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Change in Dayton is happening!

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Downtown Dayton

Things in Dayton are looking up. Hiring, although slowly, is on the rise (New jobs, tax revenues show region stabilizing, Dayton Daily News, March 25, 2011). Home ownership is up. Nightlife downtown, particularly in areas like the Oregon District, is lively and vibrant. These small yet noticeable changes are the direct result of the individual and collective efforts of many people who, despite the sluggish economy, believe in the potential of Dayton; those people are working to launch business and social initiatives that revitalize neighborhoods, spur economic growth and keep people in Dayton.  Updayton is one of those groups.

On Friday, April 15th at the Dayton Convention Center, updayton will host its 2011 Young Creative’s Summit sponsored by SOCHE.  From 3 pm to 6 pm, hundreds of young professionals will convene to discuss and problem-solve critical issues like diversity and employment. Immediately following is an attendees-only after party and networking event at the nearby Excelsior Lofts with food and beverage provided Brixx and Bonbright Distributors.

One of the of largest civic engagement events in the area, updayton began hosting this event in 2009, to engage young professionals in generating ideas and implementing solutions for Dayton. In the last two years, these Summits have produced a number of projects led by young professionals that have attributed to some of the changes happening in Dayton.

If you have never been, you still have time to be a part of this year’s summit. Registration is $15 ($5 for students). More details and registration can be found at www.updayton.com. Change happens here!

Additional sponsors of the Summit include: CareSource, Channel 945 FM, City of Dayton, CreativeFuse, Dayton City Paper, Dayton CW, Dayton Business Journal, Dayton Development Coalition, The Dayton Foundation, DaytonMostMetro.com, Dayton Weekly News, KeyBank, Standard Register, Teradata, University of Dayton’s Fitz Center for Leadership and Community and Vectren.

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

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

Rainbow Bricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Bill W. and Dr. Bob

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Bill W & Dr. Bob: DPH

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

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

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

Joseph: PHS

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

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

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Pinkalicious!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Photo Credit: Mike Long

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

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Encore Theater Company: Summer Mainstage Season

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

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Avenue Q

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

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

~KN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Activated Spaces has three main goals:

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

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

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

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

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

Street Level Team

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

Activate Spaces Team

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

Open for Business Team

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

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

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


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

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

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

Looking forward: Opportunities in the Dayton real estate market for 2011

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“Sometimes we stare so long at a door that is closing that we see too late the one that is open.” -Alexander Graham Bell

By now we are all aware that the foreclosure crisis is many layers deep, touches every person in America, and the impact will be felt for at least a few generations. The stories of those most affected by foreclosure are frequently discussed in any news medium you care to look. But there’s another story out there and it’s just as important to tell. There are new and beneficial real estate opportunities that have suddenly presented themselves to those people who have decided to move beyond fear and look at Dayton Ohio real estate with new eyes. I’d like to share a few of those stories.

Did you ever see the video of the baby elephant who gets stuck in the watering hole? The baby needs help, the mama needs help, the extended family works together to get this baby unstuck. Most mothers will tell you that once you become a mother, all children are your children. Your kid’s friends are extended family, and that was the situation with recent buyers.

Brick ranch home in Enon OhioTheir daughter’s friend had become family and needed a place to live. The buyers- middle class folks who lived in a modest 3 bdrm, 1 bath brick ranch home in Clark County- were in a position to help. It was good timing for them. They saw a need, saw the opportunity, figured out a way to make it work. They looked at several homes, made a few low ball offers, and we found a seller who was willing to negotiate. They purchased an outdated property for cash, fixed it up, and are now renting it to the friend. A simple business transaction? On paper, yes. But emotionally, this was an extremely satisfying transaction for everyone involved, including the seller. The property was an estate sale, so there was a lot of emotion involved from the seller’s side as well, and they were very happy to know how the property was going to be cared for.

I’m seeing more parents purchasing homes for their kids. Lower home prices mean that the parents, who often have more cash, have better credit, and have the skills and ability to take a distressed property and renovate it, can do that for their extended families, and that’s good, but there’s more to this story because the other thing that’s happening is that it’s creating some continuity in the Dayton area. Young families are putting down roots.

This is happening across economic lines. Cash buyers are looking in neighborhoods that were once neglected. You HUD owned home in Daytoncan buy a big home in the Dayton area for under $15,000 and absentee owners are getting some competition from Dayton area families who want to own a home but can only pay cash.

I have a client who lost a good job. He has access to cash, and has become an attentive landlord, using real estate to provide income for his family. One of his purchases was located around the corner from his home, it’s a short sale that he is now renting back to the previous owners. In this transaction, everyone made the most of a difficult situation. Local people are becoming conscientious landlords; renting to their own children, or are purchasing property in their own communities. This can create a vested interest in making sure that rental property is maintained and cared for. Not only does the landlord benefit, but neighborhoods and communities can benefit from this as well.

