Welcome to Alchemy Theatre Troupe!

    I'm happy to announce that there's a new Theatre Company in Huntington!

   It's the Alchemy Theatre Troupe, and they announced their mission today on Facebook. Here's their statement: 

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   Presenting Alchemy Theatre Troupe. A new non-profit performing arts group, based in Huntington, WV, dedicated to forging powerful connections between artists and audiences through theater enriching our communities. 

   In addition to this, our intention is to provide educational outreach as well as collaborative opportunities between artists of different genres and the theater. Essentially, we just aspire to produce quality theater to delight and transform our audiences. 

   Please like and share our (Facebook) page! We are currently working on our website. But, in the meantime, stay tuned here for upcoming announcements about auditions and performances! We have a few big announcements coming in the next two days.  

   Up first for Alchemy is a cabaret to introduce ourselves and our troupe to the community. Join us for Opening Night, the best night in theatre! Enjoy an evening of American songbook and musical theatre standards, be on the scene of Alchemy Theatre Troupe's very first performances, and learn how you can take part in future projects. 

   This exclusive kick-off event has limited seating - only 75 per night - so watch for ticket sales and reserve yours soon! It'll be May 18 and 19 at Huntington's Union Pub and Grill!

$25/ticket
Cash bar
Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
Show is at 8:00 p.m.
Directed by Bruce Rous

   Thank you for your interest and support!

   “The stage is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, but is also the return of art to life.” - Oscar Wilde

 Find them on Facebook at:  https://m.facebook.com/alchemytheatretroupe/

On Stage in April 2018

   This month is all about the classics - from some of the oldest shows around (with a new twist) the kid classics!

   Here’s what you’ll find on stage in April:

- As You Like It - Marshall University presents the play by William Shakespeare on April 18, 19, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. Uncertain of their standing in court and fearing for their lives, Rosalind and Orlando are forced into exile in the Forest of Arden, only to become entangled in a beguiling game of love, lust, and mistaken identity. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, and $7 for children ages 5 to 12.

- My Fair Lady - Charleston Light Opera Guild presents this beloved musical at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre on April 28, May 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. with matinees on April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 each.

- DRUNK Oedipus Rex - Kanawha Players presents Sophocles' Famous Work, but there is a catch. The audience will choose one of the actors to be the evening's  "sacrifice"  for the God of Wine and Joy, Dionysus. The poor actor will have several drinks before the show and during the performance. A hilarious drinking game for all. Must be 21 and over to participate. Togas are optional. The play will be presented April 13 at the Empty Glass at 410 Elizabeth Street in Charleston.

- Little Women the Musical - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on April 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $10.

- Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on April 13, 14, 17, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and April 22 at 3 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are $9 to $14.

- Annie - Marietta College Theatre Department present the classic musical on April 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and April 7 at 1 p.m. at 215 5th Street in Marietta, Ohio. 

   So get out there and see a show!

On Stage This Weekend

   It's slim pickings this weekend if you're looking for a show to see - in fact, the only show is a musical in Pikeville! (But it is a great show!)

   Here's the rundown:

- Little Women the Musical - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on March 29, 30, 31 and April 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are $10.

  So go see a show!

"Shrek the Musical"

   Hey, here's the poster for the upcoming production of Shrek the Musical by First Stage Theatre.

   The story of everyone's favorite ogre, his friends - a princess (with a big secret) and a talking and singing donkey - and a wicked King, a Dragon and lots of fairy tale creatures all takes the stage at Huntington High School in five weeks!

On Stage This Weekend

   You have four great shows to choose from this weekend, all based on classic stories or movies for young readers (but grownups will enjoy them, too)!

   Here's the list:

- Disney’s The Little Mermaid - Paramount Players present the musical based on the animated film on March 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students (additional charges may apply).

- Wolf's Head: A Tale of Robin Hood and the Sheriff -  Astral Theatre Collective presents the play on March 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and March 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. All tickets are $15.

