On Stage This Weekend: "Dark of the Moon"

   Alchemy Theatre Troupe, Huntington’s premier acting company, will be performing the classic Appalachian play Dark of the Moon on Sept. 27 and 28 and on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the amphitheatre at Barboursville Park. 

     Dark of the Moon, written by Howard Richardson and William Berney, tells the tragic story of a mountain witch and the woman who captures his heart. Drawing on mountain myths, Appalachian folk tales, and traditional ballads, the play weaves together music, magic, and drama to create a spellbinding effect on audiences. 

     The play, drawing on Appalachian culture, is a natural fit for Alchemy, which seeks to forge powerful connections of emotions and ideas between artists and audiences through theatre that transforms the community in Huntington and the Tri-State area. The play uses well-known mountain and holler tunes, as well as a traditional story, to ground the play in the lived world of West Virginia and greater Appalachia.

   Dark of the Moon has been performed for over 50 years, and “for those who do know it, it is beloved,” says Robert Hutchens, director of the play. When he performed the play in Gatlinburg, Tenn., for a decade, audiences would return year after year to see their story told. Hutchens says that this is because “for people from Appalachia, there is great appeal in the mountain lore, humor, and music” that they grew up with. 

   Actress Christine Anderson says the play is “like none I have ever played,” and actor Parr Thacker calls the piece “perfect for the setting, the time of year, and the venue.” 

     Alchemy will perform Dark of the Moon on Sept. 27 and 28 and on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. All performances will be at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own outdoor seating for maximum comfort. 

   Tickets can be purchased at the performance or on this site. More information can be found at the Facebook event page . 

     The first trailer for Dark of the Moon can be viewed at this link. 

Interview with Parr Thacker from "Dark of the Moon"

   The play Dark of the Moon will be presented at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre over the next two weekends on Friday and Saturday. It’s based on Appalachian folk tales and songs and tells the story of a beautiful woman and the Witch Boy who falls in love with her.

   We’ve been sharing interviews with the cast, and up next is Parr Thacker, who plays the mysterious Conjur Man:

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Parr: I'm very interested with bringing as many theater productions as possible to the Barboursville Community. This play is perfect for the setting, the time of year and the venue of the most perfect, beautiful, and underappreciated outdoor theaters in the state.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Parr: I play Conjur Man, a shaman or druidic-like sage of dark nature magic. He refuses the Witch Boy’s request to be transformed from a witch to a human. Conjur Man represents an almost paternal figure to the Witch Boy, trying to warn him and protect him from the unnatural act of his request.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Parr: I've only been in theater for the past three years after my kids started participating in local children's theater and I got to see opportunities, but I've always been someone that has loved theatrical productions, especially when it involves local talent.

   Thanks, Parr!

Dark of the Moon will be presented by the Alchemy Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. Tickets are $20.

Upcoming Shows

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, September 25, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the Appalachian folk drama on Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater. 

“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” - The Kanawha Players will present the tribute to the Bard in one performance only on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. at the Montgomery Community Center on Third Avenue. It is part of the City of Montgomery's Fall Festival.

“Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented Sept. 26 - Oct. 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

“Murder by Poe” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents this theatrical reimagining of some of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous tales of terror - “The Black Cat," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "William Wilson," "The Purloined Letter," "The Mystery of Marie Roget" and "The Fall of the House of Usher.” The play will be presented at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Annex (Former Cox Building) at 716 Market Street in Parkersburg on Sept. 27 and 28 at 8 p.m.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will present the play at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. on Sept. 27, ,28 and 29 (Friday & Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 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

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present he play on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum. 

“Beautiful - The Carole King Musical” - The Marshall Artists Series will present the touring Broadway musical at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center on Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. To order tickets, call 304-696-6656 or order online at ticketmaster.com. 

“Silent Sky”  - Marshall University’s Department of Theatrre presents the play by Lauren Gunderson on Oct. 9, 10, 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Playhouse of the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. When Henrietta Leavitt begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the early 1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. In her free time she attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, and she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. The true story explores a woman’s place in society during a time of immense scientific discoveries, when women’s ideas were dismissed until men claimed credit for them. For tickets, call 304-696-2787. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Senior Citizens and Faculty, and $7 for children 12 and under. Marshall University students are admitted free with a valid ID.

“Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

"Space Preachers: The Musical" - The musical based on the Troma sci-fi cult comedy film "Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers" will land onstage in October as a live staged reading, with music and lyrics by Mark Scarpelli and book by Daniel Boyd! It will be presented on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. All seats $15. Limited seating. All ages.

“Carrie the Musical” - The Paramount Players will present the musical based on the Stephen King book on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky. The musical is rated “R.”

“9 to 5 the Musical” - Southern Coalition of the Arts will present the musical at the Southern WV Community and Technical College’s Logan Campus on Nov. 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16.

