Brighton, England. 1963. Change is in the air, and Francis Henshall is looking to make his mark. Fired from a skiffle band and in search of work, he finds himself employed by small-time gangster Roscoe Crabbe, in town to collect a fee from his fiancee’s gangster father. But Roscoe is really Rachel, posing as her own dead brother, herself in love with Stanley Stubbers (her brother’s killer) who, in turn, becomes our hero’s other ‘guvnor’. Fighting a mounting sense of confusion, Francis goes out of his way to serve both bosses. But with the distractions of a pneumatic bookkeeper, a self-important actor and select members of the criminal fraternity (not to mention his own mammoth appetite) to contend with, how long can he keep them apart? Richard Bean’s hilarious comedy received 5-star reviews from every London newspaper and was the hit of the 2012 Broadway season
Beavercreek Community Theatre
Spotlight on the Dayton Theatre’s 2023-2024 Seasons- Part 1
With all of the local theaters in town, we thought we would spotlight their upcoming seasons. This will give you plenty of time to fill your calendars and purchase season tickets. This week we are throwing the spotlight on Beavercreek Community Theatre and TheatreLab Dayton.
We begin with Beavercreek Community Theatre located at The Lofino Senior Adult Enrichment and Cultural Arts Center 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH 45432.
For the 2023-2024 Season BCT has acquired two musicals and three plays. They will open with Bright Star, which was inspired by a true story, and features a score by Steve Martin (Yes, THAT Steve Martin, and Edie Brickell). It is a story of love and redemption. This production will be directed by Jeff Sams. Bright Star September 1-10, 2023.
The second show will be The Ginger-Bread Lady, by Neil Simon. This dramatic comedy garnered a Tony Award and a Drama Desk award for Maureen Stapleton as Evy Meara. Debra Kent will direct. October 27- November 5, 2023.
January 26 – February 4, 2024 will be Private Lives, written by Noel Coward and directed by Tim Rezash. This Comedy of errors tells the story of a divorced couple that end up honeymooning at the same hotel with their new spouses. “A brilliant comedy. A very funny play.” – Newsweek
In the spring, April 19-28, 2024 the play One Man, Two Guvners will take the stage. Directed by Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame member, Doug Lloyd, One Man, Two Guvners written by Richard Bean is a classic comedy of love, heroes, villains and confusion. “If you’re not having a good time at this show, you may be on the wrong medication.” —The Hollywood Reporter.
Closing their season BCT has chosen the musical The Hello Girls, Music, Lyrics, & Book: Peter C. Mills and Book: Cara Reichel. This musical tells the story of the first women soldiers in World War 1. Directed by Matt Owens this show will run June 21-30, 2024.
You can purchase season tickets for Beavercreek Community Theatre here: Bctheatre.org
TheatreLab Dayton, formerly Dare 2 Defy (D2D), has made quite the transformation over the last three years. They focus on showcasing the talented performers here in the Dayton area, and strive to create a safe space all while pushing the boundaries of what musical theatre can be. Their 2023-2024 season is called The Art of Making Art. Every single show in the season is either about making theatre in some way or the art of storytelling.
They will jump in with the musical The Producers, Book by Mel Brooks Thomas Meehan, Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks. Based on the 1968 Film, The Producers will be presented in the beautiful Victoria Theater September 15 and 16, 2023 and will be directed by TheatreLab’s Angie Thacker.
For Halloween they’ve selected the thriller Misery written by William Goldman and based on the novel by Stephen King, the story begins when a writer is “rescued” by one of his biggest fans, who soon has very strong opinions of his latest novel which leaves the writer writing for his life. This production will go up in October 2023.
[title of show] Music and Lyrics by Jeff Bowen, Book by Hunter Bell is quite literally about writing a new musical. TheatreLab is incredibly passionate about new and unproduced works and this show directly speaks to that cause. “Sly, sassy, inspired.” – Entertainment Weekly. This production will take place in January of 2024.
The musical Into the Woods, Book byJames Lapine, Music and Lyrics byStephen Sondheim is a classic tale, one that TheatreLab has produced before. TheatreLab’s Mackenzie King stated, “It felt right to bring it back this season because we plan to attack it in an entirely new way- really digging into our mission of creating familiar art in a way audiences haven’t seen before.” You will be able to catch this audience favorite in March of 2024.
Lastly, wrapping up their season will be the musical Once; Book by Enda Walsh, Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard Markéta Irglová. Based on the Motion Picture Written and Directed by John Carney. This show will beautifully bookend the TheatreLab Dayton’s season in May of 2024.
You can purchase season tickets for TheatreLab Dayton’s Season here: https://www.theatrelabdayton.org/season-memberships
Saluting Dayton’s 2015-16 Theater Season
America’s independence, murderesses at odds, family dysfunction upended by a gentleman caller, brave children thriving on creativity to survive the horrors of a concentration camp, and disheartened young adults navigating a post-9/11 world are some of the stories that bolstered Dayton’s 2015-16 theater season.
Looking back, let’s start with the bold, risk-taking Playground Theatre, a millennial-focused troupe changing the landscape of Dayton theater with an edgy off-Broadway vibe. Case in point: An exceptionally acted, up close and personal local premiere of Reasons to Be Pretty, Neil LaBute’s scathing account of image, regret, deception, and disillusionment directed with razor sharp tension and riveting intimacy by David Brush. Fine premieres thrived elsewhere at community theaters thanks to the Dayton Theatre Guild’s lovely Outside Mullingar and Last Gas as well as Young and Heart Players’ kooky, introspective Circle Mirror Transformation. As for musicals, Dayton Playhouse scored with challenging classics 1776 and Carousel while Beavercreek Community Theatre offered highly engaging accounts of The Addams Family and Spring Awakening
Collegiate theaters also hit the mark with a solid slate of musicals. Wright State University’s Chicago, The Music Man and Miss Mayor showcased the superior quality audiences have come to expect while Sinclair Community College notably produced an infectious, playful and soul-stirring Wiz. Drama standouts included University of Dayton’s captivatingly poignant staging of the Holocaust drama And A Child Shall Lead (co-produced by Zoot Theatre Company), Sinclair’s terrifically ensemble-driven One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Clark State Community College’s commendable Angels in America: Millennium Approaches.
On professional stages, the fantastic return engagement of The Lion King gave the Victoria Theatre Association late-season momentum, but the production was actually one of an assortment of outstanding national tours this season including A Night with Janis Joplin, Once, Pippin, The Book of Mormon, and The Bridges of Madison County. Human Race Theatre Company specifically excelled with a wonderfully haunting and heartfelt Glass Menagerie. Feminine-centric Magnolia Theatre Company produced a splendid local premiere of the engrossing one-woman show K of D, but also greatly entertained with the delightful cabaret Broadway Beveled. Dare to Defy Productions pulled out the stops with American Idiot, but also impressed with the hilarious Great American Trailer Park Musical and snazzy, dance-heavy Wild Party.
Assessing the 65 shows I saw this season, I congratulate the following winners (in bold) and nominees.
