Dayton

Researching (and worrying about) RTA

May 25, 2011 By Megan Cooper 1 Comment

Pop Quiz

The bus system in Dayton is:
A) Difficult to Navigate
B) Expensive
C) Dangerous
D) Limited in Area

Okay – time’s up! What’s the answer?

Well – I can tell you that I don’t know. But I’m going to find out! No gossip, no rumors – just my experiences exposed. If the bus late, dangerous, or annoying, I’m calling them out. But you’ll also know if the bus driver is helpful and if the routes are easy to navigate. I really don’t know what to expect, so you’ll know as I know.

As much as I’ve HEARD about taking the RTA (fodder for our lil’ pop quiz), most of the people who are talking don’t actually ride. And the people who do ride, don’t usually talk too much about it. So – I cornered my friend Jen who utilizes RTA as her main source of transportation and got her insights.

Well, mostly it works pretty well, if you’re staying in Dayton or close suburbs and if you’re traveling between 7 am and 6:30 pm weekdays. Traveling in the evening or weekends gets a lot trickier because bus frequency declines dramatically.

As far as bus clientele I rarely have problems. Occasionally the kids can be kind of loud, but most drivers will intervene if it’s excessive or if they’re being rude or crude. It’s usually a pretty friendly atmosphere. And if there is someone acting strangely, there are other people experiencing it with you which can be kind of fun.

Another benefit I found when I took the bus to work was that extra 15-20 minutes before I had to be fully engaged. When I was driving to work I needed to be awake and alert. Taking the bus let me work into my day more gradually.

So, as I get closer to launching my week without a car, I’m gathering all the info I can about how I’ll get around. The RTA Web site has been my “go to” for this purpose. In case you want to try a similar adventure, I’m going to clue you into my process in hopes it makes things easier for you.

It surprised me when I found how easy it is to buy passes and tokens around town. I figured I’d have to go to a transit center. It makes it a lot easier to know I can get a pass when I’m doing the grocery shopping and just hop on the bus when I’m ready to ride.

RTA offers bike racks (yay!), but if the bike rack is full, you can’t bring your bike on board, you have to wait for the next bus (boo!). Maybe every time I get on the bus there will be one or fewer people who are also riding a bike. We’ll see. But if I have to wait for another bus b/c I can’t get on with my bike I’ll be annoyed.

Along the lines of scheduling – I’m confident about the bus that will get me to work, but I’m a little concerned about the buses that will take me home after meetings, dinners, shows, and nights out. The RTA schedule shows that my ideal route home stops running after 6 PM. Now, I realize I CAN get home another way (as long as I’m leaving the city by 11:30 PM), but it takes some research and planning and more late-night walking that I would choose.

One of the complaints I’ve heard is that RTA is notoriously late. On-line, they offer an “On Time Service Guarantee,” but that just means they won’t be more than 30 minutes late. And if they are, they give you a free pass. Sorry, but if I’m more than 30 minutes late to some meetings, I could have burned some major bridges.

In getting ready for this adventure (finding my routes, etc), and I have to report that the RTA Web site is not as user friendly as it could be. There are great resources – maps and recommended routes – but the maps are small when you print them out. And the “trip planner” (which gives you times, bus numbers and route options) didn’t recognize the addresses I plugged in. I had to put the same location in 5 different ways to get the system to recognize where I was trying to go! That said, there are other ways to discover what you need and I’m now the proud owner of a few route map brochures that I’ll keep with me. (Which is laggardly of me, but since I don’t have a smart phone to check for new schedules, a handful of paper maps suits me just fine.)

Am I adding to the negative stigma by being worried before I even step foot on the bus? Maybe. Maybe that says something about human nature. Maybe I’m just a worrier (thanks for passing THAT trait along, mom). Or maybe that’s one of the reasons RTA is getting a bad rap in Dayton these days – we do a little online research and give up without even stepping up on the bus. Whatever it is – I’m a few days closer to saying good-bye to my friend the car. I’m excited and nervous.

If you have any recommendations for smart bus riding tips, let me know!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/rtagreen#p/u/3/_MZoy0s8Ifg’]

RTA has generously offered a few 7-day passes that DaytonMostMetro.com will be giving away as I chronicle my adventure. If you’re interested in giving it a shot yourself, you might just be able to win one! And if you want to have your say, RTA is soliciting feedback as they plan for the future – let them know what you need for mass transit.

