Local Theatre History Part V - 5th Avenue Theatre

   For the latest chapter in our history of Huntington community theatre companies, here's a look at the group based out of City Hall:

   The 5th Avenue Theatre Company was founded about 16 years ago for a unique purpose: to raise money for the City of Huntington Foundation.

   Back in 1991 the Foundation began the restoration of City Hall's auditorium. The city had planned to gut the old auditorium to create office space, but interior designer Jean Carlo Stephenson urged City Council to reconsider. She was the Foundation's first director, and because of her efforts, the auditorium is now named after her.

   But maintaining and making improvements to the facility takes a lot of cash. To raise money, the 5th Avenue Theatre Company has staged a number of shows, including Annie, West Side Story, Carousel, Christmas Carol, White Christmas, The Music Man, Camelot, Man of La Mancha and 9 to 5.

   Because of the uneven nature of bringing in money on shows (not every show makes money, as anyone in theatre can tell you), 5th Avenue has been cautious and focuses on presenting strong musicals. 

   In the meantime, the organization continues making improvements to the auditorium, including a new and improved sound system.

   But 5th Avenue has been quiet for some time. Their only show in recent years was a small, two-person production that received almost no publicity. The folks involved with it say it hasn't shut down - they're just in the process of planning their future shows. Here's hoping we'll see more from them soon!

   Next: We'll learn about another long-running theatre group in Huntington - one that just recently closed its doors.

Local Theatre History Part IV - HOT

   For Part IV of our history of Huntington's theatre groups, let's look at one of the area's biggest success stories - which sadly closed down in 2013:

   The Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT) got its start back in 1993, and - of course - its origins can be traced to the Musical Arts Guild. At one MAG performance (I’m not sure which show it was), Helen Freeman first met Patti Shaver. The two kicked around the idea of starting a local outdoor theatre - and finally decided to give it a try. 

   HOT’s shows were all been presented at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheater. The shows usually were presented through each weekend in July. Some years the group presented two shows in a summer, while other times they present a single production.

    The group is led by Helen, who served as the President and Artistic Director, and Patti, who was Vice-President and Managing Director for most of the group's run. Helen directed most of the shows, and Patti choreographed and organized things behind the scenes. Of course, they had lots of help, with a board of directors and an small army of managers tackling every job from designing posters to selling tickets and T-shirts. 

    HOT established itself as a summer tradition, and focused on presenting big musicals, including shows like Hello Dolly, Guys and Dolls, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, The Music Man, Huntington: The Jewel of West Virginia and Oklahoma.

    Each show also featured a pre-show, with a variety of performers singing or dancing, and a prepared performance by young actors.

    HOT has been a real success story, bringing in huge crowds. Like any outdoor theatre, its only enemy was bad weather, but thankfully Huntington’s summers are usually mild.

    But sadly, 2013 was the 20th and final season for HOT. The group went out on a high note, with a powerhouse presentation of the musical Hairspray!  But after 20 years, Helen and Patty needed a well-earned break.

    Next: A theatre group that was created to raise money for the City of Huntington!

"It's a Wonderful Life" - On Stage Tonight and Tomorrow

    We interrupt our history lessons to remind you of the final performance of the year, which takes the stage tonight and tomorrow in Huntington.

   The play is the holiday classic, It's A Wonderful Life. 

   This version is set on a radio station sound stage in the 1940s, and you are transported back in time as audience members of a live broadcast of the Christmas classic. 

   Starring Bil Neal, Amy Carlson, Michael Naglee, John W. Campbell, Linda Reynolds and Maggie Saunders playing all the residents of Bedford Falls, New York. The classic holiday film is brought to life before your eyes (or ears - it is a radio play, after all).

   Shows are at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church at 513 10th Street on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 29 and 30, at 6 p.m.

   Dinner and the show are included! Tickets are $20 per person, and reservations are required by calling 304-525-8116.

   Don't miss it!

Local Theatre History Part III - First Stage Theatre

   We've looked at Marshall University and Musical Arts Guild, so now it's time to look at the longest-running independent community theatre group that's still active in Huntington: 

   The First Stage Theatre Company got its start 27 years (and one name change) ago. After auditions in 1990 for shows like Annie and Hansel and Gretel brought in - literally - hundreds of kids, it was obvious that there was a need for an outlet for these young thespians. 

   As with many local theatre groups, its beginning are tied to the Musical Arts Guild (MAG). George Snider and Jennifer Salcines approached the board of MAG and asked the group to sponsor the children’s theatre, and that’s how the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre (MAG-CT) began. 

   The group’s first production was You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown on Sept. 14, 1990.

