Playhouse South

Playhouse South Moving South

March 8, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

Playhouse South Community Theatre has just announced that they will be moving their program to Springboro!

Tentatively in Spring of 2019, Playhouse South will be located in a permanent home in Springboro to help fulfill the need for more performing arts in the area. They have been closely working with City Manager, Chris Pozzuto to better our relationship with the city.

With this being said, Rock of Ages, which performs in May, will be the last show in their current location. Their first and last show of the 2018-2019 season will be School House Rock Live! in Springboro at North Park. From then, until their new home is available, they will be taking the time to revamp their program. Their board and members agree that this is the perfect opportunity to properly prepare for the future of Playhouse South.

Why pause the Playhouse South program until you have moved into the new home in Springboro?

– Our members and board have decided that until our permanent space is ready, we would like to take this time to address everything our program has to offer. We’re looking at ways to grow, improve, and organize our entire program in a way that will better accommodate our new city and space.

Where will everything be stored while the move is taking place?

– Springboro has generously offered us a temporary space where we can store all our costumes, props, furniture, lumber, etc. Also, they have provided us with proper accommodations to prepare for School House Rock Live!

Are you announcing a 2018-2019 season?

– Rock of Ages, going up in May, will be our last show in our current space in Kettering. We will begin moving from this space as soon as the show closes. School House Rock Live!, performed at North Park in Springboro, will be our first and only 2018-2019 season show.

What does the new space look like?

– We cannot share many details about our new space. Nothing is set in stone as of yet, and many changes could still take place between now and the finalization of the project. We can confidently say that we have worked with the Springboro City Manager, Chris Pozzuto, to work from a “Wish List” of things that we would like our theater to include, and just about everything on that list will be worked into the space. Once everything is finalized, we will go public with more details.

‘Shrek’ Review – Playhouse South – Come Look at the Freaks

May 14, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

What makes you special makes you strong. This inspirational mantra, a celebration of self-empowerment and individuality, is the feel-good foundation of Playhouse South’s absolutely delightful production of composer Jeanine Tesori and lyricist/librettist David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2008 tunefest “Shrek The Musical,” based on the 2001 Academy Award-winning film and 1990 novel.

www.play(left to right) Tia Seay as Donkey, Esther Hyland as Fiona, Zach King as Shrek, Jim Brown as Lord Farquuad and the cast of Playhouse South’s production of “Shrek The Musical.” (Contributed photo)

Being labeled a freak can be cringe-inducing or hurtful, but in this context it’s something to take extreme pride in. After all, swamp ogre Shrek could care less about what people think about him. His primary aim is to protect his humble surroundings, which have been overrun by a bevy of fairy tale characters ousted from their habitats by Lord Farquuad’s startling decree. In order to save his home, Shrek agrees to rescue the lovely, abandoned Princess Fiona and return her to the villainous, diminutive Farquuad, who plans to marry her and rightfully become king of Duloc. But along the way, and with a wisecracking Donkey in tow, Shrek and Fiona grow to a newfound appreciation of love’s fundamental ability to look beyond outwardly appearances and treasure the glories of inner beauty.

