"Aladdin" Diary #8

   Sunday was the finale for First Stage Theatre's musical Disney's Aladdin, Jr. - and what a great experience it was!

   The week started with the move to the Renaissance Theatre, as the cast, crew and a large gathering of parents helped load up the set, props and costumes at the First Stage building. It was packed into trucks and moved to the theatre, and Monday, Sept. 22 was the beginning of what's known as "Tech Week."

   That's the name for the final days of rehearsals, as the set is assembled and the assorted tech challenges are worked out, including lighting, sound (including wireless microphones), the movement of set pieces, and special effects (this show included flash pots, confetti cannons, a star curtain and several CO2 Fire Extinguishers - oh, and a flying carpet).

   The cast of 46 young actors practiced with the band for the first time, and worked out the final details of the show.

    After a few short days, the rehearsals were over and the cast offered its first performance Thursday morning to a large gathering of students from the area.

   Then Friday night they performed their first public performance - followed by three more shows, wrapping up with Sunday afternoon's final show.

   As one of the directors, I admit prejudice, but the cast did an amazing job (even overcoming some  microphone problems in one performance). They brought the story of "Aladdin" to life, entertained huge crowds of people and demonstrated the amazing amount of talent in the Tri-State.

   Kudos to the cast, the tech crew, the parents and other volunteers, and the terrific directing team that made it all happen. Theatre is a true team effort, and it takes a lot of people (and a lot of work) to make a show like this happen, and they created an amazing show.

   After Sunday's performance wrapped and the standing ovation ended, everyone went to work again, taking down the set, cleaning the dressing rooms, folding the costumes and loading it all into the trucks and moving it back to the First Stage building.

   Now the stage is quiet and the cast (and directors) are resting up - a well-earned break from two months of hard work.

   But what fun, and what great memories!

   Now, what show shall we all tackle next?

Last Chance to see "Disney's Aladdin, Jr!"

    Today's your last chance to see Disney's Aladdin, Jr! 

   First Stage Theatre Company, Huntington's long-running children's theatre, has been presenting the stage musical based on the gloved Disney animated film this weekend.

    The final performance takes the stage at 2:30pm at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

   Tickets are available at the door - $8 for children and seniors and $12 for adults.

   It is (of course) the story of a "street rat" who finds a magic lamp and a powerful (and funny) Genie. Can Aladdin win the love of the beautiful Princess Jasmine? 

   I should admit that I'm one of the directors on the show, and I've very proud of the amazing work by the cast and crew on this show! We've enjoyed great crowds so far, and after this afternoon's show we'll pack up the sets and costumes and wrap up the first show in our 25th season.

   It's your last chance - don't miss out on "Aladdin!"

"Aladdin" Cast Interview #4

   It’s time for more interviews with the young and talented cast of the musical Disney's Aladdin, Jr., which takes the stage this Saturday (at 2:30 p.m. AND 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre!

   Today  let’s hear from four of the show’s cast – they play townspeople, the Genie’s chorus and a number of roles. Here’s Luke Adkins, Melanie McDowell, Bailey Pope and Zadokite Wood: 

Q: Tell us about the story of "Aladdin."

Bailey: It's about a boy who falls in love with a girl that happens to be a princess and the obstacles he has to overcome to win the trust of her father so he can marry her.

Luke: It's about somebody named Aladdin who meets a princess and then meets a genie and wishes that he could be a prince. 

Melanie: It is about a kid named Aladdin, wanting to be somebody he is not. But he finds out that Princess Jasmine likes him for who he is.

Zadokite: The show “Aladdin” is about a poor boy (Aladdin) who falls in love with a princess (Jasmine), through the magic of an all-powerful Genie, Aladdin turns into a prince in an effort to impress Jasmine. In the end Jasmine brings Aladdin to the realization that she always loved him for what's in his heart, not money, or power, or anything else.

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

Melanie: My favorite song is "Friend Like Me."

Zadokite: "Why Me," which is a song by Jafar (the main antagonist). This song is my favorite because it gives us look at why Jafar is evil and what motivates his decisions.

