"Frozen the Musical" on Broadway

   The show based on the beloved animated film has taken Broadway by storm - and Frozen the Musical is now in previews in New York, getting the show ready for its formal opening on Broadway.

   All of us in the Tri-State area are very proud of Huntington's own Brooklyn Nelson, who plays Young Elsa in the show!

   This is her second Broadway show, following her 16-month run in the cast of Matilda the Musical.

   One of the changes in the show is the addition of a new song - "Monster" - and here's a preview, as performed by Caissie Levy and the Broadway Company:

   

On Stage This Weekend

   On stage this weekend are two dramas and two comedies - here's the rundown: 

- Alabama Rain - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the play on Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The play tells the tale of five sisters living in a mythical southern town where it has not rained in 40 years. The play examines the perils of a stagnant existence as the sisters’ thirst for fertility and growth. In Alabama Rain, these women do battle with the powerful force of “the way things have always been.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to MU students.

- The Rack - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde. It focuses on the serious problem of school shootings. It’ll be presented on Feb. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- Moon Over Buffalo - The Alban Arts Center presents the comedy on Feb. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

- The Tempest - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare story of magic and lost islands on Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for children.

   So go out and see a show!

Back on Schedule: "The Tempest"

   The production of The Tempest at Jenny Wiley Theatre had to be postponed a couple of weeks after a fire damaged the set and theatre - but repairs have been made, the stage rebuilt, and now the show is back on schedule!

   The William Shakespeare play will be presented on Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for children.

   The Tempest opens in the midst of a storm, as a ship containing the King of Naples and his party struggles to stay afloat. On land, Prospera and her daughter, Miranda, watch the storm envelop the ship. Prospera has created the storm with magic, and she explains that her enemies are on board the ship.

   Congratulations to the company for overcoming a major problem and keeping the show on track!

   The show must go on! 

"Moon Over Buffalo"

   On stage this weekend, the Alban Arts Center presents Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy, Moon Over Buffalo.

   The play will be presented at the Alban Performing Arts Center in St. Albans on Friday, Feb. 23, Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and youth 12 & under. 

   When Moon over Buffalo debuted in 1995, it marked Carol Burnett’s landmark return to Broadway after 30 years (for which she garnered a Tony Award nomination).

   The play centers on George and Charlotte Hay, formerly a couple of Broadway stars, who have taken their run-down touring company to Buffalo, New York. At the moment, they’re playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in repertory with five actors. But on-stage harmony is compromised when George performs an off-stage infidelity. When Hollywood film director, Frank Capra, plans to visit a particular performance, chaos ensues within the company. This show is a valentine to live theatre. 

   The Alban’s production features local actors, Thomas W. Goodman as George Hay, Jennifer Scott as Charlotte Hay, Stephen Hayward as Paul, Lauren Meyer as Rosalind, Susi Cantley as Ethel, Lee Dean as Howard, Laura Michele Diener as Eileen, and Anthony W. Vickers as Richard Maynard. The production is directed by George R. Snider III. 

   Call 304-721-8896 for tickets. For more information, visit www.albanartscenter.com. 

On Stage This Weekend

   The stages are on fire this weekend, with two shows in Huntington, one in Charleston and one in St. Albans - two comedies and two dramas!

   Here's the rundown:

- Alabama Rain - Marshall University’s Department of Theatr presents the play on Feb. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The play tells the tale of five sisters living in a mythical southern town where it has not rained in 40 years. The play examines the perils of a stagnant existence as the sisters’ thirst for fertility and growth. In Alabama Rain, these women do battle with the powerful force of “the way things have always been.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to MU students.

- Inspecting Carol - First Church Dinner Theater presents the story of a struggling theater company desperate to stay afloat with their one dependable production - the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. It'll be presented at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5^th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 16 and 17. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner plus the show:  Adult - $27, Child under 12 - $8. Show only (as space permits) - $5. Reservations are required - call:  304-522-0357 or  740-867-8576 or e-mail  firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com.

- The Rack - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde. It focuses on the serious problem of school shootings. It’ll be presented on Feb. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- Moon Over Buffalo - The Alban Arts Center presents the comedy on Feb. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

   So go see a show - or more!