First time home buyers are another buyer niche that can create wealth through real estate even in this market. This is not the same wealth that the market sustained prior to 2007, this is slow, steady and purposeful planning by using low interest rates to purchase very specific investment properties in just the right locations, in order to create another stream of income for these younger home buyers.

I don’t know what the long term effect of the upheaval and resulting change in attitudes and opportunities will be, but in the short term it means that there are families moving into neighborhoods that need the stabilization families often bring. It means Dayton can have communities in which there are renters and landlords who have ties to each other and to the neighborhoods in which they live. Each of my clients has taken a crisis and found the positive opportunities available. There is no denying that doors have closed to many people, and I’m not here to proclaim the old Realtor’s saw about “This is a great time to buy!” because obviously that’s not the case for many people, but, every change and challenge bring an opportunity for someone, and right now there are plenty of doors that have just been thrown wide open for a whole new group of people; doors could have only opened in a real estate market like Dayton, circa 2011.

An Emerging ‘Hot Mess’ Comes To Town

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Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Saturday, February 12, 2011

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.

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 - EncoreTheaterCompany.comDoyle, 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's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCait 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?

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCD: 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?

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCD: 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?

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCD: 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?

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCD: 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?

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCD: 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?

Cait Doyle's HOT MESS IN MANHATTAN - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCD: 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 - Sat. Feb. 12, 2011 EncoreTheaterCompany.comCait 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.

In the Company of Helen

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Dayton Theatre Guild presents Neil LaBute's FAT PIT - February 11-27, 2011FAT 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 of FAT PIG

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.

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

Dayton Theatre GuildNeil 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

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

The Ice Of Wrath

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Dear You...Wish You Were Here!

Premise of column…the abridged version: The theory behind this column is that, unlike most advice columns, I will not be dispensing advice. I have more issues than a magazine stand, so I feel that it would be rather disingenuous (as well as mildly dangerous) for me to offer anyone advice. So what I am doing is offering up my problems to you, the constant reader, so that you may share with me, and the world at large, your sage advice and wisdom. Who knows? You may even actually help me with one of my problems or even become the next Dr. Phil, which would entail an outpatient surgical procedure to have you welded to the megalomaniacal monster that is Oprah Winfrey’s ego.

Well, my debut column kind of went astray rather quickly. I began it with all good intentions, but that damned dog was just preying on my mind, so there wasn’t too much in the way of advice that anyone could offer beside “train it,” “give it away” or “play fetch with it on the roof of Kettering Tower.” This column, I assure you, will give you an opportunity to not so much give advice, but lecture me about what kind of horrible person I am.

There is nothing like a good ice storm to bring things into perspective. As evening draws night and I see the steel grey daylight fade from the vines hanging off my office’s window (the vines I meant to remove this past summer before they manage to pull the window out of it’s frame). I ponder the imponderables, such as what color does a Smurf turn if you choke him, how does the guy that runs the snow plow get to work and, while watching back to back reruns of Full House, how did two bug eyed girls, who resembled my vision of what trolls must look like, turn into two skanky globe trotting trollops in such a short time? I never seek the answers to these questions as then they would cease being imponderable and I would have nothing to do while sitting in my house, snowed in.

From Innocent Gremlins To International Slut-Butts

Another thought flits through my head as I sit here with three kids annoying the living crap out of me, the youngest talking while I am trying to write, the middle one going through all the drawers in my office, borrowing whatever his little adolescent fingers fall on…without asking, of course. The third kid isn’t even mine, but one of my older son’s friends. He just stands there laughing like a mook, knowing that his mere presence makes me yearn for a time when adults were allowed to clout a kid upside the head for irritating them. The thought that careens through my cranium is, “How many people who espouse the wonders and sanctity of family have actually been forced into close quarters with them?” I don’t think they ever have. They are too busy making speeches across the country, dictating their familial beliefs to others, then going back to a Holiday Inn, getting room service and then settling down for an evening of in-room porn.

Careful With That Axe Eugene

I believe that most people who are trapped with their family all day turn into Jack Nicolson’s character from the Shining before Oprah even airs in the afternoon. There are only so many times that your better half can pop awake from their almost continuous catnap to berate you for not spending enough time with them (and then dropping back into a blessed catatonia) before your thoughts cast themselves towards the garage, wondering where you put the axe this past fall and was it sharp enough?

I love my family. My kids are the absolute beginning and end for me and I would do anything for them…except watch four hours of mind melting Japanimation cartoons while my eleven year old does color commentary. It’s not that I don’t like spending time with them…but dear God, small doses please! My kids and I have a great time when we are out and about, but that is when I am safe in the knowledge that sometime soon, they will go back to school, allowing me to sit in my office, lulled by the sounds of silence as I look up at pictures of them…pictures that don’t ask questions like, “Can a Jedi lightsaber cut through Superman?”

Do you have a spouse that begs you to stop working and sit down with her to watch some television…and then proceeds to flip back and forth between RuPaul’s Drag Race and Bizarre Foods until you get confused and start wondering which thing fluttering by on the screen would be worse to have in your mouth? She single handedly will turn your television into a RGB colored strobe light if you give her the controller. Either that or you’ll be locked onto the TLC or the Oxygen network watching some graphic retelling of some “based on a true story” made for TV movie that makes you consider how lucky Hellen Keller was.

Perhaps the problem lies with me. I have always been somewhat of a loner and not really able to relate to people, so maybe I should be able to open myself up to the experience of domesticated living. I should embrace the Snuggie and kick back in the Laz-E-Boy, quaffing down a six pack of beer while watching and laughing through the American Idol audition shows…

Who Could Be A Meaner To A Face Like That?

…see? I can’t write more than a sentence on certain subjects without seeming to be a mean spirited, smarmy a-hole. It’s not that I dislike my family. It’s just that I believe there should be a separation, like there is between Creationism and logic. For example, in the short time that I have been writing this, my kids have interrupted me innumerable times and my wife has been in here three times. Once to use my lighter, even though her lighter was concealed in her other hand. The second time was to…I’m not making this up…talk to me about our relationship because she feels that I need to spend more time with her. The third time was so she could have me look up how to make hand made soap which, while an admirable aspiration and hobby, she only seems interested in because I am on the computer. This has been interspersed with random yelling matches between the kids and her and her and the kids, peppered with random observations yelled out to no one in particular.

Now that the ice is melting away, everyone is breathing easier, knowing that, if worse comes to worse, they can run screaming from the house if the youngest child wants to play charades for the millionth time (a game which, after having the instructions told to him a billion times, he still cannot truly grasp) or if their mom wants to go into one of her long winded stories about her youth, stories which a.) have no end or meaning and b.) grow in breadth and depth exponentially with each telling. As I sit here at the computer as my wife begins a tirade about missing hair ties, I wonder if it’s the forced confinement that creates these feelings or if society has played up the importance of “family time” so much so that you feel guilty if all you want to do is have a moment of silence and eschew yet another discussion with your children about how is it possible for a squirrel to live in Bikini Bottom with Spongebob…a discussion that invariably ends with me screaming, “Because it’s f#$%ing cartoon!” and my son throwing something at me and calling me a meaner.

So, I guess what the question is, buried within this convoluted rant, is how do you balance family time and personal time? What is the basis for time spent with the family/children/spouses? Is it based on the factor of quality or quantity?

Present Mirth Hath Present Laughter

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Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT - presented by The Human Race Theatre Co. - January 28 - February 13Twelfth Night

The Human Race Theatre Co.

What is love? ’tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What’s to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies no plenty;
Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth’s a stuff will not endure.

Seize the day. Enjoy the moment. Youth won’t last. Carpe Diem.

Aaron Vega has a vision. Take the bard’s classic comedy, Twelfth Night (orginally set in ancient Illyria) and plop it into an American / Jazz Age / F. Scott Fitzgeraldean setting. Cool.

Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT - presented by The Human Race Theatre Co. - Jan. 28-Feb. 13 - Photo by Scott J. KimminsYou gotta be creative and have some guts to do something like that, no? Well Vega is and does! At 28, Aaron Vega (recognizable to most WSU & Loft Theatre audiences from his appearances on-stage) now holds the record as the youngest director of a production in The Human Race Theatre Company’s history.

The show, one of Shakespeare’s classic comedies, was written in 1601. It earns it’s name from the 12th night after Christmas Day, referred to as the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany in the Catholic faith.  In Shakespeare’s time, however, this 12th night had become quite the uproarious occasion, and the Bard felt compelled to contribute an evening’s entertainment to the frivolity.  What better contribution to the revelry than a plot featuring shipwrecks, misguided romance, mistaken identity, merry pranksters, and, (of course) cross-dressing.

“if music be the food of love, play on.”

Don’t expect to hear lutes or panpipes accompanying this production, instead  a wide range of music from the 1920’s, from Gershwin to Fats Waller.  Additional music has been composed by WSU grad Christian Duhamel, who also appears on stage as Feste, the clown.

onStageDayton questioned Vega about his unique vision for the production & his first experience directing in the Loft.

onStageDayton: What was your goal in setting this production in 1920’s Jazz-Age America instead of the original Ancient Illyria?

Aaron Vega & Claire Kennedy in Lend Me A Tenor at The Human Race Theatre Company - Photo by Scott J. Kimmins

Aaron Vega & Claire Kennedy in 2009's Lend Me A Tenor

Aaron Vega: Playing it in the ‘20s will help tell the story to a modern audience. The poetry of Shakespeare can be a hurdle for some audience members who aren’t used to it, so placing the story into a time-period that we all have at least a vague visual knowledge that helps people relax and enjoy the beautiful story. That being said, most people that have never seen or heard Shakespeare except in a high school English class, will find themselves pleasantly suprised at how much they will understand the poetry of the language.

