On Stage in July

Happy Fourth of July, everyone!

Hope you're having a great holiday! Here's the rundown of community theatre shows to expect in July - as always, if there's anything I missed, send me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com or leave a comment at the link at the bottom of this post.

Here's the rundown:

- The Wedding Singer - HOT takes the stage at Huntington's Ritter Park Amphitheatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in July with its production of the musical comedy based on the hit Adam Sandler movie.

- The Aracoma Story - Logan State Park hosts its annual production of the romantic legend of Princess Aracoma, Boling Baker and the Shawnee People who settled in this region. The show starts July 19 and runs Tue-Sat Nights at 8:30 p.m.

- Box 11: Brave New Boxes - CYAC presents stories and monologues about young people July 28, 29 and 30 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- Willy Wonka, Jr. - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the Roald Dahl classic July 15, 16 and 17.

- Jenny Wiley hosts a series of show, including:

The Frog Prince - July 6, 7, 10, 12, 17, 24, 26 and 31
Annie - July 8, 9, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23
The Dixie Swim Club - 8, 13, 15, 22 and 27
The Legend of Jenny Wiley - July 29 and 30

And that's it for a busy July!

On Stage - "The Wedding Singer"

As promised, here's a feature about this weekend's kickoff to the summer theatre season in Huntington!

My pal Dave Lavender files this excellent story about The Wedding Singer (and you can see some photos from the show right here):

There hasn't been this much hair and zebra print spandex on stage in Huntington since Poison opened up for Motley Crue at the Huntington Civic Arena back in the 1980s.

Armed with top-shelf local theatrical rocker Ryan Hardiman as Robbie Hart and Steve Freeman's colorful Rubik's Cubes gone wild stage set, Ritter Park Amphitheater is ready to party like its 1985 for the next four weekends as Huntington Outdoor Theatre presents the musical comedy, The Wedding Singer.

Friday, July 1, Hardiman, sporting a fresh "bi-level" (not a mullet) haircut, and the cast, pile everyone into the proverbial Delorean for a musical trip back in time to 1985 New Jersey for the delicious pop-rock show fueled by an on-stage rock band directed by Mark Smith spider-fingering over Roland synthesizers.

Showtimes are 8:30 p.m. Friday through Sunday, July 1-3, as well as July 8-10, 15-17 and July 22-24.

You'll want to get there early as gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking or to enjoy the full concessions. The children's pre-show starts at 7 p.m. "It's an '80s Flashback," is directed and choreographed by Smith and Kerri Easter Stambaugh, featuring such '80s pop nuggets as Michael Jackson's "Beat It," Toni Basil's "Mickey," and Cyndi Lauper's "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."

Tickets are $15, and $12 for children ages 5-12 and seniors 65 and older. Free for children younger than 5. Groups of 20 or more are $11.

There's also a Sunday family special of four tickets for $40.

Hardiman, who has performed 10 times with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and who has rocked the stage mic in such productions as Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of Rent, said everyone in the H.O.T. musical family is excited for The Wedding Singer, since they were set to do it two years ago.

At that time, H.O.T. founder and director Helen Freeman had already cast The Wedding Singer when the Broadway touring production of the show came through pulling the rights for H.O.T. to produce the musical that is based on the hit comedy movie from 1998 that starred Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Freeman had to punt and shift gears for the '50s rock musical, All Shook Up, putting The Wedding Singer on the back burner.

Well known TV personality Kennie Bass, who works with Hardiman at WCHS-TV, and who has been in a slew of Charleston productions said he and Hardiman have been anticipating the fun-filled production for the past two years.

Who can blame them?

In a vintage Flock of Seagulls mullet wig, Bass, cast as Hardiman's bandmate, gets to deliver such hilarious stage lines as "Are you forgetting why we joined this band? Money for nothing and chicks for free," quoting the Dire Straits' tongue-in-cheek song, "Money for Nothing."

For those not familiar with the '80s pop-culture-packed film and musical, The Wedding Singer is like an '80s family-friendly version of the Jersey Shore - all the drama, fighting and mess - hold the profanity and vulgarity.

It is set in Ridgefield, N.J., in 1985 where the state's best wedding singer, Robbie Hart, is tearing up the reception circuit with his band buddies Sammy (played by Bass) and George (played by Shayne Gue), before his blond-bombshell fiancée Linda (played by Jessica Maier) leaves him at the altar.

In the aftermath, Hart melts like a handful of Reese's Pieces in a July sun. Musically and mentally he melts down trying to make everyone's weddings as miserable as his own as he spews a volcano of angst and then venom in the song, "Casualty of Love."

When Julia (played by Michele Goodson-Burnett), a waitress at a wedding literally pulls Robbie out of his funk (he had been thrown into a dumpster), he falls in love. However, there's a small problem as Julia is set to marry a young, Wall Street, womanizing fat-cat named Glen, (played by Michael Sidoti). And Robbie has the hot-to-trot Holly (played by Stambaugh, who also choreographs the show) after him.

To win Julia, Robbie travels to Vegas and with the help of a slew of impersonators (from Mr. T to Tina Turner - one of four roles played by Elijah Boyles), crashes Glen and Julia's wedding at the Little White House Chapel and tries to win the heart of the women he loves.

And, of course, all of the aforementioned drama and tangled love is set to original '80s-inspired music written by Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin. Hardiman said the songs really push the story forward, and captures the flavor of the '80s without becoming a parody.

Only two of the songs, "Somebody Kill Me," and "Grow Old With You," both written by Adam Sandler and Tim Herlihy, were featured in both the musical and the film, which was packed with a back-ground soundtrack of '80s hits from bands like The Smiths, the Cure, Huey Lewis, David Bowie and The Thompson Twins.

"There is something about the music of the '80s," Hardiman said. "It is just so immediate and it's focused on the melody and the counter melody, and that music resonates with me. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It's really fun music, and this show is all about the music and about rock 'n' roll. You feel it. The band is on stage and you don't hear the music coming from somewhere else and it really steps it up a notch." Goodon-Burnett, a stage veteran who's worked professionally in New York and Austin, Texas, before moving back to the Tri-State about a year ago to teach, said the idea of doing such a fun musical was too tempting to pass up.

Especially since she had first starred with Hardiman back in 1999 when H.O.T. did Guys and Dolls.

Hardiman, who last starred with H.O.T. during the record-setting summer production of Beauty and The Beast in 2005, said it's already been wonderful to reconnect with the H.O.T. family.

"Yeah, I feel like home," Hardiman said. "The first time we moved to the amphitheater for rehearsals and as soon as I walked down that path, it was like 'whoa it feels like home.' It feels like summer camp for me. I grew up back in the 1980s going to 4-H camp when I was in high school and it has that same kind of feeling. I mean I see all of these people throughout the year, but not in that context. This is like jumping in the Delorean and going back in time."

You're a Good Man, Nick!

My pal Elaine just sent me an update on another young actor making his mark in the world of entertainment.

She writes:

Nick Reynolds will be starring as Linus in You're a Good Man , Charlie Brown at the Summer Theatre of New Canaan in Connecticut, June 24 - July 9.

Nick, of course, is a an actor/singer originally from Huntington (That's him in the red shirt).

He received his BFA in theatre from Marshall University and was accepted into Penn State’s MFA acting program. He also became a member of Actor’s Equity, working at Pennsylvania Centre Stage.

In the summer of 2010, Nick went to Toronto to study Film and Television with David Rotenberg at The Professional Actor’s Lab. After completing his training, Nick moved to New York City and now lives in Astoria, Queens.

Needless to say, we're all proud of Nick and his accomplishments!

Auditions Coming Up for "The Jungle Book"

Audition dates and times have been announced by The Aracoma Story, Inc. for the upcoming 2011 Summer Season's Disney's The Jungle Book kids production.

