Theatre Returns to Huntington With "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

   Community theatre has been shut down in the Tri-state since March - but there are signs of its return!

   First Stage announced it's staging a show next weekend - but in a very unusual setting! Here's the info they released:

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Theatre returns to the Tri-state as the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company on July 31 and Aug. 1 at 8 p.m. at the parking lot of Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, WV.

 

In keeping with COVID-19 recommended social distancing, the musical will be presented like a drive-in movie – the audience will remain in their cars in the parking lot and the sound of the performance will be broadcast over their car radios (at 101.1 FM).

 

The musical is a celebration of 30 years of First Stage Theatre, and was the first show presented by Huntington’s children’s theatre in September 1990 (the organization was originally known as the Musical Arts Guild – Children’s Theatre).

         

          The musical is based on the beloved comic strip Peanuts created by Charles Schulz. It includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally and Linus. The musical features classic songs “Happiness,” “Suppertime,” “My New Philosophy” and “A Book Report.”

         

             The production features six student performers from the Tri-state area. Tickets are $10 for an individual and $20 for a carload (cash or checks are preferred). Spaces are limited, and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

         

            The directing team includes: Director Mike Murdock, Music Director Mike Campbell, Choreographer Joanna Murdock, Assistant Director Nora Ankrom, Producer Jeanette Bailey and Stage Manager Michael Sullivan.

         

          “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” is the final show in the 30th season for Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre. Based in Huntington, WV, 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.

 

           For more information, call 304-416-5437.

Alchemy Shuts Down "Dixie Swim Club"

Huntington's community theatre has lost another show to COVID-19, as Alchemy Theatre Troupe made this announcement today via Facebook:

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Our business, the business of theatre and live entertainment, is in danger. If you don't believe that, do a cursory Google search of theatre's that are closing due to the pandemic and / or abandoning their seasons until 2021 at the earliest, including Broadway.

While we, at Alchemy, continually try to keep moving, at every turn we find ourselves taking one step forward and two steps back, just like everyone else.

As a community theatre, we rely on the community for literally everything. Whether that's talent, time, money, resources or anything else. With that in mind, we constantly strive to keep our community safe, especially now.

Due in-part to the pandemic, as well as the current state of the world, we have decided to cancel The Dixie Swim Club at this time.

Plans are still being made for The Tempest, the West Virginia Shakespeare Festival and the rest of our season, but, just like everyone else, we will need to play it all by ear and be as fluid as possible.

We will keep trying to do more virtual and online performances like The Play's The Thing, as well as some other new and interesting ideas. We hope you join us for all of them as we try to navigate the new world.

Stay safe, everyone. And thank you for the continued support.