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On Stage Dayton Theatre Guide: 2011-12

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Every new theater season in Dayton seems to be ripe with variety. It’s one of the great joys of the Dayton theatre scene that the ‘something for everyone’ cliche actually rings true. 2011-2012 is already proving to be among the most eclectic yet. This season promises……

  • parents behaving badly (God Of Carnage) AND children behaving badly (Spring Awakening)
  • romance of the sweet and fun kind (Hairspray) and of the creepy kind (The Phantom of the Opera)
  • true stories of tragedy (The Laramie Project) and of triumph (Jersey Boys)
  • journeys down familar roads (The Wizard of Oz) and unexpected ones (Caroline, Or Change)
  • wistful nostalgia (Lost in Yonkers) and celebratory joy (In The Heights)
  • even swashbuckling adventure (How I Became A Pirate) and cartwheels on Austrian mountainsides (The Sound of Music)

Below you’ll find On Stage Dayton’s picks for the most anticipated offerings for the 2011-2012 Dayton Theatre Season. It’s just a small sampling of a very full year of stage work. And with this official launch, you can count on OSD to be there all season long.

Russell’s Picks

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY Caroline or ChangeIf you like ‘The Help’ you’ll like…

Caroline, or Change

The Human Race Theatre Company offers the overdue local premiere of this dynamic 2004 Tony Award-nominated musical from librettist/Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (“Angels in America”) and composer Jeanine Tesori (“Thoroughly Modern Millie”). A potent study of race relations set in 1963 Louisiana, “Caroline, or Change” chronicles the testy yet engaging relationship between a headstrong African-American maid and her Jewish employers. Tesori’s sublime music encompasses klezmer, opera and Motown.

The Human Race Theatre Company

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION, SCHUSTER CENTER Jersey BoysIf you like ‘Mamma Mia!’ or ‘The Sopranos’ you’ll like…

Jersey Boys

The local premiere of “Jersey Boys,” the sleek, sharp and surprisingly tender story of pop legends Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, is the hallmark of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series. One of the most popular jukebox musicals of the last decade and the recipient of the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Jersey Boys” features such timeless numbers as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”

Victoria Theatre Association

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD Dividing The EstateIf you like ‘Dallas’ you’ll like…

Dividing the Estate

Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Horton Foote’s authentic, relevant 2009 Tony Award-nominated portrait of a Texas clan at odds will receive its local premiere courtesy of the Dayton Theatre Guild. Centered on a tough traditionalist matriarch and her squabbling children, “Dividing the Estate” uncovers the harsh realities that arise when economics and legacy threaten to tear a family apart.

Dayton Theatre Guild

CLARK STATE UNIVERSITY Dirty Rotten ScoundrelsIf you like ‘The Full Monty’ you’ll like…

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Clark State Community College provides the local collegiate premiere of librettist Jeffrey Lane and composer David Yazbek’s 2005 Tony Award-nominated musical based on the 1988 film of the same name. Yazbek, an outstanding songwriter, had great success with his critically acclaimed adaptation of “The Full Monty,” co-created by Terrence McNally, and the con artist-driven “Scoundrels” shares an appealingly naughty kinship. The “Scoundrels” national tour failed to connect four years ago at the Schuster Center, but perhaps Clark State will give the hilarious material the solid treatment it deserves.

Clark State

MUSE MACHINE Wizard of OZIf you like the Muse Machine you’ll like…

The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy’s ruby slippers will sparkle once more thanks to the Muse Machine, Dayton’s premier arts education organization celebrating its 30th year. The memories of Muse’s 1996 “Oz” production remain indelibly etched in my mind (the Broadway caliber performances of Tyler Maynard as the Scarecrow and Tory Ross as the Wicked Witch of the West were particularly extraordinary), but it will be refreshing to see a new generation tackle the iconic musical. Expect another Muse hit you will not want to miss.

Muse Machine

Continue to read David’s picks…

Songs of the Undead: Encore Premieres “In My Blood”

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IN MY BLOOD by Mark Weiser - Encore Theater Co. - July 14-16, 2011IN MY BLOOD

Encore Theater Company

Win Tickets to this new musical! Read on!

Vampires are everywhere. Not since Transylvania has a nation been so overrun with the undead. Is there an area of pop culture devoid of these little bloodsuckers? On television, I guess we have Joss Whedon to blame for his electrifying Buffy The Vampire Slayer all the way through more current hits like HBO’s True Blood and any of a number of copycat shows just like it. In cinema, there’s no other place to look but the Twilight series for the source of teen vampire mania. Walk into any Barnes & Noble and you’re likely to find title after title featuring some collection of sex-crazed vampires. Even in music, isn’t there a band called Vampire Weekend?

One thing’s for sure: this is not your father’s vampire craze. This new breed of vampire is less B-movie and more B-cup. (Immortality doesn’t seem so bad when everyone is ridiculously attractive, right?) Despite a marketing blitz like no other, the trend has been unable to sink its teeth into Broadway – try as it may! Elton John attempted (it’s the kindest word I can use here) a musical-adapted Anne Rice with Lestat and Jim Steinman penned the ill-fated Dance of The Vampires. Even Frank (Jekyll and Hyde) Wildhorn couldn’t capture musical thriller lightning in a bottle twice. His musical Dracula was an infamous bomb in New York. But there’s hope – this weekend in Dayton – that Encore Theater Company could break the curse when the regional premiere of Mark Weiser’s vampire rock musical In My Blood plays three performances at Sinclair Theatre’s Blair Hall.

IN MY BLOOD by Mark Weiser - Encore Theater Co. - July 14-16, 2011 - Photo by Ray ZuppThe show, written by New-York Based composer Mark Weiser has been called “The right combination of romance, conflict, humor and drama” (Theatremania). In the tradition of contemporary vampire stories, In My Blood deals primarily with Gray and Alex, two childhood friends, who reunite for one last night of partying. They learn of an annual, secret soiree, at a hidden location called SANCTUARY. There, they meet Unique and Sasha, two of the revelers. Over the course of the evening, the pairs fall in love. The two friends come to learn that this is the home of the world’s last surviving vampires, and are offered a chance to join them, and live forever. Ultimately, everyone must choose sides – for love, for life and for family. The casts features 10 local performers including ETC Company member JJ Parkey (featuring previously this season in the title role of Hedwig & The Angry Inch). In partnership with Sinclair Theatre, the show is directed by Kimberly Borst with musical direction by John Faas.

“In My Blood deals with real people with real issues of isolation and social shunning who ALSO just happen to be vampires.”

“What works in Mark’s script that hasn’t worked in previous vampire-themed musicals is intent,” says ETC Artistic Director David Brush, “The ‘vampire’ element here is a device and not the primary concern, so people connect to the characters on real levels.”  But don’t fear, there’s plenty of bloodshed for every taste level and a healthy dose of rock ‘n’ roll. ETC first came in contact with the show on their Litehouse New Musicals Reading series under the name The Cure. In My Blood continues ETC’s primary mission of developing new musicals right here in Dayton before heading off to New York. Weiser himself spent several days in Dayton last week working directly with the cast an creative team in an effort to work out some of the new material – it’s a part of the process ETC values enormously.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDmfuWAxVyQ’]

In My Blood opens Thursday July 14 for three performances.

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

Tickets & Performance Information

Encore Theater Company - New Musicals. Next Generation.In My Blood – July 14 – 16, 8:00 pm

Encore Theater Company

Performances will be held at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through http://brushfire.e-vent.info/Events/Sinclair/Default.aspx, by contacting (937) 512-2808 (be sure to leave a message as regular box office hours are not kept during the summer)

For more information, check out the Encore Theater Company.

Win Free Tickets!

Encore Theater Company & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to In My Blood!  We will be giving away up to SIX 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 FIVE FB/Twitter Shares).
  • Fill out the contact form at the bottom of this post.
  • …and the fun part: leave a comment below, answering the following question…IF YOU WERE TO BECOME A VAMPIRE…WHAT VAMPIRE-Y TRAIT WOULD YOU MOST BE EXCITED TO HAVE?
  • The deadline to enter is NOON on THURSDAY, JULY 14TH.
  • Winners will be selected randomly from all of the entries.
[contact-form 6 “Contest Entry”]

Sing it Strong, Sing it Loud

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Altar Boyz

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The quintessential Boy Bands: upbeat (and often emotional) music… slick choreography… the perfect individual and group images… slightly-too-perfect rhymes… the Soul Sensor DX-12? Well, maybe not for any other boy band, but for the Altar Boyz, it’s key! During the final concert of their “Raise the Praise” tour, the Boyz seek to reduce the number of burdened souls in the audience (indicated by the number on the Sensor) to zero.

“Jesus called me on my cell phone / No roaming charges were incurred / He told me that I should go out in the world / And spread His glorious word”

Altar Boyz, presented in real time as that concert, is a satirical, “foot-stomping, rafter-raising musical comedy,” and the fictitious Christian boy band includes five Ohio members: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham (who, actually, is Jewish). Some of the Boyz’ signature hits include “Rhythm in Me,” “The Calling,” and “I Believe.” Directed and choreographed by Lauren Morgan and musically directed by Mark Barnhill, this Dayton premiere kicks off Encore Theater Company’s summer season, and runs for one weekend only, June 16 – 18.

“We think that church is super fine / We are the Altar Boyz / We love the wafers and the wine / We are the Altar Boyz / And I think / You’ll find….. We’re gonna altar your mind!”

This show is unique in that each cast member must be a triple-strength performer, because everyone is acting, singing, and dancing for nearly the entire show! Therefore, learning the show has been hard work, but the actors I spoke with were excited about the challenges they’ve faced and the strides they’ve taken as performers. The cast includes students and/or Dayton residents Drew Bown, Andrew Koslow, Korey Harlow, Zack Steele, and Zach King, with a special appearance by local Muse Machine alumnus and Broadway performer Tyler Maynard as “the Voice of God.”

“When I hold your body next to mine / it feels so good / and feels so right / and it also makes my Levis feel real tight… / and I know that there is something about you, baby…/ Girl, you make me want to wait.”

