Coming Soon: The Alchemy Holiday Cabaret

Join Alchemy Theatre for a fun-filled evening of Christmas classics and showtunes at the Make Art Studio in Barboursville!

This event is a "pay-what-you-like" donation fundraiser for Alchemy, and, at intermission of the cabaret, we'll announce our spectacular 2020 Season! You won't want to miss it!

Get in the holiday spirit with Alchemy and Make Art Studio!

WHEN: Friday, December 13, 2019 at 8 p.m.

WHAT: A Holiday Cabaret and 2020 Season Announcement Party by Alchemy Theatre, sponsored by Make Art Studio. Laura Donahoe will be the accompanist for lots of different singers throughout the night singing some of your old favorites as well as some new stuff you might not have heard before!

HOW MUCH: Just a donation - however much you'd like to support Alchemy and it's upcoming season of work! There's no pressure! Just come and enjoy the evening with us!

We'll have some snacks and drinks on hand, as well, so feel free to bring the whole family and make an evening of it! Children are welcome!

Happy Thanksgiving!

    I hope you're all enjoying a terrific Thanksgiving Day! 

    I'm thankful for all of you who check in on our humble site and - through your support and hard work - keep theatre alive and well in the Tri-State!

   (Hey, are you going to finish that slice of pumpkin pie?)

On Stage This Week and Coming Attractions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“MARY” - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the 23rd annual presentation of the original musical about the mother of Jesus. Created by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde, it will be presented Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 5, 6, and 7 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 Washington Street West in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

“Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical” - Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical on Nov. 29, 30 at 8 p.m. at 724 Market Street Parkersburg.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“ELF the Musical” - The Aracoma Story will present the musical based on the holiday film on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., Dec. 7, 13 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students age 10 and up, and $6 for ages 10 and under.

“Disney Frozen Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the hit animated film on Dec. 12-15 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater. 

“Adventures in Santa Claus Land” - Astral Theatre Collective will present the play written by John Johnson at the Alban Arts Center over the first two weekends of December. A young girl and her siblings embark on the ultimate Christmas adventure, taking them to the North Pole where they will be confronted with the great question - "Do you believe?" Along the way they meet colorful characters, including Santa himself!

“Stuart Little” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the play based on the beloved book at Huntington City Hall auditorium on Dec. 13, 14 and 15.

“The Alchemy Holiday Cabaret” - Alchemy Theatre will present a fun-filled evening of Christmas classic songs and showtunes Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at the Make Art Studio in Barboursville! This event is a "pay-what-you-like" donation fundraiser, and, at intermission they'll announce their 2020 Season!  Snacks and drinks will be offered, so feel free to bring the whole family and make an evening of it! Children are welcome!

“ART” - Alchemy Theatre presents the comedy at the Make Art Gallery in Barboursville, W.Va., on Dec. 19, 20 and 21.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - The Paramount Players will present the holiday play on Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

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On Stage This Week and Coming Attractions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night‐Time” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens on Nov. 20, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis‐Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Christopher is exceptional at mathematics but he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered the dog Wellington. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under. Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“The Wizard of Oz” - Grace Christian School presents the beloved musical on Friday, Nov. 22, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 23, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium located in Huntington City Hall. Tickets are $8 for students; $10 for Adults.

“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. 22 and 23 at 8:00 p.m. and Nov. 24 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students/seniors. Tickets are available at the door or at https://www.onthestage.com/.../alban.../rock-of-ages-2308/

"Rock of Ages" is Rated R for adult language and themes. 

“Oklahoma” - Charleston Light Opera Guild present the beloved musical on November 22, 23 and 24 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

“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. 22 and 23.

“Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical” - Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical on Nov. 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street Parkersburg.

“A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” - West Virginia State University will present the play at the Davis Fine Arts Theatre, WVSU. Performances are Nov. 20, 21 and 22.

“Peter Pan” - Boone County S.T.A.G.E. presents the musical on Nov. 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 24 at 3 p.m. at 431 Running Right Way in Julian, 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

“MARY” - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the 23rd annual presentation of the original musical about the mother of Jesus. Created by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde, it will be presented Nov. 29, 30, Dec. 5, 6, and 7 at 7 p.m., and Nov. 30, Dec. 1, 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Elk City Playhouse at 218 Washington Street West in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

“ELF the Musical” - The Aracoma Story will present the musical based on the holiday film on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m., Dec. 7, 13 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Coalfield Jamboree in Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and students age 10 and up, and $6 for ages 10 and under.

“Disney Frozen Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the hit animated film on Dec. 12-15 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater. 

“Adventures in Santa Claus Land” - Astral Theatre Collective will present the play written by John Johnson at the Alban Arts Center over the first two weekends of December. A young girl and her siblings embark on the ultimate Christmas adventure, taking them to the North Pole where they will be confronted with the great question - "Do you believe?" Along the way they meet colorful characters, including Santa himself!

“Stuart Little” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the play based on the beloved book at Huntington City Hall auditorium on Dec. 13, 14 and 15.

“ART” - Alchemy Theatre presents the comedy at the Make Art Gallery in Barboursville, W.Va., on Dec. 19, 20 and 21.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - The Paramount Players will present the holiday play on Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

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On Stage: "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"

       The Herald-Dispatch ran a terrific article this week on the latest offering by Marshall University's Department of Theatre - the acclaimed play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

   You can read the story at this link - here's an excerpt:

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

    Director Jack Cirillo has been creating live productions with the students of Marshall University's School of Theatre for over two decades now. He often travels to New York City and even London to see shows and find plays suitable and challenging for his Marshall students, and entertaining for the arts-loving members of the Huntington community to enjoy.

One result of Cirillo's travels was the discovery of the play "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time." 

