Interview with Mandy Harper with "The Odd Couple"

   Tonight wraps up the first weekend of performances for the ARTS production of the classic Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple - so let’s continue our interviews with the show’s actors!

   The show features a mostly-male cast, but a couple of talented females also take the stage - so for today’s interviews, let’s hear from the lovely and talented Mandy Harper, who plays Cecily Pigeon: 

Q: Why did you want to be part of The Odd Couple? 

Mandy: I've always wanted to do comedy and never really had the chance. Neil Simon is amazing and I'm so excited to be able to do one of his shows. It's so very different than the types of shows I'm used to acting in.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Mandy: I play Cecily Pigeon. She and her sister Gwen are neighbors to Oscar. She is absolutely clueless and very "COO-COO" and you could say over the top obnoxious, but in a cute way.

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Mandy: I've been doing theatre since I was very small. I did community theatre in Charleston growing up. I studied Acting at Pace University for a year in New York City. I transferred to Marshall my sophomore year and graduated this past May with a B.F.A in Theatre Performance. My favorite show I've ever done would have to be "Circle Mirror Transformation" by Annie Baker at Marshall University. Theatre is my life and I intend on moving to the West Coast in a year or so to study at a Meisner conservatory.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about doing a comedy like this? 

Mandy: It is so hard not to laugh on stage. Seriously, Robert Hutchens and James Holley kill me but I have to hold it together until I am off stage. I keep reminding myself that the audience will think it's funnier if you act completely serious.

Q: Tell us about the talented cast. 

Mandy: I love working with this cast! Robert is AMAZING as Felix. Seriously, absolutely on point. And of course James too and everyone else. I love getting to work with these people! Everyone brings 100 percent to the stage every night and it's such a fun experience and I am so thankful!

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Mandy: If you want to come laugh your socks off then come see this show. It's like you're in the living room of Felix and Oscars house. Seriously, you won't be disappointed!

Q: Thanks, Mandy!

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) on Oct. 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787. 

The Show Must Go On

   So the good news is, last night's performance of The Odd Couple went on as planned.

   According to reports, representatives of the Huntington Housing Deveoplment Corporation temporarily blocked the entrance to the ballroom - though the organization hasn't issued a statement about why it took that action.

   But the show went on as planned, as the members of the audience were brought up via the back stairway. 

   The sold-out show went on as planned, and according to reports from ARTS representatives, all planned shows will be presented as scheduled.

   Shows will be presented tonight and next Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m.

   

Trying to Stop the Show

   Under the heading of "unbelievable events," I'm seeing reports on Facebook that the Huntington Housing Development Corporation is blocking people from entering the Renaissance Theatre to see The Odd Couple.

   Why they would be doing this (the public has been attending shows at the old Huntington High School for almost 20 years, after all, with not a peep or objection) and what they hope to gain by stopping Huntington residents from seeing this show is difficult to understand.

   There were reports some months back of a legal issue between the company and ARTS, but if they wants to settle an issue - or wants money from the organization - it's difficult to understand how stopping the group from selling tickets benefits anyone.

   Hopefully this can all be sorted out, but if this is the kind of treatment ARTS has been dealing with, it's no wonder that the group has decided to shut down.

   We'll follow up on this as more information comes to light.

(***CORRECTION - An earlier version of this post stated the Huntington Housing Authority was blocking the entrance - it was actually the Huntington Housing Development Corporation, which operates the old Huntington High School.)

On Stage This Weekend

   You have four great shows to choose from this weekend - here's the rundown:

- The Odd Couple -  Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) presents the play by Neil Simon on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787.

- The Miracle Worker - Marshall University Theatre presents the play that tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. It will be presented Oct. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington. Tickets are $20.

- Disney’s High School Musical - Huntington High School Theatre presents the show on Oct. 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- The Addams Family - Jenny Wiley Theatre will present the musical based on the beloved TV show on Oct. 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 15 and 22 at 3 p.m. at 216 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

   So go see a show!

