"Company" Interview #2 - Len Trent

   Time for another interview with the cast of the much-anticipated musical Company!

   Today, let's talk with the talented Len Trent!

Q: Tell us the story behind Company.

Len: Company is the story of Robert and his search for answers about love and marriage. We see Robert and his relationships with his married friends as well as some of the single ladies in his life.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Len: I play Harry. Harry and Sarah are one of the married couples in Robert's close circle of friends.  Harry is kind of partial to booze and the relationship between Harry and Sarah is a bit unique. There may be some competition between husband and wife, but it's all in love.

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Len: No way I can pick a favorite. It is such a great show. There is now way to pick just one.

Q: Is the music challenging?

Len: The music is some of the most challenging I have ever experienced. Sondheim writes in such a unique way. His challenging style and story line are what make it such a great show.

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

Len: Sondheim. I get to be on stage with my wife. ARTS. Amy Carlson directing. I think each one of those is reason enough to do this show.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Len: Theatre has been a part of my life for over 20 years. These past few years as an ARTS company member have been some of the best.

Q: This is being performed in the Renaissance Ballroom - an intimate setting, with the audience right in front of you. Does that make the show easier or more difficult to perform?

Len: I think the audience being so close to us is wonderful but does have its challenges. It is an intimate space, so the smallest details are magnified. You have to be conscious of it from the very start of rehearsal.  

Q: Why would you recommend Company to our readers?

Len: If you are a fan of musical theatre you need to see this show. Company is up there with some the best musicals ever. Come join us at ARTS.

  Thanks, Len! 

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787.

The Cast of "Company" Speaks Out!

   Coming up next week, the musical Company takes the stage at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre - so let's hear from the cast!

   We'll have a series of interviews with the cast in the days ahead, starting with the lovely and talented Anna Baker:

Q: What is Company about?

Anna: Company is about a man with the desire to be loved, wabted, and needed - to an extent. Bobby is the best friend of five couples who are always asking him to be around. They also always ask him why he is not married. This show is about the basic human desire to be wanted. It's about the struggles of marriage and how Bobby figures out what HE truly wants.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Anna: I play Susan, a belle of the south who has relocated to the Big Apple with her husband, Peter. She's so much fun. I get to be charming, funny, sassy and sweet. Susan is the wife who figures out that marriage is sometimes best when you're unmarried. 

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Anna: My favorite song in this show is "Poor Baby." It's a song about how petty and jealous women can be over a male friend's new lover. The wives get to get up close and personal to Bobby and April, saying nasty things about her. The song is so much fun, and has a good amount of sarcastic, mean lyrics. What more could you ask for?

Q: Is the music challenging?

Anna: It's Sondhiem, so definitely. It was hard to learn, and takes lots of memorization and hard work. It may be challenging, but once you hear the harmonies, it gives you chills. 

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

Anna: I wanted to be in this show because it is something a lot of people can relate to - married or unmarried. We all want to be wanted. We all have had friends by conveniece, and we all have to grow up sometimes. I also wanted to be in this show because it's a challenge. It's always good to challenge yourself as performer, but this takes the cake. It's amazing to do this and grow with people who you consider your closest friends. 

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Anna: I've done theatre for around nine years now. I started because I saw Hairspray on Broadway, and wanted to feel how it felt to be the one making people react so intensely. I started my theatre life with A Christmas Carol at ACTC in 2004, and I never looked back. I didn't know I could sing, so I got a big surprise when people said I could. With a little more confidence, I continued and I've never looked back. 

Q: The Renaissance Ballroom is an intimate setting, with the audience close to the actors. Is that intimidating?

Anna: Since this show is being performed inches from the faces of the audience, it definitely makes it more intimate and difficult. We don't have a break to go backstage - we're onstage the entire show. I'm excited to have such a intimate setting and to be so close with the audience. It will be a challenge, but it's always fun to be someone else, isn't it? Especially with people watching.

   Thanks, Anna! 

   Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for dinner reservations at  304-733-2787.

It's a Monster!

   Congratulations to Actors for Children Theatre's (ACT) production Monsters Under the Bed! 

   Sarah Diamond Burroway directed the show, which enjoyed a sold-out tour last fall.

