Tri-State Theater

On Stage This Weekend - "Into the Woods" and "Almost, Maine"

2009-11-19T20:17:00.003-05:00

Make plans now - you have two great shows to choose from this weekend:

- The beloved musical Into the Woods will be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium at Huntington's City Hall at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

It's the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. It's an entertaining view of fairy tale characters trying to live "Happily Ever After." When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - they'll need items from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (who climbed the beanstalk).

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909. For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

- Marshall's Theatre Alliance will present the play Almost, Maine Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

On a clear, moonless Friday night in deepest winter, the northern lights hover over the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine. All is not quite what it seems as Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected, unusual ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. And ache is all around as love is — literally — lost, found, and realized.

The tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for MU Faculty and Senior Citizens, and free to full-time MU students with valid ID. For more information, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office phone at 304-696-2787, or visit their online site right here.

Both shows are highly recommended!

Thoughts About "Into the Woods"

2009-11-18T22:48:00.003-05:00

So here's the deal: since I'm the President of First Stage Theatre Company, I really can't write a review of the new production of Into the Woods being staged this weekend at Huntington's City Hall auditorium.

I'm obviously prejudiced. But I will share a few thoughts about the production.

I saw the musical last Saturday, and it was amazing to see this talented cast tackling such a challenging show. Into the Woods has a lot going for it - a great directing team, a fine orchestra, an amazing set, a terrific tech crew - but the burden of the show falls on the cast, and they're outstanding.

I wanted to single out a few of the veterans in the cast. Sarah Hayes (The Baker's Wife) (that's her on the left) is a performer I've watched grow up on stage in Huntington, and it's hard to believe that she's already a senior. She's grown into such a beautiful and talented performer, with strong acting skills and outstanding comic timing, her excellent singing and incredible dancing. She's been in dozens of shows and it's great to see her back with First Stage one final time!

And she's not the only senior - Mary Kate Young (Cinderella) (on the right) has also grown up on stage - it seems like just yesterday (instead of seven years ago) she was hobbling around on crutches in Alexander. She's grown into a beautiful leading lady, with an amazing singing voice and great stage presence. She's also a terrific dancer and flies well, too (at least she did in Peter Pan).

Eric Newfeld (The Baker) (on the left) is also a senior, and he's been a terrific addition to dozens of shows. I'm convinced he was born to be on stage - he's a fine actor with great comedic skills and a fine singer, and he's also a heck of a great guy. I was lucky enough to work with him on my last show - he was the assistant director, and he was dedicated, hard-working and an inspiration to the young cast.

Senior Holly Smith (Rapunzel) had a small but key role as Rapunzel, and managed to wring loads of laughs out of the part, and got to show off her outstanding singing voice, too.

Mary Frances Wilkes (Florinda) is a senior who earns big laughs as one of Cinderella's ill-tempered (and ill-fated) step-sisters. A terrific performance!

Senior Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince, Wolf 2) also gets the most out of several roles, whether he's chasing the Three Little Pigs, wooing Rapunzel or singing a duet about the burdens of being a Prince. He's a talented young performer who does great work here.

The whole cast does a great job, but let me single out just a few more performers:

- Caleb Donahoe steals scenes like crazy (this is a good thing) as the Mysterious Man and the Narrator - he's funny, a fine actor, and he has a fantastic singing voice.

- Sarah Bryan has a great turn as Little Red Riding Hood - the character who is at the same time vicious and very, very funny.

- Kristin Caviani is a scream as the mother of Jack (he of the beanstalk), and she's a heck of a good singer, too.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince / Wolf 1) has a powerful voice and turns in a strong performance here. Where has he been hiding?

- Meg Riley (Cinderella's Stepmother) and Emily Dennison (Cinderella's Stepsister Lucinda) are both hilarious, playing spiteful roles for comedy and getting big laughs.

- and a big round of applause to Maggie Saunders (on the left) for her amazing turn as The Witch. Maggie is such a mature and talented performer that it's hard to believe that she's "just" a junior. She has an incredible, powerful voice and puts it to good use in several pivotal songs in this show, and she also has some great comedic moments - and even some tender, loving moments. An awesome performance.

Of course, putting on a show is a team effort, and it takes the whole cast working together to make the show happen - including a small army of trees who become a living part of the set, in addition to singing in those difficult Sondheim songs!

It's a production the cast and crew can be very proud of - it's a challenging show that's one of Sondheim's best (it's my favorite of his, actually), and this cast does a terrific job with it.

This weekend you have three more chances to see Into the Woods. It'll be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall) 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909. For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Highly recommended!

On Stage Wednesday - "Almost, Maine"

2009-11-17T18:15:00.003-05:00

The latest production from the Marshall Theatre Alliance hits the stage on Wednesday evening.

The show is Almost, Maine, and it was written by John Cariani. It runs Nov. 18 - 21 at 8 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

Here's the description of the show:

On a clear, moonless Friday night in deepest winter, the northern lights hover over the remote, mythical town of Almost, Maine.

All is not quite what it seems as Almost’s residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected, unusual ways. Knees are bruised. Hearts are broken. And ache is all around as love is — literally — lost, found, and realized.

Almost, Maine will showcase the talents of student directors and designers in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre.

The tickets are $20 for Adults, $15 for MU Faculty and Senior Citizens, and free to full-time MU students with valid ID. For more information, call the Marshall Theatre Box Office phone at 304-696-2787.