Interview with Robert Hutchens from "The Odd Couple"

   Tomorrow is the first public performance of the ARTS production of the classic Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple - and to celebrate, we have interviews with the show’s actors!

   Yesterday we heard from the show's "Oscar" - so today we have an interviews with "Felix," played by the talented Robert Hutchens:

Q: Tell us about The Odd Couple.

Robert: The Odd Couple is one of the best-known, best-loved, often-done plays in American drama because it is so masterfully written. The playwright Neil Simon is probably the most successful writer of stage comedies in the United States, probably one of the most successful anywhere at anytime. The premise is simple: two people of polar opposite natures and habits try to live together: Oscar is a slob sportswriter and Felix is an obsessive-compulsive writer of news for CBS. They drive each other crazy for three weeks.

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

Robert: I wanted to be in the show because I love playing comedy, because the director Gene Anthony is a virtuoso of directing comedy, and because the play and the part of masterpieces of comic writing.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

Robert: I play Felix, the OCD one. He is neurotic, prissy, and fastidious. And he drives everyone crazy. Except for the fastidiousness, I thought I had the raw material to bring the character to life.

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Robert: I was a theatre student at the University of Tennessee and worked in the department and its professional company for several years. Later, and at different times in my life,  I worked professionally as an actor, director, and marketer of plays.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about doing a comedy like this? 

Robert: The most challenging thing about playing Felix is the size of the role.  Although it isn't as big as the role of Oscar, it still has me on-stage for most of three acts, and it isn't easy to sustain energy and concentration for that length of time.

Q: Tell us about the talented cast. 

Robert: I've been in plays with several of the cast members before and was delighted to have the opportunity to work with them again.  Before I worked with James Holley in A Catered Affair, I'd been impressed by his absolute authenticity on stage. He's one of the most "real" actors I've ever worked with. John Campbell was in my first ARTS production, Brigadoon, and has been in two other productions with me (As You Like It and A Catered Affair). He's a great cast mate, strong in performance and a great and supportive friend. Sheila Meade and I shared a lovely scene in August: Osage County last year. It's a pleasure to reunite with her. I've been in two other plays with Dr. Todd Greene. Nobody cracks me up the way Todd does. The other actors are first-time colleagues, but ones I'm eager to work with again.

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

Robert:  Gene Anthony our director says over and over what a great play The Odd Couple is. He's right. Neil Simon can write sure-fire jokes with greater accuracy and boundless supply than any playwright in the American theatre, but jokes are not what make the play so admirable. As good and plenteous as the jokes are, they are subservient to character and story. It's the fact that the play has all three excellent elements that makes it worthwhile.

Q: Thanks, Robert!

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787. 

Interview with James Holley from "The Odd Couple"

   Taking the stage this weekend is the classic Neil Simon comedy The Odd Couple - so let's hear from the talented cast of the show!

   Up for the first of our interviews is James Holley, who plays the slobby half of the couple:

Q: Tell us about The Odd Couple.

James: The Odd Couple is a Neil Simon comedy that follows two best friends, very different men, through a rough point in their lives.  Specifically, one man, Oscar is newly divorced and the other, Felix has just separated from his wife. In need of a mutual support system they decided to become roommates.  

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

James: The play is a classic and timelessly funny. Typically, I’m cast as a white collar guy so when director Gene Anthony offered me the part of Oscar I couldn’t say no.

Q: Tell us about the character you play. 

James: Oscar Madison is a well-respected New York City sports writer.  Although he is very successful his lifestyle mirrors that of a college frat boy. He drinks too much, gambles his money away and lives like a slob. He is clearly intelligent but very immature.