With the success and high attendance of last season's production of this show, it will be returning to the stage at Chief Logan State Park for another one-week run in early August.

Open Auditions for Disney's The Jungle Book will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, June 29-30, and from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 2, at the Logan High School Theater.

Roles for this production are targeted for ages 18 years and younger, however, these auditions are open to everyone with enthusiastic adults being encouraged to audition. The cast will consist of more than 20 actors. There are both singing and non-singing roles. Those auditioning should be prepared to sing a 60-second piece from a Disney song and read a scene from Disney's The Jungle Book, which will be provided upon arrival. Songs from the show are acceptable but not mandatory. Auditioners must bring the sheet music if wanting piano accompaniment. A pianist will be available at the auditions.

The director will be Michele Colvin from Brunswick, Ga. Colvin is currently directing Cinderella. She is a director and choreographer originally from Miami. A graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in theatre and Southern Methodist University with a master's in choreographic theory and practice, Colvin has worked for regional theatres across the country, most recently at the Cumberland County Playhouse in Tennessee.

Returning from last season as costume designer for this show is Peggy Walsh from Philadelphia. Walsh gained notoriety last season for her costume designs in The Jungle Book, which turned a multitude of area children into colorful jungle animals. This season, she has helped to bring the magic of Cinderella to life.

Show dates for Disney's The Jungle Book are Aug. 9 - Aug. 14. Rehearsals for each show will begin approximately four weeks prior to the show's opening date. All performances begin at 8:30 p.m. at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheatre in Chief Logan State Park.

For more information about auditions, contact The Aracoma Story, Inc's office at 304-752-0253. For more information about this summer's productions visit www.loganshows.com.

On Stage This Weekend: "The Wedding Singer"

HOT's summer show takes the stage this weekend. The Herald-Dispatch will have a big feature on Thursday, but if you can't wait that long, here are the basics:

Huntington Outdoor Theater kicks off its summer production of The Wedding Singer this holiday weekend, with shows starting at 8:30 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, beginning July 1 and running through July 24 at the Ritter Park Amphitheater.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. for picnicking, with the children's preshow beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the main show at 8:30 p.m.

Set in the 1980s, The Wedding Singer is a musical comedy based on the movie starring Adam Sandler, featuring a story about New Jersey wedding singer Robbie Hart and his roller coaster love story. Hart is being played by Ryan Hardiman, and the character of Julia is being played by Michelle Goodson Burnett.

Adult tickets cost $15. Tickets for children ages 5 to 12 and seniors 65 and older are $12, and admission for kids under 5 is free. Tickets for groups of 20 or more cost $11 each.

Tickets are sold at Big Sandy Superstore Arena and at the gate on the nights of the show. Groups can only purchase tickets at the gate with all persons present. For Sunday evenings, a family package of four tickets will be sold for $40 at the gate. For more information call 304-412-3393 or visit www.hotwv.org.

Musical Theatre Boot Camp

If your kids are looking for something to do this summer, how about Theatre Camp? Several groups are offering classes this summer - for example, here's a story from the Herald-Dispatch:

If your children are way into musical theater, why not send them to boot camp?

Musical theater boot camp, that is.

Theatre Gym offers a week-long intensive camp for your child to train with professionals. "Musical Theater Boot Camp" is intended for kids who are extremely interested in musical theater. Bruce Rous, Broadway veteran and member of the Stage Director's Union is the master teacher, assisted by speech therapist and actress Amy Knell Carlson and other guest teachers.

"There are plenty of opportunities for your kid to attend a theater camp in the area," Rous said. "They're all great and good fun, I'm sure. Our camp's focus will be on actual training, with experience from the professional realm."

Campers will study acting, vocal production, singing, and "gentle" musical theater dance. The classes will culminate with a performance on the final night of camp, starring all the camp participants.

Camp dates are July 18-22. Camps will be at Highlawn Presbyterian Church, 2714 Collis Ave., Huntington. Two groups are offered: Grades 3-6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day and grades 7-12 from 2 to 5 p.m. Cost is $150 per camper, with a discount for two or more family members. Enrollment space is limited, and pre-registration is required by July 12. To register, email theatregym@gmail.com or call 606-331-1210.

"Cats" Takes the Stage in Morgantown

It may seem like a long way to drive to see a musical, but there's a good reason to make the trip to Morgantown: Huntington's own Sarah Hayes performs as "Sillabub" in the production of CATS being staged by the West Virginia Public Theatre through Sunday, June 26.

The shows are presented at the Metropolitan Theatre in Morgantown.

Sarah is a veteran of dozens (and dozens) of shows in Huntington, of course. These days she's a sophomore dance major and theatre minor at Virginia's Radford University.

She's amazingly talented and it's a great show - highly recommended!

New Theater Group Looking for Storage Space

It's a familiar problem for community theatre groups - the need for storage space for all your sets and props.

My pal Donna Duke passes along this request:

Curtains Up Players is a new theater group, adding its voice to other drama organizations in the area. Although we are a new group, in reality most of us flow between theatrical groups either on stage, backstage or in the audience, since we are truly a community of theater enthusiasts.

A unique aspect is our Education Outreach Wing, which has a goal of bringing the performing arts to rural schools, which often do not experience the arts first-hand. Along with entertaining students, we carry a message to stay in school, graduate and set goals for education beyond high school. Performers, none of whom are professional entertainers, tell about their career choices and their dedication to reach their goals.

Now we need a space to store our props and sets. We are a non-profit organization (yes, we planned it that way) and cannot afford rent. Everyone involved with our board and shows is unpaid, and we invest all our money back into future shows.

If anyone has space for a fledgling group whose goal is to advocate and enhance the arts as well as encourage students to continue their education, please call me at 304-743-6664 or email us at srduke@frontier.com.

We would appreciate your help.

Donna Duke
Board vice president
Education outreach chair
Curtains Up Players

HOT Preshow Auditions Coming Up

Hey, I got an email from my pal Donna Duke asking me to pass along word about the upcoming auditions for Huntington Outdoor Theatre's community preshow.

She writes:

Anyone interested in performing, be it vocalist, dancer,
instrumentalist, comic or puppeteer is welcome to come to the amphitheatre at Ritter Park on Tuesday, June 28 at 6 p.m. to audition.

Performers will be part of one or more of the preshows which will take place after the Kid's Show and before The Wedding Singer each Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the first four weekends in July.

For more info. call Donna Duke at 304-743-6664 or email srduke@frontier.com.

On Stage This Weekend - "Once on This Island"

Summer is the time for theatre camps, and the ARTS camp wraps up this weekend with a performance of the play Once on This Island.

Directed by my pal Eddie Harbert, shows will be presented Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington.

ARTS theater camp students also assisted in the making of costumes and props.

Admission is $5. Call 304-733-ARTS (2787) for reservations.

Shows On Stage This Weekend

I've been failing to send out reminders about the shows that are on stage this month (what can I say, things have been hectic lately). Sorry about that!

Here's an update:

- Thoroughly Modern Millie - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit musical June 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and June 26 at 5 p.m. All shows are at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. (Hey, here's another great reason to see this show - it stars my pal Linda Reynolds!)

- Easier Than the Truth - CYAC will present the world premiere of this drama June 23, 24, 25, 30 and July 1 and 2 at the WVSU Capitol Center in Charleston.

- Cinderella - The classic musical is being presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park now through July 3.

- The Dixie Swim Club - Jenny Wiley presents the show June 22 and 23.

- Annie - Jenny Wiley presents the hit musical June 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30.

So there are lots of shows to catch - get out there and support your community theatre!

New Works Project - Day 3 - "Collis P!"

Saturday marks the final day for the New Works Project, and it's a production that's near and dear to my heart.

