Jeanette Names Her Favorite Performances of 2009

It's been a lot of fun seeing so many people send in their choices for best show or best performance of 2009. Here's the latest, from my pal Jeanette.

She writes:

Favorite performances for 2009 - what I've seen:

Breakout Performance: Nathan Mohebbi as Angel in Rent, as well as the entire chorus and band.

Best Non-Musical Peformance: Alyssa Fetherolf and Clint McElroy in I Ought To Be In Pictures.

Funniest Performance: Travis McElroy in Alexander Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move. Honorable mention to Sarah Bryan's "Smoke on the Water" flute solo in the same show, and all the Rooney Girls.

Best Musical Performance: Ryan Hardiman, Mike Murdock and Marina Jurica in Man of La Mancha; as well as Maggie Saunders, Caleb Donahoe, Sarah Hayes and Mary Kate Young in Into the Woods.

Great choices! You'll get no argument from me!

Comment On That "Peter Pan" Video

The other day I posted a video showing a couple of near-disasters on the set of a community theatre production of Peter Pan (though not a production from around here, I should add).

My pal Elaine Young sent in this comment:

I watched the Peter Pan YouTube video you posted with disbelief. It was obvious that there was little thought on setting the stage in this production but especially with the safety of the actors and the wire flying.

First Stage Theatre Co. just presented Peter Pan in 2008 and we spent hours and hours training our flight crew, stage crew and actors as to the aspects of set placement, sight lines and actor safety.

In fact, we had our flight director from ZFX here 10 days during tech week and during our first weekend of performances. Sometimes, in an effort to conserve finances and with the idea that a short and simple instruction of wire flying will be adequate, some theatre companies can become overconfident about the ability to produce this type of show.

In the YouTube video, it was obvious the flight crew did not have a proper sight line and the set was improperly placed and constructed. I have to give credit to First Stage on always keeping the actors' safety as our primary goal in all of our productions.

Proper training with a mature and knowledgeable tech crew will lead to a safe and enjoyable production for everyone. Thanks for the reminder and thanks to the amazing flight crew, tech crew and cast of First Stage Theatre's Peter Pan in Fall 2008.

That video does show the importance of going that extra mile in rehearsals and planning. Apparently the show went on as planned after that incident, but watching it should send a chill through anyone who's taken part in community theatre.

Eddie Names One Of His Favorite Shows for 2009

My pal Eddie Harbert sends along this email about one of his favorite shows and performances from 2009. He writes:

I noticed that no one has mentioned another show that was not well-attended, but that was a great show with a lot of heart. That show was Damien, which was a one-man show based on the story of Father Damien who moved to an island that was a leper colony and served there until contracting the disease himself and dying.

The show was a one-man show starring Paul Neace and directed by Mary Williams.

It is very difficult to keep a one-man show moving along, especially in a drama like Damien. Paul did a great job at showing the emotion that Father Damien went through when arriving to serve the lepers and then the awful realization that he had contracted the disease himself.

This production was a production of love that was presented at the Huntington Museum of Art last October. If you missed it, you missed a real treat.

This was also Mary Williams' directoral debut. I am sure that we will be hearing from Mary again. This was a great show to do as a first endeavor and a challenging one. One-man shows are never easy to direct. It can be very taxing to the actor (and sometimes to the audience) to keep it flowing and interesting. Paul was very effective at keeping the audience involved in the show.

I wanted to be sure that we gave this show a nod, and I am sure that we will hear more from Paul and Mary in the 2010 season!

Thanks, Eddie! I wasn't able to see the show, but I've heard nothing but raves about it!

"Peter Pan" On-Stage Accident

I caught this video online the other day, and wanted to share it as a cautionary tale. When it comes to live theatre, anything can happen - and sometimes, that can even mean danger for the actors onstage.

The site I saw this clip on was making fun of the fact that the show was fouled-up, but I have to tell you, I see nothing at all funny about this. I see at least two instances where cast members could have been seriously injured - it's every director's worst nightmare.

