No News is No News

   I'm afraid there's very little news on the theatre front!

   Most local companies are still shut down, waiting for the "stay at home" restriction to be lifting before deciding how to move forward - or when the schedule their shows.

   Apparently Huntington's outdoor theatre group, HART, is holding rehearsals via Zoom, in hopes they'll be able to stick to their summer schedule.

   And that's about it! I urge you to stay safe out there and wash those hands! More news as it develops!

A Different Kind of Audition for "A Wrinkle in Time"

There are still no show plans or rehearsals going on in the Tri-State area - but the Alban Performing Arts Center has come up with a creative solution to the problem.

They're going to hold online Auditions for their show "A Wrinkle in Time" at the Alban Arts Center in St. Albans.

   Here's the information they provided:

This is an open audition for actors of all ages and experience levels. We will hold two days of auditions online, on Zoom, in small groups. We will read you against other actors and may ask you to be involved in more than one Zoom conference. All groups will meet between the scheduled times on April 4 and 5. 

There will be a Google form in this event that everyone will need to fill out in order to be added to the audition groups. We are trying something new here, so bear with us as we try to make live theatre happen in difficult time. The show is scheduled to be performed on The Alban Stage June 5-14, but is subject to change depending on how things progress with the current quarantines and CDC regulations.

Auditions: Saturday, April 4 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 5 from 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.

From the Director, Loren Allen: I am thrilled to be bringing this classic beloved tale of good and evil, family and friendship tessered across time and space to the stage here at the Alban. This fast paced, fabulous script will keep our patrons on the edge of their seats as we follow Who, Whatsit, and Which and Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace on a dizzying dash across time and space to find and rescue Meg’s dad, the mysteriously disappeared physicist, Dr. Murray, from a terrifying dark shadow force that is slowly but surely consuming our universe and all of its inhabitants.

Actors will be expected to identify roles in which they are interested. You will be provided with segments of the script and grouped with other actors to do readings for the audition. You will be given an opportunity to review the script for each role briefly before the reading. You should be prepared to make bold character choices including voice, accent, inflection, intonation, movement and physicality. Some actors may be cast in more than one role including as non-speaking “IT” chorus which will be a living, breathing, seething part of the set. Actors interested in portraying Aunt Beast and Beast 1 must be comfortable wearing a heavy mask / headpiece on stage.

Cast size 15-21

Mrs. Whatsit – female age 17-30

Mrs. Who – female over age 25 (must be prepared to learn and speak multiple phrases in various other languages)

Mrs. Which - female over age 35

Meg – Female appx age 14

Calvin – Male appx. 16

Charles Wallace – Male under age 13

Mother – Female over age 30

Father – Male over age 30

Teacher – male or female over age 20

Chris Henderson- male age 16-18

Principle Jenkins – male or female over age 30

Postmistress – male or female over age 30

Happy Medium – Male or female over age 45

Red Eyes – Voice actor only, male or female,

Camozotzian 1, 2, 3 – male or female, ages 25-50

Girl – appx. Age 8-10

Boy (billy) – appx. 8-10

Aunt Beast – female, any age

Beast 1 – male or female

Virus Disrupts Local Theatre Productions

   Your pal Chuck wrote a story this week for the Herald-Dispatch about how local theatre companies are reacting to the coronavirus shutdown. You can read the story at this link - and right here (with a few corrections included):

   The classic theatre slogan is, “The show must go on.” 

   Community theatre companies are used to overcoming obstacles to producing shows, including sick actors, bad weather, power outages, broken microphones and wardrobe malfunctions.

   But the coronavirus (COVID-19) has finally presented an obstacle that local theatre companies can’t overcome (with a few exceptions). Even Broadway was forced to admit defeat and has announced that all shows in New York have been suspended until April 12.

   In the Tri-State, most companies have followed suit, citing the safety of their cast and the audience. With only three exceptions, they have shut down or at least “paused” the shows they planned to stage in the Spring of 2020.

   Students at Marshall University have been sent home, so the School of Theatre has canceled the West Virginia Thespian Festival and the play “Sense and Sensibility.”

