Auditions for "Frozen Jr." on Saturday, June 29

   Auditions for Disney's Frozen Jr. will be held by First Stage Theatre Company this Saturday - you can read about it at this link - here are the basics:

   First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for the musical Frozen, Jr. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington.

   To audition actors must be in the 1st to the 12th grades this upcoming school year. Those auditioning may arrive anytime during the audition hours. 

   Please prepare 32-64 bars or 1-2 minutes of a musical theater song (NOT a pop song). A piano accompanist, speaker and CD player will be available. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track, please no acappella auditions. Actors should be prepared to learn a short dance - so wear clothes and shoes appropriate for dancing. 

   Middle and high school actors will be asked to read from the script if they are auditioning for a speaking role. Elementary school actors will only be asked to read from the script if needed.

   Frozen Jr. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film,  plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

   Frozen, Jr. is part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. The show dates are October 11-13 and 18-20 at Huntington High School Theater. 

On Stage This Week, Coming Attractions and Upcoming Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, June 26, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. 

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Bright Star” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Appalachian style musical at the Light Opera Guild Theatre before and during FestivALL Charleston on June 28, 29 and 30. From Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell, Bright Star is the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that The New York Times called a "shining achievement.”

- “Godspell” -  First Methodist Church in Ashland presents the musical on June 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and June 30 at 6:30 p.m. Free admission!

- “On Golden Pond” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the play on June 28, and 29 at 8 p.m.

- "Jack the Ripper" - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) will present the play at Elk City Playhouse on June 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m.

- “Huck Finn” - The Albans Arts Center in St. Albans will present the play based on the book by Mark Twain on June 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” and “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District will present two musicals at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the Disney's Frozen Jr. Pre-Show at 7:00 p.m. and Disney's The Little Mermaid at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+).

- “Deadly Divide - The Hatfield / McCoy Story” - The Aracoma Story presents the outdoor drama at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park on July 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28. All shows start at 8:30 p.m. The Hatfield / McCoy feud involved two rural families of the West Virginia / Kentucky area along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River in the years from 1863 to 1891. The Hatfields of West Virginia were led by William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield while the McCoys of Kentucky were under the leadership of Randolph "Ole Ran'l" McCoy. More than a century later, the feud has become synonymous with the perils of family honor, justice, and revenge, recently brought to light again from this brand new production.

- "Shrek: The Musical" - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical based on the animated film on August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, 2019, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Pea Ridge Players will present the musical / rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis. Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

——————————-

AUDITIONS:

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for the musical from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29 at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. To audition actors must be in the 1st – 12th grades this upcoming school year. Those auditioning may arrive anytime during the audition hours. Please prepare 32-64 bars or 1-2 minutes of a musical theater song (NOT a pop song). A piano accompanist, speaker and CD player will be available. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track, please no acappella auditions. Actors should be prepared to learn a short dance- so wear clothes and shoes appropriate for dancing. Middle and high school actors will be asked to read from the script if they are auditioning for a speaking role. Elementary school actors will only be asked to read from the script if needed. Frozen, JR. is part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Show Dates: October 11-13 and 18-20 at Huntington High School Theater. 

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will hold auditions for the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Auditions are open to the community. Auditions will be offered for actors, singers, dancers August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. For more information, contact; Susan Marrash-Minnerly, srkmminnerly@gmail.com or Dirk Johnson, djohnson17@wvstateu.edu . Performances are Nov. 19-22.

Auditions This Weekend for "Disney's Frozen Jr."

   This year is shaping up to be the "Year of Frozen," as community theatre groups line up to be the next one to stage that musical. (And who can blame them? It's a terrific show!)

   First Stage Theatre will be presenting the show this fall, and auditions for young actors who want to visit the world of that animated feature will be offered this Saturday in Huntington! Here's the info:

   First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for the musical Frozen, JR. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29, at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington.