OSD: By moving the plot into a more modern setting, what kinds of problems did this present to you and your actors? What creative freedom did it provide?

Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT - presented by The Human Race Theatre Co. - Jan. 28-Feb. 13 - Photo by Scott J. KimminsAV: The question I asked was, “does this help or hinder the story?” We’ve all heard about Shakespeare shows that have been placed in settings that don’t make any sense. HAMLET set in space springs to mind as an example. It was a fairly logical step to set it in the ’20’s because of all the rich history in this country at the time. Women’s suffrage, prohabition, jazz, etc. I knew we were onto something when the actors started coming to me with ideas about their characters based on the period AND supported by the text. It helped us go further and deeper with a play that can sometimes be played just for laughs.

OSD: Do you think that your choice to change the time and place of Twelfth Night might make the show more appealing to an audience that might normally not choose to attend a Shakespearian production?

AV: Yes. Yes. Yes. But again, give the play 8 minutes and then you’ll really be shocked at how much ANYONE can enjoy the language. The story is so accessible and there are so many characters, that everyone watching will be able to connect to at least one of the characters on stage. The actors and I have worked very hard to make sure that the play remains human. All of the relationships, character’s intentions or plots-even clowning-say human. It’s really been quite lovely to watch. The setting only amplifies that. It’s easier for me, as an audience member, to feel connected to a character if they’re dressed at least a bit like me. The second you put someone in poofy pants, and poofy shirts, even I get turned off.

OSD: This is your first directing gig with The Human Race and you are the youngest director in the history of the company–What has this experience been like for you? Following in the footsteps of great local directors such as Kevin Moore, Scott Stoney and Marsha Hanna, did you ever find yourself questioning your creative decisions throughout the process?

Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT - presented by The Human Race Theatre Co. - Jan. 28-Feb. 13 - Photo by Scott J. KimminsAV: It’s been a joy and an honor. I’ve questioned a few decisions early on but I had Marsha Hanna and Kevin asking the tough questions and making sure that I was as specific as I needed to be. They’ve been incredibly gracious and supportive. The other side of the story is that there is a larger staff at The Human Race Theatre Company, in their office and scene shop (where they build all of their beautiful sets), who have also been tremendously supportive. It’s nice to know that there are theatre companies in this country who are still dedicated to local audiences and telling a beautiful stories on the stage. My wife and I live in New York City and the amount of work has been getting smaller and smaller due to the economy and theaters closing their doors. The fact that a professional theatre company with such a good national reputation is still willing to produce the classics AND call Dayton, Ohio it’s home is truly inspiring. That is all because of people like the staff at the Human Race and specifically their leadership in Kevin Moore and the late Marsha Hanna.

OSD: Now that the show is about to open, what excites (or terrifies) you most about preparing for audiences to see this new version of classic Shakespeare?

AV: The actor’s dedication to the humanity of the characters is what keeps inspiring me. My dream is that people in the Miami Valley will choose live theatre as an entertainment option in a world that is becoming increasingly more disconnected. The Human Race Theatre Company at The Loft Theatre is Dayton’s opportunity to directly engage in their community and have a collective experience with other people from the area. It’s also fairly inexpensive and a wonderful way to enjoy their day. They’ll remember the play for the rest of their lives. Can any of us say that about the last TV show we watched?


Marsha Hanna ~ 1951 - 2011

Marsha Hanna

Twelfth Night is the fourth production of the 2010-2011 Eichelberger Loft Season of The Human Race. It will be the first Human Race production in more than 20 years without Artistic Director Marsha Hanna, who died January 3 of complications from esophageal cancer.

The cast of Twelfth Night is a result of local and national auditioning, including many members with local ties. It includes two Human Race Resident Artists, Tim Lile as Sir Toby Belch and Scott Stoney as Malvolio. Vega’s wife, Claire Kennedy (Lend Me a Tenor, A Christmas Carol), plays Viola, whose disguise as a man sets off the play’s events.  Another WSU alum, Sara Mackie (Green Gables) plays Olivia.

Shakespeare's TWELFTH NIGHT - presented by The Human Race Theatre Co. - Jan. 28-Feb. 13 - Photo by Scott J. Kimmins

Yellow Springs native Kevin Malarkey, a UC College-Conservatory of Music senior, is Valentine. Matthew Moore of Cedarville plays the Captain and Antonio. David Dortch, a veteran of Blue Jacket, plays Orsino.

Jennifer Johansen of Indianapolis (A Christmas Carol, Romeo and Juliet) is Maria. Josh Stamoolis, longtime Cincinnati Shakespeare resident performer, is Sir Andrew Aguecheek. And Justin Flagg, from the Royal Scottish Academy via New York, is Sebastian.

Behind the scenes, Dick Block designed the set, Lowell A. Mathwich the costumes, Rich Dionne the sound, Resident Artist John Rensel the lighting. Heather Jackson is the production stage manager, Scott Kimmins the Technical Director, with Heather Powell on props, Andrew Ian Adams on wardrobe and Nathan Dean on sound.

