The End of ARTS

   In case you missed the announcement, the governing board of the group known as Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) decided to close its doors right after the end of the group's final show, The Odd Couple.

    It's a sad ending for a group that held so much promise. ARTS was born in the late '90s from a great idea - that Huntington's different theatre groups would work together, sharing space in the old Huntington High School.

   That original concept didn't work out, but ARTS continued over the years, becoming one of Huntington's premiere community theatres.

   The group really took off in the last seven years under the leadership of president Bil Neal. They staged dozens of excellent shows - and then they tried something no one in the area had done before.

   They built a company of actors and directors that created a talent pool for each season. With a roster of great directors (and some outstanding guest directors taking part, too), and a "killer's row" of actors, ARTS was able to schedule a year's worth of shows at a time and use the company to cast the shows, run tech, build sets and make costumes.

   They managed an impressive mix of shows, from classic plays to beloved musicals, Broadway hits to obscure favorites, edgy dramas to unique interpretations of Shakespeare's works. It was an amazing run of shows and an impressive body of work.

   But in the past year, problems began to surface. ARTS had to stop using the big theatre space at the old Huntington High School when conditions in the space deteriorated. They staged all their shows in the smaller ballroom space, and were apparently looking for a better space to use.

   Add to that a recently-revealed lawsuit between ARTS and their "landlords," the Huntington Housing Development Corporation, and after more than 17 years of fighting the good fight, ARTS finally decided to throw in the towel.

   It's sad on many levels - it's a shame to lose a company that did so much great work, and provided an opportunity to so many talented performers in Huntington. The closing leaves the city with only two full-time community theatre groups - First Stage Theatre Company (the long-running children's theatre) and HART in the Park (the summer theatre group).

   But nature abhors a vacuum, and we certainly hope that all those talented performers will soon find a new home - but it's a shame to lose such a stellar organization.

On Stage This Weekend

   There are several great shows taking the stage on this last weekend before Halloween. Here's the rundown:

- The Addams Family - The Charleston Light Opera Guild in collaboration with the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences will present the musical based on the beloved TV show on Oct. 27, 28, 29 and Nov. 3, 4, and 5 at the Maier Foundation Performance Hall at the Clay Center. 

- Little Shop of Horrors - The Paramount Players present the musical on Oct 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $25 each.

- George Orwell’s 1984 - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the adult play on Oct. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio.

- The Addams Family - Jenny Wiley Theatre will present the musical based on the beloved TV show on Oct. 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m. at 216 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

- Carmilla  - The play is presented by Astral Theatre Collective on Oct. 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 - or see both Carmilla and A Houdini Seance for $25.

- A Houdini Seance - The play will be presented by Astral Theatre Collective on Oct. 28 at midnight at the WVSU Capitol Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 - or see both Carmilla and A Houdini Seance for $25.

   So get out there and see a show!

On Stage Tonight: "Kinky Boots"

    On stage tonight in Huntington is the touring version of the Broadway musical Kinky Boots.

    My lovely wife and I saw it earlier this year in New York and loved it - it's very funny and loaded with terrific songs and wonderful characters!

   My pal Dave Lavender wrote a story about the show for the Herald-Dispatch, which you can read right here - and here's an excerpt:

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   Five years ago Cyndi Lauper proved that girls (and guys in drag) do just want to have fun, and they did, and they still are in a major league way.

   Lauper's smash-hit musical Kinky Boots, which she wrote with Harvey Fierstein (Hairspray) received 13 Tony nominations in 2013 and took home six 2013 Tony Awards, the most of any show in the season, including Best Musical, Best Score (Cyndi Lauper), Best Choreography (Jerry Mitchell), Best Orchestrations (Stephen Oremus) and Best Sound Design (John Shivers). The show also received the Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Broadway.com Awards for Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Album, along with many other accolades.

   Kinky Boots, which is still on Broadway, also plays in London's West End, in Australia, and has its U.S. national tour coming in to strut its stuff as the Marshall Artists Series 2017-2018 continues at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

   Some tickets still remain for Kinky Boots, which is set for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $97.87, $81.50, $70.58 and $64.04 and can be ordered by calling 304-696-6656, online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Marshall Artists Series box office in the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse on 5th Avenue across from Marshall University's Student Center from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For information, call 304-696-3326.

