On Stage This Weekend

   Courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman, here's the rundown of community theatre productions taking the stage this weekend:

- Grease (Musical)
by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
Paramount Players
Thurs. - Sat., March 13, 14, 15 at 7 p.m.
Matinee Sat., March 15 at 3 p.m.
Paramount Arts Center
1300 Winchester Ave., Ashland, KY
Adults $14 / Students $10
606-324-3175

- Godspell (Musical)
by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak
Southern Coalition for the Arts
Thurs., March 13 at 7 p.m.
Logan Country Club
715 Lincoln Hwy, Chapmanville, W.Va.
Tickets $30 Includes appetizer, entree, dessert, drink and show
(304) 855-8400 or (304) 784-5444

- Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr. (Musical, Children’s Theatre)
by Doug Wright / Alan Menken / Howard Ashman / Glenn Slater
Children’s Theatre of Charleston
Fri-Sat, March 14-15 at 7 p.m.
Matinees Sat-Sun March 15-16 at 2 p.m.
Charleston Civic Center Little Theater
$12 Adults / $10 Students

- No Pants Players All Ages Show (Improv Comedy)
No Pants Players
Sat., March 15 at 7 p.m.
Alban Arts Center
65 Olde Main Plaza, St Albans, W.Va.
Tickets $8 online at nopantsplayers.com
or $10 Adults / $8 kids at the door
877-467-7689

- The Pink Panther Strikes Again (Play)
By William Gleason
Mid Ohio Valley Players
Fri. - Sat., March 14-15 / 21-22 at 8 p.m.
Matinee Sun., March 16 at 3 p.m.
229 Putnam St., Marietta, Ohio
$11 Adults / $9 Students-Seniors / $6 Youth (up to 16)
740-374-9434

- Seussical: the Musical (Musical - Children’s Theatre)
by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the books of Dr. Seuss
Portsmouth Area Children's Theatre
Fri. - Sat., March 14-15 at 7:30 p.m.
Matinee Sunday March 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
940 2nd Street, Portsmouth, Ohio
$12 Adults / $10 for children 12 and under Available at the McKinley Box Office at (740) 351-3600 or at ticketmaster.com

   So you can't say there's nothing to do this weekend - get out there and support your local theatre! 

ACT is Honored

   As we mentioned the other day, ACT was honored recently - here's the full story:

   Actors for Children Theatre of Flatwoods, KY received a production award at the 

Community Theatre Festival of the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Mobile, Alabama.

   ACT won "Outstanding Achievement in Props" for the performance of A Thousand 
Cranes by Kathryn Schultz Miller. ACT advanced to SETC last fall and was 
selected to represent Kentucky at SETC after winning "Outstanding Production" 
for 2013 at the Community Theatre Festival at the Kentucky Theatre Association 
Conference. ACT also holds KTA awards for "Outstanding Costume Design" and 
"Best Actor."  

   "I'm very proud of this cast and their performance at SETC," said Sarah Diamond 
Burroway, director/ co-founder of ACT.  

   "To to accomplish three state theatre awards and be chosen to represent Kentucky 
at a regional festival is a fantastic accomplishment for ACT," Burroway 
explained. "To also win a signficant regional theatre award in our first year 
makes me ecstatic for the future of ACT," she concluded.



ACT competed in the SETC community theatre festival at the Saenger Theatre in 
Mobile, Alabama March 7, 2014.  Seven community theatre companies from eleven 
states participated.  

   ACT is part of the non-profit Rivertown Performing Arts League and is a touring 
troupe of adult actors who perform theatre for children in the tri-state area.  
Founded in 2012, ACT will begin its third performance tour this week with "A 
Gift-Bear for the King" by Carl Memling, which Burroway adapted by permission 
from Penguin Books USA.  

   "Our mission is to bring live, educationally-based theatre to arts underserved 
children in our region," Burroway stated.