   The Paramount Players in Ashland, Ky., canceled their production of the musical “Mamma Mia,” announcing the closing just five hours before the first public performance.

   First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington’s children’s theatre, had two musicals in rehearsal: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Disney’s Moana, Jr.” Production on both shows was stopped on Friday. 

    “It’s our hope that we’ll be able to restart the shows within a few weeks,” said Amy Browning, president of First Stage. “But the safety of our actors comes first, so we’re closing down until it’s safe to resume our rehearsals.”

   The three exceptions to the shutdown (at this writing) are in divided between Kanawha County and Ashland. 

   The Alban Performing Arts Center in St. Albans, W.Va., is still rehearsing its up-coming production of “The O’Neill Project.” The group is also holding auditions has canceled planned auditions for its next production, “A Wrinkle in Time."

    In Winfield,  W.Va., the West Virginia Actor’s Conservatory will continue rehearsals preparations for its production of “Dracula.” The group has no plans to pause the production delay upcoming auditions, according to director Lawrence Burgess. “Not even in the slightest. Full steam ahead.”

   In Russell, Ky., the Tri-State’s newest theatre company held auditions for its first production Monday night. Co-founder Samuel Perkins said, “My fiancé and I just started On the Edge Theatre Company and as of now we are still moving forward.”

   Other companies were in the process of preparing the next show, but decided to change plans. The Charleston Light Opera Guild’s rehearsals of the musical “Memphis” were halted and the show has been canceled. The Actors Guild of Parkersburg has suspended all rehearsals and auditions until further notice.

   Charleston’s CYAC theatre company had planned to stage two plays over the next two weekends, but both “BoysNight / GirlsRoom” and “Love Is Not An Angry Thing, A Predator Among Us” have been postponed. 

   The Portsmouth Little Theatre canceled its plans to hold auditions for “Sylvia” last weekend, and the production has been canceled. 

   The Aracoma Story in Logan, W.Va., has put its auditions for the summer season on hold. In Charleston, BlackRoot Theatre has paused for at least two weeks.

   Other groups are moving their next production. Huntington’s Alchemy Theatre was planning to stage “Opening Night: A Cabaret” in May, but the performance date is now in question. The Children’s Theatre of Charleston has moved its production of “Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr.” to July 10-12.

   It’s typical for area companies to produce more than a dozen shows between March and June, but with current health concerns, it may be weeks - or longer - before a new schedule for shows is determined, and some of those shows will not be rescheduled - which also calls into question the negative financial effects on those companies. 

On Stage This Week: Nothing!

    Every Wednesday we try to post the upcoming shows and auditions in this space - but that's all out the window now. 

   Thanks to the coronavirus, almost everything is either canceled or on "hold."

   The only shows that were scheduled this weekend were CYAC's plays ”BoysNight/GirlsRoom” and “Love Is Not An Angry Thing, A Predator Among Us” - and those have been postponed. 

   The only audition was for the Alban's "A Wrinkle in Time," and that has also been postponed.

   I have a story covering a wider range of the effects coming up in the Herald-Dispatch, and I'll post a link when it shows up. 

   Stay safe out there, theatre fans!

First Stage Puts 30th Season On Hold

     First Stage Theatre Company, the children’s theatre based in Huntington, W.Va., has announced plans to temporarily suspend its final two productions in the current season: “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” and “Disney’s Moana, Jr.”

    Because of concerns about the coronavirus and the closing of schools in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, the First Stage Board of Directors has stopped production on the final two shows in the group’s 30th season.

    “It’s our hope that we’ll be able to restart the shows within a few weeks,” said First Stage President Amy Browning.  “But the safety of our actors comes first, so we’re closing down until it’s safe to resume our rehearsals.”

   The original plans had “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” being staged the first weekend in April, and “Disney’s Moana, Jr.” at the end of April, but those show dates are now subject to change, depending on when the schools reopen.

   Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

"Follies" Interview with Becky McClellan

   You have (at this writing) one more chance to catch the musical Follies in Huntington, and we have one more interview with the cast to share.

