HUNTINGTON, W.

Monday, July 24, 2000

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tri-State lovers of the arts who want to enjoy a little music, dance or theater this year won’t have to go any farther than the Keith-Albee Theater in Huntington.

The Marshall Artists Series will feature music from Little Richard, musicals like "Jekyll and Hyde" and a little bit of magic from some of the world’s greatest magicians, as well as many other offerings designed to delight young and old alike.

The season begins with a performance by Little Richard, the self-proclaimed "creator or rock ‘n’ roll," Sept. 21 as part of the Mount Series.

Famous for his songs, "Lucille," "Good Golly, Miss Molly," "Tutti Fruitti" and "Long, Tall Sally," this Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee is sure to provide a high-energy performance.

Next on the play list is the evocative tale of romance and the battle between good and evil – "Jekyll and Hyde."

The famed Broadway musical will make its Tri-State debut Oct. 5 as part of the Mount Series.

A whirlwind odyssey pitting man against himself is set into motion when the brilliant Dr. Jekyll’s medical experiment backfires, giving life to Edward Hyde, his evil alter ego.

As if mad scientists were not enough, Marshall Artist Series subscribers can also enjoy another acclaimed musical as part of the Baxter Series.

"Steel Pier" hits the stage Oct. 25, featuring plenty of dancing, 1930s tunes and barnstorming pilots and wing-walking chorus girls.

As Election Day nears, the series will turn from music and dance to politics and music, with a performance by The Capitol Steps.

This group of singers and actors adds a lyrical spin to the comedy that already flourishes in Washington, D.C.

The troupe will take the stage Nov. 1 as part of the Mount Series.

After the election is over, it will be time to think about Christmas.

Kenny Rogers will bring his new family show, "Christmas from the Heart," to the Huntington Civic Arena Dec. 12 as part of the Mount Series.

Direct from its run on Broadway, Rogers’s show will include lavish sets, special lighting, a full choir and a cast of children and special guests.

As the new year dawns, audiences will have a chance to explore another new frontier – magic.

The Stars of Magic will perform Jan. 19-20 as part of the Belanger Series.

The premier illusionists have headlined all over the world and have even performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

At the end of February, swing fans will get a chance to strut their stuff as Cab Calloway’s Legacy of Swing takes the stage Feb. 28 as part of the Baxter Series.

Featuring Chris Calloway, the swing legend’s daughter, the Broadway-style show will offer plenty of toe-tapping music and nostalgia for those who remember the days when dance was king.

Next on the dance card for Marshall Artist Series subscribers is the Tri-State presentation of the award-winning musical "Annie."

The family show will take the stage March 7 as part of the Belanger Series.

If opera is more your style, take heart, "Aida" will be the featured presentation April 2 as part of the Baxter series.

This tale of love and loss during Egyptian times will be performed in Italian, with projected English subtitles.

Finishing out the performance season will be Quartetto Gelato, a classical group from Canada that specializes in a blend of energetic, witty and intriguing performances.

These unusual classical performers will take the stage April 26 as the finale for the Baxter series.

For those who prefer movie theaters, the Marshall Artists Series will once again feature selections for its fall and spring international film festivals, which run Oct. 13-19 and Feb. 9-15.

Fall selections include "All About My Mother" (Spain); "Mifune" (Denmark); "Same Old Song" (France; "Regret to Inform" (U.S./Vietnam); "West Beirut" (Lebanon); and "Topsy Turvy (United Kingdom).

Spring selections include "Butterfly" (Spain); "Not One Less" (China; "Color of Paradise (Iran); "Black Cat/White Cat" (Serbo/Croatia); "Alice and Martin" (France); and "Life is a Whistle" (Cuba).

Past series subscribers have until Aug. 10 to renew their seats.

New subcribers will be assigned seats beginning Aug. 14.

Season ticket prices are Superticket, all 10 shows plus international film festivals, $300, $290 and $280; Baxter Series ("Steel Pier," "Aida," Cab Calloway’s Legacy of Swing and Quartetto Gelato) – $140, $130 and $120; Mount Series (Little Richard, "Jekyll and Hyde," Capitol Steps and Kenny Rogers’ Christmas Show) – $140, $130 and $120; Belanger Special Events (Stars of Magic, "Annie") – $50, $45 and $40; and International Film Festival (all 12 films) – $50.

All performances will be at the Keith-Albee Theater in downtown Huntington except the Stars of Magic, which will be at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center, and Kenny Rogers: Christmas from the Heart, which will be at the Huntington Civic Center.

The International Film Festivals will be at the Cinema Theater in Huntington. For ticketing information, call the Marshall Artists Series box office at 1-304-696-6656.