arts

Songs of the Undead: Encore Premieres “In My Blood”

July 12, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 6 Comments

IN MY BLOOD

Encore Theater Company

Win Tickets to this new musical! Read on!

Vampires are everywhere. Not since Transylvania has a nation been so overrun with the undead. Is there an area of pop culture devoid of these little bloodsuckers? On television, I guess we have Joss Whedon to blame for his electrifying Buffy The Vampire Slayer all the way through more current hits like HBO’s True Blood and any of a number of copycat shows just like it. In cinema, there’s no other place to look but the Twilight series for the source of teen vampire mania. Walk into any Barnes & Noble and you’re likely to find title after title featuring some collection of sex-crazed vampires. Even in music, isn’t there a band called Vampire Weekend?

One thing’s for sure: this is not your father’s vampire craze. This new breed of vampire is less B-movie and more B-cup. (Immortality doesn’t seem so bad when everyone is ridiculously attractive, right?) Despite a marketing blitz like no other, the trend has been unable to sink its teeth into Broadway – try as it may! Elton John attempted (it’s the kindest word I can use here) a musical-adapted Anne Rice with Lestat and Jim Steinman penned the ill-fated Dance of The Vampires. Even Frank (Jekyll and Hyde) Wildhorn couldn’t capture musical thriller lightning in a bottle twice. His musical Dracula was an infamous bomb in New York. But there’s hope – this weekend in Dayton – that Encore Theater Company could break the curse when the regional premiere of Mark Weiser’s vampire rock musical In My Blood plays three performances at Sinclair Theatre’s Blair Hall.

The show, written by New-York Based composer Mark Weiser has been called “The right combination of romance, conflict, humor and drama” (Theatremania). In the tradition of contemporary vampire stories, In My Blood deals primarily with Gray and Alex, two childhood friends, who reunite for one last night of partying. They learn of an annual, secret soiree, at a hidden location called SANCTUARY. There, they meet Unique and Sasha, two of the revelers. Over the course of the evening, the pairs fall in love. The two friends come to learn that this is the home of the world’s last surviving vampires, and are offered a chance to join them, and live forever. Ultimately, everyone must choose sides – for love, for life and for family. The casts features 10 local performers including ETC Company member JJ Parkey (featuring previously this season in the title role of Hedwig & The Angry Inch). In partnership with Sinclair Theatre, the show is directed by Kimberly Borst with musical direction by John Faas.

“In My Blood deals with real people with real issues of isolation and social shunning who ALSO just happen to be vampires.”

“What works in Mark’s script that hasn’t worked in previous vampire-themed musicals is intent,” says ETC Artistic Director David Brush, “The ‘vampire’ element here is a device and not the primary concern, so people connect to the characters on real levels.” But don’t fear, there’s plenty of bloodshed for every taste level and a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll. ETC first came in contact with the show on their Litehouse New Musicals Reading series under the name The Cure. In My Blood continues ETC’s primary mission of developing new musicals right here in Dayton before heading off to New York. Weiser himself spent several days in Dayton last week working directly with the cast an creative team in an effort to work out some of the new material – it’s a part of the process ETC values enormously.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDmfuWAxVyQ’]

In My Blood opens Thursday July 14 for three performances.

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information

In My Blood – July 14 – 16, 8:00 pm

Encore Theater Company

Performances will be held at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through http://brushfire.e-vent.info/Events/Sinclair/Default.aspx, by contacting (937) 512-2808 (be sure to leave a message as regular box office hours are not kept during the summer)

For more information, check out the Encore Theater Company.

Win Free Tickets!

Encore Theater Company & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to In My Blood! We will be giving away up to SIX pairs of tickets for the show! All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page (We’ll give away one pair of tickets for every FIVE FB/Twitter Shares).
Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
…and the fun part: leave a comment below, answering the following question…IF YOU WERE TO BECOME A VAMPIRE…WHAT VAMPIRE-Y TRAIT WOULD YOU MOST BE EXCITED TO HAVE?
The deadline to enter is NOON on THURSDAY, JULY 14TH.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

[contact-form 6 “Contest Entry”]

Music. Dance. Hiking Boots?

July 7, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

Translations:

an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement

Blue Sky Project

When first perusing this press release, I was not really certain into which section of DaytonMostMetro.com to place this article. When I first spoke with fellow onStageDayton contributor Rodney Veal about this, my assumption was that this project he was so excited about would be featured in the “oSD” section. Maybe, however, it belongs in the “Dayton Music” section as the project prominently features a very accomplished violinist, Shaw Pong Lui from Boston, participating through a residency here in the Gem City with the Blue Sky Project.

As I uncovered more details about the project it seemed that maybe it should be in the “Arts & Entertainment” section since it seems to equally features the creative choreography of Rodney Veal, alongside Liu’s musicality. The further I read, the more difficult this classification task became. Here is a collaboration between a dancer, a musician AND nature. The performance takes place along the trails of Aullwood Garden MetroPark with the dancers and musicians mimicking the sounds and sights of the trails. Perhaps we need to put this in “Active Living.” The audience has to build up a bit of a sweat during this particular concert, as they will have to traverse the trails. They even warn you to wear hiking shoes!

Then you throw in the iPod aspect. Holy Cow! Do we even have a “Technology & Arts” section? Audience members can participate in the performance through the use of a special birdsong app! ? ! This is pretty cool.

Alright. Looking at this, pondering the various aspects…the birds, the trees, the dance, the music…I am making an executive decision here: “Life.”

(fully expecting our illustrious publisher to override this decision and choose the perfect classification for this article)

Official Blue Sky Project Press Release:

Dayton, Ohio — Musicians, dancers and birders will come together for an unusual open-air art event in one of the Miami Valley’s most distinctive woodland parks.

The Blue Sky Project, in collaboration with the University of Dayton and Five Rivers MetroParks, will present “Translations: an exploration in birdsong, sound and movement” 6 p.m. Saturday, July 9, and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 10, at the Aullwood Garden MetroPark, 955 Aullwood Road, Englewood, Ohio. It’s free and open to the public.

Violinist Shaw Pong Liu and choreographer Rodney Veal created the work, which invites audience members to walk along trails throughout the garden, encountering violinists mimicking birdsongs, dancers improvising on the shapes of trees and birders with iPods contributing the real songs of birds.

“The point of the piece is to get people to slow down and pay attention to the environment,” Liu said. “We lead such busy lives, it is rare to take time to attune to the environment, and truly listen. Through this creative exploration of a hidden gem in the Dayton community, we hope to inspire others to listen and see their environments more deeply.”

Liu said the piece is very much in the spirit of the garden’s founder, the late Marie Aull, who opened and donated the garden to the public, and placed inspirational quotes throughout, encouraging visitors to enjoy nature and meditate on its beauty.

Participants include professional musicians from the area, dancers from the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company and the Dayton Ballet, and birders familiar with the region’s birds.

Liu said the some paths go over rugged terrain and recommended appropriate footwear. iPhone users may also participate by downloading iBird Explorer Lite, a free app, before the performance.

Liu’s role as community artist/investigator for Blue Sky is new for the organization, a juried international summer artist residency now in its seventh year and its third based in Dayton, that brings internationally recognized artists to the area to work with young people on public, contemporary art.

The new position was prompted by Liu’s work in 2010 with Blue Sky and the community connections she made, according to Peter Benkendorf, founder and co-creator.

“Collaboration and community are central to both Blue Sky Project and the University of Dayton. It’s exciting to see Blue Sky expand through an artist who is taking the Blue Sky model beyond collaboration of program participants, and out to the larger community,” said Benkendorf.

It’s a good fit for the University, according to Paul Benson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, because it combines the University’s commitment to community and its interest in infusing the creative process into education.

Blue Sky also makes good use of ArtStreet, an innovative living and arts community on campus, where the artists both live and make art in the facility’s studios, Benson said.

“We are pleased to support Blue Sky as well the new community artist/investigator position as part of our ongoing commitment to expand the arts on campus and in the community,” he said.

“Translations” is the second major collaboration for Liu and Veal. Their 2010 production “Of a River” transformed the Schuster Center Wintergarden with dancers, musicians and 600 yards of silk.

Liu is a Boston-based, classically trained violinist who performs internationally and creates innovative shows involving improvised music, narration and audience interaction. Her ongoing project, “A Bird a Day,” explores birds, sunrises and music at www.abirdaday.org.

Dayton native Rodney Veal is a choreographer and interdisciplinary artist whose work has been featured at the Ohio Dance Festival, among others. Veal teaches at Stivers School for the Arts in Dayton and Sinclair Community College. A solo show of his work, “Reveal: Five Zones on Beauty,” opens July 23 at the Springfield Museum of Art.”

For information on Blue Sky and the “Transitions” performance, including an alternative venue in case of rain, visit http://www.blueskydayton.org

Cardinal (actual):

Cardinal (violin):

SANCTUARY composed by Shaw Pong Liu (4/28/2011)

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Behind the Masks – The Lion King

June 14, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

Nick Cordileone & Ben Lipitz

Disney’s THE LION KING

The Victoria Theatre Association

I have a confession to make: I, Shane Anderson, admittedly know very little about The Lion King. In fact, I know very little about most of the Disney films and musical adaptations. I’ve certainly seen some, but I have no children of my own, therefore I typically don’t choose to spend my entertainment budget on a movie ticket to a film marketed to kids. I get it…I get it… I hear that they are terrific for anybody at any age, but I don’t have that added motivation of a really excited 5 year old persuading me to go catch the latest Disney princess or talking/singing animal movie.