Marshall's productions are always outstanding - I have to admit I'm not familiar with this show, but it sounds like a good one!

The Jim Stone Scholarship Goes To...

2009-11-16T22:07:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Josh Meredith, who was officially awarded the 2009 Jim Stone Scholarship during a presentation Saturday night during intermission of Into the Woods.

The $1000 scholarship is presented annually by First Stage Theatre Company to an outstanding student who is studying Performing Arts at an institution of higher learning.

Josh has starred in dozens of shows, including High School Musical, Cats, Les Miserables: School Edition, Peter Pan, Seussical the Musical and many, many others. You can now catch him in productions at Marshall University - in fact, he's involved in the next show which starts Wednesday (more about that later this week).

Until this year, the scholarship was a $250 award, presented every year for four years to each winner - but thanks to the support of the community, First Stage changed it this year to make it a one-time $1000 award. That means the three past winners received the bulk of their scholarship, too - so congratulations to Laura LaCara (a senior who received $250), John Wolfe (a junior who received $500) and Brittany Hazeldine (a sophomore who received $750).

The award is named in honor of Jim Stone, a beloved actor and supporter of community theatre in Huntington. I worked with him several times, and he was a wonderful guy and a great mentor to young performers.

Congratulations to all the winners!

"Into the Woods" Photo Gallery

2009-11-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

One more note about Into the Woods - you can see an excellent Photo Gallery at the Herald-Dispatch's online site right here - here's a sample below, with Eric Newfeld and Sarah Hayes playing the part of the Baker and the Baker's Wife.

On Stage This Afternoon - "Into the Woods"

2009-11-15T10:39:00.002-05:00

I saw Into the Woods last night and enjoyed it tremendously! What amazing talent we have here in the Tri-State!

I'll have more to say about it soon, but you have one more chance to see the show this weekend (and then three more chances next weekend)!

The musical will be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall) today at 4 p.m. and then next weekend at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

This is the full version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. The duo presents an entertaining view of everyone's favorite fairytale characters in this hysterical take on the Brothers Grimm. When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - they'll need items from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (who climbed the beanstalk).

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909.

For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

Highly recommended!

On Stage This Weekend - "Into the Woods"

2009-11-13T07:01:00.001-05:00

Taking the stage this weekend is First Stage Theatre Company's production of the musical Into the Woods.

It'll be presented at the Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall). The show will run at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

This is the full version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. The duo presents a cock-eyed view of everyone's favorite fairytale characters in this hysterical take on the Brothers Grimm. When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - they'll need items from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (who climbed the beanstalk).

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under. Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909.

For more information, go online to www.firststagetheatre.org.

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 5)

2009-11-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Here's the final chapter in our e-interview with the cast of Into the Woods, and just in time - the show starts tonight at 8 p.m. at Huntington's City Hall auditorium!

The musical mashes together the fairy tale stories of several familiar characters, including the Baker and his Wife, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Wolf, two Princes and much more! It also tells the story of what happens after "Happily Ever After."

Here's how several members of the cast answered our final question:

Why should our readers come to see this show?

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) Even though it's a hard show to do, our cast has been working really hard and I think it is going to be a great show.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - Into the Woods is not just a cute little show for the kids, but it's also a show that shows real-life struggles and issues that come up after the "happily ever after."

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - Everyone should come see the show because the cast is amazing. It's an amazing story with so many great themes about life. Also, First Stage is such an amazing company and it gives kids a great opportunity to get out of their shell, and coming to the show will help keep the company going.

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) Readers should come see the show to have a good laugh, journey into the woods, meet amazing cast members and have fun while enjoying the magic of the theatre.

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) This is a very unique show, and the audience has probably never seen anything like it before.

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) You should definitely come to this show because we have spent and put in so much work and time into this. Not only that, it is a GREAT show. You would have a couple of hard laughs. You might even cry because of some of the songs. It is simply beautiful.

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) It has a deep moral with intoxicating music and an interesting set and cast. I think that everyone who comes to see this show will really be excited and love the show when they walk out of the doors.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince and Wolf 1) The people who put on these shows and the directors are absolutely amazing people and will help you through anything. The best is what they give you, so you have to be ready to give them the best of what you have. HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!!!!

"Into the Woods" - Interview with the Directors

2009-11-12T22:16:00.002-05:00

Into the Woods (which starts Friday at 8 p.m. at the Huntington City Hall auditorium) actually has co-directors - Mary and Tommy Smirl (as you might expect, they're married).

They graciously took time out of their busy tech week to take part in an e-interview:

Q: Why did you want to direct Into the Woods?

Mary: I love this Show! It pretty much has everything one could want to have when embarking on a creative journey with 40 talented kids. Amazing, "age old" characters to develop, period costumes, imaginative set potential, special effects, and let us not forget Mr. (Stephen) Sondheim’s music and lyrics! The kids always say, "Challenge us PLEASE," and this show fits the bill!