- Anne of Green Gables - The play is a benefit for the victims of child abuse. It will be presented on March 23 and 24 at 8 p.m., and March 24 at 2 p.m. at The Capitol Theater at 123 Capitol Street in Charleston. Evening tickets are $15, and $10 for students, senior citizens, and military with valid ID. All matinee tickets are $10.

- Little Women the Musical - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on March 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31 and April 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are $10.

   So go see a show!

Auditions for "Shrek the Musical, Jr." in Ashland

    2018 is really shaping up to be the Year of Shrek!

   In all fairness, the Paramount Players was (I believe) the first to announce their plans to tackle the musical based on the animated film - and their production will take the stage on May 3, the same day that Huntington's First Stage Theatre will present its first school performances (with four public shows to follow that weekend), and then HART in the Park will present the musical this summer in Huntington's Ritter Park!

   Auditions for the Paramount's show will be held on Monday, March 26 starting at 6 p.m.

   It's open to anyone between the ages of 6 to 18. You should arrive prepared to sing a song from the show and read from a page of script (which will be provided). You will be taught a short dance combination.

   If you are auditioning for a specific part, you should be ready to sing a specific song. For: Lord Farquaad - What's Up Dulac Part 2; Shrek - Big Bright Beautiful World, Dragon - Forever, Young and Teen Fiona - I Know It's Today, Fiona - I Know It's Today and Morning Person, Donkey - Travel Song, and Pinocchio - Story of My Life.

   All others auditioning should be ready to sing Freak Flag or I'm a Believer.

   Sheet music is available at the box office at the Paramount Arts Center.

On Stage This Weekend

   There are three shows taking the stage this weekend - all based on popular stories (or films) for young viewers, but mighty entertaining for all ages.

   Here's the list:

- Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. - Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the musical based on the animated film on March 16 at 7 p.m., March 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children.

- Wolf's Head: A Tale of Robin Hood and the Sheriff -  Astral Theatre Collective presents the play on March 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and March 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. All tickets are $15.

- Anne of Green Gables - The play is a benefit for the victims of child abuse. It will be presented on March 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m., March 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. and March 18 at 3 p.m. at The Capitol Theater at 123 Capitol Street in Charleston. Evening tickets are $15, and $10 for students, senior citizens, and military with valid ID. All matinee tickets are $10.

   So go see a show!

"Annie, Jr." Wraps Up This Weekend

    Today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch includes a great story written by Dave Lavender about the special production of Annie, Jr. that runs this weekend at Huntington High School. (Photo above by Larry Butcher.)

   (And let me just add how proud I am of the director, Zadokite Wood, who's grown up on local stages and has appeared in several shows I directed - and was my Student Director on Disney's Lion King, Jr. Needless to say, she's incredible talented and driven. Congrats to her and her amazing cast!) 

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

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As a budding actress, Huntington High School junior Zadokite Wood has notched up more than 25 shows with area theater companies from First Stage and Jeslyn to HHS and the Actors for Children's Theater in Ashland.

As a student, Wood has immersed herself in American Sign Language and will get an associate's degree in American Sign Language in May from Mountwest Community and Technical College.

This weekend, those two worlds of theater and ASL come together as Wood presents a theatrical capstone project, "Annie Jr. in ASL and English" at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 9 and 10, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 11, in the Huntington High School auditorium.

"Annie Jr." comprises two casts - there are 17 actors onstage using American Sign Language and 10 actors offstage using spoken English and singing the songs. Tickets are $10 and $5 for children and seniors 65 and older.

Wood, 16, said she is excited to be able to offer such a show that is accessible to everyone. There are two deaf students who are in the production, while other cast members learned ASL to do the show.

"I am so excited seeing these kids come together from these two worlds and watching them work together and seeing students like Steshka Snyder, who is not used to being in an environment where she an communicate with everyone — that is the best part,” Wood said.

On Stage This Weekend: "Annie, Jr."

