The Tony Awards

   The Tony Awards put on a heck of a show last night, with the focus on the hugely popular Hamilton (which walked away with a total of 11 awards out of 16 nominations - but to be fair, sometimes more than one member of the cast was competing with each other).


   On the non-musical side, The Humans was the big winner.


   Host James Corden did a terrific job keeping it moving along - he had a great opening number all about how his love for the theatre started (and continues). The show was loaded with amazing performances - a great preview of some of the shows now running on Broadway.


   Here's a list of some of the winners for the 2016 Tony Awards, announced Sunday night in New York City:


Best Musical: "Hamilton"


Best Play: "The Humans" by Stephan Karan

Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Play: Jayne Houdyshell, "The Humans"


Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical: Renee Elise Goldsberry,
"Hamilton"


Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical: Daveed Diggs, "Hamilton"


Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theater: "Hamilton" with music and
lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda


Best Direction of a Play: Ivo Van Hove, "Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge"


Best Direction of a Musical: Thomas Kail, "Hamilton"


Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Play: Jessica Lange, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"


Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play: Reed Birney, "The Humans"


Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play: Frank Langella, "The Father"


Best Revival of a Play: "Arthur Miller's a View from the Bridge"


Best Revival of a Musical: "The Color Purple"

Tony Awards Tonight!

   Tonight is the Super Bowl for theatre fans - the Tony Awards are tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS, hosted by Broadway veteran and Late, Late Show host James Corden.

   It's expected to be a big night for the hugely popular musical Hamilton, but it's also a great chance to see some great numbers from the other shows on Broadway (all of them excellent).

   Here's a list of the nominees:

Best Musical

"Bright Star"

"Hamilton"

"School of Rock"

"Shuffle Along"

"Waitress"

Best Play

"Eclipsed"

"The Father"

"The Humans"

"King Charles III"

Leading Actress in a Musical

Laura Benanti, "She Loves Me"

Carmen Cusack, "Bright Star"

Cynthia Erivo, "The Color Purple"

Jessie Mueller, "Waitress"

Phillipa Soo, "Hamilton"

Leading Actor in a Musical

Alex Brightman, "School of Rock" 

Danny Burnstein, "Fiddler on the Roof" 

Zachary Levi, "She Loves Me"

Lin-Manuel Miranda, "Hamilton"

Leslie Odom, Jr., "Hamilton"

Leading Actress in a Play

Jessica Lange, "Long Day's Journey into Night"

Laurie Metcalfe, "Misery"

Lupita Nyong'o, "Eclipsed"

Sophie Okonedo, "The Crucible"

Michelle Williams, "Blackbird"

Leading Actor in a Play

Gabriel Byrne, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Jeff Daniels, "Blackbird"

Frank Langella, "The Father"

Tim Pigott Smith, "King Charles III"

Mark Strong, "A View from the Bridge"

Best direction of a musical

Michael Arden, "Spring Awakening"

John Doyle, "The Color Purple"

Scott Ellis, "She Loves Me"

Thomas Kail, "Hamilton"

George C. Wolfe, "Shuffle Along"

Best direction of a play

Rupert Gold, "King Charles III"

Jonathan Kent, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Joe Mantello, "The Humans"

Liesl Tommy, "Eclipsed"

Ivo Van Hove, "A View from the Bridge"

Featured actress in a play

Pascale Armand, "Eclipsed"

Megan Hilty, "Noises Off"

Jayne Houdyshell, "The Humans"

Andrea Martin, "Noises Off"

Saycon Sengbloh, "Eclipsed"

Featured actor in a musical

Daveed Diggs, "Hamilton"

Brandon Victor Dixon, "Shuffle Along"

Christopher Fitzgerald, "Waitress"

Jonathan Groff, "Hamilton"

Christopher Jackson, "Hamilton"

Featured actress in a musical

Danielle Brooks, "The Color Purple"

Renee Elise Goldsberry, "Hamilton" 

Jane Krakowski, "She Loves Me"

Jennifer Simard, "Disaster!"

