On Stage This Weekend

   Several great shows to choose from this weekend - here's the rundown:

- Dracula - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents and adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic vampire novel by the creator of CBS’s Extant, Mickey Fisher. The play will be presented at the Pikeville Mainstage on Oct. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $22 and $14.

- Mother Hicks - Alban Theatre presents an evocative story, richly realized through all of the resources of theatre including poetry, character and story. The setting includes various locations in and around Ware, Illinois, in the late spring of 1935 during the Great Depression. This play is about three outsiders - a foundling girl known only as Girl; a deaf boy, eloquent in the language of his silence; and an eccentric recluse, Mother Hicks, who is suspected of being a witch. The tale, told with poetry and sign language, chronicles the journeys of these three to find themselves, and each other, in a troubled time. The play will be presented Oct. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans.

- Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical based on the classic story at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth on Oct. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and  $12 for students and senior citizens.

- Night of the Living Dead Live - Southern Coalition for the Arts presents the play at The Coalfield Jamboree at 312 Main Street in Logan on Oct. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 each.

   So get out there and enjoy some local theatre!

Free Halloween Concert on Oct. 25

   The Cabell Midland and Huntington High Orchestras are combining to present their annual Halloween Concert on Oct. 25, 2016, at 7 p.m. in the Cabell Midland High School auditorium.  

   Middle school string orchestra students will join the high school orchestra to present music for the season.  

   Everyone will be dressed in costumes and enjoy this year's theme, "Haunted Carousel."  

   The concert is free to the public and the doors open at 6:30 p.m.  

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

On Stage This Weekend

   There are several great shows taking the stage this weekend - here's the rundown:

- God of Carnage - Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) presents the dark comedy by Yasmina Reza. In this play two married couples come together to discuss an incident involving their two sons. As the story unfolds bigger issues are discovered and we slowly see four adults revert to acting like children. This play is directed by Gene Anthony and will be presented Oct. 20, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and show tickets. On Thursday, October 20 only, tickets will be two for $20! Seating is limited for this show. 

- Romeo and Juliet - Huntington High School’s Theater Department will perform Shakespeare’s classic tale - with a twist! The play has been adapted into a musical, which will be staged on Oct. 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; with a matinee performance Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and adult tickets are $7. The show will be performed in the Huntington High School Auditorium.

- Dracula - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents and adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic vampire novel by the creator of CBS’s Extant, Mickey Fisher. The play will be presented at the Pikeville Mainstage on Oct. 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $22 and $14.

- "Boone" on the Carriage Trail Leaf Walk - Limelight Theatre presents the charm of Charleston's Carriage Trail in the midst of fall foliage. Daniel Boone returns to his family after a long exploration. He’s been gone a long time and seen a lot of things, but nothing compares to returning home. His wife Rebeccah has managed to keep the farm up while he’s been gone but she wants Daniel home with her and the children. James, Israel, and Jemimah have missed their father terribly and are desperate to hear all of the new tales he brings with him this time! His boys are determined to join their father on the next outing – if he lets them! Presented as part of FestivAll on Oct. 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

- Mother Hicks - Alban Theatre presents an evocative story, richly realized through all of the resources of theatre including poetry, character and story. The setting includes various locations in and around Ware, Illinois, in the late spring of 1935 during the Great Depression. This play is about three outsiders - a foundling girl known only as Girl; a deaf boy, eloquent in the language of his silence; and an eccentric recluse, Mother Hicks, who is suspected of being a witch. The tale, told with poetry and sign language, chronicles the journeys of these three to find themselves, and each other, in a troubled time. The play will be presented Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

"Romeo & Juliet"

   Huntington High School’s Theater Department will be performing Shakespeare’s classic tale of Romeo and Juliet beginning this Thursday at Huntington High School. 

   The musical will be presented on Thursday, Oct. 20; Friday, Oct. 21; and Saturday, Oct. 22 at 7:30 p.m.; with a matinee performance Sunday, Oct. 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and adult tickets are $7. The show will be performed in the Huntington High School Auditorium.

   Along with retelling the story, modern music from the '80s and '90s has been included. The romance now contains songs like Love is a Battlefield, She's Got a Way, Love Stinks, In His Kiss, Total Eclipse of the Heart, Take My Breath Away, Stay A While, Time, Listen to Your Heart, I Will Remember You, As I lay Me Down, Ain't No Sunshine, Poison Ivy & Love Potion #9, Thank You, and Father OSA.

   The music was chosen by professional musician and musical director, Mark Smith. “The songs chosen give an atmosphere of modern day to a show that is 2,000 years old,” Smith says, “We just wanted to give a classic a modern twist. It was an intriguing idea to move outside the norm.”

   Josh Lord will be portraying Romeo, Juliet’s lover. “Stressful but fantastic,” Lord exclaims about the show. “I really enjoy that it will captivate the audiences. The language is difficult to understand, but the songs will clear up confusion by the Shakespearean language.”

   Hannah Spurlock is playing the role of Juliet. Spurlock states, “I believe the show is more relatable with the music choices.”

