Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 03/10 – 03/23

THURSDAY, MARCH 10 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

“Do you happen to know where the lighting gels are?” I called out to the scenic charge as I fumbled around in the dark closets backstage. She didn’t, so it was very exciting when I actually found the box, which i immediately pulled front of house to choose colors to light the underworld scenes for Eurydice.

Aside from the adventure of precariously exploring backstage and the basement of a very old theatre, I was reminded just how much I love theatre. Designing lights for an older theatre with gels hidden deep in mysterious closets at first overwhelmed me, but now, as I work to accomplish my vision, I feel a certain excitement at the opportunity to splash color onstage and help people understand this play I love so much. David Mamet tells readers in Theatre that the task of a play is to help audience members understand it better and derive more from it than they would simply by reading the words. When I consider that, even the times I’m frustrated by old lights or missing gels, I remember the power of theatre. (And, finally finding those gels was very fulfilling.)

Seeing plays can be just as exhilarating. Whether you’re sitting in in or standing in front of the audience, theatre is magical. Where else can you so deeply learn something without sitting in a classroom, or have conversations without speaking face-to-face? I’m glad to live in an area that supports that influence, with the opportunity to see at least one show somewhere on any given weekend. So, be a part of that these next two weeks and come to one of these wonderful performances.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS NOT TO MISS

Mid-Life: the Crisis Musical

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE: EDGE OF THE CREEK

The Story: Turning 40, the biological clock, mammograms, love handles, kids that don’t leave home, proctology exams… this show, in a series of scenes and sketches, covers it all in a comic and sometimes poignant look at the trials and tribulations of mid-life.
Dates: March 11 – March 20
Tickets and More Information: 429-4737, [email protected], or Beavercreek Community Theatre

Beyond Therapy

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Manhattanites Prudence and Bruce, both seeking stable romantic relationships with their psychiatrists’ help, place personal ads. After a disastrous meeting, the two flee back to their respective therapists, who may just be more troubled than their patients. Although Prudence and Bruce overcome their mutual loathing, in true Durang fashion, the chaos doesn’t end.
Dates: March 11 – March 20
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Beyond Therapy

The Drowsy Chaperone

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION & HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: Originally a spoof of old musicals as a bachelor party gift, and now a Tony Award winning classic, HRTC produces this hilarious show at the historic Victoria Theatre. Narrated by a Man in Chair, this story shows the glamor and uproar of a celebrity bride’s upcoming wedding, all supervised by her “drowsy” (tipsy) chaperone!
Dates: March 8-20 – Performance Times Vary (click for details)
Tickets: 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630, or Ticket Center Stage
More Information: DMM Preview, Human Race Theatre: Drowsy Chaperone

…ONE NIGHT ONLY

Eurydice

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY: Alford Auditorium

The Story: Eurydice dies tragically on her wedding day and journeys to the underworld, where she reunites with her beloved father but yearns to remember her lost love; her husband, Orpheus, struggles to find her. Inspired by the voices of Lewis Carroll and Sigmund Freud, playwright Sarah Ruhl beautifully and tragically explores a timeless story of love and loss.
Date: March 19, 2011, at 8:00 pm
Tickets: Admission is free – so arrive early to ensure good seating.
More Information: Cedarville University campus map , Facebook event , and watch for a preview article 🙂

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Big Fat Concert Series: Volume 2 – I Feel So Much Spring – Seasons and Celebrations

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Auditions: March 13, 2011, 3 – 6 pm (sign up for ten-minute time slot; see link below)
Performances: April 29-30, 2011 – The Color of Energy Gallery, Oregon District
The Basics: This thrilling evening of song and storytelling will include selections from the most innovative and exciting new musical theatre writing teams (such as Salzman & Cunningham, Ryan Scott Oliver, and Kyle Jarrow – plus local Dayton-based writers).
More Information: Encore Theater Company

~KN