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SummitUp, A #Socialmedia Confab

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In the 1920’s, radio broadcasters were looking for more. They knew they had a great way to deliver information into the homes of everyone in the country, but how to get sponsors to buy into it? Radio up to that point had been informational; mainly news and politics delivered in factual and dry terms; nothing really compelling to listen to. Advertisers were not seeing much of a return from the money they were investing, and were leery about investing more. Broadcasters needed to create something that would attract a different audience; an audience that was around the house all day, and was going to make the decisions on what household goods to buy. They decided that fresh content should be mainly about families, and how they lived their lives. They wanted this content to appeal to the housewife, as if they were looking into another person’s house without leaving their own. This new content attracted sponsors in the early 1930’s like Proctor and Gamble, who used these shows to help promote their soaps like Oxydol. Thus was born the “soap opera”, turning what once was used to just a platform for delivering information into a money maker. The Golden Age of Radio boomed, and the soap opera, and eventually the sit com and variety show, boomed with it.

Now, being eighty years removed from radio soaps, marketers are all facing the same questions in a new realm that once simply provided information, or a way to connect, and a few small advertisements. How do we get more Facebook “Likes”? What do we need to do to get more Twitter followers? What makes something that is visually compelling on Pinterest, so we can pin it and tweet about it? And how do we get all of these people we are interacting with to go somewhere to buy our product? On top of that, how do we measure all of this so when people in the C-suite start asking questions, we have good answers for them? We are all asking these questions, some of us longer than others. As we all wander, searching for the same answers, we have a few intrepid people that have found some of the edges of this new realm, and brought back new and exciting information to share. The marketing community of Dayton has helped to organize some of these people at Sinclair Community College on October 16th, 2012, for SummitUp, a full day marketing communications, public relations, and digital information conference.

This event is a major undertaking, involving the efforts of not only many of the top talents in the area, but a small army of volunteers. David Bowman, Chief Marketing Strategist for The Ohlmann Group and one of the organizers of SummitUp, states they want it appeal “to early adopters of technology who demand complexity and bleeding edge information while at the same time delivering content that is accessible to newcomers too.” The speaking talent this year is top notch, with major keynote speakers, local brilliant talent, and opportunities to meet all of the top marketing and communication talent in the area. On top of that, the volunteers help to make the event as affordable as possible to the widest number of people, so more people can experience it. “Ultimately, the event has an incredible team of volunteers who work very hard to make sure that those who invest the time and money to attend get value from coming to the event.”, affirms Bowman.

The day begins at 7 AM at breakfast. It is going to be a full day, and you are going to need all the energy you can get. The first keynote speaker of the day will be Todd Henry, creator of the website and podcast The Accidental Creative, as well as the writer of the highly praised book The Accidental Creative, How to be Brilliant on a Moment’s Notice. He is an expert on how to build an environment that encourages the generation of creative ideas. His podcast interviews some of the top creative minds across a wide variety of industries, and offers insights about everything from generating ideas quickly to getting over the dreaded creator’s block.

After his speech, every attendee will be able to attend multiple breakout sessions. There are twelve sessions total, given by some of the best business and social media thinkers in southwest Ohio and Indiana. Each of the sessions is offered twice in back-to-back time frames, so everyone will have a chance to see six of the speakers. Eight of the sessions will happen before lunch, and the final four sessions will happen after lunch. These breakout sessions are designed to give every attendee the greatest chance to bring the right information back to help the social media and communication strategies of your company.

Lunch will be served around noon, and then it will be time for the second keynote of the day. Rohit Bhargava is the a founding member of one of the largest social strategy groups at Oglivy as well as a professor of Global Marketing at Georgetown University. He is a proponent of bringing the human touch back into the marketing world, touting the importance of being likeable as a major factor in success. He is the author of several highly rated and incredibly popular books, Likeonomics (his most recent book) and Personality Not Included. His books are not just something to read; Likeonomics also offers a website full of useful exercises and ideas to help make you and your brand more likeable, and attractive, to future clients.