Adrienne Warren, "Shuffle Along"

Featured actor in a play

Reed Birney, "The Humans"

Bill Camp, "The Crucible"

David Furr, "Noises Off"

Richard Goulding, "King Charles III"

Michael Shannon, "Long Day's Journey into Night"

Best Revival of a Play

"The Crucible"

"A View From the Bridge"

"Blackbird"

"Long Days Journey into Night"

"Noises Off"

Best Revival of a Musical

"The Color Purple"

"Fiddler on the Roof"

"She Loves Me"

"Spring Awakening"

Best Book of a Musical

Steve Martin, "Bright Star"

Lin-Manuel Miranda, "Hamilton"

Julian Fellowes, "School of Rock"

George C. Wolfe, "Shuffle Along"

Best Choreography

Andy Blankenbuehler, "Hamilton"

Savion Glover, "Shuffle Along"

Hofesh Shechter, "Fiddler on the Roof"

Randy Skinner, "Dames at Sea"

Sergio Trujillo, "On Your Feet"

Best Original Score

Steve Martin, Edie Brickell, "Bright Star"

Lin-Manuel Miranda, "Hamilton"

Glenn Sltater, Andrew Lloyd Webber, "School of Rock"

Sara Bareilles, "Waitress"

Best Orchestrations

August Eriksmoen, "Bright Star"

Larry Hochman, "She Loves Me"

Alex Lacamoire, "Hamilton"

Daryl Waters, "Shuffle Along"

Scenic design of a musical

Es Devlin & Finn Ross, "American Psycho"

David Korins, "Hamilton"

Santo Loquasto, "Shuffle Along"

David Rockwell, "She Loves Me"

Best Scenic Design of a Play

Beowulf Boritt, "Thérèse Raquin"

Christopher Oram, "Hughie"

Jan Versweyveld, "A View from the Bridge"

David Zinn, "The Humans"

Costume design of a musical

Gregg Barnes, "Tuck Everlasting"

Jeff Mahshie, "She Loves Me"

Ann Roth, "Shuffle Along"

Paul Tazewell, "Hamilton"

Best Costume Design of a Play

Jane Greenwood, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Michael Krass, "Noises Off"

Clint Ramos, "Eclipsed"

Tom Scutt, "King Charles III"

Lighting design of a musical

Howell Binkley, "Hamilton"

Jules Fisher and Peggy Eisenhauer, "Shuffle Along"

Ben Stanton, "Spring Awakening"

Justin Townsend, "American Psycho"

Best Lighting Design of a Play

Natasha Katz, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Justin Townsend, "The Humans"

Jan Versweyveld, "The Crucible"

Jan Versweyveld, "A View from the Bridge"

Oz Sets Up Shop In Ritter Park

   Tonight wraps up tech week for The Wizard of Oz! 

   That beloved musical takes the stage on Friday to kick off the first of three weekends at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. 

   The show features a terrific cast and wonderful songs - and a story that has entertained generations of fans.

   My pal Dave Lavender filed an excellent story in today's Herald-Dispatch with interviews with the cast (the photo above is by Larry Butcher). You can read it right here - and here's an excerpt:

----------------

   Levi Kelley doesn't remember when he first saw the movie The Wizard of Oz.

   What he does know is that he will not, can not, stop watching it. Starting this weekend, Kelley does one better than watching it - he gets to live it as the Cowardly Lion.

   Come Friday, Kelley and the community theater team at HART (Huntington Area Regional Theater) in the Park bring alive the beloved classic musical The Wizard of Oz that runs at 8:30 p.m. Fridays through Sundays for three weekends - June 10-12, June 17-19 and June 24-26 - at the Ritter Park Amphitheater. Gates open at 7 p.m. Picnics are allowed, but there are also food and drink vendors.

   The children's pre-show is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $12 for seniors and kids 12 and under. Call 304-696-5954 or visit www.GHPRD.org for tickets.

   Kelley, who also drew and painted the massive sets built by David Owens and crew, said it is a story that has always stuck to his heart.

   "I don't remember the first time I saw it. I just remember watching it over and over again, and I never, ever grew out of it. I still watch it over and over again," said Kelley, 22. "... For me I am a big Judy Garland fan, and I think I love the fantasy aspect of it, and it is the perfect story for me. It has everything: the beautiful heroine, the wicked villain, the lovable friends, the beautiful shoes, the fantastic scenery. It is a great, great story and one of the greatest films of all times."

