On Stage This Weekend: Four shows!

   You have four great shows to choose from this weekend (although one is sold out) - here's the list:

- Steel Magnolias - Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) presents the play by Robert Harling at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on March 30, 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m. - but all those shows are sold out.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Paramount Players present the beloved musical on March 31 at 7:30 p.m. and April 1 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. It will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students for the 7:30 p.m. shows, and $20 for adults and $12 for students for the 3 p.m. performance.

- Hedda Gabler - Alban Arts and Conference Center present the play by Henrik Ibsen. The show will be presented at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans on March 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m., and April 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- Rent - The Clay Center presents the Broadway Touring show of the classic musical by Jonathan Larson. It will be presented March 30 at 7:30 p.m. at 1 Clay Square in Charleston. Tickets range from $75 to $25.

   So get out there and see a show!

"Steel Magnolias" is Sold Out!

   I hope you already have your tickets for this weekend's production of the play Steel Magnolias, because the last shows are sold out! 

   (It's a problem every theatre company dreams of!)

   There are three last shows being presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

   The show is the second of the year from Arts Resources of the Tri-State (ARTS) in Huntington. 

   The play premiered on Broadway in 1987 and inspired the hit 1989 movie of the same name. Steel Magnolias celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year.

 

Gearing Up for Summer Theatre

    Jean Tarbett Hardiman filed a great story in the Herald-Dispatch this weekend profiling Mary Smirl, the co-director of this summer's offering from HART: Disney's Beauty and the Beast.'

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

-----------------

Mary Smirl's husband, Tommy, sometimes wonders how many successful young adults are walking around this world having once played an inanimate object in one of his wife's plays. It's probably quite a few.

A longtime children's theater director in Huntington, Mary Smirl never did like leaving out children who had auditioned. She would sit up all hours of the night thinking about how to squeeze one more child into the cast of a show, even if there was no speaking and very little movement involved in the role.

"We always gave them names, because they're kids, and you want to look at a kid and hear them say, 'I'm Soap!' " she said, adding that kids usually make the most of their parts, big and small. "Some of our best kids started out as a tree. A tree is a good place to start."

This year, that tendency will reveal itself in a few extra dinner table items dancing in "Be Our Guest," as Smirl and husband Tommy co-direct Beauty and the Beast with another theater veteran, Angie Jolicoeur. The production will be part of the fourth summer for Huntington Area Regional Theatre, or HART in the Park.

Photo Gallery of "Steel Magnolias"

    The Herald-Dispatch has a great photo gallery by Sholten Singer of scenes from Steel Magnolias, which you can see right here: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/_recent_news/photos-arts-production-of-steel-magnolias/collection_60273e80-0fd0-11e7-b94e-3ffbdc30ae90.html#7

On Stage This Weekend

   There are three great shows taking the stage this weekend - but you can only see two of them, because Steel Magnolias is already sold out!

   Here's the lineup:

- Steel Magnolias -  Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) presents the play by Robert Harling at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on March 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and March 30, 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m. General Admission tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - reservations are required for dinner. Call 304-733-2787.

- Hedda Gabler - Alban Arts and Conference Center present the play by Henrik Ibsen. The show will be presented at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans on March 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m., and March 26 and April 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- Cinderella’s Glass Slipper - Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the musical based on the classic fairy tale. The show will be presented at the Civic Center Little Theater on March 24 and 25 at 7:00 p.m. and March 25 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students $10.

   So get out there and enjoy some theatre (except for Steel Magnolias - unless you already have a ticket, you'll have to wait until next weekend)!

Everyone Loves "Steel Magnolias!"

 How popular is the play Steel Magnolias?

   A lot, apparently - because the first weekend of performances (March 24 and 25) has already sold out!

   That means you only have three more chances to see it - there's a special "Girls Night Out 2 for $20" performance on Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m. The final shows are Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 at 8 p.m.

   Tickets are $15 for show only, except for the "Girls Night Out" performance on Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m. when tickets are two for $20.  

   The show stars Mary Williams as M'Lynn, Mary Elizabeth Olson as Clairee, Jinnie Knight as Truvy, Linda Reynolds as Ouiser, Nora Ankrom as Shelby, and Joanna Murdock as Annelle.

   The play premiered on Broadway in 1987 and inspired the hit 1989 movie of the same name. Steel Magnolias celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year. 

   Congrats to the cast and crew for a terrific start to their run!

Theatre Camp

   My pal Eddie Harbert announced this week that it's time for Theatre Camp! 

