South Park

South Park to Stage 1920s Murder Mystery Home Tour

September 19, 2022 By Dayton937

On Saturday, October 1, from 2-6 pm, Historic South Park invites “visiting detectives” to go back in time and help Dayton Police find a killer. “A Prohibition Scandal” is billed as “a guided neighborhood home tour with a twist.” Attendees will be led by the Chief Detective to five historic homes (one of which is rumored to have been a real 1920’s era speakeasy) where they will meet the suspects, witness scenes, ask questions, then meet a local establishment and compare clues over cocktails. Those who crack the case get a chance to win a $100 gift basket filled with swag from South Park and Dayton businesses.

The event — written, directed and acted by South Park residents — is a fundraiser for the neighborhood council, Historic South Park, Inc. According to co-creators Sarah Dugan and Jeanine Gow, the narrative is inspired by real life in Dayton during the Roaring 20s.

One scene from “A Prohibition Scandal” will take place in the basement if a historic home on Morton Avenue, rumored to have been a 1920’s era speakeasy. It’s one of five homes included on the tour.

Says Sarah, “Our cast of characters include football players from The Dayton Triangles, the original NFL franchise, and suspects inspired by what was popular and newsworthy in Dayton in the 1920s. Besides speakeasies, we’ve taken our cues from vaudeville, spiritualism, glass manufacturing, immigrant communities, quack remedies, and life in the boarding houses that were found everywhere in Dayton at the time.”
So what’s the mystery? A talented but unscrupulous Dayton Triangles quarterback turns up dead and just about everyone is a suspect.

“The tour takes one-and-a-half hours to complete,” says Jeanine, “And we’ve kept the tour groups small. Tours begin at Hope Lutheran Church (500 Hickory Street). There are nine times to choose from, beginning at 2 pm and leaving every half hour with the last tour leaving at 6pm.”

As the tour ends, everyone will be encouraged to gather for a soft or spirited beverage at Wholly Grounds and submit their guess.

HOW TO PLAY DETECTIVE: Wear comfortable shoes! Plan to walk about one and a half miles.
Tickets: $28 at Eventbrite.
Who: You must be 21 years of age or older, since a cocktail is included in the ticket price.
What: “A Prohibition Scandal” is a guided interactive murder mystery event with stops at five beautiful historic homes, ending at a local drinking establishment.
When: Saturday, October 1, from 2-6 pm, tours leave every half hour.
Where: Hope Lutheran Church, 500 Hickory.
More info: Dr. Sarah Dugan, Historic South Park Inc. council member, (513) 324-722, [email protected] (email)

This Summer, a Once-in-a-Half-Century Party Calls Neighbors Back to South Park

July 21, 2022 By LIbby Ballengee

The 2001 Rehabarama of “The Weis-Leissentritt House” at 307 Oak Street was once two houses. These 1800s-era homes were updated with a unique glass-walled passageway to create one classic home with warm, comfortable living space and bold design statements.

With music, food, storytelling, and a beer garden, South Park’s Reunion Block Party celebrates its 40-year struggle to become safe, livable and inviting.
DAYTON, Oh. July 7, 2022 – On Saturday, July 30, from 3-6pm, a massive meet-up of neighbors who live in South Park or have called it home over the past forty years will gather to mark the 40-year anniversary of becoming Dayton’s largest Historic District.

In 1981, South Park’s historic landmark designation gave neighbors powerful leverage to reverse blight, combat slumlords, and drive out crime. It launched South Park’s evolution from a neighborhood of last resort to a desirable place to live.

“It’s been quite a journey,” shares Mark Manovich, president of the Historic South Park neighborhood council. “When my wife Karin and I moved here in 1992, it was known to be rough. The parents of our kids’ school friends wouldn’t allow them to come here for playdates.”

ut even then, Mark recalls, it was unpretentious and friendly with that “we’re all in this together” camaraderie. Many neighbors have become lifelong friends after bonding over alley sweeps, beautification projects, old-house repairs, grant-writing, crime-fighting, but most of all the parties.