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

Tommy: Two things come to mind. First, the music, I mean after all, it is Stephen Sondheim! However, we knew that the veteran kids we had to draw from could handle this kind of challenge. Ron Neal has been great in being both a teacher and a task master. He doesn’t just settle for being close, he wants them right on it. The new kids I think were surprised by how much we expected of them, but the ones that have grown up with First Stage not only rose to it, but I think expected it to be difficult and challenging. Now of course, I didn’t have to worry about the music as much because that was Ron’s job. For Mary and I, I think the most challenging part was relaying the movement and story in a limited space with limited set options. If you watch professional versions of this show, there are rotating stages, moving sets, elevators, flying things and all the magic that theatre can bring. Of course, we don’t have those options and we have to “create” the movement and change to try and convey the progression of the story. The living woods was one of the ways we sought to do that. It was kind of inspired by the hybrid car commercials that having the living flowers and such. We couldn’t go to that extreme, but we felt if the woods can move with the actors, it will relay a change of location to the audience without really going anywhere. The concept seemed easy enough at first, but I have to say, we did have our doubts along the way as to whether it was a good decision. However, the first night they were on the stage in costume, with the accompanying lighting, we just sat back and said, “Yeah, this is going to work!”

Q: The show is based on fairy tales, but it's not a "kiddie show" - has that been a challenge?

Mary: No, not where the cast is concerned. When you say, not a "kiddie show" as in...well, as I try to come up with even one "kiddie show" to compare, I find something that might eliminate pretty much all of them that are considered just that. Peter Pan has kidnapping Pirates that kill. Seussical has child abandonment. Wizard of Oz has death, even if it is of a Witch that is killed. I guess my point is, all "fairy tales" have lessons to be learned and never without questionable behavior exhibited and the consequences that follow. If you look hard enough you can find that in pretty much every story put to stage. We talked at length one of the first nights of reading through the show about this very question. I am always amazed but never surprised when they look for the good and never argue for the negative. It comes natural to them and I consider myself very lucky to be exposed to their perspective. When I asked them how they felt about the dark turn this story takes, they all were able to focus immediately on the cause for the destruction instead of the destructive act. In other words, as I think Cody Verbage said something like, "If you do not steal, lie, or break vows, you won’t end up getting crushed by a Giant." I think that perspective alone makes this a very good show for kids. As for any scenes that had questionable material, a good example being when Jack's Mom gets "killed," we handle it with humor, she gets bonked on the head, she dies standing up and then you see her walk across the stage later on with spoon in hand! We have as young as 6-year-olds in this show and one of the coolest things I have experienced is my own 9-year-old who plays a bird, now looks for the "morals", the lessons to be learned in pretty much everything she reads. She now has a keener perspective from being a part of this show. It has not been a challenge at all with this cast of intuitive, caring kids. The Witch tells us, "Careful The Tales you Tell, Children Will Listen." To that I say, "Hats off to the parents of this the kids in this show, they listened well!

Q: How is the cast handling the music - the show has a challenging score...

Mary: Oh My Goodness! I can’t begin to say enough about how they have met this challenge. I always say, "Argue for your limitations and they shall become yours." This group never argues for limits to be put in place, they demand to be challenged. They beg for material that limits others, or that others say will limit them just so they can overcome. I have never seen kids with such determination. Ron Neal has been amazing. His work ethic set the bar, his expectations set the tone and as usual, the kids put their heads down and tackled it and came out winning. They sat for the first two weeks in a typical classroom setting and studied the music. They spoke every song, they tapped out rhythms, they studied it like kids readying for the ACT or SAT. It was awesome to be able to watch them. I know those who come out to see and hear them will be amazed and moved. There are times the sound their harmonies put out causes a vibration in my chest and then takes my breath away. I would go as far as to say, you could sit through the entire show with eyes closed and enjoy, understand, and feel as though you have taken a journey Into The Woods. Imagine that and then add beautiful costumes, imaginative sets, and wonderfully rich characters... there's no reason to NOT come see this one!

Q: Why would you recommend community theatre as an activity for young people?

Tommy: I personally think team sports are an important part of a child’s development. They learn to trust others and the responsibility of others depending on you to do your part. Additionally, you learn you can’t quit, you must work hard to achieve a goal, and you learn there are others there to pick you up when you are not at your best. I grew up playing football, basketball and baseball and being a good teammate is a lesson I learned at an early age. However, not all kids are cut out for sports or have the desire to compete. Community theatre is as much a team sport as any actual team I was ever on. All of those same elements described above are present, when a kid makes the commitment to be a part of a cast. I think theatre is one more valuable outlet for children to be a part of something positive and to learn that the sum total of the effort can far exceed the individuals involved. I think this show really demonstrates that. It is already an ensemble cast, but with the addition of the living woods, you will see real teamwork in the execution of the production.

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

Tommy: First of all, it is very entertaining. We have some of the most talented kids in the Tri-State area in this show. The music is phenomenal, there are many very funny parts that will keep you on your toes and the story is familiar. Who doesn’t know about Little Red Riding Hood or Jack and the Beanstalk? But, can you imagine taking those tales as well as three or four more and rolling them all together in to one big story that ties them together at their roots. Don’t be fooled though by the fairy tale background, while children would be amused by the characters and music and dancing, this is also a show for grownups. The story emphasizes several life lessons, such as, “Be careful what you wish for,” and “Life is a journey, not a destination.” Several songs will touch your heart if you are a mother or father. My personal favorites are “Children Will Listen” and “No More.” Having three daughters, those songs get me every time I hear them. For just being Middle and High School kids, I think these amazing young people really capture the lightness of the first Act and the contrasting heaviness of the second Act. I have truly been honored to witness their growth and understanding of their characters as this show progressed.