“Oklahoma” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the classic Broadway musical on Nov. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24.

“Rock of Ages” - The Alban Arts Center will present the musical that features the big music hits and the big hair of the ‘80s at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans on Nov. 15-17 and 21-24.

“Aida” - West Virginia State University will present the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. Performances are Nov. 19 - 22.

“ELF the Musical” - The Aracoma Story will present the musical based on the holiday film the last weekend of November and the first two weekends of December at the Coalfield Jamboree.

Interview with Joanna Murdock from "Dark of the Moon"

   The play Dark of the Moon will be presented at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre beginning this Friday and Saturday. It’s based on Appalachian folk tales and tells the story of a beautiful woman and the Witch Boy who falls in love with her.

   We have several interviews with the cast to share, and up next is Joanna Berner Murdock, who plays the part of the woman any the heart of the story - the beautiful Barbara Allen:

Q: Tell us about "Dark of the Moon." 

Joanna: Dark of the Moon is a play with music. It’s a tale with some fairy tale-like twists and turns. The play will be performed outside in a perfect early autumn setting!

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Joanna: I wanted the chance to work with Robert Hutchens as a director! I’ve shared the stage with him many times as a fellow cast member. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Joanna: I play Barbara Allen. A mountain girl who falls in love with a mysterious stranger. 

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Joanna: I started doing theatre around age 13 and have been doing it ever since. I have a degree in theatre/acting.

Q: What's the most challenging this about the show? 

Joanna: Barbara goes on a bit of an emotional journey throughout the play.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers? 

Joanna: It’s different than anything you’ve seen before! 

   Thanks, Joanna!

Dark of the Moon will be presented by the Alchemy Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

Interview with Becky McClelland from "Dark of the Moon"

   The play Dark of the Moon will be presented at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre starting a week from today! It’s based on Appalachian folk tales and tells the story of a Witch Boy who falls in love with a beautiful woman named Barbara Allen.

   We have several interviews with the cast to share, and up next is Becky McClelland, who plays the feisty Miss Metcalf.

Q: Tell us about "Dark of the Moon."

Becky: This show is an Appalachian folk tale of sorts that includes regular ol’ valley people as well as witches and conjur people. When the two world collide crazy things happen.

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Becky: I was asked to help with tech on this show. Once I read the script I wanted to be a part of it on stage as well.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Becky: My character is Miss Metcalf. Early on I was asked who my character was friends with. I drew a blank and quickly reviewed my script to see what I had missed. It turns out on page 34 she responds once to a female character. Looks like she prefers the company and attention of them men. But don’t worry. She’s harmless. She only flirts a little.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Becky: Over the past five or six years I have had the pleasure to play with several area theater companies. I started at ARTS where I fell in love with the whole game and met many of my favorite people. Since then I’ve worked with The Paramount Players, HART, Murder and Merriment, and, of course, Alchemy Theater Troupe.

Q: What's the most challenging this about the show?

Becky: For me the most challenging thing about this show is time management. I’m the props mistress and the costumer while performing in the show. I just hope I get everyone clothed by opening night or we might not be asked back to Barboursville Park!

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Becky: I would recommend this show for the drama, the jokes, the music, and the overall incredible talent. Plus the amphitheater is beautiful. What a great way to spend an evening. Bring a chair and a picnic and join us!

   Thanks, Becky!

   Dark of the Moon will be presented by the Alchemy Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

Interview with Clint Nowicke from "Dark of the Moon"

   The play Dark of the Moon will be presented at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre in just over a week. It’s based on Appalachian folk tales and tells the story of a beautiful woman and the Witch Boy who falls in love with her.

   We have several interviews with the cast coming up, and up next is Clint Nowicke, who plays the part of Mr. Adkins:

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Clint: I've had to forego being in theater while I'm finishing up my doctorate, so this was an opportunity I didn't want to miss!

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Clint: Atkins is an observer with folksy wisdom, but one who is not above superstition. He's one of the band, and just wants to play music rather than consider that there are spooky things happening around town.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Clint: Much of my theater experience is from high school plays and through the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival. 

Q: What's the most challenging this about the show?

Clint: I think the most challenging part of the show is recreating the Appalachian dialect and its customs without becoming caricatures or offending the Appalachian culture. We've worked really hard to be as authentic as possible with the mannerisms and dialect of the region, and I think it comes through without being hokey.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Clint: I would recommend the show because audience members will have to contend with their own views of right and wrong, as well as their own perceptions of hypocrisy. It's definitely not a show for kids, though! There are adult themes that would be difficult for younger audience members to understand.

   Thanks, Clint!