   Stepping up to our e-microphone is the lovely and talented Becky McClelland, who plays the part of Emily Whitman:

Q: What is Follies about?

Becky: Follies is a reunion of showgirls who have been out of the business for 30 or more years. Once there they get to perform old numbers while pairing up with ghosts of their past. Some characters are much more affected by the ghosts of their past than others. 

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

Becky: I love a good musical and Sondheim writes the best ones! I also knew that our director Bil Neal loves flashy costumes and this show is absolutely designed for them! 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Becky: My character is Emily Whitman. She is a former Weisman Girl who teaches dance with her husband in her older years. She’s sweet and always ready for fun, but she’s kind of a ditz. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Becky: I ventured into the world of theater in 2014 after my kids grew up. Since then I’ve been a part of about 15 shows whether on stage or behind the scenes. 

Q: This is Alchemy’s first musical production - what’s more challenging, the singing or the dancing?

Becky: The dancing. Hands down. I’ve never tapped and there is a big tap number. Add to that the part where I’m supposed to be a dance instructor! It’s a really good thing my ghost is amazing!

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show?

Becky: I absolutely love “I’m Still Here” performed by Mary Olson. She is always first rate, but in this case she takes you through her entire career bringing you through a range of emotions. It’s incredible!

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

Becky: This show is by design a reunion of veteran performers. Bil has pulled together some of the Huntington area’s very best; some of whom you haven’t seen on stage in years. Add to that the younger ghosts who are new to our company and SHOWGIRLS! And who doesn’t love showgirls?

  Thanks, Becky!

   Follies - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.

More Local Theatre Cancellations

   It’s been a difficult couple of days for community theatres as they react to the coronavirus.

   So far, Alchemy Theatre has continued its production of “Follies” - the final performance of that show will be on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. in Huntington.

   But it's painful news out of Ashland, where the Paramount Players canceled their performances of “Mamma Mia,” which were set to start Friday night. They issued this announcement on Facebook: “The board met today and decided to cancel all shows for the next 30 days, including Mamma Mia. This absolutely breaks my heart, but they are doing what they feel is best for the community. Thank you to everyone who was planning to attend.”

   In Logan, the curtain also came down early on their production of "The Crucible." Here’s their announcement: “Due to concerns over the Coronavirus (COVID-19), in an abundance of caution we have decided to close "The Crucible" early. Our final performance will take place TONIGHT, March 13 at 7 p.m. at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.”

   The Charleston Light Opera Guild has also shut down its Spring season, which was to include the musical “Memphis.” Here’s their announcement: “As you know, the ongoing response to COVID-19/coronavirus has been quickly evolving. In an effort to act on the advice of government officials, public health authorities and medical professionals for the health and safety of our patrons and performers, we are immediately canceling all performances of “Memphis” set for April and May. We will be reaching out to current “Memphis” ticket holders via email or phone with refund protocol, but please contact charlestonlightoperaguild@gmail.com if you have any questions. We will be responding as quickly as we can. We will also keep you updated as new information becomes available for the remainder of our 2020 season. The need to cancel a production is never easy, as it impacts many people in our community, including our dedicated artists and craftspeople. However, it is imperative that we keep our community safe, and that will remain the most important factor in how we continue to respond to the current pandemic. Your ongoing support of the Charleston Light Opera Guild is deeply appreciated and vital as we continue to bring Broadway to the Charleston and surrounding communities. We look forward to the moment that we can once again raise the curtain on another exciting CLOG production.”

   Stay tuned, we expect more announcements in the next few days.

How the Coronavirus is Affecting Local Theatre (So Far)

   The effects of the Coronavirus are hitting the world of theatre and forcing changes. 

   Broadway has announced that it's suspending all shows until April 12.

   The two shows in our immediate area - "Follies" in Huntington and "Mamma Mia" in Ashland - are, at this writing, still being staged. 

   Other groups are considering their options.

   Meanwhile, Marshall's School of Theatre issued this announcement today: 

Due to the corona virus pandemic, we are sorry to announce that several upcoming School of Theatre & Dance events listed below have been canceled.