On Stage Tonight: "Chicago"

    Can't recommend this musical highly enough - Chicago takes the stage tonight in Huntington! I saw it a few years back in Columbus and loved it.

   Here's the story by my pal Dave Lavender for the Herald-Dispatch. You can read it at this link - here's an excerpt:

   To hear actress Dylis Croman talk about the musical "Chicago," you'd say it's pretty "spectacular."

   "It is 'Chicago.' It is a spectacular story and spectacular dancing and spectacular music - and to share it with people is an absolute joy," Croman said by phone.

   Croman, who has been with the "Chicago" family some 12 years playing the lead role of Roxie Hart both on Broadway and now on the national tour of "Chicago," isn't just hyping the musical, because she doesn't need to - it's "Chicago."

   And it is swinging its way here into the heart of Huntington. 

   Presented by First Sentry Bank, the Marshall Artists Series performance of the national tour of "Chicago" - the No. 1 longest-running American music in Broadway history - will be performed at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12.

   Tickets are $64, $70, $81 and $97 at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office at 304-696-6656, online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse box office from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

   With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, "Chicago," which is set in the Windy City in the Roarin' 1920s, tells the wild, music-and-dance-filled rollercoaster story of drama queen Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her side-man after he threatens to leave her. After being arrested, Roxie meets the six "merry murderesses" at the Cook County Jail, including Velma Kelly, her rival cellmate.

   Desperate to avoid conviction, Roxie hires Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to twist her crime into a publicity opportunity by way of sensational headlines in hopes of getting set free.

Still Time to Reserve Tickets for "Inspecting Carol"

   What's on stage this weekend? Well, The Tempest was scheduled to open in Pikeville, but a fire has delayed that show for a few weeks - so the stages are pretty bare.

   But I recommend taking to time to put your Valentine's reservation in for next weekend's dinner and theatre combination at First United Methodist Church!

   They're presenting the play Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan and The Seattle Repertory Company. 

   It's described as “A Christmas Carol meets The Government Inspector meets Noises Off.

   First Church Dinner Theater introduced the Tri-State to Inspecting Carol in 1995. This February, they will reprise the “wickedly knockabout satire.” It is the story of a struggling theater company desperate to stay afloat with their one dependable production - the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. With less than a week to prepare a show for an inspector, the company staggers from dilemma to dilemma.  Rehearsals are at a standstill, Tim is no longer Tiny, and Scrooge wants to do the play in Spanish. To bring all this foolishness to life, they have assembled a great cast:

Kay Emery - Linda LeMaster                           

Dorothy Tree-Hapgood - Jane Morse

M.J. McMann - Jenn Naglee                                

Phil Hewlett - Owen Reynolds

Wayne Wellacre - Michael Naglee                          

Walter E. Parsons - Isaiah Shook

Zorah Bloch - Sheila Meade                               

Larry Vauxhall - Dylan Clark

Luther - Brennan Adkins-Coleman         

Bri Frances - Brianna Newcome                                                               

Sidney Carlton - Todd Green

                  

     The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991.  It is an integral part of First Church’s Mission program, raising more than $60,000 for Mission projects through 25 productions. For example last year’s proceeds helped 10 West Virginia mission projects, the Marshall Campus Christian Center, a local family in need, the youth work team, and Christmas in Nicaragua. 

Where: First United Methodist Church, 1124 5^th Avenue in Huntington

When: Thursday, February 15; Friday, February 16; Saturday, February 17

Dinner served at 6:00 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m.

Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with Tossed Salad, Baked Potato, Green Peas and Pearl Onions, Dilly Rolls and Assorted Valentine Desserts

Tickets: Dinner plus Show:  Adult - $27   Child under 12 - $8

Show only (as space permits) - $5

Babysitting available on request for all shows (advance notice required)

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL DINNERS

        Call:  304-522-0357 or  740-867-8576 

            or e-mail  firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church.

Summer Camp Signups in Huntington

   Eddie Harbert has announced his summer camp in Huntington - here's his note:

   It's that time of year again! Time for summer theater camp! Camp this year will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Younger camp is for ages 5-11 and will be held June 11 - 30. Participants will be performing the musical Magic Treehouse: Pirates at Half-Past Noon KIDS. 

   Older camp is for ages 11-18 and will be held July 9 - 28. They will be performing Once on This Island, Jr. 