Here, look at the clip (it's about 1:45) and we'll talk more about it:



So not only did a huge section of the set fall over, thankfully not landing on anyone (though it's not clear if the actor playing Peter Pan was hurt), but when they get the scene reset, the wrong actor goes flying into the air and nearly slams into a set piece (they apparently thought they were lifting Pan and had their wires crossed).

Thankfully, no one appears to be injured, and the show went on - but these are the kinds of incidents everyone in theatre tries to guard against.

I mean no disrespect to the company that was staging this show. Sometimes things just go wrong no matter how careful you are.

Still, it's a good cautionary tale about checking and double-checking your sets, your effects - everything, really. I've been involved with shows that had some close calls, but thankfully, nothing on this order. (Knocks on wood.)

Levi Names His Favorite Performers For 2009

Here's another list of "Favorite Performers" - courtesy Levi "Charlie Brown" Kelley, who writes:

Okay, I have to say my Favorite Actor this year is definitely Ryan Hardiman, his performance in Man Of La Mancha gave me CHILLS, and in Rent he along with Beth Winkler as Mimi had me crying.

My choice for Best Actress is definitely Jessica Maier for her performance in All Shook Up. Such a strong presence and her comedic ability was awesome.

Best comedic actor had to be Stephanie Cook in ACTC's production of A Little Night Music. Her portrayal of the Countess Carl-Magnum had me rolling in the aisles, yet feeling sorry for her at the same time. Such a strong performance.

Those are my Favorites for this year. Oh, as well as Maggie Saunders in Into The Woods. Great job on such an iconic role as The Witch.

Thanks, Levi!

Mel Names Her Favorites for 2009!

We invited readers to send along their own choices for the best shows and performances of 2009, and my pal Mel Larch sent along these comments:

For my money, the best of the lot was the premiere of Dan Kehde's Shadowman by the Contemporary Youth Arts Company this past July.

Dark and gritty with subtle moments of humor and compassion, it was masterfully performed by a talented young cast featuring Evan Wilson, Nik Tidquist, Michelle Spencer and Madeline Ranson.

It's rare to find a company with so much diversity in their shows, but CYAC is definitely one of those rare breeds. And there are some very talented young performers among their ranks. I'm sure we'll see more good things from them this year.

Mel, I couldn't agree more - CYAC does great work, and I look forward to seeing what the group has up its collective sleeve for 2010!

More "Best of 2009" Choices!

We have more choices by readers for their "Best of 2009" choices. An Anonymous writer sends these along:

This past year was filled with so many great shows. I am not sure how 2010 will fair against it - however, with the already-known shows, it seems to be shaping to be a great year as well.

I have been to many shows this past year and have several people that I want to point out. First, the three shows I think were the best of the year are: Rent, Bitsy, Boots and Ida, and Blood Brothers the Musical. All three made me laugh and cry.

Now on to three great actresses for the year. First there is a duo that can't be matched: Loretta Hetzer and Jane Morse from Bitsy, Boots and Ida. These two command your attention. They are fantastic.

The third actress is Leanne Haines. She does very little on stage anymore, which is a shame with her amount of talent. Her role in I Ought To Be In Pictures was fantastic.

Honorable Mentions go to Becky Pain from Bitsy, Boots and Ida (she was that cranky cousin); and Marina Jurica from South Pacific - another solid performance.

Now to the men. First off, of course, Ryan Hardiman for Man of La Mancha. He always has solid performances and is always a treat to see.

Next, Nathan Mohebbi for Rent. He really shined and I dare say was born for the role of Angel.

Now last but not least, Zach Davis for Blood Brothers. He truly connected with the audience and made you feel his pain.

I also have a pick for special event of the year: The Guns and Hoses Benefit. It was loaded with talent, such as Ryan, Zach, Marina, Danny Ray, Mary Olsen, Jennifer Scott and so many more. It was a terrific evening and was a riot and joy to watch.

