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Tri-State Theater

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Saturday, January 06, 2018

Local Theatre History Part IX - First United Methodist Church

   Another long-running theatre company only does one show per year - but it’s for a great cause!

   The First United Methodist Church in downtown Huntington stages an annual show to raise money as an integral part of First Church's Mission program, raising more than $40,000 for Mission projects. 

   The proceeds help West Virginia mission projects, the Campus Christian Center, the City Mission, flood buckets for disaster relief and food and clothing for local families in need.

   The group has staged a variety of shows, including Nunsense and Godspell, among others. My personal favorite is the ever-growing series of Bitsy and Boots plays written by Huntington playwright Jonathan Joy.

    The plays follow the misadventures of two sisters who make life difficult for their nephew and his new wife. Each play is very funny, clever and heartwarming.   

   The plays are (almost always) directed by Jerry Morse, and the title characters are Dinner Theater veterans, including Jane Morse (Bitsy) and Loretta Hetzer (Boots).

   The show is always staged near Valentine’s Day at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue.
   
   And in addition to the show you can also enjoy a great dinner!

   What could be better? An awesome meal, a great show, and you're helping a great cause! 

   We look forward to more shows from this group - both new and classic - in the years to come.

Next: The newest group in town.

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