July 22, 2008
 
Huntington, Charleston Offering Theatrical Variety This Week
 
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Entertainment Editor
 
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Will it be a Cole Porter classic, a contemporary musical or an original variety show? You can select from any of the three this weekend on stages in the Charleston and Huntington area.
 
The Contemporary Youth Arts Company brings an original collection of stories, monologues and scenes written and acted by members of the company. “Boxes 9” runs Thursday, July 24- Saturday July 26 at the WVSU Capitol Center Theatre, 123 Summers Street in Charleston.
 
Created by its youthful participants, the production for the ninth consecutive year focuses on issues facing today’s youth. Tickets $5.50 for student/seniors; $9.50 adults. Call 342-6522 for info or group rates during business hours.
 
This year’s cast includes Maria Fioravante, Shane Belcher, Abby Rhodes, Abigail Miskowiec, Kirill Gura, Jared Morgan, Heather Newhouse, Victoria Hays, Brittany Means, Courtney Forbes, and Rose Streit.
 
Staying temporarily in the Capitol City, you can become a part of the class of 1959 as the musical made more famous by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta, “Grease” opens a two-weekend Clay Center run.
 
Presented by the Charleston Light Opera Guild, the fabled romance of Sandy and Danny has such favorite numbers as “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” “We Go Together,” “Beauty School Drop Out,” and “You’re the One That I Want.”
 
“Grease” runs Friday/Saturday July 25 & 26 and Aug. 1 & 2 at 7:30 p.m. Matinees are on Sunday July 27 and August 3 at 3 p.m.
 
Prior to the July 27 performance a 50s style sock hop begins at 12 noon. You can take part in a twist contest, hula hoop competition and more prior to the curtain rising. Tickets $20 adults; $15 children 12 and under. Visit: http://www.theclaycenter.org or call 304-561-3570.
 
Finally, Huntington Outdoor Theatre opens Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” for a two weekend run July 25-27 and August 1-3 at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre. The children’s preshow, “Orphans of Broadway” begins at 7 p.m. followed by “Anything Goes” at 8:30 p.m.
 
Set aboard the Ocean Greyhound, the ship prepares to depart for England. It’s customary for reporters to take photos of travelers for the ‘society’ section, so most of their interest focuses on Reno Sweeney, an evangelist turned nightclub singer, and his four beautiful backup singers. However, it’s the possible romance between Billy Crocker and Hope Harcourt on which the tale focuses. He’ll have to win the debutante’s affections from a rich English gentleman.
 
The musical includes such classics as “It’s Delovely,” “You’re the Top,” “Let’s Misbehave” and “Get A Kick Out of You.”
 
For details, visit http://www.hotwv.org.