Not only does the cast play a great team onstage, but everyone has an excellent collaboration as well. Each of the cast members are or have studied some type of theatre at the collegiate level, and most are new to Encore Theater Company’s mainstage; however, they’ve all contributed unique talents and abilities to make this show strong and fluid, to refine timing of the show’s extensive humor and rehearse even the most difficult 5-part harmonies. Koslow, who plays Mark, explained in an interview with onStageDayton,

Andrew Koslow, "Mark"

“The most rewarding thing for me about this show is how much we’ve truly banded together (pardon the pun) to make this show happen. We’ve run into a thousand road blocks, from losing cast members to sometimes only having two Boyz available for certain rehearsals due to commitments to other shows. Despite all that, we’ve put together an incredible and entertaining show… I truly couldn’t be prouder of our entire cast and production team.”

That commitment and collaboration have paid off: Zack Steele, who plays Juan, praises,

Zach Steele, "Juan"

“[Altar Boyz] will have [audience members] crying from laughing so hard. The script is bulletproof and the Boyz’ chemistry on stage will carry you on a journey all the way through curtain call. The singing is great and the satire is ever-present.”

Koslow added,

“I truly believe there is something for everyone in this show, and no one can prove me wrong unless they come and see for themselves.”

“You know The Bible tells you God’s the one that made you / So get out on the dance floor And shake what He gave you!”

So, whether you’re holding onto music of the early ‘90s or just love to make fun of boy bands, Altar Boyz is the perfect show for you. Don’t miss it!

Tickets & Performance Information

Altar Boyz – June 16 – 18, 8:00 pm

Encore Theater Company

Performances will be held at Sinclair Community College’s Blair Hall Theatre. Tickets are $15 and can be reserved through http://brushfire.e-vent.info/Events/Sinclair/Default.aspx, by contacting (937) 512-2808 (be sure to leave a message) or [email protected]

For more information, check out the Altar Boyz blog or Encore Theater Company.

~KN

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 06/09 – 06/22

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THURSDAY, JUNE 9 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

Evil Dead: CATCO

Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO (Photo Credit Dave Alkire and CATCO-Phoenix)

The unexpected happens a lot in theatre. Everything rarely goes exactly as planned; that is the nature of live theatre, and we have to learn to deal quickly to make things work. And yesterday, the show I’m ASMing (Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO; it’s a professional show and well worth the drive out to Columbus, so come see it!) was no exception. Halfway through the show, the hinge on the trap door broke when one character stomped to close it; so my crew and I scrambled around backstage alerting actors and shuffling duties so that a crew person could be underneath the door as needed. We averted any potential injuries or changes to the blocking, finished the show well and fully, and fixed the door immediately after.

At first, the thought of problems is irritating. Why can’t things just work all the time? Why can’t we be in control of everything during a show? As Assistant Stage Manager, if something backstage goes wrong, it’s my fault. I really like when the show and the effects run smoothly.

However, thinking about it, I realize a certain exhilaration, too. Having something go wrong, but being able to work together to get past it and make the show work, is a mark of good collaboration and communication within a show. If our cast and crew weren’t working well together, we couldn’t fix problems like the cellar door on the spot. Those elements are part of the very essence of theatre, whether garage, community, or Equity, and seeing them lived out successfully reminds me why I love theatre, and why Dayton theatre is so great. These next couple of weeks, we have venue and artistic collaborations on shows, as well as the individual process of each performance. Support those this weekend, and go see one of these great productions.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Mystery of Edwin DroodEdwin Drood: BCT

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Story: John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster, desperately loves his music student, Miss Rosa Bud, who is engaged to Jasper’s nephew, Edwin Drood. However, when Edwin Drood disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve, suspicions abound. In this adaptation of Dickens’ last and unfinished manuscript and a show-within-a-show, audiences choose the ending!
Dates: June 10 – 19, 2011
Tickets & More Information: BC Theatre: Edwin Drood

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

right next to me

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: A war widow, attempting to cope with her Marine husband’s death in Iraq, goes with her brother-in-law on a quest to scatter her husband’s ashes where he required, remembering and seeing flashbacks along the way in an emotionally moving and uplifting journey. This show premiered in an earlier and very different version as part of the Human Race Musical Theatre Workshops in 2009.
The Dates: May 21 – June 12, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

Southern Comforts

YOUNG AT HEART PLAYERS and DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Some people thrive and grow enervated with change; others, run from any potential unsettlement. In a Victorian era New Jersey, a taciturn Yankee widower and a vivacious Tennessee grandmother find a second chance at love, but the relationship is filled with surprise and unpredictable tribulation. A collaboration between two theatres, “this off-Broadway success is an affecting, late-in-life journey of compromise and rejuvenation, of personal risk and the rewards of change” (DTG).
Dates: June 10 – 12, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild, DMM Event

Altar Boyz

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Altar Boyz

The Story: In this foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy, a fictitious Christian boy band performs on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. Performed in Sinclair CC’s Blair Hall Theatre, this show is perfect for those who love (and to love to make fun of) boy bands!
Dates: June 16 – 18, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Into the Woods: PHS

Into the Woods

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Auditions: June 13 & 14
Performances: August 12 – 21, 2011
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…
More Information: Playhouse South: Into the Woods

Harvey

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

Auditions: June 13 & 14, 2011
Performances: August 26 – September 4, 2011
The Story: Elwood P. Dowd begins introducing his imaginary friend, Harvey (a six and a half foot rabbit) at a society party; his sister, Veta, can’t tolerate the embarrassment and has him committed to a sanitarium. However, problems arrive when Veta explains that years of living with Elwood have made her see Harvey, too! The doctors commit Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion.
More Information: BC Theatre: Auditions

~KN

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 04/21 – 05/04

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THURSDAY, APRIL 21 – WEDNESDAY, MAY 4

When I was growing up, my grandparents had dinner for our extended family at their home every Easter Sunday, but the highlight of the day was always the Cousins’ Easter Egg hunt. My uncles hid something like five hundred eggs outside, and the race was on to find the most or to find one of the special prize eggs. Now, despite flashes of chilly weather and our constant busyness with school, work, and/or life, somehow Easter is already this weekend.

Easter always seems like a quick holiday, marked by time at the in-laws’ or parents’, consisting of dinner, church, and/or an egg hunt, and lasting for approximately one day. However, a great way to extend that a little is to see a show at some point during the weekend, to make the holiday longer than just dinner. This weekend, both a family show and a mature drama are presented, so whether you’re in the mood to laugh or feel deeply, or just do something besides the typical holiday offerings, check out the productions below!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Permanent Collection

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: Loosely based on a true story, in this play, eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.(HRTC)
Dates: April 14 – May 1, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic performed at the VTA Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Dates: April 21 – 30, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Victoria Theatre Association , Zoot Theatre Company

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

Blackbird

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Fifteen years after their affair, two ex lovers meet, and are overwhelmed by guilt, rage, and raw emotions bpertaining to their relationship of years past, when she was twelve and he was forty. After prison and hardship, Ray has finally forged a new life for himself; Una, however, still remembers and definitely wants answers. This award-winning drama “ruthlessly explores 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.”
Dates: April 22 – 24, 2011
Tickets & More Information: DMM Preview Article , Dayton Theatre Guild

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Big Fat Concert Series, Vol. II: I Feel So Much Spring

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Basics: After a standing-room-only fall concert, ETC is back with a second series and two performances, held this time at the Color of Energy Art Gallery in the heart of the Oregon District. Featuring songs from some of the most innovative new writers, including Derek Gregor and Sam Carner, Jeff Thomson & Jordan Mann (Jonathan Larson
Award-winners), Kyle Jarrow, Benj Pasek & Justin Paul as well as locally-based musical theatre writers, this concert features the best of rising musical theatre.
Dates: April 29 & 30, 2011; 8 pm (venue open at 7:30 pm for cocktails)
Tickets: $5 at the door
More Information: Encore Theater Company

~KN

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

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 04/07 – 04/20

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HRTC: Permanent Collection

Human Race Theatre Co.: Permanent Collection

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

Famous playwright, critic, and essayist George Bernard Shaw (who wrote Arms and the Man, opening this weekend at Clark State) once said, “You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” The capacity to imagine and “dream things that never were” is vital to appreciating the arts, for the moment you walk through theatre doors, you become part of a new world and story for the next few hours. From a monster made of smoke to a drag queen with just “an angry inch” to four men running around in various stages of undress and clergy suits, the shows in the greater Dayton area this week are sure to expand your imaginations, while inspiring laughter and thought at the same time. Between special performances and weekend schedules, eight shows and a special event over the next two weeks provides you the opportunity to see a show almost any night you choose. So, this week, see a show or two or eight and enhance your imagination – as Shaw said, “Why not?”

ANOTHER OPENIN’, ANOTHER SHOW

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY with TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY

Phantom Tollbooth

Photo Credit: ZOOT Theatre Company

The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Dates: April 15 – 30, 2011, at both Town Hall Theatre and the Schuster Center Mathile Theatre
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, Victoria Theatre Association , Zoot Theatre Company, and watch for a DMM feature article next week!

See How They Run

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

CU: See How They Run

Students rehearse in preparation for the show. Photo credit: Scott Huck

The Story: Galloping in and out of the four doors of an English vicarage are an American actor and actress, a cockney maid who has seen too many American movies, a staunch parishioner who unknowingly gets into the cooking sherry, and four men in clergyman suits. One is the bishop who really lives there, another is a disguised escaped prisoner, one just dropped in to visit, and the other — well, that’s left for those on stage and the audience to figure out in this WWII-era farce. (CU)
Dates: April 7 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Cedarville University Production Season, Cedarville University Box Office , and watch for a DMM feature article!

