Stealthy Shows

Here at your Tri-State Theatre blog we try to keep you notified about shows being offered in the Tri-State area - but it's not always easy.

Some shows are staged without word of it ever reaching me - a fate that almost happened to the upcoming production of The Vagina Monologues.

I was at a restaurant in downtown Huntington last week and noticed a poster for the show, but I didn't get a look at when or where it was being presented.

Then a friend (who shall go nameless) sent this email:

The Marshall Women's Studies Department, I believe, is doing The Vagina Monologues this weekend and the proceeds are going to the Golden Girls group home.

And that's all I know so far. I'm not sure where the show will be presented, or even exactly when - but I'll keep trying to track it down.

A reminder, then, to one and all - to get the word out, all you have to do is send notes to the news outlets listing the show, time, place and any other basic information. Send it to me at TheMinskers@aol.com and I'll be glad to promote it here, too.

As a good friend once said, "I make it a point not to go to see shows I don't know about." Don't put on a stealthy show - send out the word!

Rehearsing "Camelot"

I had fun this evening at the rehearsal for the 5th Avenue Theatre production of Camelot.

The show is almost a month away, so rehearsals continue as the cast prepares for the production in the last two weekends in April at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

The classic tale of King Arthur, Guenevere and Sir Lancelot comes to life in this musical by Lerner and Lowe.

I'm prejudiced, of course, but I've been a fan of this show since discovering the soundtrack in my Grandma Hill's record collection. The show features some terrific songs, lots of humor, a sweet love story, magic - who could ask for more?

The cast is amazingly talented (though I'm not too sure about the bearded guy who plays Sir Lionel) and everyone's having fun at rehearsals.

I'll have lots more about this show in the weeks ahead, including the challenge of working around animals, and the challenge for a certain knight to learn to sing and dance at the same time.

"Peanutsapalooza" Wraps Up

Sunday was the final performance of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and it marked the wrap-up for the Peanutsapalooza event, which combined that classic musical with its sequel, Snoopy!! The Musical.

Kudos to the cast, crew and directing team for putting together an outstanding series of shows! When the director, my pal Clint McElroy, first proposed the idea, I told him, "You're crazy."

But it's a good kind of crazy - he succeeded in crafting a one-of-a-kind theatre event (along with lots of help from his directing team, of course), the young actors involved had a great experience, and the shows were terrific - my hat's off to one and all!

These were the second and third shows in this 20th Anniversary season for First Stage Theatre Company - and there's one more show to go!

The group's final show will also be its first original production. Playwright Jonathan Joy has written a non-musical show called The First Day of Summer, and the show is in rehearsal now, and will take the stage at the Huntington Museum of Art in May.

More on that one in the days ahead!

On Stage - "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

On stage this afternoon is your last chance to catch the original Peanuts musical, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown! You can read my comments about the show right here (the short version is: I loved it!).

The show is part of the Peanutsapalooza event that's been staged by First Stage Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall auditorium.

The show will be performed today at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $12 and $10 for kids 12 and under.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the first show the children's theatre staged 20 years ago. It's great fun for all ages!

The show features classic characters created by Charles Schulz, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and Sally. The songs are great, the jokes are hilarious and the show is a lot of fun!

Check it out and support your community theatre!

On Stage Tonight - "Snoopy!!! The Musical"

Tonight's your last chance to catch the show Snoopy!!! The Musical, which is part of the event known as Peanutsapalooza!

The show is being presented by First Stage Theatre Company and stars the characters from the classic Peanuts comic strip.

It will be performed tonight at the Huntington City Hall auditorium at 8 p.m. Admission is $12; $10 for kids 12 and under.

It's a fun show, with great songs and lots of heart - it's highly recommended for all ages!

And this is your last chance to catch "Snoopy," so don't miss it!

First Stage Needs Your Help! (Bumped)

If ever someone needed a friend - now is the time!

The First Stage Theatre Company needs to move all of its sets, props and other items out of the storage building we've been using for the past four years - and it needs to happen on Saturday!

Needless to say, in the last 20 years, we've accumulated quite a bit of stuff - and everything must go to the new storage building!

So First Stage is asking for everyone who's ever been involved in a First Stage show (if you're available) to show up at the storage building Saturday morning (March 27) starting at 10 a.m. for the move (directions are below).

