The musical A Catered Affair has wrapped up its opening weekend in Huntington, but you have three more chances to catch the show! (But order your tickets early - last weekend’s shows sold out!)
We’ve been sharing interviews with members of the show’s cast, and up next is the very talented Robert Hutchens!
Q. Tell us about the musical A Catered Affair.
Robert: I would call A Catered Affair a "musical dramedy" because it has a very strong story with characters pursuing high stakes which are in conflict with other characters' pursuits. It's a domestic story, a family story, rich with powerful, but ambivalent relationships. The characters have much more dimension and depth than most characters in a musical. People who dislike musicals for superficial plots and one-dimensional characters will be gratified to have such fully realized people to relate to.
Q. What role do you play?
Robert: I play Winston, the gay uncle, who late in his life makes dramatic changes in himself and in his living situation. He is a secondary character, but provides an interesting and complementary sub-plot to the story.
Q. What's your favorite song in the show?
Robert: I have a song entitled "Immediate Family," which is daunting for a number of reasons, but has the potential to be a highlight of the show. It's fast with tongue-twister lyrics, tricky rhythms, an octave and a half range, and not the most hummable melody, but it's meant to be theatrical and comic. We'll see. It will be memorable - one way or another.
Q. What's been the most challenging aspect about the show?
Robert: The aforementioned song: "Immediate Family."
Q. What makes this show so much fun?
Robert: I said in the beginning that the show is a "musical dramedy." Well, my character is the "-edy" part, in other words the comic relief. I always like to play "-edy."
Q. Why would you recommend this show?
Robert: First of all, there have not been many opportunities to see this play. It's my understanding that ours is the first production in West Virginia. Second, there are some really sympathetic, admirable, very authentic characters in the play. You can't help but care what happens to them because their struggles and aspirations are so identifiable. Finally, the ARTS dinner shows are really an enjoyable and complete evening of entertainment. The food is delicious; the menus varied and fresh, the ambiance friendly and relaxed. There is an opportunity for the audience to bond in mood and mind and prepare to share the experience of theatre… well-done theatre, I dare say.
Q: Thanks, Robert!
A Catered Affair - ARTS presents the musical on Aug. 17, 18 and 19 at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. General Admission is $15 show only and $30 for dinner and show. You must reserve reservations for dinner by calling 304-733-2787. The dinner menu for this show is: fresh kale lemon salad, baked steak with mushroom gravy, rice pilaf, apricot glazed carrots, and three tier wedding cake for dessert.
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