Q: Tell us when and where the show will be staged.

Tommy: It is at City Hall on Nov. 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22. Friday and Saturday night shows are at 8 p.m. and the two Sunday performances are at 4 p.m.

Thanks, Mary and Tommy!

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 4)

2009-11-12T06:29:00.002-05:00

Continuing our e-interview with some of the cast members of the musical Into the Woods (which starts Friday evening at Huntington's City Hall auditorium), our next question is:

Would you recommend community theatre as an activity for young people?

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) Of course! It has changed my life in so many great ways. Theatre is a great way to meet amazing people. It also gives you confidence and respect for yourself and everyone around you.

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) Yes, I definitely think that young people should take part in community theater. You make so many new friends and memories. Also, after opening night, when the show is over you really feel like you've accomplished something. It's the greatest feeling in the world.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - Of course, it's a really great experience, and one of the best things you can take from it are friendships, you can find people who share the same passion for theatre that you do.

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - Of course, community theatre has shaped me into the individual I am today. I've made so many great friends through the process. My only regret is not starting sooner.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince and Wolf 1) I would recommend this to anyone who loves music and would like to challenge theirself.

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) I totally recommend children taking part in these shows! They would want to do them all after just one.

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) Yes, because it's a fun way to meet other people and learn more about yourself. Also, if your a very shy person, it helps you become more outgoing. The directors and producers are so fun to work with, that is one of the reasons I have stayed with theatre so long.

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) I would definitely recommend this to other young people because it is a challenge and in the end it is always really good and you feel proud of yourself.

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 3)

2009-11-11T22:18:00.000-05:00

Continuing our e-interview with some of the cast members of the musical Into the Woods (which starts Friday evening at Huntington's City Hall auditorium), our next question is:

What's tougher: learning the songs, learning the dances, or learning the dialogue?

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) The hardest thing is probably learning dialogue. The reason is because there is so much of it and during the performance you can not forget it. If you have a big part it is pretty tough to learn all of your lines.

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) In this show, I would have to say learning the songs. Most dialogue is like you're just having a normal conversation with someone. But songs are all so similar! Words get mixed up, rhythm is super hard, and intervals are just plain weird sometimes!

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) I think the songs are by far the hardest because of the contrast of sounds in the songs. At one point we might be singing a really touching, legato style part and then the next couple of measures in the song we are singing a really staccato part. I also think the music is tricky because of the hard harmonies in the songs.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - For me, it's learning the music. Normally music is no problem for me, it's usually the dialogue, but nothing in the show repeats, and every line is some sort of tongue twister, and you have to enunciate everything three times more clearly than usual, and the moods of the songs change, one second everything is smooth and legatto, then the next second it's very stocatto and fierce.

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - Well it differs in every show, but in this show it's definitely the music. The style the show is composed in is so difficult, if one person is one beat off, it throws the whole song.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince and Wolf 1) What I think is the toughest thing in this show is the music because it is rhythmic and extremely upbeat. Things can change quickly, so you always have to have your ears open, body ready.

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) The toughest thing for me to learn is the dances.

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) In all shows it's different, but in this show I'm going to have to say the songs. The songs are more complicated than the dances or the dialogue.

For the next chapter, our question will be: Would you recommend community theatre as an activity for young people?

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 2)

2009-11-11T17:02:00.002-05:00

Continuing our e-interview with some of the cast members from Into the Woods (which starts on Friday at Huntington's City Hall Auditorium), today's question is:

What do you enjoy most about being in a show like this?

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) I think it's a very interesting show. It's very creative, and you would never see fairy tales like this in any other show.

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) The thing I enjoy most is probably being in one of the first Children's Theatre companies to do a hard show like this one. It gives you a challenge.

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) The people. I like getting to know people's personalities through the way they portray their characters. I also like seeing it come to life opening night.

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) I really love all the friends I've made and the theater family I have gained.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - I love the complexity, I like being challenged and this show is one of the ones that you look at inquisitively and say, "Do I really want to do this or not, it looks so complex?" And it's very complex, but that's the fun of it.

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - The thing I enjoy most about this show is the cast. I have so many good friends in the show and it's always amazing working with people you know.

- Daniel King (Cinderella's Prince and Wolf 1) - I really enjoy singing all the music and making new friends, and the challenge of a (Stephen) Sondheim piece.

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) The thing I enjoy the most is making so many new friends and just being on stage.

Our next question is: What's tougher: learning the songs, learning the dances, or learning the dialogue? We'll also have a special e-interview tomorrow with the directors of Into the Woods.

"Into the Woods" - The Cast Speaks Out! (Part 1)

2009-11-10T22:36:00.002-05:00

Thanks to the directing team of Into the Woods, for the next few days we'll have a series of e-interviews with members of the show's cast!

(But first I should mention that the Stephen Sondheim musical starts this Friday at the Huntington City Hall Auditorium.)

Let's kick things off with this question:

What's the most challenging thing about working on Into the Woods?

- Hannah Stevenson (Snow White) - The most challenging thing in these shows is timing and getting the vocals to work with the other cast members and the orchestra. Vocals in this show are everything.

- Chad Arthur (Cinderella’s Father) The most challenging thing is the constant music, because it is very difficult.

