Dayton Ohio

RABBIT HOLE is Incredible. Don’t Miss It!

February 16, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

While at The Toronto International Film Festival last September, I saw close to 30 films from around the world. Only 2 English-language films made my “Top 5.” One was THE KING’S SPEECH (you loved that, right?)…the other was RABBIT HOLE – starring Nicole Kidman & Aaron Eckhart and directed by John Cameron Mitchell. This film has not been performing very well around the country, so folks don’t have high hopes for it in Dayton…but you can help change the trend by supporting this film opening weekend. It’s true that the subject matter is sad (that’s why people are staying away) – but there’s a great deal of healing in this film…with moments of wonderful laughter and happiness. Please spread the word and support this small, indie film with beautiful, honest performances.

Synopsis for RABBIT HOLE: “RABBIT HOLE is a vivid, hopeful, honest and unexpectedly witty portrait of a family searching for what remains possible in the most impossible of all situations.
Becca and Howie Corbett (NICOLE KIDMAN and AARON ECKHART) are returning to their everyday existence in the wake of a shocking, sudden loss. Just eight months ago, they were a happy suburban family with everything they wanted. Now, they are caught in a maze of memory, longing, guilt, recrimination, sarcasm and tightly controlled rage from which they cannot escape. While Becca finds pain in the familiar, Howie finds comfort…
RABBIT HOLE is directed by John Cameron Mitchell (HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH) from a script by acclaimed playwright David Lindsay-Abaire, adapted from his Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Additional cast includes two-time Oscar winner Dianne Wiest (HANNAH AND HER SISTERS & BULLETS OVER BROADWAY), Tammy Blanchard, Miles Teller, Giancarlo Esposito, Jon Tenney and Sandra Oh.” — (C) Lionsgate
Nicole Kidman has been nominated for “Best Actress” for this role, and Dianne Wiest was robbed for not being nominated. Don’t miss it!

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http://rabbitholefilm.com/index.html

The “D” review for THE ILLUSIONIST in Friday’s Dayton Daily News really hurt at the box office this weekend. Though nominated for “Best Animated Feature” and a darling at film festivals around the world, the paper has told me that the “D” review was the only review available for them to use from their wire service. (Most of you know that no one at Dayton Daily covers film any longer…all reviews are from other papers – and critics change from week to week.) That said, it would be a crime for us not to hold such a charming, magical film. THE ILLUSIONIST will stay for one screening a day for one more week. In addition, we’ll continue Djuna Wahlrab’s lovely stop-action film FALLING UP. Read more about FALLING UP by visiting the official website at – http://fallingupmovie.com/

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Hurry down…as we’re gonna keep moving…Next week, we will open ANOTHER YEAR and BARNEY’S VERSION!

The International College of Broadcasting & Mike Giannott have rented our theater for a special, one night only screening…complete with multiple shorts, a PSA and their centerpiece film. “ZOMBIE PUNK ATTACK is a short film written, produced and directed by Aaron Cline and Mike Giannott. It’s taken from a comic written by Aaron Cline. It, of course, has a diseased animal, a lab technician that gets bitten and a mad scientist who has the cure – sprinkle that with an all-girl punk band and what could possibly go wrong? Well, a lot. Ride the wave of undead through this tale of death, decay, punk rock and weaponry. It stars Brittany Nagy, Brian Hixon, Paige Beller, Nicki Brooks, Moriah Yux, Sarah Kouse, Nina Lombardo and Marty Velez. Come on out on Tuesday, March 1st 2011, for the World Premier and help support local filmmakers. Tickets are $5.00. There will be a raffle for dvds and the movie poster (signed by the directors and stars).” (taken from press notes)

Tickets for the documentary NORTH DIXIE DRIVE are now on sale. The film will play on Saturday, March 26 at 5:00pm and tickets are $6 each (and only $4 for members of FilmDayton). “North Dixie Drive is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site by clicking http://www.northdixiedrivemovie.com/

Plan on joining us for our Annual OSCAR Screening Party on Feb. 27. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) – admission is FREE – first come, first serve. Ballots are now available in our lobby, and prizes are arriving daily (screenplays, soundtracks, dvds, etc.). The big prize – provided by our friends at Square One Salon & Spa – will be a salon gift basket complete with champagne and movie goodies. In addition, our friends at Granola Snacks are donating lots of gourmet granola for the festivities. Join fellow movie lovers as we celebrate the “Cinephile’s Superbowl.” You must be present to win prizes.
Special thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for helping us to get a signal for the telecast!

Both the Dayton Jewish International Film Festival and FilmDayton are gearing up for their annual festivals. March, April & May will have numerous opportunities for you to catch films that you otherwise wouldn’t have a chance to see. I’ll keep you posted as they unveil plans for these film fests.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 18 – February 24:

RABBIT HOLE (PG-13) 1 Hr 31 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50, 3:10, 5:15, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:15, 7:30

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 5:00, 7:20

THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday – Thursday: 3:00*
(*denotes preceded by FALLING UP)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
Feb. 25 BARNEY’S VERSION
Feb. 25 ANOTHER YEAR
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD BIUTIFUL
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK

New Oscar Nominee Opens Friday at THE NEON

February 10, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

As many of you already know, we will open THE ILLUSIONIST on Friday (2/11). Oscar-Nominated for “Best Animated Feature,” several of you have expressed a big desire to see this film. Of course we also have the added bonus of checking out a special short film during select screenings. FALLING UP is a beautiful stop-action film made by Dayton native Djuna Wahlrab. This stunning film, with sets based on local architecture (and an opening live/animated scene shot in downtown Dayton), will play before THE ILLUSIONIST during the 3:00 and 7:30 screenings during the week of Friday, February 11 through Thursday, February 17. Read more about FALLING UP by visiting the official website at – http://fallingupmovie.com/

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/15036888?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=538298 560 349]

Falling Up from Djuna Wahlrab on Vimeo.