Jennifer Joplin, Claire Kennedy and Scott Hunt in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “The Glass Menagerie” (Photo by Scott J. Kimmins)
(l to r) Brett Hill, Jenna Burnette, Christopher Hahn, and Kaleigh-Brooke Dillingham in “Reasons to Be Pretty” (Photo by Rachel Katz)
BEST TOURING PRODUCTION
The Book of Mormon, Victoria Theatre Association
The Bridges of Madison County, Victoria Theatre Association
Disney’s The Lion King, Victoria Theatre Association
Once, Victoria Theatre Association
Pippin,Victoria Theatre Association
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Victoria Theatre Association
BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
The Glass Menagerie,Human Race Theatre Company
The K of D, An Urban Legend, Magnolia Theatre Company
Master Class, Human Race Theatre Company
Steel Magnolias, Human Race Theatre Company
BEST LOCALLY-PRODUCED PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL
A Christmas Story: The Musical, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
American Idiot, Dare to Defy Productions
The Full Monty, Human Race Theatre Company
The Great American Trailer Park Musical,Dare to Defy Productions
The Wild Party,Dare to Defy Productions
BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Circle Mirror Transformation, Young at Heart Players
Fools,Undercroft Players
Last Gas,Dayton Theatre Guild
Outside Mullingar, Dayton Theatre Guild
Reasons to Be Pretty, Playground Theatre
BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
1776, Dayton Playhouse
The Addams Family,Beavercreek Community Theatre
Carousel, Dayton Playhouse
Spring Awakening, Beavercreek Community Theatre
BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
A Streetcar Named Desire, Wright State University
And A Child Shall Lead, University of Dayton with Zoot Theatre Company
Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Clark State Community College
The Great Gatsby, Wright State University
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Sinclair Community College
BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
Chicago, Wright State University
Miss Mayor, Wright State University
The Music Man, Wright State University
Once Upon a Mattress, University of Dayton
The Wiz, Sinclair Community College
Dayton native and Wright State University grad Annie Pesch Contributed photo
BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
A Night with Janis Joplin, Victoria Theatre Association
American Mosaic, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, Dayton Ballet, Human Race Theatre Company, Muse Machine, DCDC, and Bach Society of Dayton
An Evening with Jason Robert Brown, Wright State University Musical Theatre Initiative
Mary Poppins, Muse Machine
Tarzan,Epiphany Lutheran Church
BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Mike Beerbower as Anthony Reilly, Outside Mullingar
Saul Caplan as Roy Cohn, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
Tommy DiMassimo as Stanley Kowalski, A Streetcar Named Desire
Christopher Hahn as Greg, Reasons to Be Pretty
Scott Hunt as Tom Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie
David Shough as Joseph Alsop, The Columnist (Dayton Theatre Guild)
BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Christine Brunner as Truvy, Steel Magnolias
Jenna Burnette as Steph, Reasons to Be Pretty
Teresa Connair as Rosemary Muldoon, Outside Mullingar
Jenna Gomes as Becky, Slowgirl (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Ellie Margolis as Blanche DuBois, A Streetcar Named Desire
Annie Pesch as The Girl, The K of D, An Urban Legend
BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Christian Johnson as Bert, Mary Poppins
Nathan Robert Pecchia as Harold Hill, The Music Man
Layne Roate as Johnny, American Idiot
Andrew Samonsky as Robert Kincaid, The Bridges of Madison County
Jeff Sams as Billy Bigelow, Carousel
Cody Jamison Strand as Elder Cunningham, The Book of Mormon
BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Pictured: Carolyn Popp, Christine Brunner, Caitlin Larsen, Patricia Linhart and Maretta Zilic
Kaitlyn Davidson as Ella, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Mackenzie Lesser-Roy as Girl, Once
Gabrielle McClinton as Leading Player, Pippin
Bailey Rose as Roxie Hart, Chicago
Brianna Russ as Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins
Elizabeth Stanley as Francesca Johnson, The Bridges of Madison County
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Eric Arntz as Martin Lowy, And A Child Shall Lead
Sean Frost as Louis Ironson, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
Cody Lewis as Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, A Streetcar Named Desire
Dave Nickel as Tony Reilly, Outside Mullingar
John Spitler as Dr. Zubritsky, Fools
Drew Vidal as Jim O’Connor, The Glass Menagerie
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Megan Cooper as Theresa, Circle Mirror Transformation
The cast of Dayton Playhouse’s production of “1776” (Photo by Art Fabian)
Kaleigh-Brooke Dillingham as Carly, Reasons to Be Pretty
Claire Kennedy as Laura Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie
Caitlin Larsen as Ouiser, Steel Magnolias
Pam McGinnis as Freida, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (Dayton Playhouse)
Rachel Wilson as Cherry-Tracy Pulcifer, Last Gas
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Tim Rezash as John Dickinson, 1776
John Rubenstein as Charles, Pippin
Tyler Simms as Amos Hart, Chicago
J. Gary Thompson as Jigger Craigin, Carousel
Malcolm Walker as The Wiz, The Wiz
Richard Young as Benjamin Franklin, 1776
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Cecily Dowd as Winifred Banks, Mary Poppins
Lisa Glover as Whatsername, American Idiot
Priscilla Lopez as Berthe, Pippin
Krissy McKim-Barker as Carrie Pipperidge, Carousel
Tia R. Seay as Betty, The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Megan Valle as Jacqueline “Jacq” Greer, Miss Mayor
(left to right) Rob Willoughby, Angie Thacker, Tori Kocher, Tia R. Seay, Eric Julian Walker, and Hayley Penchoff appear in Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” (Contributed photo; not pictured Lisa Glover)
BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE
Evan Benjamin as Jack, Into the Woods (Dare to Defy Productions)
David E. Brandt as The Lion, The Wiz
Brett Hill as Kent, Reasons to Be Pretty
Dakota Mullins as Tommy Djilas, The Music Man
Thomas Cole Schreier as St. Jimmy, American Idiot
Eric Thompson as Enoch Snow, Carousel
BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Bryana Bentley as Rose, Fences (The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show/Sinclair Community College)
Caroline Chisholm as Velma Kelly, Chicago
Natalie Girard as Evelyn “Evie” Ensler (a.k.a. Helen Hensler), Miss Mayor
Adrienne (Adee) McFarland as Julie Jordan, Carousel
Vanae Pate as Dorothy, The Wiz
Madeline Sensenstein as Myrtle Wilson, The Great Gatsby
BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
Kimberly Borst, The K of D, An Urban Legend
David Brush, Reasons to Be Pretty
Greg Hellems, The Glass Menagerie
David Shough, Outside Mullingar
Jerome Yorke, And A Child Shall Lead
BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Marya Spring Cordes, The Music Man
Joe Deer, Chicago
Chris Harmon, The Wiz
Megan Wean Sears, Tarzan
Angie Thacker, American Idiot
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Lula Elzy, Mary Poppins
Lisa Glover, The Wild Party
Kimberly Isaacs, American Idiot
Teressa Wylie McWilliams, Chicago
Rodney Veal, The Wiz
Dionysia Williams, The Music Man
BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
Bruce Brown, Last Gas
Matthew J. Evans, And A Child Shall Lead
Chris Newman, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (Dayton Playhouse)
Chris Newman and David Shough, Outside Mullingar
Terry Stump, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Dick Block, The Full Monty
Adam Koch, Chicago
Pam Knauert Lavarnway, The Music Man
Terry Stump, The Wiz
Ray Zupp, Tarzan
BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
Donna Beran, And A Child Shall Lead
Carol Finley, The Columnist (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Mary Beth McLaughlin, The Great Gatsby
Janet G. Powell, Steel Magnolias
Emily Sollinger, A Streetcar Named Desire
BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Kathleen Carroll, 1776
Kathleen Hotmer, The Wiz
Maria Klueber and Lori Watamaniuk, Tarzan
Christie Peitzmeier, The Music Man
Michelle Sampson, Chicago
UD’s production of AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD. Photo by: Tony Beran
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Jadon Bischoff, Slowgirl (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Daniel Brunk, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Jessica Ann Drayton, A Streetcar Named Desire
Matthew J. Evans, And A Child Shall Lead
Jessy Henning, The K of D, An Urban Legend
BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Matthew Benjamin, American Idiot
Jacob Brown, The Music Man
Sammy Jelinek, Into the Woods (Dare to Defy Productions)
Gina Neuerer, The Wiz
John Rensel, Mary Poppins
BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
Megan Banfield, And A Child Shall Lead
Jay Brunner, The Glass Menagerie
Emily Hutton, The K of D, An Urban Legend
Alex Koker, A Streetcar Named Desire
K.L. Storer, Last Gas
BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Daniel Brunk, The Wiz
James Dunlap, Chicago
Emily Hutton, The Music Man
Chris Pentecost, Tarzan
Ben Selke, A Night with Janis Joplin
BEST ORCHESTRA
A Night with Janis Joplin (Music Director: Mark Berman)
The Bridges of Madison County (Music Director: Keith Levenson)
Chicago (Music Director: Scott Woolley)
Mary Poppins (Music Director: Claude Lucien Thomas)
The Wiz (Music Director: David McKibben; Conductor: Dr. Kenneth Kohlenberg)
BEST PROPERTIES
Jason Hamen and Adrienne Ausdenmoore, Tarzan
Jennifer Kramer, The Wiz
Heather Powell, Steel Magnolias
Shannon Sellars, Mary Poppins
Mo Stinehart, And A Child Shall Lead
ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
- David Alfano’s video and projection design for And A Child Shall Lead
- Lynn Baudendistel, Robin Brown, Toni Donato Shade, and Alisa Vukasinovich’s costume coordination for Mary Poppins
- Brad Bishop as Gomez Addams and Becky Barrett-Jones as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family
- Jay Brunner’s incidental music for The Glass Menagerie
- David Brush and Chris Harmon’s respective reconfigurations of the Mathile Theatre and Beavercreek Community Theatre for Reasons to Be Pretty and Spring Awakening
- Steven Burton and Tim Grewe’s wig design for 1776
- The Tony-winning creative team for The Lion King: Director/designer Julie Taymor, scenic designer Richard Hudson, lighting designer Donald Holder, and choreographer Garth Fagan
- The creative team for Miss Mayor: Christian Duhamel (music and lyrics), Ellie Margolis (book) and Greg Hellems (concept/additional book)
- Micah Koverman as Colin in The Secret Garden (Playhouse South)
- Bob Crowley’s Tony-winning scenic design, Natasha Katz’s Tony-winning lighting design, John Tiffany’s Tony-winning direction, and Steven Hoggett’s movement for Once
- Tristan Cupp’s puppet design for And A Child Shall Lead
- Cicily Daniels, Tawny Dolley, Q. Smith, and Jennifer Leigh Warren as the Joplinaries in A Night with Janis Joplin
- Mary Bridget Davies’ Tony-nominated portrayal of Janis Joplin in A Night with Janis Joplin
- Elis Davis, Jordan Adams, Connor Lysholm, and Kyle Krichbaum as The Quartet in The Music Man
- Jonathan Deans and Garth Helm’s Tony-nominated sound design, Paul Kieve’s illusions, Dominique Lemieux’s Tony-nominated costumes, Scott Pask’s Tony-nominated scenic design, Diane Paulus’ Tony-winning direction, Kenneth Posner’s Tony-nominated lighting design, Gypsy Snider’s circus creation, and Chet Walker’s Tony-nominated choreography for Pippin
- Jasmine Easler as Oprah Winfrey in Miss Mayor
- Carol Finley’s costumes for Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
- TJ “Tyler” Fortson, Katelyn Gross, Ashlee Ferrell, and Maximillian Santucci in Quid Pro Quo (Sinclair Community College)
- Mierka Girten as Maria Callas, musical director Sean Michael Flowers’ accompaniment and Cassi Mikat as Sharon Graham in Master Class
- Jose Gutierrez del Arroyo as Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
- Chris Harmon’s scenic design for California Suite, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Spring Awakening (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
- William Ivey Long’s Tony-winning costumes and Josh Rhodes’ choreography for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
- Jeffrey Mack as Tarzan in Tarzan
- Gary Minyard’s fight choreography for She Kills Monsters (Sinclair)
- Wendi Michael’s scenic design for Slowgirl (Dayton Theatre Guild)
- Jared Mola as Nat Paradis and Rick Flynn as Guy Gagnon in Last Gas
- The Murderesses of “Cell Block Tango” in Chicago (Caroline Chisholm, Alex Caldwell, Haylee Dobkins, Alyson Snyder, Megan Valle, and Meredith Zahn)
- Chris Newman’s scenic design for The Diary of Anne Frank (Dayton Playhouse)
- Casey Nicholaw’s Tony-winning choreography of The Book of Mormon
- Annie Pesch and Fran Pesch’s rendition of “No More” in Broadway Beveled: A Feminine Cabaret
- Micah Stock as Tom Wingfield (The Glass Menagerie) in American Mosaic
- Matthew Tabor’s Hungarian dialect coaching for Chicago
- Deborah Thomas’ dialect coaching for The Great Gatsby
- André Tomlinson, Bryana Bentley, Greyson Calvert, and Rebecca Henry as The Yellow Brick Road in The Wiz
- ZFX, Inc.’s flying effects for Tarzan
Musical Thriller Sweeney Todd Opens Tonight in Beavercreek
Sophisticated, macabre, visceral and uncompromising, SWEENEY TODD nevertheless has a great sense of fun, mixing intense drama with howlingly funny moments of dark humor:
Southern Fried Comedy Play opens in Beavercreek ** Ticket Contest **
Open this weekend at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, located at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road, ‘Til Beth Do Us Part, is directed by Dionne Meyer of Beavercreek.
In this side-splitting comic romp about marriage, career-driven Suzannah Hayden needs more help on the home front than she’s getting from her husband, Gibby. Enter Beth Bailey, Suzannah’s newly-hired assistant, a gregarious, highly-motivated daughter of the South. To Suzannah’s delight, Beth explodes into the Hayden household and whips it into an organized, well-run machine. This couldn’t have happened at a better time for Suzannah, since her boss, Celia Carmichael, the C.E.O. of Carmichael’s Chocolates, is flying in soon for an important make-or-break business dinner. Gibby grows increasingly wary as Beth insinuates herself into more and more aspects of their lives. When he realizes it’s Suzannah’s career Beth is really after, Gibby sets out to save his marriage aided by Suzannah’s best friend, Margo. Their effort to stop Beth at any cost sets up the wildly funny climax in which things go uproariously awry just as Suzannah’s boss arrives for that all-important dinner.