Now I want to add one more thing: I want to pick a "Breakthrough" actor of the year. My choice is a young man who has been in community theatre for years and generally does bit roles. In those roles, however, he commands any audiences' attention. This past year he had the audience convinced as a farmer and a father. A 70 -year-old, accident-prone politician, and a 7-year-old who grew up addicted to pills. His ability as an actor and singer just keeps getting stronger. He has never disappointed an audience. This young man is none other than Zach Davis. He is the one to watch in 2010!

Thanks, Anon! And next time, don't be bashful - give us a name!

Shelly Names Her Favorites From 2009

From the comments, my pal Shelly sends along her comments about the best performers from 2009:

I definitely agree with most (of Bil's) choices. Clint McElroy was fantastic in I Ought To Be In Pictures.

I also feel Ryan Hardiman deserves a mention for Man of La Mancha and RENT.

Nathan Mohebbi, Ryan's cast mate, deserves praise as well for one of the best performances I've seen in West Virginia for his role in RENT.

I didn't get to see Marshall University's productions, but I'm sure they were great as well!

Indeed they were, Shelly! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

On Stage Wednesday Night - CATS!

Hey, here's a great show you'll want to catch - CATS takes the stage Wednesday night, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston!

There's no better way to introduce your family to the wonders of live theater than with the magic, mystery, and memory of CATS.

What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport bookshop has become one of the longest running show in Broadway's history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song, “Memory.”

It may be sold out, but you can get ticket information by calling the box office at 304-561-3570.

Highly recommended!

One More Show for January - "I Love You..."

Whoops, I missed a show for January - my pal Eddie Harbert sends along this reminder:

I am directing I Love You...You're Perfect...Now Change for Arts Resources for the Tri-State this month.

The show dates are Jan. 29-31 and Feb. 5-7. It will be performed in a dinner theatre format with show-only tickets as well. Cost is $25.00 for dinner and show and $10 for show only.

We have a great cast: Mark Baker, Mary Olson, Ron Short, Betty Craddock, Dave Benton, Jane Modlin, Jennifer Scott and Josh Taylor.

I will send more information along or you can call me at 304-412-8738 for more information. We are still looking for people to work backstage. If you're interested, give me a call!

Shows On Stage in January

Hey, I almost forgot to list the shows coming up this month!

As near as I can tell, it's a short list. The only show I know about is The Pirates of Penzance, the classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical. It's being staged beginning the last weekend in January by the Charleston Light Opera Guild.

More on that later, and if there are shows out there I missed, let me know!

There are a few more in February, and then in March we have a bumper crop!

Stephen Talks About Touring Shows

My pal Stephen Vance sends along this comment about touring Broadway shows (and the real deal) and he has some advice for all of us:

You guys are doing such a great job covering the local stuff, I thought I'd mention a couple of the bigger shows I've seen this past year.

Early in the year a group of us went to see The Drowsy Chaperone on its national tour at the Paramount in Ashland. When I saw it in NYC a couple of years ago it became one of my favorites, and this great touring version reminded me why. It's a laugh a minute and has great musical numbers.

In the spring, I saw The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Keith Albee as part of the Marshall Artists Series and it was hilarious, and it had some great heart as well. It was also fun seeing our own Clint McElroy up on stage as a guest speller.

I made a trip to NYC in the summer and saw In the Heights and Next to Normal. In the Heights blew me away. It didn't stop from start to finish. It is one of the most fascinating and entertaining shows I've ever seen, and now it is on national tour. I didn't know what to expect from Next to Normal, and I'm glad. It is a brilliantly crafted story with good modern music and a very tight cast.

The moral of this story for your readers: Get out and see stuff. I've seen a ton of community shows and the traveling stuff in the past year, and I'm enriched and entertained every time I do. Catch every local show you can, and when shows tour through Ashland, Charleston and Huntington, check those out too. You'll be glad you did!

Bil Names His Choices for the Best of 2009

Happy New Year, theatre fans!

I invited readers to send in their opinions about the best shows and performances from 2009, and my pal Bil Neal sent along his choices.

He wrote:

I agree with your opinions in general, may I submit a few thoughts of my own? (Chuck writes: Of course!)

