Theatre Camp Time!

   This is the time of year when I get lots of emails asking about summer theatre camps - and here's one now!

   My pals Eddie Harbert and Coni Anthony will be presenting a summer theatre camp for ages 5-11 running June 12 to July 1. Students will be performing the musical Magic Treehouse: Dinosaurs Before Dark, Jr. 

    There will also be a camp for ages 11-18 running July 17 to August 4. Students in the older camp will be performing the musical Xanadu, Jr. 

   Camp runs five days per week for three weeks from 9 a.m. to noon for both camps. Students will learn beginning aspects of theatre and will assist in building costumes and props, auditioning, learning lines and choreography, and building sets. 

   Cost for the camp is $300 and includes all materials including script, T-shirt, and cast photo. Camp will be directed by Eddie Harbert with Coni Anthony serving as choreographer and Carol Scarberry as Craft Coordinator. 

   Camp will be held and performances given at the Barboursville Amphitheater in Barboursville Park. Each camp is limited to 30 participants and spots are already beginning to fill up. If interested in receiving a registration form, one can be emailed to you. There is a nonrefundable $25 registration fee. There may be some very limited scholarships available. 

   For more information or to reserve a spot call 304-360-2749, or by email at harberteddie@gmail.com. 

On Stage This Weekend

   As summer rolls in, community theatres get ready for the outdoor season. But there are a few indoor shows to catch - here's the rundown:

   Sordid Lives - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play on May 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at 1117 Lawson Street in Portsmouth, Ohio. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens. The play is rated "R" for language and adult themes.

   Unplugged - Children's Theatre of Charleston presents The Theatre Project on May 26 and 27 at 8 p.m. and May 27 and 28 at 2 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater. Tickets are $10 each.

   Oliver! - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic musical on May 26, 27 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are $14 and $9.

   So go see a show!

A Community Players Reunion

   My pal Dave Lavender wrote a not-to-be-missed story this weekend for the Herald-Dispatch about the upcoming reunion for the community theatre group known as the Community Players!

   You can read the story at this link: http://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/huntington-s-community-players-hosting-reunion/article_a88f4bfa-1a58-5788-bc25-c2ff232221af.html - here's an excerpt:

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What do Marshall basketball coach Dan D'Antoni, two-time Tony Award winner Michael Cerveris, Pulitzer Prize winner Julia Keller, award-winning documentary filmmaker Deb Novak, Hattie and Nan's owner Joanna Sexton, Huntington High School teacher Helen Freeman and Academy Award-nominee Brad Dourif all have in common?

They are all players.

Or more accurately, they were players - and that is a good and memorable thing.

That illustrious group of multi-talented people are among the hundreds of talented folks who took to the stage during the six-decade history of the Community Players.

For the first time this Memorial Day weekend, Community Players - Huntington's community theater group that put on more than 250 shows in Huntington from 1937 until 1997 - is hosting a reunion on the street that was the heart of it all.

The main reunion, which is free and open to the public, is set for 5 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at the Charles Holley Gazebo, just a couple blocks from the empty lot at 420 14th St. W., that once held The Darwin E. Abbott Theatre, home to the Community Players from 1952 until December 1994.

On Stage This Weekend - "Sister Act" and "Sordid Lives"

   There are only two shows taking the stage this weekend!

   One is family friendly, and the other's for adults. Here's the rundown:

   Sister Act: The Musical - The Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the musical comedy based on the popular film on May 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre at One Civic Center Drive. Tickets are $25 - reserved seating

   Sordid Lives - Portsmouth Little Theatre presents the play that became a hit movie and cult television series. It will be presented May 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at www.pltlive.com, and are $12 for adults and $10 for students & senior citizens. Rated R for language and adult themes.

   So go see a show!

Tonight Only; "Showcase 2017"

   GAME DAY!!!


   Today's your one and only chance to see some of First Stage's top talents perform at Showcase 2017!


   It's a special fundraiser for the children's theatre, and features some of that group's amazing alumni and young performers showing off their talents!

   We have some of the company's top young talent performing, along with several graduates, including Broadway performer Brooklyn Nelson, Becca Gaunch, Audrey Fosson, Levi Kelley, Sarah Hayes Navy, Evan Price, and Maggie Saunders!


   The show starts at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the Huntington High School auditorium at One Highlander Way - you'll enjoy two hours of singing and dancing, and tickets are just $12 for adults and $10 for students age 12 and under.

   (I admit prejudice on this one - I'm one of the co-directors of the show, along with Amy Browning, Jonathan Joy and music director Lara Donahoe.)


   Don't miss it!

On Stage This Weekend

   On stage this weekend, there are four great shows, including a concert by First Stage's top talent, a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan's greatest hits, a serious drama and a hit musical!

   Here's the rundown:

- Showcase 2017 - First Stage Theatre Company presents a concert and talent show featuring alumni and present-day performers. The performance will be one night only, on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Huntington High School's auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are available at the door - $12 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under. The performance is a fundraiser for Huntington's children's theatre.

- An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan - ARTS presents a concert of classic songs from the masters of musical theatre! Shows will be presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday - May 11, 12, and 13 - at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each. 

- Dutchman - Curtains Up Players present the play on Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. and May 14 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium. Centered squarely on racial conflict, the play is literally a shocking play - in ideas, in language, in honest anger. A full question and answer discussion will take place after each performance. Some content may not be suitable for all audiences.

- Sister Act: The Musical - The Charleston Light Opera Guild present the musical comedy based on the popular film on May 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and May 14 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre at One Civic Center Drive. Tickets are $25 Reserved seating.

   So get out there and see a show!

Who Stars in "Showcase?"

   Yesterday we talked about Showcase 2017, a special fundraiser / concert / talent show that First Stage Theatre will be staging this weekend.

   The list of performers includes present-day performers, a handful of our talented alumni - and a special performer who is neither!

   Brooklyn Nelson got her start in stage just five years ago in First Stage's The Little Mermaid, and she performed in several other shows before landing a dream role - she was cast in the hit Broadway show Matilda the Musical!

   After a run of a couple of years, that show closed down a few months ago - which was our good fortune, because it meant Brooklyn had a short time between projects in New York to allow her to be part of Showcase!

   She's not really an alumni - she's not old enough! But since she's a professional actor, she can only take part in a benefit concert (with a community theatre group) like this with special permission.

   We're so happy to have her back where she started, if just for a short visit!

   Several other alumni will be joining her on stage, including the amazing dancer / singer Sarah Hayes Navy, actor and singer Maggie Saunders, the powerful singing voice of Evan Price, the versatile and talented singer Levi Kelly, the gifted singer Audrey Fosson, and our most recent graduate, and another terrific singer, Becca Gaunch!

   it's a terrific lineup - but there's more! We'll talk about that - in tomorrow's post.

   Showcase 2017 will be presented on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. (one performance only) at the Huntington High School auditorium at One Highlander Way. 

Working on a "Showcase"

   It's been a hectic week as First Stage Theatre prepares to bring back a classic: Showcase.

   Back in the mid-1990s when the children's theatre was brand new, it faced a big challenge: it takes money to stage shows, and the group didn't have enough for its next production.

   The solution was to stage a show that had minimal expenses, so it would serve as a fundraiser for the next show.

   The shows were talent shows, allowing young performers to demonstrate their talents - they could sing, dance, or juggle (to name just a few of their talents).

   The shows were a lot of fun, and First Stage presented them in 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2003. By that point, the group was on sound financial footing, so it turned its focus to producing shows.

   But six years ago, First Stage made a big investment in its future - the group bought a small warehouse near downtown Huntington. It serves as storage space for the group's sets, costumes and props - and provides work space to build sets.

   As soon as the building is paid for, First Stage plans to modify it into a small theatre space. To speed up the process, two special concerts were staged in 2012 and 2013 focusing on the group's alumni - performers who are now grown up, many of them working as professional entertainers around the country.

   The shows have been a great success, and the group is 2/3 of the way to paying off the building.

   For the third benefit concert, they're changing things up by combining the alumni concerts with the classic Showcase model - so the show will feature returning alumni and today's young performers!

   And that's just the beginning! We'll talk about some of the performers included in the show - and some of the other special events included - in our next installment tomorrow!

   Showcase 2017 will be presented on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. (one performance only) at the Huntington High School auditorium at One Highlander Way. 

On Stage This Weekend

   You have three great shows to choose from this weekend, including a concert of beloved songs, and two classic musicals!

   Here's the rundown:

- An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan - ARTS presents a concert of classic songs from the masters of musical theatre! Shows will be presented on May 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each. 

- Sister Act: The Musical - The Charleston Light Opera Guild present the musical comedy based on the popular film on May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and May 14 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre at One Civic Center Drive. Tickets are $25 Reserved seating.

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

   So go see a show!

Jonah: From Stage to the Screen

   Kudos to Brittany Adkins Beitzel, who grew up on stage in local theatre productions, including First Stage, ARTS and HOT. 

   For the past six years, she's been appearing in the Sight & Sound Theatre's productions in Lancaster, Pennsylvania!

   She also hit the big screen, as a film version of Jonah: On Stage aired this week at local theatres!

   You can read more about it in the Herald-Dispatch story by Dave Lavender at this link.

   Here's an excerpt:

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   For the past six seasons, 2005 Cabell Midland High School graduate Brittany Adkins Beitzel has been a regular in the cast at the Sight & Sound Theatre's professional productions.

   But to see Beitzel you have to drive to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the heart of the popular Pennsylvanian Dutch country to see her perform at the 2,000-seat Sight & Sound Theatre.

   Beitzel, who is 30, is in the ensemble cast of Jonah: On Stage!, the Biblical theatrical production that was filmed in 2012, her first year performing with the company.

   Filmed in front of a live audience, Jonah: On Stage! brings to life the journey of a lovable, yet stubborn prophet. This performance offers cinematic music and massive sets, including an underwater scene featuring a huge 40-foot whale - made by the same folks who create the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade floats.

The Tony Nominations

   The Tony Awards were announced this morning!

   As expected, Bette Midler and the revival of Hello, Dolly! soaked up quite a few nominations, as did the Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812 (which had 12 nominations)!

   You can read the complete list of nominees at the Playbill website right here.

   Or you can go to the Tony Awards link and watch the replay of the actual announcements right here!

   It looks like a strong lineup, with perhaps the only surprises being few nominations for fan favorites Anastasia and Amelie!

   The 71st Tony Awards will air on June 11, 2017!

On Stage in May

   There are a half-dozen great shows coming up in May - here’s the rundown:

- Showcase 2017 - First Stage Theatre Company presents a concert and talent show featuring alumni and present-day performers. The performance will be one night only, on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Huntington High School's auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are available at the door - $12 for adults and $10 for children age 12 and under.

- An Evening with Gilbert & Sullivan - ARTS presents a concert of classic songs from the masters of musical theatre! Shows will be presented on May 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13 at 8 p.m. at the Renaissance Theatre Ballroom at 900 8th Street in Huntington. Tickets are $15 each. 

- Dutchman - Curtains Up Players present the play on May 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and May 14 at 2:30 p.m. at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium. Centered squarely on racial conflict, the play is literally a shocking play - in ideas, in language, in honest anger. A full question and answer discussion will take place after each performance. Some content may not be suitable for all audiences.

- Sister Act: The Musical - The Charleston Light Opera Guild present the musical comedy based on the popular film on May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., and May 14 at 2 p.m. at the Charleston Civic Center Little Theatre at One Civic Center Drive. Tickets are $25 Reserved seating.

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

- Oliver! - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the classic musical on May 26, 27 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jenny Wiley Mainstage in Pikeville, Ky. Tickets are $14 and $9

   So get out there and see some shows!

First Stage to Present "Showcase 2017"

        The First Stage Theatre Company is bringing back alumni from past shows to join present-day actors to take part is a special concert called Showcase 2017!

The performance will be one night only, on Saturday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m. at Huntington High School's auditorium. 

   "Showcase" is a (non-competitive) variety show, and the performers will show off their talent - including singing, dancing, playing an instrument, and more!

   Playwright Jonathan Joy and his son Levi are directing a short non-musical play that will be part of Showcase!

The show is a fundraiser - all funds raised will go toward paying off the First Stage building. 

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. Founded in 1990, the organization produces stage shows starring young performers. There is no charge to take part in a First Stage production.

     “Showcase 2017” is the final production in First Stage’s 27th season.

On Stage This Weekend

   There are only two shows taking the stage this weekend - but they're "choice!"

   Here's the rundown:

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

   So go see a show!

Inside "Guys & Dolls"

   Marshall University Theatre wraps up its season this weekend with a terrific show - the classic musical Guys & Dolls!

   Derek Halsey gives us a look at the production in this story in the Herald-Dispatch.

   Here's an excerpt:

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Set in the bustling underworld of 1920s and '30s New York, Guys & Dolls debuted on Broadway in 1950 and quickly added its iconic songs - like "Luck Be a Lady" and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat" - to the American songbook.

Now, the Marshall University School of Theatre brings the classic, gangster-themed musical to life to close out its 2016-17 season. Performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, through Saturday, April 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Tickets are $20; $15 for seniors and Marshall University employees; Marshall students free with ID. Call 304-696-2787 for more information.

Based on two short stories by the late 1880s/early 1900s writer Damon Runyon, Guys & Dolls is about the clash between some gamblers in New York City and some attractive, straight-laced women that run a Salvation Army mission and are in search of some souls to save. One side tries to outwit the other while love enters into the picture and turns everyone's heads around.