   To audition actors must be in the 1st – 12th grades this upcoming school year. Those auditioning may arrive anytime during the audition hours. Please prepare 32-64 bars or 1-2 minutes of a musical theater song (NOT a pop song). A piano accompanist, speaker and CD player will be available. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track, please no a cappella auditions. 

   Actors should be prepared to learn a short dance - so wear clothes and shoes appropriate for dancing. Middle and high school actors will be asked to read from the script if they are auditioning for a speaking role. Elementary school actors will only be asked to read from the script if needed.

   The enchanting modern classic from Disney is ready for  Broadway Junior stars! Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. The show features all of the memorable songs from the animated film, with music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus five new songs written for the Broadway production.

   A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, Frozen JR. expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between Princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood. With a cast of beloved characters and loaded with magic, adventure, and plenty of humor, Frozen JR. is sure to thaw even the coldest heart!

   Frozen, JR. is part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Show Dates: October 11-13 and 18-20 at Huntington High School Theater. 

   Credits: Music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, Book by Sara Wordsworth. 

   Frozen JR. is based on the 2018 Broadway production of Frozen, directed by Michael Grandage and produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.

On Stage This Weekend, Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, June 19, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know.

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Mamma Mia” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District present the musical based on the hits by ABBA. The shows will be presented in the Ritter Park Amphitheater on June 20, 21, 22 and 23. Gates open at 7 p.m. , the Community Pre-Show starts at 7:30 p.m., and "Mamma Mia" at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+). 

- “CATS” - Southern Coalition for the Arts will present Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based on T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Shows will take place June 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. All performances will take place at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

- “Bright Star” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Appalachian style musical at the Light Opera Guild Theatre before and during FestivALL Charleston on June 21, 22, 28, 29 and 30. From Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell, Bright Star is the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that The New York Times called a "shining achievement.”

- “On Golden Pond” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the play on June 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 8 p.m. and June 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- "Jack the Ripper" - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) will present the play at Elk City Playhouse on June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and June 23 at 2 p.m.

- “Huck Finn” - The Albans Arts Center in St. Albans will present the play based on the book by Mark Twain on June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

- “One Small Step” - Few events in human history have captured the imagination quite like the journey that humankind took to the moon! This play, brought to you by Bright Star Touring Theatre, marks the history of flight and space travel from the ancient tale of Icarus, to the first flights of the Wright Brothers on the beaches at Kitty Hawk, to the Great Space Race of the 1960s and beyond! Young pilots and astronauts will be thrilled to learn about the real life characters that took One Small Step! Performances will be presented at St. Albans Branch Library on Monday, Jun. 24 at 10:30 a.m.; at Dunbar Branch Library at Monday, Jun. 24 at 2 p.m.; at Main Library on Monday, Jun. 24 at 6 p.m.; at Riverside Public Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 10:30 a.m.; at Elk Valley Branch Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 2 p.m.; Clendenin Branch Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 6 p.m.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” and “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District will present two musicals at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the Disney's Frozen Jr. Pre-Show at 7:00 p.m. and Disney's The Little Mermaid at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+).

- “Deadly Divide - The Hatfield / McCoy Story” - The Aracoma Story presents the outdoor drama at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park on July 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 26, 27 and 28. All shows start at 8:30 p.m. The Hatfield / McCoy feud involved two rural families of the West Virginia / Kentucky area along the Tug Fork of the Big Sandy River in the years from 1863 to 1891. The Hatfields of West Virginia were led by William Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield while the McCoys of Kentucky were under the leadership of Randolph "Ole Ran'l" McCoy. More than a century later, the feud has become synonymous with the perils of family honor, justice, and revenge, recently brought to light again from this brand new production.

- "Shrek: The Musical" - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical based on the animated film on August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, 2019, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Pea Ridge Players will present the musical / rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis. Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” -  First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical based on the beloved Disney animated film. The show will be presented at Huntington High School at 1 Highlander Way on Oct. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20.

——————————-

AUDITIONS:

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will hold auditions for the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Auditions are open to the community. Auditions will be offered for actors, singers, dancers August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. For more information, contact; Susan Marrash-Minnerly, srkmminnerly@gmail.com or Dirk Johnson, djohnson17@wvstateu.edu . Performances are Nov. 19-22.