Arms and the Man

CLARK STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

The Story: “The Petkoff women inadvertently save an enemy soldier’s life during wartime. After the war, the soldier returns to the Petkoff home only to be reunited with his warring enemies. With classic George Bernard Shaw witticism,”Arm & the Man” shows the foolishness of war against a lush and romantic backdrop.” (CSU press release)
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Clark State box office

Permanent Collection

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

Permanent Collection

The Story: Loosely based on a true story, in this play, eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.(HRTC)
Dates: April 14 – May 1, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

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, DMM Review

BCYT: AliceAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

The Story: Alice falls down a rabbit-hole into “a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!” (BCT) This children’s adaptation provides a contemporary view of the Carroll classic, where “nonsense makes quite good sense” and we can believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre , 937-429-4737

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

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

Hedwig

JJ Parkey as Hedwig

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: After the sex change operation that will allow her to marry US soldier Luther is botched, East German

rock ‘n’ roll goddess and “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt is left with just “an angry inch.” This award-winning, outrageous, and unexpectedly hilarious show tells her story in rock music and stand-up comedy, and is a show for all those who felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile, and all those who yearn to be complete. JJ Parkey (Rent) and Abigail Nessen Bengson (award-winning Mimi in last season’s Rent) co-star.
Dates: April 7 – 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company

PART OF IT ALL

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Annie, Get Your Gun

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL & SPRINGFIELD CIVIC THEATRE

Auditions: Saturday, April 9, 2011 – 9 am
Performances: June 16 – 19, 2011
The Story: A fictionalized version of the lives of historical figures, in this musical, we explore the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, from her falling in love to handling rival sharpshooters.
Directed by: Becky Brunsman
More Information: Springfield Arts Council: Auditions

ONE SHORT DAY

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Marshmallow Island

The Legend of Marshmallow Island

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: In this exploration of world music, Lorne Lampert, founder of Mystic Drumz, searches for Marshmallow Island through multicultural music themes and interactive audience participation with projection, sound effects, and instruments from around the world.
Date: April 13, 2011 – 7:30 pm
More Information: http://www.springfieldartscouncil.org

~KN

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

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 02/10 – 02/23

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ETC: Cait Doyle

ETC: Cait Doyle's Hot Mess in Manhattan

Thursday, February 10 – Wednesday, February 23

Renowned dancer Twyla Tharp observed that the arts are the only way one can run away without leaving home, and the shows in the greater Miami Valley area these next two weeks reflect that concept well. While there are a couple of deeper shows, there are quite a few comedies and musicals, which range across a spectrum from the witty Twelfth Night to humorous Hello, Dolly! One thing all of these shows have in common, however, is the ability to remove us from the stresses of our daily lives. This is also true of the deeper plays – like Fat Pig – which can provide escape while concurrently challenging us to consider social issues. This can be just an effective a tool for kids busy with school, so be sure to check out the children’s auditions while you’re at it. For those two or two and a half hours, you can step away from whatever occupies your thoughts, relax, and just enjoy a show… “running away” to take a breath, reenergize, and just laugh.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

The Story: Cathy is a struggling actress; Jamie, a rising writer. Over the course of five years, they fall in and out of love, The Last 5 Years chronicling that journey in an emotionally powerful and intimate song cycle.
Dates: February 10 – 13, 2011                One weekend only!
Tickets: $10 at the door
More Information: Springfield StageWorks

Fat Pig

DTG: Fat PigDAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: From the moment they meet, Tom finds Helen witty and charming, and they quickly fall in love. She happens to be quite plus-sized; Tom claims not to mind, but the people around him do. In this daring and provocative play, one of famed and cruelly witty Neil LaBute’s best, we explore societal treatment of the unfit, our despisal in others of what we fear in ourselves, and the ever-relevant question of whether size really matters or not.
Dates: February 11 – 27, 2011
Tickets and More Information: DTG: Fat P ig, DMM preview

Play On

BROOKVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Story: In this behind-the-scenes comedy about an amateur theatre group, novice director Gerry Dunbar deals with a diva actress (supported by her doting husband) and their play’s haughty author (with a plethora of rewrites), rounded out by a cranky stage manager and technician. This riotous comedy exemplifies only too well the old theatre adage – “If it can go wrong… it will.”
Dates: February 17 – 19 & 24 – 26 at 8pm and February 20 & 27 at 3pm
Tickets and More Information: Brookville Flower Shop, (937) 833-3531

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

HRTC: Twelfth Night

Twelfth Night

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: After being shipwrecked, Viola pretends to be her drowned brother. When she falls in love with her employer, for whom she’s delivering love notes to the Lady Olivia, the result is a classic love triangle in this hilarious Shakespearean comedy of mistaken (and disguised) identities. HRTC sets this production in 1927 America, complete with speakeasies, tights, and all the music of the Roaring Twenties!
Dates: January 27 – February 13.
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: Twelfth Night

Hello, Dolly!

CU: Hello, Dolly!
Hello, Dolly! cast (Photo Credit Scott Huck)

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

The Story: Dolly Levi, adored by all (especially the waiters at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant) is a self-termed meddler, but this time, she’s scheming to arrange her own marriage, to the well-known and rich Horace Vandergelder. In this optimistic and fun musical, Dolly charms (and meddles) her way into his heart, setting up a few other matches along the way.
Dates: February 3 – 5, 10 – 12; curtains at 8:00 pm, with additional Saturday performances at 2:00 pm. Call for info on additional student and senior citizen matinees.
Tickets: Cedarville University: Tickets
More Information: Cedarville University: Theatre Season, DMM behind-the-scenes preview

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

DPH: Spelling Bee

Spelling Bee cast (Photo Credit John Gebhardt)

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Six eclectic students in the throes of puberty compete (along with some volunteer audience members) in pursuit of spelling bee fame; the adults and hosts aren’t so far from childhood themselves! In this fun and interactive musical, the students learn where they can stand out and fit in all at the same time.
Dates: January 28 through February 13; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm.
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse, call the box office at (937) 424-8477, and read my DMM feature, s-y-n-e-r-g-y and spelling .

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY

Auditions: Friday February 11, 2011 – 6 – 8 pm
Performances: April 15 – 30, 2011, at both Town Hall Theatre and the Schuster Center Mathile Theatre
The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Directed by John Lavarnway
More Information: Actors of all ages will perform a one-minute monologue with a puppet (provided). Zoot Theatre Company

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

THT: Junie B. Jones

THT: Junie B. Jones (Dec. 2010) (Photo Credit Mike Long)

Auditions: February 23, beginning at 3:45 pm; February 26, beginning at 8:45 am. Register in advance.
Performances: May 6 – 22, 2011
The Story: “Right from the start, Billy, Beaky, Downy and Fluff start flapping and squawking over their freshly-hatched brother duck. He just doesn’t seem right. His feet are way too big, he’s a lousy quacker and, well, he looks downright ugly! Even his parents are embarrassed to show him to the rest of the barnyard. Feeling miserable and alone, “Ugly” leaves home and begins a dangerous journey that will take him to a place where he, too, can be beautiful.” (THT)
Directed by Brittany Hayden-Hinkle
More Information: (937) 433-8957, Town Hall Theatre

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

Auditions: February 22 – 23, 2011, from 7 – 8:30 pm (see contact information below to schedule a 5-minute appointment)
Performances: April 8 – 17, 2011
The Story: Alice falls down a rabbit-hole into “a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!” (BCT) This children’s adaptation provides a contemporary view of the Carroll classic, where “nonsense makes quite good sense” and we can believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre, 429-4737, or email [email protected]

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Queen Nur’s “Sweet Potato Pie and Such”

SAC: Queen NurSPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL: “Creative Connections”

The Basics: Using a wide repertoire of folktales, African percussion, song, and dance, the “incomparable and entertaining storyteller” Queen Nur performs and tells stories that originated on the African continent but spread throughout the world. This family-oriented show will sure to keep all audience members clapping, stomping, and celebrating African-American heritage.
Date: Wednesday, February 16, at 7:30 pm
Tickets: Free; seating is first-come, first-served.
More Information: Springfield Arts Council

Cait Doyle

Cait Doyle’s Hot Mess in Manhattan

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: Carrie Bradshaw is a Lie. In  this stylistically encompassing new musical, we journey through the wilds of New York City life in an honest, hilarious, contemporary, and touching look at one woman’s interaction with the city that never sleeps. Encore Theater Company is pleased to be the host theatre for the out-of-town tryout of this New York bound musical.
Date: Saturday, February 12, 8pm at Sinclair Community College (Building 8 )
Tickets: http://brushfire.e-vent.info/Events/Sinclair/Start.aspx

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

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.

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 01/27 – 02/09

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WSU: Jekyll and Hyde (Photo Credit Wright State University)

WSU: Jekyll and Hyde (Photo Credit Wright State University)

Thursday, January 27  – Wednesday, February 9, 2011

It seems like it’s the beginning of that time of year when hours pass too slowly and days even more so. There’s been snow on the ground for the majority of several months, but its melting seems too far in the future to even consider. The excitement of the holidays has been over for a month, and there aren’t any special events or vacations to which to look forward for quite a while. However, the plays that are up in Dayton over the next two weeks are perfect distractions from those winter doldrums, and whether you’re in the mood for a fun musical spectacle (Hello, Dolly!) or a tale of intense inner torment (Jekyll & Hyde), there’s a show for you. So… what do you plan on seeing?

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Twelfth Night

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: After being shipwrecked, Viola pretends to be her drowned brother. When she falls in love with her employer, for whom she’s delivering love notes to the Lady Olivia, the result is a classic love triangle in this hilarious Shakespearean comedy of mistaken (and disguised) identities. HRTC sets this production in 1927 America, complete with speakeasies, tights, and all the music of the Roaring Twenties!
Dates: January 27 – February 13.
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: Twelfth Night

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee

DPH: Spelling Bee

David Thomas as Leaf Coneybear (Photo Credit John Gebhardt)

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Six eclectic students in the throes of puberty compete (along with some volunteer audience members) in pursuit of spelling bee fame; the adults and hosts aren’t so far from childhood themselves! In this fun and interactive musical, the students learn where they can stand out and fit in all at the same time.
Dates: January 28 through February 13; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm.
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse, call the box office at (937) 424-8477, or win some free through my DMM feature, s-y-n-e-r-g-y and spelling .

The Octette Bridge Club

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Story: Eight sisters in a small Rhode Island town meet twice a month for bridge and gossip; in this play set in the context of the World Wars, we see them grow closer and apart, and how their selves, relationships, and world change between 1934 and 1944.
Dates: January 27 – February 6, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre

Hello, Dolly!

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

Cedarville University: Hello, DollyThe Story: Dolly Levi, adored by all (especially the waiters at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant) is a self-termed meddler, but this time, she’s scheming to arrange her own marriage, to the well-known and rich Horace Vandergelder. In this optimistic and fun musical, Dolly charms (and meddles) her way into his heart, setting up a few other matches along the way.
Dates: February 3 – 5, 10 – 12; curtains at 8:00 pm, with additional Saturday performances at 2:00 pm. Call for info on additional student and senior citizen matinees.
Tickets: Cedarville University: Tickets
More Information: Cedarville University: Theatre Season and watch for a behind-the-scenes preview article here next week!

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

I Hate Hamlet

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

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

Jekyll & Hyde

WSU: Jekyll & Hyde

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

The Story: Dr. Henry Jekyll studies what he perceives to be a dichotomous nature in humans, comprising good and evil; when he attempts to separate them, “he unwittingly unleashes his dark, inner self: the murderous Edward Hyde” (WSU). In this intense and thrilling musical, he battles that self and the destructiveness Hyde unleashes.
Dates: continues through Sunday, January 30.
Tickets: (937) 775-2500 (good luck getting them, but it’s worth trying)
More Information: (937) 775-3072 or DMM Review

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Beyond Therapy, by Christopher Durang

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Auditions: February 1 & 2, 7:00 pm
Performances: March 11 – 20, 2011
The Story: Manhattanites Prudence and Bruce, both seeking stable romantic relationships with their psychiatrists’ help, place personal ads. After a disastrous meeting, the two flee back to their respective therapists, who may just be more troubled than their patients. Although Prudence and Bruce overcome their mutual loathing, in true Durang fashion, the chaos doesn’t end.
Directed by Kim Warrick
More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Auditions
Cait Doyle

ONE SHORT DAY

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED


Cait Doyle’s Hot Mess in Manhattan

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: Carrie Bradshaw is a Lie. In  this stylistically encompassing new musical, we journey through the wilds of New York City life in an honest, hilarious, contemporary, and touching look at one woman’s interaction with the city that never sleeps. Encore Theater Company is pleased to be the host theatre for the out-of-town tryout of this New York bound musical.
Date: Saturday, February 12, 8pm at Sinclair Community College (Building 8)
More Information: Encore Theater Company

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre

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HRTC: The 39 Steps

Human Race Theatre Company: The 39 Steps

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2010 – TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2010

This is the week for theatre, evidently… looking at the show dates below, you could see a different show during every performance time on every weekend day, and still not be able to catch everything that’s up. Six shows are opening this weekend, and those could keep you busy from now until my next onStageDayton update, let alone trying to fit in closing shows or special events!

So, what are you waiting for? Go get tickets to one (or two or all) of these great shows! After all, there are plenty to choose from…

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Sugar Witch

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Dark family secrets are revealed and unusual passions are Sugar Witchignited as a family is forced to confront madness, truth, and the destructive legacy of racism, while the spirits of the dead walk the dark Florida Swamp, haunting the hearts of all who reside there.

Dates: October 22, 23, 29 & November 5 at 8:00 pm; October 30 & November 6 at 5:00 pm; October 24, 31 and November 7 at 3:00 pm

Tickets: DTG Box Office or 937-278-5993

More Information: http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/, DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar

The Diviners

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

The Story: In a small Depression era farming community, a boy with the gift of divining water develops a friendship with a drifting, charismatic but disillusioned preacher; when the townspeople embrace the drifter as the answer to their prayers, the choice leads to a tragic climax.

Dates: October 22-23 and 28 – 30, 8:00 pm; October 24, 7:00 pm, in the Kennedy Union Boll Theatre

Tickets and More Information: Kennedy Union box office, 937-229-2545

Messiah on the Frigidaire

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE (Edge of the Creek)

BCT Spitfire GrillThe Story: After the image of Jesus appears on a trailer park refrigerator, a frenzy of conflict, communion, and good old fashioned commerce is set in motion, as three friends are forced to come to grips with their lowly status in the caste system of the rural south.

Dates: October 22 – 31, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm

Tickets: Box office, 937-429-4737

More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

TOWN HALL CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Story: When Piggsylvania’s highest court puts him on trial, things don’t look so good for Alexander T. Wolf when TH: Three Little Pigseveryone from judge Prudence Pig to the court reporter is rooting into the truth about his so-called terrible deeds! In this fresh musical adaptation of the familiar story, audience members (ages 4+) decide the way the story ends.

Dates: October 22 – November 7, 2010: Fridays at 7:00 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm, with a special family matinee on Saturday, October 23 at 11:00 am.

Tickets: Town Hall Theatre or 937-433-8957

More Information: Town Hall Theatre: The Three Little Pigs, DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar

Flash: A New Musical

CLARK STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Story: In the premiere of this new musical by CSCC professor and Springfield resident Dan Hunt, Ed, a seemingly normal man, revisits his past when all the highs and lows of his entire life flash before his eyes.

Dates: October 29-31 & November 5-7

Tickets: 937.328.3874 or Clark State

More Information: CSCC: Flash, Flash: the Musical official site

The 39 Steps

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

HRTC: The 39 StepsThe Story: Four performers (and 150 characters), an innocent Englishman caught in a deadly ring of spies, and a pair of handcuffs that won’t seem to come off make this combination of Alfred Hitchcock and Monty Python “one of the funniest shows to hit the stage this millennium”!

Dates: October 21 – November 7, 2010

Tickets: HRTC Box Office

More information: Human Race Theatre Company, DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Once On This Island

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Story: Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island; when he is returned to his people, the fantastical gods and rulers of the island guide Ti Moune on a quest to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred, and death. (And, ETC/onStageDayton’s very own David Brush directs this musical!)

Dates: October 15 – 23, 2010

Tickets: Sinclair Box Office, (937) 512-2808 or (937) 512-2076

More Information: Sinclair: Once On This Island, DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar

Moon Over Buffalo

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: In this farce set in 1953, after rumors begin to swirl that a famous Hollywood director will be auditioning fading acting couple George and Charlotte, misunderstandings ensue and merriment begins.

Dates: October 15 – 23; Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 pm, Sunday 2:00 pm

Tickets: Box Office, 888-262-3792

More Information: Playhouse South, DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar, DMM feature

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

In the Spotlight

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Auditions: October 25 & 26, 2010 at 7:00 pm, at the Clark Haines Theatre, 3700 Far Hills Dr.

Performance: December 10, 2010

The Basics: Featuring the talents of dancers, singers, actors, and performers of all ages, this show highlights PHS’s 50th Anniversary/2010 season while giving a taste of what’s to come in 2011.

More Information: 888-262-3792, Playhouse South, and DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar

Ravenscroft

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

Auditions: November 1 & 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave.

RavenscroftPerformances: January 7 – 23, 2011

Directed by Debra Kent

The Story: In this comedy about deception and the nature of truth, when 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.

More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild: Ravenscroft

Christmas Belles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Auditions: November 1 & 2, 2010, at Dayton Playhouse, 1301 Siebenthaler Dr.

Performances: December 17 – 19, 2010

Directed by Wade Hamilton and Brian Sharp

The Story: A church Christmas program spins hilariously out of control in this Southern farce about squabbling sisters, family secrets, a surly Santa, a vengeful sheep and a reluctant Elvis impersonator.

More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Auditions

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

The Second City: Fair and Unbalanced

THE VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: The Second City’s Fair & Unbalanced takes unbridled comic pleasure in the Second City: Fair and Unbalancedfoibles of our politicians, celebrities and even our significant others. No institution escapes the satiric eye of The Second City – from the blowhards of the Beltway to the Hollywood elite. Ripped from the stages of Second City’s legendary theatres in Chicago and Toronto, The Second City’s Fair & Unbalanced improv-based sketch comedy is a hilarious ride through present day America.

Date: October 23, 7:30 pm

Tickets: Ticket Center Stage, (937) 228-3630, or (888) 228-3630

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association, DaytonMostMetro Event Calendar

SUBMITTED PRESS RELEASE

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at [email protected]

~KN

Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally based Encore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

This Week in Dayton Theatre

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Glengarry Glen Ross - Springfield StageWorksExcited about SEED Theatre’s upcoming production of Grey Gardens, I was listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording earlier. In the song “Goin’ Places,” Joe sings to Edie, “Kid – we’re goin’ places, goin’ places you’ve never really seen… All the signs are good, so knock on wood, we’re gonna be a-okay! ‘Cause the place we’re goin’, we’re goin’ all the way.”

Well, onStageDayton is going places, too.

My name is Katherine Nelson, and I’m a senior theatre performance major at Cedarville University and also a literary intern with Encore Theater Company. For a while, Shane and David at Encore have been writing occasionally to feature various shows and organizations, and now, we have a lot of plans to make onStageDayton even better. We all would like this to become not just another website to check, but the central place to go for everything pertaining to Dayton stages, a nucleus for theatre and arts professionals, participants, and spectators alike.

So, I’ll be publishing a column on Wednesday of each week, centrally including:
–          The upcoming weekend’s shows opening, reminders of what’s still playing, and things not to miss before they close – and where to get tickets for all of those.
–          Any special arts events, such as the upcoming Urban Nights celebration.
–          And, auditions and casting calls for the next several weeks, so you can plan ahead.

Additionally, we’ll continue to write feature stories to highlight events, shows, volunteers, organizations, and more. Comments are accepted on the stories, so join the conversation and let us know what you’re thinking! We’d love to get your input.

So… onStageDayton is definitely going places! But for now, here’s a post, like what you’ll be able to expect from me and onStageDayton every Wednesday. Here’s to many more!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS TO CATCH BEFORE THEY CLOSE

The Producers

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan; Music & Lyrics by Mel Brooks
September 10 – 12, 2010

What happens when a down-and-out producer and his mousy accountant realize that they can make more money on Broadway with a flop than a hit? They option the rights to “a gay romp with Adolf and Eva” in a guaranteed disaster of a show called “Springtime for Hitler!” What they didn’t plan on is that flop becoming a runaway hit… Find out what happens as the Dayton Playhouse presents its season opening musical comedy The Producers.

This is the final weekend of performances, so make sure to see it before it closes! Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

The production is directed by Chris Harmon, with choreography by Annette Looper and musical direction from Ron Kindell.

Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.DaytonPlayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (937) 424-8477 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday thru Friday.

Glengarry Glen Ross

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

by David Mamet
September 9 – 11, 2010

Small-time, cutthroat real estate salesmen try to grind out a Glengarry Glen Ross - Springfield StageWorksliving by pushing plots of land on reluctant buyers, the scramble for their share of the American dream never ending. Described as a “scalding comedy,” Glengarry Glen Ross (by legendary playwright David Mamet) took Broadway and London by storm, winning Tony nd Pulitzer awards. Now, Springfield StageWorks is entering their second and final weekend of performances of this gripping work.

Directed by Josh Katawick, Glengarry Glen Ross is at the historic State Theatre in downtown Springfield (19 S. Fountain Ave). Curtain is at 8:00 pm each night, and tickets are available for $10 at the door. Go to http://www.springfieldstageworks.org/home for more information.

…SHOWS OPENING THIS WEEKEND

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

LA COMEDIA DINNER THEATRE

Book by Jeffrey Lane; Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek; based on the film by Frank Oz
September 8 – October 31, 2010

In this hilarious musical comedy, two fraudsters living on the French Riviera discover the small town they live in isn’t big enough to support two scammers. They agree that the first person to successfully steal $50,000 from a young tourist will get to stay, so thus begins a contest that will keep you guessing and laughing the whole way!

To accommodate for dinner before the show, arrival times for Wednesday to Sunday evening performances are 5:30 – 6:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday Matinees and Sunday brunch, 10:30 – 11:00 am.

For more information or tickets, call 1-800-677-9505 or (937) 746-4554 or visit http://www.lacomedia.com. View the DMM event at Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. La Comedia Dinner Theatre is located on 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH.

Part of it All

…CASTING CALLS AND AUDITIONS

Wit

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Auditions: Monday, September 20 & Tuesday, September 21 – 7:00 pm
Performances: November 12 – 21, 2010

Directed by Matthew Smith

Playwright: Margaret Edson
The Story: Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned English professor, has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Her approach to her literary studies: aggressively probing, intensely rational. But during the course of her illness—and her stint as a prize patient in an experimental chemotherapy program at a major teaching hospital—Vivian comes to reassess her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience.

Roles:
Vivian Bearing, PH.D. – 50; Professor of Seventeenth Century Poetry at the University
Harvey Kelekian, M.D. – 50; Chief of Medical Oncology, University Hospital (Also plays Mr. Bearing.)
Jason Posner, M.D. – 28; Clinical Fellow, Medical Oncology Branch
Susie Monahan, R.N., B.S.N. – 28; Primary Nurse, Cancer Inpatient unit
E.M. Ashford, D. Phil – 80; Professor Emerita of English Literature
Lab techs/clinical fellows/students/code team

Auditions will be held at the Dayton Playhouse (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton). Those wishing to read should be prepared to read from the script. Resume/headshot encouraged but not required. Go to http://www.daytonplayhouse.org for more information.

Special note: those wishing to be considered for the role of Vivian Bearing should understand that there are the possibilities of nudity and hair alteration (including shaving).

One Short Day

…Special Events for the Artistically Minded

URBAN NIGHTS

September 10, 2010 – from 5:00 pm on
Urban NightsUrban Nights is a free event showcasing downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, and urban living options. Described as an all-inclusive street party that overtakes downtown Dayton, there’s definitely something for everyone to see. Close to 100 creative places and spaces participate, including locations throughout downtown, the Artists of Front Street, the Oregon District and the Wright-Dunbar Business Village. Free trolleys help transport people to the more distant venues, but many of the locations are within walking distance. Courthouse Square is the central starting point and the main stage for artistic performances, but there are also roving entertainers and smaller stages throughout downtown.

Come explore the city, check out art, peek inside a cool loft, enjoy live entertainment by amazing community artists, eat at a restaurant you’ve never been to, and party ‘till the break of dawn. You’ll see that it’s possible to make every night an urban night downtown!

We at Encore are particularly excited, because at 8:00 pm will be our performance of Come Together - Encore Theater CompanyCOME TOGETHER, an original musical starring Amy Geist and JJ Parkey. The show is free, and will be on the stage next to the Trolley Stop in the Oregon District at the corner of 5th and Wayne. Don’t miss it!

For more information and performance listings, visit http://www.downtowndayton.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11

~KN

We are excited to introduce you to another contributor to onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com.  Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, will be posting a weekly update of shows opening or closing that weekend, along with audition notices and other notices.  Welcome, Katherine, to the DaytonMostMetro.com family of contributors!

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC just concluded their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

OnStageGuide: 2010/2011

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onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Top 14 Picks for the 2010-11 Local Theater Season

Shane Anderson & David Brush

So there is all this talk about how great the arts are in Dayton.  You keep hearing how that for a city of it’s size, Dayton is like numero uno for arts organizations, but you never know quite for sure what show you should attend…something that you know you’ll like and it won’t be a waste of time and money for you.  Well, here you go, this is a guide to the local theater season, but we’ve narrowed it down a bit.

Whether your a regular theatre-goer, a novice, or just hate musicals (how could you!), there is something on this list for everyone. So rather than overwhelming you with the more than 85 plays and musicals that will grace area stages this season, Shane and Dave have compiled our most-anticipated Top 14 highlights of the season complete with pop cultural references to help you navigate! But we don’t want you to just take OUR word for it – so we’ve included the website links to the OTHER offerings for each organization for those of you who dare venture away from the path. (PS – We encourage such venturing!)

Dave’s Top 7 Picks

August Osage County - Human Race Theatre & Wright State TheatreAugust: Osage County

by Tracy Letts
Human Race Theatre Company and Wright State University

Stellar Cast. Amazing venue. First regional production since Broadway. This has the makings of setting the bar high right away in the fall. People can’t seem to get enough of this darkly comic play about family dysfunction. This is not a light evening at the theatre but it IS a rewarding one.

September 23-October 10, 2010 – www.HumanRaceTheatre.org & www.Wright.edu

If you like O’Neill’s ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’, you’ll LOVE ‘August: Osage County’

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - La ComediaDirty Rotten Scoundrels

Book by Jeffrey Lane
Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek
based on the film by Frank Oz
La Comedia Dinner Theatre

It had a successful Broadway run and a troubled national tour. But it’s post-Broadway life is seeing some light primarily thanks to the hilarious original source material (the fantastic film starring Steve Martin) and a smart composer in David Yazbek who has a flare for comedy. The comedy centers on a pair of con-men competing for the affections (and money) of Beumont Sur Mer’s upper crust. When the con goes on a little long, hilarity and chaos ensue. There’s a great twist at the end (I won’t spoil it for you) and the entire show is really very smart. It should be fascinating to see it in a more intimate setting like La Comedia.
September 8-October 31, 2010 – www.LaComedia.com

If you like ‘The Full Monty’, you’ll LOVE ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

Romeo & Juliet - Shakespeare in South Park

Romeo & Juliet

by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare in South Park

Huh? “Gone with the Wind”? “Romeo & Juliet”? Yes, the Shakespeare in South Park troupe has decided to return to their original concept of setting W.S. classics in a post-war setting, this time in a border state in the years following the Civil War.  Everyone is still wearing their uniforms and bent out of shape about loyalties brought about by war.  We hear that the scenic elements will include an actual historic carriage house neighboring the park where the show will be performed. (hmmm? Balcony scene????)…and the good news is…this show is FREE- but I’m sure donations will be gratefully accepted!

September 17-19, 2010 – www.HistoricSouthPark.org

If you like ‘Gone with the Wind’, you’ll LOVE ‘Romeo & Juliet’


The Spitfire GrilleThe Spitfire Grill

Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book  by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
Beavercreek Community Theatre

You may remember this quiet little brilliant film from the 90’s about a young female ex-con who discovers a new life in a small town. The film was powerful and darkly heartwarming and seemed unlikely material for a musical. But Valcq and Alley do a gorgeous job of capturing the heart of the film with a colorful transcendent country-flavored score. One of my personal favorite nights at the theater. I’d been hoping to see it produced again since I first saw it some years ago and I’m even more pleased to see it under the direction of of one the areas most respected directors – Doug Lloyd.

September 17-26, 2010 – www.BCTheatre.org

If you like redemption stories like ‘Eat. Pray. Love.’,  you’ll LOVE ‘’The Spitfire Grill’

Grey Gardens - SEED Theatre ProjectGrey Gardens, the musical

Book by Doug Wright
Music by Scott Frankel
Lyrics by Michael Korie
Based on the 1975 documentary by Albert & David Maysles
SEED Theatre Project

When you think of the list of most unlikely source material for a musical, it’s hard to not move Grey Gardens to the top. On the surface, the true story of an aged recluse and her daughter living in squalor in an East Hampton mansion (where the cat population far outweighs the human one) seems like the stuff of reality TV. But when you consider that these two were once at the height of New York City’s most exclusive circles of wealth and prestige, it is even more shocking. Oh yeah – and did I mention they are related to Jackie Kennedy Onassis? This is the ultimate “black sheep in the family” story and like any good train wreck, you just can’t turn away.

November 5-6, 2010 – www.SEEDTheatreProject.org

If you like the TLC’s Hoarders, you’ll LOVE ‘Grey Gardens’

Wit at Dayton PlayhouseWit

by Margaret Edson
Dayton Playhouse

Anyone whose life has been touched in some way by cancer (and whose hasn’t?) will be moved by this tour-de-force. HBO loved it so much they cast Emma Thompson in the film several years ago. Dayton Playhouse is coming off a fabulous season and no doubt this will be a welcome addition.

November 12-21, 2010 – www.DaytonPlayhouse.org

If you like Showtime’s new series THE BIG C, you’ll LOVE Wit

The Drowsy Chaperone by Victoria Theatre Association & The Human Race Theatre Co.The Drowsy Chaperone

Book by Bob Martin & Don McKeller
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Victoria Theatre Association & Human Race Theatre Company

There is something at once nostalgic and contemporary about this Tony-Winner from a few years back. Basically – here it is in a nutshell: A musical theatre fan plays his favorite cast album (yes – album!) and the characters, story and shenanigans come to life right in his one-room apartment. PLUS – produced under the care of The Human Race makes this is both a surefire hit AND a Dayton Original.