   Based on a true story, Kinky Boots takes you from a gentlemen's shoe factory in Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan. In the musical, Charlie Price is struggling to live up to his father's expectations and continue the family business of Price & Son. With the factory's future hanging in the balance, help arrives in the unlikely but spectacular form of Lola, a fabulous performer in need of some sturdy new stilettos. Their new line of shoes helps save the family-run shoe factory.

Free Master Class on Saturday in Huntington

   Broadway actress, Tiffany Haas, will be teaching vocal and dance master classes on Saturday, Oct. 28 at noon at Huntington High School in the auditorium. 

   The classes are free of charge. If you are interested in the Destination Broadway intensive in New York City this summer, Haas will be holding auditions starting at 3:30 p.m. Have a 32 bar cut prepared, an accompanist will be provided. 

   If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Debby Fosson at 304-710-8530.

Interview with Shawn from "Poe's Midnight Dreary"

   This is the only weekend when you can see the Halloween play from First Stage Theatre, Poe’s Midnight Dreary, which is being presented at Huntington Middle School.

   The show is all about the macabre stories by author Edgar Allan Poe and includes some of his greatest works - and how he met his end. 

   We’ve been sharing interviews with the cast, and up next is the talented Shawn Hodge:

Q: What is the play Poe's Midnight Dreary about?

Shawn: A poet named Edgar Allen Poe who has a soft spot in his heart but is very depressed.

Q: Tell us about the parts you play.

Shawn: I play a guy named Reginald who is very rich and doesn't care about anything. I also play a corpse. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this play?

Shawn: Because I really like being part of the acting industry.

Q: Do you have a favorite scene in the play?

Shawn: When I start playing charades as a corpse.

Q: What shows have you done before?

Shawn: Without Strings and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

Q: If a kid reading this was thinking about trying out for a play, what would you tell them?

Shawn: It's a great way to make new friends and express yourself through acting. If you don't get a part the first time don't give up because there's always next time.

Q: Why would you recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary?

Shawn: Because it has a lot of great poems and all the actors collaborate together to make the show even better. 

Q: Thanks, Shawn!

Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

Interview with Hunter from "Poe's Midnight Dreary"

    Time is running out fast - there are only three performances left for Poe’s Midnight Dreary, which is on stage this weekend at Huntington Middle School.

   Presented by First Stage Theatre (and kicking off the group’s 28th Season), the show is all about the horror author Edgar Allan Poe - his greatest works and his last days. 

   We’ve been sharing interviews with the cast, and up next is the talented Hunter Mullens:    

Q: What is the play Poe's Midnight Dreary about?

Hunter: Poe’s Midnight Dreary is about a deranged poet who relieves his most popular tales 

Q: Tell us about the part you play.

Hunter: I play Zachary. He is a character who is horrified by what his drunkard hands may do.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this play?

Hunter: I wanted to be a part of this play to gain experience and I enjoy dark poetry and theater. 

Q: What shows have you done before?

Hunter: I have done Xanadu Jr.

Q: If a kid reading this was thinking about trying out for a play, what would you tell them?

Hunter: To do their very best and be prepared.

Q: Why would you recommend the play?

Hunter: I would recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary to anyone who enjoys dramas with a bit of comedy.

Q: Thanks, Hunter!

Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

Interview with Shannyn from "Poe's Midnight Dreary"

   Taking the stage tonight at Huntington Middle School is the first performance of Poe's Midnight Dreary, a play about the author Edgar Allan Poe and some of his most famous scary stories.

   We've been sharing some interviews with members of the cast, and up next we have Shannyn Kyle, a veteran of First Stage shows who's making her final stage appearance in this show:

Q: What is the play Poe's Midnight Dreary about?

Shannyn: The famous author and poet, Edgar Allan Poe, is on his deathbed in a hospital in Baltimore. While there, he is visited by the characters from his works.  

Q: Tell us about the parts you play.

Shannyn: I play many different parts, including Captain O’Herrigan and Victorine. Captain O’Herrigan is a police officer with the Baltimore Police Department who makes an appearance during The Tell-Tale Heart. Victorine, which is my favorite role, is a flirtatious French heroine in "Premature Burial," who finds herself in an interesting situation. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this play?  

Shannyn: I wanted to be a part of the show because it is my senior year and I love Edgar Allan Poe.  I read some of his works in class last year, including "The Raven" and "The Black Cat." I love the personification and the literary devices he used in writing his pieces. Also, I was excited to do a show with my older sister, Brynne, who directed the show.  

