Kennie Talk About "Jekyll & Hyde!"

Coming this weekend to the stage in Huntington is Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical, the hit Broadway show based on the famous book.

One of the stars of the show is my pal Kennie Bass (he plays John Utterson), and he provides some more information about the show in this e-interview (and I'll have more of them in the days ahead).

Q: Why did you want to be part of the musical Jekyll & Hyde?

Kennie: I wasn't very familiar with the musical. I had previously heard the song "Facade" but I didn't know its origin. However, after listening to the soundtrack, I became a fan. The music is absolutely incredible, and the leads... Ryan Hardiman (Jekyll), Brittany Adkins (Emma) and Andrea Parkins (Lucy)... perform the songs beautifully. I am very honored and humbled to be working alongside them... they can just flat-out sing. It's going to be amazing.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with the show, give us the basics.

Kennie: Set in the fall of 1888, Dr. Henry Jekyll's father is mentally ill. For several years, Jekyll has been seeking a cure for mental illness... to somehow separate the good and evil in man. He thinks he's found the answer, but he needs the ruling authorities to sanction his experiments. When he's denied, Jekyll decides to proceed and experiment on himself, with less than stellar results.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Kennie: John Utterson is Jekyll's lawyer, but more importantly he is his best friend. In a couple of spots he serves as narrator, moving the story forward. But his main role is to support his friend... and to act as his conscience. I've joked with Ryan that Utterson is this musical's Jiminy Cricket... trying to steer Jekyll down the correct path. History shows that Utterson is not entirely successful in his efforts.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this role?

Kennie: Since it's set in London, I had to figure out how much of an accent should be used. Under the direction of Eddie Harbert, I came up with a formal style of speaking. I don't use a heavy British accent. You'll notice it when I speak a few words here and there... but mostly Utterson speaks in a formal, gentlemanly manner.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Kennie: "His Work and Nothing More" features Jekyll, Utterson, Emma and Sir Danvers. It's a big number with a classic Broadway-style finish. But like many others, I'd have to say that "This Is The Moment" is my favorite. It's a show-stopper... and a tremendous showcase of Ryan Hardiman's vocal and acting talents. It will give you chills. But there are many, many great songs... Ryan, Brittany and Andrea deliver on each and every one of them.

Q: Tell us about the cast.

Kennie: The cast has been a dream. Besides Ryan, Brittany and Andrea... who are all brilliant choices, Terry Salyer just nails it as Sir Danvers. He's Emma's father and very concerned his daughter is getting into a "complicated" relationship with her fiance', Dr. Jekyll.

Additionally, we have a great group playing the Board of Governors. Betty Craddock, Scott Black, Michael Byrd, Joshua Price and Levi Kelley are all properly snobbish and "upper crust." Michael Naglee is perfect as Simon Stride, who is Jekyll's rival for Emma's love. When you add in Jenn Naglee (Lucy's friend Nellie), Aaron Pennington (Spider/Poole/Priest) the "Red Rat" girls (including the wonderful Jane Modlin) and an energetic ensemble, you have a pretty potent mixture of talent.

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

Kennie: It's a classic story of love... betrayal... life... and death. A tale of a man reaching for the heavens... and falling utterly and completely into hell. You combine that with an incredibly talented cast which can deliver all of the emotions of the story and hit all of the notes of the music, and you have the recipe for a winner. Director Eddie Harbert possessed a specific vision for this story... and he found the right cast to tell it. With Maestro Chris Bowling's outstanding musical direction... and choreography by Coni Anthony... you will be entertained. I've been listening to these people sing these songs nearly every day for six weeks... and I'm not tired of them! They are as fresh and exciting now as they were the first time they performed them.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Kennie: Jekyll & Hyde: The Musical
Presented by Arts Resources for the Tri-State (ARTS)

October 14-16 / 21-23
Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m.
Sunday Matinees 2:30 p.m.