- Kiona Graley (The Woods) The most challenging thing in this show is getting it perfect. Also you have to be ready to give up all your free time and dedicate your life to this show. I mean you can't go to the games, dances, or any social gatherings because you have practice. Every rehearsal counts.

- Kristin Caviani (Jack’s Mother) What's the most challenging thing about working on this show? Music. Hands down.... it's Sondheim, 'nuff said.

- Chloe Donahoe (The Giant, Cinderella's Mother, and Belle) I think the hardest part of this show is the rhythms and harmonies in the music.

- Holly Smith (Rapunzel) - Of course, it being Sondheim everything is so complicated, from characters to timing. In all honesty there's not one thing exactly to pinpoint being harder than another.

- Cody Verbage (Rapunzel's Prince) - The most challenging thing in the show is by far the music. Learning Sondheim will make you want to go crazy.

And that wraps up our first installment! And before you start thinking that being in a show is all work and no fun, tomorrow our question will be: What do you enjoy most about being in this show?

A Clip from the Tonys and "Into the Woods"

2009-11-10T00:10:00.000-05:00

By the way, for those not familiar with Into the Woods, here's the video of a medley of songs from the show as performed at the 1988 Tony Awards:

The Cast of "Into the Woods"

2009-11-09T18:32:00.003-05:00

Starting tomorrow we'll be hearing from the cast of Into the Woods, via e-interview.

The show starts Friday at Huntington's City Hall, and below we have the latest and most accurate cast list (accept no substitutes)!

As I told a friend today, this is what we call an All-Star Cast - being composed of the top talent from local schools, including Cabell-Midland, Huntington and St. Joseph's High Schools (among others).

Here's the cast:

NARRATOR / MYSTERIOUS MAN - Caleb Donahoe
CINDERELLA - Mary Kate Young
JACK - Jesse Donahoe
JACK’S MOTHER - Kristin Caviani
BAKER - Eric Newfeld
BAKER’S WIFE - Sarah Hayes
MILKY WHITE - Elizabeth Schmitz
CINDERELLA’S STEPMOTHER - Meg Riley
FLORINDA - Mary Frances Wilkes
LUCINDA - Emily Dennison
CINDERELLA’S FATHER - Chad Arthur
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD - Sarah Bryan
WITCH - Maggie Saunders
CINDERELLA’S MOTHER/GIANT - Chloe Donahoe
GRANNY - Cassi Bowen
RAPUNZEL - Holly Smith
RAPUNZEL’S PRINCE / WOLF - Cody Verbage
CINDERELLA’S PRINCE / WOLF - Daniel King
STEWARD - Andrew Edwards
HARP - Amanda Harris
SNOW WHITE - Hannah Stevenson
SLEEPING BEAUTY - Mallory Norton

THE WOODS

Brooke Alexander
Meg Barber
Rebecca Craig
Catherine Dennison
Libby Goetz
Amanda Harris
Justin Hesson
Sarena Johnson
Mallory Norton
Hannah Stevenson
Emily Underwood
Samantha Young
Kiona Graley
Leslie Collins

THE BIRDS / FLOWERS

Rileigh Smirl
Mary Bolano
Sheridyn Collins
Lindsay McKelvey

THE 3 LITTLE PIGS

Luke Lovejoy
Nathaniel Fornash
Zoie Fornash

Story About "Into the Woods"

2009-11-08T10:52:00.002-05:00

My pal Dave Lavender has a great story about next weekend's production of Into the Woods in today's edition of the Herald-Dispatch. You can read it right here - or right here:

Huntington City Hall is a land of make believe, twisted fairy tales and lessons in what happens when things go wrong.

That's no comment on the mayor or council, just a clue of what's happening upstairs at City Hall in the Jean Carlo Stephenson Auditorium.

The First Stage Theatre Company is getting ready to tackle the deliciously dark and funny Stephen Sondheim musical, Into the Woods, which puts a moral-teaching twist on tales from Cinderella to Little Red Riding Hood.

This family-friendly, yet sophisticated, musical not often tackled by children's theater, opens at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and runs at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under.

With the theme of "somebody's been messing with our fairy tales," Into the Woods was written by two of Broadway's best. Music and lyrics are by the legendary Sondheim (Sweeney Todd and Assassins) and the book is by James Lapine, who also directed this show on Broadway and who collaborated with Sondheim on Passion and Sunday in the Park with George, for which he won the 1985 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Sondheim and Lapine present a skewed view of everyone's favorite fairytale characters such as "Cinderella," "Little Red Riding Hood," "Rapunzel" and "Jack," who climbed the beanstalk.

The musical, which won three Tony Awards when it was on Broadway in 1987, follows the baker and his wife (played by Cabell Midland High School seniors Eric Newfeld and Sarah Hayes) as they learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch (Huntington High senior Maggie Saunders) next door.

They embark on a quest for the special objects (like Red Riding Hood's cape) required to break the spell, swindling, deceiving and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack.

While there is a junior or children's version of the show that cuts off after the first act with everyone living happily ever after, First Stage decided to take on the original version whose second half delves into "the rest of the story." Is marrying a prince all it is cracked up to be? What do you do when there's a dead giant in your yard?

Director Mary Smirl, who is co-directing with her husband, veteran actor Tommy Smirl (who was in First Stage's production of Peter Pan), said there were a lot of discussions internally about whether to do the junior version or not.