   There are, basically, two kinds of children’s theatres. One features adults putting on shows for young people (with the cast perhaps including a few young actors), and the other stars young actors in the leads (with the cast sometimes including a few adults). MAG-CT would be the latter, and over the years it has allowed young people the chance to star in all kinds of shows, both musical and non-musical.

   Like any youth organization, the group has an ever-changing board, as young actors and their parents get involved, graduate and move on to other interests. 

    By 2001 it was obvious that MAG-CT was able to stand on its own two feet, so in an amicable split the group separated from the Musical Arts Guild, and the children’s theatre adopted a new name (one suggested by board member Clint McElroy): the First Stage Theatre Company.  

    Like its parent group, First Stage was a theatre group without a home - so it roams from theater to theater, depending on which one is available and which one fits the needs of the production. Every year the group produces either two or three shows (although it produced four shows in 2010, and five during the 2014-2015 season).

   Each show featured young actors from across the Tri-State area. The purpose of the group is to provide young people with a positive experience either on the stage or working behind the scenes.  

    If anyone out there is avoiding First Stage shows because it’s a children’s theatre, you’re missing out on some great young talent - many of whom you’ll see on stage in other local theatre productions. 

   Over the years the group has staged major shows like Bye, Bye Birdie, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seussical: the Musical, Honk, Les Miserables: The School Edition, The Little Mermaid, Jr., Cats and School of Rock: Youth Production, in addition to smaller shows like Tom Sawyer, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Winnie the Pooh, A Christmas Story, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Three Musketeers, Babes in Toyland and Junie B. Jones.

    First Stage also offers up two scholarship programs - one named in honor of Jim Stone, a local actor who was a great supporter of the arts and a mentor to many young actors, and another in honor of Leslie McElroy, an actress and board member for First Stage. 

    First Stage has established itself as a great place for young people to get their start in theatre. There they gain the skills and confidence that will serve them well throughout their life. 

   Already this season, the group has staged Poe's Midnight Dreary and Elf the Musical, Jr. - and in a couple of weeks it will hold auditions for the spring show, Shrek the Musical, which will be staged at Huntington High School.

    Next: Started just a few years after First Stage, this group ruled the month of July - which must be why it’s called HOT.

Local Theatre History Part II - Musical Arts Guild

   Continuing our history of local theatre in Huntington, originally written in 2006 and updated a bit here. Yesterday we looked at Marshall University's history (presumably it's the longest-running continuous theatre company in the area). Now for the second-longest-running group:

   The Musical Arts Guild (MAG) is the second-longest-running (and still active) community theater group in the Huntington area. Way back in 1965 several area churches combined their choirs to provide music for a preaching mission, and that was the beginning for the Musical Arts Guild. 

   Those early missions were presented for a while at the Keith-Albee Theater, and when that ended, the group continued doing concerts and finally “regular” shows at the Huntington High School auditorium (now known as the Renaissance Center). 

   Over the years since, the group has produced some terrific shows and given stage time to some local talent, including Michael Cerveris and Mark and Beth McVey. 

    One of my favorite shows produced by MAG was Fiddler on the Roof in the mid-’90s, starring my dearly departed pal Jim Stone as Tevye.

    Unfortunately, it’s been a while since MAG tackled a stage show - I believe their last stage show was The King and I, directed by Danny Ray and starring Tommy Smirl. The group is still active, but has gone back to its roots and presents shows in concert form only. 

   MAG annually holds a fundraising concert for the three scholarships the group awards every year to Marshall students - two for music majors and one for a theatre major.

   They’ve carried the torch of community theatre for more than 50 years - and hopefully they’ll continue to bring the gift of music to the area for many more years to come.

    MAG was also directly responsible for the next-oldest local community theatre group - the one devoted to local children.

   We'll tell that story in tomorrow's chapter.

Local Theatre History Part I - Marshall University

   As the end of the year draws near, we have a series of posts to share that take a look at the history of community theatre in Huntington.

   Our first post was originally written in 2006, updated in 2014 and edited for this edition:

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

   In thinking about theatre here in Huntington, I often think about the history of it. As far as I know, no history of local theatre has ever been assembled - and there's not much to be found on the subject on the Internet. 

   Touring shows have probably been presented in Huntington virtually since the city was founded, and certainly local schools have put on shows since the first teacher or parent walked through the door who was willing to take on the challenge.

   A quick look at the Internet reveals that the newest section of Marshall’s Old Main - the part with the auditorium in it - was built in 1907, and no doubt the students started staging shows there not long after. Although I don't have any research to back it up (and I trust you'll correct me if I'm wrong, dear reader), it seems safe to assume that Marshall has the longest continuing tradition of putting on shows in Huntington.