   Huntington High School is presenting a unique version of a classic musical this weekend - they're staging Annie Jr. in American Sign Language and Spoke English! Shows will be presented Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:00 p.m.  

   This junior production of everyone's favorite redheaded orphan, Annie, is a unique opportunity for the Deaf community to participate and engage in performing arts while bringing Deaf awareness to the hearing population. There are two casts: one on-stage using American Sign Language and a second cast off-stage voicing the characters using spoken English.

   The show is being produced and directed by a Huntington High student - Zadokite Wood, who tackled the show as part of her capstone project for her A.A.S. American Sign Language degree from Mountwest Community & Technical College. 

   The Herald-Dispatch posted some pictures of the show (taken by Larry Butcher) which you can check out here: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/_recent_news/photos-annie-jr/collection_d1a3deb8-224b-11e8-8f90-1fe1c0805812.html

On Stage in March

   On stage in March - seven terrific shows!

   Here’s the list:

- Annie Jr. - Huntington High School  will present a special production of the beloved musical with actors using American Sign Language, and another cast using spoken English. The show will be staged on March 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. and March 11 at 3 p.m. at the Huntington High School auditorium at One Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children and senior citizens.

- Disney’s The Little Mermaid - Paramount Players present the musical based on the animated film on March 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and March 24 at 3 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, Ky. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students (additional charges may apply).

- Disney’s The Lion King, Jr. - Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the musical based on the animated film on March 16 at 7 p.m., March 17 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and March 18 at 2 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theater. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for children.

- Wolf's Head: A Tale of Robin Hood and the Sheriff -  Astral Theatre Collective presents the play on March 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and March 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Arts Center at 65 Olde Main Street in St. Albans. All tickets are $15.

- Anne of Green Gables - The play is a benefit for the victims of child abuse. It will be presented on March 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m., March 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. and March 18 at 3 p.m. at The Capitol Theater at 123 Capitol Street in Charleston. Evening tickets are $15, and $10 for students, senior citizens, and military with valid ID. All matinee tickets are $10.

- The Tempest - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare story of magic and lost islands on March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for children.

- Little Women the Musical - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the musical on March 23, 24, 27, 29, 30, 31 and April 5, 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $10.

   So go see a show!

"Frozen the Musical" on Broadway

   The show based on the beloved animated film has taken Broadway by storm - and Frozen the Musical is now in previews in New York, getting the show ready for its formal opening on Broadway.

   All of us in the Tri-State area are very proud of Huntington's own Brooklyn Nelson, who plays Young Elsa in the show!

   This is her second Broadway show, following her 16-month run in the cast of Matilda the Musical.

   One of the changes in the show is the addition of a new song - "Monster" - and here's a preview, as performed by Caissie Levy and the Broadway Company:

   

On Stage This Weekend

   On stage this weekend are two dramas and two comedies - here's the rundown: 

- Alabama Rain - Marshall University’s Department of Theatre presents the play on Feb. 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The play tells the tale of five sisters living in a mythical southern town where it has not rained in 40 years. The play examines the perils of a stagnant existence as the sisters’ thirst for fertility and growth. In Alabama Rain, these women do battle with the powerful force of “the way things have always been.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to MU students.

- The Rack - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde. It focuses on the serious problem of school shootings. It’ll be presented on Feb. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- Moon Over Buffalo - The Alban Arts Center presents the comedy on Feb. 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

- The Tempest - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare story of magic and lost islands on Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for children.

   So go out and see a show!

Back on Schedule: "The Tempest"

   The production of The Tempest at Jenny Wiley Theatre had to be postponed a couple of weeks after a fire damaged the set and theatre - but repairs have been made, the stage rebuilt, and now the show is back on schedule!

   The William Shakespeare play will be presented on Feb. 23, 24 and March 1, 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, KY. Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for children.

   The Tempest opens in the midst of a storm, as a ship containing the King of Naples and his party struggles to stay afloat. On land, Prospera and her daughter, Miranda, watch the storm envelop the ship. Prospera has created the storm with magic, and she explains that her enemies are on board the ship.

