The Aracoma Story Inc. has named directors for its production of Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” this summer at Chief Logan State Park.
Bill France will be back in the director’s chair, with Robin Bunch Bailey as music director. “We work extremely well together,” France says. “Robin is a true class act. She has a great relationship with the actors and myself.”
The Aracoma Story has produced such classics as “Annie,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Always Patsy Cline,” “The Sound of Music,” “Peter Pan,” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” just to name a few.
This summer, they will present a show that is making its debut of their stage and is now in only limited release around the country as the national tour winds down. “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” has won countless awards and become a favorite of young and old alike. The classic animated film comes alive onstage with great acting, an amazing set and beautiful costumes.
The Aracoma Story is bringing back last year’s directing team to create something truly special onstage this summer.
The team that brought you “The Addams Family” last year and delivered one of the most memorable and successful musicals in recent years. They will be back to tackle this “tale as old as time” in the months leading up to show.
France has been involved with theatre for three decades. He has directed “The Addams Family”, “Grease”, “Hairspray”, “Little Shop of Horrors”, “Dracula”, “The Aracoma Story-Spirits and Legends” and “How to Succeed in High School Without Really Trying”. France has been involved in every aspect of Theater: acting, directing, tech crew, set design, sound engineering, lighting design, costume building and special effects makeup. He was also serves as a board member for the Aracoma Story Inc. As an actor, he has portrayed Uncle Fester (The Addams Family), Shrek (Shrek), Boling Baker and Chief Logan (The Aracoma Story), Lil Abner (Lil Abner), the Dentist in (Little Shop of Horrors), Perchik (Fiddler on the Roof), The Scarecrow in (The Wizard of Oz), Kenickie (Grease), Frank Butler (Annie Get Your Gun), Johnny Cantone (1940s Radio Hour), Bill Hickock (Calamity Jane), Harry (Guys and Dolls),mature Johnny (Ring of Fire) and Herald (Cinderella). Bill holds a Master’s degree in Communications from West Virginia University and degrees from Marshall University in English, Journalism, and Theatre. He is a Language Arts, Broadcasting and Journalism teacher at Logan High School. He is married to Norma Southers of Mitchell Heights and has one son, Jacob.
A native of Madison, Robin holds a Bachelor of Music Education from WV Wesleyan College and a Masters in Music/Theatre with an emphasis in Conducting from Marshall University. Robin is in her second year as the band director of Chapmanville Regional High School. Robin also teacher Music Appreciation for Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Robin is found and still serves as Music Director for Boone County Schools’ STAGE program. Robin has worked with music with various theatrical companies throughout Southern West Virginia. No stranger to the on-stage experience, some of Robin’s favorite roles include: Princess Aracoma (The Aracoma Story), Mrs. Paroo (Music Man – her first show with TAS), Nikki (Sweet Charity), Millie (7 Brides), Snoopy (Charlie Brown), Lilly St. Regis (Annie), Grandma Bertha (Pippin), Madame Dubonnet (The Boyfriend), Duchess (The Gondoliers), Katisha (The Mikado), and Annelle (Steel Magnolias). Robin served as the 4-H Agent for the WVU Boone County Extension Service for 8 years. She leads the Scott High School Golden Clover 4-H. Highly active in the Jaycees for many years, Robin is currently the Chairman of the Eastern Institute of the US Junior Chamber and an advisor for the Madison-Danville Jaycees. She also helps with The Farmer’s Market of Boone County, Rev-Up Madison, the Boone County Master Gardeners, the Southern W. Va. Community Band, and directs the adult choir at the Madison United Methodist Church. Robin lives on Rock Creek with her hubby, Kevin, and 4 kitties.
Diana O’Briant, President of the Aracoma Story Inc. said we had such a great summer last year. “It was a positive experience for everyone involved and we wanted to bring as many of those folks back as possible,” O’Briant said. “We are excited to have Bill and Robin working together again.”
TAS has been bringing major musicals to its stage for more than 35 years at Chief Logan State Park.
Auditions will be held Friday, March 4th, from 3:30 till 6:30 pm, Saturday, March 5th from 12:30 till 3:30 pm and Sunday, March 6th from 2pm till 5 pm in the Logan High School Little Theater, 1 Wildcat Way, Logan, WV 25601. All ages are needed for the show. Auditions for the play “The Aracoma Story” will be held at a later date.
For more information on auditions visit www.thearacomastory.com or their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/The-Aracoma-Story-Inc-424675154354715/?fref=ts.
Courtesy photo Bill France will direct “Beauty and the Beast,” while Robin Bunch Bailey will serve as music director for The Aracoma Story production this summer at Chief Logan State Park.
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Courtesy photo Bill France will direct “Beauty and the Beast,” while Robin Bunch Bailey will serve as music director for The Aracoma Story production this summer at Chief Logan State Park.
The Aracoma Story Inc. will present Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”
Staff Report