Dark of the Moon will be presented by the Alchemy Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, September 18, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“Murder by Poe” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents this theatrical reimagining of some of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous tales of terror - “The Black Cat," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "William Wilson," "The Purloined Letter," "The Mystery of Marie Roget" and "The Fall of the House of Usher.” The play will be presented at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Annex (Former Cox Building) at 716 Market Street in Parkersburg on Sept. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will present the play at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. on Sept. 20 - 22, 27 - 29 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.).

“Matilda the Musical” - Alban Arts Center will present the musical about an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Show Dates: Sept. 20, 21 and 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St. Albans, W.Va.

“200 Years” - First Presbyterian Church os Ashland will present the musical written and directed by Rick Payne on Sept. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland. Admission is free.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented Sept. 26 - Oct. 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

“Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the Appalachian folk drama on Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present he play on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum. 

“Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11-13 and 18-20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

"Space Preachers: The Musical" - The musical based on the Troma sci-fi cult comedy film "Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers" will land onstage in October as a live staged reading, with music and lyrics by Mark Scarpelli and book by Daniel Boyd! It will be presented on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. All seats $15. Limited seating. All ages.

“Aida” - West Virginia State University will present the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. Performances are Nov. 19 - 22.

“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” - The Kanawha Players will present the tribute to the Bard on Sept. 28, Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12.

“Carrie the Musical” - The Paramount Players will present the musical based on the Stephen King book on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30pm at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky. The musical is rated “R.”

“Rock of Ages” - The Alban Arts Center will present the musical that features the big music hits and the big hair of the ‘80s at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans on Nov. 15-17 and 21-24.

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AUDITIONS:

“ELF the Musical” - The Aracoma Story will hold auditions for the holiday on Friday, Sept. 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Logan High School Little Theater. Be prepared to sing about one minute of any song. You will be asked to read from scripts, which will be provided. The show will be performed the last weekend of November and the first two weekends of December at the Coalfield Jamboree. No experience is required.

Interview with Christine Anderson from "Dark of the Moon"

   The play Dark of the Moon will be presented at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre in a week-and-a-half. It’s based on Appalachian folk tales, stories and songs, and tells the story of a beautiful woman and the Witch Boy who falls in love with her.

   We have several interviews with the cast coming up, and first up is Christine Anderson, who plays the part of the wicked Conjur Woman and local resident Mrs. Bergen.

Q: Tell us about Dark of the Moon.

Christine: Dark of the Moon is loosely based on the ballad, “Barbara Allen.” In the play, Witch Boy John falls in love with Barbara and asks Conjure Man to make him human. The bewitching play is filled with Appalachian foot tapping music, love and heartache.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Christine: I was heavily involved in college theatre and community theatre 25 years ago. Now that I have more free time I’m able to get involved in it again. I’m especially grateful to be playing Conjur Woman because her character is like none I have ever played. She is diabolical, conniving and manipulative. Because I also play Mrs. Bergen, a woman who believes deeply in God and witches, switching between the two is quite the challenge and fun.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Christine: This show will have your emotions in knots. You’ll laugh, tap your feet to Appalachian music and you’ll be surprised at the lengths people will go to do what they believe is right.

    Thanks, Christine!

   Dark of the Moon will be presented by the Alchemy Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

Interview with the director of "Dark of the Moon"

   In two weeks the play Dark of the Moon will be presented at the Barboursville Park Amphitheatre. It’s based on Appalachian folk tales, stories and songs, and tells the story of two star-crossed lovers - a beautiful woman and the Witch Boy who falls in love with her.

   We have several interviews with the cast coming up, but first let’s hear from the show’s director, Robert Hutchens:

Q: Tell us about Dark of the Moon.

Robert: Dark of the Moon opened on Broadway in 1945 and had a successful run in London in 1948-49. It was revived Off-Broadway in 1970. The play is based loosely on the Ballad of Barbara Allen, but has been transposed to the Appalachian Mountains. It tells the story of John, the Witch Boy, who falls in love with a human, Barbara Allen. He persuades the Conjur Woman to turn him into a human. She does, but on the condition that Barbara be faithful to him for a year.

Q: Why did you want to work on this show?

Robert: I chose it for an unusual reason. It is a play associated with very fond memories from the past. For 10 years, Hunter Hills Theatre, a summer stock company of the University of Tennessee, presented Dark of the Moon in Gatlinburg, Tenn. It was the only play repeated more that two seasons. The reason was the fervent loyalty it inspired in audiences. Visitors to the mountains would return repeatedly to see the play, even though the other offerings were big name musicals. Dark of the Moon's attraction was in part the perfect blending of its story and the setting of the theatre. We did the play in a 3,000-seat amphitheatre, with Tennessee's tallest mountain, Mount LeConte, in direct view behind the stage. The poignant love story and the mountain music set against the mountains was something special. When I saw the Barboursville amphitheatre, I couldn't help but think of Hunter Hills and Dark of the Moon. This production is a recreation of play as conceived by our director back then, Fred Fields. He saw the play as a folk tale set in some distant, vague past, rather than modern times. As such, it is more lyrical and touching than other productions may be.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Robert: I graduated in theatre from the University of Tennessee, where I worked for several years in administration, management and marketing. Later I acted with the Clarence Brown Company of The Book of Job. At different times of my life, I have gone back to theatre as a director, teacher, and performer.

