Doddridge News: The Performing Arts are Alive and Well at The ...

By staff writer, Diane Pitcock

For those who appreciate the performing arts, you don?t have to venture all that far from Doddridge and our surrounding counties to enjoy some really good live theatre. Whether your preference is comedy, drama, Broadway style musicals, dance theatre, or murder mystery dinner theatre, many area?theater?companies have something to offer that?s right up your alley. ?

The Smoot Theatre in downtown Parkersburg is a perfect example. The historic theatre, still located in its original building at 213 Fifth Street, was established in 1926 as a vaudeville house. Warner Brothers purchased it in 1930 and it was operated as a movie theatre for approximately 56 years.

In 1989 the building was slated for demolition after it had been closed down for three years following Warner Brothers long term run. A group of volunteers believed the theater had too much historic value, having been an original vaudeville house. They managed to purchase the building and give it the facelift it needed to reopen its doors.

Restored to the original styling from its past, it boasts of gilt molding, original chandeliers, a burgundy and cream color scheme, and rich mahogany and brass doors. Live entertainment at the Smoot includes a mix of music (jazz, big bands, country, bluegrass, rock, and folk) as well as dance theatre, comedy performances, children?s theatre, and even one-man shows.

Upcoming performances for this season include ?Nate the Great? on February 24, 2012. This children?s theatre musical is based on Marjorie Weinman Sharat?s book and part of the TheatreWorks USA productions. On February 28, 2012 ?The Official Blues Brothers Revue? will be appearing at the Smoot. The live concert performance includes the original hits from the movie and reflects the history of blues, gospel, and soul music, mixed with the same comedy that made the movie famous.

The month of March brings us two more performances at the Smoot. Singer-songwriter, Cathie Ryan will be appearing March 13, 2012. An Irish-American, Ms. Ryan is a distinctive voice in Celtic music. On March 22, 2012, ?Rock Legends? comes to the Smoot as a unique rock and roll revue of the music of Buddy Holly, the Doors, Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, and of course, Elvis! Brought to the Smoot by Billy McGuigan and his five piece band, it?s an evening of classic rock music accompanied by an eye-popping multimedia presentation and a stunning light show. A performance not to be missed!

Ticket prices vary for each of these events. For more information and ticket reservations visit The Smoot Theatre?s web site at www.smoottheatre.com or call the box office at 304 422-7529. ?

Source: http://www.doddridgenews.com/2012/02/performing-arts-are-alive-and-well-at.html

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