Characters from Disney's Lion King, as interpreted by Noah, age 5

The Lion King mask illustration by Noah, age 5

So, since I am not the Disney aficionado that many Americans are, I had to do a little research about Disney’s THE LION KING, which just rolled into town and opened at the Schuster Center this evening. So what else was I to do? I called up my favorite nephew, 5 year old Noah.

First bit of information I needed, was what is the plot of this show? Noah replied with a knowing smile (did I sense the slightest amount of a smirk at his silly Uncle Shane?) that THE LION KING is all about this baby lion named Simba, who’s daddy Mufasa dies because of a bad lion named Scarrrr (grrrRR..!), then the Pumbaa and Timon (not sure which is which, but one is a warthog with big horns) come in and sing Hakuna Matata and then Simba gets big and the girl lion tells Simba to come back and be king. Oh, and be careful of the 3 Hyenas, they laugh.

Ok, stay clear of the laughing Hyenas. Of course I already knew a little bit about this classic musical adaptation, it is a legendary production that very successfully melded together a very cool artistic vision with the business sense of a major corporate producer. I know that it was directed by the very talented Julie Taymor. I realize that even though the musical premiered on Broadway nearly fourteen years ago, it is still selling tickets both on the “Great White Way” and in multiple touring companies. This collaboration between a truly gifted artist and a major corporate entity has been highly successful, with no signs of slowing down. I knew all of that, but this is one highly acclaimed Broadway spectacle that I have yet to experience, and I am thrilled that the show will be spending four weeks right here in Dayton, Ohio!

Disney's The Lion King ~ presented by The Victoria Theatre Association, Dayton, OH ~ June 14 - July 10, 2011

Ben Roseberry

I got the opportunity to spend some time chatting with three cast members of the show on the phone last week. The cast was in Toronto, Canada, where they had an extended stay. I spoke with vocal ensemble member and “Sarabi” understudy Electra Weston, Ben Roseberry who portrays “Ed” the laughing hyena, and the ever-popular Ben Lipitz who livens up the stage as “Pumbaa” the optimistic warthog.

I asked the group of actors about touring with Disney Theatricals, working with Taymor and what the experience is like in a production that thrills audiences of all ages.

The first thing of note is the appreciation the actors express for the company itself. “It is the best contract I’ve ever worked for,” Roseberry declares, “we are in each city for four weeks or more.” All three of the actors pointed out the fact that through Disney’s intention to keep the company in a city for an extended run of at least four weeks, allows the actors time to settle in and actually experience each city. Most other touring shows will have shorter runs, some as little as a day in each city, which leave the actors living out of their suitcase. Roseberry, an aviation enthusiast, says that he is very excited to have time in Dayton to explore the Aviation Trail, Hall of Fame and Wright Brother sites.

Electra Weston

A surprise to me was the fact that the touring company has the opportunity to make their own housing arrangements, some choosing extended stay hotels, others are able to find short-term furnished apartments. Electra Wilson indicated that in her four years on the tour, she’d never stayed in a hotel. She ships her bicycle and typically manages to find an apartment within biking distance to the venue. This gives her the opportunity to become a member of the community, if only for a short time.

I was curious to know more about the experience of being onstage for these actors, what it was like to be on the other side of the curtain. The technical aspects of performing the show utilizing these puppets and intricate scenic elements must certainly be an incredible thing to watch not only from the audience perspective, but also from backstage.

All three actors found their roles very taxing, but for very different reasons. Weston says that her most difficult transition into the role was the English language. She had previously been a part of the German company of the show, so even though she is American, she found it difficult to sing her parts in English. She had to relearn the show in her native tongue, and had a tough time doing so!

“I can’t say it’s a bigger thrill than what the audience is experiences, but it certainly is comparable.” says Ben Lipitz, ” Performing in The Lion King is a rare experience in theatre, it is a landmark event for the audience, as a performer I have to take the storytelling very seriously. We have a responsibility to live up to the expectations [of the audience]. It is a privilege to tell this story”

“It took a good eight weeks of performing for the role to get in my body.” Roseberry said he was very nervous performing in his “Ed” the hyena puppet for the first several weeks he was on tour. He pointed out that he had to learn to harness that nervous energy, translating it into a good energy. Additionally he spent hours in front of a mirror learning how to operate the hyena puppet in as many expressive ways as possible, since the character does not speak, but simply communicates through laughter. (btw…”Ed” is not “stupid”, but rather he is “verbally challenged”)

Ben Lipitz has been with the show for nine years, both on Broadway as well as the touring company. He recounted that while his very first entrance on stage in this show was very exciting, that the thrill continues to this day. Ben’s experience as an actor (on stage, film & television, including a role on The Sopranos) didn’t really prepare him for operating the puppet, especially Pumbaa which weighs in heaviest at 46 pounds. Creating the physical articulation with the puppet is his biggest challenge, but also the biggest reward.

Ben Lipitz

The beauty of Julie Taymor’s design is the duality of the character on stage. You see the actor manipulating the puppet, but you also see the humanity within the animal character. The actors praise the brilliance of Taymor’s vision and her famous “hands-on” approach to direction an upkeep of her vision. They report that there is a touring director and staff that continually monitor the show, maintaining the quality of the performance. This team works with the cast so that what we see in Dayton is precisely the same as the original intent of every step, word and note performed when Julie Taymor’s vision became reality in 1997. Taymor will even stop in to check on the show herself occasionally to be sure that her vision is never compromised (though this hasn’t happened recently due to her involvement in another theatrical project).

“I have been truly touched by how inspiring working with Julie is,” claims Lipitz, “[it is] her spirit and her energy. She is a gifted, visionary artist.”

While THE LION KING is a very complex machine of a show, with many moving parts and people manipulating every aspect of it, it is also child’s play. Experiencing this show on our side of the curtain will certainly be exciting, but imagine how thrilling it must be to make it all happen behind the scenes. These actors spoke as if it was truly an honor to tell this story, and be a part of the magic daily.

Before I got off the phone with Pumbaa, I had one more question I was required to ask. Noah wanted to know “what do you do with your horns?” Pumbaa claimed that his daily regimen included trying not to stay up too late, staying out of the sunlight and plenty of moisturizer. Pretty good advice for all you warthogs reading this.

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Disney’s THE LION KING

Wednesday, June 15 through Sunday, July 10, 2011

at The Schuster Center’s Mead Theatre – Performance Times Vary

Tickets range from $27 – $141

Tickets are ONLY available through Ticket Center Stage.

Visit the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton or order by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.

Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

For more information about Victoria Theatre Association visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

Downtown Dayton Partnership and the Victoria Theatre Association have teamed up to provide roaring deals and promotions for the The Lion King patrons. Read more about these exiting offers HERE.

Click for details.

Whodunit? The Mystery of Edwin Drood

June 8, 2011 By Shane Anderson 1 Comment

The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Beavercreek Community Theatre

Win Tickets! Read on!

One hundred forty one years ago today (08 June 1870) Charles Dickens suffered a stroke. The next day: dead. His last novel: unfinished.

Flash forward those 141 years (+a couple days): the audiences at Beavercreek Community Theatre will get an opportunity to determine how the plot of Dickens’ incomplete The Mystery of Edwin Drood concludes.

The novel was adapted into a Tony Award winning musical comedy in the mid-eighties by Rupert Holmes. The playwright put a unique twist on the show, by writing multiple endings that requires the audience to make choices about various characters and actions, choosing a murderer, a detective and other various participants and events that lead up to the ending. This sounds like an entertaining whodunit musical for the audience, but on the other side of the curtain…it sounds like a lot of work! Multiple endings to learn, different songs to perfect, and multiple sets of blocking and choreography to refine all must lead to hours upon hours of rehearsal devoted just the last few minutes of the production.

The show is described as a hilariously loony Victorian musical troupe takes over the stage for its production of a flamboyant rendition of an unfinished Dickens mystery.

It’s the story of John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster portrayed by Jonathan Berry of Centerville. He is madly in love with his music student, the fair Miss Rosa Bud, played by Bethany Reid Locklear of Englewood. She, in turn, is engaged to Jasper’s nephew, young Edwin Drood, portrayed by Amy Leigh of Kettering.

onStageDayton contacted director and scenic designer Chris Harmon with a few questions about the show:

onStageDayton: The Mystery of Edwing Drood is not a title commonly found on season schedules in the area, what drew you to the script?

Chris Harmon, director

Chris Harmon: I saw The Mystery of Edwin Drood performed at the Victoria by the Human Race around 1995, I went out and bought the original Broadway cast cd and have listened to it ever since. Last year I became a member of the play selection committee at BCT and it happened to be on the list and I was immediately interested in directing it.

oSD: The show has a few unique aspects, such as the audience participation and the “show-within-a-show” concept. What kind of complications did these create for rehearsals?

CH: The audience gets to choose the detective, murderer and lovers in the show. There are so many possible combinations which make the show’s ending fresh and new every night. I am lucky to have amazing actors who took the initiative to learn their possible parts so well. The endings can’t help but to be under-rehearsed, since it would be impossible to run them all every night. It saddens me that only having 6 performances, some of the possible murderer’s will not even get a chance.

oSD: You have developed a terrific reputation as a director and scenic designer in the Miami Valley…what was your approach in your designs for this show? How did you come up with the concept & how do you go about making your design come to life?

CH: Drood is set just before the turn of the century in “The Music Hall Royale”. My inspiration for the set was actually the first place i saw the show, The Victoria Theatre. Drood is a show within a show, so the Grand Drape is used for the scene changes, so I created a music hall thrust to have enough playing space for the actors in front of the curtain. I am a very visual person and when reading a script or listening to the music, I get a picture in mind instantly, the hard part is figuring out how to execute the designs within budget and time frame.

oSD: What is your next project?