A couple of weeks ago Clint McElroy, who's one of my oldest friends, gave me a call and asked if I would be willing to be part of a reading of his musical, Collis P! (which is, of course, based on the amazing life of the founder of our town, Collis P. Huntington).

Clint's been working on this for a number of years, fine-tuning the script and the songs. I was actually part of the first reading almost a decade ago.

Of course, I told him I'd be happy to help out. It wasn't until I arrived at the first rehearsal a couple of weeks ago that I realized I would be expected to sing, too - not exactly my strong suit. But what the heck, I was getting to work with friends like Mark Hayes, Mike Murdock, Mary and Tommy Smirl, Laura Donahoe, Owen Reynolds and Jack Cirillo (just to name a few) - it's been a lot of fun!

The performance Saturday night is only about an hour of the full show, but you'll get a good sense of what a terrific story it tells - about Collis' childhood, his rise to prominence, his unlikely adventures building a railroad empire and the entertaining folks he meets when he visits West Virginia.

The songs are terrific - rousing, funny, touching - it's great work all the way around! After the show the audience gets to talk to Clint and offer suggestions and comments about the show. (My sense is that it won't be long before you see a full-fledged production of the show on stage in Huntington - and you can brag that you saw it in previews!)

The show starts at 7 p.m. at Marshall University's Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, and admission is free (although donations are gratefully accepted).

It's highly recommended!

New Works Project - Day 2

The second day (of three) for Marshall University's New Works Project continues Friday with The Contemporary Theatre Project.

It's a reading of the play Well by Lisa Kron.

This important new play takes a very unique and contemporary approach to story-telling. Well paints a mother-and-daughter picture with rich and unusual artistry. The play’s central character (and playwright) Lisa, is depicted as an anxious performance artist who shares the journey of her mother’s pursuit (as well as her own) to “wellness” amidst the challenging current American health care crisis.

There's no admission charge (though donations are accepted), and after the performance thee will be a discussion with the audience about health care and it's impact.

The reading will be staged Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

Highly recommended!

Focus on New Works Project

Hee's a great story about Marshall's New Works Project from today's Herald-Dispatch:

Wouldn’t it be cool if you could tell the person writing a story or a movie or a play what they should have done and how they could make it better?

And then that artist actually being there with the audience listening and interacting as they’re trying to build a better play.

That interactivity of a live audience helping a playwright build a viable original piece of work for the stage is at the heart of the 5th annual New Works Project that is running at 7 nightly through Saturday at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre inside the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center on campus. All shows are free to the public but donations are highly encouraged.

Thursday's performance included five brand new short plays all written and directed by Marshall students including Marlboro Man by Chuck Herndon, A Last Supper by Erik Woods, In Progress by Ricky Scarbro and Burgle by Dylan Clark. The feature act is Marshall University Theatre Alumnus Jonathan Joy's new work, Count Your Blessings.

On Friday, enjoy a new play by Lisa Kron, a Tony Award-nominee, and on Saturday, get a peek at Clint McElroy’s historical music project, Collis P!, about railroad tycoon and Huntington founder, Collis P. Huntington.

MU theater professor and New Works founder Jack Cirillo calls New Works the “neo-natal unit for baby plays,” being birthed here in Huntington.

“It started out to fill a need for my students to have something to work on in the summer but as things tend to do it has taken on a life of its own that is exciting,” Cirillo said. “For a community our size we have a lot of theater going on but most of it is either musical or kind of traditional classics. Even if it is contemporary stuff it is classically-based. New Works is about as vital as it could possibly be... It really is a place where plays fresh off the page are explored with a director and some actors and an audience.”

Cirillo said the exchange of an audience hearing a play raw and responding is priceless feedback for writers as they’re seeing what works and what doesn’t in a work they are trying to get to stage.

Cirillo said one of the success stories of New Works has been Marshall University theater alum and prolific playwright, Jon Joy, who has had dozens of plays published, who has won national playwright contests and had one of his plays published in The New York Times.

Joy presented his new work, Count Your Blessings, as the headliner for Thursday night when four current Marshall University theater students presented works.

“Although we explore a lot of facets in our theater department we don’t have a playwrighting program and the work of a playwright is obviously important,” Cirillo said. “This allows us to give a nod to the playwrights and to allow that part of theater to be explored.”

Cirillo said although new work festivals occur around the country, it has been a relatively new thing for the Tri-State, and it is an exciting thing he would love to see more people take advantage of.

“We are at this point in our fifth season and we desperately need to grow and to get people to try us out,” Cirillo said. “What I like about this style of theater is that is completely participatory in terms of the audience. They get to say what is on their mind and how the play affects them and what works and what didn’t work. It’s almost like being in a book club. We sample the work and then have a chance to talk about it in a format that is organized and supportive.”

Local writer and radio personality Clint McElroy is presenting Collis P!, a musical about the life and times of the railroad tycoon Collis P. Huntington, who founded the city, and whose larger than life image was captured in a giant bronze statue that sits in downtown by famed artist Gutzon Borglum (who carved Mount Rushmore).

On Saturday, McElroy, who did a reading of Collis P! in its infancy several years ago, said Saturday night will have a cast of actors singing and acting out part of the play, which he would like to see produced in 2012 or early 2013.

McElroy, who wound up collaborating with well-known local writer and musician Danny Craig of Ashland, said Saturday night’s version will be about an hour long and will include about half the songs and scenes in the play.

He said without Cirillo and the push from New Works, Collis P! would have been left in the station.

“I think it is vital in the sense that you get feedback from the most important component in the theater and that is the audience,” McElroy said. “You get immediate feedback from them and it gives you a little guidance on which way to go. You’re not writing in a vacuum and they will tell you what they think of something. I honestly think Collis P! would have died on the vine a long time ago if not for New Works.”

McElroy, who has been involved in dozens of productions as an actor, director, producer and patron, said there’s nothing quite like the feeling for an author or playwright to see something they’ve created come alive.

“Both times that I sat down with the cast in the rehearsal process and it took shape and I could see the characters develop and that has been invaluable in shaping it,” McElroy said. “There are folks who are in it this time who have really taken these characters and put life into them and when you’re able to see characters that were basically words on a printed page and see them in the flesh. It really is an awesome experience.”

For ticket information contact Sam Kincaid at 304-696-ARTS (2787). The Marshall University New Works Project is sponsored by Marshall University's College of Fine Arts.

New Works Project - Day 1

Thursday marks the kickoff to Marshall University's annual New Works Project, which includes readings of new plays and projects that are in the works.

It's a fun event that I highly recommend - in fact, I got dragged into reading a small part in Saturday night's presentation of Collis P!, which is based on the life of Huntington's founder (I play one of his pals).

But more about that soon - first, let's talk about the first night's event, which starts Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. (Call 304-696-ARTS for details and reservations. There's no charge to attend, although donations will be gratefully accepted!)

The Student Playwright’s Project will include six short plays:

The Marlboro Man by Chuck Herndon

A Last Supper by Erik Woods

Midnight Princess by Chelsea Sanders

In Progress by Rocky Scarbro

Burgle by Dylan Clark

Count Your Blessings by Jonathan Joy

It's an evening of five new short plays written, directed and performed by Marshall University students. Perennial New Works playwright and Marshall University Theatre Alumni Jonathan Joy will also premiere his new work, Count Your Blessings.

It's always an entertaining evening - and you can't beat the price.

Highly recommended!

The Tony Award Winners!

I thought the Tonys put on a great show last night, with Neil Patrick Harris doing a great job hosting (his opening and closing numbers were terrific, and the number with Hugh Jackman was very funny), the musical numbers were mostly terrific, and it was worth watching just for Mark Rylance's very funny acceptance speech, which had nothing to do with the award at all.