   In November, ACT won Outstanding Production, Best Ensemble and Outstanding Costumes and Make-Up at the Kentucky Theatre Association Community Theatre Festival, which advanced the show to Regionals. 

   ACT performed at the Southeastern Theatre Conference last Friday with Gay Hammond, the talented playwright from Georgia, in the audience. 

   The cast walked away with honors, as ACT was selected as one of 13 Outstanding Productions in the southeast and one of only 42 Outstanding Productions in the nation. 

   At SETC, theatre companies performed in adjudicated competition with community theatre troupes from 10 state including Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

“Monsters Under the Bed provides a great story for children,” Burroway said.  “It’s fun and quirky and shares an imaginative anthology of scenes, stories and poems with the underlying message for children that sometimes the things we fear really aren’t what they seem to be.”

Cast members include: ACT co-founder Bill Burroway, Emma Grace Imes and Miranda Hutchinson, all of Flatwoods; Ethan Darby and Kristina Richins, both of Ashland; and Matthew Johnson of Wheelersburg, Ohio.

ACT is a troupe of adult actors who perform theatre for youth in settings like schools, arts centers, libraries and other venues. For more information about booking a performances by Actors for Children Theatre, contact director Sarah Diamond Burroway at 606-922-2903.  Or, look for Actors for Children Theatre on Facebook.

Photo by Brad Bear

"Once on This Island, Jr."

   In the interests of fairness, I must admit that I'm on the board of First Stage Theatre Company, so I can't really write an objective review of Once on This Island, Jr. - but here are some thoughts I'd like to share about the production.

   I am so proud of these young performers!

   I refer to Once on This Island, Jr. as "the show that never ends" because it's been rehearsing since last summer.

   The reason for the long rehearsal schedule is because this isn't just a show - it's a show and an event and an activity and an experience of a lifetime for the performers involved.

   The auditions were held in August 2014, then the cast of about 25 kids rehearsed part-time and took part in numerous fundraisers to be able to take the entire cast to Atlanta for the annual Music Theatre International Junior Theatre Festival, where they joined 4,000 other kids from around the country. They performed a 15-minute segment of the show for professional judges, took part in workshops and saw professional Broadway stars live on stage!

   It was a terrific experience for them - and then they came back and rehearsed the full show, which wraps up this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street (the old Huntington High School).

   I got to see the full show last weekend, and while I'm prejudiced, I have to say - I loved it! It's a fast, often breezy (but also serious and touching) story of a young island girl, Ti Moune (Brooklyn Nelson) who is rescued from a flood by a kindly couple (Katie Fulks and Nick Wood). She often wonders why she was saved by the spirits of the island (each of which is wonderfully realized by four performers - Olivia Fosson, Teddy Haddox, Armaan Karimpour and Elysse Samassekou).

     As Ti Moune grows into a lovely young woman (played by the wonderful Samantha Young), she discovers the reason - a young man (Samuel Collins) is injured in an accident, and she pledges her life to saving his. But the gods are intrigued - can love be greater than death? And can Ti Moune overcome the culture gap that dictates that her people and his must be separated?

   That's the story that plays out in island songs and creative dances - what an entertaining production it is! The cast is loaded with talented young performers, decked out in colorful costumes, with a cleverly-designed three-level set.

   Kudos to the tech crew and the directing team - director Amy Browning, music director Chris Bowling, choreographer Sarah Hayes, assistant director / technical director Ashleigh Bailey-Bannon, and producer Jeanette Bailey - for their work bringing this touching show to life, and making this opportunity available to this cast!

   You just have two chances left to catch the show - it runs Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. - it's highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend

    The snow - as far as I know - hasn't cancelled any of the shows scheduled for this weekend. 

   Lots of great shows to choose from, including:

- Once On This Island, Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” Shows will be presented March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437.

- Magic Makers Reunion - A concert will be presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company and the City of Huntington Foundation. It will be presented March 7. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., the show at 8 p.m. at the JCS Auditorium in Huntington’s City Hall at 800 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets for the wine and cheese reception and show: $30, show-only tickets are $25. To reserve tickets call 304-696-5522.

- The Rockin' Tale of Snow White - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and March 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students (ages 4 to 18). 

- The Lion in Winter - The Limelight Theatre Company presents the play March 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All seats are $16.

   So get out there and support your local theatre! 