"God of Carnage"

   I'm hearing rave reviews about the hilarious dark comedy God of Carnage being presented this weekend at the ARTS Ballroom at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington. (And I love the photos in the graphic above!)

    The play by Yasmina Reza focuses on two married couples who come together to discuss an incident involving their two sons. As the story unfolds bigger issues are discovered and we slowly see four adults revert to acting like children. 

   It will be presented Oct. 20, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m.. Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and show tickets.

   The play stars Amy Carlson, Joanna Murdock, James Holley and Mike Murdock and is directed by Gene Anthony. 

   Dinners are by reservation only. Call 304-733-2787 to get your tickets for dinner and a show! Dinners begin at 6:30pm on Fridays and Saturdays prior to the show in the ARTS Ballroom.
   The Dinner menu includes green salad with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, Beef Brisket, baked potato, broccoli, and apple clafouti. 

   The ARTS Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) is located at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

   (Note: God of Carnage contains adult language and situations and is not intended for children.)

On Stage This Weekend

   There are several great community theatre shows to choose from this weekend - here's the rundown:

- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer -  First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on the novel by Mark Twain. The play features a unique take on the classic story, putting it in a steampunk setting. It will be presented at Huntington Middle School on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- God of Carnage - Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) presents the dark comedy by Yasmina Reza. In this play two married couples come together to discuss an incident involving their two sons. As the story unfolds bigger issues are discovered and we slowly see four adults revert to acting like children. This play is directed by Gene Anthony and will be presented Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15, and Oct. 20, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and show tickets. On Thursday, October 20 only, tickets will be two for $20! Seating is limited for this show. 

- Dracula - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents and adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic vampire novel by the creator of CBS’s Extant, Mickey Fisher. The play will be presented at the Pikeville Mainstage on Oct. 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $22 and $14.

   So get out there and support your local theatre!

On Stage This Weekend Only: "Tom Sawyer"

   Taking the stage this weekend for three shows only is an original take on a classic tale!

   First Stage Theatre Company will present the play The Adventures of Tom Sawyer on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington Middle School. Tickets are $8 for children and $10 for adults.

   The show features local high school, middle school and elementary school students. It is based on the beloved novel by Mark Twain. It follows the humor, action and excitement of life in Missouri in the late 1840s, including a life or death battle with a dangerous fugitive in a cave. But the setting will be unique to the production, as the set and costumes have a Steampunk style - so expect a new twist on the classic tale.

   The play is being directed by Zach Davis with assistant director Courtney Parsley and producer Debbie Jackson.

    The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is the first show in the 27^th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre.  Shows coming up include School of Rock the Musical: Youth Production on Nov. 10, 11, 12 and 13, 2016, and Honk! and Showcase 2017 in Spring 2017.

   The mission of First Stage Theatre Company is to provide opportunities for children to develop social and communication skills by participating in the performing arts and to promote fine arts education through the presentation of theatrical productions to children and families in our community. There is no charge for children to be part of a First Stage production.

   For more information, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437) or go to www.FirstStageTheatre.org. 

Theatre for Kids!

   My pal Sarah Diamond Burroway earned some well-deserved recognition this week in a terrific story by David Malloy for the Herald Dispatch (he also took the photo of Sarah above)!

   You can read the story right here - or here's an excerpt:

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   Sarah Diamond Burroway has a passion for bringing arts to students in the Tri-State who may have never seen a play.

   "Humanities are what connects us to each other and the world," Diamond Burroway said. "I love stories and storytelling. I think it's important for kids to learn through storytelling."

   "Arts in the schools is being reduced," she said. "What we're doing is a way to help."

   She may be familiar to Tri-State radio listeners as Sarah Diamond, news director at WTCR-FM from 1987 to 1993.

   Diamond Burroway co-founded Actors for Children Theatre, part of the Rivertown Performing Arts League, to bring plays to local schools starting in the spring of 2013.

   Their first performance had four actors and two members in the crew. This fall, the actor's group has an all-youth cast of middle school and high school students.

   Their first performance is set for Monday, Oct. 17, at the Cultural Arts Center in Raceland, Kentucky. The play "Hoodie," is written by Lindsay Price and has eight cast members from the ages of 12 to 17.

   The play touches on issues like body image, growing up and facing changes, Diamond Burroway said.

   A performance also is scheduled Friday, Oct. 28, at Ashland Middle School and at the Olive Hill Historical Society on Wednesday, Nov. 9, she said.

   They'll also perform it as part of the Kentucky Theatre Association at the Community Theatre Festival on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 -12, at the University of Kentucky, she said.

   The Actors for Children Theatre is making its fourth appearance at the Kentucky Theatre Association and has been named outstanding production in the state for the past three years. That advanced the group to the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Alabama, in Tennessee and in North Carolina from 2013-15.

   "Our plays always have a message," she said. "We like taking plays to local schools. We get a bigger audience."

   Diamond Burroway, grants writer at Ashland Community and Technical College, has helped secure several grants for the performing arts group.

Happy Birthday Blog!

   It's amazing to note that today marks the 10th birthday for the Tri-State Theatre blog!

   It started when my pal Dave Lavender called me and asked if I could recommend someone to write a local blog about community theatre. I said, "You mean other than me?"