- MU Dance Gala scheduled for March 14

- West Virginia Thespian Festival scheduled for March 19 – 21

- Sense and Sensibility scheduled for April 15 – 18. Since so much work has already been put into preparing for Sense and Sensibility, it is highly likely that it will be the first show of our next season.

For other events scheduled in the JCE Playhouse, please check with the event sponsor for more information.

You may contact the box office next week at 304-696-2787 for more information concerning tickets that you may already have.

Stay tuned for any updates. The dance concert may be re-scheduled, but it is too early to know when.

"Follies" Interview with Joanna Murdock

   You have two more chances to catch the musical Follies in Huntington, and we have two more interviews with the cast to share.

   Up next is the beautiful and talented Joanna Murdock, who plays the part of a ghost Showgirl:

Q: What is “Follies” about?

Joanna: A theater is closing and the ladies and gents who used to work there return for one last hurrah! Once there relationships are tested, old memories resurface, and ghosts from the past appear. 

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

Joanna: I love a big musical! I heard there was a tap number and I wanted the chance to maybe dust off my tap shoes. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Joanna: I play a ghost - the younger version of a showgirl who has come back to visit the theater one last time. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Joanna: I started with school and church plays. I auditioned for my first community show when I was 13, and after that show I just kept going. I have a BFA in acting / theatre and have worked locally and professionally. 

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show?

Joanna: Too many! There are beautiful songs, big dance number songs, funny songs, and I love them all! 

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

Joanna: Lovely talented people, big old stage (with footlights!) and sequins! Also it’s a show that’s not done very often - so see it to complete your Sondheim bingo card! 

   Thanks, Joanna!

   Follies - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on Friday, March 13, and Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.

On Stage This Weekend, Upcoming Shows and Auditions

Here’s the lineup of community theatre performances for the week beginning Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Upcoming shows and auditions are also listed. 

________________________

LIVE THEATRE

“Follies” - Alchemy Theatre will present the musical March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each. In 1971, on the soon-to-be demolished stage of the Weismann Theater, 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 theater 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. 

“Mamma Mia” - Paramount Players will present the show based on the music of Abba at the Paramount Theater in Ashland, Ky. on March 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and March 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $30.

“Fuddy Mears” - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the adult comedy on March 13 and 14. All showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for seniors and students, and $5 for Shawnee State University Students. You can get your tickets the day of, or online, at www.pltlive.com

 “The Crucible” - Southern Coalition for the Arts presents the play by Arthur Miller on March 13 and 14 at 7 p.m. and March 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Southern EV Community and Technical College Logan Campus.

“Sense and Sensibility” - The Actors Guild of Parkersburg will present the adaptation of the Jane Austen novel by Kate Hamill. Set in the 1790s in England, this play concerns the Dashwood sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their journey into happiness and fulfillment. At a time in which a woman’s value and place in society is based upon her husband and his wealth, Elinor and Marianne face many challenges. Will they find a husband who can secure their position? Or, should society allow strong, intelligent, capable women their own position? The play is filled with subtly funny moments, tender scenes, and broad comedy. The play will be presented on March 13 and 14.

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

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UPCOMING LIVE THEATRE

“Romeo & Juliet” - BlackRoot Theatre in Belle / Quincy, W.Va., will present the Shakespeare play. Performances will be March 27, 28 and April 4 at 8 p.m. and March 29 and April 5 at 3 p.m.

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" - First Stage Theatre will present the musical based on the classic comic strip "Peanuts" by Charles Schulz. The show will be performed at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington on April 3 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. and April 4 and 5 at 2:30 p.m.

“Mary Poppins, Jr.” - The Children’s Theatre of Charleston will present the musical based on the popular Disney movie and the Broadway musical. Performances will be April 2-5 at the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center Little Theater.

“Disney’s Moana, Jr.” - First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical based on the beloved 2016 Disney animated film, bringing the adventures of Moana and her village of Motunui to life onstage. The show will be performed on April 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.

“The Wizard of Oz” - Huntington High School’s Theatre Department will present the musical based on the beloved film on April 23, 24, 25, 26, May 1, 2 and 3.