There are shows Friday and Saturday at 8pm and a Sun 3pm matinee this weekend and next. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students, BCT members and seniors, ages 55 and older. Tickets can be reserved by calling 429-4737 and leaving a message or by emailing boxoffice@bctheatre.org.
Ticket Giveaway:
MostMetro.com has 2 pair of tickets to share with readers who’d like see the show. If you’d like to be eligible to win a pair, like this post, comment below on why you should win and fill out the form below.
Congrats to our ticket winners: Terry Larson & Jamie McQuinn! Enjoy the show!
Coming up in Dayton theatre, 10/23 – 11/3
Welcome back! You know, whenever I type that phrase, I think of the theme song to the 1970’s sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter!” Only, in this case, your dreams aren’t your ticket. Your tickets are your dreams. And in each one of the pieces I’m synopsizing for you, there are dreams a’plenty. For safety, for glory, for happiness…and maybe just for a really good-looking man.
Was that too much? I may be waxing poetic. Probably best, then, just to dive right in!
Limited Engagement!
War Horse
The Schuster Center
The Skinny: A heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship, War Horse is based on the 1982 novel of the same name. The plot heart-warming tale of loyalty and friendship, War Horse tells the story of young Albert and his beloved horse, Joey, set amid the horrors of the first World War. And features puppetry you must see to believe.
Dates:
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Victoria Theatre Association website, www.victoriatheatre.com
Opening This Weekend!
Deathtrap
Dayton Playhouse
The Skinny: A writer of thrillers, who has seen his unsuccessful plays greatly outnumber his smashes, receives a nearly perfect thriller in the mail from a fan. After inviting the fan to his home, the question becomes…what would you do for a taste of glory? This is a dark comedy that will make you laugh, and gasp, and keep you guessing.
Dates: Deathtrap opens 10/25 and will run through 11/03.
Tickets: Please visit the Dayton Playhouse website at www.daytonplayhouse.com
Dog Sees God – Confessions of a Teenaged Blockhead
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Skinny: An “unauthorized parody,” the play imagines characters from the popular comic strip Peanuts as teenagers. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion, sexual relations and identity are among the issues covered in this drama. Not for the younger set, as this is produced by BCT’s more-adult “Edge Of The Creek” season.
Dates:
Tickets: Please see the Beavercreek Community Theatre website at www.bctheatre.org
Oklahoma!
Wright State University
The Skinny: This beloved Rogers & Hammerstein classic tells the story of the denizens of the Oklahoma territory, just as it is poised on the cusp of statehood. You know it, you love it. It’s a guaranteed good time in the theatre.
Dates: Oklahoma opens Thursday, 10/24 and will run through 11/10.
Tickets: Please visit the Wright State box office page, here.
Currently In Production!
The Rocky Horror (Puppet!) Show
Zoot Theatre Company
The Skinny: The sweet transvestite and his motley crew will take the stage in an entirely new way and for the first time ever at the NCR Renaissance Auditorium. A much different take on this classic, yet campy musical this deliberately kitschy rock ‘n’ roll sci-fi Gothic is more fun than ever and let’s face it…it’s going to be done like ONLY Zoot can do! Caution: adult themes and strong language are used. Recommended for those ages 16 and up.
Dates: RH(P)S is currently in production, having opened last weekend, and will run through 11/2.
Tickets: Please call the Zoot box office at 937.512.0140
Opening Next Weekend!
Fiddler On The Roof
The Human Race Theatre Company
The Skinny: Based on the short stories of Sholem Aleichem, Fiddler is the tale of Tevye the milkman and his family. The shtetl of Anatevka seems safe and peaceful, but the sweeping changes facing Russia in 1905 bring strife and worry even to its smallest pockets. Fiddler juxtaposes the large changes rocking the world with the intimate, beautiful and sometimes heart-breaking changes that can rock a family.
Dates: This production will open on 10/31 and run through 12/1.
Tickets: Please visit the Human Race Theatre Company website at www.humanracetheatre.org
Oh, good grief! How The Peanuts Gang Grew Up!
Beavercreek Community Theatre’s Edge of the Creek Productions will present “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead,” by Burt V. Royal. The spoof of the Charles Schulz comic strip “Peanuts” follows the original gang a decade later as their beloved beagle companion dies. A missing pen pal, an abused pianist, a pyromaniac ex-girlfriend, two drunk cheerleaders, a homophobic quarterback, a burnt out Buddhist and a drama queen sister fill the show’s ensemble.
“’ It is a window into how they could have evolved if they’d been allowed to grow into adolescence. This play shows us just how hard it is to be stuck between childhood and adulthood,” said Director Matt Curry. “When Charlie Brown’s dog dies he starts questioning his family and friends about what they think happens after death. Nobody can provide him with any solace, save for one–the target of the groups’ harsh bullying and torment. This relationship, forged from hope and love, has disastrous consequences careening towards a poignant and heartfelt ending.”
“This play’s subject matter requires a certain level of maturity and tolerance. The audience must be willing to let these character’s lives develop. There is strong language, sexuality, intense bullying, explosive emotions, drug use, and rebellion,” Curry said. Edge of the Creek Productions is an “edgy” branch of BCT, created to broaden the scope of their traditional season of family-oriented productions.
The show opens this weekends and runs through November 3rd. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8pm; Sunday matinees are at 3 pm at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek. For ticket information, call the box office at 429-4737 or e-mail boxoffice@bctheatre.org.
Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. at the Beavercreek Community Theatre, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek. For ticket information, call the box office at 429-4737 or e-mail boxoffice@bctheatre.org.
Coming up in Dayton Theatre, 9/20 – 9/29
Hello again! Welcome back and hello! We’ve got three good shows closing this weekend, a couple still running and one getting ready to open. Let’s get right on stage.
Closing This Weekend!
Hairspray!
Dayton Playhouse
The Skinny: This high-spirited musical musical takes place in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. Teenager, Tracy Turnblad, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. The show deals with injustices of parts of American society in the 1960’s.
Dates: Hairspray runs this weekend, closing Sunday, 9/22.
Tickets: Please visit the Dayton Playhouse website at www.daytonplayhouse.com
Hair
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Skinny: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical!This show introduced America to the “Rock musical”, with songs that became standards, such as “The Age Of Aquarius” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Hair focuses on a “tribe” of hippies, touching on several different individual stories, woven throughout with the tragedy of the Vietnam conflict.
Dates: Hairs also closes this weekend, Sunday 9/22.
Tickets: Please visit www.bctheatre.org
First Baptist of Ivy Gap
The Skinny: During WWII, six women gather at the church to roll bandages and plan the church’s 75th anniversary. Overseeing things is Edith, the pastor’s wise-cracking wife who dispenses Red Cross smocks and witty repartee to Luby, whose son is fighting in the Pacific; Mae Ellen, the church’s rebellious organist who wants to quit but hasn’t the courage; Olene, who dreams of a career in Hollywood; Sammy, a shy newcomer with a secret; and Vera, an influential Baptist with a secret of her own. When Luby learns her son has been wounded, she confounds the others by blaming the vulnerable Sammy. Twenty-five years later, our “First Baptist Six” reunite!