On Stage This Weekend

   The weekend gets an early start this week as several shows take the stage Thursday night! 

   Here's the rundown of shows this weekend:

- The Wizard of Oz - HART in the Park presents the musical based on the film at the Ritter Park Amphitheater in Huntington on June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m., Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and senior citizens.

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Aracoma Story presents the musical at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, WV on June 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, and $5 for children. 

- The Flick - Alban Arts Center presents the play by Annie Baker on June 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 12 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, WV. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- The Little Theatre's Production of Hamlet - Kanawha Players presents the play by Jean Battlo at the Labelle Theatre at 311 D Street in South Charleston, WV, on June 9, 10, 16 and 17. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- Boeing Boeing - the Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the play about a swinging bachelor in the '60s who is dating three stewardesses at once, which works great until all three are in town at the same time. The show will be staged June 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg at 724 Market Street.

   So get out there and enjoy some local theatre!

Carpool Karoke

    Here's a great warmup for the Tony Awards (which air this Sunday) - host James Corden breaks out his Late Late Show skit, Carpool Karaoke, and invites along four great Broadway stars, including  Lin-Manuel Miranda (who will no doubt be on stage many times on Sunday accepting awards), Audra McDonald, Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Jane Krakowski. 

   If you're a fan of musicals (and who isn't?), you're going to love this:

Another Chance to See "The Flick"

    Last weekend a thunderstorm knocked out the power at The Alban Theatre, forcing the conciliation of one of the planned performances of the play The Flick.

    To make up for the loss, another performance has been added this Thursday evening, June 9 at 8 p.m. 

   In Annie Baker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy, The Flick, the employees of an aging movie theater awkwardly interact; as they drudge through the tasks of their low wage jobs. Avery, a film nut, gets his dream job working in the last 35mm theater in the county. Is he prepared to deal with the friendships, intimate situations, and betrayals that aren’t flickering on the screen? At times the play is hysterically funny with snappy comebacks and the strange situations that one can find cleaning up after the public; and sometimes the subjects can be quite dark, as Avery deals with depression and betrayal from his new friends. This play pushes the envelope on timing, and the tension an audience can feel in an uncomfortable situation. Seating will be limited to 75, and this play does include adult language and situations, so parental discretion is advised. The play is nearly three hours long, but there will be one 15 minute intermission.

   The Flick - Alban Arts Center presents the play on June 9, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 12 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

On Stage This Weekend - "The Flick" and "Boeing Boeing"

   There are two shows on tap this weekend as the summer season starts heating up!


   Here's the rundown:


- The Flick - Alban Arts Center presents the play by Annie Baker on June 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, WV. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.


- Boeing Boeing - the Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the play about a swinging bachelor in the '60s who is dating three stewardesses at once, which works great until all three are in town at the same time. The show will be staged June 3,4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 5 and 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg at 724 Market Street.


   So go see a show!

Junior Theatre Festival Auditions This Saturday in Huntington

   The First Stage Theatre Company has been accepted to the Junior Theatre Festival (JTF) in Atlanta again this coming winter to perform and learn from professionals in the field of musical theatre. 

   The traveling cast attending JTF 2017 will perform the full-length play Honk, Jr. (a musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling) in late winter / early spring, and a 15-minute excerpt from the show will be performed at JTF. 

   JTF 2017 is an awesome weekend-long experience for kids to learn and perform with over 3,000 peers from across the country. The event is sponsored by iTheatrics, MTI, Disney, and Playbill. 

   The event allows for showcasing a 15-minute show selection, workshop classes, guest speakers and performances. It is an awesome event!

   Audition Date: Saturday, June 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

   Location for the Auditions: Pea Ridge United Methodist Church at 5747 East Pea Ridge Road in Huntington. 

   Those auditioning should prepare 32-64 bars or 1-2 minutes of a musical theater song (NOT a pop song). An accompanist and CD player will be available. You may bring sheet music or a karaoke track. Please, no a cappella auditions. 

