First Stage to Present "Showcase 2017"

        The First Stage Theatre Company is bringing back alumni from past shows to join present-day actors to take part is a special concert called Showcase 2017!

The performance will be one night only, on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Huntington High School's auditorium. 

   "Showcase" is a (non-competitive) variety show, and the performers will show off their talent - including singing, dancing, playing an instrument, and more!

   Playwright Jonathan Joy and his son Levi are directing a short non-musical play that will be part of Showcase!

The show is a fundraiser - all funds raised will go toward paying off the First Stage building. 

Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Founded in 1990, the organization produces stage shows starring young performers. There is no charge to take part in a First Stage production.

     “Showcase 2017” is the final production in First Stage’s 27th season.

On Stage This Weekend

   There are only two shows taking the stage this weekend - but they're "choice!"

   Here's the rundown:

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

   So go see a show!

Inside "Guys & Dolls"

   Marshall University Theatre wraps up its season this weekend with a terrific show - the classic musical Guys & Dolls!

   Derek Halsey gives us a look at the production in this story in the Herald-Dispatch.

   Here's an excerpt:

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Set in the bustling underworld of 1920s and '30s New York, Guys & Dolls debuted on Broadway in 1950 and quickly added its iconic songs - like "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" - to the American songbook.

Now, the Marshall University School of Theatre brings the classic, gangster-themed musical to life to close out its 2016-17 season. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, through Saturday, April 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Tickets are $20; $15 for seniors and Marshall University employees; Marshall students free with ID. Call 304-696-2787 for more information.

Based on two short stories by the late 1880s/early 1900s writer Damon Runyon, Guys & Dolls is about the clash between some gamblers in New York City and some attractive, straight-laced women that run a Salvation Army mission and are in search of some souls to save. One side tries to outwit the other while love enters into the picture and turns everyone's heads around.

With music written by Frank Loesser and a book written by Jo Swirling and Abe Burrows, Guys & Dolls also became famous for the actors who played the parts in this madcap story. Most notable was the 1955 film version of the play that starred Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine, who appeared in the original Broadway production.

On Stage This Week (and Weekend)

   There are lots of great shows coming up this weekend (and this week), including classic musicals and thought-provoking plays! Here’s the rundown:

- Guys & Dolls - Marshall University's School of Theatre will present the classic musical by Frank Loesser on April 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, the show has won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, the musical is an oddball romantic comedy of gamblers, entertainers, city cops and even the Salvation Army! Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7u for children ages 5 to 12, and free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

- She Loves Me - George Washington High School’s Theater of the Nevertheless will present the musical on April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 1p.m. at 1522 Tennis Club Road in Charleston.

- Marcellus Shale - Alban Arts and Conference Center present the play by Paul Zimet and Ellen Maddow on April 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds benefit the Ohio Valley Environmental Council and WVSORO.

- The Good Woman of Setzuan - West Virginia State University will present the play April 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the David Stephen Skeen Theatre. Admission is free for students and $10 for general admission.

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

   So get out there and see some shows!

"Guys & Dolls"

   Taking the stage this week is Guys & Dolls - and you can see some great photos from the production at this link (like the one above by Larry Butcher with the Herald-Dispatch).

   Marshall University's School of Theatre will present the classic musical by Frank Loesser on April 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, the show has won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, the musical is an oddball romantic comedy of gamblers, entertainers, city cops and even the Salvation Army! Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

   It's one of my favorite musicals - don't miss it!

On Stage This Weekend

   Taking the stage this weekend are three plays, including two musicals, andan original play. Here's the rundown:

- The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy - Huntington High School Performing Arts presents the musical based on the classic TV show on April 15 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- Betsy Ross Ate Here - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the original play by Dan Kehde on April 13, 14 and 15 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 and senior citizens.

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

  So get out there and see a show (or three)!

A Reunion for the Community Players

   For decades, the Huntington Community Players staged musicals and plays - many of them in the Abbott Theatre on Huntington's West End.

   To celebrate the history of the organization, alumni are invited to a reunion on Saturday, May 27 at 5 p.m. at the West 14th Street Gazebo. 

   Marshall Theater, Musical Arts Guild alumni, and anyone associated with theater in Huntington is welcome to attend. 

   There is no charge for the reunion. 

   For more information, including photo galleries of past productions (like the one above from The Hobbit), or to register for the reunion, visit the Huntington Community Players website at www.hcpreunion.com.

New Play Festival at ACTC This Weekend

   Ashland Community and Technical College will present the New Play Festival at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9, in the J.B. Sowards Theater at the College Drive Campus.