   I have wonderful memories of seeing great shows in that auditorium. When I was a student in the late ‘70s, one of the outstanding performers was a guy named Joe Johns, who is well known today for his work on CNN (and NBC before that). Perhaps Marshall's most famous acting alumni is the Oscar-winning Brad Dourif (although Billy Crystal also attended for a semester). Actually, my hero Soupy Sales is probably the most famous, though I'm not sure if he ever acted on the Marshall stage.

    There are many other alumni who are actively working now in New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC, as well as others traveling the world in touring shows.

   These days Marshall has a new theater, and it’s a beauty. The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center is a state of the art facility, and the Department of Theatre uses it to maximum effect. The shows they’ve staged in recent years certainly live up to (and often surpass) the ones from the past. They stage at least four shows a year, combining classic plays and modern productions.

   They do a great mix of classic theatre, modern plays, musicals and almost every year they tackle a Shakespeare play, including the upcoming As Your Like It in April 2018 - you owe it to yourself to see these productions.

   If you’re not checking these out on a regular basis, you’re missing some excellent work - not to mention the chance to see the potential stars of the future!

   By the way, Marshall School of Theatre also has an excellent history archive on its website, with photos from many shows and lots more information - check it out right here.

   So I'm assuming Marshall has been putting on shows the longest - although certainly local high schools are also in the running, although their output has been sporadic over the years. So who's next on the longest-running list? 

   That's the topic of the next post: History Part 2 - The Musical Arts Guild.

Merry Christmas!

   Merry Christmas!

   For our final holiday video, here's my traditional offering: the offbeat and delightful "Must Be Santa Claus" by Bob Dylan.

   Hope you all have a wonderful holiday!

Christmas Music #5

   Here's an old favorite - a fun version of the classic "We Three Kings" song, courtesy of Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas Special:

Christmas Music #4

   Here's another sentimental favorite - the song "All I Want For Christmas is You" from the movie Love, Actually:

On Stage This Weekend

   There's only one show on stage this holiday weekend - and ironically, it's not a holiday-themed performance! Instead, it's based on a classic work of literature: 

- The Phantom of the Opera: A Live Radio Play - Lawrence Burgess presents the reading on Dec. 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 23 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 each. A portion of all proceeds benefits animal adoption and cruelty prevention.

   Happy holidays!

Christmas Music #3

    Here's another old favorite - the sadly departed John Denver singing a lovely version of "Silent Night."

Christmas Music #2

   Here's our second holiday video - this one by the terrific group Pentatonix:

Christmas Music

   With one or two exceptions (which we'll talk about later in the week), local theatres are shutting down for the holidays - so we'll post some holiday music videos here for your entertainment.

   Next week, we'll revisit the history of community theatre in Huntington - and then we'll be ready to leap into the new year!

   To kick things off, here's a cute video from the Claymation Christmas Special:

On Stage This Weekend

   The holiday rush to the stage hits its peak this weekend, with five great shows to choose from! 

   Here's the rundown:

- A Christmas Carol - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play by Charles Dickens on Dec. 14, 15, 16 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. 

- Annie - The Alban Arts Center presents the beloved musical on Dec. 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children.

- Madeline's Christmas - The Paramount Players present the musical on Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec 16 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students.

- The Phantom of the Opera: A Live Radio Play - Lawrence Burgess presents the reading on Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 each. A portion of all proceeds benefits animal adoption and cruelty prevention.

- The State 35 Joytacular! - The No Pants Players presents the holiday, all-ages improv comedy show on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences at 1 Clay Square in Charleston. Tickets are $10 each or $5 with a new unopened toy donatio. The performance will help the Ghostbusters - WV Division's annual toy drive for the Children's Home Society of West Virginia.

   So get out there and see a show!

"It's a Wonderful Life" - Live on Stage

    What could be better than dinner and a live stage performance for Christmas?

    You can enjoy It's A Wonderful Life by Joe Landry. This version is set on a radio station sound stage in the 1940s, and you are transported back in time as audience members of a live broadcast of the Christmas classic. 

   Starring Bil Neal, Amy Carlson, Michael Naglee, John W. Campbell, Linda Reynolds and Maggie Saunders playing all the residents of Bedford Falls, New York. The classic holiday film is brought to life before your eyes (or ears - it is a radio play, after all).

   Shows are Friday and Saturday evenings, December 15 and 16, and December 29 and 30, at 6 p.m.

   Dinner and the show are included! Tickets are $20 per person, and reservations are required by calling (304) 525-8116.

   Don't miss it!

Christmas Concert on Tuesday

   The Cabell Midland High School Orchestra will be presenting their annual Christmas concert on Tuesday, December 12 at 7 p.m. in that school's auditorium.  

