Preparing "Frozen the Musical"

   We're all proud of Huntington native Brooklyn Nelson, who's been cast in the anxiously-awaited upcoming Broadway show Frozen the Musical.

   You can take a look at the behind the scenes process in the video below - and you can catch a glimpse of Brooklyn and the young actors in the show at about the 1:30 mark.

On Stage This Weekend

   There are several great shows taking the stage this weekend, including jukebox musicals and animated adaptations. Here's the rundown:

- Nunsense 2: The Second Coming - HART presents the musical comedy on July 28, 29 and 30 at 8:30 p.m. The gate opens at 7 p.m., the children’s pre-show starts at 7:30 p.m., and “Nunsense2” starts at 8:30 p.m. It will be presented at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. 

- All Shook Up - The Paramount Players present the musical based on songs by Elvis Presley on July 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and July 29 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. 

- The Hobbit - Alban Arts Center presents the play based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. It'll be presented on July 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and July 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children 12 and under.

- Anything Goes - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the classic musical about an amazing cruise on July 28, 29, Aug. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and July 30 and Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre. 

- Tarzan - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated Disney film on July 28 and 29 and Aug, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 8:15 p.m. and Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 121 Theatre Court in Prestonsburg, Ky.

   So get out there and see a show!

"All Shook Up"

   The Elvis-inspired musical All Shook Up takes the stage this weekend (for one weekend only), and Derek Halsey turned in a great story about it in today's Herald-Dispatch.

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

The musical "All Shook Up" was created in 2004 and made its Broadway debut in 2005. Known as a "jukebox musical," the play managed an impressive seven-month run on the Great White Way in New York City before being accepted by theater companies, college acting schools and more since then.

At the heart of "All Shook Up" is the music of Elvis Presley. While the story, written by Joe DiPietro, is set in a small town in 1955, this is not a biography of Presley. Instead, the play uses the music of the late singer to help tell a fun, romantic, whirlwind tale of love in a small town ignited by edgy rock 'n' roll-type visitor who stirs up the populace.

The Paramount Players, under the musical direction of Mark Smith, present the show at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 28-29, as well as 3 p.m. Saturday, July 29.

Tickets are $18 or $14 for students. Go online at www.paramountartscenter.com/ for more information or call 606-324-0007.

"All Shook Up" Photo Gallery

   The Herald-Dispatch has a great photo gallery posted with shots from All Shook Up, the Elvis-inspired musical that takes the stage this weekend at the Paramount Theatre.

   You can see the photos at this link.

   The Paramount Players present the musical on July 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and July 29 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. 

Marshall Artists Series Unveils Its New Season

   The Marshall Artists Series will be bringing in some terrific shows in the upcoming season.

   You can read all about it in this article in the Herald-Dispatch by my pal Dave Lavender.

   For theatre fans, here's the info you're anxious to read: 

   Broadway musicals include Kinky Boots, Chicago, A Night with Janis Joplin and Amazing Grace, a new Broadway hit based on the history of the beloved hymn.

   There are 13 great acts in all that will take the stage at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center, including musicians, comedians and dance troupes.

    I can testify the Kinky Boots and Chicago are terrific shows. The first is a high-energy story about a shoe factory that faces closure, but hopes a daring new direction will save the day, and the second show is the long-running hit about a couple of deadly dames and their fast-talking lawyer.

   Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend

   You have four great shows to choose from this week, including a musical comedy, a drama based on a classic fantasy novel, and two animated films brought to life!

   Here's the rundown:   

- Nunsense 2: The Second Coming - HART presents the musical comedy on July 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8:30 p.m. The gate opens at 7 p.m., the children’s pre-show starts at 7:30 p.m., and “Nunsense2” starts at 8:30 p.m. It will be presented at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. 

- The Hobbit - Alban Arts Center presents the play based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. It'll be presented on July 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and July 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children 12 and under.

- Tarzan - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated Disney film on July 25 and Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. and July 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28  and 29 and Aug, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 121 Theatre Court in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Shrek, Jr. - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated film on July 21 and 22 at 6 p.m. and July 21 and 22 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

   So get out there and see a show!

There's No Sense Like Numsense!

   Outdoor theatre heats up again this weekend with the return of a talented troupe of nuns!