CH: My next project is directing Camp Rock at Town Hall Theatre (where i am the resident scenic artist). In community theatre I am directing Evil Dead and Chicago at BCT next season and could not be more excited about it. I am thrilled to be working with Annette Looper as choreographer for both of these.

The cast of unique and zany characters also includes Bryan Wilcox of Riverside, Jeremy D. King of West Carrollton, Jim Lockwood of Huber Heights, Lindsay Sherman of Bellbrook, Matt Owens of Beavercreek, Tara Nichole Murphy of Miamisburg, Pam McGinnis of Oakwood, Charles Larkowski and Megan Vander Kolk of Fairborn and Dayton residents, Dean Swann, Jenna Burnette, Jennifer Wilson, Michael J. Stockstill, Nicole Dine, Thomas Cole Schreier and Shawn Hooks.

Besides Chris Harmon, the production staff includes Annette Looper of Centerville as choreographer, Dr. James Tipps of Beavercreek as music director, and Kristie Lickliter of Fairborn filling the role of stage manager.

John Falkenbach of Dayton is the lighting designer, Brad Mattingly of Franklin is the orchestra director, Hans Unser of Beavercreek is the stage assistant and assistant set builder and Diana Blowers of Beavercreek is the producer.

-SA/BCT Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD – June 10 – 19

8pm on Fridays & Saturdays / 3pm on Sundays

Tickets are $12 for adults and $11 for members, students and senior citizens.

A group discount of $1 per ticket is available to groups of 10 or more, when purchased at the same time for the same performance.

Tickets can be reserved by calling (937) 429-4737 and leaving a message or by e-mailing [email protected]. For more information, visit the theater’s Web site at www.bctheatre.org where tickets can also be purchased online.

Beavercreek Community Theatre is located within the Lofino Adult Enrichment and Cultural Arts Center at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek.

The show, which will be presented at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays from June 10 through June 19, is actually a show within the show.

Win Free Tickets!

Beavercreek Community Theatre & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to The Mystery of Edwin Drood! We will be giving away up to SIX pairs of tickets…We’ll select 1 winner (of a set of tickets) for every 5 FB/Twitter Shares! All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page.
Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
The deadline to enter is Noon on SATURDAY, June 11th.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

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The Best of Times

May 12, 2011 By Shane Anderson 3 Comments

La Cage aux Folles

Dayton Playhouse

Win tickets to this delightful show! Read on…

La Cage aux Folles, a collaboration between two of the most recognizable voices in musical theatre (Jerry Herman- Hello Dolly, Mame & Harvey Fierstein- his vocal chords), premiered on Broadway in 1983. That production garnered nine Tony Award nominations, winning six of those including Best Score, Best Book and the Best Musical. Since that production, the show has continued to achieve recognition with Tony Award winning revivals in 2004 & 2010 (earning it the distinction as being the only musical to win the Best New Musical along with two trophies for Best Revival). The terrific show is not often booked by local theatres, however. I assume that the thought of producing this show (primarily the necessary lavish costumes and opulent sets) would be a hurdle most non-profit community groups would not want to take on.

Dayton Playhouse has entrusted director Doug Lloyd with bringing the St. Tropez nightclub and it’s cast of female impersonators to life on their stage over the next three weekends. With the success Lloyd has had on the Playhouse stage in recent years with very popular productions of Urinetown and Hair, I am sure that La Cage aux Folles will be a smash hit.

La Cage aux Folles, book by Harvey Fierstein and lyrics and music by Jerry Herman, is based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret. La Cage focuses on a couple: Georges, the manager of a Saint-Tropez nightclub featuring drag entertainment, and Albin, his romantic partner and star attraction. Comedic adventures ensue when Georges’s son, Jean-Michel, brings home his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents to meet them.

The cast of La Cage is anchored by stage veterans Michael Boyd and Richard Croskey. Boyd, playing Georges, was in the 1989 Playhouse production of La Cage and has been acting and directing every since. Croskey, last seen in the Playhouse production of Victor/Victoria, has been a professional dancer and choreographer for the last 30+ years. The Cagelles, the “showgirls” of the La Cage aux Folles, include Playhouse executive director Wade Hamilton, features playhouse regulars Tony Fende, Ian Manuel, Stacey Ward and Allie Eder and also include some new Playhouse faces Nick Brown, Ty Mentz and Sean Metcalf. Playing Jean-Michele is the Playhouse’s golden voice Zach King. The cast is rounded out with Jeff Campbell, Karen Righter, Sarah Parsons, Duante Beddingfield, Mike Frazier, Joe Meyer, Chris Hammond, Ginger Hubbs, Brandon Saldivar, Alexandra Grizinski and Tim Behnken.

“We’re very happy to have this enormous production headed up by Director Doug Lloyd.” says Dayton Playhouse Executive Director Wade Hamilton. “His vast experience and reputation for producing hit musicals made me breath a little easier as we started this project.”

On the sliding scale of Playhouse musicals, this is a mammoth production. The Playhouse has assembled an all-star group of designers to bring this show to life. The set will be designed be Chris Harmon, lights by John Falkenbach and costumes by Kaitlyn Osborn and Karen and Stephanie Dickey. Leading the 10 piece La Cage orchestra will be Playhouse board member Ron Kindell. Choreography is from Miami Valley native Stacey Gear.

onStageDayton had some questions for Doug Lloyd about the upcoming opening. Here’s what he had to say:

onStageDayton: La Cage has recently had a successful return to both Broadway and the West End. What do you think is the appeal of the show?

Doug Lloyd: Well first of all the show is just plain “fun” it has great comedy and wonderful music, but it also a great love Story. I like that fact that it shows what in this age we would call an “alternative” family, has as much love caring and nurturing as a traditional family.

oSD: Jerry Herman’s score is legendary. Did you feel any allegiance to recreate and honor the show or did you take a fresh approach?

DL: We stayed true to the script, & score. The score we are working from is from the original Broadway production, with the exception of “Anne On My Arm” where they sent the music to the “new” version from the recent revival production with Kelsey Grammer. We did try to make an extra effort to show the true love and connection between Georges, Albin & Jean-Michel as well as show how the employees of La Cage are almost their extended family

oSD: How have local actors taken to these characters? How have they embraced them? What has been the biggest struggle?

DL: The cast has taken to their characters quite well. We had an extensive character development session, and they all walked away from that with a true feeling for each of their characters. Again we were searching for a true family feel as well as a closeness in the entire community

oSD: Many people are familiar with this story as it appeared in the film THE BIRDCAGE, what can audiences expect from the musical staging of the same tale?

DL: Many people don’t even realize “Bird Cage” was taken from “La Cage” when I tell them we are doing it they say what’s that. While the story line is the same, they took many liberties with the La Cage script when writing “Bird Cage”. There are several characters that appear in the movie that aren’t in the stage show, including the role of Sybil, John-Michel’s natural mother that was played by Christine Buransky. Sybil is referred to in La Cage but never appears. Both shows are funny but being a theatre person I’m partial to the La Cage script.

oSD: You are one of the city’s most active directors. What’s your next project?

DL: My next project will be back at my home theatre in Beavercreek and will be the world premiere of a new musical written by local author David Brush and the music was composed by local musician Jim Farely. The show is called “The Big Picture.” Set in the summer of 1962, it is about college freshman Billy Carson who is spending his first summer home with his mom and best friend. With only a few items to provide clues, Billy sets out with a renewed interest in discovering the father he never knew – B-Movie script writer and war hero, Jack Carson. When old wounds are opened and new loves are discovered, Billy realizes that coming home is more difficult and ultimately more enlightening than he ever imagined and the sleepy town of Pine Springs, Illinois may never be the same.

-SA/DB/DP Press Release

Photos by Bruce W. Brown.

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES – May 13-29 – (8pm on Fridays & Saturdays / 2pm on Sundays)

Tickets Prices: $10 student / $14 senior / $15 adult

Location: The Dayton Playhouse
1301 East Siebenthaler Ave
Dayton, OH 45414 (map)

Tickets are on sale now through DP’s Online Box Office, or via phone at (937) 424-8477 Monday-Friday 2:00pm-5:00pm. In Person: Friday 2:00pm-5:00pm

For more information about The Dayton Playhouse visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.org/

Win Free Tickets!

Dayton Playhouse & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to La Cage aux Folles! We will be giving away up to FOUR pairs of tickets for the second weekend of the show…We’ll select 1 winner (of a set of tickets) for every 10 FB/Twitter Shares! All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page.
Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
Leave a comment on this post, answering the following question…a revival of one of our more popular ticket contest questions…What’s your favorite Drag Queen Name? (i.e. “Julie Mandrews,” “Anita Cocktail,” etc.)
The deadline to enter is Midnight on SATURDAY, May 14th.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

Urban Nights: Proving Downtown Dayton Is Alive and Kicking

May 11, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

It’s no marketing scheme: Urban Nights really is one of the best nights to be downtown.

Downtown Dayton’s biggest street party returns from 5 to 10 p.m. this Friday, May 13. More than 100 venues in downtown Dayton, the Oregon Arts District and Wright-Dunbar Business Village will host special events, offer discounts and open their doors for an insider’s look. A variety of performers will entertain crowds on stages throughout downtown, and roaming performers also will liven up the event.

Below are some highlights of the May 13 Urban Nights, but there’s more going on than can ever be featured in one article ― and nearly everything is free. Click here to download a map of participating venues and a complete performance schedule, including a listing of all participating locations’ events and specials, a schedule for all the stages, and parking deals. Follow Urban Nights on Facebook for regular updates and more information.

Urban Nights gives people a chance to get artsy. Second Street will become a huge canvas when students from Stivers School for the Arts’ painting department create a paint-by-numbers style template on the street. The public then will be able to help Stivers students complete the mural, located in front of the Schuster Performing Arts Center between Main and Ludlow streets. The Paint the Street mural is sponsored by KeyBank and will be created with environmentally friendly liquid chalk that washes away with rainfall.

Juggling duo The Dropbacks will toss and catch with the crowd during Urban Nights.

Also on Second Street, visitors also can create a piece of whimsical public art using jelly beans and have their pictures taken in a free photo booth. At the popular Community Stage, located at the corner of Third and Jefferson streets, an eclectic mix of 10-minute performances will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., then anyone can take the mic for open karaoke from 7 to 10 p.m. The Dropbacks, a comedic juggling duo, will toss and catch with the crowd throughout Urban Nights locations. Other hands-on activities will be available at participating venues. For example, the Dayton Metro Library will offer arts-and-crafts activities for children and adults.

Art is the heart of Urban Nights, and all of downtown’s numerous galleries will host exhibit openings and an array of more unusual offerings, such as a 7 to 8:30 p.m. performance by the Dayton Mandolin Orchestra at the Dayton Visual Arts Center. Some Urban Nights newbies are the Dayton Art Institute, which will offer a mixed bag of activities ranging from guided tours of its current exhibition to eye makeovers; Real Art Design Group, featuring jousting with shopping carts as part of “Urban Knights at Urban Nights;” and Atta Girl Art and Gardens Complex, where artists will open their studios for the public to have a look-see. At K12 Gallery for Young People’s new TEJAS studio, art by Rebecca Sargent will be featured.

Vote for your fave Activated Spaces window display during Urban Nights.

Art also happens in unusual places during Urban Nights. Activated Spaces has worked with local artists to display their work in previously vacant storefronts throughout downtown, and the public can vote for a People’s Choice award during Urban Nights. Practice Yoga will host live music by BJSR, the Dayton International Peace Museum will host an opening reception for an exhibit of Chinese brush painting, and artists will take over the Southern Belle’s second floor, where local crafters will sell their handmade wares. And the Blue Sky Project is hosting an exhibition of Mequitta Ahuja’s works on paper in the lobby of the KeyBank Tower and an exhibit of photography by Sa Schloff, as well as work by Blue Sky participants, in the former Roly Poly space on Courthouse Square. Several downtown housing options will be open for tours, and many of them will feature artists’ work, too.

Downtown retailers also get into the Urban Nights spirit. At Derailed: A Hair Salon, co-owner Austin Burkhart will try to break his record for giving free Mohawks, and Omega Music will host live music throughout the night. Pantorium Cleaners will host a party with special entertainment, and Valeria’s Beauty Center and Day Spa will offer special discounts to celebrate the launch of its new retail store, Bonito.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone to start the SCANvenger Hunt.

A fun way to get around Urban Nights is by playing Comtactics’ SCANvenger Hunt. Smart phone users are encouraged to visit participating businesses and search for two-dimensional QR codes. Players scan the codes, answer a trivia question about that business and are entered into drawings for giveaways.

A weekend-long event also will open during Urban Nights. The Dayton Circus Creative Collective will host its sixth annual multimedia arts event, Sideshow VI, at Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., and in the nearby Yellow Cab building, 700 E. Fourth St. This two-block arts experience will feature work by more than 32 artists and performances by 25 musical groups.

Urban Nights guests also will get a sneak peek of another weekend-long event, the FilmDayton Festival, held downtown May 20-22. Multidisciplinary artist and Springfield native Rod Hatfield has mixed a montage of silent films starring Lillian Gish, also a Springfield native. The Show will provide a live soundtrack to the projection on the east side of the Convention Center, which can be viewed from the Jefferson and Fifth street area.

In addition to the arts, cycling has become an important part of Urban Nights. The Life Enrichment Center will roll out its new Yellow Bike program, a free bike sharing program downtown, during Urban Nights. The center is providing brightly painted yellow bikes available free of charge for anyone to ride between downtown destinations. People simply grab a yellow bike, ride it to their

Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights meets at 5:30 p.m. in front of Fifth Third Field for a ride through the action.

destination and park it in a bike rack for the next person to use. The center also is asking for donations of helmets in all sizes, which can be dropped off at Courthouse Square. In addition, Urban Bikes @ Urban Nights returns: Cyclists should bring their own bike and meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field at 5:30 p.m. for this ride through the Urban Nights action.

The best way to see as much as possible during Urban Nights is to walk, and many of the destinations are just a short distance from each other. Greater Dayton RTA also will provide free event trolleys to help visitors get around.

Urban Nights takes place rain or shine. The event is presented by the Downtown Dayton Partnership, Culture Works, Montgomery County and the City of Dayton, with additional support from WDTN-TV2, DP&L, Greater Dayton RTA, Budweiser Select, the Downtown Priority Board, Sinclair Community College, Clear Channel and Mix 107.7-FM, KeyBank, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Call 937-224-1518 or visit www.downtowndayton.org for more information.

Come and Meet Those Dancing Feet

May 11, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

42nd Street

Wright State University Theatre

There are few MORE iconic moments from the Broadway canon than watching the entire company of 42ND STREET make its way down a giant staircase in perfect choreographic synergy. It’s perfect golden age Broadway wow-factor – not bad for a show that opened in 1980 (nearly 30 years after the Golden Age). But it wasn’t just it’s nostalgic structure that launched 42nd STREET into early legend-status.

The score – a healthy mix of tunes from the film soundtrack on which the musical is based – was blended seamlessly with a collection of appropriate songs from the Al Dubin-Harry Warren catalogue. And it’s one hit after another – “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me”, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullabye of Broadway”, “About A Quarter To Nine”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo”. In that respect, 42ND STREET was a jukebox musical before there were jukebox musicals. But unlike many contemporary examples, 42ND STREET did it right – at its core is one hell of a classic story. Consider this: Girl from small town America moves to big dangerous city to fulfill her Broadway dreams. Tough auditions, a love interest, twist of fate that launches girl from the chorus to the leading role, and POW – all the makings of a show to inspire the coldest of critics.

42nd Street - Wright State University Theatre - May 15-29, 2011

42nd STREET Closes Wright State’s Stellar Season

As if that isn’t enough, the current local offering of the show is in the capable hands of director Joe Deer and the Wright State University Department of Theatre. With the current crop of remarkable students at WSU and Mr. Deer at the helm, there is every indication that once again, this will be an event not to be missed. Don’t let happen with 42ND STREET what happened with JEKYLL & HYDE earlier in the year. The buzz was so high, there was not a ticket to be had. Order now.

OSD recently spoke with 42ND STREET cast member TOMMI HARSCH about the upcoming opening. Here’s what she had to say:

onStageDayton: 42ND STREET is notoriously taxing on a dancer. How are dance rehearsals going and are you exhausted every hour of the day these days?

Tommi Harsch

Tommi Harsch: To say the least, my stamina has been in such a building up process thanks to this show… the dance rehearsals have been crazy. Our choreographer- Rick Conant- who was featured in the original 42nd Street cast and who has done several tours as well as choreographed several productions of 42nd Street, has definitely kicked the entire cast’s butts as a whole. We’ve been working so hard! Personally, I’ve been in a constant state of soreness the past 6 weeks because of all the dancing. There were nights I worried my feet were actually going to fall off after we stopped dancing. However, as insane as it’s been, it’s absolutely worth it…it all looks fantastic!

OSD: Joe Deer continues to be one of the finest musical theatre directors in the region (Thoroughly Modern Millie and WSU’s stunning The Light in the Piazza). What’s been you experience working with Joe?

TH: Having Joe as our director for this show has been such a great experience. This is the first WSU Festival production I’ve been cast in, so I would definitely say that for a first show, it’s been an awesome one! He has made sure to instill in us a very solid work ethic and willingness to come focused to rehearsal. The professional attitude he has expected of all of us has absolutely made for such a smooth rehearsal process. Also, having Rick as the co-director has been magnificent! They make a great team.

OSD: There are scenes in 42ND STREET that are pretty iconic. Can audiences expect a wow-factor moment in WSU’s production as well?

TH: I’m sorry to say that we don’t have any sweet stairs, however, the ballet is certainly going to “wow” audiences! It’s an epic moment in the show, and is sure to impress every seat in the house. I’m guaranteeing it!

OSD: The show originally opened in 1980. I was 5. You weren’t born (sigh). What about this show resonates with a contemporary audience?

TH: The entire show is based on the idea of working hard to succeed in this field of performance, which is something that we’re all striving for in real life as well. Although the plot is set in 1933, the content is something that every one of us can relate to. We’re all working our butts off to make our way into this business, just like each of the characters in 42nd Street. The losses and the victories that the cast of “Pretty Lady” experiences are heartwrenching and wonderful, because each person watching can easily put themselves in the shoes of everyone on stage. It really hits home for all of us in the cast, and we hope the audience feels the same way while immersed in the story we are going to be telling for the next 3 weeks!

-DB

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

42ND STREET – May 15-29 – (Times Vary)

Location: Wright State University’s Festival Playhouse in the Robert & Elaine Stein Auditorium – 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435

Tickets are on sale now through WSU’s Box Office via phone at (937) 775-2500 (Monday through Friday Noon – 5:00 pm).

Blackbird

April 20, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

Blackbird

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Dayton Theatre Guild is set to present Blackbird by Scottish playwright David Harrower as a season extra offering, opening Friday evening. The only opportunity to catch this intense psychological drama will be this weekend, April 22 – 24 at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Avenue, in Dayton’s historic Oregon Arts District.