   For more information about Actors for Children Theatre, please call 606-922-2903 
or visit ActorsForChildrenTheatre on Facebook.  
 
   Photos by Bill Tussey

Auditions for "Willy Wonka"

   Huntington Area Regional Theatre (H.A.R.T. in the Park) is holding auditions for Willy Wonka — The Musical from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 29 and from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 30 at the St. Cloud’s Commons lodge. 

   The title role will be played by Ryan Hardiman.
 
   People auditioning should be prepared to sing up to a minute of a song, and dress and wear appropriate shoes for dancing. Line readings will be provided.

   Auditions are open to kids and adults.

    The show dates are three weekends in July: July 11-13, 18-20 and 25-27 at Ritter Park amphitheater.

   H.A.R.T. will also produce Nunsense, a comedy that will kick off the season in June.

ACT is Honored at the Southeastern Theatre Festival

   Congratulations to ACT (Actors for Children Theatre) for receiving the "Outstanding Achievement in Props" award in the Community Theatre Festival of the Southeastern Theatre Festival. 

 

    They presented the show A Thousand Cranes at the Festival this weekend in Mobile, Alabama!

 

    ACT was one of two groups representing Kentucky - congratulations also to Artists Collaborative Theatre of Elkhorn City. West Virginia was represented by Morgantown's M.T. Pockets Theatre!

"Josh M!" On Stage in New York

   We like to brag when a local performer takes the big stage! 

   We're just a week away from Josh Meredith's premiere in the Big Apple as he brings his one-man show to New York City!

   Josh, who grew up on stage in Huntington (beginning with children's theatre and wrapping up at Marshall University) stars in JOSH M! He recounts through show tunes, pop songs, and hymns his journey from a childhood in small town West Virginia to life in the Big Apple. Join Josh (and friends!) with accompanist Nick Graffagna for a night of classic cabaret entertainment.

The show will be staged March 13 at 9:30 p.m. at The Duplex at 61 Christopher Street, 7th Avenue.

You can make reservations right here:
http://www.theduplex.com/~thedup/webcalendar/view_entry.php?id=8325&date=20140313

or call (212) 255-5438.

Congratulations, Josh - all your fans in the Tri-State are proud of you!

On Stage in March

   There are several great community theatre shows coming up this month, ranging from classic musicals to edgy dramas. Here's the list:

- The Pirates of Penzance (or The Slave of Duty) - ARTS presents the classic comic operetta by Gilbert & Sullivan. It will be staged in the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on March 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and March 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.  Dinner and Show are $30, Show Only - $15. Call 304-733-2787 to reserve your tickets. Seating is limited for dinners as well as shows.

- Grease - The Paramount Players present the hit musical about Rydell High School’s senior class at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland on March 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and March 15 at 3 p.m.

- William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet - Ashland Community and Technical College presents the classic play on March 21, 22 and 28 at 8 p.m., and March 23 and 30 at 2:30 p.m.

- Seussical the Musical - Portsmouth Area Children's Theatre presents the play March 14 and 15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 2:30 p.m. at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts.

- Disney’s Little Mermaid, Jr. - Children’s Theatre of Charleston presents the musical based on the beloved animated film at the Charlesaton Civic Center Little Theatre on March 13, 14 and 15 at 7 p.m. and March 15 and 16 at 2 p.m. 

- Extremities - Kanawha Players presents the drama by William Mastrosimone. It’s a disturbing look at justice and punishment. A young woman escapes her would-be rapist and proceeds to chain and torture him, blurring the line between vengeance and revenge. When the young woman's roommates come home, the play turns its attention to our society's contradictory views on rape and its victims. The show will be presented at the Kanawha Players Theater at 309 Beauregard Street in Charleston. Show Dates are March 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and March 23  at 2 p.m. This show contains adult content and strong language. 