Luke: My favorite song is "Friend Like Me."

Bailey: (The song) “One Jump,” ‘cause it's fun to sing and dance to.

Q: Would you recommend this show to our readers?

Bailey: You will leave happy singing.

Melanie: It's a great show full of excitement!

Luke: It's a very good show to see!

Zadokite: I would recommend this show to just about anybody, it's great for all ages, and it certainly has a variety - from fun jazzy numbers to really beautiful ballads. The cast, production team, and tech crew are all amazingly talented! It's definitely a show you'll want to see!

Q: Have you enjoyed working on "Aladdin?"

Bailey: Yes, most definitely!

Zadokite: I love working on shows like this, it's always a blast!

Luke: Yes, a lot!

Melanie: Yes, very much.

   Thanks Luke, Melanie, Bailey and Zadokite!

   The stage musical Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street.

   Shows will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for children and senior citizens and $12 for adults. Tickets are on sale at the door.

"Aladdin" Cast Interviews #3

   It’s time for more interviews with the young and talented cast of the musical Disney's Aladdin, Jr., which takes the stage this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre!

   Today let’s hear from four of the show’s cast – they play townspeople, the Genie’s chorus and a number of roles. Here’s Ella Adkins, Sophie Eastone, Thomas Miller and Shannon Rawlinson: 

Q: Tell us about the story of "Aladdin."

Shannon: There is a common thief named Aladdin who falls in love with the Princess Jasmine, but she can only marry royalty, and Jasmine doesn't want to be wed. But things take a turn on Jasmine's big day.

Thomas: It's a story of true love.

Sophie: The story of Aladdin is about a poor boy who finds a magic lamp and wishes for a better a life. However, along the way, he learns that being himself is the secret to really being happy.

Ella: It's about the street rat that falls in love with a princess and when he gets 
captured in a cave and meets a genie, he'll wish for anything to get to her.

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

Thomas: I love the song "Friend Like Me."

Ella: My favorite part is when Aladdin makes his first wish.

Shannon: (The song) “One Jump Ahead.”

Sophie: "Friend Like Me" because it is SO MUCH FUN!

Q: Would you recommend this show to our readers?

Sophie: YES! The music is fun and most people know a little about Aladdin. They will have a fun time watching the story and singing along to all the great songs! It will be good for all ages!

Ella: I think it's a great source of entertainment!

Shannon: It’s a wonderful show with an extremely talented cast.

Thomas: It's awesome!

Q: Have you enjoyed working on "Aladdin?"

Shannon: I love working on shows like this - there just too many reasons for me to put into words.

Thomas: Yes, I love it!

Ella: Yes!

Sophie: I love working on shows. I love to sing and dance, be with my First Stage friends and perform for an audience. I'm always sad when a show closes… each one is my "favorite!"

   Thanks, Ella, Sophie, Thomas and Shannon!

   The stage musical Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street. 

   Shows will be presented on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for children and senior citizens and $12 for adults.

"Aladdin" Cast Interview #2

   It’s time for more interviews with the young and talented cast of the musical Disney's Aladdin, Jr., which takes the stage this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre.

   Today  let’s hear from two of the show’s leads – Lily Browning, who plays the parrot Iago, and Dean Neal, who plays the Sultan:

Q: Tell us about the story of "Aladdin."

Dean:  Disney's Aladdin Jr. is about a Princess who has to be married and her father tries to chose her groom and she wants to marry someone she actually loves.

Lily: It's about a poor boy who falls in love with a princess. There is an evil villain who tries to get in his way.

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

Lily: “Friend Like Me,” because it's a loud and exciting song.

Dean: My favorite part of the show is when I lead the ceremony of Jasmine's wedding.

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

Dean: I highly recommend this show to viewers of all ages. It will for sure keep your attention and have you singing along to one of everyone's favorite Disney movies.

Lily: Because it is funny, romantic and an exciting show that you will love!

Q: Have you enjoyed working on "Aladdin?"

Lily: Yes, I love it, because you meet a lot of great people and I just love acting.