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

James: I have been acting since 2011.  My first show was Titanic the Musical. Since that time I’ve worked with a number of theatre troops in the tri-state and even some as far away as Louisville and Pittsburgh. The bulk of my real acting experience has come with ARTS over the last two years. I have played an attorney in both A Little Night Music and God of Carnage, a dance instructor in The Full Monty, and a NYC cab driver in A Catered Affair. Now I’m a cigar smoking sports writer. It’s a nice stretch.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about doing a comedy like this? 

James: Honestly the hardest part of a comedy is finding the joke. This show specifically is about real life issues. It’s not a farce. It’s a comedic look at some sad, relatable life events. The great thing is it reminds us that if we can look at the bright side, things usually work out for the best.  

Q: Tell us about the talented cast. 

James: The cast is just great. Working with Robert Hutchens (Felix) is always both fun and educational. I learn so much watching his process. Being directed by Gene Anthony is a quite an experience as well. He knows comedy and how to sell a joke better than anyone I’ve ever worked with.  

Q: Why would you recommend this show?

James: We were informed this week that this is ARTS' last play. The company has run its course and we will not have a 2018 season. We are a very close-knit group of performers and were all shocked and saddened by this news. Although we will continue to develop and hone our craft with other local theaters, this will be the last chance to see an ARTS production. I really want this group to go out with a bang and this show will for sure leave everyone smiling.  

Q: Thanks, James!

The Odd Couple by Neil Simon will be presented by Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787.

ARTS to End with "The Odd Couple"

   Sad news for local theatre fans as Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS) announced Monday evening that it's shutting down after its upcoming performance of the comedy The Odd Couple.

   That theatre group has produced some outstanding shows during its run, so it's a real loss for Huntington. I'll have more to say about the group in the days ahead, but for now, here's the announcement from current president Bil Neal:

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

Friends of ARTS, 

The Board of Directors voted tonight that Arts Resources for the Tri-State has run its course. The Odd Couple will be the final production produced by ARTS. 

Board members feel that there is still a need for quality adult theatre in our area, and encourage anyone with similar opinions to reach out to our Secretary Jinnie Knight on Facebook. 

Thank you all for the support of ARTS over the past 17 years, and for the memories you all allowed us to make.

"Poe's Midnight Dreary"

   Coming soon, just in time for Halloween, is the first offering this season from First Stage Theatre Company: Poe's Midnight Dreary!

   The play is based on the life of (and works by) Edgar Allan Poe, one of America's greatest writers, a master of horror and the inventor of the detective story!

   It'll be presented at Huntington Middle School at 925 Third Avenue in Huntington on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m.

On Stage This Weekend

    You have four great shows to choose from this weekend, including two classic dramas and two classic musicals!

   Here's the rundown:

- The Miracle Worker - Marshall University Theatre presents the powerful play that tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. It will be presented Oct. 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington. Tickets are $20.

- Disney’s High School Musical - Huntington High School Theatre presents the show on Oct. 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- Peter Pan, Jr. - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical on Oct. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $12 for  adults and $10 for students.

- Mercy - Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents the musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde on Oct. 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students.

   So go see a show!

On Stage This Weekend: "The Miracle Worker"

   Marshall University's Theatre Department kicks off its season this weekend with its production of the classic play The Miracle Worker.

   The Herald-Dispatch has a great feature about the show in today's paper by reporter Taylor Stuck. There's an excellent photo gallery by Ryan Fischer here (he also took the photo above), and you can read the story right here. 

   Here's an excerpt:

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   Despite becoming blind and deaf after living barely a year on this Earth, Helen Keller graduated college, dined with presidents and celebrities, wrote several books, and advocated for the blind, deaf and women's rights, along with co-founding the American Civil Liberties Union.

   It all started with one word: "Water."

   The Marshall University Theater Alliance is bringing that story to life with a production of "The Miracle Worker," a play based on Keller's memoir, "The Story of My Life."

   Charleston native Kelsey Hofe, a junior theater major, has the task of portraying the iconic personality. Hofe said it was intimidating at first, but after exploring the character, it really became a part of her.