   Younger camp for ages 5-11 runs June 12 to July 1- students will be performing the musical Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark, Jr. 

   Older camp is for ages 11-18 and runs July 17 to Aug. 4. Students in older camp will be performing the musical Xanadu, Jr. 

   Camp runs five days per week for three weeks from 9 a.m. to noon for both camps. Students will learn beginning aspects of theatre and will assist in building costumes and props, auditioning, learning lines and choreography, and building sets. 

   Cost for the camp is $300 and includes all materials including script, T-shirt, and cast photo. Camp will be directed by Eddie Harbert with Coni Anthony serving as choreographer and Carol Scarberry as Craft Coordinator. 

   Camp will be held and performances given at the Barboursville Amphitheater in Barboursville Park. Each camp is limited to 30 participants and spots are already beginning to fill up. There is a nonrefundable $25 registration fee. There may be some very limited scholarships available. 

   You can contact Harbert by private Facebook message, by phone at 304-360-2749, or by email at harberteddie@gmail.com. 

On Stage Next Week: "Steel Magnolias"

    The play Steel Magnolias is just around the corner, and our pals at ARTS in Huntington sent out this release about the show:

   The ARTS 2017 Season is in full swing and it is almost time for our second production of the season, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. We've got a LOT happening, and we can't wait to share everything with you!

   What: Steel Magnolias  - directed by Dr. Amy Carlson - and starring Mary Williams as M'Lynn, Mary Elizabeth Olson as Clairee, Jinnie Knight as Truvy, Linda Reynolds as Ouiser, Nora Ankrom as Shelby, and in her last turn on our stage, for the foreseeable future, Joanna Murdock as Annelle.

   The play premiered on Broadway in 1987 and inspired the hit 1989 movie of the same name. Steel Magnolias celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year and we are so excited to share it with you. 

Join us for Steel Magnolias:

OPENING NIGHT - Friday, March 24 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 at 8 p.m.

Girls Night Out 2 for $20 NIGHT - Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m.

Closing Weekend - Friday, March 31 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, April 1 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for show only, except for the GIRLS NIGHT OUT performance on Thursday, March 30 at 8 p.m. when tickets are 2 for $20.  Bring a friend!

Dinner is also available for the Friday and Saturday night shows at 6:30 p.m. for an additional $15 (Dinner + Show Tickets are $30) - and reservations must be made for dinner by Calling us at our new number 304-634-5015 to get your tables!

PLEASE NOTE: Several dinners are already sold out - so don't wait, call us at 304-634-5015 now!

DINNER MENU:
Coleslaw
Ham glazed with Coca-Cola
Green beans
Sweet Potato Casserole
Rolls
Bleedin' Armadillo Grooms Cake (red velvet cake)

   Seating is EXTREMELY limited for this show - Only 62 seats are available.  Please reserve your tickets as soon as you can, in order to guarantee you get to see this production!

   Please visit www.artstristate.org for online tickets. Dinner tickets must be reserved over the phone.  Show only tickets may be purchased online.

PIRATES, PINAFORES, AND MORE

Also coming in May, we'll have our third production of the 2017 season, AN EVENING WITH GILBERT & SULLIVAN - a musical review directed by Dr. John Campbell. We're very excited to bring Dr. Campbell on board and to present this fun and exciting show for the whole family to enjoy!  Mark you calendars now!  May 5, 6, 11, 12, 13 at 8:00 PM.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! We hope to see you at Steel Magnolias!

ARTS Resources for the Tri-State

900 8th Street

Huntington, WV 25701

On Stage This Weekend

   There are two shows on local stages this weekend:

- The Lion King, Jr. - the Portsmouth Area Children's Theatre presents the musical based on the classic Disney animated film on Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 19 at 2:30 p.m. It will be presented at the Eloise Covert Smith Theater at Vern Riffe Center for the Arts at Shawnee State University at 940 Second Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

- Peter and the Starcatcher - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of a young orphan and his mates who are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. When the ship is taken over by pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache, the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure. The show will be presented at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, KY on Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, at 7:30 p.m.

    So go see a show!

"Honk, Jr!" Photo Gallery

   You can see a great selection of photos from last weekend's performance of Honk Jr. by First Stage Theatre Company at this link.

   The photos (like the one of the cast above) are by Anthony Davis for the Herald-Dispatch.

Marshall Theatre Grads Working in Theatre Jobs

   My pal Dave Lavender wrote a terrific story in this week Herald-Dispatch about graduates of Marshall University's Theatre program who are out working in their chosen field.