   This year violinist Matthew Luck will be guest soloist.  

   The concert is free and open to the public. 

   For more information contact Ron Caviani at rcaviani@k12.wv.us or 304-743-7425.

On Stage This Weekend

   You have lots of holiday shows to choose from this weekend! Here’s the rundown: 

- The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Little Theatre at 1117 Lawson Street.

- A Christmas Story - The Aracoma Story presents the play on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree at 308 Main Street in Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and $6 for kids under 10 years old.

- A Christmas Carol - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play by Charles Dickens on Dec. 8, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. 

- Annie - The Alban Arts Center presents the beloved musical on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children.

- The Snow Queen - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

   So go see a show!

On Stage Tonight: "A Charlie Brown Christmas"

   Tonight the Marshall Artists Series presents a holiday special on stage at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center!

   The cherished animated TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas comes to life onstage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. The faithful stage adaptation features favorite characters including Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang. 

   The Emmy- and Peabody award-winning story by Charles M. Schultz has warmed the hearts of millions since it first aired on television more than 50 years ago. 

   Tickets are $68.40, $54.21 and $43.30.

Interview with Emma from "Elf the Musical, Jr."

   Tonight Elf the Musical, Jr. takes the stage at Huntington High School - and we have another interview with the cast to share!

   Let’s hear from the lovely and talented Emma Maynard:

Q: What is Elf the Musical, Jr. about?

Emma: Elf the Musical, Jr. tells the story about what happens when Buddy leaves the North Pole to try to find his real dad in New York City, and ends up saving Christmas for everybody.

Q: What parts do you play?

Emma: I play the role of the Macy's Saleswoman who greets Buddy with a perfume sample, but he sprays it in his mouth because he thinks it's fruit juice. It's really funny! I'm also a North Pole elf, and New Yorker in the show.

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

Emma: The main reason I wanted to be in this show was because I love doing Theatre with my friends at First Stage, but also because I've just always loved the movie Elf!

Q: Does the show put you in the holiday spirit?

Emma: I've been singing Christmas songs since August… this show will put everyone in the holiday spirit!

Q: What’s your favorite scene or song?

Emma: My favorite song is the “Sparklejollytwinklejingley Reprise!” I get to put so much emotion into my character at that moment and I get to have lots of fun with my close friends.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Emma: You don't want to miss this show! I mean, who doesn't love Buddy the Elf & Santa?

Q: Thanks, Emma!

Elf the Musical, Jr., based on the film starring Will Ferrell, will be presented at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way on Saturday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. 

On Stage in December

    After a quiet November, community theatres are cooking on all burners for the last month of 2017.

   Here’s the rundown: 

- Elf the Musical, Jr., based on the film starring Will Ferrell, will be presented at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are available at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and senior citizens. 

- The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen's Guild Dramatic Society's Production of A Christmas Carol - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Dec. 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Portsmouth Little Theatre at 1117 Lawson Street.

- A Christmas Story - The Aracoma Story presents the play on Dec. 1, 2, 7 and 8 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree at 308 Main Street in Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and $6 for kids under 10 years old.

- Mary: A Rock Opera is an original musical about the mother of Jesus, created by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde, and it's being presented by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) on Dec. 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. It's being presented at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens and are available at the door.

- A Christmas Carol - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic play by Charles Dickens on Dec. 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Theatre at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. 

- A Charlie Brown Christmas - The Marshall Artists Series brings the beloved TV animated special to life onstage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. The faithful stage adaptation features favorite characters including Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the entire Peanuts gang. Tickets are $68.40, $54.21 and $43.30.

- Annie - The Alban Arts Center presents the beloved musical on Dec. 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and children.

- The Snow Queen - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children.

- Madeline's Christmas - The Paramount Players present the musical on Dec. 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec 16 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students.

- The Phantom of the Opera: A Live Radio Play - Lawrence Burgess presents the reading on Dec. 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 16 and 23 at 2 p.m. and Dec. 17 at 3 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 each. A portion of all proceeds benefits animal adoption and cruelty prevention.

- 1st Annual Toytacular! - The Fearless Fools and Tony Slack present this all-ages improv comedy performance as a benefit for Toys for Tots. It’ll be staged on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $10 each or $5 with a new unopened toy donation.

- The State 35 Joytacular! - The No Pants Players presents the holiday, all-ages improv comedy show on Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences at 1 Clay Square in Charleston. Tickets are $10 each or $5 with a new unopened toy donatio. The performance will help the Ghostbusters - WV Division's annual toy drive for the Children's Home Society of West Virginia.

   So get out there and see a show!