Most importantly, we have the winners to announce in our annual "You Pick the Tonys Winners" competition!

Running away with first place this year was Mel Larch, with an amazing 20 correct answers! Mel has bragging rights for a second year in a row!

Placing second with a solid effort was Zach Davis, with a dozen correct picks! Tied for third place is Stephen Vance and Mark Near with six correct picks. Better luck next time, guys!

As always, thanks for playing along - I'll try to get this thing up and running with more warning next time around!

Oh, and here is the complete list of the winners for the 2011 American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards:

Best Play: "War Horse."

Best Musical: "The Book of Mormon."

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Mark Rylance, "Jerusalem."

Best Performance by an Actress in Leading Role in a Play: Frances McDormand, "Good People."

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Ellen Barkin, "The Normal Heart."

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: John Benjamin Hickey, "The Normal Heart."

Best Direction of a Musical: Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker, "The Book of Mormon."

Best Direction of a Play: Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris, "War Horse."

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical: Norbert Leo Butz "Catch Me If You Can."

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical: Sutton Foster, "Anything Goes."

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: John Larroquette, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying."

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Nikki M. James, "The Book of Mormon."

Best Book of a Musical: "The Book of Mormon."

Best Revival of a Play: "The Normal Heart."

Best Revival of a Musical: "Anything Goes."

Best Scenic Design of a Play: Rae Smith, "War Horse."

Best Scenic Design of a Musical: Scott Pask, "The Book of Mormon"

Best Lighting Design of a Musical: Brian MacDevitt, "The Book of Mormon."

Best Lighting Design of a Play: Paule Constable, "War Horse."

Best Sound Design of a Musical: Brian Ronan, "The Book of Mormon."

Best Sound Design of a Play: Christopher Shutt, "War Horse."

Best Costume Design of a Play: Desmond Heeley, "The Importance of Being Earnest."

Best Costume Design of a Musical: Tim Chappel and Lizzy Gardiner, "Priscilla Queen of the Desert."

Best Orchestrations: Larry Hochman and Stephen Oremus, "The Book of Mormon."

Best Choreography: Kathleen Marshall, "Anything Goes."

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre: Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, Matt Stone, "The Book of Mormon."

___

Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre: Athol Fugard, Philip J. Smith.

Regional Theatre Tony Award: Lookingglass Theatre Company (Chicago)

Isabelle Stevenson Award: Eve Ensler.

Special Tony Award: Handspring Puppet Company.

Tony Honor for Excellence in the Theatre: William Berloni, The Drama Book Shop, Sharon Jensen and Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts

Tony Awards Tonight!

Your pal Chuck is under the weather tonight, so no live blogging, I'm sorry to say.

But tomorrow we'll add up the results and see who had the most correct picks!

Good luck to all, and enjoy the Tonys!

Mel's Picks for the Tony Awards

Our reigning champion Mel Larch is here to put her crown on the line! Here are her picks for the Tony Awards.

She writes:

Let's see if the blind squirrel finds the winning nuts two years in a row!

Best Play
War Horse (Author: Nick Stafford)

Best Musical
The Book of Mormon

Best Book of a Musical
The Book of Mormon (Trey Parker, Robert Lopez, and Matt Stone)

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
(Shocker of the night will be if this award goes to The Scottsboro Boys - meaning the "traditionalists" dominated the voting block and decided to give one last nod to the team of Kander & Ebb. But I've been listening to my pick for weeks, absolutely LOVE it, and it WILL win!)
The Book of Mormon (Music & Lyrics: Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone)

Best Revival of a Play
The Normal Heart

Best Revival of a Musical
Anything Goes

Best Performance an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play (very tough category this year)
Mark Rylance, Jerusalem

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Frances McDormand, Good People

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
(Norbert Leo Butz deserves an award for the quirkiest name on Broadway, but my pick for this Tony is)
Josh Gad, The Book of Mormon

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Sutton Foster, Anything Goes

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Billy Crudup, Arcadia

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play (Another very tough category. I'd like to see Joanna Lumley win because she's one of my faves. However, my pick is)
Edie Falco, The House of Blue Leaves

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
(Would love to see Rory O'Malley from The Book of Mormon win, but my official guess is)
John Larroquette, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
(Again, I'd love to see The Book of Mormon take this category but I think this one will go to)
Laura Benanti - Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Best Direction of a Play
Joel Grey & George C. Wolfe--The Normal Heart

Best Direction of a Musical
Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker - The Book of Mormon

Best Choreography
Kathleen Marshall - Anything Goes

Best Orchestrations
Larry Hochman & Stephen Oremus - The Book of Mormon

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Rae Smith, War Horse

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Scott Pask - The Book of Mormon

Best Costume Design of a Play
Desmond Heeley--The Importance of Being Earnest

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner - Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Paule Constable-War Horse

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Brian MacDevitt - The Book of Mormon

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners and Cricket S. Myers - Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Brian Ronan - The Book of Mormon

Mark's Picks for the Tony Awards

First up to register his choices is my pal Mark Near! (Happy Birthday, m'boy!)

Here are his picks:

Best Play
War Horse Author: Nick Stafford

Best Musical
Sister Act

Best Book of a Musical
The Scottsboro Boys David Thompson

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Music & Lyrics: David Yazbek

Best Revival of a Play
The Importance of Being Earnest

Best Revival of a Musical
Anything Goes

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Brian Bedford - The Importance of Being Earnest

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Vanessa Redgrave - Driving Miss Daisy

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Tony Sheldon - Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Sutton Foster - Anything Goes

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Billy Crudup - Arcadia

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Ellen Barkin - The Normal Heart

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Adam Godley - Anything Goes

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Victoria Clark - Sister Act

Best Direction of a Play
Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris - War Horse

Best Direction of a Musical
Susan Stroman - The Scottsboro Boys

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford - How to Succeed in Business...

Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman - How to Succeed in Business...

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Mark Wendland - The Merchant of Venice

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Beowulf Boritt - The Scottsboro Boys

Best Costume Design of a Play
Jess Goldstein - The Merchant of Venice

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner - Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Best Lighting Design of a Play
David Lander - Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Ken Billington - The Scottsboro Boys

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners and Cricket S. Myers - Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Brian Ronan - Anything Goes

The Tony Awards - You Pick the Winners!

Holy cats, the Tony Awards are almost here!

The winners are announced on Sunday, June 12 - so let's get our annual "Pick the Winners" competition underway before it's too late!

My pal Mel Larch tells me she's ready to defend her crown from last year! Who can challenge her?

Here are the 26 nominees - just send in a comment with your choices at the link below or email your list to me at TheMinskers@aol.com - entries must be in before the broadcast starts on the East Coast!

Break a leg, y'all!