Q: Do you have a favorite scene in the play?

Shannyn: My favorite scene is probably "The Premature Burial" because the whole scene is just hilarious. 

Q: What shows have you done before?

Shannyn: Sadly, this is my 16th and last First Stage show. I have acted in many FSTC shows, including Seussical The Musical, Disney's The Little Mermaid and It’s A Bird, It’s A Plane, It’s Superman! 

Q: If a kid reading this was thinking about trying out for a play, what would you tell them?

Shannyn: Go for it! Theatre has lead me to meet many people and make lots of friends! First Stage is a wonderful and family-like company to work with! 

Q: Why would you recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary? 

Shannyn: Everyone has or will learn about Poe in their life time.  This play brings his works to life in a creative way. If you are looking for a Halloween inspired play, then this is the show for you! 

Q: Thanks, Shannyn!

Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

Interview with Aaliyah from "Poe's Midnight Dreary"

   Friday marks the premiere public performance for the Halloween show Poe’s Midnight Dreary, being presented by First Stage Theatre at Huntington Middle School. 

   Here’s the next in our series of interviews with the cast - let’s hear from the talented Aaliyah Walls, who plays several roles in the play.

Q: What is the play Poe's Midnight Dreary about?

Aaliyah:  This performance is about telling the life of Edgar Allen Poe, featuring many of his written works, including "The Raven,” "The Tell-Tale Heart,” and many more.

Q: Tell us about the parts you play.

Aaliyah: I play Virginia / Madeline, Poe's love interest. I also play Pluto, the black cat, and Allouisious' mother. I love playing all of my parts, but it is definitely hard to change so quickly in a shorter play such as this one.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this play?

Aaliyah: I wanted to be in this show to entertain and educate others about Edgar Allen Poe. I also just really love to act and to be onstage.

Q: Do you have a favorite scene in the play?

Aaliyah: All of the scenes are very fun to act out and watch, but I have to say that one of my favorite scenes was with Bertram. Lauren does such a great job portraying the character.

Q: What shows have you done before - or is this your first play?

Aaliyah: This is my sixth show in First Stage Theater. I have done three musicals, including "Aladdin Jr." and "School of Rock.” I've also acted in two non-musicals, my latest one being "Without Strings.” I've also acted in many grade school plays.

Q: If a kid reading this was thinking about trying out for a play, what would you tell them?

Aaliyah: I would encourage them to just go for it. Even if you don't make it, that should still encourage you to try harder next time! When you make it into a show, play your part the very best you can, no matter how small or big.

Q: Why would you recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary?

Aaliyah: Watching this show from offstage and acting onstage has really given me a sense of what Poe really was like (not to mention that Lillian is absolutely perfect for the part), and it also has a scary theme to it that is perfect for the month of October.

Q: Thanks, Aaliyah!

Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

Interview with Jeremy Ramsier with "The Odd Couple"

   This weekend wraps up the final performance from the group known as ARTS production - and it’s a terrific show: the classic Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple.

   My lovely wife and I caught it last week and had a great time - it’s smart and very, very funny (my favorite of Simon’s comedies), and the cast is terrific!

   If you want to see it, get your tickets quick - the weekend shows are almost sold out!

  We have one more interview with the show’s cast to share - so let's hear from the "new kid on the block" - the funny and talented Jeremy Ramsier! 

Q: Just in case someone hasn't seen the show, tell us about The Odd Couple.

Jeremy: The story is about two friends, Oscar and Felix. Oscar is a slob. Felix is fastidious to a fault. Felix has just found out his wife wants a divorce, leaving him without a place to live. Oscar, who is already divorced, invites Felix to live with him in his apartment. People say opposites attract. Well, in this case, opposites mix like oil and water. However, by the end, this mixture becomes a little more homogenous as Oscar becomes less of a slob and Felix doesn't sweat the small stuff.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Jeremy: I've wanted to act in a straight play for a long time. Most shows in the Huntington area are musicals. I don't do musicals. I saw the auditions posted online for The Odd Couple and thought, this is my chance. I auditioned and got a part. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Jeremy: I play the character of Speed. He is a friend of Oscar and Felix and part of the Friday night poker gang. Speed is a wisecracking smartass with a short fuse. His anger comes through as sarcastic remarks mostly. The character of Speed is a fun part to play. His frustrations toward his friends creates some of the more comedic moments when the poker game is played.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Jeremy: I'm a relative newcomer as a theater participant. I have, however, been a theater parent for many a year. My first role in a production was as stage hand for 5th Avenue's White Christmas. Later, I made ensemble cast and was the prop master for their production of Sweeney Todd. 