Dean: I have enjoyed this show so much, I really like musicals because I love to act and sing and I get to do both in this play.

   Thanks, Lily and Dean!

   The stage musical Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street.

   Shows will be presented on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for children and senior citizens and $12 for adults.

"Aladdin" Cast Interview #1

   The musical Disney's Aladdin, Jr. takes the stage this coming Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Huntington's Renaissance Theatre, so let's hear from the young and talented cast!

   All this week we'll be running interviews with the cast, starting the Holly Price, who plays the part of one of the Narrators, guiding the audience through the story of the "street rat" who finds a magic lamp, a powerful genie and tries to win the love of a beautiful princess!

   Here's Holly:

Q: Tell us about the story of "Aladdin."
 
Holly: Disney's Aladdin Jr, is about a common thief named Aladdin who only cares for himself. But when he encounters Jasmine, Princess of Agrobah, his world turns upside down. After being arrested and put in a cave he stumbles upon a lamp. With one rub we meet the crazy outgoing Genie who grants him three wishes. As he uses those wishes he learns new and amazing things about honesty, love and friendship. In the end he proves that being a prince on the inside is most important.

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

Holly: My favorite song in this musical is "A Whole New World" because of the connection that Jasmine and Alladin make.

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

Holly: I would most definitely recommend this show because it is so much fun for everyone. It's a family friendly show that every will learn from and enjoy.

Q: Have you enjoyed working on "Aladdin?"

Holly: I have loved working in this show! I've had the best time seeing it come together piece by piece into the amazing show that it is.

   Thanks, Holly!

   The stage musical Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. will be presented by First Stage Theatre Company at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street.

   Shows will be presented on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for children and senior citizens and $12 for adults.

"Aladdin" Diary #7

   It was a busy weekend, as the cast, crew and family members of Disney's Aladdin, Jr. gathered for the fun event known as "Load in" - where they take the set and props that have been built (or acquired) for the show and move them into the theatre - in this case, the lovely Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street (the old Huntington High School).

   There they assembled the set and prepared for Tech Week - all in preparation for the first performance for an audience later this week! It was a lot of work, but it's also a lot of fun - and how often do you get to see a camel ride through Huntington in the back of a pickup truck?

   The show is the kick-off to First Stage Theatre Company's 25th season! The cast of almost 50 young performers have worked hard to craft this show - and it's almost here!

   The musical will be presented Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and the last show is Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2:30 p.m.

   One weekend only - don't miss "Aladdin!"

On Stage This Weekend

   Courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman, here's the rundown of shows for this weekend:

- The Fula from America: An African Journey (Play)
Written and Performed by Carlyle Brown
WVSU: Donna Skeen Visiting Artists Series
Thurs., Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
West Virginia State University
Fannin S. Belcher Theatre, Davis Fine Arts Building
Institute, WV
FREE
Series Opening Reception to follow

 - On Golden Pond (Play)
by Ernest Thompson
Barn Lot Theatre
Thurs. - Sat., Sept. 18 - 20 at 7 p.m.
Thurs - Sun., Sept. 25 - 28 at 7 p.m.
Barn Lot Theatre
207 S Main St. Edmonton, Ky
$12 Adults / $10 Seniors (55+), Student (K-College), Active Military
$7 Pre-School
Thursdays are "pay what you can" nights
270-432-2276

- Life is a Cabaret! (Cabaret performance)
Charleston Gay Men's Chorale
Fri., Sept. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
WV Culture Center, Great Hall
1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston W.Va.
Proceeds will benefit Covenant House and the Charleston Gay Men's Chorale. Tickets - $25 each and may be purchased in advance at the Covenant House website: http://www.wvcovenanthouse.org/ Tickets day of show at the door will be $35.

 - Murder at the Museum! (Interactive Murder Dinner Party)
Murder and Merriment
Fri. - Sat., Sept. 19 - 20 at 7 p.m.
Greenhouse of Teays Valley, Hurricane, W.Va.
Tickets $45
Reservations Required: 304-397-6316

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

A Special Treat for Mason County Students

   How's this for a special event? The entire West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is going to perform at Hannan Junior and Senior High Schools on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. 