Photos by Scott J. Kimmins

-SA/Human Race Theatre Co. Press Release

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

http://www.humanracetheatre.org/TWELFTH NIGHT (January 28 – February 13 at The Loft Theatre, various performance times).

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

A Cup of Ambition…at the Schuster Center

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9 to 5 - the musical ~ February 1-6, 2011 at the Schuster Center ~ present by Victoria Theatre Association9 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.

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

9 to 5 - the musical ~ February 1-6, 2011 at the Schuster Center ~ present by Victoria Theatre Association2009 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 ~ February 1-6, 2011 at the Schuster Center ~ present by Victoria Theatre Association9 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.

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

“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.

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

s-y-n-e-r-g-y and spelling

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The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

Dayton Playhouse: Spelling Bee

"Spelling Bee" cast. Photo credit: John Gebhardt

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Win Tickets to this show…Read on!

“Trespass. T – R – E – S…” Nine years old and fourth speller left, I paused. Were there one or two s’s in the middle? I guessed two, and with the disheartening ding of the buzzer, my chance at spelling stardom disappeared. Since then, I’ve never forgotten how to spell ‘trespass,’ or been in another bee. However, in Dayton Playhouse’s upcoming production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, we can all relive those childhood competitions… some of us, even onstage with the actors.

s-y-n-o-p-s-i-s

According to the show’s official website, this “hilarious tale of overachievers’ angst chronicles the experiences of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime.” Each student is eclectic and unique, from the youngest but politically aware Logainne SchwartzandGrubenniere (overseen by her overbearing, gay fathers), to the linguistic, obsessively confident, not-allowed-to-cry Marcy Park (Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, anyone?) to the pubescent (inopportunely so…) Chip Tolentino.

Dayton Playhouse: Spelling Bee

Bobby Mitchum as Chip Tolentino; photo credit John Gebhardt

p-r-e-c-o-c-i-o-u-s

The adults in charge are equally diverse and have barely managed to escape childhood themselves. The result is a quirky and hilarious story “filled with jubilant music, humor, and heart.”

Cast member Corinne Derusha, who plays host Rona Lisa Peretti, observed,

“Spelling Bee isn’t meant to be performed by kids [it’s aimed to be performed by adults portraying children] but with the range of ages and experiences [of our cast], it takes the audience away from that one aspect and focuses more on the characters we have created.”

d-i-d-a-c-t-i-c

This unique portrayal of children by adults is, according to director Natalie Houliston, “very revealing, [bringing] a new life and light to the struggle of the human condition.”

Dayton Playhouse: Spelling Bee

"Spelling Bee" cast; photo credit John Gebhardt

The characters are not the only spellers in this fictitious bee. Prior to the show, audience members can sign up with Vice Principle Panch and Rona to be considered for one of four audience speller roles. Don’t let this b-e-l-e-a-g-u-e-r you, though – these spellers don’t have to be amazing, merely willing to sit onstage and try their best!

p-a-r-t-i-c-i-p-a-n-t

The cast members have enjoyed working on this production. Derusha in particular loves the music:  “[it] is brilliant. And singing it every day has been a treat. I’m going to be sad when it’s over.” Each of the cast members with which I spoke also praised the show’s direction as both professional and familial.

Charity Farrell, who plays Marcy, said,

“Natalie has been incredible to work with… she is completely open to any ideas we might have – in fact, every single suggestion that anyone has thrown out from the beginning has been answered with, ‘I’d be willing to see that!’”

Especially for a show about a student experience, that spirit of collaboration is perfect. But, this attitude has not come at the expense of quality and a clear vision, but rather alongside and promoting them.

Dayton Playhouse: Spelling Bee

Charity Farrell as Marcy Park; photo credit John Gebhardt

r-a-p-p-o-r-t

The cast shares this perspective : Errik Hood, vocal director and Vice-President Panch, said,  “The entire cast showed up to the first rehearsal with great voices, but the truly special thing about each of them was their willingness and ability to try new ideas, experiment with new vocal colors and approaches, and to dramatically motivate each musical choice– making the singing an organic manifestation of the character instead of a superimposed or conflicting idea.”

That combination of synergy, creativity, and leadership, along with a s-t-e-l-l-a-r cast of s-p-e-l-l-e-r-s, makes Dayton Playhouse’s production of The 25th Annual Spelling Bee a show Dayton audiences shouldn’t miss.

Performance Information

p-a-i-d-e-i-a (a compendium of general education)

Who: Complete cast – Corinne Derusha, Errik M. Hood, Lindsay Sherman, Charity Farrell, Bobby Mitchum, Matthew Smith, David Thomas, David Stone, and Hannah Berry. Directed by Natalie Houliston, with musical and vocal direction from Joe Whatley and Errik Hood, choreography by Erica Hamilton, lights by John Findley, sound by Tony Fende, costumes by Eric Winslow, and stage management by Cami Brewer.