Q: What's the most challenging thing about doing a comedy like this?

Jeremy: Timing. There isn't much air between lines. That's what makes the lines punch and the punchlines funny. Getting the lines correct to make the jokes work has also been a challenge. It's funny (or not-so funny in this case) how changing just a word or two can make the difference between the audience laughing or them missing the joke completely. The show is physical. Much of the comedy comes from physical, almost slapstick humor. 

Q: Tell us about the talented cast.

Jeremy: Everybody has been a complete joy to work with. Although I'm a newbie, I've been treated like a part of the family. The whole crew is invested in the show and their commitment is what makes it work. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Jeremy: First and foremost, it's funny. With all the trouble going on these days, it's nice to be able to escape for a few hours and laugh. There are also many tender moments between Oscar and Felix. It's relatable. You find yourself thinking, am I carefree like Oscar, or am I uptight like Felix? Finding the balance between the two is what makes good people. 

Q: Thanks, Jeremy!

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) on Thursday  Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787. 

Interview with Halee from "Poe's Midnight Dreary"

    We’re just a few days away from the first performance of Poe’s Midnight Dreary, the Halloween play being presented by First Stage Theatre at Huntington Middle School. 

   We have some interviews with the cast to share - up next is Halee Plybon, who plays several roles in the play. 

Q: What is the play Poe's Midnight Dreary about?

Halee: The play is about Edgar Allan Poe; he is seeing a series of his writings right before he dies, and he keeps switching between his writings and reality.

Q: Tell us about the parts you play.

Halee: I play numerous roles: Zachary's Wife, Figure 1, Sailor 1, Doctor 1, and Chorus Member.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this play?

Halee: I wanted to be a part of this play because I like to act and want to gain more experience in the field of drama. 

Q: Do you have a favorite scene in the play?

Halee: My favorite scene in the play is “The Tell-Tale Heart,” because it involves mystery and transformation.

Q: What shows have you done before?

Halee: I have been in other plays before First Stage. I was in Spring Hill Elementary's Music Drama for three years where we acted and sang. Those plays included: "Lights,  Camera, Christmas,” "I Want a Christmas Vacation" and "Out at Seas.”  With First Stage, this is my third play with them. I was in "Without Strings" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer."

Q: If a kid reading this was thinking about trying out for a play, what would you tell them?

Halee: If a child wanted to try out for a play with First Stage I would tell them how fun it is and how much of an opportunity it is to act and be a part of a GREAT show.

Q: Why would you recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary?

Halee: I would recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary because it involves mystery, suspense, a bit of dark comedy, mixed in with enough creepiness just in time for Halloween. 

Q: Thanks, Halee!

Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

Interview with Lillian from "Poe's Midnight Dreary"

   Taking the stage this weekend (for one weekend only) is a treat for Halloween: Poe's Midnight Dreary, which is based on the life and stories by the master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe.

   It's the first show of the season for First Stage Theatre Company, and we have some interviews with the cast to share.

   Up first is the actor playing Poe himself - here's Lillian Ramsier:

Q: What is the play Poe's Midnight Dreary about?

Lillian: The play takes place in a hospital in Baltimore. Throughout the play, Poe is haunted by his creations as he and the others narrate his stories.

Q: Tell us about the part you play.

Lillian: I play Poe, the lead in the show. It’s been one of the best roles so far. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this play?

Lillian: I wanted to be part of this show because I love Poe and his works and I love working with First Stage.

Q: What shows have you done before - or is this your first play?

Lillian: This is definitely not my first show. It’s my 13th show all together. I’ve been in other shows like Tom Sawyer as Huck Finn and Without Strings as Cricket.

Q: If a kid reading this was thinking about trying out for a play, what would you tell them?

Lillian: Do It. Shows are so much fun and has helped me with so much. It’s a great experience for everyone.

Q: Why would you recommend Poe's Midnight Dreary? 

Lillian: If they like scary things and Poe, they’ll love this. It’s a great story line and it may be a once in a lifetime experience to see this show.

   Thanks, Lillian!

Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens.