On Stage This Week and Upcoming Shows

   Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. 

__________________________

ON STAGE THIS WEEK:

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties)
For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- "Romeo and Juliet" - Alban Arts Center present the Shakespeare classic at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.

- “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr.” - The Paramount Players present the show based on the animated film at the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. 

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30 at the Cabell County School Board building (the former Huntington East High School). Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story” and “High School Reunion” as a night of one acts will be presented by The Fat Llama Theatre Company. Show dates are September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Ironton Elks Lodge 177. “Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story” follows Sam and Katie as they go through the trials and tribulations of love at the tender age of five in this hilarious and sweet take on young romance. “High School Reunion” reunites five frenemies. After spending a fateful night together at their senior prom, they gather at their 10th, 25th, and 65th high school reunions. This comedy proves that while high school may only last four years, for some, the desire to outdo their high school buddies never fades away. Auditions will consist of a cold read from the script.

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Obituary: Neil Simon

   Theatre and comedy fans are mourning the loss of Neil Simon, one of the greatest - and most successful - comedy writers of all time. 

   Best known for The Odd Couple, he wrote an amazing number of shows and helped "fix" an untold number of other plays.

   He enjoyed a long, successful career on stage, television and movies, and we can take comfort that his shows will continue providing laughs for generations to come. 

   You can read the Associated Press coverage right here. Here's an excerpt of the story by Mark Kennedy:

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

   Playwright Neil Simon, a master of comedy whose laugh-filled hits such as The Odd Couple, Barefoot in the Park and his Brighton Beach trilogy dominated Broadway for decades, has died. He was 91.

   Simon died early Sunday of complications from pneumonia at New York Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan, said Bill Evans, a longtime friend and spokesman for Shubert Organization theaters.

   In the second half of the 20th century, Simon was the American theater's most successful and prolific playwright, often chronicling middle class issues and fears. Starting with Come Blow Your Horn in 1961 and continuing into the next century, he rarely stopped working on a new play or musical. His list of credits is staggering.

Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- No stage shows this week!

- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties)
For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

- "Romeo and Juliet" - Alban Arts Center present the Shakespeare classic at the St. Albans City Park Ampitheater Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22.

- “Madagascar: A Musical Adventure, Jr.” - The Paramount Players present the show based on the animated film at the Paramount Theatre on Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. 

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30. Follow that rabbit to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies. Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Peter and the Starcatcher” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the musical on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

- “Charlotte's Web” - the Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the children’s classic story on Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- “Of Devils and Men” is a live stage play written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The death penalty has just been passed into law. Twelve jurors, one is the devil. The end has come. Performances will be at the Capitol Theatre in Charleston on Oct. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

- “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobblies” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the radio play by Nelson Bond on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- “Dracula” presented by The Aracoma Story. It’s based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park in October.

- “Ragtime the Musical” presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center. The musical will be presented in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on November 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, 2018.

———————————-

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

AUDITIONS FOR: “Boy Meets Girl: A Love Story” and “High School Reunion” as a night of one acts will be presented by The Fat Llama Theatre Company. Auditions are Aug, 22 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ironton Elks Lodge 177. “Boy Meets Girl: A Young Love Story” follows Sam and Katie as they go through the trials and tribulations of love at the tender age of five in this hilarious and sweet take on young romance. “High School Reunion” reunites five frenemies. After spending a fateful night together at their senior prom, they gather at their 10th, 25th, and 65th high school reunions. This comedy proves that while high school may only last four years, for some, the desire to outdo their high school buddies never fades away. Auditions will consist of a cold read from the script. There are 6-10 roles available for ages teen through adult. Rehearsals will be M/W from 6-8pm. Show dates are September 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. Jim Maggard will be directing.

AUDITIONS FOR: “Love, Loss and What I Wore” presented by Alchemy Theatre Troupe. Directed by Amy Carlson, the cast includes five roles available for women, 18 years of age and older. Auditions will be held on Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Huntington at 732 14th Street West. The show will be presented Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.  Scenes and monologues from the play will be provided at auditions for readings. Actresses will read from scenes and cuts selected by the director. Director and other actresses will be present during auditions for possible readings together. Bring ALL conflicts between Aug. 25 and Oct. 18. Conflicts will be considered and taken into account for casting. If you are interested in auditioning and you cannot make that date, please message the director at amy.carlson@marshall.edu .

AUDITIONS FOR: “A Christmas Story the Musical” presented by First Stage Theatre Company. Based of the story by Jean Shepherd about Ralphie, the boy who dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB Gun for Christmas, but everyone tells him, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Auditions will be Sunday, Aug. 26 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington.  Please arrived prepared to sing 32 to 64 bars (or 1 to 2 minutes) of a musical theatre song (not a pop song). An accompanist and a CD player will be available. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track - please, no a capella auditions.  Actors should be prepared to learn a short dance. To audition, actors must be in the 1st Grade to High School seniors. The roles of Mother, Father (the Old Man) and “Old Ralphie” will be cast using adults. The show will be presented Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 1 and 2 at Huntington High School’s auditorium. 

AUDITIONS FOR: “Perfect Wedding” presented by the Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC). One of Samuel French’s most produced plays, it deals with a wedding day gone horribly and hilariously, wrong. Auditions will be held Aug. 27 and Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. each night at the JB Sowards Theatre at ACTC. Parts are available for two men and four women. Performance Dates are Nov. 2 and 3.

Upcoming Shows and Auditions!

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Chimes” - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents a love story set in the present day woods of West Virginia, in verse, and performed by a group of highly talented young actors. It runs Aug. 16, 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. at the CYAC Theatre on the 2nd floor at the Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. 

- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties)
For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Alice In Wonderland” - First Stage Theatre Company presents the classic story on Sept. 27, 28, 29 and 30. Follow that rabbit to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies. Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

- “Peter and the Starcatcher” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the musical on Oct. 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. 

- “Charlotte's Web” - the Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the children’s classic story on Oct. 4, 5, 6 and 7 at the Civic Center Little Theater.

- “Of Devils and Men” is a live stage play written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The death penalty has just been passed into law. Twelve jurors, one is the devil. The end has come. Performances will be at the Capitol Theatre in Charleston on Oct. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

- “Mr. Mergenthwirker’s Lobblies” - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the radio play by Nelson Bond on Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

- “Dracula” presented by The Aracoma Story. It’s based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park in October.

———————————-

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

AUDITIONS FOR: “Ragtime the Musical” presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Auditions are open to ages 15 to adult (The Little Boy and The Little Girl are short, ages 9 – 11). READING Auditions are Wednesday, August 15 at 7 p.m. Scripts are provided. DANCE Auditions are Thursday, August 16 at 7 p.m. Prompt! Dress to dance; combinations are taught. All auditions are held at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre at the corner of Tennessee Avenue and Roane Street. 

AUDITIONS FOR: “Arsenic & Old Lace” presented by the Portsmouth Little Theatre. Auditions will be held Aug, 16 and 17 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. Mortimer Brewster has just become engaged, and he visits his sweet spinster aunts to announce the engagement. His world is turned upside down when he realizes that his dear aunts have been poisoning lonely old men for years! Mortimer must rally to help his aunts and protect his fiancé -- all while trying to keep his own sanity, as well. An uproarious farce on plays involving murder, this show has become a favorite. Medium to large cast with a variety of characters. Includes mature adult, elderly, adult, and young adult characters 

AUDITIONS FOR: “Love, Loss and What I Wore” presented by Alchemy Theatre Troupe. Directed by Amy Carlson, the cast includes five roles available for women, 18 years of age and older. Auditions will be held on Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Huntington at 732 14th Street West. The show will be presented Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.  Scenes and monologues from the play will be provided at auditions for readings. Actresses will read from scenes and cuts selected by the director. Director and other actresses will be present during auditions for possible readings together. Bring ALL conflicts between Aug. 25 and Oct. 18. Conflicts will be considered and taken into account for casting. If you are interested in auditioning and you cannot make that date, please message the director at amy.carlson@marshall.edu .

AUDITIONS FOR: “Perfect Wedding” presented by the Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC). One of Samuel French’s most produced plays, it deals with a wedding day gone horribly and hilariously, wrong. Auditions will be held Aug. 27 and Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. each night at the JB Sowards Theatre at ACTC. Parts are available for two men and four women. Performance Dates are Nov. 2 and 3.

——————————-

Marshall's Upcoming Theatre Season

   Marshall University's Theatre Department always offers up a tremendous season - and this year is no different. Here's the rundown of five shows, starting with a terrific musical:

   - PETER AND THE STARCATCHER

A PLAY BY RICK ELICE

MUSIC BY WAYNE BARKER

October 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center

Tony‐winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century‐old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best‐selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, and written by Rick Elice, with music by Wayne Barker. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

- MR. MERGENTHWIRKER’S LOBBLIES

A RADIO PLAY BY NELSON BOND

October 20 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center

The story of Mr. Mergenthwirker, a reporter for a small town newspaper who is assisted by a group of invisible pixies who appear and speak only to him. The pixies aid the pure‐of‐heart Mergenthwirker and help him to solve a series of murders in a three‐act whodunit.