Synopsis for THE ILLUSIONIST: “THE ILLUSIONIST is a story about two paths that cross. An outdated, aging magician, forced to wander from country to country, city to city and station to station in search of a stage to perform his act meets a young girl at the start of her life’s journey. Alice is a teenage girl with all her capacity for childish wonder still intact. She plays at being a woman without realizing the day to stop pretending is fast approaching. She doesn’t know yet that she loves The Illusionist like she would a father; he already knows that he loves her as he would a daughter. Their destinies will collide, but nothing – not even magic or the power of illusion – can stop the voyage of discovery.
A script for THE ILLUSIONIST was originally written by French comedy genius and cinema legend Jacques Tati as a love letter from a father to his daughter, but never produced.
Sylvain Chomet, the Oscar-nominated and critically acclaimed creator of THE TRIPLETS OF BELLEVILLE, adapted the script and brought it to life in his distinctive hand- drawn animated style.” (taken from Sony Classics press notes)

Click here to visit the official website for THE ILLUSIONIST –http://www.sonyclassics.com/theillusionist/

[iframe http://www.youtube.com/embed/aHVG1JmbU30 560 349]

Plan on joining us for our Annual OSCAR Screening Party on Feb. 27. The show starts at 8:00 (doors open at 7:30) – FREE Party…no tickets required – first come, first serve. Ballots are now available in our lobby, and prizes are arriving daily (screenplays, soundtracks, dvds, etc.). The big prize – provided by our friends at Square One Salon & Spa – will be a salon gift basket complete with champagne and movie goodies. Join fellow movie lovers as we celebrate the “Cinephile’s Superbowl.” You must be present to win prizes. Special thanks to the folks at ThinkTV for helping us to get a signal for the telecast!

Details about the regional premiere of a documentary called NORTH DIXIE DRIVE will be available soon. It is scheduled to play on Saturday, March 26.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for February 11 – February 17:

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:20

THE ILLUSIONIST (PG) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00*, 5:10, 7:30*, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00*, 5:10, 7:30*
(*denotes preceded by FALLING UP)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
Feb. 18 RABBIT HOLE
March 11 CEDAR RAPIDS
TBD ANOTHER YEAR
TBD I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
TBD BARNEY’S VERSION
TBD BIUTIFUL
TBD SOMEWHERE
TBD TINY FURNITURE
TBD CASINO JACK

An Emerging ‘Hot Mess’ Comes To Town

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

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”

presented by Encore Theater Co. & Sinclair Theatre

One Night Only! Win Tickets! Read on…

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

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

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

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

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

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

OSD: And the show is based on your experiences?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

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

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

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

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

Win Free Tickets!

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

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

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

Error: Contact form not found.

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

February 6, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

HERE WITH ME:

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL LIVE IN CONCERT

The Neon Movies & The Human Race Theatre Company

Regional Premiere!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WSU Theatre

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

The Loft Theatre

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

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

Christian Duhamel

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

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

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

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

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

Concert Guest Aaron Vega with wife Claire Kennedy

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

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

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

Darian Taschner

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

Alexandra Sunderhaus

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

HERE WITH ME: The Music of Christian Duhamel

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

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

(937) 222-8452

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

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

-SA/Press Release

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

VIDEOS:

Invisible Woman by Christian Duhamel

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

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

In the Company of Helen

February 6, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

FAT PIG

Dayton Theatre Guild

Neil LaBute’s dark comedy premieres at downtown theatre.

For his entire career, playwright/film director Neil LaBute has explored a wide variety of genres. Consider his film work like In The Company of Men, dark comedies Nurse Betty and Death at a Funeral, and even bona fide horror films The Wicker Man and Lakeview Terrace. LaBute has mastered the art of the dark comedy – exploring the darker side of the human psyche in ways that make us oddly uncomfortable and questioning our own darkness.

Neil LaBute, playwright

What I think strikes most people as fascinating is that LaBute’s language always feels ‘real’, colloquial and in turn, honest. One really feels as if they are listening to REAL people having REAL dialogue (sometimes TOO real). One of the best examples of LaBute’s influence on American theater and cinema opens February 11 at Dayton Theatre Guild.

Fat Pig tells the story of Tom – a well built attractive man who meets and falls in love with the quite plus-sized but ever-charming Helen. When people in Tom’s life begin to discuss why he is dating such a large woman, Tom must decide where HE stands. It is a fascinating exploration into society’s treatment of those we deem unfit, in this case, plus-sized. Neil’s language is smart and engaging and provides a great “what would you do?” discussion starter. If you want to see what the contemporary American theatre sounds and looks like, LaBute’s Fat Pig is great choice. Dayton Theatre Guild is to be applauded for producing this daring and important play and I, for one, was thrilled to see it on their season. It is also quite timely as a Broadway production of Fat Pig (directed by LaBute himself) is headed to Broadway this spring starring Dane Cook and Julia Stiles.

Here in Dayton, the Guild production features Amy Askins (Jeannie), Nicolas Bauer (Carter), Steve Strawser (Tom), and Wendi Williams (Helen). The production is under the direction of Dayton Theatre Hall Of Fame inductee Fran Pesch. There is honestly no better place for LaBute’s work than the Guild (with the exception of the Human Race). DTG has a track record of choosing daring titles by contemporary exciting playwrights and Fat Pig, to me, is a harbinger of good things to come. Later this year, the Guild will present the local premiere of the one-woman tour-de-force Golda’s Balcony (about Israeli Prime Minster Golda Meir) as well as Theresa Rebeck’s acclaimed Mauritius.