With music written by Frank Loesser and a book written by Jo Swirling and Abe Burrows, Guys & Dolls also became famous for the actors who played the parts in this madcap story. Most notable was the 1955 film version of the play that starred Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Jean Simmons and Vivian Blaine, who appeared in the original Broadway production.

On Stage This Week (and Weekend)

   There are lots of great shows coming up this weekend (and this week), including classic musicals and thought-provoking plays! Here’s the rundown:

- Guys & Dolls - Marshall University's School of Theatre will present the classic musical by Frank Loesser on April 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, the show has won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, the musical is an oddball romantic comedy of gamblers, entertainers, city cops and even the Salvation Army! Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7u for children ages 5 to 12, and free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

- Company - Actors Guild of Parkersburg presents the musical by Stephen Sondheim on April 21, 22, 28, 29 and May 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. and April 30 at 2:30 p.m. at 724 Market Street in Parkersburg. Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and senior citizens. 

- She Loves Me - George Washington High School’s Theater of the Nevertheless will present the musical on April 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. and April 23 at 1p.m. at 1522 Tennis Club Road in Charleston.

- Marcellus Shale - Alban Arts and Conference Center present the play by Paul Zimet and Ellen Maddow on April 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. at 65 Olde Main Street in Saint Albans, W.Va. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and senior citizens. Proceeds benefit the Ohio Valley Environmental Council and WVSORO.

- The Good Woman of Setzuan - West Virginia State University will present the play April 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the David Stephen Skeen Theatre. Admission is free for students and $10 for general admission.

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

   So get out there and see some shows!

"Guys & Dolls"

   Taking the stage this week is Guys & Dolls - and you can see some great photos from the production at this link (like the one above by Larry Butcher with the Herald-Dispatch).

   Marshall University's School of Theatre will present the classic musical by Frank Loesser on April 19, 20, 21 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and April 23 at 2 p.m. at the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, the show has won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, the musical is an oddball romantic comedy of gamblers, entertainers, city cops and even the Salvation Army! Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for faculty and senior citizens, $7 for children ages 5 to 12, and free to full-time Marshall students with valid ID.

   It's one of my favorite musicals - don't miss it!

On Stage This Weekend

   Taking the stage this weekend are three plays, including two musicals, andan original play. Here's the rundown:

- The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy - Huntington High School Performing Arts presents the musical based on the classic TV show on April 15 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Huntington High School Auditorium at 1 Highlander Way. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

- Betsy Ross Ate Here - The Contemporary Youth Arts Company presents the original play by Dan Kehde on April 13, 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. at the WVSU Capitol Center Theater at 123 Summers Street in Charleston. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

- The Robber Bridegroom - Jenny Wiley Theatre presents the play on April 14, 15, 18, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at 218 Second Street in Pikeville, Ky. Set in eighteenth century Mississippi, the show follows Jamie Lockhart, a rascally robber of the woods, as he courts Rosamund, the only daughter of the richest planter in the country. The proceedings go awry, however, thanks to a case of double-mistaken identity. Throw in an evil stepmother intent on Rosamund's demise, her pea-brained henchman and a hostile talking head-in-a-trunk, and you have a rollicking country romp.

  So get out there and see a show (or three)!

A Reunion for the Community Players

   For decades, the Huntington Community Players staged musicals and plays - many of them in the Abbott Theatre on Huntington's West End.

   To celebrate the history of the organization, alumni are invited to a reunion on Saturday, May 27 at 5 p.m. at the West 14th Street Gazebo. 

   Marshall Theater, Musical Arts Guild alumni, and anyone associated with theater in Huntington is welcome to attend. 

   There is no charge for the reunion. 

   For more information, including photo galleries of past productions (like the one above from The Hobbit), or to register for the reunion, visit the Huntington Community Players website at www.hcpreunion.com.

New Play Festival at ACTC This Weekend

   Ashland Community and Technical College will present the New Play Festival at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, April 9, in the J.B. Sowards Theater at the College Drive Campus.

   The festival features 12 plays written by ACTC students in a last fall's playwriting class taught assistant English professor Jonathan Joy. Actors include more than 30 local students and community members. General admission tickets are $5 and will be available at the door before each performance

   At the same time, artwork by ACTC students in spring drawing and painting classes will be exhibited in the Theatre Lobby at College Drive Campus. 

   "We are holding the free exhibit in conjunction with the New Play Festival so that people can see both the visual and performing arts in one night," art professor Wendy Fosterwelsh said in a news release.