Mid-Ohio Valley Foundations – Entertainment: Theaters across the MOV to stage variety of shows in upcoming months
- From left, Vanessa Rake Koon and Beth Lane rehearse for the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Rabbit Hole.” (Photo Provided)
- Jack Peyton takes center stage as Willy Wonka in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Guild Builders production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” (Photo Provided)
- Sam Taylor rehearses his role as Charlie Bucket in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Guild Builders production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” (Photo Provided)
- From left, Tim Tuten, Kathy Biery, Beth Lane and Vanessa Rake Koon rehearse a scene from the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Rabbit Hole.” (Photo Provided)

Jack Peyton takes center stage as Willy Wonka in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Guild Builders production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” (Photo Provided)
PARKERSBURG — The Mid-Ohio Valley’s vibrant theatre scene is packed with a lineup of musicals, dramas, and comedies in the coming months.
Local theatre companies, including the Actors Guild of Parkersburg and the Mid-Ohio Valley Players, are bringing classic and contemporary stories to the stage. Whether you love heartwarming dramas, musical comedies, or side-splitting farces, there’s something for everyone.
The shows appearing or coming to the area include:
* Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.”
Presented by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg

Sam Taylor rehearses his role as Charlie Bucket in the Actors Guild of Parkersburg Guild Builders production of Roald Dahl’s “Willy Wonka Jr.” (Photo Provided)
Show Dates: Feb. 28, March 1, 7, 8, 15, and 15 at 7 p.m. and March 2, 9, and 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Director: Ashley Fluharty
Music Director: Chloe Rader
This magical musical follows the eccentric Willy Wonka as he hides golden tickets in his famous candy bars, inviting five lucky children to his factory for an unforgettable adventure. With a mix of humor, heart, and toe-tapping tunes, this family-friendly show promises to be a treat for all ages.
* Rabbit Hole

From left, Tim Tuten, Kathy Biery, Beth Lane and Vanessa Rake Koon rehearse a scene from the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Rabbit Hole.” (Photo Provided)
Presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players
Show Dates: March 7, 8, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. and March 16 at 3 p.m.
Directors: Suzanne and Jeff Walker, with assistance from Jason Half
Winner of the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “Rabbit Hole” tells the deeply emotional story of Becca and Howie Corbett, whose world is shattered by an unimaginable loss. As they struggle to find a way forward, their bittersweet search for comfort leads them through heartbreak, healing, and hope. This poignant production contains strong language and themes of grief and loss.
* Oliver!

From left, Vanessa Rake Koon and Beth Lane rehearse for the Mid-Ohio Valley Players production of “Rabbit Hole.” (Photo Provided)
Presented by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg
Show Dates: April 25, 26, May 2, 3, 9, 10 at 8 p.m., May 4 at 6 p.m., and April 27 and May 11 at 2:30 p.m.
Director: David Rexroad
Musical Director: Marsha Parsons
This timeless musical, based on Charles Dickens’ “Oliver Twist,” tells the story of a young orphan who escapes the workhouse only to fall in with a gang of pickpockets. Featuring classic songs such as “Food, Glorious Food” and “Consider Yourself,” “Oliver!” is a powerful mix of heartwarming moments and dramatic storytelling.
* The Cemetery Club
Presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players
Show Dates: April 25, 26, May 2, 3 at 7:30 p.m., and May 4 at 3 p.m.
Director: Rod Poling
Three Jewish widows meet for tea every month before visiting their husbands’ graves, sharing laughs and memories. But when a new romance sparks between one widow and a charming butcher, the group’s dynamic is thrown into turmoil. “The Cemetery Club” is a touching, funny, and heartfelt story about love, loss, and friendship.
* Escape to Margaritaville
Presented by the Mid-Ohio Valley Players
Auditions: March 23 and 24, 6-8 p.m. at the Theater Annex, 227 Putnam St., Marietta
Show Dates: June 20, 21, 27, 28 at 7:30 p.m. and June 29 at 3 p.m.
Director: Karen Pratt-Paskawych
“Escape to Margaritaville” is a tropical escape filled with the music of Jimmy Buffett, including hits like “Margaritaville,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” This musical comedy follows a laid-back island bartender who falls for a career-minded tourist, leading to a fun-filled, feel-good adventure.
* Lend Me a Soprano
Presented by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg
Auditions: March 30 and 31 at 7 p.m. at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg
Show Dates: June 13, 14, 20, 21 at 8 p.m., June 15, 22 at 2:30 p.m.
Director: Greg Merritt
Set in 1934 Cleveland, this hilarious farce follows a night of chaos when an opera company’s world-class soprano goes missing. With mistaken identities, comedic misunderstandings, and plenty of operatic drama, “Lend Me a Soprano” is a must-see for fans of classic stage comedies.
* The Drowsy Chaperone
Presented by the Actors Guild of Parkersburg
Auditions: April 27 and 28, times to be announced.
Show Dates: July 25 and 26, August 1, 2, 8, 9 at 8 p.m., August 3 at 6 p.m. and July 27 at 2:30 p.m.
Director: Brent Null
Music Director: Pete Sour
A love letter to musical theatre, “The Drowsy Chaperone” features a unique format where a narrator plays his favorite musical record, bringing the show to life before the audience’s eyes. With a quirky cast of characters, hilarious situations, and lively music, this production is sure to entertain.
Tickets for the upcoming productions at the Actors Guild of Parkersburg are available at www.actors-guild.com and tickets for productions at the Mid-Ohio Valley Players are available at www.midohiovalleyplayers.com. More information is available on their websites about auditions for upcoming shows.