[dropshadowbox align=”right” effect=”lifted-both” width=”320px” height=”” background_color=”#ffffff” border_width=”1″ border_color=”#dddddd” ]SummitUp
Sinclair Community College, Building 12
October 16th, 7:00am – 4:30pm
Full Day Ticket Member Pricing: $119.00
Full Day Ticket Non – Member Pricing: $159.00
Click for Tickets[/dropshadowbox]

The final keynote of the day is at the end of the last group of four sessions. If you are familiar with the name of the person who is presenting, you have certainly seen his work on multiple websites. His name is Tim Schigel, and he is the chairman and founder of ShareThis, which has their widgets for social media sharing scattered across the Internet. Tim has done innovative work for some of the biggest firms in the country, from Apple to Procter and Gamble. The impetus behind ShareThis was to start measuring how people share the interesting things that they find outside of search engines, and that involves tracking how people use social sites to share. What is getting shared? How is it getting shared? And what is the future of measuring and sharing data?

The transition to social media presents a new set of challenges, much like the first pioneers into radio media faced. Whether you are in traditional media or cultivating pin boards, if you are new to the game or still think fondly of your AOL marketing efforts, SummitUp is a great way to develop your skills in this new realm. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and a bevy of other new platforms are out there for people to use, integrate, and broadcast from. This is a fine opportunity to take advantage of all this brilliance in a local environment, at a great price. Connect with the best talent in Dayton and beyond, and take your marketing efforts to the next level. We all hope to see you on October 16th!

Theatre Reviews: The Hobbit – Zoot Theatre Company AND The Taming of the Shrew – Sinclair Community College

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The Hobbit

THE HOBBIT

Zoot Theatre Company, Dayton’s enchanting puppet/mask troupe, supplies a wonderfully inventive and imaginative production of “The Hobbit,” adapted by Patricia Gray from J.R.R. Tolkein’s novel and whimsically co-directed by D. Tristan Cupp and J. Gary Thompson at the Dayton Art Institute.

This humorous, inspiring road trip through Middle-earth, propelled by fine original music by Thompson and brief moments of eye-catching stagecraft recalling Julie Taymor (“The Lion King”), concerns an unlikely heroic homebody and a merry, opinionated band of 13 dwarves determined to defeat the evil dragon Smaug and retrieve great treasure. The fanciful material’s adventurous magnetism is bolstered by Cupp and Thompson’s decision to dress and conceal the cast in black, allowing the audience to view the story simply through the eyes of various puppets, superbly designed with meticulously distinctive character by Cupp.

Led by an effortlessly winning and sympathetic Darren Brown as the humble Bilbo Baggins, the uniformly strong ensemble features solid supporting work by an authoritatively comedic Jeff Sams as Gandalf, the delightfully gruff Natalie Houliston as Thorin and the terrifically animated Andrew Ian Adams as the simultaneously sly and frustrated Gollum. Eric Arntz, Lisa Bernheim, Michael Favors, Juliet Howard-Welch, Austin Smith, CJ Suchyta, Nicole Thompkins and Ria Villaver complete the cast. Andy Balmert’s evocative lighting, Cupp’s efficient set, Shirley P. Wasser’s skillful costumes and Jon Lamm’s firm sound execution are additional pluses.

“The Hobbit” continues through Oct. 14 in the NCR Renaissance Auditorium of the Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 65 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. Tickets are $12-$18. For tickets or more information, visit ZootTheatreCompany.org.

 

Haley Penchoff and Isaac Hollister in The Taming of the Shrew (Photo by Patti Celek)

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” the comedic battle of the sexes between hot-tempered Katherina and cunningly indomitable Petruchio heightened with brutishness, feistiness, impudence and mistaken identity, receives an uneven treatment at Sinclair Community College.

Director Nelson Sheeley’s breezy pace and effective Elizabethan touches (attractively aided by scenic designer Terry Stump, costumer Kathleen Hotmer and music director John Parcell) cannot hide the interpretative inconsistencies within his cast, amiable performers lacking a cohesive grasp of the language, nuances and rhythm in the colorful script. Some actors connect with vibrant adeptness and refreshing wit (Charles Larkowsi in particular is the finest Baptista I have seen) while others hurriedly recite lines without meaning or depth. Instead of fine-tuning key performances, Sheely seems to have been more concerned with thrusting the show into an all-out farce. However, his attempts are more forced than inspired, especially when it comes to flatulence, urination and a bejeweled codpiece.