   I was happy to tackle the challenge, because I'd been thinking about starting a blog anyway, and it was a great topic to tackle.

   I was a fan of local theatre anyway (in addition to working with Huntington's First Stage Theatre Company and other groups as well), and I thought the blog might be a good way to provide information about all the upcoming or ongoing shows, and would provide some promotion for those efforts.

   Marketing each show is a big challenge to community theatre companies - most have limited resources, and advertising a show is an expense most can't afford.

   So my hope was that this blog would help shine some light on the amazing efforts of the creative people who devote so much time and energy to create shows - and hopefully, I could share some of my own enthusiasm for live, local theatre!

   In that first post on Oct. 4, 2006, I wrote:

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   Huntington has a rich history of theatre, both at Marshall University and its outstanding Department of Theatre, and through community efforts, including groups like the Musical Arts Guild, the First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre and ARTS, to name the ones that leap immediately to mind.

   You’ll also find active theatre groups at almost every local high school, and several groups just a short drive away in Charleston and Ashland.

   And thanks to the Marshall Artists Series, we even get to see professional theatre groups perform locally.

   So if you like live theatre (and we assume you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t), there’s a lot to choose from. 

   That’s why, under the kind auspices of The Herald-Dispatch, we’re launching this theatre blog -- to focus on those local shows, and talk about the shows that are coming up, shows from years past (the ones you loved and the ones you hated), and to take you behind the scenes to see how shows are made.

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   So, many thanks to the Herald-Dispatch for providing this forum, to my editor Andrea for her tireless guidance and thoughtfulness, kudos to the creative folks who make local theatre possible, and hats off to the thousands of actors, directors and volunteers who were part of the hundreds of shows that have been staged since we started.

   Most of all, thanks to you, gentle reader, for supporting this humble effort. As always, send in your show information, your reviews, your previews, or photos (send them to ChuckMinsker@aol.com) - this blog belongs to the Tri-State, and I urge you to keep using it to talk up your shows, and spread the word about the joys of community theatre!

   Thanks for reading - now on to the next 10! 

   

On Stage in October

   October is always a big month for community theatre, and 2016 is no exception! 

   Here's the lineup of great shows coming up - mark your calendar!

- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer -  First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on the novel by Mark Twain. The play features a unique take on the classic story, putting it in a steampunk setting. It will be presented at Huntington Middle School on Oct. 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 16 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- God of Carnage - Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) presents the dark comedy by Yasmina Reza. In this play two married couples come together to discuss an incident involving their two sons. As the story unfolds bigger issues are discovered and we slowly see four adults revert to acting like children. This play is directed by Gene Anthony and will be presented Oct. 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for show only and $30 for dinner and show tickets. On Thursday, October 20 only, tickets will be two for $20! Seating is limited for this show. 

- Picnic - Marshall University School of Theatre presents the play by William Inge on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center at 1655 5th Avenue. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5-12, and free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

- Norman Rockwell's An American Paradise - CYAC presents this original musical, which features 27 vignettes, each based on a different Rockwell painting that tells a story behind each painting. Shows will be on Oct. 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $8 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults.

- The Jungle Book -  The Children's Theatre of Charleston present the play based on the novel by Rudyard Kipling on Oct. 7, 8 and 9 at 7 p.m., and Oct. 8 and 9 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre at 200 Civic Center Drive. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. 

- Dracula - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents and adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic vampire novel by the creator of CBS’s Extant, Mickey Fisher. The play will be presented at the Pikeville Mainstage on Oct. 13, 14,15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25, $22 and $14.

- "Boone" on the Carriage Trail Leaf Walk - Limelight Theatre presents the charm of Charleston's Carriage Trail in the midst of fall foliage. Daniel Boone returns to his family after a long exploration. He’s been gone a long time and seen a lot of things, but nothing compares to returning home. His wife Rebeccah has managed to keep the farm up while he’s been gone but she wants Daniel home with her and the children. James, Israel, and Jemimah have missed their father terribly and are desperate to hear all of the new tales he brings with him this time! His boys are determined to join their father on the next outing – if he lets them! Presented as part of FestivAll on Oct. 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

- Mother Hicks - Alban Theatre presents an evocative story, richly realized through all of the resources of theatre including poetry, character and story. The setting includes various locations in and around Ware, Illinois, in the late spring of 1935 during the Great Depression. This play is about three outsiders - a foundling girl known only as Girl; a deaf boy, eloquent in the language of his silence; and an eccentric recluse, Mother Hicks, who is suspected of being a witch. The tale, told with poetry and sign language, chronicles the journeys of these three to find themselves, and each other, in a troubled time. The play will be presented Aug. 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m., and Oct. 23 and 30 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans.

- The Merchant of Venice - The Rustic Mechanicals present the play by William Shakespeare on Oct 2 at 5 p.m. at the LaBelle Theatre at 311 D Street in South Charleston. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students.

- Once -  A touring production of the Broadway musical will be presented Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eloise Covert Smith Theater at Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at 940 Second Street in Portsmouth. Reserved tickets range from $60 to $12. Call 740-351-3600.

   What a great lineup! Lots of reasons to support your community theatre!