Upcoming "Follies" Auditions in Huntington

Alchemy Theatre will hold auditions for Follies by James Goldman and Stephen Sondheim, directed by Bil Neal, on January 4 and 5 at 2:00 p.m. at Central Christian Church. 

This is a great show, folks!

Be prepared to sing 16 measures of a song of your choosing. Sides will be provided for cold reading.

The performances are the first two weekends of March in the Cabell County Board of Education theatre.

In 1971, on the soon-to-be demolished stage of the Weismann Theatre, a reunion is being held to honor the Weismann's "Follies" shows past, and the beautiful chorus girls who performed there every year between the two World Wars. The once resplendent theatre is now little but planks and scaffolding. The reunited actors reminisce, perform old numbers, reignite old flames, and appraise relationships as dilapidated as the old theater - often accompanied by the ghosts of their younger selves.

What we’re looking for:

- Actors and actresses that can sing, dance, and play 40+ believably.

- Three males and three females who can sing and dance and can play 25 believably.

- Six female dancers (again, mid-20s) who can tap.

Merry Christmas To All!

   Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! 

   You pal Chuck is knocking off for a few days for a much-needed holiday break, but it will come as no surprise that there are no community theatre shows scheduled for the upcoming weekend.

   But the new year has auditions and shows landing early, so watch for those - and local theatre companies are unveiling their new seasons, so we'll talk about that, too.

   In the meantime, have a great holiday!

On Stage This Week, Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Dec. 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:

“ART” - Alchemy Theatre presents the comedy at the Make Art Gallery at 604 1/2 Central Avenue in Barboursville, W.Va., on Dec. 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. Set in Paris, this very funny, very poignant story revolves around three friends - Serge, Marc and Yvan - who find their previously solid 15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge buys an expensive painting. Their relationship suffers considerable strain as a result of their differing opinions about what constitutes “art."

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

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“Bandstand” - The Paramount Theatre presents the musical story of six soldiers who return from war and, through the power of music, finally find a place to call home. The musical will be presented on Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland.

“West By God” - The Marshall University School of Theatre presents the play written by Brandon McCoy on Jan. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. In a small town in the Appalachia region of West Virginia, two different families grapple with issues of grief and love, memory and identity, and with the  distance and time that both unite and divide generations.The new play by West Virginia native Brandon  McCoy, “West By God” is a funny, heartwarming, and gut‐wrenchingly honest examination of the divide between urban and rural America, and the kinds of prejudice and intolerance too often left unchallenged in our society. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under, and Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“The Sound of Music” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center present the beloved musical in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Jan. 17, 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Jan. 19, 25 and 26 at 2 p.m.

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” - The Marshall Artists Series presents the musical based on the best-selling duo. The show features a full live band and state of the art video projection and lighting. It includes all of their hits, including ‘Mrs. Robinson,’ ‘Cecilia,’ ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. It will be presented on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

“Madame Butterfly” - The Marshall Artists Series presents the fully-staged opera from Teatro Lirico D’Europa, performs with 30-piece orchestra and English supertitles. It will be presented on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

“The Laramie Project” - The Marshall University School of Theatre presents the play written by Moises Kauffman & Members of the Tectonic Theatre Project on Feb. 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis- Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. In October 1998, a 21 year-old student at the University of Wyoming was  kidnapped, severely beaten, and left tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. He died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. THE LARAMIE PROJECT is a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under, and Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“Finding Neverland” - The Marshall Artists Series presents the musical that tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. It will be presented on Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

—————————

AUDITIONS:

“Junie B. Jones the Musical, Jr.” - Paramount Players will hold auditions on Jan. 2 at 6 p.m. - auditions are open to ages 8 to 18. Audition music is available at the Paramount Theatre box office in Ashland, Ky. 

“James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” - Zadokite Woods Productions will hold auditions for the musical on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Huntington High School. Please prepare 45 to 60 seconds of a musical theatre song and bring a karaoke song on a CD or on your phone. Come ready to dance and read! Anyone from First Grade through college may audition. The show will be presented June 25, 26 and 27.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - First Stage Theatre will hold auditions for the musical based on the classic comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz, on Jan. 11, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va. Parts are available for performers ages 13 to 18 - arrive anytime during the hours listed to audition. Be prepared to sing a 30-second selection from a song. You will be provided a short script to read (no need to memorize it). Wear comfortable clothes and shoes - you will also learn a short dance. The show will be performed at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church on March 26, 27 and 28.

“Mamma Mia” - Paramount Players will hold singing auditions on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Audition music is available at the Paramount Theatre box office in Ashland, Ky. Speaking and dancing auditions will be on Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. Roles are available for ages 14 and up.

“The Addams Family” and “Elf the Musical” - HART in the Park will hold auditions on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at the St. Cloud Commons Lodge at 1701 Jackson Avenue in Huntington. Those auditioning should come prepared with 30-60 seconds of a song (preferably a musical theatre or Disney style song) and be prepared to dance a little. You may also be asked to read a little from the script as well. Auditions are open to everyone from ages 5 to 100. 

On Stage This Week, Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Dec. 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:

“Stuart Little” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the play based on the beloved book at Huntington City Hall auditorium on Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens.

“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!

"Disney's 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 on Dec. 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. 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!

“ELF the Musical” - The Aracoma Story will present the musical based on the holiday film on Dec. 13 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 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.]

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“ART” - Alchemy Theatre presents the comedy at the Make Art Gallery in Barboursville, W.Va., on Dec. 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

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

“Bandstand” - The Paramount Theatre presents the musical story of six soldiers who return from war and, through the power of music, finally find a place to call home. The musical will be presented on Jan. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Parmount Arts Center in Ashland.