A Tribute to Magic Makers

   This Saturday performers will gather at Huntington's City Hall to honor a tradition that is in the process of closing - Magic Makers.

   My pal Dave Lavender wrote a terrific feature about it last Sunday in the Herald-Dispatch. You can read that article here - and here's an excerpt:

 Just ask Ken Epperly and Ken Fox, there really is no business like sew business.

   After 36 years of providing custom-made costumes coast to coast - from Los Angeles' film studios to The White House Easter egg hunts - Magic Makers National Costume Supply House is closing down.

   But the local theater community could never and would never let the magical couple, Ken Epperly and Ken Fox - and their small family of employees - go quietly into the night without a fitting tribute.

   On Saturday, March 7, the City of Huntington Foundation is presenting "Magic Makers Reunion," a musical theater tribute featuring area stage veterans singing a slew of Ken and Ken's favorite Broadway showtunes at Huntington City Hall's Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium.

   Hosted by long-time friends, Debbie Wolfe and Dave Benton, the star-studded tribute show features such performers as Huntington native Broadway star Beth McVey, as well as Ryan Hardiman, Helen Freeman, John Eric Booth, and Clint McElroy, members of the Cirque d' Art Theater troupe out of Portsmouth, Ohio, Ella Hay's dance studio and the Charleston Light Opera Guild.

   There will also be some short, spoken tributes including one by Huntington mayor Steve Williams, as well as video tributes shown from such nationally-known area natives as Tony Award-winning actor and singer, Michael Cerveris, famous movie actress Jennifer Garner and Broadway star and internationally-touring singer Mark McVey.

   Advance tickets are $25 for the 8 p.m. show only or $30 for the show and a special 6:30 p.m. reception on the first floor of City Hall and featuring a wine and cheese reception, live music from Of The Dell, and the viewing of a special slideshow tribute and costume display from Magic Makers.

   For tickets, call the City of Huntington Foundation at 304-696-5522. All proceeds benefit the non-profit City of Huntington Foundation.

On Stage in March

   March brings with it lots of terrific community theatre shows - here’s the list:

- Once On This Island, Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical loosely based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” Shows will be presented March 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. and March 8 at 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or by calling 304-416-5437.

- Magic Makers Reunion - A concert will be presented by 5th Avenue Theatre Company and the City of Huntington Foundation. It will be presented March 7. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., the show at 8 p.m. at the JCS Auditorium in Huntington’s City Hall at 800 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets for the wine and cheese reception and show: $30, show-only tickets are $25. To reserve tickets call 304-696-5522.

- Company - Arts Resources for the Tri-State presents the hit musical by Stephen Sondheim on March 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 22 at 2 p.m. at the ARTS Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are$15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and show. Call for reservations at  304-733-2787.

- Stuart Little - Paramount Players present the play based on the book by E.B. White on March 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students (Advance sales) or $12 for adults and $10 for students (Day of the show). 

- Cinderella - The Paramount Players present the musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein on March 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and March 21 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland. Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for students (Advance sales), or $16 for adults and $12 for students (Day of show).

- The Rockin' Tale of Snow White - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical March 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and March 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre at 200 Civic Center Drive in Charleston. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students (ages 4 to 18). 

- The Lion in Winter - The Limelight Theatre Company presents the play March 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and March 7 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All seats are $16.

- Hamlet - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play through March 3.

- Steel Magnolias - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage March 26 through April 14.

    Whew! So get out there and support your community theatre!

On Stage This Weekend

    Lots of great shows on stage this weekend, from a Calypso version of a classic tale to a cutting-edge take on a Broadway smash - and much more!

   Here's the rundown:

- Once On This Island, Jr. - First Stage presents the musical based on the story of "The Litttle Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. The show runs Feb. 27 and 28 and Mar 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or may be reserved by calling 304-416-5437.

- Cabaret - Marshall Theatre Alliance will present the Broadway musical Feb. 27 - 28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center's Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and seniors, and is free to full-time MU students with valid ID.

- The Lion in Winter - Limelight Theatre Company presents the play on Feb. 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All tickets are  $16.

- Hamlet - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare play Feb. 19 through March 1.

- Bat Boy the Musical - Shawnee State University Department of Theatre and Dance present the musical Feb. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center For The Arts at 940 Second Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. Tickets are $15.75 for adults and $13.75 for seniors and University Staff.