   My pal Dave Lavender provides a great story in today's Herald-Dispatch about the show, which you can read right here. (Thanks to Toril Lavender for the photo!)

   Here's an excerpt:

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

   Mass is coming a little early this week.

   The nuns are gathered sweetly singing through the Ritter Park treetops, and they are ... wait a minute "What Would Elvis Do?" is certainly not a hymn, and Sister Leo is roller skating, and they are tightrope walking and playing bingo ... it's the Little Sisters of Hoboken, and they are back to their old stage shenanigans.

   Yep, HART in the Park is shining a light on the rollicking Dan Goggins' convent cult classic comedy musical Nunsense II: The Second Coming which opens at 8:30 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Ritter Park Amphitheater and that rolls Friday through Sunday, July 21-23 and July 28-30. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnics with the pre-show starting at 7:30 p.m.

   There is also a special 7 p.m. early show on Thursday, July 27.

   Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and children. To purchase advance or group tickets, call 304-696-5954 or go online at www.ghprd.org.

   In this version of "Nunsense," the sequel to the first show HART in the Park's staged in 2014, local stars Mary Olson, Linda Reynolds, Jane Modlin, Cindy Westbrook and Annie Wolfe perform as The Little Sisters of Hoboken. We pick up their story six weeks after the sisters have staged their first benefit.

   This time the grateful nuns are presenting a show to thank all the people who supported them in their freshman outing, but chaos erupts when two Franciscans come to claim Sister Mary Amnesia (played by Westbrook) - who has won the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes - as one of their own, and the nuns learn a talent scout is in the audience to see them strut their stuff.

Nuns in the Park!

   Beauty and the Beast has wrapped up its run, so now it's time for the second show to take over the stage, as Dave Lavender tells us in this story from the Herald-Dispatch:

    Brother Eddie Harbert and the Little Sisters of Hoboken are ready to take the spotlight as HART in the Park presents the comedy musical Nunsense II: The Second Coming at 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 21-23 and July 28-30 at the Ritter Park Amphitheater.

   Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and children. To purchase advance and group tickets, call 304-696-5954 or go online at www.ghprd.org.

   Harbert, who has directed, musical directed or played in nine shows since 1993, said it has been wonderful to reunite with so many of the local all-star actresses with whom he has performed the "Nunsense" shows over the years.

   In this version of "Nunsense," the sequel to HART in the Park's first show in 2014, local stars Mary Olson, Linda Reynolds, Jane Modlin, Cindy Westbrook and Annie Wolfe star as The Little Sisters of Hoboken. We pick up their story six weeks after the sisters have staged their first benefit. The sisters are back presenting a "thank-you" show for all the people who supported them in the past. But now, they're a bit slicker, having been "bitten by the theater bug."

Musical numbers include "Winning Is Just the Beginning," "There's Only One Way To End Your Prayers," "What Would Elvis Do?," "The Padre Polka" and "A Hat and Cane Song."

Harbert, who is doing "Nunsense II" for the third time, said they've also got some fun cameos lined up, including Sister Helga Thorn (who also appeared in a "Nunsense" in 2005) as well as some guest Franciscans lined up from community celebrities including Mayor Steve Williams.

On Stage This Weekend: "Tarzan"

   July continues to trundle along with just a single show braving the heat this weekend - and I believe it's the first time this show has been presented in the Tri-State area.

  Tarzan - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated Disney film on July 18 and 25 and Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. and July 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28  and 29 and Aug, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 121 Theatre Court in Prestonsburg, Ky.

   Next weekend the floodgates open and several shows premiere!

Summer Camp for "Xanadu, Jr!"

   As Summer rolls on, there's still time to sign up for theatre camp in Barboursville! 

   The camp is for ages 11 to 18 and runs from July 17 to Aug. 4. Students will be performing the musical Xanadu, Jr. 

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

   The cost for the camp is $300 and includes all materials including script, T-shirt, and cast photo. 

   The 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. 

  There is a $25 registration fee. There may be some very limited scholarships available. You can get more information by calling 304-360-2749, or by email at harberteddie@gmail.com. 

The Cast List for "The Odd Couple"

   ARTS recently announced the cast list for Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, which will be presented in October at the Renaissance Ballroom Theatre.