Neil LaBute's FAT PIG at Dayton Theatre Guild - February 11-17, 2011

The cast of Dayton Theatre Guild's FAT PIG. L to R: Nicolas Bauer, Steve Strawser, Wendi Williams, Amy Askins

-DB

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

Neil LaBute’s FAT PIG – February 11-17 – Performance Times Vary (click for details)

Tickets Prices: $11 student / $16 senior / $18 adult

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

Contains adult situations and language.

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

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

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

FALLING UP…A Dayton-Native’s Labor of Love To Make Its Local Premiere

February 5, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

FALLING UP, the beautiful stop-action short film made by Dayton native Djuna Wahlrab, is coming to THE NEON in downtown Dayton. This stunning film, with sets based on local architecture (and an opening live/animated scene shot in downtown Dayton), will play with select screenings of THE ILLUSIONIST (one of this year’s Academy Award nominated films for “Best Animated Film Feature”).

Wahlrab, a working filmmaker and graduate of Stivers School for the Arts, now resides in New York City. She will be opening a gallery exhibit of sets and puppets from her film later this month at Stivers….You’ll want to see her short film THEN see how she made it.

Stop-action animation is shot one frame at a time – a pain-staking process with gorgeous, magical results. To see more about her film and see the trailer, visit the official website at www.fallingupmovie.com.

FALLING UP will only play before THE ILLUSIONIST during the 3:00 and 7:30 screenings during the week of Friday, February 11 through Thursday, February 17.

Falling Up from Djuna Wahlrab on Vimeo.

‘9 to 5’ Thrives On Nostalgia

February 5, 2011 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

9 to 5: The Musical

presented by the Victoria Theatre Association

“9 to 5: The Musical,” Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick’s shaky adaptation of the 1980 workplace revenge film of the same name, struggles to overcome its dated discrimination premise and an assortment of hit and miss tunes, but there are commendable elements nonetheless in its reconceived, well cast national tour, which began its regional premiere Tuesday, February 1 at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Miami Valley and Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series.

A greater sense of nostalgia in the form of a terrific pop culture-inspired show curtain as well as Parton’s warm, folksy introduction and closing commentary (including a sing-a-long) effectively distinguishes the tour from its unnecessarily flashy, vocally erratic and unsurprisingly short-lived 2009 Broadway counterpart. There is also a sharper character-driven focus and tighter pace that director/choreographer Jeff Calhoun establishes that keeps the show entertaining and engaging even when three labored fantasy sequences and a swarm of bad jokes and crude lyrics become cringe-inducing.

The core trio of Mamie Parris as ditzy divorcee Judy Bernly, “American Idol” runner-up Diana DeGarmo as voluptuous Doralee Rhodes, and three-time Tony Award nominee Dee Hoty as no-nonsense Violet Newstead form a compatible bond. Each character exudes a genuine, down to earth sensibility so it’s easy to empathize with the torment they endure at the hand of their bigoted boss Franklin Hart, Jr. (Joseph Mahowald in a terribly one-dimensional role). The endearing Parris actually finds depth in what could easily be perceived as a thankless part. Her belting soprano absolutely sparkles in “Get Out and Stay Out,” which powerfully culminates in a “Wicked” style reminiscent of “Defying Gravity” or “No Good Deed.” The naturally perky DeGarmo remains a vocal knockout and couldn’t be more charming. Her poignant rendition of “Backwoods Barbie” is a meaningful highlight, but she’s also great leading the rousing ensemble number “Change It.” Hoty, a wonderful authoritarian, particularly makes the most of Act 2 opener “One of the Boys,” Parton’s meager attempt at writing a razzle-dazzle show tune.

Enjoyable featured turns are given by the very funny, spontaneous Kristine Zbornick as Hart’s infatuated secretary Roz Keith, Gregg Goodbrod as Joe, Wayne Schroeder as the Colonel Sanders-esque Tinsworthy, and scene-stealer Jane Blass as the boozy Margaret.

Although there’s no escaping the fact that the best number in the show was written over 30 years ago, “9 to 5” is better here than in New York with an intent to please Parton admirers as well as fans of the film and its era.

9 to 5: The Musical presented by The Victoria Theatre Association at the Schuster Center

(L to R) Diana DeGarmo, Dee Hoty and Mamie Parris in '9 to 5'

9 to 5: The Musical continues through Sunday, February 6 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Remaining performances will be held today at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes. Act Two: 45 minutes. Tickets are $36-$90. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

In addition, the show notably contains two Wright State University alums: swing K.J. Hippensteel and stage manager E. Cameron Holsinger.

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

A Cup of Ambition…at the Schuster Center

January 28, 2011 By Shane Anderson 7 Comments

9 to 5 – the musical

Victoria Theatre Association

Win tickets to this show! Read on…

The year was 1980. Dolly Parton was making her big-screen debut and the whole world was a-flutter! Dolly on the BIG SCREEN! This 10 year old little kid couldn’t figure out why Grandpa had four copies of her latest album which featured the title song from the movie 9 TO 5. Thirty-one years later, I think I’ve got it figured out.

This was one funny movie! Bravo still has it listed as #47 on their list of the “100 Funniest Movies.” I was so jealous of my older cousins who saw it in the local movie-plex. I am pretty sure that I wasn’t allowed to see the movie when it first came out (I had to wait several years for VHS on the small screen), but I know that there was many a chuckle at family gatherings that Christmas over this flick. I think I know now why Grandpa kept four copies of the vinyl. You always wanna a few back-ups of something this, umm, monumental.

Leap forward almost thirty years.

Dolly Parton brushes the dust off of this classic, writes a few new songs, hires a kick-butt cast & breathes new life into the hilarious story–but this time in one of the biggest houses on the Great White Way, marking the Broadway debut of the seven-time Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and musician.