Tony Nominations:

Best Play
Good People Author: David Lindsay-Abaire
Jerusalem Author: Jez Butterworth
The Motherf***** with the Hat Author: Stephen Adly Guirgis
War Horse Author: Nick Stafford

Best Musical
The Book of Mormon
Catch Me If You Can
The Scottsboro Boys
Sister Act

Best Book of a Musical
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson Alex Timbers
The Book of Mormon Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone
The Scottsboro Boys David Thompson
Sister Act Cheri Steinkellner, Bill Steinkellner and Douglas Carter Beane

Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre
The Book of Mormon Music & Lyrics: Trey Parker, Robert Lopez and Matt Stone
The Scottsboro Boys Music & Lyrics: John Kander & Fred Ebb
Sister Act Music: Alan Menken Lyrics: Glenn Slater
Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown Music & Lyrics: David Yazbek

Best Revival of a Play
Arcadia
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Merchant of Venice
The Normal Heart

Best Revival of a Musical
Anything Goes
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play
Brian Bedford - The Importance of Being Earnest
Bobby Cannavale - The Motherf***** with the Hat
Joe Mantello - The Normal Heart
Al Pacino - The Merchant of Venice
Mark Rylance - Jerusalem

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play
Nina Arianda - Born Yesterday
Frances McDormand - Good People
Lily Rabe - The Merchant of Venice
Vanessa Redgrave - Driving Miss Daisy
Hannah Yelland - Brief Encounter

Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Norbert Leo Butz - Catch Me If You Can
Josh Gad - The Book of Mormon
Joshua Henry - The Scottsboro Boys
Andrew Rannells - The Book of Mormon
Tony Sheldon - Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Sutton Foster - Anything Goes
Beth Leavel - Baby It's You!
Patina Miller - Sister Act
Donna Murphy - The People in the Picture

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play
Mackenzie Crook - Jerusalem
Billy Crudup - Arcadia
John Benjamin Hickey - The Normal Heart
Arian Moayed - Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Yul Vázquez - The Motherf***** with the Hat

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play
Ellen Barkin - The Normal Heart
Edie Falco - The House of Blue Leaves
Judith Light - Lombardi
Joanna Lumley - La Bête
Elizabeth Rodriguez - The Motherf***** with the Hat

Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Colman Domingo - The Scottsboro Boys
Adam Godley - Anything Goes
John Larroquette - How to Succeed in Business...
Forrest McClendon - The Scottsboro Boys
Rory O'Malley - The Book of Mormon

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Laura Benanti - Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown
Tammy Blanchard - How to Succeed in Business...
Victoria Clark - Sister Act
Nikki M. James - The Book of Mormon
Patti LuPone - Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown

Best Direction of a Play
Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris - War Horse
Joel Grey & George C. Wolfe - The Normal Heart
Anna D. Shapiro - The Motherf***** with the Hat
Daniel Sullivan - The Merchant of Venice

Best Direction of a Musical
Rob Ashford - How to Succeed in Business...
Kathleen Marshall - Anything Goes
Casey Nicholaw and Trey Parker - The Book of Mormon
Susan Stroman - The Scottsboro Boys

Best Choreography
Rob Ashford - How to Succeed in Business...
Kathleen Marshall - Anything Goes
Casey Nicholaw - The Book of Mormon
Susan Stroman - The Scottsboro Boys

Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman - How to Succeed in Business...
Larry Hochman - The Scottsboro Boys
Larry Hochman & Stephen Oremus - The Book of Mormon
Marc Shaiman & Larry Blank - Catch Me If You Can

Best Scenic Design of a Play
Todd Rosenthal - The Motherf***** with the Hat
Rae Smith - War Horse
Ultz - Jerusalem
Mark Wendland - The Merchant of Venice

Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Beowulf Boritt - The Scottsboro Boys
Derek McLane - Anything Goes
Scott Pask - The Book of Mormon
Donyale Werle - Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson

Best Costume Design of a Play
Jess Goldstein - The Merchant of Venice
Desmond Heeley - The Importance of Being Earnest
Mark Thompson - La Bête
Catherine Zuber - Born Yesterday

Best Costume Design of a Musical
Tim Chappel & Lizzy Gardiner - Priscilla Queen of the Desert
Martin Pakledinaz - Anything Goes
Ann Roth - The Book of Mormon
Catherine Zuber - How to Succeed in Business...

Best Lighting Design of a Play
Paule Constable - War Horse
David Lander - Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Kenneth Posner - The Merchant of Venice
Mimi Jordan Sherin - Jerusalem

Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Ken Billington - The Scottsboro Boys
Howell Binkley - How to Succeed in Business...
Peter Kaczorowski - Anything Goes
Brian MacDevitt - The Book of Mormon

Best Sound Design of a Play
Acme Sound Partners and Cricket S. Myers - Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Simon Baker - Brief Encounter
Ian Dickinson - Autograph Jerusalem
Christopher Shutt - War Horse

Best Sound Design of a Musical
Peter Hylenski - The Scottsboro Boys
Steve Canyon Kennedy - Catch Me If You Can
Brian Ronan - Anything Goes
Brian Ronan - The Book of Mormon

In Rehearsal - "The Fantasticks"

My pal Stephen Vance sent along some information about the next show ARTS will be presenting, which holds the distinction of being the longest-running show in American history!

Here are the details:

ARTS is proud to present The Fantasticks

THE FANTASTICKS
Book and Lyrics
Tom Jones
Music by
Harvey Schmidt

"Since its opening in May, 1960, at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in New York, and its subsequent revival at the Snapple Theatre Center, The Fantasticks has become the longest running production of any kind in the history of American theatre."

The show will be presented in the ARTS Ballroom August 12 at 8 p.m., August 13 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and August 14 at 8 p.m.

The Cast:

El Gallo - Mike Murdock
Luisa - Tasha Blankenship
Matt - Owen Reynolds
Bellomy (Her Father) - Bil Neal
Hucklebee (His Father) - Mark Near
Henry - Dylan Clark
Mortimer - Erik Woods
Mute - Kristin Caviani

Coming Soon: The New Works Project

Tonight was the first rehearsal for Marshall University's annual New Works Project, a great showcase for new plays and musicals.

It's theatre produced in a (more or less) minimal style, with actors reading off the scripts, with little in the way of special costumes or sets. I've attended most of them - this is the 5th year for the festival - and they're very entertaining. (And I'll definitely be there this year, for reasons I'll explain later.)

They have a great lineup of shows on tap - here's the initial press release will all the info:

The New Works Project is a contemporary theatre organization that develops, promotes and presents theatrical readings of plays in the earliest stages of development.

Currently in its 5th season, New Works has presented the writings of playwrights both locally and nationally and has presented works of all “shapes and sizes”, including: full-lengths, shorts, one-acts, musicals, children’s plays, screen plays and TV pilots.

The most unique feature of New Works is its audience collaboration session that takes place after each evening’s presentation, which offers audience members a chance to give feedback directly to the playwright and company in an effort to bring the play that much closer to full production.

This Season

June 16-18 at 7 p.m. at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre in the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Call 304-696-ARTS for details and reservations.

Free to all - Donation Gratefully Accepted!


Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

The Student Playwright’s Project

The Marlboro Man by Chuck Herndon

A Last Supper by Erik Woods

Midnight Princess by Chelsea Sanders

In Progress by Rocky Scarbro

Burgle by Dylan Clark

Count Your Blessings by Jonathan Joy

An evening of five new short plays written, directed and performed by Marshall University students. This new addition to the New Works line up will kick-off the season of plays. Perennial New Works playwright and Marshall University Theatre Alumni Jonathan Joy will premiere his new work, Count Your Blessings.


Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m.

The Contemporary Theatre Project

WELL by Lisa Kron

This important new play takes a very unique and contemporary approach to story-telling. WELL paints a mother-and-daughter picture with rich and unusual artistry. The play’s central character (and playwright) Lisa, is depicted as an anxious performance artist who shares the journey of her mother’s pursuit (as well as her own) to “wellness” amidst the challenging current American health care crisis.


Saturday, June 18 at 7 p.m.

The Musical Theatre Project

COLLIS P! by Clint McElroy

Collis P! had its first reading in New Works’ first season in 2007. This original musical centers on the larger than life story of Huntington, West Virginia’s founding father - Collis P. Huntington. This presentation is being groomed for production with a thrilling new score of music by Danny Craig. You won’t want to miss this exciting presentation of what will sure to be a community classic in its final stages of development.

Talent Show Auditions Next Weekend

A&E Network is hosting auditions in Huntington for a new reality series it has planned.

It's looking for talent in small towns and invites those age 16 and up to audition from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 11, at Huntington City Hall, 800 5th Ave. Auditions will be in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium on the second floor.