Show only tickets: $15
Dinner and show: $30 (Fri-Sat only - Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.)

The Renaissance Center Auditorium
(Old Huntington High)
900 8th Street, Huntington, WV

Call 304-733-ARTS for tickets and info.

"A Midsummer Night's Dream"

I caught the final performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, as staged by the Marshall Theatre Alliance, and I'm so glad I did!

It demonstrated why Marshall is the Gold Standard which all other theatre groups aspire to.

It was a fantastic production with an incredibly talented cast, an amazing set (including clever use of MU's rotating stage), great period costumes and props from the 1960s, and an ingenious take on Shakespeare's classic comedy. It even included dancing and singing, and that was terrific, too!

The play was set in the '60s at the Athens Corporation, a company that you might see in the TV show "Mad Men," as executives chase their true loves and encounter some flower children in the woods. Magic spells follow, the wrong people fall in love, some hilarious "actors" get in the mix, and the whole thing is just a scream from beginning to end.

The show was funny, outrageous, randy, clever and just a blast to watch. It was also great to enjoy it with such a large, appreciative crowd.

My hat's off to director Jack Cirillo, who has managed to create what is now my all-time favorite Shakespeare performance, and a show that may very well win the "Best of the Year" honors.

I wish I could say, "Run out and see it," but that was the last performance - so if you missed it, all I can say is: shame on you!

Murder Mystery on a Train

Everyone loves a mystery! Here's your chance to solve one:

WHO: The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society & Murder and Merriment

WHAT: Interactive Murder Mystery Theatre presentation of The Murdered Mistress

WHEN: Oct. 14, 15, 21, & 22: nightly at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Heritage Station, Huntington, WV

The Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society presents The Murdered Mistress on the New River Train, an interactive Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre Party Oct. 14, 15, 21 and 22, nightly at 7:00 p.m., at Heritage Station at 210 Eleventh Street in Huntington, WV.

"Murder and Merriment" will provide the entertainment each night. The Murdered Mistress focuses on the 2012 Presidential campaign trail, as U.S. Senator Joe Jackson is traveling by train throughout West Virginia with his family and staff campaigning for President. Murder, scandal and intrigue unfortunately threaten to destroy his bid for the country's highest office.

The cast features local actors James Edward Holley, Kendra Egnor, Josh Taylor, Joanna Berner, Allan Stern, Sarah Diamond Burroway, Scott Neill, Ron Short, Ashley Bond and George R. Snider III as Lieutenant Frank Columbus.

Crumpets and Tea will be serving a catered dinner to the Guests. Tickets are $40 each and must be reserved by calling 1-866-639-7487. The first 40 guests each night will have the opportunity to eat dinner on the Pullman Dining Car at Heritage Station.

Since 1966, the Collis P. Huntington Railroad Historical Society has presented the world-renowned New River Train excursions through the beautiful New River Gorge in southern West Virginia. As one of the newest national parklands, the "Grand Canyon of the East" along the New River is aglow in fall colors in mid to late October.

It is during this peak autumn foliage time that their train traverses the former Chesapeake & Ohio main line from Huntington, WV to Hinton, WV, allowing for a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Nearly 4,000 visitors and travelers depart from Huntington on this train excursion during the two week period in October. The Railroad Historical Society is sponsoring the Murder Mystery to provide additional entertainment to these out-of-town guests as well as to local mystery theatre audience members. It is also another opportunity to showcase the local theatrical talent in the Huntington area and strengthen the value of this community.

The sponsoring organization is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization and is operating the train trip and murder mystery to help fund restoration of railroad equipment, maintain its museum, and associated railroad historical projects.

This is the fifth Murder Mystery presented at Heritage Station within the last year. Previous mysteries performed have included: “Murder at the Opera,” “A Murderous Reunion,” “Goering's Diamonds” and “Marriage, Mob, & Murder.”

On Stage This Weekend - "Midsummer," "Ramona" and "Family Cabaret"

You have two great stage shows to choose from this weekend - and a fun concert:

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the last performance of the comedy Saturday, Oct. 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Ramona Quimby - the Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the beloved book at the Civic Center Little Theatre Saturday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

- Family Cabaret - “Bring Your Own” Dinner Theatre at the Highlawn Presbyterian Church at 2814 Collis Avenue, Huntington. Pack your favorite casserole or pizzaa, hear songs from Disney and MGM, the Muppet Show, television and a family sing-along. Drinks and dessert available. Shows will be presented Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.

Family Cabaret This Weekend

My pal Bruce Rous sends along this info about a fun performance this weekend:

Family Cabaret

A performance for the entire family!

“Bring Your Own” Dinner Theatre

Pack your favorite casserole or pizza – bring the kids and Grandma.

Songs from Disney and MGM, the Muppet Show, television and a Family sing-along.

Drinks and dessert available.

Highlawn Presbyterian Church at 2814 Collis Avenue, Huntington.

Friday, Oct. 7 and Saturday, Oct. 8 at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 9 at 1 p.m.

Performers - Scott Burner, Laura Campbell, Amy and Justin Carlson, Bil Neal, Mary Olsen, Linda Reynolds, Bruce Rous and Michael Sidoti.

Tickets: $15 - adults, $7 - children under 13. $45 for family of 5.

Reservations required - call 304–654-7399

(Performance not suitable for children under age 3.)

On Stage This Weekend - "Ramona Quimby"

Here's a show that almost slipped past me - the Children's Theatre of Charleston is presenting Ramona Quimby at the Civic Center Little Theatre Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for children (ages 3-13) and $12 for adults.

Tickets available at the Civic Center Box Office or at the door. Call 304-346-0164 for more information.

For those who haven't met Ramona, here's what to expect:

Unpredictable. Exasperating. Boisterous and Independent. That's Ramona Quimby for you.

Always aggravating her older sister, Beezus, constantly getting into trouble and sometimes "making a big, noisy fuss" when things don't go her way. As narrator, Beezus (Beatrice Quimby) introduces the Quimby family and friends and thereby sets the scene for the collection of vignettes that trace Ramona's tumultuous passage through third grade and through her family relationships.

At school, she throws a tantrum when provoked by a classmate and is sent home in disgrace. The teacher's wrath, an important family wedding, persistent sibling bickering and Mr. Quimby's attempts to give up smoking are part of the fabric that shape a humorous, loving family portrait.

The characters and the material, adapted by Obie Award-winning playwright Len Jenkin, are as "today" as the morning newspaper. The problems facing the Quimbys, a middle-class Oregon family, are problems common to most families, and the family's togetherness in tackling the sacrifices and adjustments required when the father is unexpectedly fired from his job is a clear statement of traditional family values.

Along with the discovery that life is not always fair, eventually Ramona and Beezus come to realize that sisters may not always agree, but they can be good to have around.

On Stage This Week - "A Midsummer Night's Dream"

Starting Wednesday, Marshall University's Theatre Alliance is presenting one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, the comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

But this isn't just any old production of the play - the creative team has transplanted it to a more recent setting. Here's a synopsis of the show:

The high modern style of the 1960s defines the urbane and conformist society of Athens, where men are masterful and women are compliant.

All’s right with the world, until the love dust hits the air on a riotous midsummer night and the children of privilege prove to be unruly.

In Shakespeare’s dream world of reversals, confusion, and shifting realities, the deceptive allure of surface gives way to the deeper mysteries of identity.

The show runs Oct. 5, 6, 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

Here's a video to whet your appetite:

Happy Birthday to This Blog!

It's amazing to realize this humble blog celebrates its fifth "birthday" today!

What a blast it has been to be part of the community theatre scene - I've made many new friends though this venue, and hopefully we've provided some key information about local shows and events.

With just over 1900 posts written, I find I'm still having a heck of a lot of fun, so I hope to continue on into the future - I hope you'll keep following along, gentle readers, and don't forget to chime in every now and then and let us know what you think.