- CRIMES OF THE HEART

BY BETH HENLEY

November 14, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center

The scene is Hazlehurst, Mississippi, where the three Magrath sisters have gathered to await news of the family patriarch, their grandfather, who is living out his last hours in the local hospital. Lenny, the oldest sister, is unmarried at 30 and facing diminishing marital prospects; Meg, the middle sister, who quickly outgrew Hazlehurst, is back after a failed singing career on the West Coast; while Babe, the youngest, is out on bail after having shot her husband in the stomach. Their troubles, grave and yet, somehow, hilarious, are highlighted by their priggish cousin, Chick, and by the awkward young lawyer who tries to keep Babe out of jail while helpless not to fall in love with her. In the end the play is the story of how its young characters escape the past to seize the future - but the telling is so true and touching and consistently hilarious that it will linger in the mind long after the curtain has descended.

- IN THE WAKE

BY LISA KRON

February 13, 14, 15 16, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre of The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center

It’s Thanksgiving of 2000 and the presidential election still has not been decided. Ellen insists that her friends and family don’t understand how bad the situation really is. But no one - not her loving partner, Danny, nor the passionate Amy, nor the brutally pragmatic and world‐weary Judy - can make Ellen see the blind spot at the center of her own politics and emotional life. A funny, passionate, and ultimately searing new play that illuminates assumptions that lie at the heart of the American character - and the blind spots that mask us from ourselves.

- TARTUFFE

BY MOLIERE

TRANSLATED BY RICHARD WILBUR

April 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.

In the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center

The story takes place in the home of the wealthy Orgon, where Tartuffe - a fraud and a pious impostor - has insinuated himself. He succeeds magnificently in winning the respect and devotion of the head of the house, and then tries to marry his daughter and seduce his wife and scrounge the deed to the property. He nearly gets away with it, but an emissary from King Louis XIV arrives in time to recover the property, free Monsieur Orgon, and haul Tartuffe off to jail. And so his duplicity is finally exposed and punished. But not before the author has mercilessly examined the evil that men can commit in the guise of religious fervor and the dangers that imperil those who would believe only what they choose to believe despite a mountain of evidence to the contrary.

Auditions for "Alice in Wonderland"

   Huntington's long-running children's theatre will kick off its 29th season this weekend with auditions for Alice In Wonderland. 

   Auditions for the non-musical play will be held Sunday, August 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. 

   It’s open to kids starting in 2nd Grade to High School Seniors. Just arrive at the church anytime between 2 and 5 p.m. - kids will fill out an information form and will be given a script page to look over. For the audition, they can read from the page. That's it!

   Performances of Alice In Wonderland will be on Sept. 27 - 30. 

   Follow that rabbit to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies. Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The finale has Alice watching a trial, but she suddenly finds herself the accused! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

Alchemy Theatre Invites Proposals

   Huntington's newest theatre group, Alchemy Theatre, announced today it's looking for proposals for its next season. Here's the note:

   We are pleased to announce that we are now accepting proposals for our 2019 season. We are looking for people who are interested in directing and have a vision for a project. Both musicals and plays will be considered. To submit a proposal click on this DropBox link, download the pdf, and email it to us at:

alchemytheatrewv@gmail.com

Deadline for submission is September 7, 2018. 

Fill out the form as best as you can. If you have any questions please message us on our Facebook page or email us at the address above. Thank you and we look forward to hearing from you! 

-Alchemy Theatre Troupe Production Committee

Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2018. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Hairspray” - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the beloved musical about Tracy Turnblad’s dreams of fame, and how she uses her newfound star power to promote equal rights. The show will be presented at the Amphitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky., on Aug. 8, 9, 10 and 11 at 8:15 p.m.

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center present Disney's The Little Mermaid in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Aug. 10, and 11, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee on Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.

- “Chimes” - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents a love story set in the present day woods of West Virginia, in verse, and performed by a group of highly talented young actors. It premieres on Aug. 9 at 7 p.m. and runs at the same time Aug. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 at the CYAC Theatre on the 2nd floor at the Charleston Town Center. The usual price: $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. 

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the Junior version of the Disney musical at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV, on Aug. 10, 11 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 11 at 2:30 p.m.

- Murder and Merriment (Interactive Murder Dinner Parties)
For a complete list of upcoming murder parties, visit www.murderandmerriment.com.

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

- “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown (Revised)” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the comic strip “Peanuts” by Charles M. Schulz. It will be presented on Sept. 21, 22, 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., Sept. 23 at 2:30 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “Of Devils and Men” is a live stage play written and directed by Lawrence Burgess. The death penalty has just been passed into law. Twelve jurors, one is the devil. The end has come. Performances will be at the Capitol Theatre in Charleston on Oct. 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 and 31.

- “Dracula” presented by The Aracoma Story. It’s based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park in October.