- Voices of the Mountain - Appalachian Artists Collective, in special collaboration with the Clay Center's Explore and Program and Staci Leech Cornell presents a collection of student-written one act plays on March 25 at 7 p.m. at the Clay Center's Walker Theater. The students represented are from Van Jr. / Sr. High School's Explore and Soar program. Playwright Mike Murdock and set designer Greg Morris joined AAC to develop a script and create a design concept for the project. AAC takes the creative works of students and fully realizes them with adult actors. Tyler Eldridge, Mariah Plante, Olivia Morris and Justin Skidmore complete AAC's ensemble. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go directly to Explore and Soar. 

   And that's it! Get out there and support your community theatre!

Auditions for "The Three Musketeers"

   Swords will clash and buckles will swash as the Capitol Theatre plays host to The Three Musketeers!

   You can be part of the action by auditioning this Saturday from 2 to 4pm at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre at 123 Summers Street in Charleston.

   The LimeLight Theatre Company will cast 14 male roles and four female principal roles. There are ensemble roles of all ages. Show dates are April 25, 26, 27 and May 2, 3, 4, 2014. The show will be presented at the Capitol Theater.

   No preparation is necessary - those auditioning will perform cold readings from the script.  Email artistrom@aol.com for more information or a pdf copy of the script.

  The LimeLight Theatre Company will present Alexander Dumas' classic tale. Here's the story summary: The time is 1625 - an age of high adventure, romance and brave deeds. The place is Paris. Our story, set during the reign of Louis XIII of France and Cardinal Richelieu, tells the true tale of Charles de Batz d’Artagnan, a young nobleman who leaves his country estate in Gascony at the age of 19 to join the King’s Musketeers. His swashbuckling soul, animated by honor, loyalty and shrewd intelligence, courts perilous adventures and romantic intrigues. Through them all, and with his valiant companions-in-arms, Athos, Porthos and Aramis, he outsmarts evil and pierces to the heart of goodness.

On Stage This Weekend: Dead Man's Cell Phone

   Happily, Marshall's Theatre Alliance has been offering its shows over two weekends - and that means you have a few more chances to catch the offbeat comedy, Dead Man's Cell Phone.

   (I haven't had a chance to see it yet, but I'm hearing rave reviews!)

    It takes the stage at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre on Feb. 27 – March 1 at 7:30 p.m. 

   You can reserve tickets by calling the Box Office at 304-696-2787.

    Here's a synopsis of the play: An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man - with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl. A work about how we memorialize the dead - and how that remembering changes us - it is the odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world.

"Godspell" - Two Shows Left!

   I admit prejudice when I talk about First Stage's production of Godspell on this blog.

   After all, I'm on the board of the children's theatre, and I've served as the producer on the show.

   But I've also been at every performance to see the standing ovations, the delight on the faces of the audience, and the tears of joy in the eyes of many.

   Some of that is a tribute to the show itself. It takes the Gospel of Matthew and Luke - the parables of Jesus - and puts them to wonderful music, songs (and stories) that stay with you long after you've left the theatre.

   Some of it a tribute to the performers - a baker's dozen of wonderfully talented high school actors, featuring some amazing voices, powerful acting, lots of humor and touching messages. The show's final medley is new to the modern version of this show, and it's heart-warming and lovely (ditto for the song "Beautiful City").

   I first saw this show back in the '70s when the film first came out, and I loved it. I've seen numerous productions since, and each one offers a different - and delightful - take on the classic story. There's something about seeing these young people sharing their talents that brings the story home in an affecting and powerful way.

   You have two chances left to catch the show, with performances Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom (the old Huntington High School) - and it would be a good idea to reserve your tickets ahead of time, because seating is limited - and you don't want to miss this one. Call 304-416-KIDS to reserve your seats!

   Highly recommended!

Final Weekend for "Godspell"

   I have to tell you, it's rare to have a sellout performance in local theatre - but the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom seems to have the magic touch.

   Two weeks ago ARTS had to turn people away from a performance of Twelve Angry Men (and added more seats to make room for additional audience members at the next performance).