We'll have a truck, and we have a lot of stuff to move - some of it heavy, some of it light. It's mostly flats and other set pieces from past shows, and thankfully we don't have to go far with it - but everything must go, and your pal Chuck is way too old to do this all by himself!

To get to the facility (which is located on the east end of Huntington), turn off Third Avenue onto 26th Street heading toward the river. Turn left at Guyan Avenue, go a block and turn right between buildings #2 and 3. The storage building is at the end of the block on the right.

Hope to see you there Saturday morning!

On Stage Tonight - "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Last Saturday I got to see a great show, and tonight you get a chance to do likewise.

It's the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and it is (of course) based on the incredibly popular comic strip Peanuts, created by Charles Schulz.

The show is part of the Peanutsapalooza event that's being staged by First Stage Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall auditorium.

The show will be performed at tonight at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Admission is $12 and $10 for kids 12 and under.

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, First Stage is inviting any and all alumni to Friday and Saturday's performances. That includes all the young people who took part in a First Stage or MAG-CT performance over the past 20 years! Wear a "show shirt" from any of those shows and your ticket is only $10. During Intermission the alumni will be recognized, and on Friday the winner of the Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship will be presented.

The talent on display in this cast is amazing! In You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, you have the stars of the future on display.

Playing the part of Charlie Brown is Levi Kelley, a performer who has practically grown up on stage. He manages the lead role with great skill - managing to be a lovable loser who also happens to be a great singer.

Lucy is played by Hannah Stevenson, who gets a lot of recognition for her outstanding singing voice (which she gets to show off many times here), but she also deserves credit for her acting and comedic skills - she's very funny as the crabbiest of the Peanuts gang!

Linus is played by Justin Hesson, another young performer who's an outstanding singer. He also shows here that he's a heck of a dancer, too, even with a blanket for a partner!

Sally Brown is played by Meg Riley, and she gets lots of laughs playing the part of Charlie Brown's dim sister. She also does a fantastic job singing one of my favorite songs in the show, "My New Philosophy."

Schroeder is played by Elijah Boyles, and he's another performer who has grown up on stage and turned into an amazingly gifted actor and singer. A real star turn for him here, and a great performance.

Snoopy is played with incredible energy by the adorable Kate Colclough, who gets big laughs and then shows off her terrific singing voice. She manages to nearly steal every scene she's in!

Woodstock is played by Rebecca Craig, and while she doesn't get any lines (Woodstock never talks, after all), she is cute and clever as can be and very funny, especially when conspiring with Snoopy.

Kudos also to the ensemble members, who play everything from ball players to clouds and dancing blankets. They do a fantastic job!

There's a reason shy this show has been a theatre classic for decades, and a Broadway favorite - it's sweet, very funny and a live-action version of the original comic strip.

I never get tired of this show, and I can't wait to see it again. Highly, highly recommended!

First Stage Theatre Desperately Needs Your Help!

If ever someone needed a friend - now is the time!

Today I found out that the First Stage Theatre Company needs to move all of its sets, props and other items out of the storage building we've been using for the past four years - and it needs to happen this Saturday!

Needless to say, in the last 20 years, we've accumulated quite a bit of stuff - and everything must go to the new storage building!

So First Stage is asking for everyone who's ever been involved in a First Stage show (if you're available) to show up at the storage building this Saturday morning (March 27) starting at 10 a.m. for the move (directions are below).

We'll have a truck, and we have a lot of stuff to move - some of it heavy, some of it light. It's mostly flats and other set pieces from past shows - and your pal Chuck is way too old to do this all by himself!

To get to the facility (which is located on the east end of Huntington), turn off Third Avenue onto 26th Street heading toward the river. Turn left at Guyan Avenue, go a block and turn right between buildings #2 and 3. The storage building is at the end of the block on the right.

Hope to see you there Saturday morning!

This Weekend - "Romeo & Juliet"

This weekend in Charleston you can catch an original musical version of a classic tale.

William Shakespeare’s classic tale of star-struck lovers takes to the musical stage with Scarpelli and Kehde’s acclaimed musical drama Romeo & Juliet.

Loved by audiences of all ages, this 1-hour 45-minute musical drama based on the Shakespeare tragedy captures the idealistic spirit of young lovers torn by the hatred of their families. The progeny of the Montague and Capulet clans fight for their chance at happiness against the background of warring families, as they sample the forbidden love that eventually marks their fate.

A large cast of teenagers and adults brings the fable to life, featuring the talents of Austin Thomas and Micah Atkinson in the title roles, with Phil Fisher, Craig Auge, Donnie Smith, Kirill Gura, Maddy Gourevitch, Melanie Larch, Suzanna Tucker, Michelle Spencer, Austin Susman, Michael Harris, Jim Balow and a large chorus.

Set in Renaissance Italy, the production features a 10-piece orchestra, large sets, and opulent costumes and lighting.

Curtain rises at 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday, March 27, and Thursday, April 1 through Saturday, April 3, with a special 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, March 28.

It will be presented at the WVSU Capitol Center at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are available at the door a half-hour prior to every performance.
Tickets are $9.50 for adults, $5.50 for students and seniors (65 plus).

For further information call the WVSU Capitol Center box office at 304-342-6522 during regular business hours.

I've heard great things about this show - highly recommended!

On Stage Tonight - "Snoopy! The Musical"

Taking the stage tonight in Huntington is Snoopy!!! The Musical, which is part of the event known as Peanutsapalooza!

The show is being presented by First Stage Theatre Company, and stars the characters from the classic Peanuts comic strip.

It will be performed tonight and Saturday at the Huntington City Hall auditorium at 8 p.m.

Admission is $12; $10 for kids 12 and under.

It's a fun show, with great songs and lots of heart - it's highly recommended for all ages!

It's the last two performances, so don't miss it!

More Comments from the "Peanuts" Cast

Back again with more comments from some of the cast members of the two Peanuts-based shows taking the stage Thursday night for the final weekend run of shows.

Those shows are You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, which runs Friday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and Snoopy!!! The Musical, which runs Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The shows are at the Huntington City Hall auditorium.

Now, on with the e-interview!

Q: Is it difficult to rehearse two shows at once?

Kristin Caviani: Yes! One minute we'd be rehearsing one show and the next another! At times it was very confusing.

Sarah Bryan: I don't find it that difficult, except that when I first get to rehearsal, I sometimes don't know which play that we're going to do. But overall, it's not difficult, but fun and a good challenge.

Nathaniel Fornash: Yes, it is hard to rehearse two shows but it pays off in the end.

Taranee Karimpour: No, not really, but it takes a lot of time and patience.

Catherine Dennison: At first I would say yes. It is very difficult to learn both shows but it is worth it in the end.

Meg Barber: It is very different to do two shows. It's double the work, but double the fun. It's cool to see how the characters relate to each other from each show, and how they change from each script.

Levi Kelley: Sometimes it definitely was a challenge. I know because we aren't running the same show as always, it took me a lot longer to get comfortable in running the show off-book, where as it doesn't usually take that long for me.

Rileigh Smirl: Yes, I will have to say it is hard doing two shows at once. Doing two shows at once means late nights, more costumes, more dancing, more props, more singing and most important of all more people!

Q: Why would you tell other kids they should take part in theatre?

Sarah Bryan: First, the people are awesome. People say theatre is dramatic, but, talking from experience, you find your best friends in theatre. Also, instead of just taking dance or being in a choir, it's a mixture of a lot of things. Also, it's a real challenge. You always find more of yourself from each show, because at the beginning, you'll say, "I could never do this." But by the end, you wondered how you ever didn't know how to do it.

Nathaniel Fornash: I feel other kids should take place in theatre and I've had a positive attitude.

Taranee Karimpour: I would tell people that you get to have fun and talk with friends, all while actually working. But you can also be yourself without being laughed at or thought weird by others. Also, if you like dancing, singing or acting, this is the place to be!

Catherine Dennison: Everything about a show is fun. The people are probably some of the best, they understand you and are friends that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Also, the joy of acting, singing, and dancing all mixed into one is a great plus.

Kristin Caviani: You learn confidence, respect, how to work well with big and little groups of people, how to be independent, memorization skills, new friends, and have a really really great time with fabulous people.

Meg Barber: I think kids should do theater because you meet so many wonderful people. Also because it is not like any other sport, and it's very unique.

Levi Kelley: Well, I'd say the friends you make out of it is the most important thing. Like for instance, Meg Riley, who plays my little sister Sally Brown in the show, she goes to school with me, and I'd never even met the girl before this show! And now we're practically inseparable! But the applause is also well worth it. To me it's just the sort of "tip of the hat" for working so hard and putting so much into this show.