Just for fun, here's the first post from way back in October 4, 2005 (with some minor editing to take out dated references to "coming soon" attractions:

Local theatre in an interesting phenomenon, wherein a group of people gather together to “Put On A Show.”

Huntington has a rich history of theatre, both at Marshall University and its outstanding Department of Theatre, and through community efforts, including groups like the Musical Arts Guild, the First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington Outdoor Theatre, Fifth Avenue Theatre and ARTS, to name the ones that leap immediately to mind.

You’ll also find active theatre groups at almost every local high school, and several groups just a short drive away in Charleston and Ashland.

And thanks to the Marshall Artists Series, we even get to see professional theatre groups perform locally.

So if you like live theatre (and we assume you wouldn’t be here if you didn’t), there’s a lot to choose from. In addition to its rich history, Huntington has a bright future ahead, with some impressive shows on the way in the months and years ahead.

That’s why, under the kind auspices of The Herald-Dispatch, we’re launching this theatre blog - to focus on those local shows, and talk about the shows that are coming up, shows from years past (the ones you loved and the ones you hated), and to take you behind the scenes to see how shows are made.

If you have a topic you want to offer up, drop me an e-mail and we’ll get the discussion going. I’ll be offering my own comments, reviews and previews as we go along. Comments are always welcome, as long as they’re civil.

So thanks for stopping by - we hope you’ll add us to your “Favorites List” (hint, hint)!

Shows On Stage in October

Here are the shows coming up in October - as always, if I missed any, drop me a line via the comments link at the bottom of this post, or email me at TheMinskers@aol.com.

- Jekyll & Hyde - ARTS presents the blockbuster musical Oct. 14, 15, 16 and Oct. 21, 22 and 23 at The Renaissance Center Auditorium, 900 8th Street in Huntington.

- A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - Marshall University’s Theatre Alliance presents the comedy Oct. 5 - 8 at 8 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

- Bat Boy the Musical - Curtains Up Players presents the musical Oct. 27, 28, 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5 and 6 at the Jeslyn Performing Ats Center.

- Ramona Quimby - the Children's Theatre of Charleston presents the play based on the beloved book at the Civic Center Little Theatre Oct. 7 at 7 p.m., Oct. 8 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Oct. 9 at 2 p.m.

- Othello by William Shakespeare - Charleston Stage Company presents the classic play October 20-22, 27-29, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre.

- Annie - Charleston Light Opera Guild, in collaboration with The Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of WV, stages the Broadway blockbuster Oct. 28, 29, 30 and Nov. 4, 5, 6, 2011 at the Maier Performance Hall at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences.

- Chicago - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the Broadway hit musical Oct. 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m.

- Rock of Ages - Paramount Arts Center presents the touring version of the hit Broadway musical Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m.

- Bug - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the intense psychological drama Oct. 21, 22, 28 and 29.

- Suessical the Musical - Portsmouth Childrens Theatre presents the delightful Dr. Seuss play on Oct. 21, 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. at Shawnee State University on the Vern Riffe Stage.

Last Chance to Catch "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

You have one more chance to catch the musical Schoolhouse Rock Live!

It's based on the short educational cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s. It includes songs like "Interjections," "I'm Just a Bill," "Mother Necessity" and "My Hero Zero" among many, many others.

The last show takes the stage at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the old Huntington High School auditorium at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Two More Chances to See "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"

I'm told the cast had another great show tonight, which means you have only two chances left to catch Schoolhouse Rock Live!

The musical is based on the educational kids cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s (so it's the perfect show for young people - it's fun and educational).

The show takes the stage at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the old Huntington High School auditorium at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Oh, and here's your daily video - this one is the sweet tune called "Three is a Magic Number."