   Both camps will run from 9am to noon Monday through Friday for three weeks. Shows will be performed the last Friday and Saturday evenings of each camp. Cost for each camp is $300. This price includes all camp materials including scripts, crafts, T-shirts, cast pictures, individual pictures and certificates. 

   Space is limited to 30 campers per camp. To register your child, please contact Eddie at 304-360-2749 or send him a private message and he will get an application to you. There is a nonrefundable $25 registration fee due with each application. All camp fees must be paid by the first day of camp. Some scholarships are available. 

   For more information about camp or if you are interested in sponsoring a child with a full or partial scholarship, please contact Eddie. 

Jenny Wiley Theatre Looking for Help

  Sad news from the Jenny Wiley Theatre in Pikeville, as fire broke out on the set of that group's next show, The Tempest over the weekend.

   The fire damaged the stage and set - and they're hard at work cleaning up the mess and rebuilding the stage. They're hoping to present the show on schedule, but warn that they may have to push the premiere back a bit.

   The show was scheduled to run on Feb. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. 

   The Theatre is asking the community for help by donating money. You can go to their website at www.jwtheatre.com for more info!

On Stage This Weekend: "1984"

   Today's Herald-Dispatch has a great story by Derek Halsey on the Paramount Players production of 1984 that runs tonight and tomorrow in Ashland.

   You can read the story right here. (The photos, including the one above, are by Larry Butcher.) 

   Here's an excerpt:

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

   The year was 1949 and author George Orwell decided to write a fictional novel based on the evil possibilities of the then-burgeoning modern era. In the narrative, when it comes to humans and power, specifically the potential for abuse of power by overbearing governments and more, modern technology can play a part.

   Orwell predicted in his "1984" novel the possibilities concerning governments and regimes that have a totalitarian bent, and the themes of the book still ring true 70 years later. Orwell's story describes what can happen when the worst traits of man rise up to dominate subservient citizens with the use of never-ending war, constant spying by an oppressive government using TV and other technological tools, and the constant propaganda used to control people in a dystopian form of the world.

   The book was so successful that phrases found within it - like "Big Brother" and "thought police" - are still used to this day. Ultimately, the book explores the notion that if humans are involved, something can and will go wrong, and that absolute power is capable of corrupting humans in an absolute way.

   The Paramount Players bring "1984" to life on stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3, at the Paramount Arts Center, 1300 Winchester Ave., Ashland.

   Tickets are $20 and $15 for students. Tickets will be $2 higher if purchased the day of show, and your final ticket purchase will include a $1 per-ticket historic theater restoration fee. Tickets are available online at www.paramountartscenter.com or by visiting or calling the box office at 606-324-0007.

On Stage in February

   February is here (already!) and the community theatre schedule is getting crowded! Here are the shows taking the stage this month:

- Alabama Rain - Marshall University’s Department of Theatr presents the play on Feb. 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The play tells the tale of five sisters living in a mythical southern town where it has not rained in 40 years. The play examines the perils of a stagnant existence as the sisters’ thirst for fertility and growth. In Alabama Rain, these women do battle with the powerful force of “the way things have always been.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to MU students.

- Inspecting Carol - First Church Dinner Theater presents the story of a struggling theater company desperate to stay afloat with their one dependable production - the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. It'll be presented at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5^th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 15, 16 and 17. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner plus the show:  Adult - $27   Child under 12 - $8. Show only (as space permits) - $5. Reservations are required - call:  304-522-0357 or  740-867-8576 or e-mail  firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com.

- Chicago - The Marshall Artists Series presents the long-running Broadway smash musical on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. 

- Amazing Grace - The Marshall Artists Series presents the Broadway musical based on the story behind the beloved song. It will be presented Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- 1984 - The Paramount Players present the play based of the chilling novel by George Orwell. It will be presented on Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland. Tickets are $20 for adult and $15 for students (plus fees).

- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical comedy on Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. The show will be presented at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre at 411 Tennessee Avenue in Charleston.

- The Rack - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde. It focuses on the serious problem of school shootings. It’ll be presented on Feb. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- Moon Over Buffalo - The Alban Arts Center presents the comedy on Feb. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

- The Tempest - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare story of magic and lost islands on Feb. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

   So go out and see some shows!