   Congratulations to the company for overcoming a major problem and keeping the show on track!

   The show must go on! 

"Moon Over Buffalo"

   On stage this weekend, the Alban Arts Center presents Ken Ludwig’s hilarious comedy, Moon Over Buffalo.

   The play will be presented at the Alban Performing Arts Center in St. Albans on Friday, Feb. 23, Saturday, Feb. 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and youth 12 & under. 

   When Moon over Buffalo debuted in 1995, it marked Carol Burnett’s landmark return to Broadway after 30 years (for which she garnered a Tony Award nomination).

   The play centers on George and Charlotte Hay, formerly a couple of Broadway stars, who have taken their run-down touring company to Buffalo, New York. At the moment, they’re playing Private Lives and Cyrano De Bergerac in repertory with five actors. But on-stage harmony is compromised when George performs an off-stage infidelity. When Hollywood film director, Frank Capra, plans to visit a particular performance, chaos ensues within the company. This show is a valentine to live theatre. 

   The Alban’s production features local actors, Thomas W. Goodman as George Hay, Jennifer Scott as Charlotte Hay, Stephen Hayward as Paul, Lauren Meyer as Rosalind, Susi Cantley as Ethel, Lee Dean as Howard, Laura Michele Diener as Eileen, and Anthony W. Vickers as Richard Maynard. The production is directed by George R. Snider III. 

   Call 304-721-8896 for tickets. For more information, visit www.albanartscenter.com. 

On Stage This Weekend

   The stages are on fire this weekend, with two shows in Huntington, one in Charleston and one in St. Albans - two comedies and two dramas!

   Here's the rundown:

- Alabama Rain - Marshall University’s Department of Theatr presents the play on Feb. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The play tells the tale of five sisters living in a mythical southern town where it has not rained in 40 years. The play examines the perils of a stagnant existence as the sisters’ thirst for fertility and growth. In Alabama Rain, these women do battle with the powerful force of “the way things have always been.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to MU students.

- Inspecting Carol - First Church Dinner Theater presents the story of a struggling theater company desperate to stay afloat with their one dependable production - the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. It'll be presented at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5^th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 16 and 17. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner plus the show:  Adult - $27, Child under 12 - $8. Show only (as space permits) - $5. Reservations are required - call:  304-522-0357 or  740-867-8576 or e-mail  firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com.

- The Rack - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde. It focuses on the serious problem of school shootings. It’ll be presented on Feb. 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- Moon Over Buffalo - The Alban Arts Center presents the comedy on Feb. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

   So go see a show - or more!

On Stage Tonight: "Chicago"

    Can't recommend this musical highly enough - Chicago takes the stage tonight in Huntington! I saw it a few years back in Columbus and loved it.

   Here's the story by my pal Dave Lavender for the Herald-Dispatch. You can read it at this link - here's an excerpt:

   To hear actress Dylis Croman talk about the musical "Chicago," you'd say it's pretty "spectacular."

   "It is 'Chicago.' It is a spectacular story and spectacular dancing and spectacular music - and to share it with people is an absolute joy," Croman said by phone.

   Croman, who has been with the "Chicago" family some 12 years playing the lead role of Roxie Hart both on Broadway and now on the national tour of "Chicago," isn't just hyping the musical, because she doesn't need to - it's "Chicago."

   And it is swinging its way here into the heart of Huntington. 

   Presented by First Sentry Bank, the Marshall Artists Series performance of the national tour of "Chicago" - the No. 1 longest-running American music in Broadway history - will be performed at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12.

   Tickets are $64, $70, $81 and $97 at the Marshall Artists Series Box Office at 304-696-6656, online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse box office from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

   With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Ebb, "Chicago," which is set in the Windy City in the Roarin' 1920s, tells the wild, music-and-dance-filled rollercoaster story of drama queen Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her side-man after he threatens to leave her. After being arrested, Roxie meets the six "merry murderesses" at the Cook County Jail, including Velma Kelly, her rival cellmate.