LEAD ACTOR - Jeremy Plyburn in Charley's Aunt (hysterical, amazing physical humor) and Clint McElroy in I Ought To Be In Pictures (the best work I've seen from him ever - and that says a lot).

LEAD ACTRESS - Marina Jurica in South Pacific (Charleston Light Opera Guild), and Alissa Fetherolf in I Ought To Be In Pictures (small cast, short run, but one of the best things I saw onstage in 2009).

SUPPORTING ACTOR - Mike Murdock in Man of La Mancha (5th Ave) and Nathan Mohebbi in Rent (CLOG). (Special nod to Mark Near in Guys & Dolls at Portsmouth Little Theatre.)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS - Erika Lawson in Waiting for Lefty (MU) and both Jessica Maier and Kerri Easter in All Shook Up (HOT).

Excellent choices, Bil!

A Look Back at 2009

Before 2009 ends, let's take a moment to look back at some (though not all) of the great community theatre shows and performances that lit up the stage this past year!

Of course, I wasn't able to see all the shows in the Tri-State this year - I'm only one man, after all - so these are my personal highlights, and you're welcome to send along yours, gentle reader. Either click the comment button at the bottom of this post, or send an email to TheMinskers@aol.com.

My impulse is always to list these as a "Top 10" list, but that's not really fair, since I'm the president of First Stage Theatre and would naturally be inclined to put those shows at the top of the list (or not put them at the top in an attempt at being fair) - so I'll stay away from that impulse. But I will list a best performer of the year - how's that?

Let's tackle them in chronological order. Here goes:

One of the first shows I saw this year was Bitsy, Boots... and Ida, a show staged by the First United Methodist Church in February. Written by Jonathan Joy, it's the latest chapter in a series of stories about two cantankerous sisters, their visiting nephew, his fiancee, and another intrusive family member. It's was a true delight - funny, with lots of local references and clever plot twists. They're working on a new story for this February - I can't wait!

In March I saw First Stage Theatre's Charlotte's Web, a wonderful version of the classic story about a little pig and his friendship with a clever spider. I was so impressed with this production - it was outstanding in every way!

At the end of March was a show I'm totally biased about... because I was the director. Alexander, Who's Not Not Not Not Not Not Going To Move was a funny, fast-moving musical that featured a terrific, talented young cast (most of whom you'll be seeing again in the upcoming Peanuts musicals next March). I also have to give special kudos to our lone adult in the show, Travis McElroy, who played numerous parts, was hilarious in each one, and also served as a great mentor to those young actors. I'm so proud of the great job by the cast and crew!

In April Marshall's Department of Theatre presented Epic Proportions, a very funny play about the 1930s-era production of a big-budget movie in the desert, and the brothers who try to break into show business. It was very funny and featured a fantastic cast, led by Chuck Hearndon, one of the best actors (comic or otherwise) around.

Despite a hectic summer, in August I saw the Charleston Light Opera Guild's production of Rent, the beloved Broadway musical. It was an amazing production with an incredibly talented cast, terrific production values and a great soundtrack. Definitely one of the area's best productions this year. Special kudos to Ryan Hardiman and Nathan Mohebbi - they knocked it out of the park!

October featured two great shows, each at opposite ends of the scale. I Ought To Be In Pictures was presented by ARTS, and featured a small cast telling the funny story of an estranged father and the daughter who tracks him down in Hollywood. Written by Neil Simon, the show was a star turn for the wonderful Alissa Fetherolf as the daughter, Clint McElroy as the grumpy but loveable Dad, and Leann Haines as the Dad's long-suffering girlfriend. A real delight!

The other show that month was a big musical production of the classic Man of La Mancha, which is based on the book Don Quixote. It was an amazing production with stunning performances by Ryan Hardiman in the title role, Marina Jurica as Dulcinea and Mike Murdock as Sancho Panza. A top-flight production all around!

November brought First Stage Theatre's Into the Woods, the beloved Sondheim musical that combines several fairy tales into a modern tale of love and loss. Featuring an all-star cast of First Stage veterans, it was an outstanding show, and one that would also be in the running for the best show of the year (along with Rent and La Mancha) if I were playing that game.