A Great Weekend for Theatre!

   Wow, it's a great weekend for fans of community theatre (yes, you)!

    There are several great shows to choose from, including the latest offering from Huntington's outdoor theatre group, HART - they're presenting the ABBA-charged Mamma Mia this weekend and next at the Ritter Park Amphitheater (you can read more about it in this article by Dave Lavender).

    You can actually catch two different versions of that musical this weekend, as The Aracoma Story at Logan State Park wraps up its production of Mamma Mia this weekend!

   If you're more of an animal lover, then you can see the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats this weekend and next at the Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

    This is also the opening weekend for the much-anticipated Appalachian musical Bright Star, presented by The Charleston Light Opera Guild during FestivALL Charleston over the next three weekends. 

   If you're looking for a play with a great story that doesn't include singing and dancing, then The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg invites you to a trip On Golden Pond - it'll be presented over the next three weekends.

   It's great to have so many great shows to choose from!

On Stage This Week, Coming Attractions and Upcoming Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, June 12, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! *Please share this on your own timeline to reach a wider audience for local theatre.*

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “Mamma Mia” - The Aracoma Story at Logan State Park presents the musical based on the hit songs by Abba. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre on June 13, 14, 15 and 16 at 8:30 p.m.

- “CATS” - Southern Coalition for the Arts will present Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based on T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Shows will take place June 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. All performances will take place at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

- “Mamma Mia” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District present the musical based on the hits by ABBA. The shows will be presented in the Ritter Park Amphitheater on June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Gates open at 7 p.m. , the Community Pre-Show starts at 7:30 p.m., and "Mamma Mia" at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+).

- “Bright Star” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Appalachian style musical at the Light Opera Guild Theatre before and during FestivALL Charleston on June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. From Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell, Bright Star is the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that The New York Times called a "shining achievement.”

- “On Golden Pond” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the play on June 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 8 p.m. and June 23 at 2:30 p.m.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- "Jack the Ripper" - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) will present the play at Elk City Playhouse on June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and June 23 at 2 p.m.

- “Huck Finn” - The Albans Arts Center in St. Albans will present the play based on the book by Mark Twain on June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

- “One Small Step” - Few events in human history have captured the imagination quite like the journey that humankind took to the moon! This play, brought to you by Bright Star Touring Theatre, marks the history of flight and space travel from the ancient tale of Icarus, to the first flights of the Wright Brothers on the beaches at Kitty Hawk, to the Great Space Race of the 1960s and beyond! Young pilots and astronauts will be thrilled to learn about the real life characters that took One Small Step! Performances will be presented at St. Albans Branch Library on Monday, Jun. 24 at 10:30 a.m.; at Dunbar Branch Library at Monday, Jun. 24 at 2 p.m.; at Main Library on Monday, Jun. 24 at 6 p.m.; at Riverside Public Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 10:30 a.m.; at Elk Valley Branch Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 2 p.m.; Clendenin Branch Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 6 p.m.

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” and “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District will present two musicals at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the Disney's Frozen Jr. Pre-Show at 7:00 p.m. and Disney's The Little Mermaid at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+).

- "Shrek: The Musical" - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical on August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, 2019, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Pea Ridge Players will present the musical / rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis. Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

——————————-

AUDITIONS:

- “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” -  First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for the musical based on the beloved Disney animated film. The auditions will be held on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va. To audition actors must be in the 1st to 12th grades. Please prepare 32 to 64 bars (or 1 to 2 minutes) of music from musical theatre (not pop songs). An accompanist and CD player will be provided. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track, please no a capella auditions. Actors should prepare to learn a short dance. Middle and high school students will be asked to read from the script if they are auditioning for a speaking role. Elementary school students will only be asked to read from the script as needed. The show will be presented on Oct. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20. 