The School of Theatre will present the play at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center located on Marshall's Huntington campus. Show dates include Nov. 14-16 and Nov. 20-23 and the performances will begin at 7:30 p.m.

"I saw the 'Curious Incident' play in London a few years ago and it was technically and creatively impressive," said Cirillo. "Every year about this time, we decide on what plays we will be doing and this one has been on my short list. But, we wanted to make sure that we could pull it off because the production of the play required a lot of special effects. We are a small program and we have to consider, 'Can we take this play on?' So, I connected with some folks over in the Marshall College of Arts and Media and a couple of students over there were doing some interesting work. Over the summer, I worked with Assistant Professor of Graphic Design and Digital Production Daniel Dean and we came up with some special effect ideas that we could do and the results have been terrific."

Voting for the Best Theatre in West Virginia

   The Broadway World website is hold a "Best of..." poll to pick the top theatre performers and directors in West Virginia (I assume they're doing likewise with all the other states, too).

   It's silly, of course - has anyone out there seen all the performances being nominated? And some of the shows and performers are in the wrong category, or are ineligible under the rules (having been presented before or after the deadlines).

   But what the heck, it's all in good fun - so if you want to join in, just go to this site and vote for your favorites: 

   Click here and hit the "Vote Now" button!

On Stage This Week and Coming Attractions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night‐Time” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens on Nov. 13 ‐16 and 20‐23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis‐Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Christopher is exceptional at mathematics but he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered the dog Wellington. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under. Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“1984” - The Theatre Department at Spring Valley High School and The Timberwolf Theatre Company present their fall production on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be $5 per person.

“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. 

“Oklahoma” - Charleston Light Opera Guild present the beloved musical on November 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

“The Witches” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the pay based on the Roald Dahl story on Nov. 15 and 16. Lobby opens at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.

“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. 15, 16, 22 and 23.

“Mary Poppins: The Broadway Musical” - Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical on Nov. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 17 and 24 at 6 p.m. at 724 Market Street Parkersburg.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” - West Virginia State University will present the play 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.

“Disney Frozen Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the hit animated film on Dec. 12-15 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater. 

“Adventures in Santa Claus Land” - Astral Theatre Collective will present the play written by John Johnson at the Alban Arts Center over the first two weekends of December. A young girl and her siblings embark on the ultimate Christmas adventure, taking them to the North Pole where they will be confronted with the great question - "Do you believe?" Along the way they meet colorful characters, including Santa himself!

“Stuart Little” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the play based on the beloved book at Huntington City Hall auditorium on Dec. 13, 14 and 15.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - The Paramount Players will present the holiday play on Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

On Stage - Coming Attractions!

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“Disney’s Frozen, Jr.” - Portsmouth Area Arts Council presents the musical based on the animated film at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts - Eloise Covert Smith Theater in Portsmouth, Ohio, on Nov. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

“Oklahoma” - Charleston Light Opera Guild present the beloved musical on November 8-10, 15-16, and 22-24 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theatre.

“The Witches” - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the pay based on the Roald Dahl story on Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16. Lobby opens at 7 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.

“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. 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 22 and 23.

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night‐Time” - Marshall University’s School of Theatre presents the play based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted by Simon Stephens on Nov. 13 ‐16 and 20‐23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis‐Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Christopher is exceptional at mathematics but he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched, and he distrusts strangers. Christopher is determined to solve the mystery of who murdered the dog Wellington. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a thrilling journey that upturns his world. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under. Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“1984” - The Theatre Department at Spring Valley High School and The Timberwolf Theatre Company present their fall production on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3 p.m. Tickets will be $5 per person.

“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.

“A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder” - West Virginia State University will present the play 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.

“Disney Frozen Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the hit animated film on Dec. 12-15 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater. 

“Adventures in Santa Claus Land” - Astral Theatre Collective will present the play written by John Johnson at the Alban Arts Center over the first two weekends of December. A young girl and her siblings embark on the ultimate Christmas adventure, taking them to the North Pole where they will be confronted with the great question - "Do you believe?" Along the way they meet colorful characters, including Santa himself!

“Stuart Little” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the play based on the beloved book at Huntington City Hall auditorium on Dec. 13, 14 and 15.

“The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” - The Paramount Players will present the holiday play on Dec. 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.

—————————

Little Mermaid Live

   I wasn't sure what to expect from this evening's TV production of Disney's The Little Mermaid Live!

   It was billed as a mix of live stage production and animation from the original film - they performed the songs live and the rest of the film's action was animated. It was admittedly a little wonky in places, but I enjoyed it - it was a terrific production!

   That's because they had a very talented cast, an outstanding stage production with impressive costumes and effects, and lots of clever tricks to move from live action to animation and back again.

   The biggest danger was that the live action performers would suffer from a direct comparison to their animated counterparts - after all, it takes years to create a film, where every performance can be fine-tuned, as opposed to a live performance where you get one chance to get it right!

   But they made it work, and the production didn't skimp on the effects - so they used flying effects to allow the mermaids to swim through the air, along with acrobats, dancers and amazing costumes.

    Kudos to young Auliʻi Cravalho (best known for voicing another Disney animated star, Moana) for turning in an excellent performance - part of it while suspended in mid-air!

   Queen Latifah brought lots of attitude, sass and star-power to the villainess Ursula (what an amazing costume she wore)! 

   Rounding out the singing cast was the talented Graham Phillips as Prince Eric (a couple of songs were added for him to sing), Shaggy as Sebastian (doing an excellent job of two of the show's biggest numbers - "Under the Sea" and "Kiss the Girl," and John Stamos chewing up the scenery with gusto as Chef Louis.

   I couldn't stop smiling throughout! (It doesn't hurt that the original film is such a classic!) Well worth tracking down for Disney fans of all ages!