   Actors should be prepared to learn a short dance. 

   To audition, actors must be 10 years old by Sept. 1, 2016, and have performed or worked tech for at least one First Stage production previously. 

   The full production of Honk. Jr! will be performed early March 2017.

"Oz" Prepares to Take Over Ritter Park

   As The Wizard of Oz gets ready to take the stage this month in Huntington, my pal Dave Lavender provides a preview you can read right here. (The photo above of Co-Dirctor Tommy Smirl is by Sholten Singer.)

   Here's an excerpt:

   Technically no one lives at the Ritter Park Amphitheater, but for the past couple months, Tommy Smirl has been stuck on stage somewhere between giant, movable sets depicting Kansas, the Forest, Munchkinland and the castle in Oz, and you can tell for him there is no place like this home.

   Smirl, who played the Tin Man in the 2002 Huntington Outdoor Theatre version of The Wizard of Oz, is co-directing the classic with his wife, Mary. The couple is in the homestretch of rehearsals for the Huntington Area Regional Theater in the Park production of The Wizard of Oz, set to hit the stage for three weekends - June 10-12, June 17-19 and June 24-26. Each performance begins at 8:30 p.m.

On Stage in June

    As summer arrives, community theatre moves outside (at least partly). So here’s the list of shows to watch for in June!

- The Wizard of Oz - HART in the Park presents the musical based on the film at the Ritter Park Amphitheater in Huntington on June 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 at 8:30 p.m. Gates open at 7 p.m., Children's Preshow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children and senior citizens.

- The Wiz - the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical based on “The Wizard of Oz” on June 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and June 19 and 26 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre at One Civic Center Drive. Tickets are $25 each - reserved seating. 

- Disney's Beauty and the Beast - The Aracoma Story presents the musical at Chief Logan State Park in Logan, WV on June 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, and $5 for children. 

- The Flick - Alban Arts Center presents the play by Annie Baker on June 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St. Albans, WV. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- The Little Theatre's Production of Hamlet - Kanawha Players presents the play by Jean Battlo at the Labelle Theatre at 311 D Street in South Charleston, WV, on June 9, 10, 16 and 17. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens.

- School Girl Zombies from Hell High - Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents the original musical with music by Mark Scarpelli, book and lyrics by Dan Kehde. It will be presented at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 8 p.m. and June 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.


- Boeing Boeing - the Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the play about a swinging bachelor in the '60s who is dating three stewardesses at once, which works great until all three are in town at the same time. The show will be staged June 3,4, 10 and 11 at 8 p.m. and June 5 and 12 at 2:30 p.m. at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg at 724 Market Street.

- Mary Poppins - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the beloved musical on June 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 and 25 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Amphitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky. Tickets are $30 / $18 / $13.

- 9 to 5 - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the beloved musical on June 30 at 8:15 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Amphitheatre in Prestonsburg, Ky. Tickets are $30 / $18 / $13.

- Sleeping Beauty Kids - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on June 30 at 6 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are $7 and $10.

   And that’s it!

On Stage for Memorial Day Weekend

   With the holiday weekend here, there's only one show taking the stage in the Tri-state area.

   Here's our humble list (and don't worry, June is packed with shows to see):

   - Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will - Paramount Little Theatre present the PG-rated Dramedy on May 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens.

   And that's it! Happy Memorial Day weekend, everyone!

First Stage Announces Its New Season

   First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's long-running children's theatre, recently announced its 2016-2017 season. It will be the 27th season for the group.

   The lineup includes:

   - The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (non-musical) - Based on the classic story by Mark Twain, the show will be directed by Zach Davis and produced by Debbie Jackson. (It will be staged in late September / early October 2016)

   - School of Rock the Musical: Youth Production - The hit Broadway musical based on the film starring Jack Black, the show will be directed by Chuck Minsker, music director Mark Smith, choreographer Melissa Marcum, produced by Leslie Comer-Porter and Jeanette Rowsey. (It will be staged in November 2016)

   - Junior Theatre Festival 2017 - First Stage will take a group of students to the annual festival in January 2017.