Rileigh Smirl: Take part in theatre to meet new friends, hearing some great jokes and in my case seeing some pretty cool magic tricks backstage. I have been in 16 shows - every one of them special to me. I have done some pretty crazy things in theatre - from falling down some steps a few times to wearing some pretty crazy costumes. So yes, theatre is challenging but in the end when you take that final bow it's every ounce as rewarding!

Q: Last question: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Sarah Bryan: I would recommend this show to them because firstly they're both really funny shows. Also, the songs are really upbeat and fun. The actors are great, and it's just so much fun to watch and be in both of them.

Taranee Karimpour: Because it is hilarious! You can watch a bunch of little children (and a dog and bird) go on adventures and be goofy, and much, much more.

Catherine Dennison: Because it is a classic and it is so funny your stomach will hurt when you leave!

Meg Barber: They are great show with wonderful themes. We try to make the audience feel like they're a part of the show, and it's fun for all ages.

Levi Kelley: It's adorable. If you love the Peanuts gang, you'll love this. It captures the spirit of the comics and TV specials and puts these characters you grew up watching right on the stage in front of you! And to me that's just magical.

Rileigh Smirl: I would recommend the show because it is both entertaining, dramatic, colorful and funny and fit for kids of all ages (including 50 and up). This show is a true ride for adults, seniors and kids!

Kristin Caviani: Obviously, I'm a tad biased. However, I really love both shows. I think that the shows portray different sides of characters. In You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Chuck is seen as his awkward low-self -esteemed self and Snoopy is a very humorous surface character, just like you see in the comic strip. As a contrast, in Snoopy!!! The Musical, Charlie Brown is portrayed as just Snoopy's owner and Snoopy has more depth to his character, you see his background, his thoughts and his feelings. The leads in both shows are doing a magnificent job! My woodstock, Rileigh, does some adorable things - she's always jumping around with cute little props. All in all, both shows are extremely adorable and I wholeheartedly recommend every reader come to both shows. They are cute, funny, and a really nice way to spend the evening with your family and friends.

Thanks again to the cast for their time - remember, this is the last weekend for these great shows - check 'em out!

Comments from the "Peanuts" Cast

So for the next couple of days we'll be running excerpts from e-interviews with some of the talented young cast members from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Snoopy!!! The Musical.

Both those shows take the stage at the Huntington City Hall auditorium Thursday night at 8 p.m., and both are highly recommended!

Here's what the cast had to say:

Q: Tell us about the parts you play.

Meg Barber: I play Lucy in Snoopy!!! The Musical, and it is so much fun. She is a crabby and bossy character, and is very interesting to play. Were alike in a lot of ways.

Kristin Caviani: I am Snoopy in Snoopy!!! The Musical. Snoopy's a very confident character that confides in his best buddy Woodstock.

Rileigh Smirl: I play Woodstock (in Snoopy!!! The Musical) and he is kind of like Snoopy's #1 fan. He never says a word, always pantomimes and even if it's crazy, Woodstock will go along with what Snoopy is saying. Woodstock uses many props in the show so instead of clapping with hands he will clap with one of those toy hands and most of the time instead of saying something he will act it out.

Levi Kelly: I play Charlie Brown in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. He's probably the most depressed little kid you'll ever meet in your life. He has all these things 'wrong' with him, and the rest of the Peanuts gang doesn't seem to let him forget it either.

Catherine Dennison: I play a baseball player, a cloud, a blanket and a normal person. When I play a baseball player I am a part of the actual team on stage. Me, as well as the "Charlie Brown" cast leads and three others are members of the classic baseball scene. When I am a cloud we get to act out the formations Snoopy sings about. As a blanket we are dancing blankets for "My Blanket and Me" and it is a blast! We are part of the cast numbers that show all of our unique talents very well.

Taranee Karimpour: I play a bunch of parts, like the Little Pigtailed Girl, who is a little kid who takes part in the Peanuts adventure, a puppy (in one part, little Snoopy), and a bird.

Q: What's your favorite part about being in this show?

Taranee Karimpour: I love every single thing about it - the music, the movement, but most especially, the people (who are THE BEST!)

Catherine Dennison: My favorite part is when we are all warmed up and we feel the energy and our friends around us and sing our hearts out and it sounds amazing!