David Harrower

The bold award-winning play promises to be a thought-provoking, though potentially uncomfortable, evening for theatregoers. The play was commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival, where it received its world premiere in 2005. In the years to follow, Blackbird was honored with a “Best New Play” award from both The Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland and The Lawrence Olivier Award.

Dramatists Play Service synopsizes the play as follows:

Two people who once had a passionate affair meet again fifteen years later. Ray is confronted with his past when Una arrives unannounced at his office. Guilt, rage and raw emotions run high as they recollect their relationship when she was twelve and he was forty. Without any moral judgments, the play never shies away from the brutal shattering truth of the abandoned and unconventional love. Ray, fifty-six, after years in prison and subsequent hardships, has a new identity and has made a new life for himself, thinking that he could no longer be found. Una, twenty-seven, has thought of nothing else, and on finding a photo of him, sets out to find Ray. She is looking for answers not vengeance. Nevertheless, the consequences are shattering.

While the sexual themes of the show, particularly the ages of the two involved, may be difficult for many to handle for a holiday weekend’s entertainment, the play’s history, reviews and the fervor with which the cast worked to bring it to a Dayton stage indicate that the provocative 70-minute drama is well worth an evening of your time.

“The gifted David Harrower’s intense BLACKBIRD promises to be the most powerful drama of the season…masterly, mesmerizing…extraordinary…a miracle.” ~NY Times

“…an intense psychodrama that won’t let your mind wander even though there are times this story makes you wish you could switch channels.” ~Curtain Up

The play, which unfolds in real-time, ruthlessly examines the complicated history and bond between a man and a woman as they struggle through a deep exploration into what happened and why it happened, and what it all means now.

Heather Atkinson (L) and K.L. Storer (R) in Blackbird

The cast includes Heather Atkinson, last seen at the Guild in The Cashier and K.L. Storer, who appeared in last season’s A Case of Libel. The play is directed by Natasha Randall.

This play contains harshly explicit sexual language, mature themes and subject matter.

-SA/DTG Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

David Harrower’s BLACKBIRD – April 22-24 – (8pm on Friday & Saturday / 3pm on Sunday)

Tickets Prices: $10 student / $15 senior / $17 adult

Location: Dayton Theatre Guild at The Caryl D. Philip’s TheatreScape – 430 Wayne Ave. Dayton, Ohio 45410 (MAP)

Contains adult situations and language.

Tickets are on sale now through DTG’s Online Box Office, or via phone at (937) 278-5993 (due to a volunteer staff, phones are not monitored continually).

For more information about Dayton Theatre Guild’s entire 2010-2011 season, visit www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

Permanent Collection

April 11, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Alan Bomar Jones and Scott McGowan

Permanent Collection

The Human Race Theatre Co.

An art museum may not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to workplaces with intense conflict, but in Thomas Gibbons’ Permanent Collection the Morris Foundation has as much head-butting as an NFL game. And unlike in an NFL game, the production by The Human Race Theatre, Dayton’s own professional theatre company, doesn’t provide the players with helmets and pads.

Eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.

Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15-May 1 - Dayton, OH

Alan Bomar Jones

The Morris Foundation is loosely based on the Barnes Foundation of Philadelphia, a real-life private museum with a real-life eccentric owner, Barnes is the subject of the film documentary The Art of the Steal, though the film and Permanent Collection cover entirely different aspects of the aftermath of the collector’s death.

Permanent Collection is directed by Dayton native and current New Yorker Schele Williams, who did a masterful job at the helm of Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On The Sparrow two years ago. It is part of the 2010-2011 Eichelberger Loft Season of The Human Race, which will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its incorporation during the run.

An Evening at the Museum with More Drama Than Night at the Museum

The college which inherits the collection hires African-American businessman Sterling North as director. North is played by Human Race Resident Artist Alan Bomar Jones, most recently seen at The Loft in A Christmas Carol, who recently garnered rave reviews for the Columbus one-man-play as folk artist Ezra Pierce, Pierce to the Soul.

Melissa Joyner and Scott McGowan

North’s discoveries lead to the battles with the museum #2, Paul Barrow, played by New York-based Scott McGowan, who has won awards for performances in Miss Saigon and Evita, so he knows about culture clashes. The two men draw in the office staff, played by New Yorkers Sharon Hope (who has done numerous Law & Order episodes, so she knows verbal fracases) and Melissa Joyner (whose many credits include a turn as a student in Carrie II, so she know about the results of anger), into the fray.

A reporter who gets interested in the story is played by Christine Brunner of Middletown, who was in Human Race productions of A Christmas Carol and has appeared in many other shows in the region, and who has been a hand model in commercials for both Charmin and Bounty, so she knows when people have made a mess of things.

The imaginative set – you have to be imaginative when depicting a few billion dollars’ worth of art – is by Tamara L. Honesty. Costumes are by Janet Powell, lighting by HRTC Resident Artist John Rensel, sound by Matthew P. Benjamin, with Heather Jackson as Production Stage Manager.

Among the participants in the While We’re On The Subject talkback after the April 24 matinee, to which audience members are invited, will be Dayton Art Institute Chief Curator Will South.

Production sponsors are Rob and Leesa Comparin, Richard and Marni Flagel, Tyree L. Fields, Larry S. Glickler – Bradford-Connelly and Glickler Funeral Homes, Jon and Diana Sebaly, Maryann and Jack Bernstein, Alan and Marsha Pippenger, and John and Tamara Clough.

-Human Race Theatre Co. Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

PERMANENT COLLECTION by Thomas Gibbons

April 15 – May 1 – various performance times (note…there will be an additional “preview night” performance on April 14)

at the LOFT THEATRE – map

More information and tickets are available through www.humanracetheatre.org, by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Schuster Center box office, or at the box office at The Loft two hours before curtain.

A&E on a Budget: UD Presents Free Arts Performance

March 30, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The University of Dayton will be taking over the Schuster Center on Tuesday, April 5th, for their annual Celebration of the Arts performance. Where else can you experience eighteen different arts ensembles in under 2 hours? And even better – it’s free!

The evening will feature performances by University of Dayton music, theater and dance students as well as visual arts displays in the lobby. Burt Saidel, arts reviewer for The Oakwood Register, and Georgie Woessner, general manager of WDPR-FM, will serve as masters of ceremonies. The evening begins at 6:30 pm in the Wintergarden with a visual arts display and pre-show entertainment. The evening will continue at 8 pm in the Mead Theatre. The event is free, but tickets are required and can be reserved online.

Don’t forget to check out other wallet-friendly options on UD’s campus:

The University’s annual LitFest kicks off with poets Kathy Fagan and Kwame Dawes on Friday, April 1, starting at 7:30 pm in Sears Recital Hall. Attend the opening program for free, or register for a weekend full of workshops and readings.

ArtStreet’s Friday Film Series presents Howl (4/1), Elephant in the Living Room (4/8) and Exit Through the Gift Shop (4/15). Film screenings start at 9 pm and are free and open to the public.

The Theatre Program will present Smoke on the Mountain, April 1-3 and 7-9 at Kennedy Union’s Boll Theatre. Directed by Gina Kleesattel, this musical promises to deliver an uplifting evening of “singin’ and witnessin”. Tickets are $12; call (937) 229-2545.

The Department of Music offers a number of free performances during April; visit http://calendar.udayton.edu or http://arts.udayton.edu for a complete schedule.

UD is certainly not the only campus with free or cheap arts and entertainment. All of the colleges and universities in the Dayton region offer a wide variety of events, and many are open to the public. From the art galleries of Sinclair Community College to the Artist Series at Wright State University, there is something for everyone!

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 03/24 – 04/06

March 24, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

Limestone Bricks: rainbow base painting (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

When I wandered into the theatre today, a scenic artist was busily painting a stone wall – with nearly every color of the rainbow, rather than a traditional brick red or tan. The stones looked gorgeous, although not yet like the limestone bricks on the set model. “Real bricks aren’t flat – they’re unique,” she said, explaining her process of basing the bricks with rainbow scumbling, then applying multiple washes to mute the colors but bring out the pigments and bright undertones. However, when the set is complete, audience members will never know just how many layers were essential to make such a realistic stone wall.

So many layers and colors go into every one of these shows, as well. From the sound designer to the box office intern to the actors and directors, shows are necessarily collaborative and layered, to an extreme. Often, we are never aware of these affectations, but each one contributes to the show that we see.

Limestone bricks: completed! (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

Likewise, we and the people around us bear the same intricacies and layers. We are products of years of existence and influence; each personal experience has added color to the scumbled wall that is a life. Part of the magic of theatre is its influential power to reflect people; part of that, and of shows in general, illustrates the deep and layered nature of those other human beings around us. It does this not only through the literal act of a show, but also through the subtle things, like the rainbow layers underneath the bricks.