Still, compatible and commendable leading players Hayley Penchoff and Isaac Hollister establish a convincingly combative rapport that keeps the action engaging and entertaining. The cast also includes Aeriel Aniballi, Samantha Creech, William G.L. Courson, John Dunn, Jordan Duvall, Jordan Huber, Destre Inlow, Rick McClintic, Zach Mills, Lucas Plum, John Ray, Rebecca Sebree, Tray Shelton, Josh Smith and Alayna Spence.

“The Taming of the Shrew” concludes tonight at 8 p.m. at Sinclair Community College, Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Act One-Three: 65 minutes; Act Four-Five: 55 minutes. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit Sinclair.edu.

 

 

 

Fail Or Slop – The Unfortunate Fate Of The Sinclair Library

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The Unfortunate Fate Of The Sinclair Library

            Sinclair Community College, whose sprawling campus takes up much of the Western portion of Downtown Dayton, began as a two roomed bookkeeping and mechanical drawing class located at the local YMCA in 1887. Many in the region have grown up with the legacy of Sinclair Community College and are well versed in its history and influence within the area, but few are aware of the bizarre feat of engineering that had to be undertaken shortly before the original seven buildings were set to be opened to students in September of 1972.

The board of regents signed on New York architect Edward Durell Stone and the Dayton architectural firm of Sullivan, Lecklider and Jay to make reality the vision of John Vernon Wormer, the dean of Sinclair at the time. Wormer envisioned a campus that would be an oasis of education in the midst of Downtown Dayton.

Since the campus would not be facilitating dorms, the architectural group decided it would be best to eschew some of the traditional areas found on most college campuses, most notably, a quad for students to gather. Since all of the students would be living off campus and many were natives of the Miami Valley region, it was concluded that the campus would be constructed with a more utilitarian layout, concentrating more with the ease of going back and forth between classes rather than superfluous areas for the students to congregate in.

Originally, the Learning Resource Center (LRC) Library was set directly in between the other original seven buildings, connecting them all together with awning covered sidewalks, which, viewed from above, gave the library the symbolic look of holding the whole campus together with outstretched arms. That was until, through a series of miscalculations and oversights, the library would become the focus of a year long excavation and engineering feat that would not only change its location dramatically, but would also make it an invisible orphan, buried under the shadows of the rest of the college grounds.

In early 1972, the bulk  of the eight main structures were already built and were being fitted with HVAC equipment and state of the art communications and technological apparatus. Carpets were being laid, tiles set, fixtures mounted and paint applied. The library was the first structure to be fully completed, which was fitting for the building that was the to be the focal point of the campus. Through grants and donations, the library had a massive array of shelving units erected and shipments of books were arriving daily to be placed thereupon. This library, in the eyes of the regents and Dean Wormer, was to be the envy of all the colleges in the area and would become a repository of the written word far surpassing even the whole of the local county libraries collections. It was barely a month after the library was finished and stocked that a severe problem arose.

“At first, there was a portion of the Northeastern wall that showed signs of stress, cracking in portions.” said Dwayne Schnieder, superintendent of maintenance for Sinclair at the time. “You could tell something was shifting. The masonry around the window frames was pulling away towards the corners. From the inside, you could tell that the building shifted towards that corner of the building.”

Structural engineers were called in and consulted. After taking innumerable measurements and comparing them to the original blueprints, it was quickly determined that the building was sinking. Emergency meetings between the architects, county agencies, engineering consultants and the board of regents were called. The first rounds of meeting were rather heated with different groups laying blame for the structural defect on the other. The core questions, however were, ‘What caused the problem in the first place?’, ‘How bad would it get?’ and ‘What could be done to fix it?’

The answer to the first question came rather quickly and stunned everyone involved. A mathematician, Leonard Hofstadter, who was hired on to aid the structural engineering consultants, found that, after poring through all of the preliminary plans and blueprints, that no one had adjusted the soil compaction and amount and depth of the footers to compensate for the weight of the books. By Hofstadter’s calculations, he determined that, within the year, the building as a whole, would sink a full forty-three inches on the Northeastern corner of the building and thirty-eight inches on the Southwestern corner, giving the building a -7° tilt. Over a three year projection, factoring in average rainfall and such, it was established that the building would sink yet another fifty-two inches on the Northeastern side and forty-nine inches on the Southwestern side giving the building an almost 15° list. Along with this, the building would also shear laterally at least one and a half feet towards the Northeastern corner. Taking all this into account and by using algorithms to determine the load stresses of the building, it became apparent that the flooring would crack and separate, creating schisms several inches wide at some points, and that the walls and roof would suffer similar fates as well.