    So get out there and support your local theatre!

On Stage This Weekend: "Once on This Island, Jr."

    Taking the stage this weekend is Once on This Island, Jr. - it's a terrific musical based on the original story of "The Little Mermaid."

   It's a rousing Calypso-flavored tale of one small girl who finds love in a world of prejudice.

   With its poignant story and catchy Caribbean-flavored score, this is an original theatrical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid. 

   From the TONY Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, this magical tale of love garnered eight TONY nominations, including nods for Best Musical, Book and Score!

   Through almost non-stop song and dance, this full-hearted musical tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. 

   When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods who rule the island guide Ti Moune on a quest that will test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred, and even death. 

   The show is being staged at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. It runs Feb. 27 and 28 and Mar 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. 

   Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or may be reserved by calling 304-416-5437.

   Don't miss it!

ACT in Competition!

    Actors for Children Theatre of Flatwoods is 

representing the Commonwealth of Kentucky 

for the second year in a row at the Southeastern 

Theatre Conference.  ACT's cast and crew will 

travel to Chattanooga, Tennessee March 4-8 

to perform Monsters Under the Bed written 

by Gay H. Hammond and directed by Sarah 

Diamond Burroway.



  ACT exists to share live theatre with arts-

underserved children in our community.  

The troupe won "Outstanding Production" 

last fall at the Community Theatre Festival 

of the Kentucky Theatre Association in 

Richmond, KY.  ACT also won "Best 

Ensemble" and "Outstanding Costume 

/ Make-Up Design."  



   "ACT is really excited to perform for youth 

audiences in the Tri-state area," said Sarah 

Diamond Burroway, Director.  "To be named 

tops in the state by your peers is a tremendous 

honor. The ACT'ors are excited to perform and 

compete with the best theatre companies in 

the southeast at SETC."



   The six member cast includes:  Bill Burroway, 

Miranda Hutchinson and Emma Imes all of 

Flatwoods; Ethan Darby and Kristina Richins, 

both of Ashland; and Matthew Johnson of 

Wheelersburg, OH. 




   SETC is comprised of theatre companies 

from ten southeastern states. In 2014, ACT 

represented Kentucky at SETC with its 

award-winning production of "A Thousand 

Cranes" by Kathryn Schultz Miller. 



   ACT is also preparing to begin its spring 

touring production of "Shiver Me Timbers: 

A Pirate Play" by Gay H. Hammond.  A limited 

number of show dates are available for booking.  

For more information, contact ACT 

at 606-922-2903 or visit online at 

actorsforchildrentheatre.weebly.com or on 

Facebook.




   (Photo by Brad Bear)

Upcoming Auditions

   Several auditions are coming up soon - here's the list compiled by my pal Ryan Hardiman:

   Barnum - 5th Avenue Theatre Company in Huntington was planning to hold auditions this weekend, but the auditions have been postponed and will be rescheduled.

   The Great Gatsby - The Paramount Players in Ashland will hold auditions for the play based on the book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, adapted by Simon Levy. Auditions will be Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky. Show Dates: (April 9 school show) April 10-11. For more info: 606-324-3175 ext. 310/311

   Vintage Hitchcock - Kanawha Players will hold auditions for the Live Radio Play by Joe Landry on Feb. 28 - March 1 and March 7 and 8 from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (on all days) at Charleston Newspapers at 1001 Virginia St. East in Charleston, W.Va. The show dates are May 1, 3, 8 and 9. For more info: email kanawhaplayers@yahoo.com.

   So get out and be part of a show!

On Stage This Weekend

   The weather is always the Sword of Damocles hanging over every production - and this week, the Tri-state was hit hard by heavy snowfall. Hopefully the streets will be clear enough by the weekend to allow productions to go on as planned!

   Here's the rundown of terrific shows on tap this weekend:

- Cabaret - Marshall Theatre Alliance will present the Broadway musical Feb. 18 - 21 and 26 - 28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center's Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and seniors, and is free to full-time MU students with valid ID.

- Anything Goes! - Marshall Artists Series presents the touring Broadway musical Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical on Feb. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. The show will be presented at the theatre at 1117 Lawson Street in  Portsmouth. Tickets are $15 each, $12 for seniors and students.