   This may be the first time the WVSO has performed at a small rural school before! 

   The event was set up by Donna Duke, who has done some amazing work in Mason County. 

   Students there have seen and loved The Nutcracker ballet for either the past five years, they've seen the WVSO several times, taken trips to various college campuses, made countless trips to the Huntington Museum of Art, the West Virginia Professional Dance Company has performed for all the students in Mason County, and they've seen local stage productions, including shows by ARTS and First Stage Theatre Company.  

   The students have been able to see great shows, learned about the arts and had the opportunity to see a world a great many of them never realized is out there.

   It's shaping up to be another great season for students in Mason County!

"Aladdin" Diary #6

   (Chuck is directing the First Stage production of Disney's Aladdin, Jr., and checks in with another look behind the scenes.)

   Whew! It was a hectic weekend, wherein a small army of volunteers (including members of the cast and their parents) worked on the set for "Aladdin" (and very nearly has it finished).

   Then on Sunday we held our fundraiser! (Most shows for the children's theatre hold a fundraiser to help offset the high cost of staging a show.) It was a Bowl-A-Thon, where sponsors and pledges raised by the cast made it possible for the cast and their parents to spend a couple of hours bowling at the Strike Zone! Many prizes were given away, lots of pizza was consumed and everyone had a lot of fun! Kudos to our producers - Leslie Comer-Porter and Becky Craig - and their parent volunteers for an amazing job!

   Then Monday night it was back to rehearsals, finally incorporating actual set pieces (including the flying carpet, a massive balcony and some other knick-knacks). The cast continues to amaze as they went off-book (which is to say, they weren't reading off their scripts) and knocked it out of the park!

   Tomorrow, we'll add more bits of business, make a few more adjustments - and take one step closer to the finished show!

On Stage This Weekend

   Courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman, here's the lost of shows taking the stage this weekend:

- Shrek: The Musical (Musical)
Music by Jeanine Tesori / Book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire
Southern Coalition for the Arts
Fri. - Sat., Sept 12 - 13 at 8 p.m.
Matinee Sun., Sept 14 at 3 p.m.
The Coalfield Jamboree
308 Main St, Logan, W.Va.
$10 Adults / $5 Students
304-951-5950 or online on at southerncoalitionarts.com .Tickets will be on sale at the Coalfield Jamboree box office during the Shrektember celebration and can also be purchased at the door before each performance.

- The Year of Magical Thinking (Play)
by Joan Didion
M.T. Pockets Theatre Company
Fri. - Sat., Sept. 12 - 13 at 8 p.m.
Thurs. - Sat., Sept, 18 - 20 at 8 p.m.
1390 1/2 University Ave., Morgantown, WV
$15 Adults, $13 Seniors, $10 Students
304-284-0043

- A Murderous Reunion! (Interactive Murder Dinner Party)
Murder and Merriment
Fri., Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
Tascali's Restaurant, 6007 US 60 Barboursville, WV
Reservations Required: 304.736.0504

"Aladdin" Diary #5

   Whew! As we wind down the final weeks before Disney's Aladdin, Jr. takes the stage,  things are getting hectic.

   Rehearsals continue, costumes are being created and assembled, sets are being built, and we have our big fund-raising event on Sunday! (It's a Bowl-A-Thon and it's a lot of fun - join in!)

   The cast is doing an amazing job - they've learned the songs, the dances, the dialogue - I'm really impressed with their hard work!

   And there's much more to do - but you can see for yourself by attending the show on Sept. 26, 27 and 28 - and there's still some spaces available for special school performances the morning of Sept. 25 - call 304-416-KIDS for more info!

   It's been a lot of fun, working on the musical stage version of the Disney animated film (wait 'til you see our Flying Carpet!) - don't miss it!

Bowl-A-Thon at Strike Zone to Benefit Children’s Theatre

  A special Bowl-A-Thon event to benefit Huntington’s long-running children’s theatre, the First Stage Theatre Company, will be offered Sunday, Sept. 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Strike Zone Bowling Center at 141 Eastern Heights in Huntington.

