One Last Chance to See "Alice!"

    I saw the performance of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland this evening in Huntington and loved it!

   (By the way, I should admit up front that I serve on the board of First Stage Theatre - but my only involvement with the show was as a member of the audience.)

   The cast was amazing, bringing to life the small army of crazed characters from the classic, madcap story by Lewis Carroll! The set was impressive and the costumes were absolutely stunning!

   It's a fast, furious show full of surprises and lots of laughs!

   And it was great to see a show in the classic Huntington East auditorium (the building now houses the Cabell County Board of Education, but the auditorium is in terrific shape)!

   You only have one more chance to catch the show - it wraps up today (Sunday) at 2:30 p.m.

   Don't miss it! 

On Stage This Weekend: "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"

   It only took about 26 years, but First Stage Theatre - Huntington's long-running children's theatre - is finally getting around the staging Alice's Adventures in Wonderland again - and the show runs this weekend only!

 First staged in 1992, the show is back (with a brand new cat, of course) and being presented on a classic stage - the recently-refurbished theatre at the old Huntington East High School (now the Cabell County Education Central Office) at 2850 Fifth Avenue.

  The play, of course, is based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll about a young girl who follows a large white rabbit into a strange world of talking caterpillars, Cheshire Cats who disappear (leaving behind only a smile), Mad Hatters, March Hares and the Queen of Hearts and her army of playing cards.

    The cast of the play is made up entirely of young performers from the Tri-state area.

   Shows will be presented Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. Tickets are available at the door - or to reserve tickets, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).

   The play is directed by Zach Davis and produced by Jeanette Bailey, with Assistant Director Madeline Jackson and Costumes by Tish Maynard. 

   Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

On Stage This Weekend (And Coming Attractions)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “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.

- “Sad Mad Glad: The Musical” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde’s musical adaptation of Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn’s children’s books of the same name. A dozen new songs with titles such as “Your Eyes, Your Nose, Your Skin, Your Toes,” “Why, Why, Why” and “Pozz-itivity” pack this hour-long jaunt written for the 7 and under crowd. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27, 28 and 29, at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $5 for kids 5 and under, $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. 

- “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. 28, 29, Oct. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg, WV.

- “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.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “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.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will give an encore performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. A $10 donation suggested.

- “Love, Loss and What I Wore” - the Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the play on Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. at Make: Art Studio and Gallery in Barboursville. Ticket are $15. 

On Stage This Weekend (and Coming Attractions)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

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

- “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.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “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.

- “Sad Mad Glad: The Musical” - Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde’s musical adaptation of Chuck Stump and Jim Strawn’s children’s books of the same name. A dozen new songs with titles such as “Your Eyes, Your Nose, Your Skin, Your Toes,” “Why, Why, Why” and “Pozz-itivity” pack this hour-long jaunt written for the 7 and under crowd. Shows will be presented at 7 p.m. on Sept. 27, 28 and 29, at 2 p.m. on Sept. 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 4, 5 and 6, and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6 and 7. All performance are in the Contemporary Youth Arts Company Theater, 2nd level, Charleston Town Center. Tickets are $5 for kids 5 and under, $8 for Students and $15 for Adults. Tickets are available at the door the night of the performance or online at cyacwv.showclix.com. 

- “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.

- “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.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will give an encore performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, Oct. 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. A $10 donation suggested.

Movie Trailer: "Mary Poppins Returns"

   OK, it's not exactly theatre related (though one of the stars is Lin-Manuel Miranda, one of Broadway's biggest names), but this new trailer for the movie Mary Poppins Returns is just delightful.

   Check it out and have a smile:

"Midsummer" Makes a Return Visit

   Good news for those who missed the only performance of Alchemy Theatre's A Midsummer Night's Dream, you get another chance!

   By popular demand, Huntington's newest theatre troupe will give another performance of the Shakespeare comedy on Sunday, October 7 at 3:00 p.m. in the large gazebo in Central City in west Huntington. 

   The audience will surround the set under the gazebo roof! 

   It's a terrific, funny show - send chances are rare in local theatre, so don't miss it!

On Stage Soon: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

   First Stage Theatre Company will present the play Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at the Cabell County Education Central Office auditorium (the former Huntington East High School) at 2850 Fifth Avenue in Huntington on Sept. 28, 29 and 30, 2018. 

 

   The play is based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll about a young girl who follows a large white rabbit into a strange world of talking caterpillars, Cheshire Cats who disappear, Mad Hatters and the Queen of Hearts and her army of playing cards.

 

   The cast of the play is made up entirely of young performers from the Tri-state area.

 

   Shows will be presented Sept. 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).

 

   A special daytime performance is available for schools (by reservation only) on Thursday, Sept. 27 at 9:30 a.m. For more information, contact First Stage at jeanettebailey2@gmail.com. 

   The play is directed by Zach Davis and produced by Jeanette Bailey, with Assistant Director Madeline Jackson and Costumes by Tish Maynard. 

   Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

On Stage This Week

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Sept. 14, 15 and 16.

- "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.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “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.

- “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.

- "Wait Until Dark" - the Kanawha Players present the suspense classic at the LaBelle Theatre, 311 D Street, South Charleston, 25303. Performance dates are Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13. All shows starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens and students, and you can get 4 for $40 in a group deal. Call Kanawha Players at 304-343-PLAY(7529) to reserve your tickets today!

- “Love, Loss and What I Wore” - the Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the play on Oct. 19 and 20 at 8 p.m. at Make: Art Studio and Gallery in Barboursville. Ticket are $15.00. 

- “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” - The Paramount Players present the play based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. The show will be presented Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at midnight at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky.

- “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 on October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.

Auditions for "Dracula" in Ashland

   Auditions are being held next week for Dracula, which will be presented by The Paramount Players. 

   Auditions will be held Monday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center. Auditions are open to ages 16 and older. 

   The play is based on the novel by Bram Stoker about the classic legend of the Transylvanian vampire. 

   The show will be presented Oct. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 27 at midnight.

On Stage This Week (and Upcoming Shows)

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “The Beverly Hillbillies” - The Aracoma Story Inc. presents the comedy based on the classic TV show. The show will run Sept. 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.