2009 saw the premiere of 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL, starring contemporary stage greats Stephanie J. Block, Megan Hilty, Mark Kudisch and Daytonian Allison Janney (who was just HEARD on stage in the recent Muse Machine production of Sondheim’s INTO THE WOODS as the voice of the giant). Unfortunately the show’s NYC run only survived through September 2009, but a year later the first national tour kicked off…and will be making a stop at The Schuster Center February 1-6.

“it shines! Dolly Parton’s songs are bouncy, big hearted, fresh & original. If you’re looking for a diversion, 9 to 5 will do the trick from 8 to 10:15!” ~ The Daily News

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. This is the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do — even in a man’s world.

Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, the show is about teaming up and taking care of business… it’s about getting credit and getting even.

While the company has changed a bit, it still features a stellar cast of Dee Hoty (Violet), Diana DeGarmo (Doralee Rhodes) and Mamie Paris (Judy), along with Dolly Parton’s original hit title song in her new Tony Award® and Grammy-nominated score. 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL was nominated for four 2009 Tony Awards® including Original Score and received a record breaking 15 Drama Desk nominations including Outstanding Musical.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience on my first Broadway show,” said Dolly Parton. ‘I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing group of people who have become like family to me. I can’t wait for this show to hit the road so people across the country can see why I’m so proud of everyone involved.”

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL’s book is by Patricia Resnick (co-writer of the original screenplay). The touring production will be directed and choreographed by Tony nominated, Jeff Calhoun.

“I met Dolly Parton as a chorus kid dancing in the film ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ only a few years after ‘9 to 5’ was already a hit movie. It was a thrill to work with her then and an honor and privilege to be entrusted to direct and choreograph this exciting new tour of 9 to 5: The Musical” said Mr. Calhoun.

9 to 5 - the musical ~ February 1-6, 2011 at the Schuster Center ~ present by Victoria Theatre Association

Allison Janney in 9 to 5

The co–choreographer is Lisa Stevens, scenic design by Ken Foy, costume design by five time Tony Award® winner, William Ivey Long, lighting design by Tony Award® and Drama Desk Award winner, Ken Billington, music supervision by Stephen Oremus and casting by Telsey + Company.

-SA/VTA Press Release

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

9 to 5: The Musical (February 1-6 at The Schuster Center) Performance times are Tuesday through Friday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Tickets start at $36, with discounts available for senior citizens, students and groups.

Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage, and may be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton or by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Group discounts for 20 or more are available.

For more information about Victoria Theatre Association’s entire 20010-2011 season, visit www.victoriatheatre.com.

Win Free Tickets!

The Victoria Theatre Association & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to 9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL! We will be giving away up to TWO pairs of tickets for the Tuesday evening show! (February 1st) All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page.
Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
Leave a comment, answering the following question…WITHOUT NAMING NAMES…Describe your DREAM retaliation against your LEAST FAVORITE BOSS ever????! (no blood or guts, please)
The deadline to enter is 8PM on SUNDAY, January 30th.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

CONTEST CLOSED

BLUE VALENTINE & Oscar News at THE NEON

January 27, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

As predicted, MADE IN DAGENHAM only had enough business to stick around for one week…that’s not to say that audiences didn’t love the film – they did. If you still want to catch it, today (1/27) will be its last day. On Friday, we will open the much-anticipated film BLUE VALENTINE – a huge hit at Sundance, Cannes, Toronto and more. Numerous critics have given the film a 100% review, and Michelle Williams just earned an Oscar nomination for her performance.

Speaking of Oscar nominations…NEON titles popped up in several categories. THE KING’S SPEECH, nominated for 12 Academy Awards, is sticking around for another week. Here’s a look at other NEON titles that were recognized:
WINTER’S BONE, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, 127 HOURS, BLACK SWAN, BLUE VALENTINE, INSIDE JOB, I AM LOVE, ANIMAL KINGDOM, and RESTREPO.
The following films were also nominated…and are booked for the coming weeks:
ANOTHER YEAR, BIUTIFUL, RABBIT HOLE, THE ILLUSIONIST, IN A BETTER WORLD, and BARNEY’S VERSION. (more will likely come)
Details about our annual FREE Oscar Party will be available soon! Hold the date for Sunday, February 27!

Synopsis for BLUE VALENTINE: “BLUE VALENTINE is a story of love found and love lost told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this honest portrait of a relationship on the rocks.” Visit the official website by clicking this LINK.

On Thursday, February 3 at 7:15, come to THE NEON for PK Night Dayton, Volume 6. PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an event where people meet, network, and share their creative endeavors with a lively audience. PK Nights are now held in hundreds of cities, inspiring creative people worldwide. The name comes from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, and rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace. PechaKucha Night Dayton is on its sixth volume, with presentations from Samantha Enslen, Reade Faulkner, Theresa Gasper, Sherif Hedayat, Sharon Howard, Brandy King, Jay King, and Chris Wire. Following the presenations, stick around for a screening of the thought-provoking and motivating documentary DIVE! Grocery stores around the country are filling their dumpsters with food. Not rotten, spoiled food, but billions of pounds of good, edible food. Follow filmmaker Jeremy Seifert and his circle of friends as they dumpster dive in the back alleys and gated garbage receptacles of L.A.’s supermarkets. In the process, they uncover thousands of dollars worth of good food and an ugly truth about waste in America: grocery stores know they are wasting and most refuse to do anything about it. The cost for this entire event is $5. Presentations start at 7:15 and DIVE! starts at 9:00.

Here’s something special and new for us:
Regional premiere!
Here With Me: Christian Duhamel LIVE in Concert!
Grab a drink at The Neon Bar and join singer/composer Christian Duhamel for an evening of LIVE song and story. Guest artists will contribute their voices to his original music as they bring a new kind of “show time” to THE NEON. One night only! February 8th @ 9:30pm.
Details are still developing, so stay tuned for more information in next week’s newsletter!

