The Big Announcement

The First Stage Theatre Company production of High School Musical is going to make history by being the first community theatre show in more than three decades (if not longer) to be staged at the historic Keith Albee Theater in Huntington, WV.

That's a huge undertaking for any community theatre group, but the Keith is the only local theatre that can handle the demand for tickets this show will (hopefully) cause. It's also the grandest showcase for any production - it's been used for many years by the Marshall Artists Series for touring Broadway productions, and it's played host to local and national concerts, but First Stage is the first local group to put on a show there - and I have to tell you, I couldn't be happier. It's such a beautiful theater, a real cornerstone of Huntington's theatre history - I can't think of a better place to put on a show like High School Musical.

As this press release indicates, it's going to be a major challenge to raise the kind of funds needed to put on a show like this, but I think the final product will make it more than worth the effort.

Here's that press release - I'll have more about this in the near future:

Press Release – August 2, 2007

First Stage to Present “High School Musical” at the historic Keith Albee Theater

The First Stage Theatre Company will present its fall production, “Disney’s High School Musical,” in the historic Keith Albee Theater Nov. 15 – 18, 2007. It will be the first community theatre production in that theater in more than three decades.
“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to perform this show at the Keith Albee,” said director Chuck Minsker. “It’s the perfect showcase for a show as popular as High School Musical, and it give First Stage a chance to give back to the community by offering our support to the Keith.”

Foundation Co-Presidents David R. Tyson and Senator Bob Plymale are pleased to have the First Stage Theater Company as a partner in the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center. “Making this beautiful theater a part of the entire arts community is our goal," said the presidents.

The production will present some unique challenges, according to Minsker. “The First Stage Children’s Theatre has been around for a long time – this show kicks off its 18th season – but we’re a volunteer, non-profit organization, so it’ll be a challenge to come up with the funds we’ll need to produce a show as big as High School Musical.”

The group is looking for support from area businesses to help defray costs. Minsker said, “It’s difficult for a theatre group to survive just on ticket sales. We’re planning fundraisers to help pay the expenses, but we’ll need all the help we can get.”

“Disney’s High School Musical” is based on the popular Disney film, which led to the top-selling music soundtrack, the top-selling DVD and a sequel coming up this month on the Disney channel: “High School Musical 2.”

The directing team includes director Chuck Minsker, music director Mark Smith, assistant director / choreographer Amy Browning and producer Jeanette Rowsey.

The First Stage Theatre Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing an educational, developmental experience for young people through the performing arts. Based in Huntington, the organization draws on young performers from the tri-state area - West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.

For more information, visit www.firststagetheatre.org or call 304-416-KIDS (304-416-5437).