Dare to Defy Productions

The Wedding Singer Will Have You Laughing All The Way Down The Aisle

May 14, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

Dare to Defy Productions presents the hilarious musical comedy The Wedding Singer May 18-19 at the gorgeous Victoria Theatre.

This hit romantic comedy, based on the 1998 Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore film is coming to the Victoria Theatre for three performances only May 18 at 8:00 pm, May 19 at 2:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The musical celebrates the best pop songs of the 80’s and pop culture references and of course big hair!

“Very funny…laugh yourself silly! The most ingenious and amusing musical of a Hollywood film ever.” states The Wall Street Journal and “Full of knockout comic numbers!” writes Time Out New York.

The Wedding Singer received rave reviews from Broadway as the show’s popularity was extended into a second North American tour. This highly acclaimed musical comedy received five Tony Award nominations including “Best Musical,” eight Drama Desk Award nominations including “Outstanding Music” and three Drama League Award nominations including “Distinguished Production of a Musical.”

The show is about wannabe rock star Robbie Hart who puts on an awesome show as everyone’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party until he gets stood up at the altar. He turns into a total misery and vows to make every wedding as disastrous as his own. Things are taking a bad turn for Robbie until he meets Julia Sullivan, a sweet waitress who wins his heart – but she’s already engaged to a Wall Street shark! This 80’s musical will make you laugh out loud as you watch Robbie’s life and his fight to win over his new heartthrob.

It’s the decade that fashion forgot, but the music was hot! Now audiences can re-live the 80’s with the funniest wedding of the decade- The Wedding Singer. Every person who attends The Wedding Singer will have the chance to win a vintage vinyl record featuring one of the biggest musical stars of the 80’s, thanks to Sixteen 37 Productions.

Tickets available through Ticket Center Stage. Visit the Box Office, call (937) 228-3630 or at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

MOSTMETRO.COM ticket Giveaway: Leave us your favorite wedding song in the comments below and like and share this article for a chance to win tickets for this weekends show. Winner will be announced on Wed night.

‘Dogfight’ Review –Dare to Defy Productions – Innocence Lost

April 6, 2017 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and librettist Peter Duchan’s compelling, unnerving and romantic 2012 off-Broadway musical “Dogfight” receives a terrific regional premiere courtesy of Dare to Defy Productions in the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center.

Mackensie King as Rose Fenny and Ray Zupp as Eddie Birdlace in Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “Dogfight: The Musical” (Contributed photo)

Based on the 1991 film of the same name and set in 1960s San Francisco, “Dogfight,” deftly directed by Angie Thacker, is craftily told in flashback. At the center is a trio of young marines nicknamed The Three Bees: Eddie Birdlace, distraught and disillusioned; Boland, viewing duty to country and comrades as chief above all; and Bernstein, a straight-laced nerd determined to lose his virginity. Before deploying to seemingly uneventful Vietnam, they decide to have one final evening of rowdy fun by coordinating a dogfight, a mean game in which each member seeks to bring the ugliest date to a party and earn the collected winnings. However, when Eddie chooses shy waitress Rose Fenny, he inadvertently makes a much-needed leap into adulthood bolstered by valuable lessons in tolerance and acceptance. In fact, during one pivotal moment, Eddie adamantly tells Rose, “I don’t care what you look like.” She responds, “I wish you would.” At the outset, the story hints that not all will end well for Eddie or his close band of brothers (an unfortunately underwritten group), especially as views of patriotism and Vietnam shift greatly during its course. Nonetheless, there is hope that through Rose’s influence, a redemptive Eddie will become a better man, perhaps fulfilling his purpose beyond what he originally thought possible.

Long before Pasek and Paul took Hollywood by storm winning an Academy Award for writing the lyrics to “City of Stars” from “La La Land,” they molded their witty and insightful character-driven songwriting here with many Broadway and pop/rock influences. Eddie and Rose’s “Come to a Party” contains conversational shades of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.” Rose’s beguiling and introspectively jumpy “Nothing Short of Wonderful” recalls the works of Stephen Sondheim and Adam Guettel. The rousing “Hey, Good Lookin’” and the thrilling yet devastatingly false anthem “Hometown Hero’s Ticker Tape Parade,” defiantly warning “no confetti for the boys who stayed,” fits comfortably into Billy Joel and Jason Robert Brown’s wheelhouse. Pasek and Paul could win a Tony and Pulitzer Prize this spring for their luminous hit “Dear Evan Hansen,” but “Dogfight” remains a signature moment of evolution for their fantastic partnership.

The outstanding duo of Ray Zupp and Mackensie King are perfectly compatible while navigating the complexities within Eddie and Rose. Zupp, arrogant yet tender with sharp intensity, truly masters Eddie’s charming duality of appearing brutish with his buddies and outright vulnerable with Rose. He also vividly expresses Eddie’s insecure quandary of holding tightly to his tough guy façade when he’s actually attempting to simply figure out his place in the world. In one of her finest roles, King, appropriately introverted but far from a pushover, accomplishes the feat of ensuring the emotionally wounded Rose is credibly openhearted enough to look past Eddie’s immaturity and recognize his potential. It’s tough to love a jerk, but King’s grasp of Rose’s dilemma and her willingness to forgive resonates.

Thacker’s excellent, vocally strong cast is also filled with commendable featured players. The commanding Layne Roate dynamically intimidates with Southern swagger as cocky Boland. Bobby Mitchum, a bundle of energy and nervous trepidation, delights as bespectacled Bernstein. Tia Seay brings comedic flavor to her portrayal of shrewd and savvy Marcy, Boland’s deceitful date. Seay also joins King for a marvelous rendition of the fiery title song in which Marcy and Rose come to terms with the cruelty of the game. David Baker (Stevens), Jesse Daniel (Fector), Brett Norgaard (Gibbs), and TC Schreier provide enthusiastic vigor as fellow marines. Skyler McNeely offers lighthearted levity throughout in multiple roles. Danielle DeLorme (Mama), Samantha Creech (Ruth Two Bears) and Natalie Sanders are also effective, especially Creech’s funny choices during the dogfight.

In addition, Zupp’s striking scenic design, complete with a tattered American flag as an ominous backdrop, aptly evokes the memory play concept inherent in the material. Olivia Dakin’s fine assortment of period-appropriate wardrobe includes an endearingly tacky costume party outfit for King. Choreographer Lisa Glover skillfully establishes conversation in dance in the sprightly “Hey, Good-Lookin.’” Along with Lorri Topping’s music direction, the show notably features a six-piece orchestra accented with splendid piano accompaniment from conductor Nick Garvin.

“Dogfight” stings but it’s an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss it.

“Dogfight: The Musical” continues through April 8 inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Performances are 8 p.m. Friday and 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday. Tickets range from $19.50-$24.50. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com. The production contains adult themes and language. Patrons should also note understudy Jesse Daniel portrays Eddie Birdlace at the Saturday matinee.

‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ – Dare to Defy Productions – A Very Nice Beginning

January 9, 2017 By Russell Florence, Jr.

The “Bee” is back and charming as ever thanks to Dare to Defy Productions.
Composer William Finn, librettist Rachel Sheinkin and conceiver Rebecca Feldman’s entertaining and tuneful 2005 Tony Award-winning musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” has been a popular, ensemble-driven choice for many area theaters over the years. After all, the witty material’s clever brew of zaniness, eccentricity and tenderness is innately appealing in a kooky fashion. So, it’s no surprise Dare to Defy is the latest troupe to provide their own take, a firm, fast-paced, excellently character-conscious outing ranking among its finest presentations.

(l to r) Brent Hoggatt (Chip Tolentino), Jamal Caan (Mitch Mahoney), Laura Falb (Olive Ostrovsky), Sherri Sutter (Rona Lisa Perretti), Brennan Paulin (William Barfee) Abby Land (Marcy Park), Tori Kocher (Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre), Brad Bishop (Douglas Panch), and Brent Norgaard (Leaf Coneybear) appear in Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” (Contributed photo)

Formulated from Feldman’s improvisational play “C-R-E-P-U-S-C-U-L-E” originally performed by the New York-based improvisational troupe The Farm, “Spelling Bee” chronicles the promise, skepticism, joys, and woes of six children (played by adults) attempting victory at the spirited competition spearheaded by Rona Lisa Perretti (Sherri Sutter) and Vice Principal Panch (Brad Bishop) with assistance from “Comfort Counselor” Mitch Mahoney (Jamal Caan). The eager finalists are Leaf Coneybear (Brett Norgaard), returning champ Charlito “Chip” Tolentino (Brent Hoggatt), Logainne Schwartzandgrunenierre (Tori Kocher), Marcy Park (Abby Land), Olive Ostrovsky (Laura Falb), and William Barfée (Brennan Paulin). All can be considered oddballs, but they’re nonetheless bonded by a deep admiration for words. We may not understand why they’re so enamored with language, but they create relatable connections in other areas including fears of not being good enough, the temptation of overachieving, and the anxiety of familial strife in a broken home. In these moments, we see ourselves in their angst thereby rooting for them to the fullest.

Casting is paramount in order for this show to have the perfect tone to suit an assortment of extremely specific characters. Thankfully, Dare to Defy assembles a winningly cohesive ensemble under the direction of Matthew Smith, a memorable Barfée (pronounced Bar-FAY) in the Dayton Playhouse’s 2011 production seamlessly balancing pandemonium with softer, sensitive touches. Dare to Defy newcomer Falb, a standout last season as Wendla in Beavercreek Community Theatre’s “Spring Awakening,” is very sweet and endearing as the introverted Olive. The wonderfully goofy and warmly openhearted Norgaard delivers one of his best performances as the loveably insecure Leaf. Kocher, a reliable comedienne, is sharply grounded in Logainne’s confidence and fortitude as a fiery, outspoken go-getter. The effectively perturbed Paulin is a hoot and avoids overplaying William’s unique “magic foot” spelling method. Striking vocalists Hoggatt and Land, recently seen as lovebirds Japeth and Yonah in Dare to Defy’s outstanding “Children of Eden,” are terrific as the ultimately bewildered Chip and reserved overachiever Marcy. Land’s rendition of “I Speak Six Languages” complete with athletic showmanship is particularly impressive. Sutter, a beautiful soprano, is enjoyably chipper and nurturing as host/former spelling bee champ Perretti, particularly joining Caan (in one of his strongest portrayals) for a splendid rendition of the gorgeously haunting and soulful duet “The I Love You Song.” The delightfully droll Bishop has an easy rapport with Sutter and relishes the interplay he shares with audience members invited to join the fun with the cast. Musical director Charles Larkowski’s commendable orchestra and choreographer Jessica Eggleston’s energetic choreography are additional assets.

By and large, this “Spelling Bee” is a very nice beginning to all the theatrical experiences awaiting us in 2017.

“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” continues through Jan. 14 in the Renaissance Auditorium of the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The production is performed in 100 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $15-$30. For tickets, call the Dayton Art Institute at (937) 223-4278 or visit daytonartinstitute.org. The production is not recommended for anyone younger than 13. For additional information, call (937) 999-9949 or visit d2defy.com

’35MM’ Review – Dare to Defy Productions – The Story Within

October 7, 2016 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Composer Ryan Scott Oliver’s 2012 multimedia song cycle “35MM: A Musical Exhibition” receives an admirable treatment from Dare to Defy Productions through Oct. 8 in the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center.

(left to right) Zach King, Natalie Sanders, Alan Ruddy, Danielle Kubasky, and Skyler McNeely rehearse Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “35MM: A Musical Exhibition,” a song cycle bridging the worlds of music and photography.
Unique in concept but lacking cohesive depth, “35MM” uses a series of eclectic photographs by Matthew Murphy to tell intriguing, hilarious and occasionally confusing tales of romance, connection, disillusionment, and hope. Overall, this vignette-driven showcase is at its best when love dominates the conversation. For instance, a song centered on a photo of a couple at odds on a playground swing set is certainly more enticing than a song built on the oddities of a kooky doll. Perhaps if Oliver would have created his song cycle based solely on the ups and downs of relationships, the results would have been more distinctive and relatable. Some of the songs are not perfectly matched to the photos as well which halts momentum. Nevertheless, his ambitious work beckons the audience to examine the trials and tribulations of life through focus, perspective and the sheer passage of time.
Director AJ Breslin helms Oliver and Murphy’s world with very little interference. Due to the Mathile’s intimacy, this breezy production instantly conjures a cozy, coffee shop vibe which suits the show’s introspective nature and important attention to projections. Breslin’s minimalist, straightforward approach clearly allows each song to speak for itself, but at the same rate it’s difficult to hear some of the more frenzied lyrics. Still, his committed, energetic and passionate five-member cast, taking on the vocal challenges of the harmonically intricate score with vim and verve under the music direction of David McKibben, joins forces with ample opportunities to entertain. Natalie Sanders and Zach King, a volatile Queenie and Burrs last season in Dare to Defy’s “The Wild Party,” winningly reunite for the spirited “Make Me Happy.” Sanders, looking as statuesque as ever in basic black, wonderfully opens the show with “Stop Time” and notably drives the dark high school drama of “The Ballad of Sara Berry” with gusto. It’s also great to see Alan Ruddy and Danielle Kubasky reuniting for the first time since appearing as and Princeton and Kate Monster in Beavercreek Community Theatre’s 2015 production of “Avenue Q,” Ruddy, effectively balancing comedy and poignancy throughout, strongly renders “The Seraph” while Kubasky shines in “Twisted Teeth.” Skyler McNeely, who appeared with Sanders in Sinclair Community College’s 2015 production of “Songs for a New World,” teams with Kubasky for a terrifically emotive rendition of the heartbreaking “Hemming & Hawing” chronicling the twisted complications and imperfections of love. Keyboardist Nick Garvin leads a fine five-piece band.
The contemporary pop/rock/punk essence of “35MM” may not appeal to musical theater fans more inclined to embrace Rodgers and Hammerstein, but it’s a prime example of Dare to Defy’s eagerness to look outside the box.

“35MM: A Musical Exhibition” continues Oct. 7 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 8 at 2 and 8 p.m. inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. The production is performed in 80 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $19.50-$24.50. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com. Patrons are reminded the show contains adult language.

Saluting Dayton’s 2015-16 Theater Season

June 29, 2016 By Russell Florence, Jr.

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

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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

Check Out American Idiot This Weekend

May 15, 2016 By Dayton Most Metro

American Idiot is based on the 2004 Grammy-winning album by punk rock band Green Day, written by front man Billie Joe Armstrong and Tony Winner Michael Mayer.

Dare to Defy Productions will present American Idiot, a show that follows the journey of three life long friends on different paths. Two of them leave the unsatisfying, yet safe, suburban life for the excitement of the Big City- and eventually the war-torn Middle East. The third stays behind in their hometown with this pregnant girlfriend and an uncertain future.

Check out this preview trailer:

Featuring chart topping hits including “21 Guns,” “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” “Holiday,” and title song “American Idiot,” the Tony Award winning show uses the music of the album to tell the story. Love and Loss, Addiction and redemption, life and death, and the endless pursuit of The American Dream, everyone can relate to this telling story.
American Idiot will be presented in the Victoria Theatre, at 8pm on May 20th and 2pm and 8pm on May 21st, 2016. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketcenterstage.com or by calling the Box Office at 1-888-228-3630.

‘The Wild Party’ Review – Dare to Defy Productions – Revenge & Revelry

April 9, 2016 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Dare to Defy Productions terrifically explores the brutal depths of an extremely complicated relationship in its vibrant and sexy presentation of Andrew Lippa’s 2000 off-Broadway musical “The Wild Party,” adapted from Joseph Moncure March’s 1928 narrative poem of the same name and staged inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center.

(left to right) Zach King (Burrs), Laura Ellen Moore (Kate), Natalie Sanders (Queenie), and Desmond Thomas (Black) are a conflicted foursome in Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of Andrew Lippa’s Jazz Age musical “The Wild Party.” (Contributed photo)

In this Prohibition-era New York tale, Queenie, a sultry dancer, and Burrs, a vaudeville comedian, are dangerous, abusive lovers who have reached an emotional breaking point but can’t bear to live without each other. It’s a messy game, a vicious cycle, which worsens when Queenie asks Burrs to co-host a decadent party in their Manhattan apartment, ultimately exposing him for the louse he is in front of their eccentric friends. But situations take an unexpected turn when Queenie’s self-absorbed, drug-addicted best friend Kate arrives with the mysterious Black who falls hard for Queenie. As Queenie discovers a new soulmate in Black, and Kate attempts to ignite a spark with Burrs, the rowdy festivities tragically spiral out of control.

Lippa received a Tony Award nomination for his 2010 score of “The Addams Family,” but his best work thus far rests here with his tuneful array of vivid character numbers and ensemble-driven delights skillfully secured by music director Lorri Topping’s fine orchestra. In particular, Queenie and Burrs’ songs are engagingly introspective (“Out of the Blue,” “Maybe I Like It This Way,” “What is It About Her?,” “How Did We Come to This”) which enjoyably contrasts spirited anthems such as “Raise the Roof,” “A Wild, Wild Party,” and “Let Me Drown.” As librettist, Lippa’s work isn’t as sharp (some of the minor characters are either underwritten or underwhelming), but his firm, fully fleshed portraits of the two key couples effectively fuels passion and suspense as the dramatic action swells.

Director Mackensie King, guiding a cast of 15, absolutely ensures this party is indeed wild. Taking a cue from Queenie and Kate’s pact to approach the evening with “no limits, no boundaries, no compromise,” King amps up the gaiety, mayhem and danger by seating the audience on three sides for complete, impactful effect. Refreshingly, the audience is treated as intimate participants instead of mere observers. Trust me, when the cast sheds their clothes in Act 2 you might as well forget about your ideas of a comfort zone. Furthermore, choreographer Lisa Glover’s outstandingly vivacious and athletic choreography, filled with a fun, Jazz Age flapper essence and shades of Bob Fosse, works in tandem with King’s vision to splendidly heighten the show’s cheeky energy. My eyes were constantly drawn to nearly every movement particularly within the fascinating opening number chronicling Queenie and Burrs’ history (“Queenie Was a Blonde”) as well as the ensemble standouts “What a Party,” “Raise the Roof,” “The Juggernaut,” and “A Wild, Wild Party.” She also strikingly acts and dances the role of Nadine, a young girl who somehow finds her way into these debauched proceedings. Based on Glover’s fantastic contributions, I feel the urge to predict she will lead and choreograph “Sweet Charity” locally or elsewhere one of these days.
King’s cast is led by the appealing, credibly cohesive duo of Natalie Sanders and Zach King. Sanders, a vocal powerhouse, weaves a beautifully complex arc reiterating Queenie’s mind-boggling battle of being simultaneously disgusted by Burrs yet compelled by his charms. King, impressively expanding the breadth of his abilities, intensely attacks with intimidation and unsettling volatility befitting Burrs’ alarmingly unstable behavior. As Black, strong tenor Desmond Thomas is more sweetly sensitive than suavely seductive, but his chemistry with Sanders poignantly evolves in his heartfelt rendition of “I’ll Be Here.” As the feisty Kate, Laura Ellen Moore lacks full-throttle ferocity (her flashy introductory solo “Look At Me Now” is especially weak) but her vulnerability throughout is a plus. A.J. Breslin (mostly shirtless as knucklehead boxer Eddie) and Hayley Penchoff (ditzy Mae) are adorably spotlighted in “Two of a Kind.” As lesbian Madeline True, Samantha Creech winningly shares her longing for “An Old-Fashioned Love Story.” The flamboyance of Jeffrey Mack (Oscar D’Armano) and Brennan Paulin (Phil D’Armano) propels the comedy within “A Wild, Wild Party.” André Tomlinson (the mute Jackie) partners with Glover for a haunting take on “Jackie’s Last Dance” reflecting Queenie and Burrs’ destructive core. The cast includes Thomas Cole Schreier (Sam), Danielle Kubasky (Dolores), Jamal Caan (Max), and Amanda Carter (Daisy). King’s artistic team includes scenic designer Ray Zupp and lighting designer Derek Dunavent.
If you’re in the mood to let loose, don’t miss this daring, edgy showcase.

“The Wild Party” concludes today at 2 and 8 p.m. inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $21.50. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com. Patrons are advised the show contains adult content.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical Comes To Schuster

December 30, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Dare to Defy Productions presents The Great American Trailer Park Musical. The Great American Trailer Park Musical is a hilarious musical featuring music and lyrics by David Nehls and book and direction by Betsy Kelso.

There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres–and she’s wreaking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, “the stripper on the run,” comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband, the storms begin to brew — and this storm ain’t any old Florida hurricane. This show is raunchy, packed with fun and adult humor. This show is not appropriate for children!

Trailer Park ran off-Broadway at the Dodger Stages in New York City and has toured and played regionally across the U.S.

The incredibly talented cast includes Angie Thacker as Jeannie, Eric Julian Walker as Duke, Hayley Penchoff as Pickles, Lisa Glover as Pippi, Rob Willoughby as Norbert, Tia R. Seay as Betty and Tori Kocher as Lin.

The production is directed/choreographed by Matthew Smith, Music Directed by Lorri Topping, Assistant Directed and Stage Managed by Zach King and features Nick Garvin on Keyboard.

The Great American Trailer Park Musical will be presented in the Mathile Theatre, located in the Schuster Center, at 8 PM on January 8th and 15th and 2 PM and 8 PM on January 9th and 16th, 2016. Tickets can be purchased online at my.ticketcenterstage.com or by calling the Box Office at 1-888-228-3630.

ABOUT D2D
Dare to Defy Productions is a new non-equity professional theatre. We produce shows of the highest quality utilizing local artists. We are committed to the development and support of the talent in our community and the opportunity to present affordable, quality shows to our audience. Through continued collaborations we are determined to be an economic, educational and entertainment organization that Dayton can be proud to support! Dare to Defy Productions is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ Review – Dare to Defy Productions – Love Is In The Air

March 22, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

Bobby Mitchum and Jackie Darnell get some Legal Assistance from Mackensie Vonderbrink in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” (Contributed photo)

It can be extremely challenging for emerging troupes to stake their claim within Dayton’s continuously expansive theater scene. However, Dare to Defy Productions has done so with highly entertaining ease as evidenced in its very charming production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts’ hit 1996 off-Broadway musical revue.
Presented in the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center fashioned in a colorful 1950s, Roy Lichtenstein–inspired decor by set designer Ray Zupp, “I Love You…” paints an amusing, appealing portrait of the relatable ups and downs of love and relationships from dating disasters and personal insecurities to wedding jitters and family squabbles.

Framing the show as vignettes keeps the witty action inviting and steadily paced, but there are signs the material has become dated since it was famously heralded as “‘Seinfeld’ set to music.” After all, Sharon Stone isn’t an apt lyric choice these days when referring to film bombshells. Nevertheless, that is a minor quibble among an otherwise playfully sound and surprisingly tender examination of the pursuit men and women undergo in order to find and cherish The One.

Director Rebecca Norgaard, Dare to Defy founder/CEO, assembles a totally engaging, vocally strong ensemble consisting of Jackie Darnell, Bobby Mitchum, Zach King and Mackensie Vonderbrink, familiar faces from Kettering’s Playhouse South. Inhabiting more than 50 roles, the cast, impressively accompanied by pianist Julia Brown and violinist Josh Vantilburgh, is versatile and sharply prepared which isn’t surprising considering this production was previously held in January and February at Mimi’s Café in Beavercreek. When featured as a foursome, the cast’s noteworthy moments include opening number “Cantata for a First Date,” funny double bill “Single Man Drought”/”Why? Cause I’m a Guy,” and the equally comical “Hey There, Single Gal/Guy” that hilariously musicalizes a breakup from a parental perspective. Individually, they firmly step into the spotlight with character-conscious intent. Darnell, a fine soprano, supplies a beautifully gentle “I Will Be Loved Tonight” and is also an operatic joy during “He Called Me.” Mitchum, one of the best tenors in town, fills the moving ballad “Shouldn’t I Be Less in Love with You?” with compellingly mature wonder. King, a source of comic relief, scores big laughs with “The Baby Song.” Vonderbrink, in one of her most endearing appearances, fully embraces “Always a Bridesmaid” with lovelorn radiance.
Dare to Defy’s promising path has only begun, but if the company’s future productions are as good as “I Love You…” I have a feeling audiences will keep coming back.

“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change” concludes today in the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are at 2 and 8 p.m. Act One: 57 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com. For more information about Dare to Defy auditions and its 2014 season (featuring “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Altar Boyz,” “Rent” and “Nunsense”) visit daretodefyllc.com, call (937) 999-9949 or send an e-mail to [email protected].