   Last Sunday, First Stage ran into the same "problem" with its Sunday matinee of Godspell, as the performance in the ballroom was sold out (luckily, no one had to be turned away - but if anyone else had turned up, it would have happened).

   It's a great problem to have, and reflects the high quality of those productions. And judging by the number of calls First Stage has received to its reservation line, we may see a repeat this weekend - so you're urged to call 304-416-KIDS and reserve your seats for the final weekend of this moving, funny, delightful production.

   The final performances are Friday, Feb. 21 and Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.  and Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2:30 p.m.

   You can thank me later!

On Stage Now: "Dead Man's Cell Phone"

   Marshall Theatre Alliance's latest production takes the stage tonight and runs over the next two weeks.

 

   It's the comedy Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl.
    It takes the stage at the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre on Feb. 19 – 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 – March 1 at 7:30 p.m. 

   You can reserve tickets by calling the Box Office at 304-696-2787.

    Here's a synopsis of the play: An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man - with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by Pulitzer Prize finalist Sarah Ruhl. A work about how we memorialize the dead - and how that remembering changes us - it is the odyssey of a woman forced to confront her own assumptions about morality, redemption, and the need to connect in a technologically obsessed world.

Interview with the Cast of "Godspell" #4

  Godspell takes the stage in Huntington for its third performance today at 2:30 p.m. - it’s a funny, touching and heart-warming musical based on the Gospel of Matthew and Luke, brought to life by some amazingly talented young performers.

   Let’s continue our interviews with the cast - this time, let’s hear from another First Stage veteran - the lovely and talented Catherine Dennison:

Q: What is the musical Godspell about?

Catherine: Godspell is such a well-written musical showing the old stories of the Old and New Testament in a new, fun, colorful light. Religion hardly plays a role; anyone can enjoy it. It's mainly about kindness and friendship and how that affects people. 

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

Catherine: Godspell was a hit on Broadway and I knew that and had heard some of the music, so I knew I wanted to do it, especially for my last show with First Stage!

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Catherine: I've been with First Stage and other local companies for almost as long as I can remember. It's always been a blast and I've formed life-long friendships that always have kept me wanting more. 

Q: What's your favorite part of (or song in) the show?

Catherine: The finale of the show is so emotional, but it still ends on a happy note, and a beautiful NOTE as well! The ending means so much more than just Jesus' death/life. 

Q: This show depends on a strong cast working together - so tell us about your fellow actors. Are you having fun?

Catherine: My fellow actors are my best friends. Even if they weren't when we began working, we've become so close. I can't imagine this show with anyone else and I don't think anyone could do a better job. These people are the greatest people I could've ever hoped to be my friends. 

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

Catherine: Godspell is the perfect show for anyone. It's got amazing music with electric guitars and harmonies likely to give chill bumps. Not only that, the story is universal and is not just religious (although it is Jesus' story). This is a gorgeous musical about friends and the depths and facets of friendship, while it also teaches everyone what it means to be loved and reflect that love on everyone, no matter what. 

   Thanks, Catherine:!


   Godspell takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Sunday, Feb. 16 at 2:30 p.m. and next Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Don't miss it!

Interview with the Cast of "Godspell" #3

  Godspell takes the stage in Huntington for its second performance tonight at 7:30 p.m. (and I admit prejudice, but last night’s show was wonderful - funny, touching and heart-warming, with some terrific talent on display).

   Let’s continue our interviews with the cast - this time, let’s hear from a First Stage veteran - the talented Salem Carlton :

Q: What is the musical Godspell about?

Salem: Godspell is about the teachings of Jesus from the book of Matthew. It goes through from the baptism of Jesus to the crucifixion. 

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

Salem: I wanted to be part of the show because it's a totally different experience with only 13 people in the cast and all of them being high school age. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Salem: I've been in some shows with First Stage starting when I was on the second grade. 