March 8-20, 2011 – www.VictoriaTheatre.com & www.HumanRaceTheatre.org

If you like ‘The Carol Burnett Show’,  you’ll LOVE ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

Shane’s Top 7 Picks

Glengarry Glen Ross by Springfield Stage WorksGlengarry Glen Ross

by David Mamet
Springfield StageWorks

It won the Pulitzer. It won the Tony. The playwright is legendary. and still this 1982 play about the illegal and unethical activities of a Chicago real estate outfit remains vital and edgy -particularly in our current economic climate. Fair warning: Mamet’s favorite word is four letters and starts with an ‘F’ – SO MUCH SO that during the making of the film adaptation, the cast affectionately subtitled the play, Death of a “F*&^*& Salesman.”

September 2-11, 2010 – www.SpringfieldStageWorks.org

If you like AMC’s ‘’Mad Men’, you’ll LOVE ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’


Once On This Island - Sinclair TheatreOnce On This Island

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Book & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Sinclair Theatre

A Caribbean-flavored romance where two star-crossed lovers – one lower class native and one French upper class – must find a way to be together despite the pressures of their feuding families, Once On This Island uses dance, music, and folklore to spin this timeless tale.  This show will likely be a joyful, colorful event for the whole family.  The music for the show – from the creators of Ragtime and Seussical – is spirited and melodic and the themes of survival amidst peril feel contemporary again in light of recent tragedies in Haiti.

October 15-23, 2010 – www.Sinclair.edu

If you like ‘Pippin’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’, you’ll LOVE ‘Once On This Island’

The Second City: Fair & Unbalanced - Victoria Theatre

The Second City:  Fair & Unbalanced

Victoria Theatre Association

With an alumni list that includes Alan Alda, Dan Akroyd, Chris Farley, Jim & John Belushi, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert…who can resist a night of “LMAO” comedy?  While the touring cast does not include any of these big stars, you never know if there might just be a future Gilda Radnor on stage (We’re not sure if there is any relation, but there is a young Belushi listed in the cast of this ensemble).  You never know, you might just witness comedy history on the stage of the Victoria in October!

October 23, 2010 – www.VictoriaTheatre.com

If you like Saturday Night Live,  you’ll LOVE ‘The Second City: Fair & Unbalanced’

Flash: A New Musical by Dan Hunt at Clark State Community College

Flash: A New Musical

book, music & lyrics by Dan Hunt
Clark State Community College

Honestly, we know very little about this new show about to premiere at Clark State, but we LOVE the fact that they are willing to take a chance on a brand new musical!  The premise is that Ed, a seemingly normal guy revisits his past (in a musical form) during a horrific moment when all of the highs and lows of his life flash before his eyes.  The show was conceived, written & directed by Springfield resident Dan Hunt, technical director and theatre professor at Clark State.

October 29-November 7, 2010 – www.ClarkState.edu

If you like J.J. Abrams’ shows, you’ll LOVE ‘Flash:  A New Musical’

An Evening with Sutton FosterAn Evening with Sutton Foster

accompanied by Michael Rafter
Springfield Arts Council

How can one even begin to explain the joy that IS Sutton Foster?  Foster first claimed her fame as the chorus girl plucked out of obscurity to save the show and become the star…which led to her infamous 2002 Tony-winning run on Broadway in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”  She has been compared to three comediennes/actresses listed below, and her natural goofiness combined with an incredible vocal talent has made Sutton Foster into the “it girl of Broadway.”  You won’t want to miss this simple evening of Foster and a pianist giving you some “melt your face off” belts and rolling in the aisle laughter.

November 13, 2010 – www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org

If you like ‘Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett or Julie Andrews’, you’ll LOVE ‘An Evening with Sutton Foster’

Mauritius - Dayton Theatre GuildMauritius

by Theresa Rebeck
Dayton Theatre Guild

Cincinnati native Rebeck’s play, “Maurititius” is often described as a comedy thriller dealing with suspense, lies, deceit, greed, mystery, intrigue and….stamps.  It centers around the rivalry of two sisters faced with dividing up their recently deceased mother’s belongings and the discovery of two rare stamps from the nation of Mauritius and unscrupulous dealers pursuing them.  While you might question going to the theatre to watch a philatelic thriller, the play has been a hit all over America since it’s debut on Broadway in 2007.

May 13-29, 2011 – www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

If you like Bogart’s ‘The Maltese Falcon’, you’ll LOVE ‘Mauritius’

right next to me - The Human Race Theatre Co.right next to me

book,music & lyrics by Gregg Coffin
The Human Race Theatre Company

Dayton’s Human Race Theatre Company, under the leadership of Kevin Moore & Marsha Hanna has been raising the bar for several years in a national movement to develop new works of musical theatre.  Through their unique programs of workshops, residencies and collaboration with composers, Dayton theatre audiences have been fortunate to see pieces like Convenience, Was, Fetching Water and many more.  This season, they tell a NEW story from Greg Coffin – the creator of Convenience- A  story about the distance between people and the space love leaves behind when it goes.

May 26-June 12, 2011 – www.HumanRaceTheatre.org

If you like ‘We Were Soldiers’, you’ll LOVE ‘right next to me’

…& keep watch for exciting news about:

ZOOT Theatre Company. They haven’t announced their season yet, but this innovative puppet & mask troupe consistently puts together cutting-edge productions of classic tales. www.ZootTheatreCompany.org

Encore Theater Company. We’ve got some exciting things in the works as well, including our Litehouse New Musical Reading Series, our Summer 2011 MainStage Series, MusicalWorld podcast and a new Concert Series that will premiere this fall! www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com

Idina Menzel in Concert with the Cincinnati Pops. Yes!  The almighty green one will be flying into southwest Ohio at the end of September (fresh from her stint on GLEE)…and YOU just might get a chance to go watch this icon of the Broadway stage defy gravity!  onStageDayton, MusicalWorld & DaytonMostMetro.com are teaming up with an opportunity for you to win a pair of tickets to this concert (valued at $100!). Keep watching onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com for details!

onStageDayton. We will be introducing you to another contributor to onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com.  Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, will be posting a weekly update of shows opening or closing that weekend, along with audition notices and other notices.  Watch onStageDayton for Katherine’s first post soon!

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC just concluded their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

Accidentally Coming of Age

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The Cast of Encore Theater Co.'s production of NEXT THING YOU KNOWNext Thing You Know

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Encore Theater Company in association with Sinclair Community College will present a developmental production of the new musical NEXT THING YOU KNOW written by Drama Desk Nominees JOSHUA SALZMAN & RYAN CUNNINGHAM August 12-14, 2010 at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre. (Note…there is an opportunity for you to win tickets to this show.  Details are found at the end of this post!)

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham, writers of Next Thing You KnowJoshua Salzman (music) and Ryan Cunningham (book and lyrics) met at the NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Their thesis musical, I Love You Because went on to be professionally produced Off-Broadway, earned a Drama Desk nomination for the team, spawned a cast album on PS Classics and garnered a licensing deal with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, resulting in productions both nationally and internationally including Encore Theater Company’s own regional production several seasons ago.

“The opportunity to see our show developed outside of NY, under a dedicated and enthusiastic team of actors and directors, is invaluable”, says composer Joshua Salzman, “The nurturing and safe environment ETC provides for musical theater writers to hone their craft is essential to the creative process of developing a new musical”.

Salzman & Cunningham spent several days in Dayton developing the show which the creators describe this way:

“Real life comes real fast. One day you wake up, and instead of a hangover, you have a job. Instead of a fling, you have a live-in girlfriend. And instead of naïve dreams, you have reality. For four artists in New York City, discovering yourself can take a lot longer than you think. The little joys and compromises that bring us into adulthood are brought to life in this all-new musical”.

The cast of ETC's production of Salzman & Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOWThe cast for the Dayton engagement of NEXT THING YOU KNOW includes: Amy Leigh (Waverly), Matthew D. Curry (Luke), BethAnn Wipprecht (Lisa) and JJ Parkey (Darren). Production staff include David Brush (Director), Shawn Storms (Assistant Director), Jackson Gallagher (Lighting Design), Nathan Dean (Sound Design), and Ally Wetz (Stage Manager).

The cast and staff of NEXT THING YOU KNOW shared some thoughts with me about working directly with the writing team, and what it means to originate a character in a brand new piece of musical theater.  Excerpts are below, but you can read more of their thoughts on the production blog at NextThingYouKnowDayton.wordpress.com and listen to an interview with the cast and writing team at MusicalWorld.us .

As the weekend with the writer’s approached in July, what did you feel most anxious about?

Amy LeighAmy Leigh:  “I was nervous that Josh and Ryan were seeing us do the entire show just after we’d blocked it, before we had time to settle into the scenes. I wanted to prove to them that, although we might stumble on lines, lyrics, or notes here and there, that we honor the original intent of their show. But they were anything but judgmental. They seemed to truly appreciate seeing the show on its feet, and having their input really completed the experience for me.”

JJ Parkey and Amy Leigh of ETC's NEXT THING YOU KNOWJJ Parkey: “I was afraid that their presence in the room would be really intimidating, but as it turns out, Ryan and Josh are absolutely WONDERFUL to work with. They were so very supportive of what we were all doing, and the entire weekend was a very positive experience. Ryan and Josh brought about a sense of grounding to the project for me.

Describe the experience of working directly with the creators of a new piece of theater.

Matthe Curry in ETC's production of Salzman & Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOWMatthew D. Curry:  “Having Josh there to guide us through deeper meaning of our music, and Ryan giving us hints and clues to where our character’s thoughts lie, weather we thought we had it or not, gave me personally a truer look into Luke. And that’s an experience you never get with just a script and our own analysis of the writer’s words.”

What has it been like, leading a team of actors through the discovery of new characters that have never before been seen on stage?