   Desperate to avoid conviction, Roxie hires Chicago's slickest criminal lawyer to twist her crime into a publicity opportunity by way of sensational headlines in hopes of getting set free.

Still Time to Reserve Tickets for "Inspecting Carol"

   What's on stage this weekend? Well, The Tempest was scheduled to open in Pikeville, but a fire has delayed that show for a few weeks - so the stages are pretty bare.

   But I recommend taking to time to put your Valentine's reservation in for next weekend's dinner and theatre combination at First United Methodist Church!

   They're presenting the play Inspecting Carol by Daniel Sullivan and The Seattle Repertory Company. 

   It's described as “A Christmas Carol meets The Government Inspector meets Noises Off.

   First Church Dinner Theater introduced the Tri-State to Inspecting Carol in 1995. This February, they will reprise the “wickedly knockabout satire.” It is the story of a struggling theater company desperate to stay afloat with their one dependable production - the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. With less than a week to prepare a show for an inspector, the company staggers from dilemma to dilemma.  Rehearsals are at a standstill, Tim is no longer Tiny, and Scrooge wants to do the play in Spanish. To bring all this foolishness to life, they have assembled a great cast:

Kay Emery - Linda LeMaster                           

Dorothy Tree-Hapgood - Jane Morse

M.J. McMann - Jenn Naglee                                

Phil Hewlett - Owen Reynolds

Wayne Wellacre - Michael Naglee                          

Walter E. Parsons - Isaiah Shook

Zorah Bloch - Sheila Meade                               

Larry Vauxhall - Dylan Clark

Luther - Brennan Adkins-Coleman         

Bri Frances - Brianna Newcome                                                               

Sidney Carlton - Todd Green

                  

     The Dinner Theater has been a winter highlight in Huntington since 1991.  It is an integral part of First Church’s Mission program, raising more than $60,000 for Mission projects through 25 productions. For example last year’s proceeds helped 10 West Virginia mission projects, the Marshall Campus Christian Center, a local family in need, the youth work team, and Christmas in Nicaragua. 

Where: First United Methodist Church, 1124 5^th Avenue in Huntington

When: Thursday, February 15; Friday, February 16; Saturday, February 17

Dinner served at 6:00 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m.

Choice of entrees: Prime Rib au Jus or Glazed Cornish hen, with Tossed Salad, Baked Potato, Green Peas and Pearl Onions, Dilly Rolls and Assorted Valentine Desserts

Tickets: Dinner plus Show:  Adult - $27   Child under 12 - $8

Show only (as space permits) - $5

Babysitting available on request for all shows (advance notice required)

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL DINNERS

        Call:  304-522-0357 or  740-867-8576 

            or e-mail  firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com

All profits benefit the Missions of First United Methodist Church.

Summer Camp Signups in Huntington

   Eddie Harbert has announced his summer camp in Huntington - here's his note:

   It's that time of year again! Time for summer theater camp! Camp this year will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. Younger camp is for ages 5-11 and will be held June 11 - 30. Participants will be performing the musical Magic Treehouse: Pirates at Half-Past Noon KIDS. 

   Older camp is for ages 11-18 and will be held July 9 - 28. They will be performing Once on This Island, Jr. 

   Both camps will run from 9am to noon Monday through Friday for three weeks. Shows will be performed the last Friday and Saturday evenings of each camp. Cost for each camp is $300. This price includes all camp materials including scripts, crafts, T-shirts, cast pictures, individual pictures and certificates. 

   Space is limited to 30 campers per camp. To register your child, please contact Eddie at 304-360-2749 or send him a private message and he will get an application to you. There is a nonrefundable $25 registration fee due with each application. All camp fees must be paid by the first day of camp. Some scholarships are available. 

   For more information about camp or if you are interested in sponsoring a child with a full or partial scholarship, please contact Eddie. 