   You can read it at this link - here's an excerpt:

   Last summer, Mike Murdock starred in "On Golden Pond" at Greenbrier Valley Theatre.

   With the GVT crew, he weathered the historic floods that racked Greenbrier County in a summer he will never forget.

   Just a month ago, Murdock kind of made history again with GVT, as he snagged one of only a handful of professional theater jobs in West Virginia, getting hired to be props master for the Lewisburg, West Virginia-based GVT, the only year-round professional theater in the state.

   Murdock's gig with the 50-year-old GVT may be rare — for an actor to actually find professional work in the state; however, the fact that a Marshall University theater grad is working in the ultra-competitive theater and entertainment industry is becoming more commonplace.

   The Marshall School of Theatre has graduates who are working in every aspect of the theatrical business, from educators and actors to tech, playwriting and design, all over the country and in every major theater stronghold, from L.A. and New York to Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas.

As the Herd scatters

   Thanks in part to the fingertip interaction of social media, Marshall theater professors like Jack Cirillo, a professor in performance studies who first came to Marshall in 1998, can instantly reel off pages of recent graduates who are working in every aspect of the business across the country.

   "Every single person on this list is using their degree from theater from Marshall University to make a living as either an educator in the arts or as an artist themselves, and that is a hard thing to do," Cirillo said, holding up a couple of pages of recent grads he typed from memory. "It is much easier to parlay your business degree to an administrative position with Wal-Mart. There is just more opportunity ... but we have students in L.A., New York and Chicago, all the main hubs of theater performance and production, and in the case of Erika Piotrowski, she is out in Vegas and has been a part of some big spectacle shows, so our students, I think, have a pretty good balance of performance and production during their time with us so they are capable of going off and doing a lot of diverse kinds of things in theater."

On Stage This Weekend

   There are four great shows to choose from this weekend:

- Honk! Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the beloved musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling. Shows will be presented one weekend only, on March 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 at 2 p.m. at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way in Huntington. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under.

- Peter and the Starcatcher - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of a young orphan and his mates who are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. When the ship is taken over by pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache, the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure. The show will be presented at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, KY on March 10, 11, 14, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

- A Midsummer Night's Dream - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the classic comedy about love and magic by William Shakespeare on March 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio.

- Cinderella -  The Clay Center presents the Broadway touring show by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It will be presented at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences at 1 Clay Square in Charleston on March 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $78 to $57.

   So get out there and see a show!

Interview with the cast of "Honk Jr!"

   Talking the stage this weekend in Huntington (and only this weekend) is the terrific musical comedy Honk Jr! 

   First Stage Theatre presents a talented cast bringing the show to life at the auditorium at Huntington High School on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

   We have some interviews with the cast to share! Let’s hear from a trio of talented actors: Kylie Wright (Mother Swan), Emma Maynard (Beaky), and Abby Roe (Froglet):

Q. Tell us about Honk Jr!

Kylie: Honk Jr! Is the story of the Ugly Duckling. This show is about finding your true self, finding acceptance, and loving your self for who you are. It shares a positive message with people. You get to meet a lot of fun characters and it is very entertaining for all. 

Emma: Honk Jr! tells a story about how being "different" can sometimes be hard, but in the end, being who you really are is all that matters!

Abby: There are lots of animals in it. There are geese, swans, ducks, frogs, and turkeys!  Honk Jr. is basically the Ugly Duckling, only a different version.

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

Emma: I wanted to be in Honk Jr!, because I love being around “My People.” I never feel "different" around my Theatre friends. We treat each other like family. The same way the Ugly Duckling wants to be treated. 

Abby: Every single year I want to do theater.

Kylie: I love being in musicals. The show seemed really cute and had a very good moral to it. I also love getting to hang out and have fun with old friends and make new ones.

Q. Tell us about the character you play.

Abby: Well, I am a froglet in the show. The froglets sing and dance. My character is funny and happy and tells good advice. It's not what you look like (on the outside) that counts. It's what you look like on the inside that counts. 

Kylie: I play Mother Swan who is Penny's mother. She is very sweet and kind and gives Ida comfort when she needs it most.

Emma: I play a sassy duckling named "Beaky" who isn't always very nice to my brother, the Ugly Duckling. By the end of the show, I learn how special my brother really was all along, and I'm proud to be his sister.

Q. Tell us about your favorite song or scene in the show.

Kylie: This is a super hard decision because there are a lot that I love but if I had to pick I would say "Warts and All.” I picked this song because it's fun and upbeat. I like that it is a positive moment for Ugly. It lets him know that he should be confident in who he is and not worry about what others think.

