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Theater Is Back….and CABARET Delivers the GOODS!

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Vanae Pate scores as LuLu!

The cast is gathered together, talking, giving ideas to their director, Dayton Native, Philip Drennen. He likes to hear from his actors and dancers, and he welcomes their ideas. ‘The strength of this cast,’ Drennen says ‘is they genuinely like each other and build each other up. That makes their on-stage performance cohesive and electric.’ Drennen chose CABARET, one of Broadways’ truly iconic shows, because ‘it is relevant even today. It’s balance of dark and light is historic and yet, contemporary!’

Charity Farrell brings Bowles to LIFE!

As the music begins in their 3rd practice venue, the Cannery, the cast takes a deep breath knowing once it starts, its full-on CABARET! Charity Farrell, who shines as Sally Bowles, the show’s broken, scarred female lead, puts every inch of her soul into the role. ‘I understand Sally. ADHD, the struggles, her demons….yet she controls the room!’ Farrell’s MAYBE THIS TIME is goosebump worthy. ‘I have been in many, many shows, but I can feel the support of this company. They are so generous and giving as a cast!’

Midway through practice, they EMCEE, brought to ‘bigger-than-life status by 6’4″ newcomer, Alex Everett, belts out one of his many tunes with wonderfully eerie tones and strange physicality. Lights change, music fades and we are back in a 1930’s apartment building awaiting the ‘play within a play’ transition.

Although the show has songs we all know, many times people forget the backdrop….the beginning of the Rise of the Nazis. ‘You forget what complacency does,’ says Amy Askins, who brings her character, Fraulein Kost, a delicious, slutty energy. ‘The shows begs us to pay attention to what’s happening around us. For my character, it’s about survival.  She tries to make the best of things in a world about to turn upside-down. She gives us a glimpse into her heart, and we see how some people must sell their soul to get by.’

The cast, uniquely diverse, is well suited for the political drama. ‘The storyline is so important. Our cast is made up of so many minorities and it highlights the idea of hatred and ignorance in the script.’ says Naman Clark, a Dayton Theater staple. ‘You see why we have to stand up for what is right.’

The lights are on as rehearsals start at D2D!

CABARET has had many revivals, many versions of the same tale. Drennen looked to make his version pertinent to today, without losing sight of its roots. Take the cherished character of Fraulein Schneider. ‘I knew I wanted to use this moment to open peoples’ eyes to all kinds of ways of life. I called Josh Stucky and said, ‘What if you play Schneider?’ Stucky, a well-known drag queen in the Dayton Area,  jumped at the opportunity.

Winters, Stucky and Everett ready themselves for Cabaret!

‘First of all, I love Schneider. She’s the backbone in CABARET in many ways. And I feel playing her gives all of us a voice….men, women, trans, whatever! She doesn’t need to be any one thing, but rather every kind of thing. I hope to do her justice!’ Stucky’s turn at the tune ‘So What?’ is sweet and endearing, which can also be said for Schneider’s love interest, Dayton theater Patriarch Saul Caplan (Herr Schultz.)

For first-timer Scott Winters, who plays Bobby, his eyes were open to community theater. ‘It is so amazing to see how the pieces fall together and a really great show happens!’ Winters character, a homosexual longing to reunite with the male lead Cliff, dances, sings, and delights as one of the famous Kit Kat Club kids. Dancing is integral in CABARET, and it’s fun, phrenetic and forceful throughout the show…and yes, the Gorilla makes an appearance!

As rehearsal winds down, and Garrett Young’s Clifford Bradshaw leads the cast through the hauntingly unsettled ending, the ensemble sits in an awkward silence. ‘You can feel the broken world we live in in that moment.’ says Young. ‘Each of us trying to figure ourselves out. This leads to the understanding the story is still important today as it was in the 40’s, 60’s 80’s….There is a great cost in doing nothing.’

Theater is back. And so is this importance of story-telling.

Life Is a CABARET and thank GOD this one is open for business!