———————————-

UPCOMING AUDITIONS:

AUDITIONS FOR: “Charlotte's Web” - presented by the Children’s Theatre of Charleston. Auditions: Aug. 11 and 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Auditions will be open to those 8 years to adult. Performances: Oct. 4 to 7. All performances are at the Civic Center Little Theater. Are you ready to become a part of a classic tale with the Children's Theatre of Charleston? There are numerous roles available as we enter life on the farm with Fern, Wilbur and Charlotte. Audition slots are now open for reservations on our website www.ctoc.org under the audition tab. Walk in slots will also be available from 1-4 both Saturday and Sunday. Looking forward to see you at auditions! Please see ctoc.org for all the information on our audition process.

AUDITIONS FOR: “Alice In Wonderland” presented by First Stage Theatre Company. Auditions will be held Sunday, August 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. It’s open to kids starting in 2nd Grade to High School Seniors. Performances will be on Sept. 27 - 30. This is a non-musical play. Follow that rabbit to a delightful, entertaining world of childhood fantasies. Alice journeys into a world of talking animals, comic royalty and races where the contestants run in circles! There are also the Mad Hatter’s frantic tea party, the watch-carrying White Rabbit and talking flowers. Along the way Alice must deal with a sneezing duchess and a baby that turns into a pig! The finale has Alice watching a trial, but she suddenly finds herself the accused! The play gives a modern view to an old classic, where nonsense makes quite good sense.

AUDITIONS FOR: “Ragtime the Musical” presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild. Auditions are open to ages 15 to adult (The Little Boy and The Little Girl are short, ages 9 – 11). SINGING auditions are Tuesday, August 14 at 7 p.m. No a capella, please! Prepare a classic Broadway song (bring sheet music for Guild accompanist if not singing from score). READING Auditions are Wednesday, August 15 at 7 p.m. Scripts are provided. DANCE Auditions are Thursday, August 16 at 7 p.m. Prompt! Dress to dance; combinations are taught. All auditions are held at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre at the corner of Tennessee Avenue and Roane Street. 

AUDITIONS FOR: “Love, Loss and What I Wore” presented by Alchemy Theatre Troupe. Directed by Amy Carlson, the cast includes five roles available for women, 18 years of age and older. Auditions will be held on Aug. 25 at 11 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club in Huntington at 732 14th Street West. The show will be presented Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m.  Scenes and monologues from the play will be provided at auditions for readings. Actresses will read from scenes and cuts selected by the director. Director and other actresses will be present during auditions for possible readings together. Bring ALL conflicts between Aug. 25 and Oct. 18. Conflicts will be considered and taken into account for casting. If you are interested in auditioning and you cannot make that date, please message the director at amy.carlson@marshall.edu .

AUDITIONS FOR: “Perfect Wedding” presented by the Ashland Community and Technical College. One of Samuel French’s most produced plays, it deals with a wedding day gone horribly and hilariously, wrong. Auditions will be held Aug. 27 and Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. each night. Parts are available for two men and four women.

New Season for the Marshall Artists Series Announced

   Sunday's edition of the Herald-Dispatch includes a recap of the upcoming season for the Marshall Artists Series written by my pal Dave Lavender, which you can read right here.

   There's a lot in there for theatre fans to be happy about, including the touring productions of Jersey Boys (which is the real-life story of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons), Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Tony Award-winning musical Evita, Cinderella (the beloved Rogers & Hammerstein musical) and the '80s comes back to life in Rock of Ages.

   It's a great lineup - better reserve those tickets early!

On Stage in August

   Coming up in August we have eight shows, including Disney classics, Broadway favorites and a beloved TV series on stage!

   Here's the rundown:

- "Guys and Dolls JR." - The Alban Arts Center presents the Junior version of the classic musical on Aug. 3, 4 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 5 at 2 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $10 for seniors and children 12 and under.

- “Hairspray” - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the beloved musical about Tracy Turnblad’s dreams of fame, and how she uses her newfound star power to promote equal rights. The show will be presented at the Amphitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky., on Aug. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 at 8:15 p.m.

- “Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.” - The Aracoma Story presents the Junior version of the musical on Aug. 2, 3, 4 and 5 at 8:30 p.m. at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, WV.

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center present Disney's The Little Mermaid in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Aug. 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Aug. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m.

- “Legally Blonde the Musical” - Paramount Players present the show at the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, Ky., on Aug. 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 4 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for students, $25 for adults.

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr.” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the Junior version of the Disney musical at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV, on Aug. 3, 4, 10, 11 at 8 p.m. and Aug. 5 and 11 at 2:30 p.m.

- “Bugsy Malone, Jr.” - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of two gangs in a fictitious city populated only by children are in a rivalry. It will be presented Aug. 2, 3 and 4 at 6 p.m. and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Aug. 31, Sept. 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16.

    A great lineup - get out there and see a show!