Director Becki Norgaard, spearheading an entertaining, over 50-member cast, astutely embraces the conceptual challenges within the fanciful yet imbalanced material, particularly hindered by a few frivolous, forced gags from Lindsay-Abaire. Instead of overpowering the stage with elaborate scenery, Norgaard opts for slightly scaled-down sets (efficiently designed by Jim Brown) properly establishing tone while stirring the imagination. Norgaard retains a few elements of the Broadway and national touring productions, but her vision, accented by Annette Looper’s lively choreography, is refreshing overall, especially in such playful numbers as “Travel Song” and “Morning Person.” She also scores points for reimagining the role of the Dragon by placing a clear emphasis on its large, intimidating wings.
Zach King delivers one of his finest, most endearing performances as the titular green outcast. King skillfully conveys the menace, charm, frustration, and vulnerability fashioning Shrek’s amiable journey, heightened by his defiant, powerful rendition of “Build a Wall.” The equally radiant Esther Hyland, perfectly compatible with King, marvelously inhabits the multifaceted Fiona who harbors a secret in her quest for true love. Rising to levels of role originator Sutton Foster, Hyland’s sharp, mature instincts humorously drive “I Know It’s Today” (nicely shared with Cate Shannon and Stephanie Penrod) and heightens her character’s appealing emotional arc as Fiona warms to Shrek’s prickly nature. Strong vocalist Tia Seay, a recent standout in Dare to Defy Productions’ concert version of “Hair,” hilariously and energetically fits the bill as the loudmouth Donkey, quickly bonding and molding an enjoyable rapport with King and Hyland. The aforementioned Brown brings vengeful glee and apt physicality to his wonderfully heartless portrayal of Farquuad. The dynamic Parisa Samavati nearly steals the show belting the soul-flavored, encore-worthy “Forever” as the domineering Dragon smitten with Donkey. Brent Hoggatt (Pinocchio), Mackensie Vonderbrink (Gingy/Rag Doll), Aaron Eechaute-Lopez (Big Bad Wolf), Mary Nunnery (Ugly Duckling), Donna Cason (Wicked Witch), Janelle Chamness (Fairy Godmother), Angie Thacker (Mama Bear), Lisa Glover (Humpty Dumpty), and Aaron Brewer (Mad Hatter) are among the colorfully cheery array of fairy tale cohorts storming the stage to deliver knockout versions of “Story of My Life” and “Freak Flag.”
Additionally, the production is vibrantly and eye-catchingly costumed to the hilt by Meagan Kuchan and her impressive team (Melissa Fogle, Kathleen Carroll, the aforementioned Cason and Nunnery, Summer Lehman, Rachel Annabo Smith, Maggie Carroll, Aurora Nunnery, Rachel LaFountain Earich, Jordan Norgaard, Jenni Cypher, Tonia Scearce, Ian Meadows, and Jess Evans). Music director Lorri Topping and conductor Jason W. Clark expertly handle the melodic, introspective score.

In the final minutes of this truly enjoyable showcase comprised of varying ages and backgrounds, I couldn’t help but think of just how magnetic and inclusive community theater can be. It really is a big bright beautiful world always open to accept and embrace the freak within us all.

“Shrek The Musical” continues through May 17 inside the Clark Haines Theatre (Kettering Board of Education Building) 3750 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and military, and $8 for students. For tickets or more information, call 1-888-262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org

Dayton Theatre Auditions

December 29, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Washington Township’s Town Hall Theatre will hold auditions for it’s spring production of SEUSSICAL JR on January 4th beginning at 1pm and January 9th beginning at 4pm. The theatre for young audiences will cast children in grades 2 up to adult for some roles. The show will run March 7 – 23rd.

Registration for auditions is online. Please do not call the box office to schedule auditions. You will receive an email confirmation with your date and time. We cannot guarantee your choices for audition dates and times, however we will try our best to provide one of your three choices.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for auditions scheduled on Saturdays must be received by 6pm on the Thursday before the audition. Our box office is closed on Fridays.

Playhouse South in Kettering is holding auditions for Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Jen Skudlarek, on January 6th & 7th at 7pm, with callbacks on January 8th. The performances are on February 28, March 1, 2, 7, 8 at 8:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm. They will be doing cold readings from the script. Please bring any conflicts you may have to auditions. They are looking for 16-20 people, with a minimum of 7 men and 3 women ages 16 and up. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jen Skudlarek at tigerhorse717@yahoo.com.

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus will be holding open auditions for men of all ages on January 8, 2014 starting at 7pm at St John’s Lutheran Church located at 141 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402. Auditions will not only be to become a member of the chorus directly, but to also have the chance to participate in the new ground breaking commissioned oratorio “I am Harvey Milk” written and composed by Tony nominated Andrew Lippa, the be presented at the historic Victoria Theatre. Those wishing to audition should prepare a short piece demonstrating their range, an accompanist will be provided. Audition reservations are not required but a short RSVP or expression if interested is appreciated.

Returning members and new members will also have the opportunity to work directly with the composer at an all day workshop, which is to be announced shortly. Rehearsals are Monday evenings with a preview performance March 15,2014 at the DGMC Benefit, and final performance June 7, 2014 at the Victoria Theatre. For questions an interested please email info@daytongaymenschorus.org or call 937-530-0642.

Dare to Defy Productions, LLC is proud to announce open auditions for our company,

on Jan 11, 2014. General Auditions – (Ages 16+) will take place on January 11, 2014. To request an audition, please call 937-999-9949 or through e-mail info@daretodefyllc.com. Please specify an audition window 8:30-10:30 or 11:30-1:30. Please note any actors selected to attend callbacks for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown will be required to attend callbacks from 2:00-5:00, on January 11, 2014. Audition spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with your audition time confirmation, audition location and a reminder of the audition requirements.Open Auditions will be held for: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Altar Boyz, Nunsense and Rent (the role of Angel has been pre-cast, all other roles are available)Please note: Auditioners will be auditioning for Dare to Defy Productions, LLC for the period January 2014-March 2015. This means that if other performance opportunities arise actors from these auditions may be invited to callbacks for those productions, as they occur.

Audition Requirements: Come prepared with 1 one-minute comedic monologue, 1 one-minute dramatic monologue and 1 song (up to 32 bars). Please have a 2nd song, of contrasting style, prepared. Bring your sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella singing or recorded music. Please bring a recent headshot and resume, which will not be returned to you.Dare to Defy Productions, LLC is a non-equity professional production company. All roles are paid contract positions. Performances are done in a touring style, at several venues over a 3-month run.Rehearsals will primarily occur Monday – Thursday evenings, and daytime on weekends.

Coming up in Dayton theatre, 11/7-11/17

November 7, 2013 By Sarah Caplan 1 Comment

Welcome back again, theatre lovers! What do we have to tempt you this week?

Closing This Weekend

Oklahoma!

The Skinny: It’s the turn of the century, and the Oklahoma territory is on the cusp of statehood. There are farmers, their daughters, cow-men and their mounts in this beloved musical extravaganza.

Dates: Oklahoma closes this weekend, 11/10.

Tickets: Please visit the Wright State University Theatre department website here.

Opening This Weekend!

Oedipus Rex

Springfield Stage Works

The Skinny: Oedipus is abandoned after his father hears a prophecy that he is to kill his father and marry his mother. Oedipus is adopted and later hears that same prophecy, and goes in search for the truth. Hijinks do not, in this play, ensue.

Dates: Oedipus opens this weekend and closes next weekend.

Tickets: Please visit the Springfield Stage Works site, www.springfieldstageworks.org

Currently In Production

Fiddler On The Roof

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: In the early part of the 20th century, the inhabitants of the shtetl of Anatevka, including Tevye and his 5 daughters, must contest with how Russia’s sweeping changes will effect their daily lives.

Dates:

Tickets: Please visit the Human Race Theatre Company website at www.humanracetheatre.org

9 to 5

Playhouse South

The Skinny: A musical workplace-revenge fantasy, based on the 1980 comedy movie.

Dates: 9 to 5 runs this weekend and next, closing Saturday, 11/16.

Tickets: Please call (888) 262-3792.

Opening Next Weekend

Over The River And Through The Woods

Brookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: Nick is a family-dedicated Jersey boy who has to tell his family he’s moving to follow his dream job. Out of town.

Dates: Over The River opens the 14th and runs through the 24th.

Tickets: Please call the Brookville Floral Shop at 937-833-6790.

Coming up in Dayton Theatre 5/3 – 5/12 (plus Season Announcements!)

May 2, 2013 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Welcome back friends! We’ve got just a couple things going on the next couple weeks, but we also have SEASON ANNOUNCEMENTS! So exciting!

Closing This Weekend!

‘Til Beth Do Us Part

Brookville Community Theatre
The Skinny: A comedy about love, marriage and trust.
Dates: Running through Sunday, May 5th.
Tickets: For tickets, please call the Brookville Flower Shop at (937) 833-3531.

Opening This Weekend!

The Late Edwina Black

Troy Civic Theatre

The Skinny: When a some-what unpopular woman dies, the community feeling is rather less of grief and more of relief. When an autopsy shows her remains full of arsenic, an Inspector must interview the three main suspects and try to figure out what really happened.
Dates: Opening 5/3 and closing Saturday, 5/11
Tickets: Please call the ticket chairman at 937-339-7700

Mid-week Opening!