BLUE VALENTINE is a true indie. Made with passion and a very modest budget – it took eleven years to go from page to the screen. Please spread the word to support this indie at a true indie cinema – THE NEON with the best ticket and concession prices in town…not to mention a great beer selection.

Hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for January 28 – February 3:

BLUE VALENTINE (R) 1 Hr 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 58 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Wednesday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Thursday: 2:30, 5:00

PK NIGHT DAYTON, Volume 6 (NR)
Thursday: 7:15

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Due to Oscar Season, we know that many of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 4 ANOTHER YEAR
Feb. 11 I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS
Feb. 18 BARNEY’S VERSION
TBD: RABBIT HOLE, BIUTIFUL, SOMEWHERE
TINY FURNITURE & THE ILLUSIONIST

THE NEON – MADE IN DAGENHAM Set For One Week Only!

January 20, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

It’s time for us to move along. Today (1/20/2011) will be our last day for BLACK SWAN, and MADE IN DAGENHAM – starring the enchanting Sally Hawkins – will start tomorrow (1/21/2011). That said, you’ll have to move fast if you want to see DAGENHAM…we only plan to have the film for one week…that’s because BLUE VALENTINE is set to open on January 28.

Synopsis for MADE IN DAGENHAM: “Based on a true story, MADE IN DAGENHAM portrays a decisive moment in that decade of upheaval, when the fight for equal rights and pay was led – unexpectedly – by ordinary working-class women with one foot in the kitchen , one foot on the factory floor, and ears glued to the pop coming over the radio and telly from far-off London (19 kilometers and a world away). It’s a vintage “girl-power” tale.” (Sony Pictures Classics) Una LaMarche of The New York Observer writes, “Made in Dagenham is a retro romp with heart, smarts, soul and wit that will restore your faith in the power of the picket line. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone writes, “Sally Hawkins is just plain irresistible in this funny, touching and vital salute to women in the work force.”
Check out this incredible supporting cast…Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson and Rosamund Pike! Visit the official site by clicking this LINK.

In the next couple weeks, we have a few special events (I’m waiting on a description of a ski movie set for early February). In each case, THE NEON has been rented by a person or an organization. Ticket prices are then set by that lessee in accordance with their mission. Here are details that are ready for the press:

“RIDE THE DIVIDE, which was named best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival, is an inspiring journey about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2,700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The film weaves the story of the three characters’ experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to ride from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reflect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.” The film will play One Night Only – Wednesday, January 26 at 7:30.
Advanced tickets – ($10 each + $1 processing) are only available by visiting this LINK.
Tickets the day of the show will be available at the door for $15 each.
The official site of the film can be found atwww.ridethedivide.com.

Details about our annual FREE Oscar Party will be available soon! Hold the date for Sunday, February 27!

We’re quite excited to start BLUE VALENTINE next Friday. Given a 100% review from numerous critics (and a handful of my friends in other cities), I’m really looking forward to finally seeing it. If you haven’t seen the preview, you can visit the official site by clicking this LINK.

See you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for January 21 – January 27:

MADE IN DAGENHAM (R) 1 Hr 53 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:20

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday & Tuesday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Wednesday: 2:30, 5:00
Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

RIDE THE DIVIDE (NR)
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 28 BLUE VALENTINE
Jan. 28 I LOVE YOU PHILIP MORRIS
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: RABBIT HOLE, BIUTIFUL, SOMEWHERE
TINY FURNITURE & BARNEY’S VERSION

2 Hits and Events Galore at THE NEON!

January 15, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

It’s been a long, long time since we’ve had two hits with such longevity. We’re going to hold onto both BLACK SWAN and THE KING’S SPEECH for another week…and we’re currently planning to open MADE IN DAGENHAM on January 21. That said, the Golden Globes this Sunday may end up moving our entire schedule around for the coming weeks…and the upcoming Oscar nominations will also play a part. I’ll keep you posted.

BLACK SWAN Official Site. THE KING’S SPEECH Official Site.

In the next few weeks, we have numerous special events. In each case, THE NEON has been rented by a person or an organization. Ticket prices are then set by that lessee in accordance with their mission. Here are details that are ready for the press:

“Jasmine “Jazz” Taylor, a 2006 alumnus of Stivers School of the Arts and graduate of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, will premiere the DVD of a fashion show fundraiser that helped further her educational development. The fashion show involved the community and showed the world that dreams can come true if you believe. The show focused on the “A Touch of Jazz” fashion line along with two new up and coming designers: Jamila Jones and Jamae Abney. In addition to the designers, local students were featured; doing anything from dancing, singing, and rapping, to modeling and playing instruments.
Unwrapping The Dream Fashion Show DVD Premiere Release is an opportunity for fashion show participates to fellowship with their peers, family, and friends while watching themselves on the big screen. It will be held Sunday January 16, 2011 at THE NEON – tickets are just $5.” (taken from press notes)

On Wednesday, January 19 at 7:00pm, cityfolk will present a free screening of BILL MONROE: FATHER OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC. “Steve Gebhardt’s film blends footage from rare 1990s performances by the founder of bluegrass music with a trove of interviews with Monroe, Emmy Lou Harris, Ricky Skaggs, Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney and many more. Gebhardt and scriptwriter and bluegrass expert Larry Nager will be on hand to discuss the making of the movie and Monroe’s vast legacy…General admission seating for this screening is available on a first-come, first-served basis.” (taken from press notes) Steve Gebhardt has directed and/or produced numerous music-based documentaries, including LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: THE ROLLING STONES, IMAGINE, and JOHN LENNON LIVE IN NEW YORK CITY.

“RIDE THE DIVIDE, which was named best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival, is an inspiring journey about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2,700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The film weaves the story of the three characters’ experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to ride from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reflect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.” The film will play One Night Only – Wednesday, January 26 at 7:30.
Advanced tickets – ($10 each + $1 processing) are only available by visiting this link. Tickets the day of the show will be available at the door for $15 each.

