Breath-Taking, Jaw-Dropping, Show-Stopping! Dayton Live put the word out about their upcoming season last night in style. Starting off with a fun scavenger hunt of titles, people were invited to make their way through the catacombs of the Schuster’s back stage, stopping intermittently to ‘guess a show’! For my friend Amy and me, it was fun challenge. Being that we both love Broadway, and are always up for some trivia, we gave it a whirl. I missed one….Amy did as well…..that doggone ‘Grinch’ and his theft of Christmas stumped us…we were sure it was Elf, The Musical! Nonetheless, we scored well with the other 5….and YOU WILL , TOO! What a fun, ambitious, diverse season is in store.
Aaron Sorkin’s take on Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird kicks off the season. The classic story (which I was lucky enough to see recently) is elegant and paced perfectly. Sorkin is unafraid to keep the conversation uncomfortable and raw. In a world of banned books, this this is timely, important and heart-wrenching! (October 17-22. 2023.))
Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas‘ comes to full-on life for the holiday season. Being a former elementary teacher means the stakes are high as this classic will be viewed by many a youngster! They will let us know just how much they love….er, hate….the Grinch! (November 14-19. 2023.) 
See ‘Hadestown!’ See ‘Hadestown!’ Take my word for it. This is one of those shows that people ask about, wonder about, think about…and I’m reassuring you, it’s a mesmerizing musical. Focused on the tale of Persephone and Hades…retold brilliantly….you will find yourself immersed in this one. (March 12-17. 2024.)
‘Simply the Best’ artist of my lifetime, ‘Tina, the Tina Turner Musical‘ promises great songs, that well-known story and the inside look at how it all melded together. From childhood, to concert queen, this musical is a romp, a rage and a redemption! (April 9-14. 2024.)
Is there any opening moment more exciting than that of ‘The Lion King?‘ That first few minutes…the goosebumps…the humbled crowd….WOW! Beloved by audiences the world over, Disney put together one helluva show, and lucky us, it is back! Still one of the most ingenious recreations of a film ever brought to people live! You can’t go wrong. (May 1- 12. 2024.)
And to round out the fun….one of Dayton’s Favorite on your feet, sing-along sensations….’MAMMA MIA!‘ The songs, buoyed by that ABBA flare, carry us through a plot…at times a bit hard to believe….and into a fun, oft-times silly, love story! The show is/was a smash hit…and it’s light-hearted, upbeat soul continues to satisfy! (June 11-16. 2024.) 
Also, of note…..the Forever Diva herself….CHER…and her life are told through ‘The Cher Show!’ Can you imagine over 30 hits, sixty years of performing, multiple awards…the hair….the gowns….the energy that is Cher. What a fun ride this promises to be! Get your tickets quickly for this special add-on which only shows (February 2-4. 2024.)
Always check in with daytonlive.org as there always seems to be something magical taking place in our great city! This looks to be yet another fantastic season.