Jones Excavation of Indiana was tapped to head up the project, which was to turn out to be a monumental task indeed. It was agreed upon that the best, and most cost effective option, would be to excavate under the building, tamp the ground to a higher compaction rate, pour new footers and moorings and, as the final step, the building, as a whole, would be lowered into the ground onto its new foundation. Above and beyond the logistical nightmares that this project would entail, there were many municipality laws that would have to be bent or outright ignored to meet these ends.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, project manger Lisa Froprol said, “So many laws and safety regulations were flouted in order for the project to be seen to its completion. Not only was the act of excavating under the building in the manner in which it was done a hazard in of itself, everything was kept in place inside the building to give the illusion that nothing was wrong.”

After a Herculean effort, the plan was completed in late August, after a marathon construction process that defies belief. Beginning on a Saturday night, the building was lowered and moored into its newly dug vault and large concrete pavers were placed on top of the roof, with glass bricks aligned with the original skylights. Visitors gave blanks stares when they looked about and wondered aloud as to the location of the library that they clearly remembered being in the center of the complex. They were told that the library was part of an underground labyrinth of hallways and tunnels that connected the buildings together, as the blueprints had called for all along. Visitors were left scratching their heads and questioning their sanity up until the time of the school’s grand ribbon cutting ceremony, whereupon, the commotion and congratulations overshadowed any seemingly disparate recollections of the hidden library.

 

 

 

 

 

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: 02/24 – 03/09

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24 – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2011

“it can be interesting to see if other people – like dead people who wrote books – agree or disagree with what you think… because it makes you – a larger part of the human community.” – Eurydice

I’m currently in the midst of rehearsing to play Eurydice in Sarah Ruhl’s beautiful play of the same title. When asked why she loves books, Eurydice says, “It can be interesting to see if other people – like dead people who wrote books – agree or disagree with what you think… because it makes you – a larger part of the human community.”

Theatre, I believe, does the same. We sit in performance spaces surrounded by other audience members, and all experience a show slightly differently; we perform on stages in front of any number of people, but only focus on the ones in the world of the play; we talk about plays and glance at reviews and comment on upcoming events.

I impulsively went to Chicago this past weekend to see two plays, and was reminded of these concepts as I spent some time in the audience. Seeing shows does bring us closer as human beings, whether with the two people we came with or the 212 in the audience, and that can be incredibly moving. So, these next two weeks, take someone you know to come see one of these shows, and enjoy being a part of that community.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Fat Pig DTG: Fat Pig

DAYTON 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

The Foreigner

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The Story: Charlie is pathologically shy; staying together at a bed and breakfast, his friend decides telling the other guests he is foreign and speaks no English will be the easiest thing to do… but once alone with the guests, he overhears more than he should – and much more than they want him to. “Based on what the NY Post describes as a “devilishly clever idea,” the play demonstrates what can happen when a group of devious characters must deal with a stranger who (they think) knows no English” (Dramatists).
Dates: Continues through Saturday, February 26
Tickets: (937) 512-2808 or http://www.sinclair.edu/arts
More Information: DMM event page, DMM preview

WSU: Picnic

Picnic

WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

The Story: In a small town in Kansas, everything is going calmly and according to plan for widow Flo Owens and her two daughters. Madge, the oldest, is on her way to being a trophy wife while the younger, more rambunctious daughter Millie is getting ready to go to college on a scholarship. However, Flo starts to worry about their safety when Hal, a handsome but troubled drifter, shows up… (WSU)
Dates: February 17th-19th & 24th-26th at 8:00 PM, February 20th, 26th, & 27th at 2:00 PM, and February 23rd at 7:00 PM.
Tickets and More Information: (937) 775-2500, onStageDayton Review

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Auditions: February 23, beginning at 3:45 pm; February 26, beginning at 8:45 am. Register in advance.