Kristin Caviani: My favorite part about any show is the people you meet and every night when the curtain opens. It's such a rush! I have made life-long friends that I know I will never forget thanks to theater and I am eternally grateful. I have seen kids grow up, and people have seen me grow up too! We're all just like a family.

Meg Barber: My favorite part about doing this show, is getting to be with these amazing people. Clint and Tommy are so fun to work with, and have great ideas when it comes to acting. Mary is just so talented, and I am honored to work with her, and Chris and Karen are so great, and we had a lot of fun when we were learning the music.

Levi Kelley: Working with such wonderful and talented people. I love my fellow castmates and wouldn't trade them for anyone in the world. I think we've all really become a close group of friends like the Peanuts gang. We all love each other and really depend on each other.

Rileigh Smirl: My favorite part would have to be getting to be Kristin Caviani's Woodstock! She is like a sister to me. She will help me with cues and props, saying, "Here's a list of numbers in order from Act One to Act Two" to "Clint, Rileigh needs two extra minutes to find her prop."

Thanks to the cast for taking part in our e-interview! We'll have more comments soon!

Celebrating 20 Years of Children's Theatre in Huntington

In 1990, Huntington's first children's theatre was formed. It went by the name MAG-CT (for Musical Arts Guild - Children's Theatre, since the group was created as an offshoot of the adult organization).

The first show that group presented was You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Ten years later, the children's theatre became an independent organization (with the blessing of MAG) and took a new name - First Stage Theatre Company.

To celebrate 10 years of children's theatre, the group presented "Charlie Brown" again in 2000. Here we are, 10 years later, and once again First Stage is presenting that Peanuts classic, along with its sequel, Snoopy!!! The Musical.

Next weekend (Thursday through Sunday) are your last chances to catch those shows (they alternate days, with "Snoopy" on Thursday and Saturday, and "Charlie Brown" on Friday and Sunday).

To celebrate its 20th Anniversary, First Stage is inviting any and all alumni to Friday's performance of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. That includes all the young people who took part in a First Stage or MAG-CT performance over the past 20 years! Wear a "show shirt" from any of those shows and your ticket is only $10. During Intermission the alumni will be recognized, and the winner of the Leslie McElroy Memorial Scholarship will be presented.

You'll also get to see a great show, and you'll see that the future is bright for theatre in Huntington!

On Stage This Afternoon - "Snoopy!!! The Musical"

Saturday night I saw the musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and loved it! I laughed, I cheered and I got choked up at the end (The song "Happiness" always gets me.) I'll have a more detailed review soon.

And that's only half of the event known as Peanutsapalooza!

Taking the stage this afternoon in Huntington is the sequel to "Charlie Brown" - Snoopy!!! The Musical. It wraps up the first of two weekends of Peanutsapalooza!

The show is being presented by First Stage Theatre Company, and stars the characters from the classic Peanuts comic strip.

It will be performed today at the Huntington City Hall auditorium at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is $12; $10 for kids 12 and under.

It's a great show, and highly recommended for all ages!

Over the next couple of days I'll be running some interviews with members of the cast, so keep an eye out for that!

On Stage Tonight - "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

On stage tonight is the original Peanuts musical, You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!

The show is part of the Peanutsapalooza event that's being staged by First Stage Theatre Company at the Huntington City Hall auditorium.

The show will be performed at tonight at 8 p.m. Admission is $12 and $10 for kids 12 and under.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the first show the children's theatre staged 20 years ago. It was last presented 10 years ago, and it's great fun for all ages!

The show features classic characters created by Charles Schulz, including Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder and Sally. The songs are great, the jokes are hilarious and the show is a lot of fun!

Check it out and support your community theatre at the same time!

On Stage Tonight - "Snoopy! The Musical"

Taking the stage tonight in Huntington is the musical, Snoopy, which is part of the two week event known as Peanutsapalooza!

The show is being presented by First Stage Theatre Company, and stars the characters from the classic Peanuts comic strip.

It will be performed tonight at the Huntington City Hall auditorium at 8 p.m. and again Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Admission is $12; $10 for kids 12 and under.

It's a great show, and highly recommended for all ages!

Over the next couple of days I'll be running some interviews with members of the cast, so keep an eye out for that!

On Stage Tonight - "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

My pal Dave Lavender turns in an outstanding story about Peanutsapalooza, which hits the stage tonight at 8 p.m. at the Huntington City Hall auditorium.

You can read the story right here:

Charlie Brown is like the Halley's Comet of kid's theater in Huntington.