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will hold auditions for the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Auditions are open to the community. Auditions will be offered for actors, singers, dancers August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. For more information, contact; Susan Marrash-Minnerly, srkmminnerly@gmail.com or Dirk Johnson, djohnson17@wvstateu.edu . Performances are Nov. 19-22.

WV Shakes Fest

   My pal Dave Lavender turns in an excellent story in the Herald-Dispatch about this weekend's West Virginia Shakespeare Festival, which you can read at this link.

   Here's an excerpt:

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

With a set and costume twist of 1970s/'80s American beach culture, Shakespeare's island-set love adventures "Twelfth Night (or What You Will)" gets sent up in summer style.

Alchemy Theatre Troupe rolls into its second weekend of the production with two final shows - at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 7 and 8 - and the production-ending full-day second annual WV Shakes Fest starts at 1 p.m. Saturday with a menagerie of dance, comedy, music, arts and crafts vendors and more.

All tickets are general admission and are $20 to see the play which is about two hours with a short intermission. Saturday's WV Shakes Fest admission is an extra $5. Patrons are encouraged to dress in beach-themed attire and to bring picnics (all legal beverages allowed).

Since the 1602-written romantic comedy takes place on an island, Michael Murdock, who is directing the play, said it was easy to re-imagine it with a 1970s/'80s beach resort vibe.

"Because we were outdoors, and because this is set on an island we wanted to go with a beach resort vibe with a very late 1970s/early to mid-1980s resort style," Murdock said. "There's going to be a lot of Hawaiian shirts and an 'Magnum P.I.'-like vibe."

Murdock said for all shows they are encouraging folks to bring their own chairs or blankets to sit on. Also feel free to bring their own picnics and drinks to make a party of it.

On Stage An Island Apart

To set the visuals for the story, the Amphitheater's stage is set with Orsino's Tiki Lounge on stage right and Olivia's Biergarten on stage left to represent the romantic gulf between the two main characters, Duke Orsino, played by Owen Reynolds and Countess Olivia played by Kate Morris.

The play takes place on the island of Illyria in the middle of its Twelfth Night (the 12 days of Christmas leading to Epiphany) celebration. Orsino is in love with Olivia. Olivia won't have him because she's mourning for her dead brother. A set of twins, Viola (played by Joanna Murdock) and Sebastian (played by Andrew Surber) wash up on the shores after a shipwreck and cause a bunch of problems for everyone living on the island, including themselves. Viola ends up dressing as a man to get around the island freely, begins working for Orsino and inadvertently becomes the object of Olivia's affection. Olivia's staff also find time to cause trouble as well - and, in true, Shakespearean fashion, everything gets crazier and crazier all the way through to the end.

"It's a very Jimmy Buffett like vibe and we set it up for them to have rival bars on the island so that when you walk in and see that you basically get the gist of what we are doing," Murdock said.

On Stage Now, Coming Attractions, and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week, beginning Wednesday, June 5, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! *Please share this on your own timeline to reach a wider audience for local theatre.*

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

- “William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night” - Alchemy Theatre will present the play in conjunction with The Second Annual West Virginia Shakespeare Festival. It will be performed at Barboursville Park in Barboursville, WV, on June 7 and June 8.

- “Mamma Mia” - The Aracoma Story at Logan State Park presents the musical based on the hit songs by Abba. The show will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre on June 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15 and 16 at 8:30 p.m.

- “To Kill a Mockingbird” - The Children's Theatre of Charleston's teen group, Beyond the Stage, will be perform the play on June 7, 8 and 9 at George Washington High School. Tickets will be $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets will be available at the door.

- “CATS” - Southern Coalition for the Arts will present Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical based on T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.” Shows will take place June 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7 p.m., and June 9 at 3 p.m. All performances will take place at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

- “Mamma Mia” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District present the musical based on the hits by ABBA. The shows will be presented in the Ritter Park Amphitheater on June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23. Gates open at 7 p.m. , the Community Pre-Show starts at 7:30 p.m., and "Mamma Mia" at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+).