The Best of Times

May 12, 2011 By Shane Anderson 3 Comments

La Cage aux Folles

Dayton Playhouse

Win tickets to this delightful show! Read on…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-SA/DB/DP Press Release

Photos by Bruce W. Brown.

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

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

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

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

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

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

Win Free Tickets!

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

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

Urban Nights: Proving Downtown Dayton Is Alive and Kicking

May 11, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It’s Alive! Downtown Storefronts In Action

May 3, 2011 By Marsha Pippenger 1 Comment

Pictured below is artist Carol Stoops at work on her Activated Space on North Main Street – next to Flying Pizza – one of many original works of art that will “come alive” on Friday May 6th.
Her work, “Celebrating Dayton” is part of the Activated Spaces projects sponsored by the Downtown Dayton Partnership as part of May’s First Friday festivities. Look for more of these lively works all over downtown this Friday. There’s fun in the hunt!
Enjoy Stoop’s contribution at 223 North Main next to Flying Pizza. More of Stoop’s vibrant paintings are available for sale at the Cannery Art and Design Center, 434 East Third Street. Downtown galleries, restaurants and activated spaces will be celebrating First Friday on May 6 from 5-10 pm.

Blackbird

April 20, 2011 By Shane Anderson Leave a Comment

Blackbird

Dayton Theatre Guild

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

David Harrower

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

Dramatists Play Service synopsizes the play as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-SA/DTG Press Release

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

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

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

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

Contains adult situations and language.

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

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

Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape

Change in Dayton is happening!

April 13, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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.

I Will Stay In Dayton If….

April 4, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 4 Comments

In a recent article on CNBC.com (March 23), Bert Sperling, known for his expertise on best places to live, eat and retire (just to name a few), shared some wonderful insight on where he sees Dayton in the near future. He comments that, “Dayton’s industrial heritage is transitioning to today’s new technologies;” he believes the City has all the right assets for an economic comeback.

Photo courtesy of Joel Spitsnaugle and Val Smith

With our award winning, nationally recognized universities and colleges, a thriving healthcare industry and expanding military base, Sperling believes Dayton is poised to bounce back. So what will it take to keep Dayton moving in the right direction? What will get people, particularly those elusive and desirable college graduates and young professionals, to come and stay in Dayton?

According to a survey conducted by updayton, a local initiative launched in 2008 to attract and retain young talent in the area, hundreds of young professionals pointed to four specific areas that needed improvement – they will stay if they have access to more jobs, better neighborhoods, increased diversity and more nightlife and entertainment options. Young creatives have spoken, and updayton is dedicated to making their voices heard.

Each year updayton hosts the Young Creatives Summit to engage and empower young people to implement their own solutions to meet these needs. This year’s Summit, to be held on Friday, April 15 at the Dayton Convention Center, will bring together nearly 200 young professionals and creatives to craft and implement four unique projects to address these pressing issues. To strengthen these efforts, updayton has partnered with organizations focused on solutions for each of the key concerns to work closely with these highly energized volunteers.

Summit attendees interested in creating more livable neighborhoods will partner with CityWide Development to provide vital input on current neighborhoods in and around downtown and on the development of a new neighborhood near Brown Street.

Photo by William Murdock Photography

Other projects include working with the Human Relations Council to make Dayton an immigrant friendly city, creating a new entertainment option for First Friday in cooperation with the Downtown Dayton Partnership and partnering with the Southwestern Ohio Council on Higher Education (SOCHE) to connect more college students and recent college graduates to local internships.

Linking the talent of the young professionals with the resources of these organizations greatly increases the potential for success and sustainability. Volunteers from the Summit may decide to focus on small manageable projects in order to serve the mission of the larger organization, but often times it is the small steps that lead to big results. Collaboration is key in moving Dayton forward; updayton is grateful for the support of these four partner organizations.

To register or get more information about the 2011 Young Creatives Summit, click here.

Summit offers opportunity to grow professionally and personally

March 28, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Updayton has opened registration for this year’s Young Creatives Summit. Since 2009, this annual event has brought hundreds of young people together to discuss and craft initiatives in response to the economic and societal issues facing Dayton. This year brings a strengthening of the core mission to give young people a say in the future of the region and changes that guarantee to keep the event fresh and exciting.