   The event is open to the public, and all funds raised will go toward upcoming productions by the non-profit theatre company, including Disney’s Aladdin, Jr., which takes the stage the last weekend in September. 

   Each bowler is asked to donate a minimum of $25 to take part. Take pledges from friends and family and join the fun! Sign up by Wednesday, Sept. 10, and you’ll receive a free T-shirt and be eligible to win free door prizes. After Sept. 10, the cost to take part is $30 per bowler. You’re welcome to bowl alone or bring your own 4-to-6-person team (come up with a cool team name) and bowl for two hours. Have fun and support a great cause!

   First Stage Theatre Company has presented more than 60 shows in 25 years. Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. is based on the beloved animated film. That show will be presented Sept. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 27 and 28 at 2:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street in Huntington, W.Va. 

   Based in Huntington, W.Va., the First Stage Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. 

   For more information about the Bowl-A-Thon call 304-634-5919.

This Weekend - A Rummage Sale!

   First Stage Theatre Company has a couple of fundraisers coming up over the next two weeks.

   First up is the big Rummage Sale, which runs this Saturday, Sept. 6 from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. at the old Electronics Supply building at 222 7th Avenue in Huntington.

   They have lots of furniture,  clothes, toys, books, snacks, knickknacks and more stuff for sale!

   Stop by, say Howdy and "Buy!"

   The money all goes to a great cause - sending dozens of kids to a special theatre event in Atlanta next January!

   Don't miss it!

On Stage in September

   The fall season for community theatre is starting to get geared up - here are the shows to watch for in September:

- Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. - First Stage Theatre Company presents the musical based on the beloved Disney animated film, in which a poor boy finds a magic lamp, becomes friends with the Genie of the lamp and tries to win the love of the beautiful Princess Jasmine. The show will be presented at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington on Sept. 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 27 and 28 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for children and seniors and $12 for adults.

- The Last 5 Years - Paramount Players presents the musical about a couple dealing with divorce. The show is rated PG-13 for adult situations. It will be presented at the Paramount Arts Center at 1300 Winchester Ave. in Ashland, Ky. on Sept. 4, 5 and 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 

- Shrek: The Musical - the Southern Coalition for the Arts present the musical based on the animated film Sept. 5, 6, 12 and 13 at 8 p.m. and Sept 14 at 3 p.m. at The Coalfield Jamboree at 308 Main St, Logan, W.Va. Tickets are $10 Adults and $5 Students. 

- On Golden Pond - the Barn Lot Theatre presents the drama about an elderly man trying to make peace with his family. It will be presented Sept. 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. at the Barn Lot Theatre at 207 S. Main St., Edmonton, Ky. Tickets are $12 Adults, $10 Seniors (55+), Student (K-College) and Active Military, and $7 Pre-School. Thursdays are "pay what you can" nights.

- All Ages Improv Comedy Show - the No Pants Players present Improv Comedy - One night only, Sat, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. at the Alban Arts and Conference Center at 65 Olde Main St, Saint Albans, W.Va. Tickets $12 at the door, $10 in advance online at www.nopantsplayers.com

- Murder and Merriment presents Interactive Murder Dinner Parties, including: A Murderous Reunion on Sept 12 at 7 p.m. at Tascali's Restaurant, 6007 US 60 Barboursville, W.Va. Reservations Required: 304.736.0504 / Murder at the Museum! on Sept 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. at the Greenhouse of Teays Valley, Hurricane, W.Va. Tickets are $45, Reservations Required: 304.397.6316 / The Murdered Mistress on Sept 25 at 7 p.m., a Fundraiser for Charleston Jr. Women's League, Charleston, W.Va. / Trial for the Living Dead - Based on the true story of the Hawk's Nest Tragedy. It will be presented on Sept 26 and 27 at 7 p.m. at the Hawk's Nest Restaurant, Hawk's Nest State Park, Anstead, W.Va. Tickets are $40, Reservations Required: 304.658.5212, ext. 1542.