- Brilliant Traces - Alban Arts Center presents the play on Feb. 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. 

- The Lion in Winter - Limelight Theatre Company presents the play on Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All tickets are  $16. (NOTE: Due to the weather, this show has been postponed to next weekend.)

- Hamlet - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare play Feb. 19 through March 1.

- Pontypool - M.T. Pockets Theatre Company presents the performance on Feb. 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at 1390 1/2 University Avenue in Morgantown. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students. For Mature Audiences.

"Into the Woods" Auditions Delayed

   This weather (we're up to almost 10 inches of snow at this writing) can force a change of plans on anyone - including the Charleston Light Opera Guild (CLOG), who cancelled auditions tonight for the musical Into the Woods.

   But they've rescheduled - here's the full audition info:

INTO THE WOODS Auditions scheduled for Monday, Feb 16 are CANCELLED.

WE WILL HOLD AUDITIONS Tuesday, February 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Singing & Reading

Bring sheet music for accompanist; No a cappella, please! Scripts will be provided.

All auditions held at:
Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre
411 Tennessee Avenue at Roane Street
Charleston

Production dates:
May 1, 2, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 16, 2015
Civic Center Little Theatre

For additional information call 304-545-6945

19 MEMBER CAST (7 MEN, 12 WOMEN) AGES 15 - 60s

The Baker: insecure man who desperately wants a child; age 28-40ish; baritone

The Baker’s Wife: a confident and intelligent woman who wants a child; age 26-40; mezzo

Cinderella: a young and kind girl who wants to go to the king’s festival; age 17-26; soprano

The Witch: an evil and ugly old woman who is under a spell; during the production she loses her power and is restored to a beauty; age 25 – 60ish; mezzo

Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf: handsome man obsessed with Cinderella who doubles as the Wolf in the Little Red Riding tale; age 23-30s; baritone

Jack: a simple milk boy who loses his cow; ages 15-24; tenor

Little Red Riding Hood: a spoiled little girl on her way to grandma’s, age 16-20s, mezzo

Narrator/Mysterious Man: actor who tells the story and doubles as the baker’s father whom has been assumed dead; age 30-60ish; baritone

Rapunzel: lovely young girl and sister to the baker who is held captive by her mother, the witch; age 18-30; soprano

Jack’s mother: a mother who wants gold; age 40-60ish; mezzo

Rapunzel’s Prince: handsome man & brother to Cinderella’s prince; age 23-30s; tenor 

Cinderella’s stepmother/Grandmother: an evil yet beautiful woman double cast as Riding Hood’s grandmother; age 40-55; mezzo

Florinda and Lucinda: lovely but evil stepsisters to Cinderella; ages 16-30s; mezzo, soprano

Other cameo roles include Cinderella’s father, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Steward

Into the Woods blends the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood with an original story of the Baker and his Wife who catalyze the action by attempting to reverse a witch’s curse on their family in order to have a child. In the first act all the fairytale characters set out to achieve their goal of living “Happily Ever After.” Act Two deals with the consequences that traditional fairy tales conveniently ignore. Composer Stephen Sondheim and author James Lapine spin a tale of new and old storybook characters on a journey of growth and self-discovery. The tales intertwine in the woods where all inner darkness is confronted.

Into the Woods opened on Broadway in 1987 with Bernadette Peters, Joanna Gleason, Chip Zien and Tom Aldredge. It won three Tony awards including best score and best book, five Drama Desk Awards and the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best musical. It was revived in 2002 with Vanessa Williams, Laura Benanti, John McMartin and Gregg Edelman and won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical. The film version starring Meryl Streep, Emily Blunt, James Corden, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and others was released in December 2014. The Guild presented Into the Woods in 1992 and 2006.

On Stage This Weekend

   Lots of great shows on tap this weekend - here's the rundown:

- Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys - First Church Dinner Theater presents the production on Feb. 13 and 14 - the dinner is at 6:30 p.m., and the show is at 8 p.m. It will be presented at First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets for dinner and the show are: adult: $25 / children under 12 $8. Tickets for the show only (as space permits): $6. Babysitting is available on request for all shows (advance notice required). Reservations are required for all dinners: call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576 or go to firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com.