Shawn Storms, assistant director of ETC's NEXT THING YOU KNOWShawn Storms, assistant director:  “I have found this process easier than the work I have done with new plays. I feel that it has much to do with the extremely talented cast of this show. They have been open and eager to try new things; go with the flow. I feel that without that beautiful collaborative spirit, this show would never have evolved in the many ways it has.

It has been a pleasure to witness each character’s evolution. To see the script change, new moments discovered, and songs soar. I hope that our audiences see what a gem this show is!”

Why did ETC choose a new musical, one that nobody in Dayton has even heard of before, as the finale for it’s summer theatrical season?

David Brush, director: “This kind of development is what new shows need – a long term commitment to walk a show from one step to the next and allow creators to make changes, additions and deletions along the way. This gets at the very heart of ETC’s mission and we are thrilled to kick off the program with two amazing young, fresh talents like Ryan and Josh.”

NEXT THING YOU KNOW is part of Encore Theater Company’s New Musicals In Development program which includes a focus on developing new work through podcasts, readings, and development productions.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

NEXT THING YOU KNOW (August 12-14) Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 on the day of the performance.  Please note:  this show contains adult language and situations.  Visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for tickets.

WIN TICKETS TO Next Thing You Know!

Encore Theater Company & DaytonMostMetro.com are giving away a pair of tickets to NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  It’s really easy to enter. The deadline to enter is Noon on Wednesday, August 11th.

1.  In the comment section below, answer this question…WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE OMELET INGREDIENTS? (Yeah, we know…it doesn’t make sense, but if you come see NTYK it will!)

2.  Share this DMM post on Facebook!  At the bottom of this post there are buttons to like, tweet & share this…Please share it!  For every 10 FACEBOOK SHARES of this post, we’ll add  a pair of tickets (up to 6 pairs!). The more people who share this, the more chances there are to win!

Dayton Area Casting Calls:

Grey Gardens: The Musical

THE SEED THEATRE PROJECT Open Auditions

Continuing the 2010-2011 theatrical season with the SEED theatre project will be the area premier of Scott Frankel, Michael Korie & Doug Wright’s musical Grey Gardens. Grey Gardens: The Musical will be directed by Adam J. Leigh. In addition, Judy Mansky serves as music director while Shayne Thomas Petty serves as assistant director.

Grey Gardens at SEED Theatre ProjectFresh from Broadway where it was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2007, this new musical was inspired by the 1975 Maysles brothers documentary of the same name. Grey Gardens tells the entertaining and poignant story of two unconquerable women, Edith Bouvier Beale and her adult daughter Edie, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Once known as two of the brightest stars in the social register, these two women became East Hampton’s most infamous “reclusive inhabitants”, sharing their rundown 28-room mansion with 52 stray cats and rabid raccoons. From the glittering high society of 1940s New York to the tabloid headlines that rocked the Kennedy clan in 1970s, Grey Gardens hurls you into American royalty and poses the questions: When do private lives become public fascinations? How much is too much? And where does it stop?

The SEED Theatre Project, Dayton, OhioOpen Auditions for this show will be held on Tuesday, August 10th and Wednesday, August 11th. They will begin at 7pm each night. Auditions will be held at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – 1000 N. Keowee Street – Dayton, OH 45420. Performers will only need to attend one night of auditions for consideration.

Performance dates are Friday, November 5th and Saturday, November 6th, 2010.

For more information please contact Adam Leigh via phone at (937)219-7835 or via email at [email protected] or visit SEED’s website for casting requirements and additional audition details:  www.SEEDtheatreproject.org

The Sugar Witch

THE DAYTON THEATRE GUILD Open Auditions

Sugar Witch at The Dayton Theatre GuildThe Dayton Theatre Guild announces open auditions for it’s upcoming production of THE SUGAR WITCH by Nathan Sanders.

Auditions will take place August 23rd & 24th, 2010 at 7 pm in The Dayton Theatre Guild’s  Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape at 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH 45410.  Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script

The show, directed by Doug Lloyd and produced by Debra Kent is set in the Florida swamp country of the Watchalahoochee River unfolding an at times eerie, weird and often very funny story of what’s left of the Bean family, Moses and Sisser, along with Annabelle, the Sugar Witch. And yes, there may be flying cats, casting of spells, country music, not to mention a few possible surprises.

Performance Dates:  October 22nd – November 7th, 2010

Casting Requirements:

Sisser – Female – Late 20’s to late 30’s – Southern, Obese, and somewhat mad. A wheel chair bound lover of little Debbie Snack cakes. She is capable of anything – even murder.

Ruth Ann Meeks – Female – Late 20’s to Mid 30’s – Southern, Racist, and half insane. A “church-goer”, plain, not necessarily pretty, most likely the product of incest.

Annabelle – African-American Female – Mid 40’s to 50’s – Southern swamp mystic and conjure woman. She brews magical potions from sugar cane molasses. Annabelle is the last in a long line of powerful “Sugar-Witches”.

Moses Bean – Male – mid 20’s – Southern, Handsome and boyish. He is a mechanic at the local Texaco station. Innocent and virginal; a gender reversed “Sleeping Beauty”.

Hank Hartley – Male – 30’s – Southern, handsome and strong. He is the play’s “gentleman caller”. He has recently returned to Sugar Bean to take over his family funeral home business. Hank is madly “in-love” but yet hiding a dark secret.

Granddaddy Meeks – Male – 60’s to 70’s – Southern, redneck, racist, abusiveand mean. He is Ruth Ann’s Grandfather.

Additional information about The Dayton Theatre Guild can be found online at www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently in the midst of their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the upcoming new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

http://musicalworldpodshow.mevio.com/

Yeah… but can it play Dayton?

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[title of show] - Encore Theater Co. - Dayton CastDayton, Ohio:  a hotbed for the development & performance of new musical theatre?

YES.

“It is a hopeless endeavour to attract people to a theatre unless they can be first brought to believe that they will never get in.” – CHARLES DICKENS, Nicholas Nickleby

Musical Theatre Workshop:  Festival 2010

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

During the 1940’s and 1950’s, American Musical Theatre was developed right in the heart of it all – Manhatten. After all, that’s where all the great theatre was happening. PLUS – it wasn’t nearly as expensive to produce a big Broadway musical as it is today. (Wicked has just recently recouped its $40 million investment and THAT’S a runaway hit). Add to that the fact that the vast majority of Broadway audiences are tourists, then you can see why so many writers of new musical theatre are hungry to test their work in an “everyman” market. After all, those are the folks buying tickets.

Events here in our city over the next two weekends suggest to me that New York writers might just begin asking themselves –“Yeah, but will it play Dayton?” Without a doubt, Dayton is becoming a new Midwestern Mecca for new musical theatre development.

Human Race Musical Theatre Workshop 2008

"The Black Crook Project" 2008

Consider this. Downtown at The Loft theatre this coming weekend, THREE new musicals will premiere. One of those – PLAY IT BY HEART – features the work of Brian Yorkey (2009 Tony-Winner for Next To Normal). Another – TENDERLY – was written by the same team that created the wildly popular GREEN GABLES that played the Victoria in 2005. And the third – being written as we speak by local students – will make its national debut – right here in Dayton (The Lovewell Project). This is coming on the heels of the stellar Human Race production of Adam Gwon’s new musical ORDINARY DAYS. There is simply no excuse not to catch one of these shows. Not to mention, the schedule for the festival weekend makes it so easy. PLUS there are opportunities to meet the creators and party with the Race.

Do yourself a favor and make time for this festival weekend.
MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP: FESTIVAL 2010 FULL SCHEDULE

Friday, July 16

8pm               Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception @ The Dayton Racquet Club

Saturday, July 17

1:15pm          Meet the Play It By Heart writers @ The Loft Lobby
2pm                Play It By Heart @ The Loft Theatre
7pm               Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
Followed by an After-Show Reception The Loft Lobby
8pm                Tenderly @ Creativity Center

Sunday, July 18

2pm                 Lovewell Show @ The Loft Theatre
2pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
6:15pm           Meet the Tenderly writers Creativity Center
7pm                 Tenderly @ Creativity Center
Followed by a Wrap-Up Party @ a Location TBA

Synopses:

Play it By Heart tells the story of a female country music star battling her family and a changing industry. Taylor, who penned such hits as Tammy Wynette’s “Another Chance” and Johnny Cash’s “The Baron,” calls it “the quintessential story of family in country music.”

Tenderly is about a real musical legend, one of the most famous entertainers ever to come out of the Southwest Ohio/Northern Kentucky region, Rosemary Clooney. The show includes such Clooney hits as “Come On-a My House,” “Mambo Italiano” and “Hey There.”

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Musical Theatre Workshop: Festival 2010 (July 16-18) will be celebrated at both the 219-seat Loft Theatre at 126 N. Main St. and the approximately 60-seat Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center at 116 N. Jefferson St. Tickets ($15 per performance) are available at the door. Visit http://www.humanracetheatre.org for more information.

If we seem to have a particular passion for developing NEW and innovative work, it because we do! After all, the same weekend as the MTW Festival at the Loft, Encore Theater Company is presenting local premiere of the 2009 Tony-Nominated musical [title of show] – trust me – a comedy like no other!

DB

[title of show]

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

What do you get when you gather four friends, four chairs, a keyboard, some monkeys, vampires, drag queens and a fresh batch of rice crispy treats?  Why [title of show] of course!

How do you explain a show that has an ingredient list like that?  How about “a show that really [BEEEEEEP]’ing ROCKS!”

Shawn Hooks as "Jeff" in [title of show] - Dayton, Ohio But really, all poor grammar aside, this show really does ROCK!  Just ask Dayton native Susan Blackwell, an original cast member of the Broadway, Off-Broadway and New York Musical Theater Festival productions of the little show that could. Not only was Ms. Blackwell an original cast member…she is also a character in the show.

Angele' Price as "Susan" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioConfused? Don’t be, here’s the premise-[title of show] is a hilarious new musical written by 2 struggling writers about 2 struggling writers writing a hilarious new musical. word.  Essentially, art imitating life imitating art imitating life.  Get the picture? Oh, and Susan was a great pal & agreed to be in their show.