Show runs 10/13-10/16 at the PNC Art Annex, for 5 shows. There are tickets available at https://www.daytonlive.org/events/cabaret/

The show is sponsored by the RubiGirls and SquareOne Salons.

 

 

Human Race Playreading Goes Virtual

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While the COVID-19 pandemic may have closed down live performances, The Human Race has not let it stop them from presenting their Playreading Series – this time as a virtual reading of a new play by Yellow Springs playwright Robb Willoughby called Look Into My Eyes. This streaming reading will benefit The Foodbank, a vital organization solving hunger in the Miami Valley – especially now!

top row (l to r) Lauren Kampman, Saul Caplan (Director), Libby Holley Scancarello middle row (l to r) Caitlin Larsen, Barbara Dirr, Jeff Sams bottom row (l to r) Scott Stoney, Jeremy Todd Farley, Robb Willoughby (Playwright)

“We have been rehearsing on Zoom for our typical 11 hours,” reported Human Race Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “A director, a playwright and seven actors working very hard to communicate this funny and sweet story in the “Brady Bunch” little boxes format.  It’s not easy. We miss the live interaction and the reaction of an audience, which always fuels a performance. But we all felt it was necessary to keep the creative work flowing, even during these challenging times. And since we had to cancel several of our Pay What You Can performances which have supported The Foodbank for decades,” continued Moore, “it seemed right to support them while they strive to meet the additional demand this pandemic has caused.”

The play centers around two unique siblings. Billie can read people’s futures – has been doing it for years. Her brother, Lonnie, can hear people’s thoughts – and it is driving him crazy. But when a dangerous, dark cloud of a person comes in for a tarot reading, the sister/brother team must join forces to warn the innocent and expose the guilty. The plot thickens, zany characters run amuck, and mystery abounds. Will they save the day in time? Find out for yourself.

Directed by Saul Caplan, the cast includes Human Race Resident Artists Caitlin Larsen and Scott Stoney, Barbara Dirr, Libby Holley Scancarello, Jeff Sams, Lauren Kampman and Jeremy Todd Farley.

The performance will be streamed starting at 8pm on Saturday, May 16, and ending on Wednesday, May 20th at 8om, so you can view at your leisure. Tickets are available at DaytonLive by calling 937-228-3630, or visit The Human Race website at www.humanracetheatre.org  Tickets start at $10, with all proceeds going to The Foodbank.

2014 Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Inductees Announced

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url-9Established in 2001, the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created to honor local theatre artists and patrons of the arts. It is designed to acknowledge people whose life-long participation, innovation, and creativity have influenced the Dayton arts culture.

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created as a way to recognize individuals who have dedicated themselves to the cause of theatre arts in Dayton or have made a significant impact on Dayton’s theatre community.

 

The 2014 inductees are:

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Saul Caplan in A Case of Libel as photographed by Craig Roberts

Saul Caplan has been working in theatre for the past fifty-five years, starting with a show at Memorial Hall in 1959. He worked in various children’s theatres, performed at Colonel White in student productions, and majored in theatre at the University of Akron. From 1971 until the mid 1990’s Saul worked as a professional actor in theatres from New York to Florida before moving back to Dayton in 1998. Since then, he has worked on over sixty-five productions with the Human Race Theatre Company, The Dayton Theatre Guild, Sinclair, The Dayton Playhouse, FutureFest, Brookville Theatre, and Playhouse South.

Barbara

 

Barbara Jorgensen has been working in Dayton Theatre since 1989 when she was cast in a production at the Dayton Playhouse.  Since then she has performed for FirstStage Productions, Young at Heart Players, and the Dayton Theatre Guild.  Barb has taught theatre to adults at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Dayton, and lends her acting talent to the University of Dayton School of Law performing in mock trials and playing various parts in legal scenarios with law students.    Barb is active on the Board of the Dayton Theatre Guild where she wears many hats.