"In the junior version, it's Act 1, and Act 1 is great and everything is happy but that doesn't tell the whole story -- that's not life," Mary Smirl said. "In the second act, you learn that you have to be careful what you wish for and that everything you do causes a reaction in the world and it can be a domino effect. You have to be careful what you do and when you break commitments there are consequences. Jack has a dead giant in his yard because he stole. He stole the hen, he stole the gold and the harp and everything happened because somebody went about getting what they wanted in the wrong way."

Mary Smirl, who choreographed Into the Woods when Appalachian Regional Theatre did the show in March 2002 at the Huntington Museum of Art, said they went about doing the adult version of the show in a little different way.

That production only calls for 20 plus actors, but in typical First Stage fashion, there's a small army on stage (50) that range in ages from 5 to 18 and in all shapes and sizes.

Unlike other stage versions, First Stage has little actors bringing to life everything on stage: Flowers, bluebirds and even a whole forest played by 14 children.

"I equate the woods to 'the world,'" Smirl said. "The idea is to be careful when you go into the woods because they move and react and that's been great fun to work with. We have tremendous young people to take part as the trees. They're amazing, and it's not easy being a tree -- especially these trees."

Elaine Young, who is producing her fifth show for First Stage, said the collective is quite impressive.

"It's quite a visual feast on stage," Young said of the kids costumed mostly with Magic Makers professional outfits. "It's really an amazing undertaking. We have a 14-foot-high castle for Rapunzel. It's just a labor of love by this conglomeration of people."

Another First Stage twist is the addition of an alternative scene that Sondheim had written in originally but that was pulled. First Stage put back in the Three Little Pigs and the Wolf.

Mary Smirl, who has choreographed many local productions, said the kids, many of whom have grown up in First Stage shows, love to move so there is more dancing and movement than in the original adult version.

"These kids move so there's a lot of physical stuff and that's been a total treat and a joy," Smirl said. "Working with kids is actually easier then working with adults. Kids are more flexible in everything and more open. You tell a kid it is going to be tough and they'll meet the challenge."

Daniel King, a junior at Nitro High School and member of that school's show choir, said he wanted to challenge himself vocally so he decided to try and do the show, his first.

He plays Cinderella's Prince/Wolf 1, alongside such First Stage veterans as Mary Kate Young (Cinderella), a Huntington St. Joe High School senior who's been in 13 shows.

"My vocal teacher Roger Lucas thought it would be really good for me to sing better and to make a lot of good friends," King said. "I've loved it, every minute of it, working with kids that are outrageously good."

One of the toughest challenges of this show is the two dozen catchy but sometimes complicated songs that work to propel the story.

Ron Neal of Charleston is on board with First Stage for the first time as musical director.

"The vocal demands have been unbelievable and Ron has really challenged the kids," Smirl said. "We continue with these kids to raise the bar and they meet it, then exceed it and go higher."

If you go:

WHAT: First Stage Theatre Company production of the musical Into the Woods

WHERE: Jean C. Stephenson Auditorium (upstairs at Huntington City Hall)

WHEN: The show will run at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14, 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

ABOUT THE SHOW: This is the full version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine. The duo presents a cock-eyed view of everyone's favorite fairytale characters in this hysterical take on the Brothers Grimm. When a baker and his wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell - swindling, deceiving and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk).

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $12 and $10 children 12 and under.

GET TIX: Call 304-416-KIDS for info or 304-733-4909. Tickets sold from 6:30 to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday, Nov. 9-12, during tech week at City Hall as well as 1 1/2 hours before each show.

ON THE WEB: Go online at www.firststagetheatre.org.

Comments About "Into the Woods"

2009-11-07T18:48:00.003-05:00

My pal Elaine Young is one of the producers of the upcoming show Into the Woods, and she offers these insights on the hard work and dedication of the young cast and the directors to bring the show to the stage:

As co-producer with Nancy Newfeld, I can say that First Stage's cast of young adults have taken local theatre to a whole new level with this production.

Starting rehearsals in August, this cast has worked so hard to bring this difficult and complex production to the stage. It has been challenging from all aspects but the kids have adapted beautifully and are ready to give the Tri-State a tremendous production.

In some ways, it is similar to First Stage's production of CATS, only "backwards!" In CATS, the kids worked for weeks and weeks on choreography and then adapted it to their vocals, but with Into the Woods the cast has been working for weeks on extremely difficult vocal selections and now adapting the vocals with acting, blocking, an enormous set, and a fantastic orchestra.

It is certainly a challenging show but with the team of our tremendous directors, Mary and Tommy Smirl, and our music director, Ron Neal, they have brought the cast together to produce an amazing show!

Not only would I like to thank our directors but many thanks to our choreographer, Tiffany Carroll, assistant director, Aliza Wucher, my hardworking and organized co-producer, Nancy Newfeld, our Marshall University student-led orchestra, Ken at Magic Makers, and to all the parents who contributed to this show by making costumes, working on the set, and volunteering in any way.

BUT, as Mary and I always say--IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS! Their hard work, dedication, FUN, talent, perserverance, patience, and sense of humor makes everything rewarding.

We salute our cast - all 40 of them - and can't wait to see them on stage in Into the Woods. We are extremely proud of you !!!!

First Stage Theatre Company's INTO THE WOODS
November 13-15, 20-22 2009 Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m.
Jean C. Stephenson City Hall Auditorium

Coming Soon - "Into the Woods"

2009-11-06T17:37:00.001-05:00

Coming up next weekend is the outstanding Stephen Sondheim show Into the Woods, which is a show that's not well known among the general public, but it's one that theatre fans love.

It's also a show that apparently generates some controversy. The story is, essentially, a mash-up of well-known nursery rhymes - so you have Little Red Riding Hood meeting Jack (who likes to climb beanstalks) and the evil Witch and Snow White and Cinderella and Prince Charming and the Baker and his Wife and the Wolf and... well, you get the idea. But it's not a "kiddie" show.

The first act of the show follows a (mostly) traditional telling of those stories, woven together with some fantastic songs by Sondheim. It's the second act where things take a surprising turn, because it covers what happens after "Happily Ever After."

Here you see that Prince Charming is something of a cad, and Jack's adventure with a giant has deadly consequences. Some prefer their fairy tales sweet and innocent (though I doubt you could say that about the orginal Grimm's Fairy Tales), and don't care for that second act.

Others have heard about stage versions of the show which included some "adult" material. Of course, almost any show can be made more "adult" - it's all in the presentation. In my own experience, First Stage has presented shows such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats and Les Miserables: School Edition - all shows that include scenes that could be staged in an adult, lascivious way - but directors have enough control over any show to be able to present it in a tasteful, entertaining way that doesn't offend.

The last time I saw Into the Woods, it was a production of the Children's Theatre in Columbus, and there was nothing objectionable about it (and certainly kids see lots worse things in TV commercials). It's a show that has become a staple for high school theatre groups around the country.

The show touches on the importance of love and family, and being true to your promises. The music is terrific, the show is very funny, and it's a great opportunity for young performers to tackle a challenging work of art.

I know I'm prejudiced, since I'm on the board of First Stage, but I can't wait to see this show! I've listened in to a few rehearsals, and the All-Star cast is incredible - I guarantee, you'll be amazed at these performers!

In the days ahead we'll talk more about it, and we'll have some interviews with the directors and the cast of the show - so stay tuned!

On Stage This Weekend - "Peter Pan" and "Dial M for Murder"

2009-11-05T20:32:00.002-05:00

Once again this weekend, you have two shows to choose from - and they're both in Charleston (don't worry, Huntington gets back in the swing of things in a big way next weekend).

Here are your choices:

- Peter Pan - Presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild, the classic musical takes the stage at the Clay Center Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 p.m., and the final matinees is Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Recommended!

- Dial “M” for Murder - Presented by the Kanawha Players Oct. Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre.

Check 'em out!

Dancing in the Streets

2009-11-04T22:05:00.003-05:00

Or something like that. As you can read in this story in the Herald-Dispatch, British chef Jamie Oliver is injecting some show biz into his healthy eating agenda.

You can see video of the cooking and dancing performance right here, and here's the story by Bill Rosenberger:

About 100 students from Marshall University, MCTC and the Cabell Midland High School Show Choir participated in a promotional dance shoot, held Wednesday afternoon in front of the Memorial Student Center.

The event, also known as a flash mob, was filmed for the untitled healthy eating reality show that stars British chef Jamie Oliver. He also took place in the dance routine, as one of about dozen cooks making beef stir fry in the three and one-half minute song.

“The whole point of this is to let all you at Marshall know food is fun,” Oliver said at the end of the song. “Really and truly, this was fun.”

And, as the students huddled around the fountain, he chanted “We are,” with the crowd responding “Marshall.”

The Marshall student cooperation started a few weeks ago during a filmed conversation with student body president Sean Hornbuckle. Hornbuckle said Oliver asked him what would be the best way to get students involved and to understand the importance of eating healthy.

“We’re learning how to eat healthy,” Hornbuckle said. “And we get to teach our country to eat healthy. The moral of the story (of the song and dance) is to cook a healthy meal in a short amount of time.”

"Glee" Sountrack and Live Appearances

2009-11-03T21:46:00.002-05:00

We were talking about the TV show Glee the other day (which you can read right here), and lo and behold, they've just released a soundtrack of songs from that show.

Here's a review from Sandy Cohen with the Associated Press:

Fans of Fox's irreverent musical comedy Glee will love this soundtrack, which includes 17 songs from the show about a high school glee club performed by its talented cast.

They'll remember cute teacher Will Schuester (Matthew Morrison) pop-locking as he raps on Kanye West's "Gold Digger," feel self-centered star Rachel Berry's (Lea Michele) heartache as she sings into a hairbrush on Rihanna's "Take a Bow" and picture the fast-paced routine led by cheer captain Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron) to the Supremes' "Keep Me Hanging On."

They'll relish the harmonies and recall the group's triumph on Queen's "Somebody to Love" and smile again at Will's bowling-alley duet with Kristin Chenoweth on Heart's "Alone."

Though the vocal performances are top-notch, those unfamiliar with Glee may prefer the originals to the cover versions on the soundtrack. But the album's eclectic mix of songs has its own appeal: Where else would you find a mix tape that includes tracks from Neil Diamond, Young MC, REO Speedwagon and Cabaret? Non-Gleeks can also appreciate the innovative choral arrangements on Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" and the girls' background harmonies on the 1989 rap hit "Bust A Move."