The last show I saw this year was the one-man production of A Christmas Carol, with Jack Cirillo playing the part of Charles Dickens, who is touring the country doing readings of his famous story - but he's lost his copy of the book, so he has to recreate the story from memory, playing all the parts involved. It was an amazing show, and also in the running for the best of the year.

So I saw lots of great shows and lots of great performances. It's tough to single one out - there are so many great ones to choose from! But I have to admit that the one that impressed me the most was... Jack Cirillo's one-man version of A Christmas Carol. It was amazing to watch - masterful, involving, funny, touching - his performance covered all the bases.

Whew! A great year of shows - and those are just the ones I saw. I urge you to get out there and support your community theatre groups in 2010 - they do amazing work, the ticket prices are (relatively) cheap, and you'll see performances you'll never forget!

Oh, one more thing - Happy New Year!

Pretty As A Picture

Hey, over at my pal Thomas Marsh's blog The Drawing Board (which you can see here or by clicking the link over there on the right of the page), he shows off a cool drawing he did to illustrate the recent Symphony performance at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

Pay it a visit and check out the drawing of Marina Jurica, Kimo Furumoto and my pal Ryan Hardiman. It's awesome!

Actors Needed To Bring History To Life

In the holiday crunch I forgot to post this, sent along by my pal Amy - it's of interest to actors out there, especially those with an interest in history - but you'll have to hurry, the deadline is just a day away:

The West Virginia Humanities Council is seeking applications from individuals interested in portraying historical figures as part of the council's popular History Alive! program, according to a release.

Historically significant people no longer living from any period are eligible for consideration.

The humanities council is particularly interested in proposals for characters related to the Civil War and West Virginia statehood, such as "Stonewall" Jackson, John Brown, Francis Pierpont, Arthur Boreman and others.

The application deadline is Jan. 1, 2010. Those chosen receive a stipend to support research to develop the proposed character. Proposals are limited to two potential characters per applicant and must be for portrayal of an actual person. Potential presenters must pass an audition. Selected presenters will join the History Alive! roster effective Nov. 1, 2010, for a minimum two-year period.

Each year, approximately 200 History Alive! presentations are given for schools, libraries, civic groups, historical societies and a wide range of public gatherings across West Virginia.

To apply, contact program officer Mark Payne at 304-346-8500 or payne@wvhumanities.org.

A Flood of Support for ARTS

Over the weekend the music group The 1937 Flood performed at the Renaissance Arts Center for the ARTS annual fundraiser in the center's ballroom at the old Huntington High School.

You can check out some excellent photos right here in the Herald-Dispatch photo gallery by photographer Mark Webb (here's a sample photo), and you can read more about it in this story by my pal Jean Tarbett.

The 1937 Flood is a popular country/bluegrass band. It has performed for the ARTS fundraiser several times.

Biggest Theatre Stories of 2009

Hope everyone had (or is having) a great holiday!

I'm still noodling on my own list of the best shows and performances from 2009, but you can find a list of the top theatre stories from Broadway right here at Playbill's website.

Here's a sample - their top story is about the surge of film stars into Broadway shows:

Stars sell tickets. That's been conventional wisdom along Broadway since the days of Eva Tanguay. This year, however, it seems that only stars could sell tickets. Film stars, specifically. To recession-battered ticketbuyers, only the name about the title was a trustable quantity. Reviews of Blithe Spirit were mixed; but it had Rupert Everett and Angela Lansbury and recouped. Reviewers were unimpressed with A Steady Rain, but, thanks to stars Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig, the box office was minting money.

Must Be Santa!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

For our final holiday video, here's a new one - and already one of my all-time favorites. It's none other than Bob Dylan singing "Must Be Santa" in one of the wildest, most frenetic videos ever. Enjoy!

Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Here's another fun video for you - Bruce Springsteen (wearing a nifty Christmas hat) and the E Street Band singing "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

By the way, there's nobody better in a live concert that The Boss. I'm just sayin' is all.