On Thursday, February 3 at 7:15, come to THE NEON for PK Night Dayton, Volume 6. PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in 2003 as an event where people meet, network, and share their creative endeavors with a lively audience. PK Nights are now held in hundreds of cities, inspiring creative people worldwide. The name comes from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, and rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace. PechaKucha Night Dayton is on its sixth volume, with presentations from Samantha Enslen, Reade Faulkner, Theresa Gasper, Sherif Hedayat, Sharon Howard, Brandy King, Jay King, and Chris Wire. Following the presenations, stick around for a screening of the thought-provoking and motivating documentary DIVE! Grocery stores around the country are filling their dumpsters with food. Not rotten, spoiled food, but billions of pounds of good, edible food. Follow filmmaker Jeremy Seifert and his circle of friends as they dumpster dive in the back alleys and gated garbage receptacles of L.A.’s supermarkets. In the process, they uncover thousands of dollars worth of good food and an ugly truth about waste in America: grocery stores know they are wasting and most refuse to do anything about it. The cost for this entire event is $5. Presentations start at 7:15 and DIVE! starts at 9:00.

The line-up of films in the coming weeks at THE NEON looks terrific, and there are several that I can’t wait to share with the community. We hope to see you soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for January 14 – January 20:

BLACK SWAN (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 7:30, 9:40
Monday: 3:10, 5:40, 8:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:40, 4:50, 7:20

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00
Tuesday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Wednesday: 2:30, 4:50
Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

UNWRAPPING THE DREAM – FASHION SHOW DVD RELEASE (NR)
Sunday: 5:30

BILL MONROE: FATHER OF BLUEGRASS MUSIC (NR)
Wednesday: 7:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 21 MADE IN DAGENHAM
Jan. 28 I LOVE YOU PHILIP MORRIS
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: RABBIT HOLE, BIUTIFUL, SOMEWHERE
BLUE VALENTINE, TINY FURNITURE & BARNEY’S VERSION

I Wish. More Than Anything…

January 8, 2011 By Shane Anderson 20 Comments

Into The Woods

THE MUSE MACHINE

Win tickets to this show! Read on…

Once upon a time…

Suzy Bassani had a dream. That dream became a reality in the Muse Machine, a truly unique Dayton area arts organization for kids. A culminating yearly activity is a highly regarded theatrical production featuring nearly 100 talented students on stage, back stage and in the orchestra.

The 2011 selection is the popular Sondheim show Into The Woods. The Tony Award winning show, by Stephen Sondheim (music & lyrics) and James Lapine (book), premiered on Broadway in 1987. That original cast included Broadway legend Bernadette Peters and Joanna Gleason, as well as Dayton native Tom Aldredge.

Just like with the fairytale favorites whose stories intertwine as they venture Into The Woods, new directions are afoot for the Muse Machine as more than 100 area students prepare to present Sondheim’s smash-hit family musical next weekend.

Muse Machine mounts it’s first Sondheim production in a year that celebrates the composer and lyricist’s 80th birthday. The lavish musical, which thrusts characters into situations where their “happily ever after” may not come so easily. Finding familiar characters like Little Red Riding Hood and her wolf, Cinderella and her prince, Jack of beanstalk fame and others faced with new challenges makes the show both unexpectedly funny and surprisingly poignant.

The production will also experience the Muse touch through movement. “Early versions of Into The Woods used very little dance, but we’re going to change that,” said New Orleans choreographer Lula Elzy, who promised surprises in store with each of the show’s tolls of midnight. “It will feel like movement has always been a part of this show!”

Into The Woods also marks the addition of a new face to the Muse Machine creative team: Rufus Bonds, Jr., familiar to audiences as Collins from the Broadway cast of Rent and Mufasa from the national tour of The Lion King. Bonds comes from the west coast, joining returning NYC music director David Dusing to complete the directing team.

“What’s so beautiful about this experience is the opportunity to work with young adults who bring the perfect marriage of acting and voice to their roles,” said Bonds, who hopes audiences will be surprised by the depth of talent coming from the young performers on stage. “There’s nothing I’ve seen anywhere like this, on any level – students are far ahead of the game with the training they receive here at Muse.”

This is a theatrical opportunity that you don’t get in other cities. The Muse Machine has touched countless lives, including actors, dancers, writers and designers currently earning their living in the arts all over the country, including New York City. The organization’s track record indicates that within a few years, one of these young performers in Into The Woods will very likely be treading the boards of Broadway.

Happily ever after.

UPDATE 1/8/2011 (information from the Muse Machine Facebook Page):

Emmy Award winning actress Allison Janney (The West Wing, Juno, Lost, Hairspray, Finding Nemo, American Beauty and many other film, television and stage credits) joins the cast of Muse Machine’s INTO THE WOODS in an original performance as the voice of the giant!

-SA/Muse Press Release

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

Into The Woods (January 13-16 – various times – at The Victoria Theatre)

Tickets: prices range from $31-$56

Call (937) 228-3630 or by visiting TicketCenterStage.com.

Visit www.MuseMachine.com for more information about The Muse Machine and their programs.

Win Free Tickets!

Muse Machine & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to Into The Woods! We will be giving away up to TEN pairs of tickets for next weekend’s performances! All you need to do is:

Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page.
Leave a comment, answering the following question…In just a couple of sentences, change the ending of your favorite classic fairytale.
The deadline to enter is 9AM on MONDAY, January 10th.
Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

THE NEON is Flying High!

January 7, 2011 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

Since December 25, THE NEON has seen almost 4,000 customers (a 10-day total of 3898, to be exact)! That’s incredible. Once again, I thank you for your support!

We’re going to hold onto both BLACK SWAN and THE KING’S SPEECH for another week…and we’re currently planning to open MADE IN DAGENHAM on January 14.