On Stage This Weekend: "Much Ado" and "Emote"

   There's no excuse for not seeing everything on stage this weekend - there are only two shows on tap!

   Here's the rundown, courtesy of my pal Ryan Hardiman:

 - Much Ado about Nothing (Play)
by William Shakespeare
Arts Resources for the Tri State
Fri. and Sat., Aug. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.
ARTS Mainstage, 900 8th Street, Huntington
Tickets are $15
304-733-2787

- Emote: The Rock Opera (Musical)
by Harry Beall
Alban Arts Center
Fri. and Sat., Aug 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.
Alban Arts Center, 65 Olde Main, St. Albans, W.Va.
Tickets are $10 all ages
304-721-8896

   So get out there and support your community theatre!

 

"Much Ado About Nothing" - A Review

  Let's face it, watching a play by Shakespeare can be a challenge - who talks like that anymore?

   But if you're looking for one of his plays that offers easy access to the audience, that brings big laughs and an easy-to-follow story, then you should go see the excellent production of Much Ado About Nothing, which ARTS is presenting this weekend at the Renaissance Theatre (the old Huntington High School) at 900 8th Street.

   It's easily one of the (if not THE) funniest shows crafted by Shakespeare. It follows the tangled story of love for two different couples - the boisterious Benedick, an avowed bachelor and Beatrice, the contrary and sharp-tongued bachelorette who has no use for men; and Claudio, the love-struck young man who has fallen for the beautiful Hero - and she's crazy about him, too.

   Of course, the path of true love doesn't always run smooth, so the couple in love find their wedding disrupted by an enemy's evil scheme, while the couple not in love are drawn together by a kind-hearted scheme by true friends.

   What follows is a comedy of... well, not errors, but wrongs to right and lovers to be set right. (Or words to that effect.)

   The play has been cleverly moved to a more modern setting by director Mike Murdock. It's set in Las Vegas in the 1960s in Leonato's Casino. The costumes and sets are a wonderful change-up for the classic story, all brought to life with great skill and craft, and the characters translate perfectly to the new setting, which includs piano performances and several wonderful dance numbers with Vegas showgirls, courtesy of choreographer Coni Anthony

   But the real stars of the show, of course, are the actors:

- Len Trent (Benedick) has shown great skill at playing intense characters in past shows, but here he shows his range and absolutely kills with laughs. His comic eavesdropping scene alone is worth the price of admission.

- Joanna Berner (Beatrice) also gets to steal some very funny scenes in her own attempts to uncover a "secret" love interest. A gifted actress, she gets to show her comic chops throughout (not to mention some dance moves), and the results are delightful.

- Eric Wilson (Claudio) is the love-smitten young man who has to play it straight, but shows his emotional range in his outrage over charges against his beloved, and his shock at a surprising twist. He's always spot-on and charming.

- Emma Imes (Hero) doesn't get to do much more than be very sweet and also outraged, but she does it so well. And she does get a death scene - well, sort of...

- Stephen Vance (Don Pedro) and Bill Stambaugh (Leonato) get to ooze charm and gravitas as the top dogs in Vegas, and they're obviously having a lot of fun doing it.

- Dylan Clark (Dogberry), Luke Matlock (Verges), Jonathan Armstrong (Hugh Oatcake) and Andrew Surber (George Seacoat) are a scream as security agents who - quite inadvertantly, and despite their best efforts - play a key role in revealing the evil plot against the lovers. They're a pure delight.

- Andrew Potter (Friar) also gets some big laughs with a different twist on the role - he plays it as an Elvis impersonator! What more do you need to know?

- Simon Woods (Don John) revels in his part as the wicked brother of Don Juan, and it's his machinations that move things along. Can we just agree that any show is better for the inclusion of Simon? He's wonderful in every part he plays, and this is no exception.

   The entire cast does excellent work here, bringing life to a classic that - like all great works - is just as timeless and entertaining as ever.

    You only have two chances left (Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.) to catch this excellent production, the third Shakespeare play in three years from ARTS - and so far, they're batting a thousand.

   Face it, if you're a theatre fan at all, you owe it to yourself to see Much Ado About Nothing.  