This Weekend - "Schoolhouse Rock Live"

I'm told the cast of Schoolhouse Rock Live had a blast today, performing for two packed school shows! You can still catch that great show - here's your daily reminder and video link: this weekend you have three more chances to see Schoolhouse Rock Live!

It's part of the 22nd season for First Stage Theatre Company/ That group brings the musical to life at the old Huntington High School. It's based on the educational kids cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s (so it's fun and educational).

The show takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Oh, and here's your daily video - another favorite called "Sufferin' Until Suffrage."

Conjuction Junction

This weekend is your last chance to catch Schoolhouse Rock Live!

First Stage Theatre Company has brought the musical to life at the old Huntington High School. It's based on the educational kids cartoons that ran on ABC-TV in the '70s and '80s (so you see a fun show and learn a few things at the same time).

Directed by Amy Browning and starring 45 young performers, Schoolhouse Rock Live takes place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Renaissance Art Center at 900 8th Street.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org where you can also find out more info about upcoming shows including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (director Justin McElroy) and Seussical (director, Mary Smirl).

To job your memory about Schoolhouse Rock, here's a favorite place to visit: Conjuction Junction.

On Stage This Weekend: "Jack the Ripper"

The original musical Jack the Ripper continues its run in Charleston this weekend - here's a press release with all the latest info:

CYAC presents Scarpelli and Kehde's JACK THE RIPPER
Thursday, Sept. 29 thru Saturday, Oct. 1 at 8 p.m.
WVSU Capitol Center Theater
123 Summers Street, Charleston

Tickets available at the door - Adults $10, Students $6

"Veteran community theater actor Kevin Pauley is effusive when he talks about Contemporary Youth Arts Company's revival of Dan Kehde and Mark Scarpelli's original rock opera, Jack the Ripper.

He said the show, which continues this weekend, is "easily the most ambitious and challenging piece of work they've ever done. It's big. It's huge. It's the kind of thing you'd expect to see on Broadway.

"You've got to see this thing," the veteran local actor gushed. "It's dark and tense and funny, at times. The music is incredibly complex. There's a 10-piece orchestra and layers of voices performing. The music for this thing is packed. And the book? It's a tome. It's huge."

The play which was first performed by CYAC in 2008, is intense on two fronts, Pauley said.

First off, the show is based on the true story of a series of grisly murders that occurred in London starting in 1888. The victims all were prostitutes and the murders became increasingly violent. The killer, who dubbed himself Jack the Ripper in a series of letters to police, was never arrested.

Pauley said besides the dark story line, the show is intense because of the complexity of the production.

"This, to me, is their master stroke," he said of Kehde and Scarpelli, who have teamed up on dozens of original productions. "It's the most complex score they've ever created. It has layers of dialogue and singing that are very challenging.

"When you hear this thing, you won't believe that two guys in Charleston wrote this thing. It is like Broadway caliber as far as what it delivers."

"White Christmas" Auditions on Saturday

This announcement arrived today from my pal Eddie Harbert:

The City of Huntington Foundation and 5th Avenue Theatre Company are pleased to announce that final auditions for White Christmas will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2011, in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall at 2:00 p.m.

There are several ensemble roles that remain to be cast as well as the role of Susan Waverly, who is the granddaughter of General Waverly and should be played by a girl between the ages of 8-14.

White Christmas is the story of Bob Wallace and Phil Davis who meet in the army during World War II and then make it big in Hollywood. They discover that their General from the army has purchased an inn that is in financial trouble, and they decide to put on a show in order to save the inn from foreclosure. The show has a great score including the songs “White Christmas,” “Snow,” Count Your Blessings,” “Blue Skies” and “I Love a Piano.”

Those wishing to audition should have a prepared selection to sing. They can sing by either CD or an accompanist will be provided. Participants will be asked to read selections from the show and to do a group movement audition prepared by the choreographer, Kerri Easter. Eddie Harbert is serving as Director with Chris Bowling and Mike Campbell serving as music directors.