   Here's the lineup:

Speed -- Jeremy Ramsie

Murray -- John W. Campbell

Vinnie-- Todd Green

Roy-- Robert James

Oscar Madison -- James Holley

Felix Ungar -- Robert Hutchins

Gwendolyn Pegeon -- Sheila Meade

Cecily Pegeon -- Mandy Harper

Coming Up: "The Hobbit"

   One of the shows I neglected to add to our "Shows in July" list (now corrected) is one of my favorites:

   The Hobbit - Alban Arts Center presents the play based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. It'll be presented on July 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and July 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children 12 and under.

   It's a favorite because it was the first show I ever worked on when I produced it for First Stage back in 2000. But that was hardly the first production of the play - I saw a photo recently of a production from the early days of the Community Players.

   And no wonder - it's a fun show, loaded with Magic Rings, Swords, Dwarves, Goblins, a Wizard, Ogres and a Dragon! It's loads of fun!

On Stage This Weekend

   After a hectic June, July has a quiet weekend ahead, with only one show hitting the stage - and you may have to take a road trip to see it.

   The show is Madagascar, as Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated film on July 7 and 8 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 121 Theatre Court in Prestonsburg, Ky.

   And that's it!

Auditions for "Toad Wife"

   Auditions are coming up this weekend for the play Toad Wife.

   Here are the details:

   Appalachian Artist's Collective (AAC) will host auditions at The Alban Theatre on July 8 from noon to 2 p.m. for the 2017 Summer Project Toad Wife by A.E. Gill at the St Albans City Park Amphitheater. 

   We're seeking actors ages 18 and above (please prepare a memorized, 1 minute monologue and feel free to contact us if you'd like some guidance regarding monologue choices) for this world premier production which chronicles the journey of twin sisters, Hazel and Odessa, as they battle and befriend fantastical creatures in the deep, dark swamp below the mountains. Set in Appalachia and utilizing regional dialects, Toad Wife draws inspiration from Southern West Virginia folktales and will be AAC's first Theatre for Young Audiences performance. 

PLEASE NOTE: 

*AAC actors and company members are compensated for their work based upon a percentage of profits to be agreed upon by the company. 

*Additionally, actors and company members are expected to take on more than one job; our actors and technicians double as deck crew, make up artists, seamstresses, carpenters, etc. etc. Everything we create is designed and constructed by our artists and technicians, we do not rent costumes or sets.

*Lastly, please see rehearsal and production schedule below:
Announce cast July 11
Read through July 12 at 6 p.m.
Rehearsal Thurs, Fri from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at AAC's Kanawha City Studio
Sat from 10 - 1 p.m. at St Albans City Park
Rehearsal period July 13 - Aug. 19
Build days Aug. 14 - Aug. 18
Tech week Aug. 20 - Aug. 23
Preview Aug. 24
Performance: Aug. 25, 26, 27 and Sept. 1, 2 and 3
Pick up rehearsal: Aug. 30 and 31
Strike Sept. 3 immediately following the performance. 

If you are unable to make this audition date/time please contact Leah Turley at leahnturley@gmail.com and we can schedule something that works for both of us.

We hope to see you there!

On Stage in July

   The summer continues to heat up - and you have several great shows to choose from in July!

   Here’s the rundown:

- Nunsense 2: The Second Coming - HART presents the musical comedy on July 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 at 8:30 p.m. The gate opens at 7 p.m., the children’s pre-show starts at 7:30 p.m., and “Nunsense2” starts at 8:30 p.m. It will be presented at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for children and senior citizens. 

- All Shook Up - The Paramount Players present the musical based on songs by Elvis Presley on July 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and July 29 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. 

- The Hobbit - Alban Arts Center presents the play based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. It'll be presented on July 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and July 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children 12 and under.

- Anything Goes - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the classic musical about an amazing cruise on July 28, 29, Aug. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and July 30 and Aug. 6 at 3 p.m. at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre. 

- Madagascar - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated film on July 5 at 7 p.m. and July 6, 7 and 8 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 121 Theatre Court in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Tarzan - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated Disney film on July 18 and 25 and Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. and July 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28  and 29 and Aug, 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 121 Theatre Court in Prestonsburg, Ky.

- Shrek, Jr. - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play based on the animated film on July 20, 21 and 22 at 6 p.m.  and July 21 and 22 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

   So get out there and see a show!