tony Award-winning actor and singer, Michael Cerveris, famous movie actress Jennifer Garner and Broadway star and internationally-touring singer Mark McVey.

   Advance tickets are $25 for the 8 p.m. show only or $30 for the show and a special 6:30 p.m. reception on the first floor of City Hall and featuring a wine and cheese reception, live music from Of The Dell, and the viewing of a special slideshow tribute and costume display from Magic Makers.

   For tickets, call the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522. All proceeds benefit the non-profit City of Huntington Foundation.

On Stage in March

   March brings with it lots of terrific community theatre shows - here’s the list:

- Once On This Island, Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” Shows will be presented March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437.

- Magic Makers Reunion - A concert will be presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company and the City of Huntington Foundation. It will be presented March 7. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., the show at 8 p.m. at the JCS Auditorium in Huntington’s City Hall at 800 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets for the wine and cheese reception and show: $30, show-only tickets are $25. To reserve tickets call 304-696-5522.

- Company - Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for reservations at  304-733-2787.

- Stuart Little - Paramount Players present the play based on the book by E.B. White on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (Advance sales) or $12 for adults and $10 for students (Day of the show). 

- Cinderella - The Paramount Players present the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein on March 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and March 21 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students (Advance sales), or $16 for adults and $12 for students (Day of show).

- The Rockin' Tale of Snow White - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and March 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students (ages 4 to 18). 

- The Lion in Winter - The Limelight Theatre Company presents the play March 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All seats are $16.

- Hamlet - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play through March 3.

- Steel Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage March 26 through April 14.

    Whew! So get out there and support your community theatre!