When: January 28 through February 13; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm.

Where: 1301 Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton.

Warning: Parents strongly cautioned: “…Spelling Bee” contains strong language, adult jokes, and mature themes. Not recommended for children under 13.

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.org or call the box office at (937) 424-8477.

Win Free Tickets!

The Dayton Playhouse & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to Spelling Bee!  We will be giving away up to FOUR pairs of tickets for the show! All you need to do is:

  • Share this article on Facebook or Twitter…just click the appropriate button at the top of this page (We’ll give away one pair of tickets for every TEN FB/Twitter Shares).
  • Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
  • Leave a comment, answering the following question…WHAT COMMONLY USED WORD ALWAYS TRIPS YOU UP WHEN YOU TYPE IT?  You know…”D-E-S-S-E-R-T or D-E-S-E-R-T?”
  • The deadline to enter is NOON on FRIDAY, January 28th.
  • Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.

Contest Closed 1/28/2011 at Noon

One Year To A Better Neighborhood

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Before Dayton had “Originals”, we were a “City of Neighbors”. I’m not sure when we stopped being so neighborly, but one of the things I hear from buyers is that they want to live in a neighborhood where residents really know each other. They want a sense of community and camaraderie. People don’t just buy a home, they buy into a neighborhood and they want to know that not only are there are people within shouting distance who’ve got their back, they want to find a neighborhood where their own presence is felt and appreciated. Not all neighborhoods come with a ready-made sense of community so maybe it’s up to you to be the change.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to make a plan for your community, so I’m offering some ideas for becoming a stronger neighborhood. One for each month, these are generic, easy, simple- a spring board for what might work in your own community, but hopefully they will get you started. If you have kids, your job is easy. Kids are natural neighbors who use the block as a playground and every new person is a potential friend, whereas adults use the home as a refuge. Fight the urge to shut the door against strangers in your own neighborhood. There’s a difference between being friendly and being nosy and very few people in your neighborhood will complain about the former.

January: Hire a kid.
We get snow in January, and believe me, there is a teenager in your neighborhood who would love to make some money shoveling snow. Hire them. Hire them! Set your expectations high and hold that kid to those expectations, but hire the kid, and hire them to shovel your elderly neighbor’s driveway as well. Don’t make the 3-foot-nothing kindergartners on the block trudge through 5 inches of snow.

February: Take a walk.
There are usually a few days in February where the weather breaks. Get out of the house and take a look around. Notice which neighbors are gardeners and who likes landscaping. Where is the neglect in the neighborhood? Is there a need there that can be filled? Wave hello. In the car, on the sidewalk, across the street- wave hello. Acknowledge that you recognize that you are sharing space with your neighbor and 95% of the people you wave to, will wave back. Who knows? They may even smile. 🙂

March: Clean up your yard.
March winds mean a lot of flotsam and jetsam starts blowing around the neighborhood. Clean it up, your mom doesn’t live there. When you walk, take a bag with you and pick up the garbage you see. I know you didn’t put it there, but you live there, and trust me when I tell you that your neighbors will notice and will start to take pride in their neighborhood, too.

April: Meet the gardeners.
Someone in your neighborhood is a horticulturist by passion. Because you’ve been out walking and paying attention, you’ll know who they are. Early weekend mornings, go meet them. Walk past, say hello, compliment their yard, get their advice, find out where they shop for plants and how they treat their soil. If you don’t care for plantings, perhaps you can find the best lawn in the neighborhood and talk to them. These people are regularly outside, they know what is going on in the neighborhood. They are clued into the community same as the house with all the kids. Get to know these people. If you have the opportunity to start a community garden, do it!

May: Neighborhood Open House.
The historic districts in Dayton do these on a regular basis, but why not your neighborhood? Contact the Realtors who have listings in the neighborhood and get this started. My guess is that any Realtor worth her salt would jump on this idea in a heartbeat and do a lot of the heavy lifting for you. It’s a great way to spruce things up, show off the community, and bring people into the neighborhood.

June: A neighborhood cookout or block party.
Pot luck, casual, bring the kids, keep it outside. Easy does it. Invite local police if that would be helpful, appropriate, and productive.

July: Exterior updates to the house.
Attitudes are contagious. Painting the shutters, or replacing windows, or a new roof will get your neighbors out of their homes to talk about it with you, and you will soon see improvements to their homes as well. Very few people want to live in the worse home on the block, and some blocks simply need one or two home owners to decide that the neighborhood is worth it, before that attitude becomes the norm. If you don’t have a front porch, create the feeling of one and use it on summer evenings.

August: Back to school.
Go to a school board meeting. I’m not sure what affects property values like the local school system. That means you have to know what is going on and you have to hold your elected board members accountable. It’s okay to be the PITA citizen who expects results.

September: Fall Pot Luck.
One last chance to get outside together while the weather is warm. There will be a lot of changes to talk about: Neighbors who have come and gone; a neighbor who is in need; the roads or sidewalks in disrepair; which home is in foreclosure and do you take on maintenance for the vacant property?