Emma: My favorite part of the show is the Blizzard Scene. I like getting into all of the emotion in the song we sing, and I think the audience will love watching the pretty dance number.

Abby: The Blizzard. I like the singing. 

Q. Is this show just for little kids?

Emma: Honk Jr! is great for any age! We've all felt different at some point in our lives, and that's okay. This show helps us understand why.

Abby: It is for little kids and BIG kids. Grownups can see it too. 

Kylie: No!!! It's based on a classic story that everyone should be familiar with. It has really great songs, characters, and funny scenes. I feel that people of all ages should enjoy it. 

Q. Why should our readers see this show?

Abby: Because it's really good. And you can see lots of details on the animals. There are lots of funny jokes from the bullfrog, at least two funny jokes. There are lots of other funny parts.

Kylie: The show is very enjoyable and entertaining . It's a great and fun way to spend time with your family.

Emma: Honk! Jr. is a very fun show to sing along with from the audience, and it teaches us all a very important lesson. You'll learn there's nothing wrong with being different!

Q: Thanks, Kylie, Emma and Abby!

   First Stage Theatre Company presents the beloved musical Honk Jr! based on the story of the Ugly Duckling. Shows will be presented one weekend only, on March 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 at 2 p.m. at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way in Huntington. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under.

On Stage This Weekend: "Honk, Jr!"

   Taking the stage for one weekend only is one of my all-time favorite shows: Honk, Jr!

   It's a show that First Stage Theatre presented way back in 2005 - it was the first time I'd seen the show.

   It tells the classic story of the Ugly Duckling, who tries to adjust to a world where he just doesn't fit - and he must try to survive the schemes of the Cat, who'd like to turn him into a snack.

   The show is loaded with lots of humor, great characters and terrific songs.

   It reminded me of the old Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoon, in that it works as entertainment for kids - and it also has humor and music that adults can enjoy.

   The cast has been working on the show for quite a while - most of them performed a segment of the show at this year's Junior Theatre Festival in Atlanta!

   Now they're offering the full (Junior) version, and it's a terrific show for all ages!

   I admit prejudice - the show is directed by my pal Amy Browning (who always does great work), it features an all-star cast loaded with talent, and it's a funny, touching show with a great message!

   It'll be presented one weekend only - on Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, March 12 at 2 p.m. at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.  Tickets are only $10 for adults and $8 for children age 12 and under.

   Don't miss it!

 

"Newsies" Returns to Local Theaters

   The Broadway musical Newsies has built a huge following of fans - and they have one more chance to catch the film of that show at local movie theatre, including the Huntington Mall and in Ashland, when it's shown one more time on Saturday, March 4.

   The high-energy show (which got rave reviews from my friends) was filmed on stage at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, and stars Original Broadway cast members Jeremy Jordan, Kara Lundsay, Ben Fankhauser and Andrew Keenan-Bolger.

 

On Stage in March

   March is here, and there are several great shows to look forward to - here’s the rundown:

- Honk! Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the beloved musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling. Shows will be presented one weekend only, on March 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 at 2 p.m. (with a special school performances March 9 at 9 a.m.), at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way in Huntington. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under.

- Steel Magnolias -  Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) presents the play by Robert Harling at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on March 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and March 30, 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m.

General Admission tickets are $15 for the show only, and $30 for dinner and show - reservations are required for dinner. Call 304-733-2787.

- Hedda Gabler - Alban Arts and Conference Center present the play by Henrik Ibsen. The show will be presented at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans on March 24, 25, 31 and April 1 at 8 p.m., and March 26 and April 2 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- Cinderella’s Glass Slipper - Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the musical based on the classic fairy tale. The show will be presented at the Civic Center Little Theater on March 24 and 25 at 7:00 p.m. and March 25 and 26 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students $10.

- Cinderella -  The Clay Center presents the Broadway touring show by Rodgers and Hammerstein. It will be presented at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences at 1 Clay Square in Charleston on March 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $78 to $57.

- Peter and the Starcatcher - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of a young orphan and his mates who are shipped off from Victorian England to a distant island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. When the ship is taken over by pirates led by the fearsome Black Stache, the journey quickly becomes a thrilling adventure. The show will be presented at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, KY on March 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 11, 14, 16, 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m.

- A Midsummer Night's Dream - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the classic comedy about love and magic by William Shakespeare on March 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio.

   So get out and see a show!