To audition, plan a 30- to 60-second performance. Auditions can be scheduled ahead of time by sending an email to westvirginiatalent@gmail.com. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Almost any talent is welcome - singing, dancing, acting, stand-up and more - with the exception of talents that involve animals, fire, explosions or sharp objects. Any props needed must be minimal and set up quickly.

Other reality series on the network include Dirty Jobs, American Chopper, Intervention and Hoarders.

For more information, call 818-478-4570 or visit www.pilgrimfilms.tv/casting and click on "Talent Road Show." Candidates must be age 16 and up.

Arts Celebrates 10 Years

My pal Dave Lavender turns in a fine article about the group known as ARTS, which celebrates its 10th Anniversary this weekend.

Here's the story:

If J.C. Penney hadn't already coined the slogan, "It's All Inside," ARTS could certainly be using it at the Huntington High Renaissance Center.

Arts Resources for the Tri-State, the non-profit umbrella arts group, has step-by-tough-step reinvigorated the old Huntington High School with a little shot of everything arts-related.

Inside at 900 8th St., the historic old school that was built in 1916 and left empty in 1996 when schools consolidated, is a plethora of all things arts - after school enrichment in art, drama, music, photography, Tri-State Youth Orchestra, Renaissance Art Gallery, Sweet Adelines, various theater groups, dance recitals, weddings and receptions, dinner theaters and various other activities.

ARTS marks its first 10 years with a celebration at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4. The celebration begins in the theater with "A Look Back," a musical retrospective featuring selections from a decade of performances by guest performers Jane Modlin, Ryan Hardiman, Mary Olson, Linda Reynolds, Mark Baker and Chris Bowling and many others.

The evening continues with the Excellence in ARTS award ceremony paying tribute to individuals who have helped ARTS along the way. Those recipients include Randall Reid-Smith, Helga Thorn, Ron Caviani, Myra and Jim McVey, Margaret Mary Layne, Janice Chandler Gold and Fern Christian. The evening will conclude with a wine and roses reception in the Ball Room, which has been decorated by Sue Ellen Hardman, who decorated for two Governor's Balls.

Performance tickets are $15 and reception tickets are $25. Reservations are requested for the performance and required for the reception. Contact ARTS at 304-733-ARTS.

One of the founding members of ARTS, Rosa Lee Hall, said they knew establishing the myriad of space for performing arts would not be easy, and would not have been possible without so many of the people who are being honored on Saturday.

"I feel these honorees have been major contributors to the arts in our community and have influenced so many people, young and old that it was time to acknowledge them, and felt it is time to do it with grandeur," Hall said. "From the beginning, we knew it was going to be a hard road, but we have come so far with the help of so many in our community and the benefits have been more than we had ever hoped for. This is a milestone for ARTS. The value of ARTS to our community is many fold."

Hall is not kidding when she says many fold.

Just a few of ARTS achievements in 10 years include producing 21 theatrical productions and providing training in dance, dramatic instruction, art expression, music lessons and cotillion/etiquette.

ARTS also hosts and produces musical concerts that have included such world-class homegrown talent as Mark and Beth McVey, Ryan Hardiman, Randall Reid-Smith, Mary Olson, Marina Jurica, Elijah Boyles and Bil Neal.

They have performance and rehearsal space for local groups including Tri-State Youth Orchestra and River Magic Chorus. They organize the annual holiday house tour, provide rental space for artists, as well as in the renovated ball room providing space for community/private events like wedding receptions and reunions.

Last but not least ARTS houses the co-op Renaissance Gallery, which opens watercolorist Ron Haeberle's new exhibit with a free reception 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 5. That exhibit will be up until July 1. The gallery is open noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, Friday and Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

For the past five or six years, Ashland native Josette Gibson has volunteered with ARTS as a way to give back to the Huntington community where she came to work.

Gibson, who was a volunteer at the historic Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, said it has been amazing to see all of the hard work and energy that has gone into preserving and bringing a new identity to the old school.

"It is a jewel that the community needs to keep," Gibson said of the building, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. "It has taken a whole lot of hard work on the part of the board, and the community has certainly helped. We've opened our doors to so many of the community organizations wanting to come in and use it."

If you go

WHAT: ARTS (Arts Resources for the Tri-State) is hosting a 10th Anniversary Celebration that includes "A Look Back," a musical retrospective featuring selections from a decade of performances.

THE AWARDS: ARTS will also pay tribute to folks who have cultivated arts in the Tri-State.

WHERE: Huntington High Renaissance Center, 900 8th St., Huntington

WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4

THE RECEPTION: The evening will conclude with a wine and roses reception in the Ball Room.

HOW MUCH: Performance tickets are $15 and reception tickets are $25. Reservations are requested for the performance and required for the reception.

GET TICKETS: Make reservations by calling 304-733-ARTS.

The Cast List for "The Wedding Singer"

Huntington Outdoor Theatre (HOT) is hard at work rehearsing its show for July - the musical comedy The Wedding Singer, which is based on the film.

Here's the talented cast that will bring the show to life in Huntington's Ritter Park:

Robbie - Ryan Hardiman

Julia Sullivan - Michele Goodson-Burnett

Linda - Jessica Maier

Holly - Kerri Easter Stambaugh

Glen Gluglia - Michael Sidoti

Sammy - William Bass

George - Shayne Gue

Rosie - Debora Wolfe

Angie - Kaitlin Despain


Impersonators:

Ronald Reagan - Bradley Leonard

Nancy Reagan - Megan Smith

Tina Turner - Sydney Keeton

Imelda Marcos - Casey Homanai

Billy Idol - Josh Martin

Cyndi Lauper - Lexie Thompson


Ensemble:

Megan Boggs
Elijah Boyles
Zachary Brewer
Shneekquwa Canady
Chloe Donahoe
Chris Ellison
Audrey Fosson
Todd Green
Megan Haynes
Chloe Hardiman
Kory Holmick
Casey Homanai
Angela Hunt
Sarena Johnson
Sydney Keeton
Greg Kiser
Alaina Krantz
Jennifer Leist
Jeremy Martin
Taylor Perdue
Brea Ross
Angela Skidmore
Rachel Tadlock
Sheri Tadlock
Josh Taylor
Lexi Thompson
Lydia Waybright
Sarah Williams
Alyssa Wilson
Sarah Wood
Brittany Woods
Tessa Wooten

Children's Pre-show:

Isabella Backus
Emily Bannon
Emily Bolt
Jade Daniels
Shelby Easter
Olivia Fosson
Katie Fulks
Kayla Hunter
Maddie Johnson
Emma Korstanje
Gracie Macri
Sophie Mowdy
Selby Smith
Samuel Smittle
Claire Snyder
Grant Snyder
J. Garret Snyder
Hannah Spurlock
Hayley Spurlock
Trinity Tiffany

On Stage in June

The heat is on and summer is here - but community theatre is still running strong!

Here are the shows coming up in June (as always, if I missed any, drop me a line in the comments below or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com):

- New Works Project - Marshall University's fifth annual offering of new and experimental theatre works will be presented at Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center June 16, 17 and 18.

- Fellows Inn - the Kanawha Players present the show June 10, 11, 17, 18 and 19 at the Kanawha Players Theatre.

- Thoroughly Modern Millie - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit musical June 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26, 2011 at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m. except June 19 and 26, which begin at 5:00 p.m.

- Easier Than the Truth - CYAC will present the world premiere of this drama June 23, 24, 25, 30 and July 1 and 2 at the WVSU Capitol Center in Charleston.

- Cinderella - The classic musical will be presented at the Liz Spurlock Amphitheater at Chief Logan State Park June 14 - July 3.

- The Dixie Swim Club - Jenny Wiley presents the show June 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22 and 23.

- Annie - Jenny Wiley presents the hit musical June 24, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30.