Here are a few notes on upcoming special events:

“Jasmine “Jazz” Taylor, a 2006 alumnus of Stivers School of the Arts and graduate of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, will premiere the DVD of a fashion show fundraiser that helped further her educational development. The fashion show involved the community and showed the world that dreams can come true if you believe. The show focused on the “A Touch of Jazz” fashion line along with two new up and coming designers: Jamila Jones and Jamae Abney. In addition to the designers, local students were featured; doing anything from dancing, singing, and rapping, to modeling and playing instruments.
Unwrapping The Dream Fashion Show DVD Premiere Release is an opportunity for fashion show participates to fellowship with their peers, family, and friends while watching themselves on the big screen. It will be held Sunday January 16, 2011 at THE NEON – tickets are just $5.” (taken from press notes)

“RIDE THE DIVIDE, which was named best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival, is an inspiring journey about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2,700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The film weaves the story of the three characters’ experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to ride from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reflect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.” The film will play One Night Only – Wednesday, January 26 at 7:30. The official site of the film can be found at www.ridethedividemovie.com.
TICKETS – $10 (+$1 processing) in advance by visiting this site:
http://www.imathlete.com/events/EventStore.aspx?fEID=7982
$15 at door on day of show!

The line-up of films in the coming weeks at THE NEON looks terrific. We hope to see you soon and often.
(And don’t miss THE KING’S SPEECH!!)

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for January 7 – January 13:

BLACK SWAN (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday: 12:20, 2:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Saturday: 2:45, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 4:50, 7:20

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 14 MADE IN DAGENHAM
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS, TINY FURNITURE, BIUTIFUL, CASINO JACK, BLUE VALENTINE, RABBIT HOLE & SOMEWHERE

Holiday Success at THE NEON! Thank You!!

December 31, 2010 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

I returned to Dayton on December 24 (after visiting with my folks for a couple days) to find that we had lost exclusivity with our engagement of THE KING’S SPEECH…and I’ll admit I was disappointed and a bit heartbroken. But I shouldn’t have been.
More Daytonians supported THE KING’S SPEECH at THE NEON than at any of the multiplexes…and I thank you for your support! We have had a couple sell-outs and numerous large audiences since the film opened on December 25, and people are absolutely loving the film.
If you haven’t seen it yet, we hope to see you soon!
If you’ve already seen the film, please keep spreading the word…and tell people that THE NEON has the best prices in town.
Visit the official website for the film by clicking this LINK.

BLACK SWAN has flooded the marketplace over the past several days, and our extraordinary ticket sales have started to fall…so we may open MADE IN DAGENHAM a bit earlier than planned (Jan. 7 instead of Jan. 14)…but all that depends on business during the upcoming weekend. I’ll keep you posted.

Here are a couple notes on upcoming special events:

“RIDE THE DIVIDE, which was named best adventure film at the 2010 Vail Film Festival, is an inspiring journey about the world’s toughest mountain bike race, which traverses over 2,700 miles along the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains. The film weaves the story of the three characters’ experiences with immense mountain beauty and small-town culture as they attempt to ride from Banff, Canada, to a small, dusty crossing on the Mexican border. The tests of endurance and the accomplished moments throughout Ride the Divide prompt us to reflect on our inner desires to live life to the fullest.” The film will play One Night Only – Wednesday, January 26 at 7:30. Advanced tickets are only available by visiting this LINK. The official site of the film can be found at www.ridethedivide.com.

Have a Safe & Happy New Year!
(And don’t miss THE KING’S SPEECH!!)

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for December 31 – January 6:

BLACK SWAN (R) 1 Hr Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 4:50, 7:20

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.

Jan. 7 MADE IN DAGENHAM
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS, TINY FURNITURE, BIUTIFUL,
BLUE VALENTINE, RABBIT HOLE & SOMEWHERE

THE KING’S SPEECH – Exclusively at THE NEON!

December 23, 2010 By Jonathan McNeal 3 Comments

Hello Everyone.

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that THE KING’S SPEECH will open exclusively at THE NEON on December 25. Being that the 25th is a Saturday, our schedule is a bit strange this week. THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST will play through Friday, THE KING’S SPEECH starts Saturday, and BLACK SWAN will hold.

And speaking of BLACK SWAN…Wow! What a weekend! For a film that opened on multiple screens, BLACK SWAN was our biggest opening of the year. (That said, CRAZY HEART – which we had exclusively for one week back in January – was still our best.)

Synopsis for THE KING’S SPEECH: “England’s Prince Albert (Colin Firth), soon to become King George VI, is plagued by a crippling speech impediment. With her husband soon to take over the throne, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel Logue, an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help Albert overcome his stammer. An extraordinary friendship develops between the pair as Logue uses unconventional means to teach Albert how to speak with confidence.” (Weinstein Co.) 7 Golden Globe Nominations including BEST PICTURE!

Click here for the official site – http://kingsspeech.com/

We have a special treat for those of you looking to give NEON gift certificates this holiday season. For every $50 of gift certificates you purchase, you will receive a free bag of Candy Cane Granola. This delicious, locally made snack was recently sampled by the staff…and quickly became a favorite. Loaded with peppermint schnapps, white chocolate, dried cranberries and almonds, you might end up keeping this treat for yourself.

Lastly, I want to remind you about 2011 calendars from The Rubi Girls. Calendars are available in our lobby for $20 each – 100% of which goes to local charities. And now we’re offering a special deal so you can stuff everyone’s stockings this year…Calendars are now 2 for $30!
If you’d like to see a little video I put together about the calendar, click on this LINK. If you want to know more about The Rubi Girls, visit www.rubigirls.com.