Jenny Wiley Theatre Looking for Help

  Sad news from the Jenny Wiley Theatre in Pikeville, as fire broke out on the set of that group's next show, The Tempest over the weekend.

   The fire damaged the stage and set - and they're hard at work cleaning up the mess and rebuilding the stage. They're hoping to present the show on schedule, but warn that they may have to push the premiere back a bit.

   The show was scheduled to run on Feb. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. 

   The Theatre is asking the community for help by donating money. You can go to their website at www.jwtheatre.com for more info!

On Stage This Weekend: "1984"

   Today's Herald-Dispatch has a great story by Derek Halsey on the Paramount Players production of 1984 that runs tonight and tomorrow in Ashland.

   You can read the story right here. (The photos, including the one above, are by Larry Butcher.) 

   Here's an excerpt:

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   The year was 1949 and author George Orwell decided to write a fictional novel based on the evil possibilities of the then-burgeoning modern era. In the narrative, when it comes to humans and power, specifically the potential for abuse of power by overbearing governments and more, modern technology can play a part.

   Orwell predicted in his "1984" novel the possibilities concerning governments and regimes that have a totalitarian bent, and the themes of the book still ring true 70 years later. Orwell's story describes what can happen when the worst traits of man rise up to dominate subservient citizens with the use of never-ending war, constant spying by an oppressive government using TV and other technological tools, and the constant propaganda used to control people in a dystopian form of the world.

   The book was so successful that phrases found within it - like "Big Brother" and "thought police" - are still used to this day. Ultimately, the book explores the notion that if humans are involved, something can and will go wrong, and that absolute power is capable of corrupting humans in an absolute way.

   The Paramount Players bring "1984" to life on stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 2-3, at the Paramount Arts Center, 1300 Winchester Ave., Ashland.

   Tickets are $20 and $15 for students. Tickets will be $2 higher if purchased the day of show, and your final ticket purchase will include a $1 per-ticket historic theater restoration fee. Tickets are available online at www.paramountartscenter.com or by visiting or calling the box office at 606-324-0007.

On Stage in February

   February is here (already!) and the community theatre schedule is getting crowded! Here are the shows taking the stage this month:

- Alabama Rain - Marshall University’s Department of Theatr presents the play on Feb. 14, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center. The play tells the tale of five sisters living in a mythical southern town where it has not rained in 40 years. The play examines the perils of a stagnant existence as the sisters’ thirst for fertility and growth. In Alabama Rain, these women do battle with the powerful force of “the way things have always been.” Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to MU students.

- Inspecting Carol - First Church Dinner Theater presents the story of a struggling theater company desperate to stay afloat with their one dependable production - the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. It'll be presented at the First United Methodist Church at 1124 5^th Avenue in Huntington on Feb. 15, 16 and 17. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for dinner plus the show:  Adult - $27   Child under 12 - $8. Show only (as space permits) - $5. Reservations are required - call:  304-522-0357 or  740-867-8576 or e-mail  firstchurchdinnertheater@gmail.com.

- Chicago - The Marshall Artists Series presents the long-running Broadway smash musical on Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. 

- Amazing Grace - The Marshall Artists Series presents the Broadway musical based on the story behind the beloved song. It will be presented Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center.

- 1984 - The Paramount Players present the play based of the chilling novel by George Orwell. It will be presented on Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland. Tickets are $20 for adult and $15 for students (plus fees).

- The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical comedy on Feb. 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. The show will be presented at the Charleston Light Opera Guild Theatre at 411 Tennessee Avenue in Charleston.

- The Rack - CYAC presents the play by Dan Kehde. It focuses on the serious problem of school shootings. It’ll be presented on Feb. 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capital Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- Moon Over Buffalo - The Alban Arts Center presents the comedy on Feb. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. at the Alban Theatre in St. Albans. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students.

- The Tempest - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the Shakespeare story of magic and lost islands on Feb. 9, 10, 15, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m.

   So go out and see some shows!