Finding the "Joy"

My pal Jonathan Joy is a busy guy these days. One of his short plays will be included in Marshall Unversity's New Works Project (more on that soon), and he's the cover story for the April issue of Insight for Playwrights magazine!

The story is titled "Finding the Joy," and it was written by Sandra Hosking. Here's an excerpt:

West Virginia playwright Jonathan Joy considers 2010 a breakout year for his writing. With productions of different plays last year in North Carolina, Iowa, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia, he now has had his work performed in 10 states over the past 10 years.

“Among these, I’ve had seven productions in NYC in the past five years. The most recent was a 2009 performance of one of my favorite works, The Princess of Rome, Ohio. What excites me most, however, is my first international show,” Joy says.

His play American Standard was produced in Dubai by Backstage Dubai last November. A Romanian theatre also recently contacted him.

Congratulations, John!

Happy Memorial Day!

When I was young, Memorial Day was a big holiday. A large gathering of my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins would form a caravan of vehicles and visit rural graveyards, placing flowers on the graves of relatives who died long ago. My Uncle Claude would place a small American flag on the graves of the veterans.

We'd have a picnic lunch at a roadside park (back when such things existed) and eventually make our way home. It really wasn't a somber event - it was more a celebration of those who had passed on.

I continue the tradition in a much more limited fashion these days. My Mom and I pay our respects at a few family plots and leave flowers. We also place flags by my Grandfather Hill's grave (he was a veteran of World War I) and my father's grave (he served in the Navy during World War II).

I hope, as a nation, we never forget the debt we owe to the untold thousands of men and women who served their country.

I urge you to observe the day by taking a few moments and remembering your loved ones - even the ancestors you never met. We wouldn't be here without them!

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

More Theatre News

Here's another update on local actors who are making their mark in the world of entertainment (and thanks to my pal Elaine Young for passing along this info):

- Congratulations to Nathan Mohebbi, who's on stage this summer at the Flat Rock Playhouse in Flat Rock, N.C. He will be playing the part of Armand in Once on this Island - June 15 - 19 and he'll be in Hairspray - July 20 - August 14.

- Congratulations to Mary Kate Young, who's on stage this summer at the Music Theatre Louisville in Louisville, Ky., where she will be playing the part of Susan Lawrence in BIG - the Musical August 5 - 14.

- And congratulations to John Wolfe, who is performing on stage right now on the Holland America Cruise Lines!

If you have news to add, send me a note at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll post it here!

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Postponed

My apologies to any readers (such as my pal Bil Neal) who made the trip to Charleston to see this show, only to discover it had been postponed.

Here's the explanation from the Charleston Stage Company's website:

Charleston Stage Company's production of Edward Albee's Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? has been postponed.

Shortly before the play was to open, a member of the cast has had to withdraw from the cast due to health related reasons. New performance dates are to be September 1-3 and 8-10, 2011, 7:30 p.m., at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers St. Charleston.

The company regrets any inconvenience caused by this delay. However, our longstanding commitment to providing high-quality, live theatre to the community would not be served by presenting a production that was hastily prepared. We believe that the cast members, and ultimately the audiences of the Kanawha Valley, will be better served by an integrated ensemble, performing at their best, in this complex, character -driven American stage classic.

While we are all disappointed by the circumstances surrounding this delay, it does mean that Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, the capstone play of CSC's 19th season, will be effectively jump-starting our exciting 20th season. We appreciate the support of our community and look forward to a great production.

Please note that all advance and season tickets will be honored at the box office for the new dates.

RESCHEDULED DATE: 7:30 PM, September 1-3 and 8-10, 2011
Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers St., Charleston, WV

And Now, For Something Completely Different

This note arrived recently from my pal Zach Davis about a new comedy project he's working on that sounds like a lot of fun:

Hey Chuck! I have an exciting announcement to make.

I, along with my dear friend Jen Fuller, have been working on creating a new kind of theatre entertainment for the Tri-state area and after several months we can officially make it known to the public.

We are proud to introduce LAST LAUGH! A Comedy and Improv Troupe!

We are based out of Boyd County, Ky., and have lined up performances in the Frank's Building until June of next year. Our first performance will be in August and have a back-to-school theme. We are also working on setting dates for venues in Huntington as well.

Last Laugh! is comprised of six core members which include Josh Taylor, Greg Kiser, Susan Rawn, Peggy Walker, Jen Fuller and myself. Of course we have plenty of room to expand as well for those interested.

Our mission and purpose is not only to bring a new form of entertainment to the Tri-State but each show will benefit a charity as well. We will be donating most of the proceeds to a different charity - that way we can give back and spread the joy that theatre and entertainment can bring to others.

Last Laugh! members will be showcasing their own work and bringing an assortment of characters with them. Each member will mimic a celebrity and bring new characters to life as well.

Our goal is to blend the classic "Who's Line..." and Saturday Night Live into one unique showcase each performance. There will be plenty of audience participation games and skits.

We also are encouraging community playwrights to submit material to us as well. We are super excited to be offering this to our area. Last Laugh! is also available to be booked for private events and parties as well.

So get ready for a new and exciting year, Tri-State. Keep a sharp eye open for more show details and if anyone is interested in possibly joining our group or writing skits for us, please contact me via email, facebook or phone!

Theatre Notes

A few news items about young performers with roots in Huntington who are making their mark in the world of entertainment:

- Congratulations to Sarah Hayes, who recently danced as part of a special tour in New York (off Broadway) and in Washington, DC!

- Congratulations to Maggie Saunders, who was chosen as a finalist for the second West Virginia Symphony Idol competition in Charleston, and will sing with the symphony in February! The first Symphony Idol - my pal Ryan Hardiman - recently ended his reign.

- Congratulations to Josh Meredith, who has a busy summer at the Weathervane Playhouse in Newark, Ohio - he'll be Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors June 2-11, Huck Finn in Big River June 30-July 9, Rolf in The Sound of Music July 14-July 23, and a Principal dancer in Chicago July 28-August 6!

- Congratulations to Laura LaCara, who recently signed on to perform as part of the Greenbrier Entertainers. That group is staging the musical Blues in the Night at the world-class resort. The show is a dynamic collection of torchy blues classics.

And that just scratches the surface - if you have news to share, send it to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll post it here!

On Stage This Weekend

You have three great shows to choose from this weekend, including two musicals and a drama:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Curtain Up Players presents the musical May 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? - Charleston Stage Company presents the drama by Edward Albee at 7:30 p.m., May 26-28, June 2-4, 2011, at the Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- Godspell - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the hit musical May 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.

ARTS Celebrates Its First Decade

The group known as ARTS (Arts Resources for the Tri-State) is planning a gala 10th Anniversary Celebration.

It takes place Saturday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a review of show tunes performed by some of the Tri-State's finest performers. The review will be in The Renaissance Theatre with Chris Bowling as Musical Director.

During the review ARTS will honor several outstanding individuals in the community.

Wine and hors d'oeuvers reception will follow the review. Tickets for the show only at $15, and tickets for the reception and the show are $25.

For more information call 304-733-2787.

One Last "Joseph" Interview!

For the last of our e-interviews with some of the cast members of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (which wraps up this weekend in Huntington), let's hear from my pal Jonathan Lamp who plays two roles in the show - he's the Pharaoh and Gad, one of Joseph's brothers.

About eight years ago Jon did great work in the last production of "Joseph" staged in Huntington, and he must have had fun, because he's back for more:

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is "Joseph" about?

Jonathan: "Joseph" is based off a story from the Old Testament. It is about a young man who could interpret dreams. He gets sold away by his brothers, due to their jealousy towards him. Joseph later makes makes a name for himself. To find out more, come see the show!