Graphic Design by CreativeFuse

Attendees from the Summit emerge energized and equipped to take a project from concept to completion. Past projects include the street level beautification of the Wayne Avenue corridor, the establishment of DaytonMostMetro.com as the region’s online magazine and a number of other projects focused on entrepreneurism, volunteerism, active nightlife and positive Dayton stories.

The focus of the Summit is on project ideas and implementation, but even the best ideas can’t succeed without the right resources. To ensure greater success, the Summit offers professional development opportunities for attendees to discover resources, strengthen their skills, and network with key community and business leaders.

Every year, the Summit provides top notch speakers to share information on topics of interest to up-and-coming young professionals. From social media to project management to getting noticed, attendees walk away with information they can use and a new contact that may lead to their next big opportunity.

New this year, the professional development sessions have been revamped to increase attendees’ interaction with the speaker, provide opportunities to hear more than one topic and ensure all attendees, regardless of skill level, walk away with some new tips or resources. Bring plenty of business cards to share as you participate in these “best practices” conversations with experts and peers.

Here is a sneak peak of the topics and the speakers for this year’s Summit:

Telling Your Story – Learn how to increase visibility for your business, organization or cause from communication experts Sharon Howard, Director of Marketing and Communications of the Dayton Development Coalition and Amelia Robinson, seasoned reporter for Dayton Daily News. They’ll show you how to tell your story to the community, media and partners.

Social Media – Shana Douglas and Leah Moon of CultureMASH, a social media organization that assists non-profits in building awareness in the region, share the best ways to use social media tools to educate and build awareness for your cause. Sure you know Facebook and Twitter – but do you know what they can do for you?

Demystifying Local Government – Dayton City Commissioner Nan Whaley and Director of Planning and Community Development Aaron Sorrell breakdown the steps needed to get through the “red tape” that may stall your projects. They’ll provide hints on how to work with the City for greater success and fewer headaches.

Project Management and Leadership – Paul Piechota, Executive Director for the Center for Competitive Change at the University of Dayton, and Kelly Geers, Director of Government Programs for the Dayton Development Coalition, provide tips on the best way to approach a project, how to manage each step along the way, and how a little early planning can save a lot of trouble-shooting later.

Dayton Gems – Think there’s nothing to do in Dayton – think again! Bill Pote, founder and publisher of DaytonMostMetro and Lisa Grisby, co-publisher and writer for DaytonMostMetro and founder of Dayton Dining, provide the insiders’ view of how to discover hidden gems in the region and what resources can plug you into the scene. From entrepreneurism to entertainment – Dayton has something for everyone.

The Greater Downtown Dayton Plan – Here Dayton Grows Again! Sandy Gudorf, Executive Director for the Downtown Dayton Partnership and Shelley Dickstein, Assistant City Manager for the City of Dayton, provide updates on the three year community initiative that is “the Plan” for the city. Learn more about what’s happening in your city and how young creative can make an impact.

Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to grow professionally and personally. More details can be found by clicking here. If one moment can change everything, one will one afternoon do? Find out on April 15!

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

March 24, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Bill W. and Dr. Bob

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

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

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

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

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

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

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Pinkalicious!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Photo Credit: Mike Long

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

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Encore Theater Company: Summer Mainstage Season

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

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Avenue Q

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

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

~KN

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

March 10, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Activated Spaces has three main goals:

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

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

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

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

Street Level Team

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

Activate Spaces Team

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

Open for Business Team

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 10, 2011 By Teri Lussier 4 Comments

“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.

Their 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 can 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

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.

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

The Ice Of Wrath

February 3, 2011 By J.T. Ryder Leave a Comment

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

January 28, 2011 By Shane Anderson 1 Comment

Twelfth 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.

You 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 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?

AV: 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?

AV: 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

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.

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:

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

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

Dayton

La Cage aux Folles

Dayton Playhouse

Win tickets to this delightful show! Read on…

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

Win Free Tickets!

Blackbird

Dayton Theatre Guild

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Bill W. and Dr. Bob

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Pinkalicious!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Photo Credit: Mike Long

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Encore Theater Company: Summer Mainstage Season

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Avenue Q

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

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!

Dayton Theatre Guild

Neil LaBute’s dark comedy premieres at downtown theatre.

Tickets & Performance Information:

The Human Race Theatre Co.

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

Tickets & Performance Information:

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!

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s “Hot Mess in Manhattan”