Next To Normal

The Human Race Theatre Company (@ The Victoria Thatre)

The Skinny: The story of a mother who struggles with bipolar disorder and the effect her illness has on her family. This contemporary Pulitzer Prize and Tony winning musical is an emotional powerhouse that addresses issues such as grieving a loss, ethics in modern psychiatry, and suburban life. With provocative lyrics and a thrilling score, this musical shows how far two parents will go to keep themselves sane and their family’s world intact.

Dates: Opens Tuesday 5/7 and closes Sunday 5/19

Tickets: Tickets are available via the Victoria Theatre Association website, here: Tickets.

Opening Next Weekend!

Jekyll & Hyde

Playhouse South

The Skinny: This dark, gothic musical is based on the Robert Louis Stevenson book The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde. Nominated for several Tony awards, the music is chilling, moving and altogether wonderful.

Dates: Jekyll takes the stage on Friday, 5/10 and will run Fridays and Saturdays through 5/25 with one Sunday matinee on 5/12. What better treat for Mom?!

Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase via the PHS website, here: Tickets

Season Announcements!

Tis the season for season announcements! Theatres are beginning to release their 2013-2014 seasons. Here’s what I’ve got so far!

Dayton Theatre Guild
45 Seconds from Broadway, by Neil Simon
Directed by Fred Blumenthal. Runs Aug 23-Sep 8, 2013

Time Stand Stills, by Donald Margulies
Directed by Debra Kent. Runs Oct 4-20, 2013

The Gifts of the Magi, by Coats & Germain — (The Holiday Extra)
Director to be announced. Runs Nov 22-Dec 8, 2013

The Subject Was Roses, by Frank D. Gilroy

Directed by Marcia Nowik. Runs Jan 10-26, 2014

Expecting Isabel, by Lisa Loomer
Directed by Natasha Randall. Runs Feb 28-Mar 16, 2014

An Inspector Calls, by J.B. Priestly
Directed by David Shough. Runs Apr 18-May 4, 2014

The Dead Guy, by Eric Coble
Directed by Saul Caplan. Runs May 30-June 15, 2014

Dayton Playhouse

Hairspray Sept. 6-22

Directed by Tina McPhearson and Fran Pesch

Deathtrap, by Ira Levine
Directed by Jennifer Lockwood. Runs October 25-November 3rd

Fellow Passengers, by Greg Carter
Directed by Dodie Lockwood. Runs December 6-15

Working
Directed by Jim Lockwood. Runs January 31-February 16

The Whales of August, by David Berry
Directed by John Riley. Runs March 14th-23

Oklahoma!
Directed by Brian Sharp. Runs May 2-18

Beavercreek Community Theatre

Hair
September 13-22

Dog Sees God
October 25-November 3

A Neverland Christmas Carol
December 6-15

‘Till Beth Do Us Part
January 24-February 2

Carrie
March 7-16

Monty Python’s Spamalot
June 20-29

Human Race Theatre Company

Becky’s New Car
September 12-29

Fiddler on the Roof
October 31-November 17

Torch Song Trilogy
January 30-February 16

Other Desert Cities
March 27-April 3

Play It By Heart
June 12-29

Victoria Theatre Association/Broadway Series

War Horse
October 22-27

It’s A Wonderful Life (A Live Radio Play!)
December 3-15

Sister Act
January 28-February 2

Memphis
April 8-13

Beauty And The Beast
May 27-June 1

Million Dollar Quartet
June 17-22

That’s what I’ve got so far — There are more to come, however. It’s gonna be a really good season! I’m already marking my calendars. How about you?

ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: Little Shop of Horrors (Playhouse South)

March 2, 2013 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

Cari Meixner and Desmond Thomas in Little Shop of Horrors (Photo by Rob Breving)

Terrific vocalists Desmond Thomas and Cari Meixner are the absolutely delightful beacons of Playhouse South’s decent “Little Shop of Horrors,” set in the 1950s on Skid Row and written in 1982 by composer Alan Menken and lyricist-librettist Howard Ashman based on the 1960 film of the same name.