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Salem: The finale. It's a really intense part of the show

Q: This show depends on a strong cast working together - so tell us about your fellow actors. Are you having fun?

Salem: Yes, I'm having a lot of fun! Everyone in the cast is fantastic and I think as far as casts go this is a very close group of people because the cast is so small and everyone is around the same age and it gives you a chance to bond with everyone in the cast

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

Salem: I would recommend the show to people because the music is so amazing! 

   Thanks, Salem!

   Godspell takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m. and next Friday and Saturday, Feb. 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens. Don't miss it!

Interview With the Cast of "Godspell" #2

   Godspell takes the stage in Huntington starting Friday at 7:30 p.m., so let’s continue our interviews with the cast. 

   This time, let’s hear from a newcomer to the stage - the lovely and talented Kishauna Harper:

Q: What is the musical Godspell about?

Kishauna: The musical Godspell is a collage of parables from the book of Matthew with songs that complement each section. 

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

Kishauna: This is my first show and I wanted to be a part of it so bad because the show was only two acts so it was not so overwhelming.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Kishauna: As I mentioned before this is my first show, but I plan continuing with First Stage. 

Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

Kishauna: My favorite part of the show is the crucifixion scene , it reminds me of what Jesus did for us and that he did it with no hesitation because he loves us. 

Q: This show depends on a strong cast working together - so tell us about your fellow actors. Are you having fun?

Kishauna: For this being my first show I was elated everyone welcomed me so easily. Everyone is so funny; I couldn't imagine spending 80 hours with any other people (directors included).

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

Kishauna: I would recommend this show to the readers because everyone is entitled to laugh 

at least once throughout their day, and this show will guarantee everyone a few laughs. 

   Thanks, Kishauna!

   Godspell takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Don't miss it!

Intervew with the Cast of "Godspell" #1

    The musical Godspell is taking the stage this weekend in Huntington as First Stage Theatre Company presents the beloved Broadway show.

 

   So let's hear from the cast, starting with a wonderfully talented stage veteran (even though she's just in high school), Sarah Bryan:

 

Q: What is the musical Godspell about?

 

Sarah: Godspell is a beautiful telling of the Gospel of Matthew. Since the Gospel was written two thousand years ago, it can seem distant to us, but when Jesus comes to high school and applies all the parables to our everyday lives, it makes everything so much more relatable. Add amazing humor, entertainment, music, and harmonies, and that's Godspell.

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

Sarah: I am a passionate Christian, thespian, and singer, and Godspell combines all of these. I remember standing in between two of my best friends during the first week of rehearsal. We were singing beautiful harmonies all about Christ. I will always treasure moments like these.

 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Sarah: I got bit by the "theatre bug" when I did my first show - A Christmas Carol - in 2007, and I haven't stopped since! Theatre is the best high I've ever felt, and First Stage has become my home. I can express myself openly with my theatre family, and I absolutely love it.

Q: What's your favorite song in the show?

Sarah: All the songs are absolutely amazing, and the show would be incomplete without one of them. However, my favorite song would have to be the Finale. It starts with Jesus's death, and the emotion is astounding. Then, one small voice begins singing "Long Live God." This inspires the entire cast to eventually join in, singing that "we can build a beautiful city... not a city of angels, but a city of men," and for God to save the people, and finally to prepare a way for The Lord.

Q: This show depends on a strong cast working together - so tell us about your fellow actors. Are you having fun?

Sarah: Of course! Director Jack Cirillo told us at the first cast meeting that we would get joy out of our work, and he was undoubtedly right. I remember the cast laughing and cheering after nailing some of our four to five part harmonies for the first time. After we completed our cohesive "human machine" for one of our songs, we couldn't stop smiling. And every time we finish our intense and epic finale, we always have chills. We've united as a family, and it's the most enjoyable theatrical experience I've ever had.