Like clockwork, every 10 years, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus, Peppermint Patty and friends magically peel themselves from the pages of the Sunday comics to come alive on stage thanks to First Stage Theatre Company.

This weekend, First Stage, which picked the playful musical, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, as its first show 20 years ago, and as its 10th anniversary show in 2000, is reviving that show as well as its sequel, Snoopy, for the next two weekends at the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington City Hall.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown will be performed at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 18; 8 p.m. Saturday, March 20; 8 p.m. Friday, March 26; and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 28.

The musical, Snoopy, will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, March 19; 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 21; 8 p.m. Thursday, March 25; and 8 p.m. Saturday, March 27.

Admission is $12; $10 for kids 12 and under.

Clint McElroy, who is directing both shows, said the historic undertaking of putting up two Peanuts musicals at one time has been dubbed Peanutsapalooza.

"The set is beautiful and it looks like they just stepped inside a Peanuts strip, and the characters and the songs are a blast," McElroy said. 'It sounds corny to say but the whole family really will enjoy this because there's stuff for kids and adults. With two shows the way we've structured it with two weeks going you can see one show this weekend and one completely different show next weekend."

While they at times felt like they were putting the 'nuts' in Peanuts when snowstorms and Monday's power outage canceled needed rehearsals, McElroy said they all felt like the musicals based on the iconic comic by the late, great Charles Schulz embodies the fun-loving spirit and hard work of the non-profit children's theater.

While the Peanuts characters are kids, they often talk about more grown-up situations, a ground-breaking fact that has accounted somewhat for the longevity of the strip that is still in syndication years after Schulz passed away.

"I think Peanuts was the first comic strip that kind of put adult words in little kids' mouths and adult attitudes," McElroy said. "Not completely but when a 5-year-old is talking about neurosis and everything else, well, that is very funny and Charles Schulz laid the ground work for a lot of strips that followed -- Calvin and Hobbes and a lot of other strips. You look at his strips and sometimes they aren't really jokes per se, just funny observations and observational humor has really been a trend among strand-comics and people over the past few years too."

McElroy said they couldn't do this without First Stage's team of dedicated parents and volunteers such as the two show producers, Rebecca Melton Craig and Tracy Meadows, the shows' choreographer, Mary Smirl and musical director, Chris Bowling.

First Stage came up with the idea about a year ago. The production team has been working on it for about six months, and rehearsals started on Jan. 4, with the lead characters in one show taking ensemble roles in the other play.

"It has been hard just from a logistics standpoint getting all the rehearsals organized and all the things lined up," McElroy said, "What has surprised me is how little trouble they've had in remembering the material and picking up the material. The kids in the show are phenomenal."

Spring Valley High School sophomore Levi Kelley, who has been in shows since 2004, plays the lead role in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown.

Other actors in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, include: Lucy Van Pelt, Hannah Stevenson; Linus Van Pelt, Justin Hesson; Sally Brown, Meg Riley; Schroeder, Elijah Boyles; Snoopy, Kate Colclough; Woodstock, Rebecca Craig.

Kelley said one of the toughest things about the role is continually reminded himself that he is supposed to be a little kid.

The rehearsals must be working though, maybe too well.

"I am actually saying 'Good Grief' in my actual life," Kelley said laughing. "We're all a little like Charlie Brown in a way so it's not hard to conjure up Chuck."

Huntington High School sophomore Kristin Caviani plays the lead role of Snoopy in Snoopy.

Other featured actors in that show include: Charlie Brown, played by Chad Arthur; Lucy Van Pelt, Meg Barber; Linus Van Pelt, Samuel Collins; Sally Brown, Leslie Collins; Peppermint Patty, Elizabeth Schmitz; and Woodstock, Rileigh Smirl.

Interestingly Smirl, who is only 9, played Woodstock five years ago in a production in Ashland that also starred her mom and dad Tommy and Mary Smirl.

Mary Smirl said these shows are a lot of fun to choreograph since the Peanuts gang is a group of awkward little kids.

"These kids don't move like kids," said Mary Smirl, laughing about ordering the kids to YouTube Peanuts to get a better idea as to how to move like these iconic characters. "The movements are kind of restrictive and choppy and close to the body and kind of over exaggerated."

Blessed with an energetic ensemble of two dozen kids, the musicals bring a lot of energy to the stage.