“Memphis the Musical” - The Charleston Light Opera Guild will present the musical on April 24, 25 and May 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m., and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Little Theater. “Memphis” is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ol' local boy with a passion for R&B and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones, they embark on a dangerous romance as Huey optimistically believes music can transcend race.

“Long Day’s Journey into Night” - The Alban Arts Center will present the show on April 24, 25, May 1 and 2 at 8 p.m. and April 26 and May 3 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Performing Arts Center on Main Street in St. Albans.

“The Producers” - The Actor’s Guild of Parkersburg will present the musical based on the Mel Brooks movie on April 24, 25, May 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8 p.m., April 26 at 2:30 p.m., and May 3 at 6 p.m.

“Ring of Fire” - The Mid-Ohio Valley Players will present the musical at the Mid-Ohio Valley Players Theater at 227 Putnam Street in Marietta, Ohio, on May 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 8 p.m. and May 3 at 2:30 p.m. The Music of Johnny Cash has had a remarkable journey from Broadway to theatres across the world. The show recently received a hot new re-conception by original creator Richard Maltby, Jr. featuring a cast of five actor/musicians.

“The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon” - The Kanawha Players will present the play. The fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm are turned on their heads in this fast-paced, rollicking ride as two narrators and several actors attempt to combine all 209 stories ranging from classics like Snow White, Cinderella, and Hansel and Gretel to more bizarre, obscure stories like The Devil's Grandmother and The Girl Without Hands. A wild, free-form comedy with lots of audience participation and madcap fun.

“The Addams Family” - HART in the Park will present the musical at Huntington Ritter Park Amphitheater in June 2020.

“James and the Giant Peach, Jr.” - Zadokite Woods Productions will present the musical based on the beloved book on June 25, 26 and 27 at the Barboursville Park Amphitheater.

“Elf the Musical” - HART in the Park will present the musical at Huntington Ritter Park Amphitheater in July 2020.

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AUDITIONS:

“Sylvia” - Portsmouth Little Theatre will hold auditions on Thursday, March 12 from 6  p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street. The story: Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after 22 years of child-raising in the suburbs. Greg brings home a dog he found in the park - or that has found him - bearing only the name “Sylvia” on her name tag. A street-smart mixture of Lab and poodle, Sylvia becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. The marriage is put in serious jeopardy until, after a series of hilarious and touching complications, Greg and Kate learn to compromise, and Sylvia becomes a valued part of their lives. The show will run May 8, 9, 15 and 16.

“Sordid Lives” - On The Edge Theatre Company will hold auditions on March 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the The Venue at 1570 Diederich Blvd. in Russell, Ky. Please bring a resume (not required). The audition will consist of a cold read from the script. Please come any time during the time listed. 

"Follies" Interview with Kristen Rucker

   The musical Follies has been getting rave reviews for its opening performance last night - and you have just four chances left to catch the show (two this weekend and two next weekend)!

    We have a few more interviews with the cast to share, so let’s hear from the lovely and talented Kristen Rucker, who plays a Showgirl Ghost!

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

Kristen: After taking dance lessons throughout my childhood and performing at end-of-season recitals, I danced in few musicals in my later teens and twenties. Once my education career got started, I didn't have as much time for dance and theatre so I haven't danced in a show in years. I am so excited to be on stage again, and I feel so lucky to be working on Follies with such a talented cast.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Kristen: I play a ghost/showgirl which is just a dream. Who doesn't want to be a showgirl? 

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Kristen: My background is mostly in dance. I taught ballet / tap / jazz for 10 years at The Turning Pointe, which was at Heritage Station in the late '90s and early 2000s. Since then, I've been a Zumba instructor and taken adult ballet lessons at Huntington Dance Theatre.

Q: This is Alchemy’s first musical production - what’s more challenging, the singing or the dancing? 

Kristen: Since I don't really sing in the show, the most challenging aspect for me has been dancing en pointe, which I haven't done for about 20 years so I've been working really hard to get my feet back in shape. Even though it's been difficult, it feels a bit like coming home.

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show? 