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

Sarah: This show is all about love. People are lost, and throughout the show, everyone expresses their faith and love. It's a transformation that is beautiful to watch, and the music and harmonies add a level of intensity to such a great show.

 

   Thanks, Sarah!

 

   Godspell takes the stage at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children. Don't miss it!

 

"Godspell"

   You have to admit, Godspell is popular - in fact, it's being presented twice - both in Huntington and Charleston! But where CLOG is presenting the show as the 40th anniversary of its original production, for First Stage, this is the first time tackling the show.

   Here's the official press release:  

  First Stage Theatre Company will present the musical Godspell at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Feb. 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23, 2014. 

   The Broadway musical was created by Stephen Schwartz (who also created Wicked) and John-Michael Tebelak and is based on the Gospel of Matthew and Luke. The show was updated and revived on Broadway in 2012, and the new version is the one being presented.

   The musical features a cast of talented high school and middle school performers singing songs like “Day by Day,” “All for the Best,” “Learn Your Lessons Well,” “Save the People,” “Light of the World,” “All Good Gifts” and “Beautiful City.”

   The show uses songs and choreography to present the parables of Jesus in a modern setting.

   Shows will be presented Feb. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 16 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).

   Godspell is directed by Marshall University Theatre professor Jack Cirillo. The directing team includes music director Lara Donahoe, choreographer Mary Smirl, and producers Chuck Minsker and Clint McElroy.
 

   Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts.

Interview with the Cast of "Twelve Angry Men" #5

   Tonight's your next-to-the-last chance to see the ARTS production Twelve Angry Men. (How popular is it? They had to add chairs to accommodate the demand!)

   So let's hear from theatre veteran Len Trent:

Q: In case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story behind Twelve Angry Men.

Len: It's the story of 12 Jurors debating the guilt or innocence of a 19-year-old kid accused of murder. Eleven of them have no doubt the boy is guilty, but one stands alone and questions everything.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Len: Juror #3 is a hard, stubborn man who believes what he thinks is the gospel truth. He may be the angriest of the 12, but we will let the audience decide that.

Q: What's your background in theatre? 

Len: Acting and stage combat, in one way or another, for 20 years.

Q: What's the most challenging thing staging this show?

Len: The seating is arena style so the audience is on two sides of us. We have to make sure we keep that in mind so we don't alienate anyone from the story. The audience is right there with you. We are all enclosed and feeling the pressure.

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

Len: The story is good and I think we tell it well. It may not be the edgiest play out there but I believe it to be a very relevant story for today's society. A great many people take what they are told, see online, read in the paper, or hear in the news and never question anything. So, we make decisions based on this information. Then we find out that if we had just thought about it more or dug a little deeper we may have made a different choice. Some of these choices may have a huge effect on people's lives. That's just my opinion.

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

Len: February 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. in the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington, W.Va.

Thanks, Len! And thanks to Stephen Vance for the photos that have accompanied these interviews!

Interview with the Cast of "Twelve Angry Men" #4

 

 As the final two performances of Twelve Angry Men draw near, let's hear from another member of the cast. Let's meet a guy who's making his first appearance on the community theatre stage - Anthony Vickers:

Q: In case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story behind Twelve Angry Men.

Anthony: A behind the scenes look at deliberations of a supposed open and shut case where tempers become hotter than the hottest day of the year    

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Anthony: I play Juror #12 who is kind of a superficial snob that looks at people as a marketing number and not from any sort of emotional level. 

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Anthony: This is my first venture into theatre other than church plays in my younger days. 

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
Anthony: Twelve Angry Men is fast-paced and full of drama. The seating is arena style and actually puts you on top of all the non-stop action. It is family friendly and a classic. 

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

February 7, 8 at 8 p.m.
Tickets $15
Renaissance Theatre Ballroom, 900 8th Street in Huntington.

Interview with the Cast of "Twelve Angry Men" #3

 For our third interview with the cast of Twelve Angry Men, let's hear from Luke Matlock, who's making his return to the world of community theatre with this show. Welcome back, Luke!