Missing from the soundtrack, though, are the memorable mash-ups of Bon Jovi's "It's My Life" with Usher's "Confessions" and Beyonce's "Halo" with Katrina and the Waves' "Walking on Sunshine." A second volume of Glee music is set to hit stores next month.

And if that wasn't enough, here's a video clip of the cast singing the National Anthem at the World Series - pretty impressive!

On Stage Tuesday Night - "Avenue Q"

2009-11-02T22:21:00.002-05:00

For those who haven't heard about the Broadway show Avenue Q, which takes the stage at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center Tuesday night, my pal Dave Lavender has an excellent story which you can read right here in the Herald-Dispatch.

Here's an excerpt:

Joshua Holden was the worst New York City waiter ever.

But boy does the Massachusetts actor play well with puppets.

Fired twice as a waiter within a couple months, Holden was back living with his parents when the trained actor and puppeteer -- who had worked with puppets in London and Chicago -- got the call of a lifetime to join the cast of Avenue Q, one of the coolest puppet shows on the planet.

Holden, who performed with the Chicago Children's Theatre and the Oily Cart in London, is one of a dozen actors/puppeteers criss-crossing the nation bringing alive the smash-hit Broadway musical Avenue Q, which pulls into the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, as part of the Marshall Artists Series.

Adult tickets are $50, $45 and $40.

Because of some adult situations, like full-puppet nudity and some Simpsons-like humor, Avenue Q may be inappropriate for children under 13.

Called "The most fun on-stage this year," by the New Yorker when Avenue Q opened on Broadway in 2003, the three-time Tony Award-winning play uses actors on stage with the puppets to tell the musical story of Princeton, a poor college graduate with big dreams living in New York City and running into a menagerie of neighborhood characters such as Gary Coleman, the building's superintendent, Brian the out-of-work comedian and his therapist fiancee Christmas Eve and roommate Rod, a Republican investment banker who seems to have some sort of secret.

Written by the then-fledgling composer/lyricist team of Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, Avenue Q has been tabbed as like Sesame Street for grownups with puppets singing straight-talking, sometimes politically incorrect songs such as "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist" and "The Internet's for Porn."

Avenue Q is Broadway’s smash-hit 2004 Tony Award® winner for Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book. A hilarious show full of heart and fun tunes, it's about trying to make it in NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account.

Called "one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see" by Entertainment Weekly, the musical features a cast of people and puppets who tell the story in a smart, risque and downright entertaining way. The New Yorker calls it "subversive and uproarious!"

Highly recommended (but not for kids)!

On Stage in November

2009-11-01T21:29:00.004-05:00

There are several great shows coming up this month. Here's the ones I know about - please let me know if there are any I've overlooked and I'll add them to the list:

- Into the Woods - First Stage Theatre Company presents the Stephen Sondheim musical at Huntington's City Hall on Nov. 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 15 and 22 at 4 p.m.

- Almost, Maine - Marshall Theatre Alliance will present this mystic story of love Nov. 18 - 21 at 8 p.m. in the Francis-Booth Experimental Theatre at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

- Avenue Q - Marshall Artists Series presents the touring Broadway show at the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. You can read more about it in this story from Sunday's Herald-Dispatch.

- The Rat Pack is Back! - Marshall Artists Series presents a show based on the original Rat Pack: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop with full orchestra and original holiday arrangements. The show wil be presented Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center.

- Peter Pan - Charleston Light Opera Guild and the Clay Center present the classic musical at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences Maier Performance Hall on Nov. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.

- Dial "M" for Murder - Kanawha Players present the mystery Nov. 6-7 at 8 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre.

- ...It's The Word - Spring Valley High School Showchoir presents a musical performance Nov. 15 at 3:00 p.m. at the Spring Valley High School Auditorium.

If you know of other shows I've missed, email them to me at TheMinskers@aol.com, or leave a comment by clicking on the link below. Thanks!

A Nearly-Missed Anniversary

2009-10-31T20:14:00.000-04:00

Wow, I must be slipping - I almost forgot that this month marks my third anniversary with the Tri-State Theatre blog, which kicked off way back on Oct. 4, 2006!

It's been lots of fun, and I hope you've enjoyed our efforts here, gentle readers.

Thanks to all those who have sent comments, story ideas, reviews, press releases and other information - as I always say, this blog is here for everyone in the Tri-State area who's interested in theatre, so if you have something to say or a show to promote, send it along!

You can send a comment by clicking on the link at the bottom of each post, or you can email me at TheMinskers@aol.com. You can also keep up to date on this site on Twitter right here.

There are lots of shows on the way in the days and months ahead, and as always, I'll try to keep up with the news as it develops.

Thanks again for reading, and Happy Halloween!

On Stage This Weekend - "Pan" and "Murder"

2009-10-30T22:03:00.003-04:00

You have two shows to check out this weekend, both of them in Charleston:

- Peter Pan - Presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild, the classic musical takes the stage at the Clay Center Saturday night and Nov. 6 and 7 at 7:30 p.m., and you can catch matinees on Nov. 1 and 8 at 2:00 p.m. A great show!

- Dial “M” for Murder - Presented by the Kanawha Players Oct. Saturday night and Nov. 6-7 at 8:00 p.m. and Nov. 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Kanawha Players Theatre. Recommended!