   "It's very challenging," Hofe said. "The physical body of Helen Keller is much different than my physical body. She's wild and animalistic, and I'm very reserved, and so it was a process for me to kick myself out of those habits that I have and get myself into the body of Helen Keller when she's wild."

   Written by William Gibson, "The Miracle Worker" dramatizes the volatile relationship between teacher Annie Sullivan, played by senior Story Moosa, and Keller. Trapped in a secret, silent world, unable to communicate, Keller is violent, spoiled, almost sub-human and treated by her family as such. Only Sullivan realizes there is a mind and spirit waiting to be rescued from the dark, tortured silence.

On Stage in October

   As the weather cools down, the local stages start to heat up! Here are the shows coming up this month:

- Poe’s Midnight Dreary - First Stage Theatre Company presents the play based on Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous works, told through the characters as they visit Poe on his deathbed. It will be presented Oct. 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 21 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington Middle School auditorium at 935 3rd Street. Tickets at $8 for adults and $6 for children age 12 and under and senior citizens. 

- The Odd Couple -  Arts Resources for the Tri State (ARTS) presents the play by Neil Simon on Oct. 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m. at the ARTS Renaissance Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 for the show only and $30 for both dinner and the show. Reservations are required for the dinner - call 304-734-2787.

- The Miracle Worker - Marshall University Theatre presents the play that tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, blind and mute Helen Keller. It will be presented Oct. 4, 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. at The Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at The Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington. Tickets are $20.

- Disney’s High School Musical - Huntington High School Theatre presents the show on Oct. 5, 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- Kinky Boots - The Marshall Artist’s Series presents Broadway’s huge hearted, high-heeled hit! With songs by Grammy® and Tony® winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper, this joyous musical celebration is about the friendships we discover, and the belief that you can change the world when you change your mind. The show will be presented Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington. 

- The Addams Family - The Charleston Light Opera Guild in collaboration with the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences will present the musical based on the beloved TV show on Oct. 27, 28, 29 and Nov. 3, 4, and 5 at the Maier Foundation Performance Hall at the Clay Center. 

- Peter Pan, Jr. - The Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the musical on Oct. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $12 for  adults and $10 for students.

- Mercy - Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents the musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde on Oct. 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students.

- Little Shop of Horrors - The Paramount Players present the musical on Oct 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $25 each.

- George Orwell’s 1984 - The Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the adult play on Oct. 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio.

- The Addams Family - Jenny Wiley Theatre will present the musical based on the beloved TV show on Oct. 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 15 and 22 at 3 p.m. at 216 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky.

   So get out there and scare up a show!

On Stage This Weekend

   You have three great shows to choose from this weekend! 

   Here's the rundown:

- Crimes of the Heart - Ashland Community and Technical College present the play on Sept. 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.

- Mercy - Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents the musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde on Sept. 28, 29, 30, Oct. 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students.

- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson on Sept. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a special show on Sept. 29 at 11:30 p.m.

   So go see a show!

Cast for "Little Shop of Horrors"

   The Paramount Players has announced its cast for the musical Little Shop of Horrors - and here they are:

Audrey - Heather Myers

Seymour - Austin Muncy

Crystal - Cierra James

Ronnette - Taylor Isacs

Chiffon - Amy Nolan

Dentist - Greg Kiser

The Plant - Rick Payne

Mushnik - Mark Baker

Winos/Customers/Ensemble - Dani Gilstrao, Thom Saltsman, Sam Fowler, Sarah Brehm

Puppeteers - Emily Pritchard, Josh Janota

   The show will be presented at the Paramount Theatre on Oct. 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m.

On Stage This Weekend

    Taking the stage this weekend are three community theatre shows - all musicals. Here's the rundown:

- Princess Diana the Musical - The Paramount Players presents the new production Sept. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson on Sept. 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a special show on Sept. 29 at 11:30 p.m.