Q: In case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story behind Twelve Angry Men.

Luke: Twelve Angry Men is the story of 12 jurors locked in a cramped and stuffy deliberation room, dutifully sworn to decide if a young man is guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, of murder. Tempers rise as heated debate ensues and the temperature of the room elevates with the sweltering summer heat. Each man is pushed to his limits as they all attempt to reach a majority vote.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Luke: Juror #2 is a young and somewhat indecisive man. He is easily swayed by clever, thought-provoking arguments, but he struggles to stand on his own. He tends to be easily intimidated and to let his emotions affect his decisions.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Luke: I performed in several musicals in middle/high school, and held the lead male role (Prince Charming) in a college production of the musical Cinderella during my freshman year. After that, I decided to focus on my vocal music performance degree, but I participated each spring in our college show choir. TAM is my first venture back into theatre since, and my first production in the real world (not in school). It's been the absolute best experience, better than I could have hoped!

Q: What's the most challenging thing staging this show?

Luke: All of the action of this show takes place in a jury room. What better effect for an audience than to have them literally INSIDE the jury room with the jurors? The 12 men sit around a table in the center of the space, and the audience flanks the table to either side. The challenge this presents is unique, because for some of us, only half of the audience will see our faces unless we get up and move around or twist about in our seats (and trust me, there's plenty of movement in this show). We've met that challenge head-on, and I truly feel that the audience will appreciate the intimacy the set has to offer. It provides a real, engaging experience, and the anger and emotion within that room can be felt by all.

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

Luke: Read my answer to the previous question.

But seriously - the only information the audience receives about the trial, and the crime allegedly committed, comes from the different perspectives of the 12 men faced with the tough and very real decision of condemning a man (a boy, really) to death. While I could go on and on about the talent of each of my co-stars (I've been blown away by the amazing job these guys have done, and in such a short amount of time!), what excites me more is the intellectual and emotional levels this show brings to the table and what it leaves the audience feeling - all the way up to that final moment when the lights go out...

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

Luke: You can catch any of four performances on Feb. 7, and/or Feb. 8 in the Renaissance Ballroom of the old Huntington High School. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and it's "lights up" at 8 p.m. Don't miss it!

Interviews with the Cast of "Twelve Angry Men" #2

   Here's another interview with the cast of the hit ARTS play Twelve Angry Men. 

   Let's hear from the jury foreman, played by the talented Andrew Potter:
 
Q: In case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story behind Twelve Angry Men.
 
Andrew: A jury must determine the fate of a man accused of murder. In order to clearly see the case, they have to try to come to terms with their own prejudices and work together.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.
 Andrew: The Foreman tries to be the man who maintains order in the jury room despite clear animosity between his fellow jurors. His one goal is to bring everybody together to deliver a verdict.

Q: What's your background in theatre?
 Andrew: My mother insisted that my brothers and I watch musicals as children. I remember sleeping through the second halves of such classics as South Pacific, Brigadoon, Mary Poppins, Fiddler on the Roof, Camelot, My Fair Lady, The King and I, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Beach Blanket Bingo, and everything Elvis filmed, many of which I still don't know the ending. This is my tenth appearance in a show and my second non-musical.

Q: What's the most challenging thing staging this show?
 Andrew: There's never a break; every actor is on stage the entire time. There are no opportunities to slow down, take a breath, peak at a script...

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?
 Andrew: Twelve Angry Men is one of those rare shows that stands the test of time. It was written 60 years ago, and the material still holds up. Aside from the ties, nothing about this show is dated. The discussions that take place in this jury room are still discussions that are going on today; whether it's about a race, nationality, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation, you can still hear these same sentiments and prejudices expressed anywhere you go.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.
 Andrew: Twelve Angry Men is being performed Feb. 7 and 8 at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Center (old Huntington High School) on 8th Street in Huntington.