 

This year’s induction ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual DayTony awards on August 9, 2014 at Sinclair Community College. Attendees will have the dinner or event-only option this year. Early bird pricing will be available through July 22nd with a higher price until July 31st. No reservations will be accepted after August 1st.  The event is open to the public and reservation information will be available on the DayTony website when plans are completed.           .

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame is operated and governed by the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Executive Committee. For more information visit the website: daytonys.org.

Coming Up In Dayton Theatre, 9/5 – 9/22

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Welcome back! Has everyone had a good and fulfilling summer? I sure have. But I’m ready to jump back into Dayton’s exciting theatre scene.

Closing This Weekend!

45 Seconds From Broadway

ju4jrz0trfesodmdeu5ipeotavk2686eThe Skinny: Neil Simon’s 2001 Broadway-based comedy takes place in the Polish Tea Room, a haunt of Broadway-types in general, and comedian Mickey Fox in specific.Taking place over the course of 1 year (4 scenes, 4 seasons), this story follows Mickey and his friends as they do all those play things; live, laugh, love and learn.

Dates: 45 Seconds closes this weekend. Friday, 9/6 at 8, Saturday 9/7 at 5 and Sunday 9/8 at 3.

Tickets: For ticket information, please visit the Dayton Theatre Guild website, www.daytontheatreguild.com

Opening This Weekend!

Hairspray

hairspray-the-musicalThe Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: This high-spirited musical musical takes place in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. Teenager, Tracy Turnblad, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. The show deals with injustices of parts of American society in the 1960’s.

Dates: Hairspray opens this Friday, 9/6 and runs 3 weekends, closing on Sunday, 9/22.

Tickets: For ticketing information, please see the Dayton Playhouse website, www.daytonplayhouse.com

A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement

lacomedia-mighty-fortressLa Comedia Dinner Theatre

The Skinny: The fourth installment in the popular Church Basement Ladies series takes place in 1960, and reformation is underway. The Church Basement Ladies are once again required to face chance head-on, but they will stand strong in their faith and their friendships.

Dates: This show opens Thursday, 9/5 and runs through 10/27.

Tickets: For information regarding tickets, schedule and menu, please visit La Comedia’s website at www.lacomedia.com

 

Opening Next Weekend!

Becky’s New Car

ndbeckyThe Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: Becky Foster is stuck in neutral—middle aged, in middle management and a middling marriage—until an honest misunderstanding with a wealthy widower offers her the chance at an exciting double life…and she takes it. Now she’s frantically juggling to keep her two worlds apart before everything threatens to come crashing down on her. It’s enough to drive Becky off a cliff.

Dates: Becky debuts Thursday, 9/12 and runs through Sunday, 9/29.

Tickets: For ticketing information, please visit www.humanracetheatre.org

Hair

hairBeavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical!This show introduced America to the “Rock musical”, with songs that became standards, such as “The Age Of Aquarius” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Hair focuses on a “tribe” of hippies, touching on several different individual stories, woven throughout with the tragedy of the Vietnam conflict.
Dates: Hair opens next weekend, 9/13 and closes 9/22.
Tickets: For ticketing information, please visit the BCT website at www.bctheatre.org

 

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

cjlijq5u8l1joxq42wlzoksfaadhwo7eBrookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: More Church ladies! During WWII, six women gather at the church to roll bandages and plan the church’s 75th anniversary. Overseeing things is Edith, the pastor’s wise-cracking wife who dispenses Red Cross smocks and witty repartee to Luby, whose son is fighting in the Pacific; Mae Ellen, the church’s rebellious organist who wants to quit but hasn’t the courage; Olene, who dreams of a career in Hollywood; Sammy, a shy newcomer with a secret; and Vera, an influential Baptist with a secret of her own. When Luby learns her son has been wounded, she confounds the others by blaming the vulnerable Sammy. Twenty-five years later, our “First Baptist Six” reunite!

Dates: Opening Friday, 9/12 and running through 9/22.