“Jasmine “Jazz” Taylor, a 2006 alumnus of Stivers School of the Arts and graduate of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in Los Angeles, will premiere the DVD of a fashion show fundraiser that helped further her educational development. The fashion show involved the community and showed the world that dreams can come true if you believe. The show focused on the “A Touch of Jazz” fashion line along with two new up and coming designers: Jamila Jones and Jamae Abney. In addition to the designers, local students were featured; doing anything from dancing, singing, and rapping, to modeling and playing instruments.
Unwrapping The Dream Fashion Show DVD Premiere Release is an opportunity for fashion show participates to fellowship with their peers, family, and friends while watching themselves on the big screen. It will be held Sunday January 16, 2011 at THE NEON – tickets are just $5.” (taken from press notes)

I’ll be here all day on the 25th, so I’m sure I’ll see some of you.
Have a wonderful, warm and safe holiday season.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for December 24 – December 30:

BLACK SWAN (R) 1 Hr Min
Friday: 12:20, 2:40, 4:50, 7:20
Saturday: 2:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 4:50, 7:20

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST (R) 2 Hr 27 Min
Friday: 12:15, 3:00, 6:00

THE KING’S SPEECH (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Saturday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.

Jan. 14 MADE IN DAGENHAM
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: BLUE VALENTINE, RABBIT HOLE & SOMEWHERE

BLACK SWAN & TAMARA DREWE at The Neon!

December 16, 2010 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone.

There are two films that so many people have been talking & asking about, and this Friday marks the opening of the first – Darren Aronofsky’s BLACK SWAN, starring Natalie Portman. (The other film – THE KING’S SPEECH – is right around the corner…with 7 Golden Globe Nominations.)
If you still need to see 127 HOURS, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. (All these films are certain to be Oscar contenders in a couple months…so don’t miss seeing them on the big screen.)

On Friday, in addition to BLACK SWAN, we will open a much smaller film directed by one of my favorite directors – Stephen Frears. TAMARA DREWE, based on a graphic novel that was in turn based on a Thomas Hardy novel – FAR FROM THE MADDING CROWD – will play for one week only. (On a similar note, THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST will only play for one more week.)

Synopsis for BLACK SWAN: “New York City ballet dancer Nina (Natalie Portman) enters into an intense battle of wills with a talented and ambitious new arrival (Mila Kunis) who seems intent on edging her out of the spotlight in this supernatural-flavored psychological thriller from director Darren Aronofsky.” (Jason Buchanon, All Movie Guide) **Nominated for 4 Golden Globe Awards Including Best Picture** For the official site, visit – http://www.ijustwanttobeperfect.com/

Synopsis for TAMARA DREWE: “Tamara Drewe (Gemma Arterton) was born and raised in Ewedown, a quiet community on the outskirts of London dominated by a writer’s colony run by Nicholas Hardiment (Roger Allam), a best-selling novelist who specializes in crime fiction, and his wife Beth (Tamsin Greig). When Tamara left Ewedown, she was a plain and awkward teenager, but when she returns home for the first time in years, the locals are surprised to discover that time (and a nose job) have turned her into an attractive and alluring woman, and she’Tamara Drewe was adapted from the graphic novel of the same name by Posy Simmonds, which was in turn inspired by Thomas Hardy’s novel Far From the Madding Crowd.” (Mark Deming, All Movie Guide) For the official site, visit – http://sonyclassics.com/tamaradrewe/

The Children’s Holiday Film Series is about to wrap up! Films are FREE for children 12 and under…and only $2 for adults. This week’s selection is based on the classic book by Dr. Seuss!
Dec. 18 at Noon – THE GRINCH (starring Jim Carrey)

We have a special treat for those of you looking to give NEON gift certificates this holiday season. For every $50 of gift certificates you purchase, you will receive a free bag of Candy Cane Granola. This delicious, locally made snack was recently sampled by the staff…and quickly became a favorite. Loaded with peppermint schnapps, white chocolate, dried cranberries and almonds, you might end up keeping this treat for yourself.

Lastly, I want to remind you about 2011 calendars from The Rubi Girls. Calendars are available in our lobby for $20 each – 100% of which goes to local charities. If you’d like to see a little video I put together about the calendar, click on this LINK . If you want to know more about The Rubi Girls, visit www.rubigirls.com.

We hope to see you very soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for December 17 – December 23:

BLACK SWAN (R) 1 Hr 48 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

THE GIRL WHO KICKED THE HORNET’S NEST (R) 2 Hr 27 Min
Friday – Thursday: 4:15, 7:00

TAMARA DREWE (R) 1 Hr 51 Min
Friday – Thursday: 2:00, 9:45

THE GRINCH (PG) 1 Hr 37 Min
Saturday: 12:00 (noon)

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.

Dec. 25 THE KING’S SPEECH
Jan. 14 MADE IN DAGENHAM
Feb. 4 THE ILLUSIONIST & ANOTHER YEAR
TBD: RABBIT HOLE & SOMEWHERE

Dayton Ohio

Cait Doyle Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”

presented by Encore Theater Co. & Sinclair Theatre

One Night Only! Win Tickets! Read on…

Win Free Tickets!

HERE WITH ME:

CHRISTIAN DUHAMEL LIVE IN CONCERT

The Neon Movies & The Human Race Theatre Company

Regional Premiere!

Tickets & Performance Information:

Dayton Theatre Guild

Neil LaBute’s dark comedy premieres at downtown theatre.

Tickets & Performance Information:

9 to 5: The Musical

presented by the Victoria Theatre Association

Victoria Theatre Association

Win tickets to this show! Read on…

“it shines! Dolly Parton’s songs are bouncy, big hearted, fresh & original. If you’re looking for a diversion, 9 to 5 will do the trick from 8 to 10:15!” ~ The Daily News

Tickets & Performance Information:

Win Free Tickets!

Into The Woods

Win tickets to this show! Read on…

Tickets & Performance Information:

Win Free Tickets!

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”