- Brilliant Traces - Alban Arts Center presents the play on Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21at 8 p.m., and Feb. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. 

- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical on Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. The show will be presented at the theatre at 1117 Lawson Street in  Portsmouth. Tickets are $15 each, $12 for seniors and students.

- Pontypool - M.T. Pockets Theatre Company presents the performance on Feb. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at 1390 1/2 University Avenue in Morgantown. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students. For Mature Audiences.

- Murder Mysteries - Music, Murder, & Mayhem present Interactive Murder Dinner Parties, including:  “Another Fistful of Bullets!” on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at EZ Street at 720 N. Winfield Road in St. Albans.Tickets are by Reservation Only: 304-204-2455. Tickets are $35 per Guest; "Music, Murder & Mayhem!" on Feb. 14 at 6:45 p.m. at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup, Ky. Tickets are by reservation only. Call 1-800-325-0083. Tickets are $40 per Guest - overnight packages are available.

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

A Setback for ACTC

   It's been a rough week in theatre news, especially in Ashland, where the theatre department at Ashland Community and Technical College suffered a major loss.

   The theatre department had stored decades worth of sets, props and costumes in a nearby house owned by the school - but the school was apparently forced to destroy the home and the materials stored inside because of an infestation of black mold and asbestos.

   Most theatre companies depend of their materials in storage to keep costs down on future shows - it saves a lot of money when you can use existing costumes, re-use sets or furniture. It can really make the difference between turning a profit or losing money on a show.

   But don't think this is anything more than a temporary setback at ACTC - the school is already promising that its theatre department will continue.

   They'll just have to start the process of collecting "stuff" all over again.

“Our Town” - A Review

   When I was in Junior High School (long, long ago) our school staged Our Town, the classic play by Thornton Wilder, making it (as best as I can remember) the first community theatre show I’d seen.

   I remember being amazed - there were my friends and classmate up on the stage, playing characters, reciting their lines, bringing this unique story to life. I was far too shy to take part, but it was an eye-opening experience.

   My main memory was that it was a surprisingly emotional experience - heart-warming heart-breaking, and a revelation.

   So when I heard that ARTS was tackling the show, I was anxious to see it again, and see how it affected a slightly more mature audience member (namely, me).

   I’m happy to report that the story has lost none of its power. It’s a snapshot of life in a small American town - Grover’s Corner - just at the beginning of the 20th Century.

  The play - surprisingly - uses no set and no props. Instead, the staging is made up entirely of a few chairs, some subtle lighting effects and the audience’s imagination. The actors bring it to life, fleshing out the household, acting out each casual activity, bringing the neighborhood into being via your mind’s eye - right down to the horse that pulls the Milk Wagon. 

  The show helpfully provides a guide, the Stage Manager (here played masterfully by Mike Murdock). You’d be hard-pressed to find a more challenging (or pivotal) role in a stage production. The Stage Manager paints the picture of the town, both physical and emotional. He reminds you of the essence of life - what it is to be in a loving family, to be a child, to be in love, and to deal with loss.

  And that’s the extraordinary thing about the show - by stripping the story of its artifice, you’re left with the pure emotions of the characters - their loves, fears, glories, hopes and losses. It makes for an intense, thought-provoking experience.

   The cast is superb, loaded with gifted performers.  They depict the basic reality of each character - a life that really, at its heart, hasn’t changed despite a gap of more than 100 years in American history. The kind neighbors, the kids who forget to do their chores, the newspaper editor trying to make a difference in his community, the schoolgirl trying to impress the boy next door, the secret drunk, the kindly milkman with his cantankerous partner, the dedicated policeman, the boy who dreams of sports glory, the housewives facing a never-ending list of chores, the paperboy making his rounds, and the doctor looking after a small but active town. 

  Stripped of the usual elements in a show, the play leans entirely on the considerable skill of the actors - you won’t see an "off" note in this ensemble - and the power of Wilder's script, which drives home the truly important, often overlooked things in life in a way that may shock you with its purity of spirit.

  There’s a reason Our Town is considered a modern classic - it’s a story that will stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre. It speaks to us all - no matter how young or old you might be.

   ARTS presents Our Town by Thornton Wilder at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. The show runs Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for the show only, $30 for dinner and the show. Reservations are required for dinner - call 304-733-2787.