“West By God” - The Marshall University School of Theatre presents the play written by Brandon McCoy on Jan. 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m., and Jan. 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. In a small town in the Appalachia region of West Virginia, two different families grapple with issues of grief and love, memory and identity, and with the  distance and time that both unite and divide generations.The new play by West Virginia native Brandon  McCoy, “West By God” is a funny, heartwarming, and gut‐wrenchingly honest examination of the divide between urban and rural America, and the kinds of prejudice and intolerance too often left unchallenged in our society. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under, and Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“The Sound of Music” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center present the beloved musical in the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences on Jan. 17, 18 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on Jan. 19, 25 and 26 at 2 p.m.

“The Simon & Garfunkel Story” - The Marshall Artists Series presents the musical based on the best-selling duo. The show features a full live band and state of the art video projection and lighting. It includes all of their hits, including ‘Mrs. Robinson,’ ‘Cecilia,’ ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water,’ ‘Homeward Bound’ and many more. It will be presented on Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

“Madame Butterfly” - The Marshall Artists Series presents the fully-staged opera from Teatro Lirico D’Europa, performs with 30-piece orchestra and English supertitles. It will be presented on Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

“The Laramie Project” - The Marshall University School of Theatre presents the play written by Moises Kauffman & Members of the Tectonic Theatre Project on Feb. 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. In October 1998, a 21 year-old student at the University of Wyoming was  kidnapped, severely beaten, and left tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. He died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. THE LARAMIE PROJECT is a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable. Tickets are $20 at the door, $15 for Seniors & Faculty, $7 for children 12 and under, and Marshall University students admitted free with a valid ID.

“Finding Neverland” - The Marshall Artists Series presents the musical that tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Playwright J.M. Barrie struggles to find inspiration until he meets four young brothers and their beautiful widowed mother. Spellbound by the boys’ enchanting make-believe adventures, he sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. It will be presented on Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

—————————

AUDITIONS:

“James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” - Zadokite Woods Productions will hold auditions for the musical on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Huntington High School. Please prepare 45 to 60 seconds of a musical theatre song and bring a karaoke song on a CD or on your phone. Come ready to dance and read! Anyone from First Grade through college may audition. The show will be presented June 25, 26 and 27.

“The Addams Family” and “Elf the Musical” - HART in the Park will hold auditions on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 19 from noon to 5 p.m. at the St Cloud Commons Lodge at 1701 Jackson Avenue in Huntington. Those auditioning should come prepared with 30-60 seconds of a song (preferably a musical theatre or Disney style song) and be prepared to dance a little. You may also be asked to read a little from the script as well. Auditions are open to everyone from ages 5 to 100. 

"Stuart Little" On Stage This Weekend

   As seen in this post in today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch, a little guy is stepping into the spotlight this weekend.

   The play Stuart Little will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall auditorium, 500 8th St., on Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

   Tickets will be available at the door - they are $8 for students age 12 and under and $10 for adults.

   The play is based on the beloved children’s book by E.B. White that tells the story of a talking mouse who is born to human parents in New York City. The play is adapted by Joseph Robinette for The Dramatic Publishing Company.

   The show features more than 25 young performers from the Tri-State area, ranging in age from high school to elementary students.

   The directing team includes Director Zach Davis, Assistant Director Madelein Jackson and Costume Designer Tish Maynard.

   For more information or to reserve tickets, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437) or visit the First Stage website at www.firststagetheatre.org.

   Stuart Little is the second show in the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theater. Based in Huntington, the First Stage Theatre Company is a 501©3 nonprofit dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

   The mission of First Stage Theatre Company is to provide opportunities for children to develop social and communication skills by participating in the performing arts and to promote fine arts education through the presentation of theatrical productions to children and families in our community.

Spongebob Squarepants the Musical on TV This Weekend

    Happy to report that SpongeBob SquarePants the Musical is landing on TV this weekend!

   I have friends who saw the show on Broadway and raved about it - and others who didn't care for it. I've listened to the soundtrack and loved it, so I'm happy for the chance to catch the show, which has ended it Broadway run but is now touring the country.

   Nickelodeon is airing the show on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.  across the various Nick channels, including Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons.

   It'll be the best day ever!

   

On Stage This Week and Coming Attractions

Here’s the show lineup for the week beginning Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019. Upcoming shows are also listed. If I've missed anything, please let me know. Break legs, everyone! (Share freely!)

__________________________

ONSTAGE THIS WEEK:

“The Odyssey” - Marshall University Theatre ETC! (Educational Touring Company) presents its 2019 / 2020 touring production. It features musical and puppetry elements to bring to life the vibrant world of Homer's classic tale! They worked with R.J. Haddy (from Season 2 and 5 of SyFy's FACE/OFF) to create a crazy Cyclops and the adorable punch puppets! This production is presented FREE OF CHARGE to educators and members of our community on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at Marshall University. If you'd like to bring MU Theatre ETC! to your school or organization in the Spring of 2020, contact Artistic Director Leah Turley at 304-546-3028 or at leahnturley@gmail.com for available dates and performance details. 

“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 Dec. 5, 6, and 7 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 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.

“Adventures in Santa Claus Land” - Astral Theatre Collective will present the play written by John Johnson at the Alban Arts Center on Dec. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. 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!

“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.]

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

_____________________________

UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“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. 

“Stuart Little” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the play based on the beloved book at Huntington City Hall auditorium on Dec. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children age 12 and under.

“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.

—————————

AUDITIONS:

“The Crucible” and “Into the Woods” - Southern Coalition for the Arts will hold auditions Dec. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Dec. 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church on Stratton Street. Please prepare a memorized, 30 second monologue and 16 bars of any classical Broadway song for your audition. Sheet music or soundtrack is required.