   - Honk, Jr. - The beloved (and very funny) musical based on the story of the Ugly Duckling, the show will be directed by Amy Browning and produced by Jeanette Bailey. (It will be staged in the Spring of 2017)

   - Showcase 2017 - A talent showcase for both young performers and First Stage alumni, this is a special fundraiser for the First Stage Playhouse. (It will be staged in the Spring of 2017)

   Audition dates for these shows will be announced soon!

Summer Theatre Camp

   Summer's almost here, and this is the time of year that people are asking about summer theatre camps.

   ARTS is having two theatre camps this summer. Older camp begins June 13 and goes through July 2. Younger camp begins July 11 and goes through July 30. Campers will tackle the just-released Elf the Musical, Jr. 

   Camp from 9 a.m. through noon Monday through Friday. Participants will help build the set, help with costumes, learn choreography and participate in a musical! 

   Camp will be held at the Renaissance Theatre (old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street. 

   For more info or to get an application, contact Eddie Harbert at 304-360-2749. Space is limited so register today!

   Instructors for the class are Eddie Harbert, Coni Anthony and Carol Scarberry. 

A Great Time for Community Theatre!

   This is an amazing weekend for everyone who loves community theatre!

   That's because we have not one, not two, but three Broadway-quality shows taking the stage in our area tonight.

   For your consideration:

   1) Last night my lovely wife and I saw CLOG's Spamalot at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre - and we absolutely loved it, we couldn't stop laughing. It's an amazing, top-quality show with great performers, a stunning set, fantastic costumes, hilarious songs and laughs throughout. It's a real achievement, professional in every way and a heck of a lot of fun. The last performance is tonight at 7:30 p.m. Highly recommended!

   2) I already raved in this review about ARTS' production of August: Osage County - an intense play about a dysfunctional family that shakes the audience to its core. The set has received plenty of raves, but the actors make the show - their performances are stunning, heartfelt and touching. It's an amazing, professional production, and also comes highly recommended! The final performance is tonight at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

   3) Tonight only John McAlister presents Broadway Showstoppers, an evening of American show tunes starring Tony winner Beth Leavel, West Virginia's Sean Watkins, and Vaudevillian Jesse Luttrell with the Fred Barton Orchestra.  It will be presented at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. at the Christ Temple Church Auditorium at 2400 Johnstown Road in Huntington. How often do you get to see Broadway stars perform locally?

   You'll note the one problem with this embarrassment of riches - they all take place tonight! But you can't go wrong with any of these shows - they're all terrific! 

On Stage This Weekend

   Lots of great shows to choose from this weekend, including:

- August: Osage County - ARTS presents the play by Tracy Letts, which won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It tells the story of an Oklahoma family that is dealing with the sudden and mysterious disappearance of the family patriarch. What unfolds is a dark and comedic drama that unveils secret after secret within the Weston family. Show only tickets: $15, Dinner and Show tickets: $30. Call 304-733-2787 to make dinner and show reservations. Tickets can be bought online or at the door on the day of the performance. The show runs May 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

- Monty Python's Spamalot - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical based on the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre on May 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 and may be purchased at charlestonlightoperaguild.org or call the Box Office at 304-343-2287 Monday through Sat., 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and one hour before showtime.

- Broadway Showstoppers - John McAlister presents an evening of American show tunes starring Tony winner Beth Leavel, West Virginia's Sean Watkins, and Vaudevillian Jesse Luttrell with the Fred Barton Orchestra.  It will be presented May 21 at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. at the Christ Temple Church Auditorium at 2400 Johnstown Road in Huntington.

- Daddy’s Dyin’ Who’s Got the Will - Paramount Little Theatre present the PG-rated Dramedy on May 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens.

- Murder Mysteries -  "Post Time for Murder!" on May 21 at the Greenhouse of Teays Valley, in Hurricane. Tickets are by reservation only - call 304-397-6316. Tickets are $45 per guest.


   So get out there and enjoy some local theatre!

Interview with "August: Osage County's" Mary Williams

 The final weekend of August: Osage County has arrived, and you just have a couple of chances to catch the acclaimed play at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington.