- Smoke on the Mountain - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. It’ll be presented on Sept. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky.

   So get out there and watch a show!

Auditions for "Little Shop of Horror"

   Auditions are coming up next week for the Paramount Players production of the musical Little Shop of Horrors.

   The auditions will be held on Monday, Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Avenue in Ashland, Ky.

   The musical will be presented on Oct 27 and 28.

Touring Version of "1984" Available for Your School!

   My pal Leah Turley sent out this note today about a special program that brings performances to area schools:

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   Calling all Middle & High School Theatre, English and Arts educators!

   Marshall University's Theatre ETC!, our Educational Touring Company that produces stage adaptations of literary classics, is excited to announce our Spring 2018 tour of George Orwell's 1984!

   We perform on the Friday of your choice in your school's auditorium, cafeteria, gymnasium or classroom. Our production is self sufficient and requires no technical support. With a cost of $5 per student, and no bussing required, there is no easier way to give your students the gift of theatre. 

   If you're interested, have questions or would like more information, please feel free to email leahnturley@gmail.com for help! Check the available tour dates and performance times to see what might work best for you and your school (we're selling out fast!).

   1984 Available Performance Dates (performance times available anytime between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.):

Jan. 26
Feb. 16
March 2 and 30
April 13 and 20

Give a Listen to "SpongeBob Squarepants: The New Musical"

 Thanks to my son Evan for pointing this story out to me about the honest-to-goodness musical heading to Broadway starring SpongeBob Squarepants.

   It's been getting rave reviews, and now you can hear the cast recording at this link.

   Give it a listen, and get ready to smile!

   (And you don't really need to be a fan of the cartoon to enjoy it.)

Marshall's Upcoming Theatre Season

   Writer Paul Sebert files a great story in the Herald-Dispatch previewing the upcoming season for Marshall's School of Theatre, which begins with The Miracle Worker.

   You can read the story at this link - here's an excerpt:

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   For its 2017-18 season The Marshall University School of Theatre has a full slate of productions, from comedy to drama with a holiday favorite sprinkled in as well. 

   In addition to training actors and theater technicians, the department presents a full calendar of stage shows with big time production values. 

   This year's lineup includes a classic drama, a holiday favorite, a Southern gothic fable and a production of Shakespeare.

   The first play of the fall season is William Gibson's The Miracle Worker, which tells the real-life story of educator Annie Sullivan and her blind and deaf student Helen Keller. The story has been retold both on stage and on film, most famously in the 1962 movie starring Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke. The play will run at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4-7 and Oct. 12-14 at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center.

On Stage This Weekend - "Traditions," "Jack the Ripper" and "Smoke on the Mountain"

   Four shows were originally on tap for this weekend, but that number is now down to three.

   Godspell was scheduled to be presented by the Alban Theatre on Sept. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St Albans, WV, but word went out today that the production has been canceled. Hopefully they'll be able to reschedule it soon.

   Here are the three shows that are taking the stage this weekend - one in Huntington, one in Charleston and one in Pikeville:

- Traditions: The Rise of Marshall - this mutimedia production (which includes live performances) about the history and traditions of Marshall University will be staged Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington. Tickets are free, but seating is limited.

- Jack the Ripper is a stage play dedicated to those lost from mental illness. The story of the feared killer will be presented at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on Sept. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for Seniors, Students and Military.

- Smoke on the Mountain - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. It’ll be presented on Sept, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky.

   So go see a show!

Theatre in Huntington for 2017

   So, what's going on with community theatre in Huntington?

   Well... right now it's all about rehearsals. It generally takes six to 12 weeks to prepare a show (depending on whether it's a big ol' musical or a small non-musical), and in Huntington, the only two groups active right now are just getting started on their next shows.

   So our friends at ARTS are working on their last show of the season, Neil Simon's comedy, The Odd Couple. (Their season, I should note, follows the calendar year, so this will be the last of five shows they've presented this year).