Under the direction of Jenni Cypher, Thomas, a nice case for non-traditional casting, and Meixner, so kind and touching, were born to play ill-fated lovebirds Seymour and Audrey, florist shop co-workers whose affection for each other grows as big as the infamously blood-thirsty plant Audrey II (amusingly voiced by music director Jim Brown and operated by set designer Kurt Cypher) that ultimately comes between them. By the team this special duo reaches their truly sincere rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” you’ll wish Ashman created a different outcome. Individually, the open, honest Thomas doesn’t lose one ounce of tenderness as he copes with the problems and popularity that comes his way on his quest for revenge. He makes it clear that Seymour’s seedy actions are simply out of overwhelming concern for his beloved, battered Audrey, sentiments beautifully upheld in Thomas’ pleasantly pensive solo within “The Meek Shall Inherit.” He’s also great at the outset, notably fueling the powerful, spine-tingling “Skid Row (Downtown)” with meaningful urgency. Meixner primarily makes her mark musically, particularly delivering the gorgeous ballad “Somewhere That’s Green” with a sweet, music box delicacy that immediately grabs the heart.

Elsewhere, TC Schreier, in his best role to date, accents his personable portrayal of florist shop proprietor Mr. Mushnik with a comical shuffle. Zach King, an enjoyably twisted Orin Scrivello, wisely avoids the temptation to go over the top in “Dentist” and “Now (It’s Just the Gas).” Sarah-Grace Griswold (Ronette), Megan Rademacher (Crystal) and Erika Rogers (Chiffon) offer ample attitude but have a tendency to become pitchy and overly forceful in their R&B inflections. Angie Thacker and Jamal Cann offer humorous support in various roles.

The contributions of choreographer Mackensie Vonderbrink, costumer Maggie Carroll and lighting designer/technical director Jason Vogel are noteworthy. Conductor/keyboardist Brett Greenwood leads a small but steady four-piece orchestra.

“Little Shop of Horrors” continues through March 9 at the Clark Haines Theatre (Kettering Board of Education Building) 3750 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 37 minutes. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and military and $8 students. Call 1-888-262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org. The show contains adult language and themes.

Coming up in Dayton theatre, 12/14 – 12/23

December 13, 2012 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Hello again, one and all. I can’t believe that this edition will bring us right up to the edge of Christmas and, ergo, nearly to the dawn of 2013. Things do tend to slow down a bit as we coast into the Holiday Season, most shows are done with their runs before Christmas and new ones don’t really start up again until we get into January. But there are still several offerings out here for you to sample. For starts!

Closing This Weekend!

12 Dancing Princess

Xenia Area Community Theatre (X*ACT)

The Skinny:X*ACT bills this production as a “Holiday family show,” and indeed this story is one that will please the youngest among us. Based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tale, it follows the 12 daughters of a king who are locked in their bedroom each night, and yet appear each morning with shoes worn out from dancing.

Dates: Closing on the 16th.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the door, for more information please visit the X*ACT website, here.

A Christmas Carol

Zoot Theatre Company

The Skinny: Dayton’s puppet theatre company takes on Dickens seasonal classic, delightfully retelling this classic morality play as only Zoot can.

Dates: Closing this weekend, on the 15th.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Art Institute website, here.

Scrooge

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Adapted from the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol,” this musical closely follows the classic story with the miserly Ebenezer undergoing a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the Spirits of Christmas past, present and future.

Dates: Three performances left, closing on 12/16.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Playhouse website, here.

Annie

Troy Civic Theatre

The Skinny: The famous musical version of Lil’ Orphan Annie is,indeed, a Christmas-set offering. This show is a heart-warming favorite, sure to please families with kids, or without.

Dates: One more weekend, closing on the 15th.

Tickets: Tickets are available for reservation by calling 937-339-7700. Pricing information can be found at the Troy Civic Theatre website, here.

Continuing!

Oliver!

The Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: Christmas Eve in London, 1838. A small group of working-class, wayward souls gather in a tavern to celebrate when a small, unexpected guest prompts a spontaneous telling of the popular Oliver Twist. With traditional music-hall flair, they delve into Charles Dickens’ haunting moral tale as the lines between story and reality blur. Sized perfectly for The Loft Theatre, this reimagining of the classic Tony Award®-winning musical will touch your heart and challenge your spirit. It’s Oliver with a twist, indeed! Dayton Most Metro’s Russell Florence reviewed Oliver! Click here to read it!