October: Trick or Treat.
Beggar’s Night is a great time to get to know your neighbors, don’t turn off the lights and hide in the dark. The younger kids will be out early so buy enough candy for the first hour or half hour and get to know the families in the neighborhood, if you haven’t already.

November: Leaf raking.
Raking, not blowing. Raking leaves invites the neighbors to stop and chat with you, while a leaf blower is a noisy apparatus that repels your neighbors. Rake your leaves and skip the trip to the gym.

December: Share with your neighbors.
Self-explanatory.

There you have it. A painless way to get to know your neighbors. Each neighbor has something unique to bring to the neighborhood, and not everyone will be receptive to participation. Respect those differences, but find a way to build on them, and you’ve got the beginnings of a vibrant, growing community.

Okay, I’ve shared my ideas- let’s hear from you all. What makes your neighborhood such a great place to live and how do you create a sense of community?

Photo courtesy of TLussier

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 01/13 – 01/26

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Muse Machine: Into the Woods

Muse Machine: Into the Woods / Photo Credit: Muse Machine

Thursday, January 13, 2011 – Wednesday, January 26, 2011

At tonight’s rehearsal for the show I’m stage managing, we ran Act I in its entirety for the first time. Sitting with my prompt book and taking notes, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful at the way this collection of scenes and songs we’ve been working on since November, in some small way at least, is becoming a show. It’s exciting, but also intimidating. Somehow it’s 2011 already, time to start meeting those resolutions and accomplishing things. The holidays are over and things we began last year, when 2011 seemed some part of the future, are now part of the present. Some days I feel like life is moving too quickly, and it’s all I can do just to keep up.

But, the shows in Dayton these next few weeks seem perfect for how I’ve been feeling already. From the comedy to the mystery, I think the theatres have hit the vast spread of emotions that come with the new year, and that’s true for other people and situations. So, you should join me in catching one of these shows over the next two weeks – or, if you’re in the mood for a little something more, audition for one of them yourself.

ANOTHER OPENIN’, ANOTHER SHOW

…Shows Opening Soon

I Hate Hamlet

PLAYHOUSE SOUTHPHS: I Hate Hamlet

The Story: In this dramatic comedy, television actor Andrew Rally is struggling in his professional and private lives, attempting to play the role of Hamlet (which he hates) and deal with his girlfriend’s unrelenting chasteness. The dilemma deepens when the ghost of John Barrymore appears to try to convince Andrew to persevere in the role… while an old deal-making friend suddenly offers Andrew the chance at a new television deal.

Dates: January 21 – 23, 28 – 29, 2011

Tickets: 888-262-3792

More Information: Playhouse South

…Shows Closing Soon

Into the Woods

Muse: Into the Woods

Students rehearse for Into the Woods (photo credit Muse Machine).

MUSE MACHINE

The Story: After a Witch curses a Baker and his wife with childlessness, the couple embarks on a quest for special objects from classic fairy tales to break the spell, stealing from and lying to Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel, and Jack (of beanstalk fame). But the characters didn’t count on the consequences of their actions or the disasters that would ensue…

Dates: January 13 – 16, 2011

Tickets:(937) 228-3630 or Ticket Center Stage: Muse Machine

More Information: Muse Machine: Into the Woods, DMM Feature, DMM Event

Ravenscroft

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: In this comedy about deception and the nature of truth, DTG: Ravenscroftwhen Inspector Ruffing is called to a remote English county manor house to investigate the death of Patrick Roarke, he becomes involved in the lives of five alluring and dangerous women who lead him through an evening of contradictory versions of Patrick’s demise, including ghosts, skeletons, and much more than he bargained for. (DTG)

Dates: January 7 – 23, 2011

Tickets: 937-278-5993 or DTG Box Office

More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild: Ravenscroft, DMM Review, DMM Event

PART OF IT ALL

…Auditions and Casting Calls

Titus Andronicus

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Auditions: January 17 & 18, 2011, 7:00 pm

Performances: April 14 – 23, 2011

The Story: In this intense Shakespearean classic, Roman war general Titus Andronicus has just returned from battle to find all but four of his twenty sons dead; his ritual sacrifice of the sons of Tamora, Queen of the Goths, earns him her despise and promise of revenge. What follows is an insane struggle of power and betrayal in this gritty tragedy.

Directed by Larry Coressel

More Information: Springfield StageWorks: Auditions

Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Auditions: January 24 & 25, 2011; callbacks January 26

Performances: March 25 – April 9, 2011

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

Directed by Jennifer Skudlarek

More Information: Playhouse South

ONE SHORT DAY

…Special Events for the Theatrically Minded

3 Mo’ Divas

3 Mo' Divas

3 Mo' Divas (Photo Credit Douglas Brown, 2008)

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION – SCHUSTER CENTER

The Basics: According to VTA, “Delivering ten musical styles spanning 200 years in one evening, these three ladies–all classically trained vocalists–will raise the roof with their class, sass and style! 3 Mo’ Divas is a one-night-only concert that delivers some stupendous genre-jumping feats, from opera to R&B, from Broadway to blues, from soul to gospel and more.”