Tickets: To make ticket reservations, please call the Brookville Flower Shop at 937-833-3531

 

 

 

On Stage Dayton Review – “Dracula” by The Dayton Playhouse

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Alex Carmichal (l) and Jared Mola in Dracula (Contributed photo)

Chills, kills and thrills abound in the Dayton Playhouse’s impressively conceived production of “Dracula,” adapted by William McNulty and originally dramatized by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s classic novel.

Under the striking, cinematic direction of David Shough, “Dracula,” the classic psychological and physical battle between good and evil exposing intriguing aspects of lunacy, power, sexuality and religion, grips from the start and doesn’t let go. Vividly launched by Chris Newman’s stellar prologue illustrations, Shough’s breezily paced, eerily dark and delightfully amusing presentation– effectively heightened with flashy special effects and Puccini’s marvelously melodramatic “Turandot” as inspired underscore –uniformly attacks with purpose. This show could have imploded with actors wallowing in a spooky sea of overblown hysterics or cheesy horror shtick with the rudimentary goal to “be scary,” but Shough ensures his believably conflicted cast remains committed at every turn, giving McNulty’s fully fleshed adaptation, a clear, succinct and tight examination of Count Dracula’s sinister menace and uncontrollable influence pervading Victorian England, the thoroughly engrossing treatment it deserves.

As the titular vampire, the impeccably creepy Alex Carmichal, an actor with a history of villainous roles, delivers one of his best performances. Uniquely possessing a simultaneously charming and contemptible aura, Carmichal meticulously uncovers the multifaceted malevolence within Dracula’s quest for control. He’s certainly good for a laugh, as any Dracula must, but he can also be remarkably seductive, particularly in the terrifying Act 1 finale he shares opposite Sarah Parsons (solid as Lucy Westphal) in which a matter of life and death culminates in hauntingly alluring surrender.

[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”250px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]”Refreshingly raising the bar for community theater, ‘Dracula’ is a must-see”…[/dropshadowbox]Jared Mola, who delivered a breakthrough performance last season in the Dayton Theatre Guild’s production of “Wittenberg,” is similarly outstanding as delusional inmate Robert Renfield, who relishes his intermediary contributions as the good-natured duo of Thomas Seward (Matthew Lindsay, appropriately conservative) and Abram Van Helsing (Saul Caplan, very authoritative) seek his help in their quest to destroy Dracula, whose allegiance Renfield maintains. Mola’s comedic timing and lively physicality, executed while signaling warnings of impending doom, is a constant joy.

Additionally, Heather Martin wonderfully taps into her inner Carrie White as Margaret Sullivan, Seward’s assistant possessed by Dracula, and her tender bond with David Hallowren (highly enjoyable as the tough yet amiable inmate attendant Norbert Briggs) is palpable. Matthew Glenn as Jonathan Harker, Carolyn Hoogsteden (what a screamer!) as Mina Grant, Margaret Foley, Cari Meixner and Debra Strauss as Dracula’s sadistic brides, David Stephen Thomas as a Monster and Addison Page Wheeler as the Girl completes the cast, attractively costumed by Barbara Pontecorvo. Shough spearheads the production’s terrific atmospherics as set designer, co-lighting designer (with Anita Bachman) and co-sound designer (with Bob Kovach).

Refreshingly raising the bar for community theater, “Dracula” is a must-see.

“Dracula” continues through Oct. 21 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Tickets are $15-$17. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.org

Dayton Playhouse Presents “Dracula”

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(left) Alex Carmichal, Dracula, and Jared Mola, Renfield, rehearsing for the Dayton Playhouse production of Dracula

The Dayton Playhouse will present Dracula, October 12-21.  This version of the well-known play was adapted by William McNulty, originally dramatized by John L. Balderston and Hamilton Deane from Bram Stoker’s novel.

The action of the play engulfs the audience as Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the evil Count Dracula.  However, the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength and psychic powers to confound his antagonists.  The action culminates in a shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him.