Interview #5 with the Cast of "Much Ado About Nothing"

You just have two chances left to catch the ARTS production of Much Ado About Nothing - it runs Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

For our latest interview with the cast, let's hear from the guy who plays the lead in the comedy - the talented and incredibly funny Len Trent:

Q: What is Much Ado About Nothing about?

Len: I have no clue. You have one pair that wants nothing to do with love and another pair that can only think of love. A bunch of conniving people trying to either set one pair up or tear the other pair apart. I still can't figure it out.

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

Len: I ask myself the same question everyday. I guess it's ARTS and (director) Mike Murdock. Also, the William guy that penned this piece ain't bad.

Q: Tell us about your part in the play.

Len: I play Benedick. He is one half of the pair that wants nothing to do with love. He is tricked into believing he is in love. And, well it makes for one of Shakespeare's better bloody tragedies.

Q: What's your background in theatre?

Len: Acting and stage combat in one way or another for 20 years or so. Thanks for ripping open that wound, Chuck.

Q: I'm here to help. Tell us about the cast and/or directors you're working with.

Len: It's unbelievable. Totally miscast. These people are out there getting laugh after laugh. This is serious theater yet there is no blood and no gore. People are leaving with big smiles on their faces every night. I don't get it.

Q: Why would you urge our readers to see this play?

Len: I have no Idea why. I mean if you want to see Shakespeare done in a '70s casino with attractive Showgirls and possibly have some laughs then I guess this is your show.

Thanks, Len!

A Free Concert with Chris Sizemore

 

   He grew up singing and performing on local stages, and these days, Huntington's own Chris Sizemore makes his living acting and singing professionally in Washington, DC - in fact, he's just been cast in the classic musical Fiddler on the Roof, which will be presented this fall at Arena Stage in Washington, DC.

 

   He's also getting ready to release an album - and you can get a sneak preview when he offers a free concert in Huntington at Fifth Avenue Baptist Church on August 31 at 7 p.m.

 

   He'll be singing his favorite songs, your favorites, some old, and some new. Some of the songs he's singing will be on his upcoming album.

   You can check in at his event page on Facebook (and you don't have to be a Facebook member to see the page):

https://www.facebook.com/#!/events/1484917061754816/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

   It's great to see our local talent making their mark in major markets around the country - and even better when they return home to share their gifts with us!

   Don't miss it!

Interview #4 with the Cast of "Much Ado About Nothing"

   Here’s the fourth in our series of interviews with the cast of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, which is being presented by ARTS at the Renaissance Theatre at 900 8th Street in Huntington.

   You have three more chances to catch the show - there’s a show tonight at 8 p.m. and two more next weekend!

   

   This time around, let’s hear from the talented and funny Andrew Potter:

Q: What is "Much Ado" all about?

Andrew: Love, deceit, and beautiful girls dancing.

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

Andrew: It’s one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, and it [hopefully] won’t require washing off gallons of blood before leaving the theater each night.

Q: Tell us about the part you play.

Andrew: I play Friar Francis, the rockin’est papa this side of Salerno, who humbly strives to someday become the Bishop of Rome. I also perform quickie wedding services at Leonato’s casino.

Q: What’s your background in theatre?

Andrew: I watched it from afar for years, mostly from near the back of the house. Eventually, I auditioned, and someone took pity and cast me. I’ve been conning my way from theatre to theatre for several years and managed to somehow convince ARTS that I was talented enough to put me in the Resident Company for an entire year. Suckers.

Q: Tell us about the cast and/or directors you’re working with.

Andrew: I think Mike Murdock’s reputation for the treatment of Shakespeare is well enough known through his Macbeth and Julius Caesar that I couldn’t possibly add any more laurels to his crown, but I do have to say that this cast is incredibly funny. I got to sit in the auditorium and just laugh at what they would do for weeks of rehearsal. Also, the girls dance and are beautiful.

Q: Why would you urge our readers to see this play?

Andrew: It’s really a good play. Seriously, it’s entertaining. Also, did I mention beautiful dancing girls?