THT: Berenstein Bears (2011)

THT: Berenstein Bears (2011) (Photo Credit Mike Long)

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


La Cage Aux Folles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Auditions: February 28 & March 1, 2011 (Callbacks March 3 & 4)
Performances: May 13 – 29, 2011
The Story: George (a glitzy nightclub owner) and his partner Albin (also the glamorous chanteuse Zaza)’s son is getting married… and in this musical, he brings his fiancée’s conservative parents home to meet the flashy pair. “The bonds of family are put to the test as the feather boas fly [in this] tuneful and touching tale of one family’s struggle to stay together… stay fabulous… and above all else, stay true to themselves!”
Directed by Doug Lloyd
More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Auditions

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

First Friday

DOWNTOWN DAYTON PARTNERSHIP

The Basics: In this monthly event, Dayton showcases a variety of artistic, creative, and fun events and locations downtown. Gallery exhibits and entertainment provide a great way to discover downtown and have a great time!
Date: Friday, March 4 (and the first Friday of every month!)
More Information and Events Listing: Downtown Dayton partnership: First Friday

~KN

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.

Haunted Dayton: Ghost Stories of The Gem City

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The rear of the Old Court House building, thought to be visited by the spirit John McAfee, the first man to be publicly hanged in Dayton.

“He’s stuck, that’s what it is. He’s in between worlds. You know it happens sometimes that the spirit gets yanked out so fast that the essence still feels it has work to do here”. – Oda Mae Brown in the film Ghost.

A mystery lies deep in the bowels of the one-hundred year-old Stivers School for the Arts building located on the east end of downtown Dayton.  Decades ago, the body of teacher Mary Tyler was discovered floating in the building’s pool,  fully clothed.  The mystery deepens as Ms. Tyler was believed to have been involved with a student – a young man who was a senior at the time of her death.

He was never seen or heard from again.

But according to accounts from students and maintenance staff over the years, Mary Tyler decided to take up permanent residence within the storied halls of the arts school.  Witnesses have reported Tyler’s ghostly figure levitating in the abandoned pool (now buried beneath a classroom) and floating about the lower levels and the networks of tunnels buried underneath the school, banging on pipes and wailing loudly wherever she goes.

Karen Laven, who documented ghostly occurrences in her 2009 book, Dayton Ghosts, recalls her personal experience when she visited Stivers for research in 2008:

“Stivers gave off a distinctly weird vibe,and not only when I was looking down into the bowels of the old swimming pool where Mary was found dead,  but throughout the school. It truly seems to have a very deep history of hauntings in its century of life and at the same time, it is a hub for artistic creativity. Amazing combination.”

If historians and experts of the paranormal are to be believed, Stivers is just one of  several places in the Dayton area where sightings occur frequently.  Woodland Cemetery has had its fair share of sightings, with visitors claiming to have spoken with people who simply vanished shortly after briefly conversing with them.  The venerable Amber Rose, a Dayton dining staple, is said to be haunted by a spinster named “Chuckie.”   The team from Ghost Hunters, the popular reality television show on the Syfy network, even visited Wright Patterson Air Force Base in January 2008, investigating Buildings 70, 219 and the Arnold House for paranormal activity (results were “inconclusive”).

So with a healthy dose of skepticism, I unearthed what I believe to be the 5 most haunted places in Dayton:

5. The Corner of Fifth And Ludlow

In 1805, Daniel Cooper, one of Dayton’s “founding fathers”, purposed four acres of land as one of the city’s earliest graveyards.  As the city’s population and size swelled, the bodies interred at the location were dug up and moved decades later to Woodland Cemetery.  Due to poor grave markings and improper burials, countless bodies were left behind.

Historian Curt Dalton of Dayton History, says:  ‘There were over 800 bodies here, and when they built the building that stands there now, they discovered dozens of bodies in various stages of decomposition.  There were wild pigs that were digging up the bones…the place had become a mess.”

4. The Original Dayton Daily News Building

The fourth floor of the original Dayton Daily News building on 4th and Ludlow Streets is purported to be the haunting grounds of Judy Sinks.  Sinks was murdered by her husband, Theodore, a maintenance worker employed by the newspaper.  After strangling her at home, Theodore concealed her body in the building.  The following year, her body was discovered.

The fourth floor of the historic Dayton Daily News building on 4th and Ludlow.