David Shough, director of this production, and Jennifer Lockwood, assistant director, have assembled a seasoned cast including: Alex Carmichal as Count Dracula, Jared Mola as Renfield, Sara Parsons as Lucy, and Saul Caplan as Van Helsing.   Rounding out the cast are Margaret Foley, Matthew Glenn, David Hallowren, Carolyn Anne Hoogsteden, Matthew Lindsay, Heather Martin, Cari Meixner, Debra Strauss, David Thomas and Addison Paige Wheeler, Shough has incorporated many audio visual effects to heighten the drama.  According to Shough, “This is an intense and faced-paced version of the Dracula legend.  It will be a complete theatrical experience of the typoe seldom seen on this stage.  Not for the faint of heart.”

Projections for the opening narrative of this production were designed by Miamisburg artist, Chris Newman.  Some of the original pen and ink drawings will be raffled off in the lobby during the run of the play.  Proceeds from the raffle will go to the Dayton Playhouse Celebrate 25 capital campaign.  Tickets for the raffle will be $2 each, or three for $5.

Performances of Dracula will be Friday through Sunday, October 12-21.  All performances are at 8:00 p.m. except Sundays, which are at 2:00 p.m.  (see full schedule here)  Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and students.  Tickets can be purchased online at www.daytonplayhouse.org, or through the box office, 937-424-8477.  The box office is staffed Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 2-5 p.m., however messages may be left at any time.  The Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton, OH 45414.

Dayton Playhouse presents ‘Side by Side by Sondheim’

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Dayton Playhouse will present Side by Side by Sondheim as its 2012-2013 Season extra September 7 – 16. This energetic musical, highlighting the most endearing of Sondheim’s early work, will be directed by Brian Sharp with musical direction by Ron Kindell, both of whom won acclaim for last season’s sold-out production of The Sound of Music.

Side by Side by Sondheim will feature local actor Saul Caplan as the master of ceremonies and vocalists Carol Chatfield and Bonnie Dobbs of Kettering, Kathy Clark of Centerville, Laura Bloomingdale of Beavercreek, Shawn Hooks of Dayton, and David Moyer of Springboro. Nancy Perrin and Bryon Dobbs are featured pianists.

When, in 1976, the owners of a small, struggling theater asked Stephen Sondheim for permission to produce a musical revue of his work as a fundraiser, the composer said he “couldn’t think of anything more boring.” However, Sondheim underestimated the appeal of his music, and when Side by Side by Sondheim opened, it charmed its initial audiences and caught the eye of a young Cameron Macintosh, who moved it to the Mermaid theater in London, where it became one of his first successful productions.

Widely produced, and popular with regional groups, Side by Side by Sondheim is often given credit for solidifying Sondheim’s reputation beyond London and New York theaters. This “boring” show has enjoyed numerous revivals, five Tony nominations, and over 800 performances on three continents.

Shawn Hooks and David Moyer in 'Side by Side'

Side by Side by Sondheim  is unique in that it is the only revue of Sondheim’s work to include music from West Side Story and Gypsy, shows for which Sondheim wrote the lyrics, but did not compose the music. It is also one of the only places for audiences to hear some of his lesser-known works such as “Love is in the Air,” which was initially intended to be the opening number for A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, but was replaced with the well known “Comedy Tonight.”

Other musicals highlighted in the revue include the popular Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music, as well as rarely performed shows such as Evening Primrose, Anyone Can Whistle, and Pacific Overtures. The show features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, music by  Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers, and Jule Styne, and Continuity by Ned Sherrin. It was produced on Broadway by Harold Prince in association with Ruth Mitchell.

Side by Side by Sondheim opens September 7th and runs through September 16th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8PM, and Sundays at 2PM. Tickets, priced at $17.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and seniors, are available at www.DaytonPlayhouse.com or through the Dayton Playhouse box office at 937-424-8477.

(from Dayton Playhouse)