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Jonathan: This is my favorite musical. I have loved it since I was a child and am honored to have a second opportunity to do it.

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Jonathan: My favorite part of the show is the Song of the King. Then again... it is my song so I am biased. :-)

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Jonathan: I love this cast. We are more like a family at this point.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Jonathan: Friday May 27 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 28 at 8 p.m. All shows are performed at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center also known as the former Camelot Theater.

Time for Another "Joseph" Interview!

You have two more chances to catch the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat this weekend in Huntington, and here's another e-interview with one of the stars of the show!

Let's talk with my pal Julie Hoss, who plays the wife of Jacob:

Q: For those who haven't see it, what is Joseph about?

Julie: This story is found in Genesis, and tells the story of the father (Jacob-Israel) of the twelve tribes of Israel, and how God used Jacob's favorite son, Joseph to save their family from starvation. Joseph's brothers were very jealous of him because Joseph was the favorite son of Jacob-Israel, so they sold him into slavery, but told Jacob that Joseph was dead. What the brothers intended for evil ended up being a part of God's plan to eventually save all of their lives.

Q: Why did you want to be in this show?

Julie: I love musical theatre, and have wanted to return to it for years. So I am grateful and honored to be allowed to participate in this wonderful live entertainment.

Q: What's your favorite thing about the show?

Julie: The variety of mood settings in this musical help keep it interesting for both the cast members and the audience. And the lighthearted comedy parts help convey the historical tale in a way that can keep you laughing and also help you retain the story content in your memory.

Q: Have you had fun working on this with the rest of the cast?

Julie: Have had an absolute blast! Love the fact that there is a huge variety of age groups represented in a relatively small cast.

Q: When and where will the show be presented?

Julie: The shows are May 27 and 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center on 4th Ave in downtown Huntington. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children. Church groups of 15 or more get discounts. Curtains Up Players can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"

My pal Dave Lavender filed an excellent story in today's Herald-Dispatch about "Joseph" - you can read it right here:

King James may have the lock-down on the Bible's definitive print version, but when it comes to juicing up the Bible's stories with a little pop-rocked razzle dazzle, nobody's kicked up that Middle Eastern historical sand like Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

This weekend, Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, 1030 4th Ave., dials the time machine back a couple thousand years for Webber and Rice's gloriously rollicking musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Put on by the new theater group Curtains Up Players (formerly known as the Pullman Plaza Players), "Joseph" runs 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 20-21 and May 27-28. Weekend matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.

Tickets are $15 and $12 for children.

Paul Neace, one of the founders of Curtains Up Players, said they scoured a long list of musical shows to do, but settled on Webber and Rice's first collaboration, the campy and musically diverse, "Joseph," which they debuted in 1967, a few years before they struck the big-time with Jesus Christ Superstar.

Armed with Bradley Leonard, who played the lead role of Seymour in their production of Little Shop of Horrors, last fall, Curtains Up has drawn in a wide array of regional talent put together by veteran director, Danny Ray, who is joined by musical director, Steve Burnett; assistant director, Clara Adkins; choreographer, Jessica Fox; and producers, Shayne Gue and Michael Gore.

Todd Preston, who helped start the Curtains Up Players, said the production benefits from a strong cast (that includes such actors as Angela Hunt (who will be going to the University of Colorado to purse a Ph.D. in acting), Shayne Gue and Nancy Jackson) as well as some folks like Charleston resident Alan Pennington, and theater veteran, Rhett Pennell, who just moved into the area.

"I think one of the interesting things about this cast is that there are a lot of people who've not been seen in this community theater scene," Preston said.

A new face to the scene is Pennell, who plays Simeon. He has added a personal touch to the show with a seasoned stage presence and he designed an array of colorful, movable animal props for the set from a serpent and a scorpion to a flock of sheep.

A professional toy designer who moved to the Tri-State from New Jersey last year, Pennell said while as a young adult he'd been an equity actor in New York and did national theater tours, he'd put his acting on hold for his art career, drawing and designing toys for large companies.

Pennell said he couldn't resist auditioning when he saw the Facebook post for "Joseph," the first effort by Webber and Rice, who went on to write Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita together.

"This is a great release and gets my butt from out in front of a computer all day," Pennell said. "You can't say no to 'Joseph.' I've loved doing this for 20 years."

Neace said the show that runs the gamut from Elvisy rock 'n' roll to hand-clapping, western swinging country music to sheer Broadway pop hadn't been done for a while and is just a great show for all ages since it only runs about an hour and 30 minutes.

Neace said they hope "Joseph" is just the first of many more Curtains Up Players' productions to come at Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, the former Camelot movie theater that was turned into a dance academy and arts venue by local dance teacher, Jessica Fox.

He credits two Curtains Up Players' board members, Danny Ray and Clara Adkins, for suggesting Jeslyn, which seats about 350 or so, as a possible theater home for the troupe.

"Our board and her board wanted to give this new-found relationship a try, and so we've decided to try this on a trial run for the first year or so to see if it will work for both parties," said Neace, whose theater group initially formed at Pullman Plaza Hotel in the fall of 2010. "The bottom line is that it seems to make sense for everybody. Jessica and her husband and staff couldn't be nicer and more supportive. We want it to work for them as much as we want it to work for us. I truly think this will be a fabulous relationship and the talents that we can bring to them and that they can add to us are going to create something unlike anything this town has seen."

If you go

WHAT: Curtains Up Players presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

WHERE: Jeslyn Performing Arts Center, 1030 4th Ave., Huntington

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 20-21 and May 27-28. Weekend matinee performances will be at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22.

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $15 and $12 for children

GET TIX: For tickets, call 304-634-9605. You can also follow Curtains Up on Twitter at twitter@CUPofTheatreWV and the Facebook Page is Curtain's Up Players.

THE CAST: Nancy Jackson, Bradley Leonard, Alan Pennington, Michael Gore, Diane Slater, Rhett Pennell, Lindsay Calhoun, Christopher Sunderland, Kristen Pennington, Andrew Surber, Leslie Collins, Jacob Jarvis, Elaine Adkins, Shayne Gue, Angela Hunt, Jonathan Lamp, Holly Maynard, Ethan Terry, Rachel Geiger, Max Wilson, Alex O'Donnell, Luc Adkins, Maggie Donahoe, Julie Hoss. Children's Choir: Will Hunt, Ethan Hunt, Ben Hunt, Braedyn Clagg, Laura Clagg, Ella Wilburn, Hannah Tussy, Dylan Herrmann-Holt, Haylee Winters, Colby Winters, Sydney Winters, Samuel Collins and Leela Jackson

On Stage This Weekend - Four Musicals

It's a busy weekend for your community theatre groups, as the spring season nears the end. Here are the four musicals you have to choose from:

- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - Curtain Up Players presents the musical May 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center at 1030 4th Avenue in Huntington.

- The Drowsy Chaperone - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the hit Broadway musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater on May 20 and 21.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - Clay Center presents the musical based on the animated film Sunday, May 22 at 2 p.m.

- Godspell - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the hit musical May 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Jennifer Garner to Host Benefit in Charleston

The mystery has been solved! One of Charleston's most famous daughters is giving back to her home town:

Actress Jennifer Garner plans to host a benefit for the Charleston Light Opera Guild next month during the city’s FestivALL.

Light Opera Guild and FestivALL officials on Thursday announced Garner’s appearance.

Garner, a former Light Opera Guild performer, will host the benefit June 18 at the Charleston Civic Center.

The Light Opera Guild will perform Thoroughly Modern Millie at the Civic Center’s Little Theatre and a reception will follow the show.

Tickets for the show and reception range from $120 to $200 and go on sale June 1 at the Little Theatre’s box office.

Garner, who’s married to actor Ben Affleck, grew up in Charleston.