   We also have our final interview with the members of the cast. Let’s hear from the lovely and talented Mary Poindexter Williams, who plays a spitfire who’s at the heart of the family conflict that drives the play.

Q. Tell us about August: Osage County.

Mary: August: Osage County is a story about the Weston Family as they come to grips with their past and face their future. The patriarch of the family has disappeared and the family gathers in the large family home located in Osage County, Oklahoma. Both the climate and tempers can be HOT!!

Q. Why did you want to tackle this show?

Mary: OMG! A rare opportunity to be a part of a production of this  Pulitzer Prize winning play! Wonderful play. wonderful role! Wonderful theatre company! Wonderful director and cast!! Wonderful experience!

Q. Tell us about the character you play.

Mary: I play Violet Weston, wife of the missing Beverly Weston and mother to Barbara, Ivy, and Karen. Violet is  not a very likable human being. Violet is addicted to drugs, is undergoing chemotherapy treatments, chain smoking throughout the play, and lashing out at everyone in the Weston home. But I love delving into why Violet has become this kind of person. I like to try to understand events in her life that have molded her into this caustic and bitter woman. It has probably been the most challenging role I've ever played. There are so many layers to this woman. And, it's so fun to play this kind of character. I'm a fairly reserved person and it is cathartic in a way to express Violet's feelings with her ranting and raving!  I hope I haven't scared my husband, Steve! Ha Ha!

Q. What is your background in theatre?

Mary: The acting bug bit me on this very same high school stage. My first acting role was in the play Flowers for Algernon, performed on the Huntington High School stage in 1973. I did a few things in high school and then in college ( I attended Marshall University) and a few community theatre shows at the old Abbot Theatre and the Huntington Art Museum. But then I moved to Florida, got married, had two daughters and was busy homemaking, mothering, and working as a funeral director until I moved back to Huntington in the mid-‘90s. After my girls became adults and moved away, my husband encouraged me to return to MU to take some theatre classes. Next thing I know I'm in their theatre program and graduated with my BFA in 2010.

Q. Tell us about the set.

Mary: Just Wow!  I could never imagine this set, this absolutely realistic house that Greg Morris and Tom Olson have built-here on this stage! It's so easy to lose myself in my role and become Violet in "my house." The hours and hours that have gone into the building and dressing of this set is mind-boggling. These are men with careers and families and what they have put into this; their blood, sweat, and tears is awe inspiring.

Q. Tell us about the cast.

Mary: They are the best! I knew some of the cast and crew before we started rehearsals, but this is my first year as a company member so I've been thrilled to make some new friends. Everyone is so talented and  I'm honored to be a part of this once in a lifetime experience with this group.

Q. Why would you recommend this show?

Mary: This is the kind of theatre experience that stays with you, has an influence on your life. You may think you can not relate to this family. Your family may not have some of the problems that this family is struggling with, but all families have issues. This play forces  you to "feel." It makes you laugh, makes you cry, maybe even makes you cringe. But you have an experience watching this play. Theatre entertains, it educates, it motivates. This play has it all.

Thanks, Mary!

   ARTS presents August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, on Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Show only tickets: $15, Dinner and Show tickets: $30. Call 304-733-2787 to make dinner and show reservations. Tickets can be bought online or at the door on the day of the performance.

"August: Osage County" - A Review

   Sometimes you get to see a show that really stands out from the crowd.

   A production that has a real emotional impact.

   A play that leaves you in awe because of the skill of the execution, the intelligence of the script, and the talent of the performers.

   August: Osage County is just such an experience.

   It tells the story of the ultimate dysfunctional family, the Westons. The patriarch of the family is the intelligent (and somewhat eccentric) Beverly Weston (played with gusto by Robert Hutchens). He hires a live-in housekeeper (the lovely Sheila Meade) to look after his ailing - and abrasive - wife Violet (played with power and grit by Mary Poindexter Williams).

   When Beverly goes missing the family returns for the first time in years to support Violet and look for answers - and in the process, long-held secrets (in this show, everyone has a secret) are revealed. The events that follow shake the family structure to its core.

   The family includes the long-absent daughter Barbara (played with dynamic fire by Amy Carlson) who decides to take control - something she hasn’t been able to manage with her husband Bill (played both amiably and angrily by Simon Woods) and her rebellious daughter Jean (the engaging Amanda Maynus).