"The show is just a lot of fun," said Caviani, "I think my favorite part is the big numbers that make it a lot of fun and that really make it lively."

Those big numbers may be a lot of fun, but musical director Chris Bowling said it is not the easiest music to tackle.

"Both of these are beautiful shows," Bowling said. "Snoopy was written in the 1970s and reflects the times stylistically, the newer version of Charlie Brown has a lot more choral music and everything from good classics like 'Moonlight Serenade' to full on gospel and jazz so there is a broad selection of genres."

ARTS Announces Its Upcoming Season

My pal Bil Neal sends along this note announcing the upcoming season for ARTS - and it's a great one!

The shows will be presented at the Renaissance Theater (which is the old Huntington High School, natch). He writes:

As the Chairman of the Production Committee it's my pleasure to announce the following plays:

Baby (the musical) will be performed in the ballroom August 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 with Eddie Harbert directing. Details will follow soon, but this is a continuation of our dinner theatre presentations. It's a story of three couples at three different stages of life and their reactions to having a baby. A little poignancy, a little hilarity.

Will Roger's Follies will be on the main stage October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. I couldn't find where it's been done in the area before - and we're proud to produce it. This is a combination of Will Roger's life and stories along with the showmanship of the Zeigfeld Follies. We'll be looking for showgirls, cowboys and a guy who's never met a man he didn't like. Proficiency with rope tricks will move you to the front of the audition line.

Finally, I'm delighted to announce that ARTS is one of the first community theatres in the country to be given the rights to produce The Drowsy Chaperone. We'll be mounting that on the main stage April 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 in 2011.

There's obviously a lot of details to follow, but I wanted your readers to be the first to know. You may also have noticed that I'm only announcing one project's director. We're certainly open. Anyone interested in such a project can call me at ARTS at 304-733-2787

On Stage This Week - "Peanutsapalooza!"

Taking the stage this week are two shows running under the umbrella title Peanutsapalooza!

First Stage Theatre Company and director Clint McElroy have tackled the Herculean task of presenting the original (and incredibly popular) Broadway musical based on the Peanuts comic strip, You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown on alternating days with the musical sequel to that show, Snoopy! The Musical.

Both shows will be presented at the Huntington City Hall auditorium over the next two weekends.

It's part of First Stage's 20th anniversary celebration. You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown was the first show staged by the children's theatre, and it was presented again 10 years ago by First Stage.

To be honest, I didn't care for the show when I saw it staged on television in the '60s with adults playing the characters. But seeing young people in the musical really brings it to life - and now it's one of my all-time favorite shows. Go figure!

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown will alternate nights with Snoopy! The Musical (see the schedule below). The show has two terrific casts, they're funny and loaded with great songs - a real treat for all ages!

I admit to being prejudiced, but I give this one my highest recommendation! Here are the show times:

YOU'RE A GOOD MAN CHARLIE BROWN

Thursday March 18, 2010 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday March 20, 2010 - 8:00 p.m.
Friday March 26, 2010 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday March 28, 2010 - 2:30 p.m.

SNOOPY! THE MUSICAL

Friday March 19 - 8:00 p.m.
Sunday March 21, 2010 - 2:30 p.m.
Thursday March 25, 2010 - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday March 27, 2010 - 8:00 p.m.

Prices are $12 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under First Stage Ticket Hotline (304) 416-KIDS (5437).

More About the "Rhythm in Red" Victory

I tracked down some more information on this story about Cabell Midland High School's big win this weekend.

The Rhythm in Red Show Choir won the "Grand Championship" at the West Virginia Music Educators Association State Show Choir Competition March 13 in Charleston.

In addition to the overall championship, Rhythm in Red captured the championship in Class "A" (large schools), and was the only choir to be awarded a "superior" rating by the judges. Rhythm in Red also swept the group categories, capturing additional awards for "Best Choral Sound," "Best Choreography," "Best Show Concept" and "Best Instrumental Ensemble."

Freshman Christa Navy was also named "Best Overall Female Soloist" for the competition.

Wes Urian was named Rhythm in Red's "Best Performer."

Poca was awarded "First Runner-Up," followed by Martinsburg, Hurricane and Nitro.

I also wanted to pass along this comment from an observer: "It's a huge accomplishment, and for CMHS to break into the stranglehold that Hurricane and Poca has had on the championship is amazing."

Congrats again to Rhythm in Red!