Coming Up in 2016 - First Stage Theatre Co.

   First Stage Theatre Company is the long-running children’s theatre based in Huntington.

   As you’d expect, the group follows the school year - so it has two shows lined up for the Spring of 2016, but hasn’t announced its next season yet, so we’ll have to wait to see what they’ll present in the Fall.

   In fact, the first show will hold auditions on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2016, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va.

   

    Here’s the lineup for the Spring, which wraps up the group’s 26th season:   

- Without Strings - The show will be presented March 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2016, at the auditorium at Huntington Middle School. The non-musical play is based on Carlo Collodi's “The Adventures of Pinocchio” written by Patrick Rainville Dorn. It follows the adventures of a marionette named Pinocchio who is magically brought to life, but who must overcome obstacles and survive an encounter with a monster whale to prove he’s worthy of becoming a real boy. The show is directed by  Zach Davis and produced by Debbie Jackson.

- Junie B. Jones: the Musical - The show will be presented April 8, 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington. The show adapts four of Barbara Park's best-selling books. It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie's friend Lucille doesn't want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher Mr. Scary thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting! The show is directed by Amy Browning and produced by Jeanette Bailey.

   It’s shaping up to be another great season for First Stage - don’t miss it!