Date: January 16, 2011

Tickets: Ticket Center Stage

More information: Victoria Theatre Association: 3 Mo’ Divas , 3 Mo’ Divas official website, DMM Event

I Wish. More Than Anything…

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The Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011Into 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.

The Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011Just 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 Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011The 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!”

The Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011Into 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.

The Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011“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):

The Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011Emmy 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:

The Muse Machine presents Into The Woods - January 13-16, 2011Into 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 Theater Of The Strange

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Comedian Dow Thomas Reminisces About The Dayton Comedy Scene

12/15/10

            It’s very rare for someone to be able to meet any of the people that were instrumental in warping the needle on their moral compass. For example, in the future, the odds are astronomically against my kids ever meeting up with Snooki, the creator of Grand Theft Auto or any or the Real Housewives of Poughkeepsie. I, however, was able to talk with one of the people who were instrumental in changing my vision and giving me the ability to see the world through laughing eyes: Dow Thomas. Dow is a musician, comedian and actor, who was, at one time, a script writer and musician for the notoriously wonderful local program shown on channel 22 and hosted by Dr. Creep called Shock Theater…a show that I was an avid fan of when I was a kid.

I was able to speak with Dow recently from his Floridahome. The first question I asked was whether or not Shock Theater was his introduction into the world of comedy.

“No. I was actually doing comedy in 1972, but at that time there weren’t any comedy clubs, so I was just doing comedy along with my music. I got with Dr. Creep in the late seventies when it was called Saturday Night Dead because they had him on after Saturday Night Live, so it was kind of a neat spot.” Dow reflected on the first time he was on Dr. Creep’s show, saying, “I wrote The Ballad of Dr. Creep and went on there with my girlfriend at the time, Astrid Socrates. I remember some of the early stuff. It was juvenile jokes and stuff, but that was what they (the television station) wanted because they wanted everything clean, stupid and quick.”

If there were no comedy clubs, what venues did he perform in? Dow told me that he would just play in the local bars, places like the Trolley Stop, The Bar and The Iron Boar.

“I would get hired as a musician/entertainer and just add in the comedy in between songs. I would always put on masks and stuff…I just can’t help myself from clowning around. I’d have the gig and eventually I had bands, but when I clowned around, everyone clowned around with me. What was always part of the show was me being stupid.” Dow said. “Sailcats was one of the early comedy songs I wrote which got people to throwing plates at me and that just started it all. We used to sing The Wonderful World of Toilet Paper and we used to TP all the clubs like Clancy’s and the old Wiley’s, which was The Iron Boar originally. But comedy was always a thing with me.”

Since this was predating the eighties comedy boom, I wondered how the comedy scene evolved inDayton. After talking with Dow over an hour, I got a sense of how paradoxically brutal and liberating the process was.

“I was doing The Iron Boar only on Sundays and Wiley had hired me to do it by myself and so I basically got rid of the band…but I still had jam sessions. I was primarily a single act and that’s when I went almost strictly comedy. Back then, I had to do five hours, like from nine to two in the morning, so you had to have a lot of material.” Dow added a couple of memories from the early days ofDaytoncomedy, saying, “We had a comedy night on Tuesdays…and people still bitched about the dollar door charge! It was just crazy. I remember D.L. Stewart came in and did a little bit one night and then wrote an article about the experience.”

Since he had seen the whole evolution of the comedy scene, I wondered whether he felt that it had become too rigid, too structured.

“Yeah…yeah I do. Back then I could have Emo Philips come in and do twenty minutes and then I’d get a chance to go to the bathroom. Then maybe Judy Tenuta would come in and do twenty to thirty minutes…and then I’d get a chance to go to the bathroom.” Dow related that, “For me, I thought it should go on all night because I had been out to the Comedy Store and all of these places. I mean, I had moved out toL.A.in 1983 and I spent a couple of years out there going to different clubs. Back then, nobody closed their bar after the show. A lot of times, we’d all be up doing improv.”

Dow was not a native resident of Dayton, having moved here to attend Wright State, but he quickly adopted the city as his own. He became a habitué of the Arcade, the local bars and the dinner clubs ofDayton. I asked when he had moved from Dayton to his current residence inFlorida.

“Uh…let’s see (yelling to his wife)…Kay! When did we move down here? What year was that? 1997.” Dow the related a funny anecdote. “After we moved, aDaytonnewspaper im

 

mediately voted me the funniest man inDayton…then they did it again the next year. They voted me the funniest man inDaytonfor two straight years and I wasn’t even living there!”

The paper in question used to be called The Dayton Voice…then Impact Weekly…and now it is known as the Dayton City Paper. Maybe we were just still pretending that our Uncle Dow hadn’t left our fair city.

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