   The festival features 12 plays written by ACTC students in a last fall's playwriting class taught assistant English professor Jonathan Joy. Actors include more than 30 local students and community members. General admission tickets are $5 and will be available at the door before each performance

   At the same time, artwork by ACTC students in spring drawing and painting classes will be exhibited in the Theatre Lobby at College Drive Campus. 

   "We are holding the free exhibit in conjunction with the New Play Festival so that people can see both the visual and performing arts in one night," art professor Wendy Fosterwelsh said in a news release.

On Stage This Weekend

   You have three great shows to choose from this weekend - a musical based on a beloved TV show, a collection of new student-written plays, and an original production!

   Here's the rundown: 

- The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy - Huntington High School Performing Arts presents the musical based on the classic TV show on April 6, 7, 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and April 9 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- 4th Annual New Play Festival of Student Works - Ashland Community and Technical College Theatre presents 12 short scenes, monologues and one-act plays written by the Creative Writing / Playwriting students of ACTC's Jonathan Joy. The plays will be presented on April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theatre at 1400 College Drive in Ashland Ky. One weekend only! General admission at the door is $5.

- Betsy Ross Ate Here - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the original play by Dan Kehde on April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 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 and senior citizens.

   So get out there and see a show!

"Betsy Ross Ate Here"

   There's an original play taking the stage in Charleston this weekend and next - here's the info (and thanks to CYAC for the photo):

   The Contemporary Youth Arts Company will present the new Dan Kehde comedy Betsy Ross Ate Here at 8 p.m. April 6, 7 and 8 and 13, 14 and 15, at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. 

   Love triumphs over heartache in this simple comedy set in a present-day Philadelphia restaurant just across the street from a busy downtown hospital. Restaurant owner and former psychiatrist Steven Ross and his staff watch the stories of their customers unfold even as they themselves are drawn to past loves and new romances. 

   Tickets are $8 for students and senior citizens and $15 for adults. They are available at the door, or by calling the WVSU Box Office at 304-342-6522 during regular business hours. 

The Season for ARTS

   It's been a great season so far for ARTS, as they wrapped up a sold-out run of the play Steel Magnolias this weekend! 

   I was lucky enough to catch the final performance, and what a terrific show it was, loaded with terrific performances, lots of laughs and more than a few tears. Kudos to the cast and crew for a wonderful production.

   ARTS will present its third production in May, An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan - and now they've announced the rest of their 2017 season. 

 A Catered Affair will be directed by Bil Neal and presented Aug. 11, 12, 17, 18, and 19 at 8 p.m. Auditions for that musical will be May 19 and 20. Times and audition requirements and information TBA. 

   And in October, they will present The Odd Couple, directed by Gene Anthony. That show will run Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 8 p.m.

   Sounds like fun!

On Stage in April

   There are lots of great shows coming up in April, including classic musicals and original plays! Here’s the rundown:

- Guys & Dolls - Marshall University's School of Theatre will present the classic musical by Frank Loesser on April 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, the show has won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, the musical is an oddball romantic comedy of gamblers, entertainers, city cops and even the Salvation Army! Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7u for children ages 5 to 12, and free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

- Pippin - The Marshall Artists Series hosts the traveling Broadway show at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. Pippin won the Tony Award for Best Musical Revival. Tickets range from $54 to $85.

- The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy - Huntington High School Performing Arts presents the musical based on the classic TV show on April 6, 7, 8 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and April 9 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- 4th Annual New Play Festival of Student Works - Ashland Community and Technical College Theatre presents 12 short scenes, monologues and one-act plays written by the Creative Writing / Playwriting students of ACTC's Jonathan Joy. The plays will be presented on April 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and April 9 at 2:30 p.m. at the J.B. Sowards Theatre at 1400 College Drive in Ashland Ky. One weekend only! General admission at the door is $5.

- Betsy Ross Ate Here - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the original play by Dan Kehde on April 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 15 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 and senior citizens.

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

- She Loves Me - George Washington High School’s Theater of the Nevertheless will present the musical on April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 1p.m. at 1522 Tennis Club Road in Charleston.

- Marcellus Shale - Alban Arts and Conference Center present the play by Paul Zimet and Ellen Maddow on April 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds benefit the Ohio Valley Environmental Council and WVSORO.

- The Good Woman of Setzuan - West Virginia State University will present the play April 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the David Stephen Skeen Theatre. Admission is free for students and $10 for general admission.

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

   Whew! So get out there and see some shows!