   The other sisters are Ivy, the one who stayed to look after her parents and struggles with her resentment (played by a controlled and sensitive Kate Morris), and Karen, the flighty sister (played with energy and passion by Joanna Murdock) who arrives with her finance, the secretive and sketchy Steve Heidebrecht (played with authority by Tyler Bradley). 

   Rounding out the cast are relatives Mattie Fae Aiken (the luminous Linda Reynolds), her husband Charlie (a flinty Todd Green), their son “Little Charles”  Aiken (a nervous and endearing Dylan Clark) and the local Sheriff, who has a history with Barbara (a sensitive Jonathan Maynard).

   The cast and the script flow together flawlessly to bring this story to life. It’s a tale that is at times surprising, shocking, repulsive and (at all times) fascinating to watch. Secrets are revealed (some quite dark), truth is spoken and emotions laid raw. It’s a powerful, moving story that will be on your mind long after you leave the theatre. 

   When you first arrive at the Renaissance Theatre to see the play you’ll be struck by the size and complexity of the set designed and built by Greg Morris and Tom Olson (with the assistance of many others). It’s a three-story home brought to life on the stage, including (by my count) seven distinctive, perfectly-decorated rooms - and it’s as important, in its way, as any performer. It’s a professional product that any company would be proud to work on, and quite an achievement - kudos all around!

   A few caveats - this is not a show for young children. It’s intense, it’s real - there is violence (both emotional and physical) and adult language and situations are included.

   But for those mature enough to handle it, it’s a terrific production (it’s no surprise that the original play walked away with a swath of honors and awards).  

   Congratulations to the cast, crew and directors for crafting one of the Tri-state’s most impressive shows! 

  ARTS presents August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Show only tickets: $15, Dinner and Show tickets: $30. Call 304-733-2787 to make dinner and show reservations. Tickets can be bought online or at the door on the day of the performance.

Interview with "August: Osage County's" Jonathan Maynard

   You have three more chances to catch the ARTS production of August: Osage County in Huntington, starting Thursday night - and we have a few more interviews with the cast to share!

    Stepping up to the imaginary microphone today is the talented Jonathan Maynard, who plays a hometown boy who took on a surprising job.

Q: Tell us about August: Osage County.

Jonathan: The play follows the tale of the Weston family of Osage County Oklahoma in August of a year in the late 2010’s. Beverly Weston, the patriarch, hires a live-in maid and subsequently disappears. As the family converges on the house on the plains, family secrets are revealed, relationships are tested, and the question of what it means to be a family is brought to the forefront. 

Q: Why did you want to tackle this show?

Jonathan: My favorite theatre pieces are those that teach us something about ourselves, the ones that show the truths about humanity and what it means to be a flawed individual. August: Osage County embodies everything about that idea. None of the characters are particularly lovable. There are no winners or losers. But there are people. Real people. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Jonathan: I play Sheriff Deion Gilbeau. He has the unenviable task of delivering bad news to people he's know his whole life and may care a little more than he wishes to admit about this particular family. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Jonathan: I have been performing in community theatre throughout the Tri-state since 2012. 

Q: I've heard the set is amazing...

Jonathan: Not only is it massive, it's functional. I've rarely seen a set this well thought out and put together, let alone acted on it. I mean, it's a three story house with a front porch for crying out loud. 

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Jonathan: The cast are some of the most talented  individuals in the area. They have worked tirelessly to create the world of the Weston family and I, for one, am honored to be a small part of this cast. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Jonathan: If you go, you will laugh. You will feel uncomfortable. You will hate and pity and relate to the characters. You will lose track of time. You will learn something about yourself. You will see one of the most well-written pieces of American theatre produced by a group of people who truly care about the material. What could be a better use of an evening?

Thanks, Jonathan!

   ARTS presents August: Osage County by Tracy Letts, on May 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theater at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Show only tickets: $15, Dinner and Show tickets: $30. Call 304-733-2787 to make dinner and show reservations. Tickets can be bought online or at the door on the day of the performance.