This week, go see one of the following shows. Whether exploring cupcakes, alcoholism, or sex, each one deals in some way with real people, in all of their layers and depth; therefore, through them, we can better understand the people and world around us. You could even take a friend or two to one of the shows below, then discuss it over drinks or dinner afterward. Understand the layers, one at a time.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Bill W. and Dr. Bob

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Bill W. – famous New York stockbroker who loses everything in the 1929 crash, then turns to alcohol – and Dr. Bob Smith – Ohio surgeon who often operates hung over – meet and form a relationship, each helping to keep the other sober. This courageously blunt, uncompromisingly straight forward docu-drama explores the lives of these two men and the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dates: April 1 – 3, 2011 (Season Extra)
Tickets and More Information: 937-424-8477, Dayton Playhouse

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Pinkalicious!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Photo Credit: Mike Long

The Story: Young Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, even though her parents and friends warn her to stop. But when she wakes up one morning to discover she has turned bright pink from head to toe, her doctor diagnoses her with Pinkitis. In this adaptation of the beloved children’s book, families see if there can ever be too much of a good thing.
Dates: March 11 – 27, 2011
Tickets: (937) 433-8957
More Information: Town Hall Theatre: Pinkalicious

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Encore Theater Company: Summer Mainstage Season

The Basics: Altar Boyz. In My Blood. Pump up the Volume. The Consequences. In its exciting 2011 season, ETC collaborates with Sinclair Community College and the Human Race Theatre Company to bring Dayton several developing and contemporary musicals throughout the summer.
Auditions: March 27 – 29, 2011 (schedule appointment)
More Information: Encore Theater Company

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Avenue Q

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Story: Princeton moves to NYC with bright eyes, big dreams, and a tiny bank account, and ends up on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Sponsored by Logos@Work, Square One Salon & Spa, and with DaytonMostMetro.com as media sponsor, this national touring production of the sassy, irreverently hilarious puppet show that took Broadway by storm explores the ups and downs of life and “the real world.”
Date: March 30, 2011 – One Night Only!
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage , but they’re almost sold out!
More Information: DMM Feature

~KN

It’s No Joke: April 1 First Friday Packed with Art, Entertainment

March 24, 2011 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Comedic juggling duo The Dropbacks will return to First Friday in April to wow crowds with their feats of daring-do.

The next First Friday, downtown Dayton’s free monthly art hop, will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. April 1. As the weather warms, First Friday also heats up with the return of outdoor entertainment.

The popular street performers will return to First Friday (weather permitting) with roaming entertainers including breakdance crew Circle Nerdz, the comedic juggling troupe The Dropbacks and saxophonist Tyrone Martin. The street performance is supported by grant funding from the Ohio Arts Council.

Also returning to First Friday will be two historical walking tours by Gem City Circle Walks. Longtime local history buffs Leon Bey, Nancy Roach and Curt Dalton will lead an Oregon Arts District walk beginning at 5 p.m., and the “Ghosts, Cemeteries and Murders Walk of Downtown Dayton” will begin at 7 p.m. Each walk is $10 and advance reservations are required by contacting Leon Bey at 937-274-4749 or [email protected].

Another outdoor event in April will be presented by The Broken Dayton Art Machine, a group of local artists who will present a single-piece digital exhibit titled “I Have No Rival.” The artists will create a three-story video projection in the floors above The Southern Belle, 134 N. Patterson, which can be viewed from Patterson Boulevard from 8 p.m. to midnight. Artists Nicholaus Arnold, Ian Breidenbach, Frank Travers, Phillip Evans and Ren Cummings will at The Southern Belle to discuss their work.

As always, there will be plenty of action in downtown’s galleries and other establishments during First Friday, including in some nontraditional spaces. As part of the 510 Project, visitors can watch two local artists set up art installations in two spaces located right off Courthouse Square. In the former Roly Poly space (33 N. Main), Landon Crowell will install a video piece that examines the workers’ rights issues facing Ohio and Wisconsin’s public employees. In the lobby of the KeyBank Tower (10 W. Second) from noon to 6 p.m., Leesa Haapapuro will create a sculptural installation created in conjunction with her “Canal Man” project, which will feature cast human figures installed in the granite pools along Patterson Avenue. The sculptures will represent the men who labored to dig the Miami Erie Canal.

The Cannery Art and Design Center will host live music during First Friday.

In its newest space, TEJAS, K12 Gallery for Young People, 510 E. Third St., will feature the exhibit “Dirt and Matter,” paintings by Rebecca Sargent, from 6 to 9 p.m. K12 also will display artwork by the HAALO (Helping Adolescents Achieve Learning Objectives) program of the Montgomery County Juvenile Courts and works from St. Luke School. The Cannery Art and Design Center, 434 E. Third St., will feature paintings by Clifford Darrett, whose jazz/salsa five-piece band will perform from 7 to 10 p.m. Nearby Garden Station, 509 E. Fourth St., will host live music, including Shade of Red at 8 p.m.

Open from 5 to 8 p.m., the Dayton Visual Arts Center, 118 N. Jefferson St., will host a preview party to launch the countdown to its 18th Annual Art Auction, which will be held April 29 at Sinclair Community College. At 7:30 p.m., DVAC will announce the live auction line up.

The Wine Gallery, 5 W. Monument St., will host the photography of local artist Josh Mayes in his exhibit “A Taste of Spring,” which emphasizes flowers and celebrates the change in seasons.

In the Oregon Arts District, Press, an espresso bar and arts space at 257 Wayne Ave. will feature the exhibit “April Fools,” a group art show and live performance by John Gassett, Eric Dunn and Wes Tirey from 7 to 11 p.m. Elaine Balsley Fine Art, 523 E. Fifth St., will host an open house featuring a variety of contemporary art from 3 to 10 p.m. ReCreate, 438 E. Fifth St., will feature original art, instruments and other music-related items.

At the Color of Energy, 16 Brown St., gallery owner Mike Elsass will show a preview of his work that will be featured in Laguna Beach, Calif., next fall. Elsass’ second gallery, Color 2, 519 E. Fifth St., will host an exhibit of new works by Jennifer Rosengarten, Bob Rhoades, Ann Kim, Ben Norton, Amanda Baker and Darren Haper.

Jazz saxophonist and music aficionado Tyrone Martin will perform at First Friday. This photo was taken by Josh Mayes, who will exhibit his work at The Wine Gallery during the event.

Gallery 510 Fine Art, 510 E. Fifth St., will show Christina Pereyma’s “Yellow Box,” an interactive artwork constructed of yellow satin. Visitors will be able to enter the enclosed space and be photographed as part of the exhibit. Gallery 510 also will introduce the wood turnings of Maryland artist Michael Batista. 5th street clayworx, 521 E. Fifth St., will highlight the “Tree of Life” sculptures by Paula Vasquez. Nancy Snyder also will offer functional pottery for the Easter holiday, as well as gifts for weddings and special occasions.

Omega Music, 318 E. Fifth St., will host live music from 6 to 9 p.m. Patrons who present a receipt from another Oregon Arts District business will receive 10 percent off new CDs and LPs, as well as 15 percent off used music.

Other entertainment options abound during First Friday. For example, the monthly Courteous Mass Ride will meet at Don Crawford Plaza in front of Fifth Third Field, on the corner of Patterson Boulevard and Monument Avenue, at 5:15 p.m. for a ride through the city. The Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Avenue, presents The Boys Next Door at 8 p.m. and the urban arts showcase “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” will take place at The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St., from 9 to 11 p.m.

Jay’s Seafood Restaurant, 225 E. Sixth St., will host Puzzle of Light at 9 p.m. with no cover charge. Las Americas Caribbean Cuisine, 524H E. Fifth St., will offer a special menu and musical entertainment by Armando Garcia. Canal Street Tavern, 308 E. First St., will host the Lab Partners at 9:30 p.m.

Click here for a complete list of events taking place downtown.

In addition, all the restaurants, retail shops, bars and clubs, theaters, The Neon, Wiley’s Comedy Niteclub, Urban Krag Climbing Center, and other establishments throughout downtown will be open during First Friday. For regular updates about this event, follow First Friday on Facebook. The Downtown Dayton Partnership’s website has a complete list of downtown’s arts and cultural amenities, as well as a dining guide, parking map and much more.

Poetic Medley with Poetri at The Loft Theatre

March 11, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Tony Award winner Poetri will headline the April 1 production of The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show at the Loft Theatre.

Oral Funk Poetry Productions is launching its fourth season of “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” in a new venue, The Loft Theatre, 126 N. Main St.

“We’re so excited to be producing our fourth season at The Loft Theatre,” said Sierra Leone of Oral Funk Poetry Productions. “Our new home has more seating for our shows, which often sell out, and allows us to kicks up the performance a notch thanks to access to more professional production equipment and capabilities in the theater. It also allows us to learn from the professionals at The Human Race Theatre Company.”

The season opening performance will be held from 9 to 11 p.m. Friday, April 1, at The Loft Theater. Tickets cost $15 in advance and are available at www.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling 937-228-3830. Tickets at the door cost $20. A cocktail reception will be held in the theater lobby from 8:30 to 9 p.m.

“We are pleased to co-present The Signature at The Loft Theatre,” said Human Race Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “It’s a wonderful way to expand both of our audiences and to make good use of downtown’s most intimate and comfortable entertainment space ― The Loft Theatre.”

Poetri, Tony Award-winner and HBO Def Jam poet, will headline the show with a presentation of original material in which he infuses comedy and spoken word to discuss universal issues, such as relationships and money. Known as “the poet rock star,” Poetri has worked with such legends as Curtis Mayfield, Bootsy Collins and Nona Hendrix, as well as such contemporary stars as Tyler Perry , LL Cool J, Rosario Dawson, Jessie Dylan and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. He was one of the first poets to win a Tony Award for his own material on Broadway for Def Poetry Jam, and recently, President Barack Obama invited Poetri to attend the first spoken word event at the White House.

Poetri’s TV appearances include The Oprah Winfrey Show, Tyler Perry’s House of Pain and Bones, and he also has appeared in popular movies, such as Blades of Glory and Yes Man. Poetri has written and appeared in more than 150 commercials for such clients as Subway, Gatorade, Nike, NFL Films, BET and Arby’s, and he worked with the Black Eyed Peas on a series of award-winning online digisodes for Snickers called “InstantDef.” In addition, Poetri is one of the founders of one of the largest weekly poetry venues in the nation, which attracts more than 350 people every Tuesday.

Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. also will be a featured performer during The Signature.

The evening’s other featured performer will be vocalist and spoken word artists Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D., who blends spoken word, hip-hop, blues and jazz into her work, which makes light of heartache and encourages people to grow from life’s pains and challenges. A Chicago native who now lives in Atlanta, her performance is a mix of Southern sass and Windy City wit.

Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. has performed in cities throughout the United States, released several spoken word albums, and written and appeared in two independent films. She is a cast member of The Coochie Chronicles, a spoken-word AIDS awareness stage play based in Cincinnati, and currently is touring with Georgia Me Presents Adam’s Rib, sharing the stage with Tony- and Emmy award-winning poet Georgia Me, as well as nationally known poets Tasha Jones and M’Reld Green. In addition, Theresa tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D. has coached acting and public speaking to young people for the past seven years, and her students have won several awards and hold three Illinois state championships. She also volunteers with Ayudagente, which helps feed Atlanta’s homeless community, and she sponsors charitable showcases to benefit Aniz Inc., which works to combat AIDS/HIV in the African American community.

Also during the event, El Coats and the Funk Point will perform a melting pot of rhythm and blues with a neo-soul twist, and Columbus Slam poet Will Evans will be the guest emcee.

The theme for the fourth season of The Signature is “What Does It Mean to Be a Poet?” Other performance dates include June 17 and Aug. 15. The season will culminate with the third annual Regional Academic and Cultural Collaborative (RACC), which spotlights urban arts and entertainment while giving Dayton-area students an opportunity to connect with some of the industry’s top names. The first two RACC events brought in hip-hop heavyweights Common and Lupe to discuss their work.

During its first three seasons, “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show” featured local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalists, dancers and visual artists presenting numerous forms of self-expression ― often to sold-out crowds. In late 2010, Oral Funk Poetry Productions took its show on the road as part of a planned expansion to produce The Signature in other Ohio cities. Its first venture outside of Dayton was a mid-November show and related events in Toledo. For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thesignatureofpp.

YPs Lead Effort to Enliven Downtown Storefronts With Art, New Businesses

March 10, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Activated Spaces project team leaders met for lunch at Carmen's Deli downtown to discuss their strategies for enlivening the city's street-level spaces.

The Activated Spaces project team leaders met for lunch at Carmen's Deli downtown to discuss their strategies for enlivening the city's storefronts.

When it comes to revitalizing downtown, Dayton-area young professionals are stepping up to the plate glass window.

Members of Generation Dayton and updayton, organizations that empower and engage young professionals, are leading a new project called Activated Spaces. This project is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for the future of downtown.

“We are so excited these young professionals have developed and are leading this important effort,” said Dr. Michael Ervin, co-chair of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan. “Creating a center city that attracts young professionals is an important goal of the Plan, so having Generation Dayton and updayton members implement the Activated Spaces project certainly helps meet that goal.”

Activated Spaces is aimed at giving new life to vacant street-level commercial space, particularly for arts and cultural purposes. Already, project leaders are seeking proposals from artists who would like to display their work in storefront windows.

“Updayton got involved with Activated Spaces because we’ve heard over and over from young people that a bustling downtown is extremely important to them,” said Scott Murphy, chair of updayton. “We see making downtown more beautiful and vibrant as a critical effort to attracting and retaining talented young people in the Dayton region.”

Activated Spaces has three main goals:

•          reactivate and beautify vacant storefronts with creative displays
•          encourage entrepreneurs, artists and community groups to occupy space for short- and long-term use
•          showcase downtown properties and increase interest and investment in available downtown space

“In the short term, we want to turn ‘vacant’ to ‘vibrant’ as now-empty storefronts begin to fill with interesting things to see and do along the corridors that connect downtown’s assets,” said Shanon Potts, immediate past chair of Generation Dayton. “In the long term, we would like to see the overall vacancy rate for downtown office space be on par with its current residential vacancy rate, for which demand nearly always exceeds supply.”

Activated Spaces been organized into three teams, all intended to improve the overall look and feel of downtown while reactivating vacant spaces in the short and long terms. They are:

Generation Dayton and updayton members are working to enliven windows such as these with local art that celebrates Dayton.

Street Level Team

This team will fill vacant storefronts with visual displays that promote downtown assets. The themed displays will be refreshed approximately every six months. The first installation theme is “Celebrating Dayton,” in which artists are asked to create pieces that visually demonstrate Dayton’s heritage and diversity. Interested artists should apply by 5 p.m. Friday, March 25, and art will be installed prior to the next Urban Nights on May 13. Click here for more information or contact Sherri Wierzba at [email protected] or 937-224-1518, ext. 226. The Celebrating Dayton art installation is funded by updatyon and the Downtown Dayton Partnership.

Activate Spaces Team

This team will develop a program for short-term stores to open in now-vacant spaces. The temporary stores could be pop-up retail shops, seasonal shops or testing grounds for entrepreneurs. In the long term, this team hopes to fill space with permanent tenants and retailers.

Open for Business Team

This team will focus on short- and long-term business strategies and other initiatives that will fill now-vacant space with new businesses activity downtown. To do so, this team will partner with local colleges and universities to create an engaging learning exercise for students in business programs. The team also will partner with emerging business owners and entrepreneurs who would like to open downtown.

Volunteers now are developing detailed short- and long-term goals and estimated project budgets. Those interested in getting involved should e-mail [email protected].

“We’ve also heard walkability is extremely important to young, creative professionals, and we believe filling downtown storefronts will strengthen walking connections, as people are more likely to walk when the paths look inviting and friendly,” Murphy said. “The Activated Spaces project also will be a great vehicle for showcasing local artists and a chance for creative people and emerging leaders to step forward to help the Dayton region.”

Activated Spaces is part of the Greater Downtown Dayton Plan, a strategic blueprint for creating a more vibrant center city.

Similar initiatives in other cities successfully have met the goals of Activated Spaces and are being used as models for the efforts in downtown Dayton. However, Dayton’s project is distinct in at least two regards: It’s being led by young professionals and is comprised of three teams working in a coordinated fashion toward the same overall goal of improving their city’s urban core.

“Our organization is full of next-generation leaders who are civic-minded and want to make a difference for the better in our community,” Potts said. “Activated Spaces enables them to combine their desire to make a difference with their interest in the development of downtown.”

An Emerging ‘Hot Mess’ Comes To Town

February 8, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”

presented by Encore Theater Co. & Sinclair Theatre

One Night Only! Win Tickets! Read on…

Cait Doyle will bring her award-winning cabaret act-turned-New York-bound musical comedy “Hot Mess in Manhattan” to Dayton courtesy of Encore Theater Company Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m. in Building 8 of Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St.

Described as “an honest, hilarious, contemporary and touching look at one woman’s interaction with the city that never sleeps,” “Hot Mess” contains songs from 12 burgeoning musical theater composers such as Adam Gwon (“Ordinary Days”) and Ryan Cunningham and Joshua Salzman (“I Love You Because,” “Next Thing You Know”). Doyle, her creative team and fellow cast members will also rehearse the show and partake in a developmental residency February 8-13 at Encore’s artistic home in the Oregon District. Under the direction of David Ruttura, “Hot Mess” will incorporate Jeremy Pasha (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Seussical”) and Tim Shelton (“Brigadoon,” “Twelfth Night”) in multiple roles along with music director Vince Peterson and cellist Dan Delaney.

Doyle, a Syracuse University graduate and fan of “Sunday in the Park with George” and “Crazy for You,” received the 2009 MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Clubs) Award for “Hot Mess,” which was performed at New York’s Duplex. The New Jersey native recently made her Lincoln Center debut in John Znidarsic’s Songbook Series. In addition to the San Francisco premiere of “The Last 5 Years” and the New Hampshire premiere of “John & Jen,” her eclectic credits include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Underwear: A Space Musical” and “All Men Are Asses, All Women Are Crazy.”

onStageDayton recently caught up with Doyle to discuss her show as she prepared to leave the Big Apple for the Gem City.

onStageDayton: What inspired the creation of “Hot Mess in Manhattan”?

Cait Doyle: The first thing that inspired “Hot Mess in Manhattan” was “Sex and the City.” “Sex and the City” the first movie, to be exact. I believe on opening weekend that movie made a billion dollars. I thought, “My life is more realistic, but just as interesting/funny as ‘Sex and the City.’ I should make a billion dollars!’

OSD: And the show is based on your experiences?

CD: Yes. I once sublet from a global pop star and accidentally almost killed her poodle. I managed Dylan’s Candy Bar and two guys came in (and) convinced me they were Dylan’s brothers so I gave them $80 from the register. I held a dog hostage from a guy I was dating so he would pay attention to me. I’d have these long narrative tales I’d tell at dive bars and everyone would tell me that it had to be a show – that it ‘sounded like a show.’

OSD: Was it difficult choosing the right songs? Did you purposefully select up-and-coming composers?

CD: I was really lucky with how organically the right songs and composers evolved. From the beginning, however, I was committed to (specifically) using only the emerging composers of New York City with the exception of Mike Mahler, but he wrote his contribution ‘Starbucks’ when he was living in the city. I also thought shoving 12 different composers/styles into one show would help musically reflect what is the story of the ‘Mess.’

OSD: What is it about New York City that sparks creativity?

CD: I think it’s true that there are some wildly ridiculous, cinematic moments that happen only in New York. Where else can block by block appear to be a whole different world? As someone who grew up in and around NYC, I didn’t understand the allure of ‘New York’ tales until I started working on ‘Hot Mess in Manhattan.’ People seem to be really fascinated by it.