Chris Smyth as "Hunter" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWith a song list that includes such classics as “Untitled Opening Number,” “Monkeys & Playbills,” “I Am Playing Me,” “Nine People’s Favorite Thing,” and  “Die Vampire, Die!” how could you possibly consider missing this opportunity to catch this show?

Nora Coyle as "Heidi" in [title of show] - Dayton, OhioWell…here’s good news!  You can win Tickets to [tos]! YAY! DaytonMostMetro & Encore Theater Company are giving away three pairs of tickets to [title of show].  All you need to do is give the show’s director a good DRAG QUEEN name! Yes, that’s right, brainstorm a great drag queen name for the director of the show…and suggest it in the comment section below (everyone else in the cast/crew has a DQ name already…you can check them out HERE).

We will announce winners on Wednesday night.  You will have a choice of performances (Thursday, Friday or Saturday at 7:30pm).

Help DOUBLE the number of tickets that we will be giving away!  We will announce three additional winners, if we can help DaytonMostMetro reach 2,000 fans by midnight Wednesday! Go to the DMM Facebook Fan Page, become a fan if you are not already, then share it with all of your friends, family & FB lurkers.

[title of show] will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (July 15-17) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & [tos].

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

[title of show] (July 15-17) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note:  [title of show] contains adult themes and language.

SA

Encore Theater Company welcomes the writers of Next Thing You Know to Dayton, July 23-25

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham - Next Thing You KnowOn the “developing new musical theatre in Dayton, Ohio” front, ETC would like to mention the exciting fact that the writers of NEXT THING YOU KNOW will be traveling from New York to work with the Dayton cast on the show.  Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham (who penned the Off-Broadway hit I LOVE YOU BECAUSE) have been developing NTYK for a potential New York run, and will be utilizing the Encore Theater Company production as an opportunity to test some changes and make some creative decisions in the development process.

In an effort to help cover Josh & Ryan’s expenses, ETC kicked off the 30 for 30 for New Musical Theater campaign last week.  The response was great from the Dayton arts community…making this opportunity a reality!  If you would like to contribute to the fund, and an opportunity to meet the writers, please email the ETC staff at [email protected] for information about how you can participate in the campaign.

While Salzman & Cunningham are in town, they will also conduct a workshop for Dayton actors about auditioning for musical theatre productions.  This workshop will take place on Saturday, July 24th in the Oregon District Arts Collaborative space above the new SideBar (400 East Fifth Street, Suite A).  Email the ETC staff at [email protected] for information.

Next Thing You Know will be performed at 7:30pm on Thursday, Friday & Saturday (August 12-14) at Blair Hall Theatre on the campus of Sinclair Community College.  Visit www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for more information about Encore Theater Company & NTYK.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Next Thing You Know (August 12-14) Call Blair Hall Box Office at  (937) 512-2808 or visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for information and links to the online box office.  Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.  Please note: NTYK contains adult themes and language.

Update: NEXT THING YOU KNOW by Salzman & Cunningham

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham traveled from New York to Dayton last weekend to work with the ETC cast of NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  The writers continued to mold & shape their show into what they envision it to be.  This was a thrilling experience for everyone at Encore Theater Company.

While Salzman & Cunningham were in town we took some time to sit down with them, and the cast of NTYK to record a MusicalWorld episode.  Look for that episode below.

We also hosted a reception for the writing team at the home of Dr. Michael Ervin, followed by a trip to the new SideBar in the Oregon District.  Much thanks go out to Dr. Ervin, Kevin Moore (artistic director of The Human Race Theatre Co.), the donor’s in the “30 for 30” campaign, the folks at Toxic Brew Company (keep watching DMM for info about this cool Dayton start-up), Bill & Shannon from Dayton Most Metro and representatives from other local organizations & theatre companies.  Look for a video about that reception below.

http://www.mevio.com/episode/241734/mw66-salzman-amp-cunningham-next-thing-you

SA

Spitfire Grill

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Spitfire Grill - Beavercreek Community TheatreWhile not a brand new piece of musical theater, SPITFIRE GRILL is a rarely performed show.  The last performance in Dayton was the excellent production by The Human Race Theatre a few seasons ago.

Doug Lloyd will helm the Beavercreek Community Theatre production of Spitfire Grill September 17th through the 26th.  He will be joined on staff by Stacey Gear (choreographer) and Dr. James Tipps (music director).  BCT recently held auditions for the show.  The result was what looks to be a terrific cast for this heartwarming show.

Percy Talbott – Sydney Lanier

Shelby Thorpe – Katie Storost

Hannah Ferguson – Pam McGinnis

Effy Krayneck – Teresa Connair

Sheriff Joe Sutter – Max Monnig

Caleb Thorpe – Brad Mattingly

The Visitor – Nick Vanderpool

Synopsis:

A feisty parolee follows her dreams, based on a page from an old travel book, to a small town in Wisconsin and finds a place for herself working at Hannah’s Spitfire Grill. It is for sale but there are no takers for the only eatery in the depressed town, so newcomer Percy suggests to Hannah that she raffle it off. Entry fees are one hundred dollars and the best essay on why you want the grill wins. Soon, mail is arriving by the wheelbarrow full and things are definitely cookin’ at the Spitfire Grill

Mark your calendars and plan to attend what will surely be a terrific production of  Spitfire Grill.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Spitfire Grill (September 17-26) Call Beavercreek Community Theatre Box Office at  (937) 429-4737 or visit http://www.bctheatre.org for information and links to the online box office.

SA

FINALLY – be sure to check out the latest MusicalWorld Podcast that features an interview with Susan Blackwell (who was in the original cast of [title of show] on Broadway!

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS…?

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The Bengson's performing on the rooftop terrace of Dayton's Firefly Building

The Bengson's performing on the rooftop terrace of Dayton's Firefly Building

…a butt-kicking, heart-breaking, raucous, Vaudevillian Cabaret!

What?

Yeah…I thought the same thing, the first time I was forcibly encouraged to attend a performance by Shaun & Abigail Bengson.  “What are we going to see again?  Who are these people? Can’t we just go to Chappy’s instead?”

Then, upon exiting the venue I asked…”What did I just see?  Who were those people?  When are they performing again? Is there a CD?”  The performance WAS heart-breaking, it WAS butt-kicking.  I fell in love with these performers, and the 20-some characters from around the world that they introduced me to that evening.

Shaun & Abigail Bengson.  Performers like no other.  To be frank…you, yes YOU….have NO RIGHT WHATSOEVER to miss their performances whenever their nomadic path winds through Southwest Ohio.  Sorry if that sounds too strong for a friendly little blog post, but I am forcibly encouraging you to attend a performance of AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS by The Bengson’s at the Cincinnati Fringe Festival this week.

Shaun & Abigail Bengson's AIN'T THAT GOOD NEWS

"Not only a tremendous musical talent, but also a raw honesty and sincere righteousness." THE NEW YORK TIMES

Shaun McClain Bengson was a local boy.  Bellbrook.  You might’ve even seen him perform as a kid…BHS marching band & theater productions, Sinclair Jazz Combo, community theater groups. In 2001 he began to explore beyond the Miami Valley.  First he attended college at Indiana University (studied Ethnomusicology & Traditional Indiana Fiddling), then after graduation Shaun moved to New York City as a part of the city’s teaching fellows program.  He became a music teacher in NYC.  He was assigned to a school for special education students, in a unit for students with Autism.  It was in this unit where Shaun crafted programs such as “Little Kids Rock!” and then “The New Manhattan Music Project,” where his students wrote, produced & performed their own musicals.  It was at the performance of these musicals where Shaun found love.  In walks Abigail Nessen, out walks “The Bengson’s,” and a new band called the “Zombie Nationalists.”  They were engaged within two weeks and writing their first musical.

The couple is constantly touring.  They have traveled to South Africa, West Africa, El Salvador, Japan, Mexico, Europe as well as many areas of the U.S.  They perform while touring, but more importantly they connect to the people they encounter,  educating kids and talking with families.  They collect stories along the way.  These stories…NO…these people become the Bengson’s show.

The Bengson's in C{space 2009Those of you who attended last week’s production of RENT in C{space got just a glimpse of Shaun & Abigail.  Shaun led the rockin’ band, giving this version of RENT an instrumental style of it’s own.  Abigail portrayed “Mimi.”  Her Mimi was perhaps a tinge “Joplin-inspired.”  She took the dark role & gave it a fierce, hard edge that was probably more truthful to the character than “glam’d” for Broadway.

Currently they are touring with AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS, finishing up a new album called THE PROOF, and writing their next show which is titled the same as the album.  The new show, which will employ a cast of 12 and an 8 piece band, will be developed through a residency in Vermont followed by an Off-Broadway run in 2011.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS is described as

Shaun & Abigail Bengson…a raucous vaudevillian cabaret, full of roaring original music and impassioned characters. The Bengson duo evoke the quintessentially American stories of the immigrant and the outcast and play at the heart of the political struggles of our age through a melding of the musical forms of Tin Pan Alley, the Old South, German Weimar and rock and roll. The show is constantly evolving. As the Bengsons travel, they trade songs and drinks for new stories from the personal to the divine, and shift the work to reflect where they’ve been, and each new community they’re in. This work was made possible through support from the Puffin Foundation.

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS opened on Sunday night in the Cincinnati Fringe Festival.  You have three more chances to catch their show, so you will need to start making arrangements today. Hire a babysitter, make dinner reservations and ORDER YOUR TICKETS before they are gone!

AIN’T THAT GOOD NEWS @ The Cincinnati Fringe Festival

Wed. June 9 at 9:30p / Thurs. June 10 @ 8:45p / Sat. June 12 @ 9:00p

Venue: The Coffee Emporium, 110 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio

Tickets:  $12 online at www.cincyfringe.com/aint-that-good-news

More Info:  www.bengsons.com or email Shaun & Abigail at [email protected]

When you get the chance to meet Shaun & Abigail after the show, make sure you give them a hug for us…but be careful what you say…you never know, it might just make it into their next musical!

SA

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently preparing for their upcoming Summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton: Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] &Next Thing You Know (a developmental production of a new musical by NYC-based writing team of Salzman & Cunningham)