Dates: You’ve got several more chances to catch this wonderful production, which runs through the 22nd.

Tickets: Tickets are available through the Human Race Theatre Company website, here.

One Weekend Only!

In The Spotlight!

Playhouse South

The Skinny: Playhouse Souths annual revue-style evening of musical theatre selections, this year entitled “At The Movies” and featuring numbers from musicals, TV shows and movies.

Dates: Two performances only, December 2oth and 21st.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Playhouse South website, here.

So, that all gives you plenty to see up to Christmas eve eve eve (12/22)! Remember, a night at the theatre is not only a wonderful date, it’s also a splendid holiday gift! There’s 9 days til Christmas and 2 nights of Hanukkah left…head to your favorite theatre box office and buy tickets!

ON STAGE DAYTON REVIEW: Legally Blonde (Playhouse South) – Pretty in Pink

November 16, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

Katie McCarthy, bubbly, jovial and endearing, delightfully anchors Playhouse South’s admirable production of the upbeat, silly and surprisingly touching “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” breezily directed by Jim Brown and adapted in 2007 by Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach based on the 2001 film of the same name.

McCarthy, colorfully costumed by Jenni Cypher, was born to play fashion-conscious sorority star Elle Woods, who optimistically journeys to Harvard Law School in order to reclaim her ex-boyfriend. Displaying pleasant vocals and a perky spirit that sidesteps annoyance, she firmly grasps Elle’s innate cheerleading instincts, particularly as a Pied Piper enthusiastically drawing crowds, and tender vulnerability, specifically when her world crumbles late in Act 2 after she rediscovers the beauty of staying true to self.

Elsewhere, the supporting cast cohesively gels. The amiable Josh Livecchi is appropriately unassuming as Emmett Forest, the introverted teaching assistant who grows to care for Elle in spite of her outgoing flair. Brad Bishop is sharply hard-nosed as Callahan, Elle’s ruthless professor. Angie Thacker adds enjoyable comic relief as Paulette, the beauty shop proprietor whose self-esteem and love life is reborn. The lively Jackie Darnell, as Elle’s sorority sister Serena, particularly leads the infectious “Bend and Snap” with vim and verve. Meagan Kuchan and Stefanie Dodge are respectively solid as liberal Enid Hoopes and imprisoned fitness guru Brooke Wyndham. Megan Rademacher is effectively snippy as Elle’s nemesis Vivienne Kensington. Matthew Scheerschmidt and Brett Norgaard are funny cohorts in “There! Right There!” Waky Harris fits the bill as Kyle, Paulette’s crush. Jessica Jones, appearing briefly, is a hoot as Elle’s tipsy mother. Brian Kester is too old to play Elle’s boyfriend Warner Huntington III but his efforts are serviceable nonetheless.

Energetic routines from choreographer Greg Andrus and a fine set designed by Ray Zupp are added benefits within this artistically sound endeavor.

“Legally Blonde: The Musical” continues through Nov. 17 at the Clark Haines Theatre of the Kettering Board of Education Building, 3750 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $13 for adults, $11 for seniors and military and $8 for students. For tickets or more information, call (888) 262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org

Coming Up In Dayton Theatre, 11/16 – 12/2

November 15, 2012 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Among the offerings in this installment I get to tell you about four different pieces of literature being brought to the stage by 5 area theatres. What is it about novels that make such good theatrical fodder? Our tour of books-on-stages begins with:

Closing This Weekend!

The Never Ending Story

Kettering Children’s Theatre

The Skinny: Lovers of the classic 1984 fantasy movie of the same name are probably already aware that it was first a book by Michael Ende. KCT’s production of this tale of adventure and self-discovery uses charming puppets (made by local artisan Ayn Wood) to bring to life the Gnomics and fan favorite Falkor (the Luckdragon) among others. KCT is theatre for children and by children.

Dates: One weekend left, Friday and Saturday (11/16 and 17) performances are at a family-friendly 7 pm and Sunday (11/18) is at 2.

Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase at the door (cash only). For any information further, please call the Rosewood Arts Center office at (937) 296-0294

Legally Blonde

Playhouse South

The Skinny: A musical retelling of the story of Elle Woods’ journey through Harvard Law. Most people are familiar, at least passingly, with the 2001 Reese Witherspoon movie of the same name, but Did You Know: That movie was based on a novel by the same name.
Dates: Two performances left, Friday and Saturday (11/16 and 17).

Tickets: For ticketing information, please visit the Playhouse South website, here.

You Better Watch Out

Brookville Community Theatre

The Skinny:A heartwarming holiday comedy about family, love and the spirit of Christmas

Dates: One weekend left! Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets: Reservations are highly recommended and may be made by calling the Brookville Flower Shop at 937-833-3531

Opening Next Weekend!

Scrooge!

The Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: Based on Charles Dickens’ classic tale, this musical closely follows the classic story with the miserly Ebenezer undergoing a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the Spirits of Christmas past, present and future.

Dates: Weekends, opening Friday Nov 30 and closing Sunday Dec 16.

Tickets: For all reservation and purchase information, please visit the Dayton Playhouse Website, here.

Speaking of Dickens…

A Christmas Carol

The Zoot Theatre Company

The Skinny: Like Scrooge!, but with less singing. This is a more straight-forward retelling of the ghostly holiday favorite, using Zoot’s signature beautiful puppetry.

Dates: Weekends, November 30th through December 15th.

Tickets: Online ticketing for this event doesn’t seem to be working just now, but a wealth of event information can be found on the ZTC event page on Facebook, here.

Speaking of Dickens (wait, that sounds familiar…)

Oliver!

The Human Race Theatre Company

Dates: The original dates of the run have been extended, and now the show will open 11/29 and run through 12/22, making tickets a perfect Hanukkah or early-Christmas present!

Tickets: All ticketing information can be found online, here.

A Tuna Christmas

The Dayton Theatre Guild

The Skinny: It’s Christmas time and local radio personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie tell us all about the annual Christmas lawn display contest that Viola Carp keeps winning (14 times), the troubled local production of A Christmas Carol and along the way introduce us to a host of colorful characters, each one funnier than the last, in this little mythical Texas town. Two actors portray more than twenty roles in this hilarious production.

Dates: November 23rd – December 9th. Remember, in the 2nd and 3rd weekends, Saturday performances are at 5:00 pm.

Tickets: Tickets are available at the Dayton Theatre Guild website, here.

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

The Victoria Theatre Association

The Skinny: The beloved musical movie of the same name stars Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen and features some of Berlin’s best-known songs including “Sisters,” “Blue Skies,” and the title song that you may have heard once or twice before.

Dates: November 27th through December 2nd.

Tickets: For ticketing information, please visit the Victoria Theatre Association website, here.

Audition Notice!

Ghosts

Directed by Matthew Smith

Dayton Theatre Guild

The Guild is bringing to life Henrik Ibsen’s classic drama. The ‘‘ghosts’’ in this play are taboo topics that cannot be openly discussed. This drama is one of Ibsen’s most powerful works, but also one of his most controversial. Family sins are revisited when a son returns home to dedicate an orphanage in his father’s name and becomes involved in a tryst that ends in the painful knowledge of long suppressed family truths.

Dates: November 26th and 27th.

For more information, including a breakdown of characters and ages, as well as audition requirements, please visit the auditions page of the DTG website, here.

Coming up in Dayton Theatre, November 2nd – 11th

November 2, 2012 By Sarah Caplan 1 Comment

Happy All Hallow’s day! November already. Hope you got out to see some of the spooky, Halloween-y themed offerings that Dayton served up. What’s next? Well, there are a few things closing this weekend, but enough opening to hopefully keep you busy!

Closing This Weekend!

Coming Back To Jersey

West Milton Players

The Skinny: Dayton theatre audiences may remember this script as a FutureFest finalist in 2008, when it was voted “Audience Favorite.” A comedy set in New Jersey in 1965.It is a story of Howard Karchmer, a middle-aged tailor who indulges in daydreams to escape his humdrum existence. Norma, his suspicious wife, believes he is fantasizing about Dorothy, a sexy widow friend. Norma schemes to have Dorothy flirt with Howard to test his fidelity, but Norma’s plan backfires when Howard connives with Dorothy to turn the trick around.

Dates: Last performance is Saturday, November ^3rd.