- “Bright Star” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the Appalachian style musical at the Light Opera Guild Theatre before and during FestivALL Charleston on June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. From Grammy, Emmy and Academy Award winning actor Steve Martin and Grammy Award-winning songwriter Edie Brickell, Bright Star is the five-time Tony-nominated Broadway musical that The New York Times called a "shining achievement.”

- “On Golden Pond” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the play on June 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 8 p.m. and June 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- "Jack the Ripper" - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) will present the play at Elk City Playhouse on June 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and June 23 at 2 p.m.

- “Huck Finn” - The Albans Arts Center in St. Albans will present the play based on the book by Mark Twain on June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens.

- “One Small Step” - Few events in human history have captured the imagination quite like the journey that humankind took to the moon! This play, brought to you by Bright Star Touring Theatre, marks the history of flight and space travel from the ancient tale of Icarus, to the first flights of the Wright Brothers on the beaches at Kitty Hawk, to the Great Space Race of the 1960s and beyond! Young pilots and astronauts will be thrilled to learn about the real life characters that took One Small Step! Performances will be presented at St. Albans Branch Library on Monday, Jun. 24 at 10:30 a.m.; at Dunbar Branch Library at Monday, Jun. 24 at 2 p.m.; at Main Library on Monday, Jun. 24 at 6 p.m.; at Riverside Public Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 10:30 a.m.; at Elk Valley Branch Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 2 p.m.; Clendenin Branch Library on Tuesday, Jun. 25 at 6 p.m.

- “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” and “Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - Huntington Area Regional Theater and the Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District will present two musicals at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre on July 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for the Disney's Frozen Jr. Pre-Show at 7:00 p.m. and Disney's The Little Mermaid at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults, $12 for Seniors (60+) and Children (2-12), and $10 for Groups (10+).

- "Shrek: The Musical" - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical on August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11, 2019, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

- “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” - The Pea Ridge Players will present the musical / rock opera created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It’s based on the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors from the book of Genesis. Performances will be staged at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on Aug. 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., and Aug. 11 and 18 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens.

_________________________

AUDITIONS:

- “American Soldier” - The West Virginia Actors Conservatory & BlackRoot Theatre Company will present this original stage play raising awareness for child trafficking and abuse. Auditions will be on May 30 at 6 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library at 1 Warrior Way, Ste 104 in Belle, W.Va. Set in 1950, Ronnie Roma returns from service, finding a city destroyed by the ultimate evil - the corruption of children into capital. He initiates the battle to save the lives of the innocent. But how does one fight when the institutions of justice are themselves unjust? Performances will be at the BlackRoot Theatre Company Performance Hall at 2700 Dupont Avenue, 3C in Belle, W.Va., on July 28, 29, Aug. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m., and on July 30 and Aug. 7 at 3 p.m.

- “Aida” - West Virginia State University will hold auditions for the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Auditions are open to the community. Auditions will be offered for actors, singers, dancers August 15 and 16 at 5 p.m. at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. For more information, contact; Susan Marrash-Minnerly, srkmminnerly@gmail.com or Dirk Johnson, djohnson17@wvstateu.edu . Performances are Nov. 19-22.

West Virginia Shakes

   I'm glad to see that not only is Alchemy Theatre presenting William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night this weekend and next at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre on June 1, 7 and 8, but they're also part of The Second Annual West Virginia Shakespeare Festival, which will be celebrated on Saturday, June 8. 

This year is bigger than ever! They've got entertainment starting at 1 p.m., arts and crafts vendors, face painting, food vendors and more!

And at 8 p.m., the closing night performance of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night will begin!

Tickets are $5 for the festival or $25 for the festival and the evening show!

The entertainment schedule includes:

1 p.m. – Thee Most Complicated Wristwatches

3 p.m. – The 1937 Flood

4 p.m. – The Alban Arts Center

5 p.m. – State 35 Improv

6 p.m. – 4th Avenue Arts & JDG: The Migration Project

7 p.m. – The Rustic Mechanicals

  Don't miss it!