On Stage in February

   Lots of theatre on tap in the shortest month of the year - here’s the rundown:

- Our Town - ARTS presents the classic play by Thornton Wilder at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. The show runs Feb. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for the Show Only,$30 for dinner and the show. Reservations are required for dinner - call 304-733-2787.

- Once On This Island, Jr. - First Stage presents the musical based on the story of "The Litttle Mermaid" by Hans Christian Andersen at the Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. The show runs Feb. 27 and 28 and Mar 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and March 1 and 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available at the door or may be reserved by calling 304-416-5437.

- Cabaret - Marshall Theatre Alliance will present the Broadway musical Feb. 18 - 21 and 26 - 28 at 7:30 p.m. and March 1 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center's Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and seniors, and is free to full-time MU students with valid ID.

- Dave Barry's Complete Guide to Guys - First Church Dinner Theater presents the production on Feb. 13 and 14 - the dinner is at 6:30 p.m., and the show is at 8 p.m. It will be presented at First United Methodist Church at 1124 5th Avenue in Huntington. Tickets for dinner and the show are: adult: $25 / children under 12 $8. Tickets for the show only (as space permits): $6. Babysitting is available on request for all shows (advance notice required). Reservations are required for all dinners: call 304-522-0357 or 740-867-8576 or go to firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com.

- Puccini’s La Boheme - Marshall Artists Series presents the classic opera Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- Anything Goes! - Marshall Artists Series presents the touring Broadway musical Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- Dancing With Grace - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. The show runs Feb. 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.

- The Marvelous Wonderettes - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the musical on Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Feb. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. The show will be presented at the theatre at 1117 Lawson Street in  Portsmouth. Tickets are $15 each, $12 for seniors and students.

- Brilliant Traces - Alban Arts Center presents the play on Feb. 13, 14, 20 and 21at 8 p.m., and Feb. 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. 

- The Lion in Winter - Limelight Theatre Company presents the play on Feb. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. All tickets are  $16.

- Pinkalicious - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play through Feb. 7.

- Hamlet - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare play Feb. 19 through March 1.

- Pontypool - M.T. Pockets Theatre Company presents the performance on Feb. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at 1390 1/2 University Avenue in Morgantown. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $10 for students. For Mature Audiences.

- Murder Mysteries - Music, Murder, & Mayhem present Interactive Murder Dinner Parties, including: Feb 7 at 7 p.m., a Fundraiser for Brethern Care Village at 2140 Center Street, Ashland, Ohio. Tickets by Reservation Only: 419-289-1585, ext 420. Tickets are $60 per Guest or $100 per couple; “Another Fistful of Bullets!” on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at EZ Street at 720 N. Winfield Road in St. Albans.Tickets are by Reservation Only: 304-204-2455. Tickets are $35 per Guest; "Music, Murder & Mayhem!" on Feb. 14 at 6:45 p.m. at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park in Greenup, Ky. Tickets are by reservation only. Call 1-800-325-0083. Tickets are $40 per Guest - overnight packages are available.

  Whew! Lots to see! So get out there and support your community theatre!

Auditions for "Midsummer Night's Dream"

   Just a few more days until auditions for the first-ever Shakespeare play for First Stage Theatre! 

   First Stage Theatre Company will hold auditions for the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington, W.Va. 

   Auditions are open to students ages 10 through high school seniors - there are parts available for all ages in that range. Participants can arrive and sign up at any time between 10 and 4. There is no charge to audition or to take part in a First Stage production, and no theatre experience is required.

   The comedy by William Shakespeare includes royalty, commoners and hapless entertainers, creatures of magic and love spells gone wrong. It’s one of Shakespeare’s most beloved (and funniest) plays.

   Auditioners will also be given a few lines from the script to read - memorization is not required (in other words, they can read from the sheet while auditioning).

   The play is being directed by Chuck Minsker, with Assistant Director Robyn Welch and Producer Leslie Comer-Porter.

   The play will be presented April 17, 18 and 19, 2015, at the Cabell County Public Library in Huntington. There will also be a special school performance on April 16.

   A Midsummer Night’s Dream will wrap up First Stage’s 25th season.

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

   For more information, contact Chuck Minsker at 304-736-4366, or visit the First Stage website at: www.firststagetheatre.org.