Tickets: For all production and ticketing information, please visit the Facebook Event page; here.

A Few Good Men

Xenia Area Community Theatre (X*ACT)

The Skinny: Fans of Aaron Sorkin’s TV and movie work will be delighted to take in his well-known military courtroom drama. Famously brought to the screen by, among others, Tom Cruise and Jack “You Can’t Handle The Truth” Nicholson, this is a gripping tale of whether or not something can be wrong, if your job is to do as you’re told.

Dates: Finishing this weekend, with the last performance on Sunday November 4^th

Tickets: Please visit the X*ACT website, here.

Funny Girl

Wright State University, Theatre Department

The Skinny: Funny Girl is the semi-biographical musical based on the life and career of Broadway and film star, the comedienne Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. Audiences may be familiar with the movie starring Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif. It is from this musical that we get such musical theatre classics as “People” and “Don’t Rain On My Parade”.

Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th at the Festival Playhouse.

Tickets: For tickets, please call 937-775-2500

Sugar Bean Sisters

Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: A Southern gothic comedy of romance, murder and alien abduction, Sugar Bean Sisters takes us back to the sticky, humid environs of Sugar Bean, Florida, where audiences last visited in its companion piece, The Sugar Witch, at Dayton Theatre Guild. Sugar Bean Sisters is a lighter, more comedic piece, dripping with the same spanish moss and thrum of supernaturalism.

Dates: Closing this Sunday, November 4th.

Full Disclosure: I’m in this, and in my (naturally, entirely unbiased!) opinion, it’s awesome

Tickets: Please visit the Beavercreek Community Theatre website, here.

Opening This Weekend!

Legally Blonde

Playhouse South

The Skinny: Pink-loving sorority princess Elle Woods follows her boyfriend, and her heart, to Harvard Law School. She makes friends, makes enemies and make decisions she never thought she’d have to, all the while, her beloved Delta Nus see her through.

Dates: Opening Friday, 11/2 and running through 11/17.

Tickets: For all ticketing information, please visit the Playhouse South website, here.

Coming Soon!

A Plague of Angels

Sinclair Community College

The Skinny:This drama is based on the actual account of Mary Mallon, better known as “Typhoid Mary” and her struggle with the Public Health system of New York City in 1907. It’s Mary’s rights versus the “public good” which submerges us into medical ethics in our society then and perhaps even now.

Dates: ONE WEEKEND ONLY; Friday, 11/8-Sunday, 11/10.

Tickets: All ticketing information can be found on Sinclair’s website, here.

You Better Watch Out

Brookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: It’s Christmas Eve at the Willow Inn. The hosts Jenny and Tom are having Art, (Jenny’s father who’s still mourning the passing of his wife) see their bed and breakfast for the first time. There’s a snowstorm raging outside and three travelers are forced to lodge at the inn and wait it out. Rudy and Marsha who run a costume business together and a mysterious but cheerful man who claims to be in the delivery business named Mr. Smith. Only the Inn’s handyperson Andy sees who Mr. Smith really is, the spirit of Christmas. Andy must help him make Art, who’s been in a dark place for a very long time, see the joy of Christmas and who Mr. Smith really is!

The Dates: Ring in the Christmas spirit early! This show opens 11/8 and closes 11/18

Tickets: Reservations in advance are highly recommended as shows do sell out. To reserve tickets, please call the Brookville Flower Show at 937.833.3531

On Stage Dayton Theatre Guide: 2011-12

September 5, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

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

If 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

If 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

If 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

If 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

If 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…

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

June 9, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

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 Drood

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

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

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: 05/26 – 06/08

May 25, 2011 By Dayton937 1 Comment

Thursday, May 26 – Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Dayton Theatre Guild: Mauritius

Yesterday, when friends asked about having a picnic on Monday, I returned the question with a confused stare until they prompted me that it was Memorial Day. Wow! The holiday seems like it has completely snuck up on me. And with it has come some break in the rain (just some) and the beginning of summer.
Even in the midst of cookouts and vacations, there’s still the opportunity to see shows in the Dayton area this summer and these next few weeks. This can be a great time to celebrate school letting out and the warmer weather, and what better way than by doing something creative? A few shows are closing this weekend, so make sure to catch them before they do!