“It was very sad what happened to her,” says historian Leon Bey, who conducts historical ghost tours of downtown Dayton.  “Many employees on that top floor were very happy when the newspaper moved to the new location because they were having problems with Judy’s ghost.  She was making all kinds of noises and carrying on.”

However, Judy is not the only ghost at DDN’s old residence.  Gov. Cox, founder of Dayton Daily News, can be seen and heard diligently working in the library on the third floor.  Leon Bey tells participants of his walking tour:

“One night, after he was dead for about a year-and-a-half, a janitor came into the library to clean.  He was shocked to see a man in a smoking jacket sitting at Mr. Cox’s desk.  He couldn’t believe it.  The gentleman admitted he was Gov. Cox but asked to be left alone.  The janitor went out and told people about it, and that  started the legend.”

Bey smiles, and adds, “He’s a friendly ghost!”

3. The Victoria Theatre

The gray, marbled facade of the  historic Victoria Theatre provides passersby a tiny glimpse of its storied vaudevillian heritage.  Though most of the structure has gone through extensive restoration due to the original being nearly burned to the ground, the opera house retains much of the charm of its past lives.  Dalton explains that it retains something else, as well:

Victoria Theatre at 138 N. Main Street.

“When it was a music hall, an actress disappeared one night before she was supposed to go out on stage.  They went up to get her, and she wasn’t in her room.  There was a guard at the bottom of the stairs that never saw her come down.  We think that she was probably murdered, and possibly taken out in a trunk.”

When she disappeared, she was wearing a taffeta dress scented with rose perfume.  Stories of employees hearing the rustling sounds of a dress and the sweet smell of perfume (particularly on the balcony) persist to this day.  Employees affectionately named her “Vicky”.

“When they did renovation in 1979, Ms. Vicky maybe thought that they were tearing down her home,” says Dalton, grinning as he glances up at the beautiful building.  “The workers kept talking about how their tools would disappear again and again.  If you come here, they’ll tell you all about Ms. Vicky!”

Bey adds, “We think this is the most active ghost in Dayton!”

2. The Patterson Homestead

Generations of the Patterson family, one of the most influential families in Dayton’s history, lived in the three story mansion on Brown Street for nearly 100 years until 1904.

Some would argue that they still live there.

Patricia Staley, of Dayton Ohio Ghost Hunters Society (D.O.G.S.) says the Patterson Homestead is one of the most haunted locations in the Miami Valley.  She described a 2009 investigation of the property to a group of wide-eyed audience members at a recent lecture at Kettering-Moraine Public Library:

“We had a lot of interesting activity.  We were told that people were getting the feeling of being watched all the time, and also people were seeing full-body apparitions.  We had people with us that are sensitive to spirits.  When we went up to third floor, we discovered [the spirit of] a thirteen year-old boy.

The Patterson Homestead at 1815 Brown Street.

We then went to the master bedroom and I’m sitting in the chair…all of a sudden, I feel [the spirit of] a dog come up to me and I started stroking its head.  I felt a connection with Julia, as this was her bedroom.  I went from laughing and talking… to crying.  It’s just a very odd sensation – but also very fulfilling.

We picked up several EVP’s (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) on our recorders.  They [the spirits] will talk a lot about the curator and the people who work there.”

Staley and the rest of the crew at D.O.G.S. contend that most of the spirits at the home are benevolent.  Staley admits, however, there is one area in the home that made her uncomfortable – the basement.

“It totally freaked me out,” Staley said.  “There’s a section that’s walled off and concreted tight.  We can’t get a camera or a wire through, or anything.  I’m not sure if it was a coal chute or a cellar.  But I  know I can’t turn my back to that wall.  I have to physically back away.  There’s something there that says, ‘Don’t turn your back on me!'”

1. Sinclair Community College

So much ghostly activity has been documented at Sinclair that it was named “one of the most haunted college campuses in America” a few years ago, with activity being reported in Buildings 2, 7 and 13.  Students and staff have reported seeing figures floating down hallways and out of bathrooms.  Whispers and voices are heard.  Some have said that in certain buildings, they can feel hands pulling their hair and tugging at clothing.

But the hotbed of otherwordly activity at Sinclair Community College appears to be concentrated in two areas: Blair Hall  and the Tartan cafeteria.