Kristen: All of the numbers are so good. Jinnie's "Losing My Mind" is so haunting and beautiful. "The-God-Why-Don't-You-Love-Me-Blues" number is my favorite thing; I laugh every time. My favorite costume and number of mine is "Loveland."  Our director, Bil Neal, says it's yummy, and he's right.

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

Kristen: Seeing all of these talented people on stage together feels like a once in a lifetime opportunity. I think people will find characters to which they relate. Plus, we have SHOWGIRLS!

   Thanks, Kristen!

   Follies - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on March 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.

"Titus Andronicus" Interview with David McBrayer

   The Shakespeare tragedy Titus Andronicus is being staged this weekend, for one weekend only, in Charleston.

   We have one more interview with the cast to share. Here’s David McBrayer, who plays the oldest son of the title character.

Q. Tell us about the character you play.

David: I play Lucius Andronicus, the eldest son of Titus. He’s devoted to his family and faith, but is also a canny and brutal general.

Q. What is your background in theatre?

David: I’ve been acting for most of my life, from school to college to community theatre. In recent years I’ve appeared in shows like Huck Finn, Wait Until Dark, and Accidental Death of an Anarchist, among others.

Q. This is considered to be Shakespeare's most violent play - does that make it more challenging for the cast?

David: In a play with as many violent deaths as Titus Andronicus, we’ve needed both training and trust. The incredible Kara Wooten has taken time to instruct us how to slaughter each other both believably and safely, and we as a cast have rehearsed all this violence over and over and over again, so that everyone is comfortable with each other and the stunts that they’re involved with.

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

David: Titus Andronicus is remarkable in that it’s the kind of visceral revenge story that resonates in the blood of everyone who’s ever been wronged. There’s a level of remorseless energy that surges through the play, destroying life and limb, and it’s hard to resist the sheer juicy devastation.

   Thanks, David!

   Titus Andronicus - The Shakespeare tragedy will be presented at The Bullock Distillery at 121 West Washington Street in Elk City (Charleston) on March 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for students.

"Follies" Interview with Shane Lloyd

   The first public performance of Follies takes the stage Friday night, and to preview the musical we have several more interviews with the cast to share.

   Up next is the talented Shane Lloyd, who plays the part of “young” Buddy:

Q: What is “Follies” about?

Shane: Follies is about a group of friends who used to act together coming together for a “reunion.” Once at the reunion, the “whole show comes to life” – The good, the bad, the amazingly beautiful, and the horribly ugly.  

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

Shane: I missed singing and dancing, and it was an offering to be in a musical. I couldn’t say no! 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Shane: I play Young Buddy, who is just as innocent as he is naïve. He is extremely happy go lucky, doesn’t have a care in the world, and doesn’t think twice when his best friend Ben takes his gal dancing. To me, Young Buddy doesn’t see the darkness of the world but sees the good in everyone. We could all use a lesson in the care-free life of Young Buddy – no matter the consequences. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Shane: I played a very small role in a serious play in high school, but other than that my only “stage” time was high school show choir – which was intense singing and dancing. That’s what I’ve missed most of all. 

Q: This is Alchemy’s first musical production - what’s more challenging, the singing or the dancing?

Shane: To me, it’s putting them together. You think singing is hard enough… but then you must use some of those breathing techniques to catch your breath during dancing. You can’t use too many, however, because you still must sing all those notes! 

Q: Do you have a favorite number in the show?

Shane: My favorite number is “The Story of Lucy and Jessie.”  Jane Modlin, who plays Phyllis, really makes that number one of the most fun, catchy, and exciting numbers in the whole show. 

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

Shane: Because of the emotions! There are so many emotions. There will be crying, anger, sadness, laughter, betrayal, love, bitterness, and that doesn’t even scratch the surface.  At the end of the show, I’d like to imagine that the audience will go home cherishing those they love in their life and remembering to not live for the past, but for the present – no matter how exciting their past may have been.

   Thanks, Shane!

   Follies - the musical will be presented by Alchemy Theatre on March 6, 7, 8, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m., and March 8 at 2 p.m. at The Janice Chandler Auditorium (The Cabell County Board of Education Building) at 2850 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each.