Q: What's the most challenging this about the show?

Robert: The most challenging thing about the play so far has been recruiting the people we need to have in it. The cast has 23 people in it, and we need lots of support personnel. Fortunately, I have very capable help from our producer Sheila Meade, musical directors Dr. John Campbell and Brian Cook, choreographers Coni and Gene Anthony, set designer Parr Thacker, Costume and Props designer, Becky McClelland, and Lighting Designer Corey Jones, as well as support from the Alchemy Theatre Board.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Robert: It's hard for me to be objective about Dark of the Moon, just as it is for the hundreds of people associated with those 10 years of production in Tennessee. The play is so rooted in our hearts and memories that we can't see it as anything except something beloved. But I think I can say accurately that the play succeeds because it has a strong, suspenseful story. It is filled with old mountain music, sometimes lively, sometimes haunting, It creates a world whose mountains and valley people are familiar and whose fantastical characters become familiar within the space of a couple of hours. What I imagine is going to be the most memorable thing about the play is the way it sits in the natural beauty of the park, surrounded by hills and woods, and comes to life as dusk settles each evening.

   Thanks, Robert!

Dark of the Moon will be presented by the Alchemy Theatre Troupe on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

Coming Soon: "Frozen, Jr."

   We're just under a month away from the opening of the first show of First Stage's 30th season: Disney's Frozen, Jr! 

   Here's your first look at the poster for that show!

Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, September 11, 2019. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - The Paramount Players present the musical based on the beloved animated film on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, Ky. Ticket prices range from $8 to $15 and increase $2 on the day of the performance.

“The Humans” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on Sept. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available online at pltlive.com or at the door the night of the performances at 1117 Lawson Street.

“Murder by Poe” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents this theatrical reimagining of some of Edgar Allan Poe's most famous tales of terror - “The Black Cat," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," "William Wilson," "The Purloined Letter," "The Mystery of Marie Roget" and "The Fall of the House of Usher.” The play will be presented at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Annex (Former Cox Building) at 716 Market Street in Parkersburg on Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 22 at 2:30 p.m.

“Matilda the Musical” - Alban Arts Center will present the musical about an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Show Dates: Sept. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St. Albans, W.Va.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“Arsenic and Old Lace” - Blackroot Theatre will present the play at the BlackRoot Theatre Performance Hall at 2700 DuPont Circle, 3C, in Belle, W.Va. on Sept. 20 - 22, 27 - 29 (Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.).

“Avon-by-the-Sea” - CYAC presents a new play by Dan Kehde about a decades old crime and the disillusionment of a young girl. It will be presented Sept. 26 - Oct. 5 at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. 

“Dark of the Moon” - Alchemy Theatre Troupe will present the Appalachian folk drama on Sept. 27 and 28 and Oct. 4 and 5 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

“Legend of Sleepy Hollow” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present he play on Oct. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 5 and 6 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center and Little Theatre Coliseum. 

“Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company present the musical based on the beloved animated film as part of the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Shows will be presented October 11-13 and 18-20 at the Huntington High School auditorium at 1 Highlander Way.

"Space Preachers: The Musical" - The musical based on the Troma sci-fi cult comedy film "Strangest Dreams: Invasion of the Space Preachers" will land onstage in October as a live staged reading, with music and lyrics by Mark Scarpelli and book by Daniel Boyd! It will be presented on Friday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 12 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 West Washington Street in Charleston. All seats $15. Limited seating. All ages.

“Aida” - West Virginia State University will present the musical by Elton John and Tim Rice at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. Performances are Nov. 19 - 22.

“The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged)” - The Kanawha Players will present the tribute to the Bard on Sept. 28, Oct. 4, 5, 11 and 12.

“Carrie the Musical” - The Paramount Players will present the musical based on the Stephen King book on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7:30pm at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky. The musical is rated “R.”

“Rock of Ages” - The Alban Arts Center will present the musical that features the big music hits and the big hair of the ‘80s at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans on Nov. 15-17 and 21-24.

——————————-

AUDITIONS:

“ELF the Musical” - The Aracoma Story will hold auditions for the holiday on Friday, Sept. 20 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Logan High School Little Theater. Be prepared to sing about one minute of any song. You will be asked to read from scripts, which will be provided. The show will be performed the last weekend of November and the first two weekends of December at the Coalfield Jamboree. No experience is required.

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