Dates: Closing Sunday, 9/22
Tickets: To make ticket reservations, please call the Brookville Flower Shop at 937-833-3531
Opening This Weekend!
Harvey
The Wright State Theatre Company
The Skinny: Elwood P. Dowd is an endlessly pleasant & delightfully eccentric bachelor living in a small town that isn’t quite aware that its newest citizen is a 6’3″ white rabbit named “Harvey,” that only certain people can see.
Dates: Harvey opens Thursday, 9/19 and runs through 9/29
Tickets: Please visit the WSU Theatre Department box office website: http://www.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information
Currently In Production
Becky’s New Car
The Human Race Theatre Company
The Skinny: Becky Foster is stuck in neutral—middle aged, in middle management and a middling marriage—until an honest misunderstanding with a wealthy widower offers her the chance at an exciting double life…and she takes it. Now she’s frantically juggling to keep her two worlds apart before everything threatens to come crashing down on her. It’s enough to drive Becky off a cliff, and she’s taking the audience along for the ride!
Dates: Running through the 29th.
Tickets: Please visit the Human Race Theatre Company website at www.humanracetheatre.org
A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement
La Comedia Dinner Theatre
The Skinny: The fourth installment in the popular Church Basement Ladies series takes place in 1960, and reformation is underway. The Church Basement Ladies are once again required to face chance head-on, but they will stand strong in their faith and their friendships.
Dates: Closing 10/27.
Tickets: Please visit the La Comedia website at www.lacomedia.com
Coming up in Dayton Theatre 5/3 – 5/12 (plus Season Announcements!)
Welcome back friends! We’ve got just a couple things going on the next couple weeks, but we also have SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS! So exciting!
Closing This Weekend!
‘Til Beth Do Us Part
Brookville Community Theatre
The Skinny: A comedy about love, marriage and trust.
Dates: Running through Sunday, May 5th.
Tickets: For tickets, please call the Brookville Flower Shop at (937) 833-3531.
Opening This Weekend!
The Late Edwina Black
Troy Civic Theatre
The Skinny: When a some-what unpopular woman dies, the community feeling is rather less of grief and more of relief. When an autopsy shows her remains full of arsenic, an Inspector must interview the three main suspects and try to figure out what really happened.
Dates: Opening 5/3 and closing Saturday, 5/11
Tickets: Please call the ticket chairman at 937-339-7700
Mid-week Opening!
Next To Normal
The Human Race Theatre Company (@ The Victoria Thatre)
The Skinny: The story of a mother who struggles with bipolar disorder and the effect her illness has on her family. This contemporary Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning musical is an emotional powerhouse that addresses issues such as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life. With provocative lyrics and a thrilling score, this musical shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.
Dates: Opens Tuesday 5/7 and closes Sunday 5/19
Tickets: Tickets are available via the Victoria Theatre Association website, here: Tickets.
Opening Next Weekend!
Jekyll & Hyde
Playhouse South
The Skinny: This dark, gothic musical is based on the Robert Louis Stevenson book The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. Nominated for several Tony awards, the music is chilling, moving and altogether wonderful.
Dates: Jekyll takes the stage on Friday, 5/10 and will run Fridays and Saturdays through 5/25 with one Sunday matinee on 5/12. What better treat for Mom?!
Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase via the PHS website, here: Tickets
Season Announcements!
Tis the season for season announcements! Theatres are beginning to release their 2013-2014 seasons. Here’s what I’ve got so far!
Dayton Theatre Guild
45 Seconds from Broadway, by Neil Simon
Directed by Fred Blumenthal. Runs Aug 23-Sep 8, 2013
Time Stand Stills, by Donald Margulies
Directed by Debra Kent. Runs Oct 4-20, 2013
The Gifts of the Magi, by Coats & Germain — (The Holiday Extra)
Director to be announced. Runs Nov 22-Dec 8, 2013
The Subject Was Roses, by Frank D. Gilroy
Directed by Marcia Nowik. Runs Jan 10-26, 2014
Expecting Isabel, by Lisa Loomer
Directed by Natasha Randall. Runs Feb 28-Mar 16, 2014
An Inspector Calls, by J.B. Priestly
Directed by David Shough. Runs Apr 18-May 4, 2014
The Dead Guy, by Eric Coble
Directed by Saul Caplan. Runs May 30-June 15, 2014
Dayton Playhouse
Hairspray Sept. 6-22
Directed by Tina McPhearson and Fran Pesch
Deathtrap, by Ira Levine
Directed by Jennifer Lockwood. Runs October 25-November 3rd
Fellow Passengers, by Greg Carter
Directed by Dodie Lockwood. Runs December 6-15
Working
Directed by Jim Lockwood. Runs January 31-February 16
The Whales of August, by David Berry
Directed by John Riley. Runs March 14th-23
Oklahoma!
Directed by Brian Sharp. Runs May 2-18
Beavercreek Community Theatre
Hair
September 13-22
Dog Sees God
October 25-November 3
A Neverland Christmas Carol
December 6-15
‘Till Beth Do Us Part
January 24-February 2
Carrie
March 7-16
Monty Python’s Spamalot
June 20-29
Human Race Theatre Company
Becky’s New Car
September 12-29
Fiddler on the Roof
October 31-November 17
Torch Song Trilogy
January 30-February 16
Other Desert Cities
March 27-April 3
Play It By Heart
June 12-29
Victoria Theatre Association/Broadway Series
War Horse
October 22-27
It’s A Wonderful Life (A Live Radio Play!)
December 3-15
Sister Act
January 28-February 2
Memphis
April 8-13
Beauty And The Beast
May 27-June 1
Million Dollar Quartet
June 17-22
That’s what I’ve got so far — There are more to come, however. It’s gonna be a really good season! I’m already marking my calendars. How about you?
ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: A Chorus Line (Beavercreek Community Theatre) – What They Did For Fun
Overreaching can be precarious in the topsy-turvy world of community theater, especially when an organization has to live up to iconic material. A recent case can be found at Beavercreek Community Theatre where James Kirkwood, Nicholas Dante, Marvin Hamlisch and Ed Kleban’s 1975 Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning “A Chorus Line” receives a bizarre treatment.
Director Doug Lloyd, who rarely missteps when staging musical theater, startlingly assembles a jarring hodgepodge of clashing ages, skills and sizes for this classic look at aspiring hopefuls longing to join an upcoming Broadway musical. Each dancer’s wonderfully insightful background remains attractive as always, but the sheer legitimacy of their world, including the critical proficiency to appear as viable Broadway-caliber dancers, is totally amiss here, cheapening the show’s legacy and intent. In fact, the awkward costuming appallingly suggests the show takes place at some point between 1975 and 2013. It also doesn’t help matters that the pre-recorded use of Hamlisch and Kleban’s dandy score, including such gems as “At the Ballet,” “Nothing,” “What I Did for Love” and “One,” sounds so thin and distant you’d think it was playing in a car stereo in the parking lot.
As for the cast, only Mick Merkle (Larry), Tina de Alderete (Diana), Joshua Hughes (Mark), Sandra Hyde (Sheila), Matt Curry (Richie), Lisa Glover (Connie) and Akayla Crawford (Maggie) walk away marginally unscathed. Matt Owens, who hardly dances even in the crucial opening number, particularly barks and bellows his way through his one-dimensional portrayal of director/choreographer Zach, who has difficulty grasping the job-hungry desperation of his former flame Cassie (an uncomfortable, reserved Kristan Stanforth who truly struggles in “The Music and the Mirror”). Lloyd’s ensemble, attempting Stacy Gear’s Michael Bennett-inspired choreography to the best of their abilities, also includes Lindsay Sherman, Maggie Carroll, Danielle Kubasky, Meagan Kuchan, Brian Kester, Ben Douglas, Nicholas Sutton Brown, Mike Stockstill, Anthony Fende, Gary Watts, Jordan DuVall, Ryan Garner, and Allison Willardson.
I’ve no doubt Beavercreek Community Theatre greatly admires “A Chorus Line.” However, the troupe fails to present it realistically. They haven’t gone as far as to stage an all-black version of “1776” but authenticity matters.
“A Chorus Line” continues through March 10 at the Lofino Center, 3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. The production is performed in 120 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 429-4737 or visit online at http://bctheatre.org
Coming up in Dayton Theater: 1/25 – 2/3
Welcome back, theatre lovers and seers and makers and doers! Time to once-again check in on our little corner of the theatre world here in Dayton, and see what the next fortnight shall bring!
Closing This Weekend!
Shrek! The Musical!
The Victoria Theatre
The Skinny: Based on the hilarious original movie, this family-friendly and crowd-pleasing musical includes music featured in the movie as well as wonderful original songs.
Dates: Closing on Sunday, 1/27
Tickets: Please visit Tickets Center Stage for all ticketing information; www.ticketcenterstage.com
Ghosts
The Dayton Theatre Guild
The Skinny: The ‘‘ghosts’’ in this play are taboo topics that cannot be openly discussed. This drama is one of Ibsen’s most powerful works, but also one of his most controversial. Family sins are revisited when a son returns home to dedicate an orphanage in his father’s name and becomes involved in a tryst that ends in the painful knowledge of long suppressed family truths.
Dates: Closing this weekend, on 1/27.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online at the DTG website, here.
Opening This Weekend!
The Importance of Being Earnest
The Dayton Playhouse
The Skinny: Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners is both a romance, if tongue-in-cheek, and a sly personal commentary on the British class system. Also, it’s hilarious.
Dates: Opening Friday, 1/25 and running two weekends to close on Sunday, 2/3. On Saturday, 2/2, there will be a special “Afternoon Tea” performance including a high tea featuring treats from one of Dayton’s most-charming confectionery shoppes, Sweet Nothings (www.getsweetnothings.com).
Tickets: Tickets for all performances, including the special Afternoon Tea, are available online, here.
1913: The Great Dayton Flood
Wright State University
The Skinny: By W. Stuart McDowell and Timothy Nevits, inspired by the book A Time of Terror: The Great Dayton Flood by Allan W. Eckert, with recorded narration by Martin Sheen, Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.
Dates: Opening Thursday, 1/24 and running three weekends to close Sunday, 2/10.
Tickets: Ticketing information is available at the WSU Theatre Dept website, here.
Steppin’ Out
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Skinny: Steppin’ Out is the story of Mavis, a former professional chorus girl who tries her hardest to teach a group of bumbling amateurs some terpsichorean skills for an upcoming recital. But before the dancing begins Mavis must mediate the minor dramas that erupt among this motley but loveable crew on their way to triumph at their recital.
Dates: Opening Friday, 1/25 and running 2 weekends to close on Sunday, 2/3.
Tickets: For all ticketing information, please visit the BCT website, here.
Currently Running!
The Dixie Swim Club
La Comedia Dinner Theatre
The Skinny: An hilarious and touching comedy about five unforgettable Southern women, and the bond of friendships that last a lifetime.
Dates: Running through March 3rd. This production has no Wednesday performances.
Ticketing: Tickets are available at the La Comedia website, and include their well-loved dinner buffet. Visit lacomedia.com for further details.
Coming up in Dayton Theatre, November 2nd – 11th
Happy All Hallow’s day! November already. Hope you got out to see some of the spooky, Halloween-y themed offerings that Dayton served up. What’s next? Well, there are a few things closing this weekend, but enough opening to hopefully keep you busy!
Closing This Weekend!
Coming Back To Jersey
West Milton Players
The Skinny: Dayton theatre audiences may remember this script as a FutureFest finalist in 2008, when it was voted “Audience Favorite.” A comedy set in New Jersey in 1965.It is a story of Howard Karchmer, a middle-aged tailor who indulges in daydreams to escape his humdrum existence. Norma, his suspicious wife, believes he is fantasizing about Dorothy, a sexy widow friend. Norma schemes to have Dorothy flirt with Howard to test his fidelity, but Norma’s plan backfires when Howard connives with Dorothy to turn the trick around.
Dates: Last performance is Saturday, November 3rd.
Tickets: For all production and ticketing information, please visit the Facebook Event page; here.
A Few Good Men
Xenia Area Community Theatre (X*ACT)
The Skinny: Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s TV and movie work will be delighted to take in his well-known military courtroom drama. Famously brought to the screen by, among others, Tom Cruise and Jack “You Can’t Handle The Truth” Nicholson, this is a gripping tale of whether or not something can be wrong, if your job is to do as you’re told.
Dates: Finishing this weekend, with the last performance on Sunday November 4th
Tickets: Please visit the X*ACT website, here.
Funny Girl
Wright State University, Theatre Department
The Skinny: Funny Girl is the semi-biographical musical based on the life and career of Broadway and film star, the comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. Audiences may be familiar with the movie starring Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif. It is from this musical that we get such musical theatre classics as “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.
Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th at the Festival Playhouse.
Tickets: For tickets, please call 937-775-2500
Sugar Bean Sisters
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Skinny: A Southern gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction, Sugar Bean Sisters takes us back to the sticky, humid environs of Sugar Bean, Florida, where audiences last visited in its companion piece, The Sugar Witch, at Dayton Theatre Guild. Sugar Bean Sisters is a lighter, more comedic piece, dripping with the same spanish moss and thrum of supernaturalism.
Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th.
Full Disclosure: I’m in this, and in my (naturally, entirely unbiased!) opinion, it’s awesome
Tickets: Please visit the Beavercreek Community Theatre website, here.
Opening This Weekend!
Legally Blonde
Playhouse South
The Skinny: Pink-loving sorority princess Elle Woods follows her boyfriend, and her heart, to Harvard Law School. She makes friends, makes enemies and make decisions she never thought she’d have to, all the while, her beloved Delta Nus see her through.
Dates: Opening Friday, 11/2 and running through 11/17.
Tickets: For all ticketing information, please visit the Playhouse South website, here.
Coming Soon!
A Plague of Angels
Sinclair Community College
The Skinny:This drama is based on the actual account of Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary” and her struggle with the Public Health system of New York City in 1907. It’s Mary’s rights versus the “public good” which submerges us into medical ethics in our society then and perhaps even now.
Dates: ONE WEEKEND ONLY; Friday, 11/8-Sunday, 11/10.
Tickets: All ticketing information can be found on Sinclair’s website, here.
You Better Watch Out
Brookville Community Theatre
The Skinny: It’s Christmas Eve at the Willow Inn. The hosts Jenny and Tom are having Art, (Jenny’s father who’s still mourning the passing of his wife) see their bed and breakfast for the first time. There’s a snowstorm raging outside and three travelers are forced to lodge at the inn and wait it out. Rudy and Marsha who run a costume business together and a mysterious but cheerful man who claims to be in the delivery business named Mr. Smith. Only the Inn’s handyperson Andy sees who Mr. Smith really is, the spirit of Christmas. Andy must help him make Art, who’s been in a dark place for a very long time, see the joy of Christmas and who Mr. Smith really is!
The Dates: Ring in the Christmas spirit early! This show opens 11/8 and closes 11/18
Tickets: Reservations in advance are highly recommended as shows do sell out. To reserve tickets, please call the Brookville Flower Show at 937.833.3531
Coming up in Dayton Theatre: September 14th – 30th
Before I get started, I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for their continued support and readership of On Stage Dayton and Dayton Most Metro. Please be sure to link and share any content you like. Additionally, please make sure that you’re suggesting to your friends that they “like” both Dayton Most Metro and On Stage Dayton so that they, too, can get updates and information. Alright, earnest plea for free promotion out of the way! On to the business at hand!
Closing This Weekend
Musical Chairs
Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Skinny: BCT’s season opener is an ensemble piece about an audience watching the most reason offering by a struggling playwright who is, lets just say, not having the best night.
The Dates: Musical Chairs closes this weekend, on Sunday the 16th
Tickets: Tickets are available online at www.bctheatre.org
Opus
Dayton Theatre Guild
The Skinny: DTG’s season opener about a world-class male string quartet, and their controversial decision to bring on a female member, closes this weekend.
The Dates:Opus has its last 3 performances this weekend. Bear in mind, Guild 2nd and 3rd Saturdays are always at 5:00 pm. Sunday matinees are 3:00 pm.
Tickets: Ticket reservation and purchases can be made online at www.daytontheatreguild.org
Noises Off
Brookville Community Theatre
The Skinny: This delightful “backstage” farce is a perennial favorite among actors and audience members alike. It takes place during the stressful rehearsal and disastrous road-tour of a production of the fictional comedy “Nothing On.”
The Dates: Noises Off concludes its run this weekend, on September 16th.
Tickets: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling the Brookville Flower Shop at 937.833.3531
Side By Side By Sondheim
The Dayton Playhouse
The Skinny: This 1977 Tony Award-winning musical is a revue of songs written by the patron saint of American Musical Theatre, Stephen Sondheim.
The Dates: Side By Side closes Sunday September 16th.
Tickets: Tickets are available online at www.daytonplayhouse.com
Opening This Weekend!
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Town Hall Theatre
The Skinny: After she strikes a terrible bargain with the evil sea-witch, Ursula, Ariel must convince the handsome Prince Eric that she is the girl with the enchanting voice who rescued him.
The Dates: The Little Mermaid opens September 14th and 2 weekends, to close September 30th.
Tickets: Tickets are available online, here.
Continuing!
Managing Maxine
The Human Race Theatre Company
The Skinny: The Human Race opens its season with this new comedy about silver-aged love and late-life sexiness.
The Dates: Managing Maxine runs through September 23rd.
Tickets: All information can be found at the Human Race website, www.humanracetheatre.org
Coming Soon!
The Taming of the Shrew
Sinclair Community College
The Skinny: This classic is the tale of a merchant’s two daughters. The younger, prettier, Bianca, cannot be married before her strong-willed sister, Katherina. Trickery ensues as a young adventurer from Verona decides to woo and win Katherina bringing new meaning to love, honor and obey.
The Dates: Friday, Saturday and Sunday the 28th – 30th are at the typical 8 pm, 8 pm and 2 pm times. Then there is a performance Wednesday, October 3rd at 10:00 am. This slot is typically for school audiences but open to the public as well. There is also a performance on Thursday, October 4th at 7:00 pm. Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th are both at 8 pm.
Tickets: Sinclair’s box office can be reached online here: Sinclair Box Office.
The Hobbit
Zoot Theate Company
The Skinny: Dayton’s only puppet theatre company returns, this time with their take on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved (or should we say “precious”?) “The Hobbit.” All performances will be at the NCR auditorium at the Dayton Art Institute.
Dates: The halflings, wizards and dwarfs will premier on September 28th and run weekends through October 4th.
Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Art Institute website: here.
Auditions
Scrooge
The Dayton Playhouse
Dayton Playhouse will hold auditions for the musical Scrooge at 7:00 PM, September 24 and 25 in the lobby at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.
Please prepare 32 bars of a standard musical theater piece, or a verse of your favorite Christmas Carol; an accompanist will be provided.
Be prepared to do cold readings and to provide information about dance experience. There will be no general dance audition. In addition to the many roles available, the director is looking for a male tap dancer/singer to play Tom Jenkins.
Performances will be November 30 December 16.
For additional information contact director Craig Smith at casmith5775@gmail.com.
Caroling – at The Greene?
“Hark how the bells – ”
“How about this note? ‘Haaaaark…'”
“Hark how the – “
“Wait, that was too high for you last time, right? Let’s, um, ‘HAAARK how the BELLS…'”
“Hark how the bells, sweet silver – “
“OK, good, let’s go. Everybody? One, and a two, and a — ”
We slaughtered the rest of the song, off-key and unsure on the timing of trickier bits. Fortunately, the ever-changing flow of admiring shoppers had hit a lull, and only one mitten-clad couple walked a little faster to escape. We had a good comeback with “Jingle Bells,” though, and then “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” our specialty.
I’ve had the honor of singing carols over the past two weeks at The Greene, the giant outdoor mall off 675 in Beavercreek. It’s a visceral joy to me, caroling, the kind of delight that rises when tickling children or falling down a snow-covered slope in a tangle of teenage friends. I love it when voices weave together to make magic of the night air, traditional songs stirring the part of our hearts that longs for tribe and ritual.
And this year, I get to do it as part of a great cause. The Beavercreek Community Theatre invited volunteers to join its Chorus and provide caroling services for three hours a day on five dates throughout the holiday season. The Theatre, in return, will receive a “generous donation” from The Greene.
It’s an amount far less, I’m sure, than it would cost to pay more professional performers to wander the grassy central square, spreading holiday cheer. Even at $5 an hour and only four carolers at a time, that’d be about $6,000 for a month of serenading shoppers, not to mention the costs of managing all the paperwork or providing liability insurance for people singing in the cold for hours on end.
So I figure, if we’re sometimes a little off-key, it’s OK. You get what you pay for. And we’re not really doing it for The Greene, or for the money.
You can get this hat for $2.99 at partycheap.com. Weird after-effects glow optional.
We’re doing it for the fun. Caroling is a LOT of fun. Getting outside with new and old friends. Laughing over songs we’ve loved since kidhood. Wearing Santa hats and elf ears and plush reindeer antlers tangled with twinkle lights.
And we’re doing it for the shoppers. Especially those achingly cute toddlers who come stumbling up in full snow gear, wide-eyed, and yelp and clap and try to sing along to “Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer.” (We once sang “Rudolph” three times in 20 minutes, just because we kept getting fresh batches of adorable knee-highs coming by, staring at us in awe (or possibly confusion).) And the teenagers! “Too cool” at first, they stand giggling a few yards away until we lure them in, calling out banter and challenges until we convince them that yes, we really do want them to carol with us, and yes, all the cool kids really do join in.
We don’t take donations while caroling, and I doubt the other groups volunteering this year do, either. But we do welcome attendance at plays and direct donations to the Theatre. And even better? We definitely accept walk-on volunteers to join the caroling fun. Our final sessions are 5 to 8 pm Wed., Dec. 14 and 1 to 4 pm Wed., Dec. 21. You might find other groups there at other times, willing to welcome you into their circle of wassail.
Just bundle up warm, follow the lights to the giant tree at the center of the mall, and listen for the sound of (not-so-bad-for-amateurs) joyous singing. The Caribou Coffee hot cocoa’s on us.
“Here we come a-wassailing – “
(“Is that the note?” “Yes! Shh!”)
” – along the Mall so Greene…”
On Stage Dayton Theatre Guide: 2011-12
Every new theater season in Dayton seems to be ripe with variety. It’s one of the great joys of the Dayton theatre scene that the ‘something for everyone’ cliche actually rings true. 2011-2012 is already proving to be among the most eclectic yet. This season promises……
- parents behaving badly (God Of Carnage) AND children behaving badly (Spring Awakening)
- romance of the sweet and fun kind (Hairspray) and of the creepy kind (The Phantom of the Opera)
- true stories of tragedy (The Laramie Project) and of triumph (Jersey Boys)
- journeys down familar roads (The Wizard of Oz) and unexpected ones (Caroline, Or Change)
- wistful nostalgia (Lost in Yonkers) and celebratory joy (In The Heights)
- even swashbuckling adventure (How I Became A Pirate) and cartwheels on Austrian mountainsides (The Sound of Music)
Below you’ll find On Stage Dayton’s picks for the most anticipated offerings for the 2011-2012 Dayton Theatre Season. It’s just a small sampling of a very full year of stage work. And with this official launch, you can count on OSD to be there all season long.
Russell’s Picks
If you like ‘The Help’ you’ll like…
Caroline, or Change
The Human Race Theatre Company offers the overdue local premiere of this dynamic 2004 Tony Award-nominated musical from librettist/Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (“Angels in America”) and composer Jeanine Tesori (“Thoroughly Modern Millie”). A potent study of race relations set in 1963 Louisiana, “Caroline, or Change” chronicles the testy yet engaging relationship between a headstrong African-American maid and her Jewish employers. Tesori’s sublime music encompasses klezmer, opera and Motown.
If you like ‘Mamma Mia!’ or ‘The Sopranos’ you’ll like…
Jersey Boys
The local premiere of “Jersey Boys,” the sleek, sharp and surprisingly tender story of pop legends Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, is the hallmark of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series. One of the most popular jukebox musicals of the last decade and the recipient of the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Jersey Boys” features such timeless numbers as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”
If you like ‘Dallas’ you’ll like…
Dividing the Estate
Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Horton Foote’s authentic, relevant 2009 Tony Award-nominated portrait of a Texas clan at odds will receive its local premiere courtesy of the Dayton Theatre Guild. Centered on a tough traditionalist matriarch and her squabbling children, “Dividing the Estate” uncovers the harsh realities that arise when economics and legacy threaten to tear a family apart.
If you like ‘The Full Monty’ you’ll like…
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Clark State Community College provides the local collegiate premiere of librettist Jeffrey Lane and composer David Yazbek’s 2005 Tony Award-nominated musical based on the 1988 film of the same name. Yazbek, an outstanding songwriter, had great success with his critically acclaimed adaptation of “The Full Monty,” co-created by Terrence McNally, and the con artist-driven “Scoundrels” shares an appealingly naughty kinship. The “Scoundrels” national tour failed to connect four years ago at the Schuster Center, but perhaps Clark State will give the hilarious material the solid treatment it deserves.
If you like the Muse Machine you’ll like…
The Wizard of Oz
Dorothy’s ruby slippers will sparkle once more thanks to the Muse Machine, Dayton’s premier arts education organization celebrating its 30th year. The memories of Muse’s 1996 “Oz” production remain indelibly etched in my mind (the Broadway caliber performances of Tyler Maynard as the Scarecrow and Tory Ross as the Wicked Witch of the West were particularly extraordinary), but it will be refreshing to see a new generation tackle the iconic musical. Expect another Muse hit you will not want to miss.
Breaking News: 6 ft. White Rabbit on the loose in Beavercreek!
Harvey
BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE
Beavercreek Community Theatre continues the run of it’s opening production of the 2011-2012 season with Mary Chase’s “Harvey,” directed by Jim Lockwood of Huber Heights.
The big invisible rabbit, in the title role, and his eccentric friend, Elwood P. Dowd, played by John Bukowski of Washington Township, will “appear” on the BCT stage through this weekend with 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday performances and 3 p.m. Sunday matinees.
Dowd’s invisible friend, an over six foot white rabbit, is a social embarrassment to Dowd’s sister and niece, who live with him. They are portrayed by Terry Larson of Beavercreek and Ellen Ballerene of Yellow Springs, respectively.
His sister’s attempt to get Dowd committed to a mental institution leads to a comedy of errors, which in turn leads to a mending of some family wounds and some unexpected romance.
The cast also includes Deborah Sasser of Beavercreek, Rick Johnson of Centerville, Cathy Long of Oakwood, Nathan Hudson of Dayton, Carly Porter of Fairborn, Averio Perugini of Kettering, Donald McKenny of Tipp City and Bill Reagle of Enon.
The show’s producers are Anne Heitker and Linda McLarty, both of Beavercreek. Heitker is also the costumer and Hans Unser, of Beavercreek, is the stage manager. The set designer is Chris Harmon of Beavercreek and the lighting designer is John Falkenbach of Dayton. Tony Fende of Dayton is the sound designer.
-BCT Press Release
We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to onStageDayton@DaytonMostMetro.com.
Tickets & Performance Information:
Mary Chase’s HARVEY – through September 4th
8pm on Fridays & Saturdays / 3pm on Sundays
Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for BCT members, students, and senior citizens.
A group discount of $1 per ticket is available to groups of 10 or more 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 boxoffice@bctheatre.org. For more information, visit the theater’s Web site at www.bctheatre.org where tickets can also be purchased online with a credit card.
Credit cards are not accepted at the theatre.
Beavercreek Community Theatre is located within the Lofino Adult Enrichment and Cultural Arts Center at 3868 Dayton-Xenia Road in Beavercreek.
The Dayton Power & Light Foundation is BCT’s season sponsor.
BCT offers a Flex Pass, a season ticket for 3, 5 or all 7 shows. Three shows, of the patron’s choice, are $37 for adults and $30 for seniors and students; five shows are $59 and $44 respectively. For all seven shows, the season pass costs $78 for adults and $60 for seniors and students.
Win Free Tickets
DaytonMostMetro.com has three free pairs of tickets to lucky readers – just fill out the form below to enter (no purchase necessary, not that we sell anything here anyway). Good luck!
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