OSD: Can you describe the challenges inherent to turning what was essentially a cabaret act into a full scale book musical?

CD: I think getting the first draft out and on its feet will be the hardest part. After doing this trial (with) Encore Theater, I think the revisions and future incarnations will be easier. If it’s not I’m going back to managing the candy store.

OSD: You have appeared in such shows as ‘John and Jen’ and ‘The Last 5 Years.’ What is it about musical theater that speaks to you?

CD: I enjoy seeing and performing musical theater because it brings emotion out of me; something about a situation being so important and full that it needs to transcend from speaking to singing. I started doing musical theater in high school because I wasn’t good at anything else. (I) was obsessed with being in clubs for my college applications, and I saw a sign in the hallway that said ‘Spring Musical meeting. No auditions, and free pizza.’

OSD: When did you become familiar with Encore Theater Company?

CD: I learned about Encore Theater when they reached out and had me do a podcast on MusicalWorld. ‘Hot Mess in Manhattan’ involves several composers they are interested in so it was a natural progression.

OSD: What are the future plans for ‘Hot Mess in Manhattan’? More readings and workshops? Perhaps a fully staged presentation in New York?

CD: We absolutely plan on both! This is truly the first incarnation of what the show will be. We’re hoping to see what works in Dayton, what the audience responds to, and then cement in the things that work. Post Dayton there are plans to do a couple other drafts/workshops with the ultimate goal of an off-Broadway run and having it licensed for productions elsewhere. Once the songs are set we are moving on to a cast recording distributed by Sh-K Boom Records.

Tickets & Performance Information:

Cait Doyle’s HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN (One Night Only)

Hot Mess in Manhattan will be performed Saturday, February 12 at 8 p.m. in Building 8 at Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St. Advance tickets are $15 each or $55 to purchase a cabaret table of four. All tickets are $18 on day of show.

Tickets are available at the Sinclair Theatre Box Office by calling (937) 512-2808 or by visiting www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com

For more information about Cait, visit www.hotmessinmanhattan.com

Win Free Tickets!

The Encore Theater Company, Sinclair Theatre & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN!

We will be giving away a pair of tickets to the show…BUT…if we get 25 Facebook shares, we’ll make it a TABLE OF FOUR! If we get to 50 FB shares, we’ll throw in a $25 gift certificate for an Oregon District Restaurant for food/drinks after the show! All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page (The more shares, the better the prize).
Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
Leave a comment below, answering the following question…Cait Doyle’s show is about all the crazy things that happen to her while living in the Big Apple…Tell us the craziest thing you’ve ever experienced in the Gem City (No Names please…to protect the innocent/guilty).
The deadline to enter is NOON on THURSDAY, February 10th.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

Error: Contact form not found.

Stage & Screen: WSU Grad to Present Concert at The Neon

February 6, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

HERE WITH ME:

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL LIVE IN CONCERT

The Neon Movies & The Human Race Theatre Company

Regional Premiere!

I had a meeting down at the DMM clubhouse (office) yesterday. The conversation kept coming back to how frustrating it is to hear people say things like “there’s nothing to do in Dayton,” and “nothing happens here, I can’t wait to move to_______________.” PEOPLE! – THE MOST AMAZING THINGS HAPPEN RIGHT HERE! IN DAYTON! You’ve just got to pay attention!

Of course, if you are reading this article on DaytonMostMetro.com, I’m probably just preaching to choir. So, please, share it.

Our downtown gems of theater, THE NEON (movies) and THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE CO. (live) are teaming up to present a concert. ? A concert at a movie theater? You gotta hand it to both organizations, both are willing to take chances on something new, both embrace innovation. Tuesday night they will try something new, together….present a concert of music by an up & coming new musical theatre composer!

The setting is a terrific idea! I’m actually a little bit miffed that I didn’t think of it first for the organization I work with. The Neon has a terrific set-up for an event that will feature live song and stories. Grab a beer, glass of wine or even a cup of coffee to go along with those junior mints and settle in for an evening of new musical theatre songs by Christian Duhamel.

Duhamel is in town working on Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT at “the Race.” He portrays Feste, the clown (and musician) in the unique production which has been reset in Jazz-Age America. Besides acting, Christian is also a composer. He has composed for theater, including several original musicals and a songbook. Tuesday evening’s concert will feature Christian, and a few guests, singing songs (& telling stories) from his repertoire.

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL was named one of Seattle BroadwayWorld.com’s Top 10 People to Watch in 2011. He is a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award-winning composer, lyricist, playwright, director and musical director and was the inaugural recipient of the Young Creator’s Award from Music Theatre Ventures. His musicals and songs have been performed on stages and at cabarets across the nation. In 2009 he published his first songbook, “Here With Me: A Collection of Songs by Christian Duhamel.” Mr. Duhamel earned his BFA in Acting-Musical Theatre from Ohio’s Wright State University. www.christianduhamel.org.

onStageDayton had a few questions for Christian about his career, his music & returning to Dayton:

onStageDayton: For our readers who don’t know you, how did you first end up in Dayton? Where are you based currently? How has it felt to return to Dayton as an actor & musician in The Human Race Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT?

WSU Theatre

Christian Duhamel: I first came to Dayton as a transfer into the acting-musical theatre program at Wright State. I grew up in a suburb of Seattle, Washington, and after graduating from WSU and working around the country for a bit, I moved back to Seattle and have lived there the last 4 and a half years, working as an actor, writer, composer, musical director, director, coach and educator.

The Loft Theatre

Returning to the Race has been a huge honor and joy. From previous involvement in Race productions and also from being an audience member, I know the Race puts on high-quality productions. When I received the offer to play this amazing role (Feste) at this amazing theatre and additionally, to compose music for two of Shakespeare’s lyrics, I knew could not pass up the opportunity.

OSD: Besides being an actor and musician, it seems that you are also a musical theatre composer. At what point did you decide to put pen to paper to write a musical? What was that first musical and have you written any since?

Christian Duhamel

CD: In high school I was highly involved in choir and drama, and here I got my first taste of creating new works: writing plays, arranging vocal jazz charts and writing choral and jazz music. When I began college, writing was placed on a back burner as I focused on my acting training. After I transferred to Wright State, I rediscovered my passion for writing, and wrote my first musical, REINVENTING ROMANCE, which was produced at Wright State, went to the regional level of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and I went on to the national level with awards for playwriting, music, lyrics and direction. Since then I’ve written several new musical theatre pieces: THE WAR CYCLE, which looks at American involvement in the many wars of the 20th Century; ICARUS ASCENDING uses the mythological characters Icarus and Daedalus to examine the relationship between fathers and sons; RED, a contemporary retelling of Little Red Riding Hood; and A BEAUTIFUL END, which is the story of two real women who worked the western burlesque circuit in the late 1800’s. I have also self-published my own songbook called HERE WITH ME: A Collection of Songs by Christian Duhamel.

OSD: Do you collaborate with other writers in your musical theatre writing?

CD: I write cabaret material on my own and with another Wright State graduate, Kristina Wilson. I am currently working with several new collaborators on the development of several new musicals. Hopefully you’ll hear more about those pieces soon!

OSD: It seems that there is a bit of a resurgence of of musical theatre writing happening in America…a whole new generation of new musical theatre writers are creating very personal, emotional works (instead of the song & dance spectacles of the past). What do you think is the impetus of this new movement? What do you think the next few years holds for new musicals in the American theatre landscape?

CD: I think musical theatre, like all art forms, is following a natural ebb and flow: Mozart wanted to write operas about real, contemporary situations, and in Chekhov’s The Seagull, Trigorin craves “new forms.”

Concert Guest Aaron Vega with wife Claire Kennedy

If I had to take a stab, I’d attribute the current shift to a generation of minds who experienced 9-11, can learn from a seasoned Sondheim, and who are growing up dealing with the “relationship disconnection” caused by that wonderful invention: the internet.

In the next few years, as we see 65 million dollar spectacles taking stage, I imagine more writers will strive to bring the focus of the musical back to the emotional spectacle of a character’s internal life, and then we’ll shift the other way again.

OSD: What should audience members expect when they come to The Neon on Tuesday night? What should they NOT expect as well?

Darian Taschner

CD: Tuesday night will be a relaxed evening filled with music I’ve written, including a couple of songs with collaborator Kristina Wilson. The Neon has the perfect atmosphere (and open bar) for an evening of something a little different. I’ll be telling stories about the origins of the music and the impact particular pieces or being a writer has had on myself and my family.

Alexandra Sunderhaus

I’ll be joined by guest artists Aaron Vega (WSU grad, actor and director of Twelfth Night), and Alexandra Sunderhaus and Darian Taschner (the female leads from WSU’s Jekyll and Hyde). There won’t be any production numbers, just me behind a piano with some outstanding voices singing new music for the people who join us.

Tickets & Performance Information:

HERE WITH ME: The Music of Christian Duhamel

One Night Only. Tuesday, February 8th, 9:30 pm

THE NEON, 130 E. Fifth Street, Dayton, OH

(937) 222-8452

Tickets ($5) are available presale at The Neon.

Concessions will be available at the event, including beer, wine & coffee beverages.

-SA/Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

VIDEOS:

Invisible Woman by Christian Duhamel

Performed by Ashley Fitzsimmons
Produced by CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS
Presented by ACT’s Central Heating Lab

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1m69lGIoykA
Couldn’t You Stay By Michael Mahler
Performed by Christian Duhamel & Jenny Shotwell
Produced by Contemporary Classics