   The show is directed by Gene Anthony and features a talented cast - and it's a very funny show, perhaps Simon's best, so you'll want to watch for that one.

   The other group active right now is First Stage Theatre Company (Huntington's children's theatre), and their season follows the school year so they're just getting started with rehearsals for the first of two shows taking the stage before the year is over.

   First up is Poe's Midnight Dreary, a Halloween offering that focuses on the life and work of author Edgar Allan Poe, and it promises to be a spooky delight. The play is directed by Brynne Kyle and features a terrific cast!

   The other show in the works is Elf, Jr., a Christmas musical based on the beloved film starring Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf. It'll be staged after Thanksgiving at the new Huntington High School. It's directed by Amy Browning and is loaded with amazing talent!

   So what are the other theatre groups in town doing? I haven't heard any news from either 5th Avenue Theatre (based out of City Hall) or Curtain Up Players (CUP), so they're probably making plans for their next production - or else they're just being shy.

   HART in the Park has wrapped its summer of shows, and we should hear about their plans for next year sometime around the end of the year or the beginning of 2018.

   They're not really a community theatre group, but Marshall University's School of Theatre is hard at work on their new season, which kicks off with The Miracle Worker in October, and then A Christmas Carol for the holidays.

    Oh, and the Marshall Artists Series is bringing in some great shows, including the funny musical Kinky Boots!

   So that's the good news: we have lots of great shows to look forward to in the months ahead!

Meet "Jane Austen"

   Astral Theatre Collective will be bringing a beloved literary author to life with an event called Tea Time with Jane Austen.

    It'll feature an hour-long presentation as "Miss Austen" shares stories of her storied life, and she'll read excerpts from her famous books.

   The character is portrayed by actress Rachel Sanford of Huntington, who will also answer questions from the audience.

   You can catch the presentation at:

- Cross Lanes Branch Library on Sept. 8 at 1 p.m.

- Kanawha County Main Library on Sept. 9 at 11 a.m.

- St. Albans Branch Library on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.

- Riverside Public Library on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

- Elk Valley Branch Library on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m.

 

On Stage in September

   Here are the community theatre shows taking the stage in September:

- Seussical Kids - The Paramount Players presents the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss on Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $5 each.

- Princess Diana the Musical - The Paramount Players presents the new production Sept. 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students.

- Godspell - Alban Theatre presents the musical on Sept. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Plaza in St Albans, WV.

- Crimes of the Heart - Ashland Community and Technical College present the play on Sept. 28, 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.

- Jack the Ripper is a stage play dedicated to those lost from mental illness. The story of the feared killer will be presented at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston on Sept. 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for Seniors, Students and Military.

- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Actor's Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical based on the classic story by Robert Louis Stevenson on Sept. 22, 23, 29 and 30 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2:30 p.m. There will be a special show on Sept. 29 at 11:30 p.m.

- Smoke on the Mountain - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the story of a Saturday Night Gospel Sing at a country church in North Carolina's Smoky Mountains in 1938. The show features two dozen rousing bluegrass songs played and sung by the Sanders Family, a traveling group making its return to performing after a five-year hiatus. It’ll be presented on Sept, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21, 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 10 and 17 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky.

- Mercy - Contemporary Youth Arts Company (CYAC) presents the musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde on Sept. 28, 29, 30, Oct. 5, 6 and 7 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students.

   So go see a show!

On Stage This Weekend: "Toad Wife"

   There's only one show running this weekend - weather permitting!

   Toad Wife is being presented by Appalachian Artists Collective - Theatre for Young Audiences. The World Premiere of the play is Sept. 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. at the St. Albans City Park Amphitheater. Tickets are $12 for children ages 4 and up, and $15 for adults. Families with two adults and two children for only $40! Tickets can be purchased at the door. Seating is general admission, first come, first served.

   Check it out!