The show will be presented in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium in City Hall Dec. 2 - 4 and 9 - 12 with a school show on Dec. 8. Show times will be at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on both Sundays.

The school show will begin at 9:00 a.m. Cost for the show is $15 for adults and $12 for children. For more information about the auditions contact Eddie Harbert at 304-412-8738 or Maxine Loudermilk at 304-696-5522.

"Schoolhouse Rock Live" On Stage Tonight

I saw Schoolhouse Rock Live last night and loved it - a great time was had by all!

The cast brings to life the beloved educational TV cartoons from the 1970s in the live musical, and it's great to see so much talent from around the area gracing the stage!

You'll see beloved songs, including "Conjunction Junction," "Three is a Magic Number," "Interplanet Janet" and "I'm Just a Bill" (and many, many more).

It's a fun, fast-paced show - one of my all-time favorites - and you'll be amazed at the wonderful talent on display.

Here's the write-up from today's Herald-Dispatch (you can also see more photos like the one above in this Photo Gallery):

It may be Saturday but school is in session all weekend long - and you're going to love it.

Huntington's First Stage Theatre troupe is partying like it's 1979 as it has blown the dust off the rollicking musical Schoolhouse Rock Live which is based on the unforgettable educational kids cartoon, Schoolhouse Rock.

Directed by Amy Browning and starring 45 area children, Schoolhouse Rock Live takes place at 8 p.m. today, Sept. 24 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at the Renaissance Art Center, 900 8th St., the old Huntington High School.

The musical will also be performed at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, as well as 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2.

There will also be special school performances at 9 a.m. and noon on Thursday, Sept. 29.

Tickets are $14 and $12 for children (12 and under). Get tickets at the door or call 304-416-KIDS (5437). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information go to www.firststagetheatre.org where you can also find out more info about upcoming shows including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (director Justin McElroy) and Seussical (director, Mary Smirl).

On Stage This Weekend - "School House Rock," "Jack the Ripper" and "Doll's House"

You have three great community theatre productions to choose from this weekend:

- School House Rock Live! - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical comedy based on the classic ABC-TV educational cartoons at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) starting tonight at 8 p.m. and running Sept. 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., and Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

- Jack the Ripper - Charleston Youth Arts Company presents the original musical by Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde tonight at 8 p.m., with shows Sept. 24, 29, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

- A Doll's House - Kanawha Players presents the play tonight at 8 p.m. and Sept. 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m. at the Civic Center Little Theatre in Charleston.

So get out there and support your local theatre group - they need your help (and you get a great show in the bargain)!

One More Day Until "School House Rock Live!"

Just one more day until School House Rock Live takes the stage at the Renaissance Art Center (the old Huntington High School)!

Performances will be Sept. 23, 24, 30 and Oct. 1 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances on Sundays, Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 at 2 p.m.

The musical features dozens of local young performers, and is presented by First Stage Theatre Company as part of the group's 22nd season! The show is based on the classic animated series originally presented on ABC-TV in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Loaded with memorable songs, the show teaches about history, grammar, math, science and government.

Just to job your memory, here's one of those cartoons, courtesy of YouTube - another favorite, which uses Noah to explain the number two:

Elementary, My Dear - "School House Rock Live!"

Only two days left until School House Rock Live takes the stage at the Renaissance Center (the old Huntington High School)!

Once again, here's a video to jog your memory - this one makes it easy (and fun) to learn the Preamble to the Constitution:

Three is a Magic Number

Just three more days until School House Rock Live hits the stage at the Renaissance Theatre!

The cartoons first appeared in 1973, dreamed up by David McCall, who worked for an advertising agency. He noticed one of his sons could remember song lyrics but struggled with math, so he decided to try combining basic math education with music.

ABC-TV agreed to carry the series, which grew over the years to include grammar, history and science, and was very popular (and can still be found on DVDs.

To jog your memory further (and get you ready for the stage show), here's another clip from the original cartoons - a favorite called "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here."