A ghost named “Hamlet” has been haunting Blair Hall Theater for over thirty years according to generations of students

Blair Hall at Sinclair Community College.

and faculty.  Random noises come from the rear of the stage, lights turn off and on by themselves and faint outlines of a someone with a slender build can be seen walking on the several catwalks high above the stage.

The area that is now the Tartan Cafeteria was once the site of the Dayton’s hanging gallows, where many criminals were hanged to death.  Their spirits are believed to still linger around, taunting students.

A former security chief who died suddenly is said to have appeared on campus, making his rounds as dutifully as he did when he was amongst the living.  Also, there are a number of tales that have elevators running by themselves.

Leon Bey says, “A lady came to me and said that she saw a ghost on the elevator.  She said he was an African-American gentleman with a mule.  I did my research and discovered that the area used to have a railroad roundhouse, and that mules were used to turn the railroad engines around.”

Sinclair is easily the most haunted of all places in Dayton.  Have you had a ghost encounter of your own in Dayton?

Gem City Circle Walking Tours (Leon Bey and Curt Dalton) have two more downtown Dayton ghost walks scheduled for the season on Fri., Oct. 29 & Sat., Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. All walks are $10 per person.
Please call or email Leon Bey to make a reservation: (937) 274-4749 or
[email protected]

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.

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/

Teenagers, Princesses & Strippers…OH MY!

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Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Sinclair Community College Theatre

Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead by Sinclair Community College Theatre

Hey everyone!

We are quickly approaching Tony Award season and while New York is seeing a record-breaking number of NEW openings in the last few weeks before the Tony deadline (including Green Day’s American Idiot, Denzel Washington in Fences, and another front-runner for best musical Memphis), Dayton has it’s share of exciting Spring Openings.

Dayton Playhouse presents Gypsy

Dayton Playhouse presents Gypsy

Opening May 7 – make certain to catch Dayton Playhouse’s GYPSY – directed by Brian Sharp and featuring a stellar cast. This Sondheim/Laurents/Styne show is one you don’t get the opportunity to see very often – especially the hilarious “You Gotta Get A Gimmick” from that show is worth the price of admission. (GLEEK ALERT: Rumor has it, selections from ‘Gypsy’ will show up at McKinley High this spring on an episode of Fox’s hit series ‘Glee’)

Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6

Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6

We are blessed to have a fantastic children’s theatre company in the region – check out Town Hall Theatre’s double bill of Disney’s Cinderella and Disney’s Sleeping Beauty opening May 6.

However, I am most excited about a regional premiere opening May 7 at Sinclair Community College – that’s why Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead is my PICK OF THE WEEK. Leave the kids at home for this recent Off-Broadway hit and “R-rated” parody by Bert V. Roy. Dog Sees God is a modern tale of teenage angst directed by Brian McKnight. Still plagued with his endless identity crisis, CB turns to his friends to find answers to his questions. They offer him irreverent glimpses into sex, drugs, suicide, violence, rebellion and sexual identity. Cast includes: Steven Brotherton as CB, Katie Klein as CB’s sister, Max Monnig as Van, Sara Linker as Van’s sister, James Roselli as Matt, Corey Schall as Beethoven, Michelle Faulkner as Marcy and Lauren Bernstein as Tricia. Opening at New York’s Barrow Street Theatre in 2004, the rarely staged play is a unique (if not altogether shocking) glimpse into the American teenager. Sinclair Theatre continues to do some exciting work, so if you haven’t been to Blair Hall yet, get your tickets while they last for this limited 9-performance run.

(this week’s ridiculously cheesy sign-off:)

“Do something special…anything special…

If you wanna make it, twinkle while you shake it…

If you wanna grind it, wait ’til you’ve refined it…

If you wanna stump it, bump it with a trumpet…

So get yourself a gimmick, and you too can be a star!”

onStageDayton…with Shane & Dave

D.B.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

Dog Sees God (May 7 – 15) Call (937) 512-2808 or visit http://brushfire.e-vent.info/events/sinclair/start.aspx

Gypsy (May 7 – 23) visit http://www.daytonplayhouse.com/

Disney’s Cinderella & Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (May 6 – 23) Call (937) 433-8957 or visit http://www.townhalltheatre.org/

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

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)