“We have a reputation for our parties,” says event coordinator Karin Manovich. “We’ve got great stories and before-and-after pictures to share at the Reunion, along with food and drink from South Park’s own establishments.” Even the sponsoring organizations were founded by South Parkers – Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.

The sense of community in South Park has always been as unique as its built environment. It brings people closer. This 150-acre area south of downtown Dayton includes 800 structures, circa 1880 to 1900, designed for people from all walks of life. “There’s no other neighborhood that we know of with housing stock like this that attracts such interesting and diverse people. Tiny cottages next to big showy Victorians, corner storefronts, and everything in between,” says Karin.

As with any inner neighborhood, South Park’s work continues. But it’s time to hit pause and celebrate. Says Karin, “We want everyone to enjoy their share of credit for taking a chance, investing the sweat, money and emotion it takes to create a neighborhood that feels like family.”

HOW TO CELEBRATE: Plan to meet up with old friends and neighbors, bring a lawn chair, enjoy the party, take a stroll, and congratulate yourself for helping make South Park a place to live kindly, fearlessly, and prosperously.

Who: South Parkers past and present, and all who have contributed to the neighborhood’s recovery (City staff, contractors, Rehabarama partners, AIA architects, former Community Based Police Officers, preservationists, patrons of our tours, plays and festivals) and those interested in the neighborhood today.

What: South Park Reunion Block Party is a free event presented by the Historic South Park neighborhood council, Square One Salon & Spa, The Brightside Venue, and The Rubi Girls.

When: Saturday, July 30, 3-6pm

Where: The Gazebo and Boulevard at Park Drive (near Wayne Avenue). Park at Oak Street Health (Wayne & Wyoming), Hope Lutheran Church and Emerson Academy (both at Perrine & Hickory).

Walking Tours of Dayton’s Historic Neighborhoods

April 22, 2021 By Guest Contributor

A series of self-guided walking tours in the 10 historically-zoned district areas in Dayton are now available courtesy of Preservation Dayton, Inc. The walking tours highlight architectural and historical features of each area.

“Each tour highlights the unique architectural heritage of the area and the citizens who helped Dayton thrive through the centuries,” said Monica Snow, the organization’s president. “The leisurely designed walks allow ample time to pause and appreciate the architecture, the streetscape, and the amenities of each area.”

The Daniel G. Fitch House, a Greek Revival home on South Williams Street in the Wright-Dunbar Historic District, was built around 1856 and is one of Dayton’s oldest homes. Photo courtesy of Andy Snow.

Made possible by a $3,500 grant from the City of Dayton, 12 volunteers devoted more than 400 hours to create the web-based tours. PDI developed the first printed tour guides in 1994 with a grant from the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District.

This Victorian Italianate home on Linden Avenue in the Huffman Historic District was built for Charles P. Huffman, founder of the Huffy Bicycle Company. Photo courtesy of Andy Snow.

Easy downloadable audio and print formats with photos and Google maps are provided online at https://www.preservationdayton.com/walking_tours.html. Free tours are available for the following historic neighborhoods: Dayton View, Five Oaks Squirrel Forest, Grafton Hill, Huffman, McPherson Town, Paul Laurence Dunbar, South Park, St. Anne’s Hill, West Third Street and Wright-Dunbar Village.

Russell H. Bates, a partner in D.L. Bates and Brothers, a manufacturing company, built this home on Grand Avenue in the Dayton View Historic District around 1900. At the time this Free Classic Queen Anne cost $10,048.21. Photo courtesy of Andy Snow.

Originally founded in 1983 as the Dayton Area Coalition of Historic Neighborhoods, Preservation Dayton is a non-profit corporation that promotes the restoration, renovation, and rehabilitation of historic structures and settings as economically viable activities and enhancements to the public welfare.

This Colonial Revival house on Belmonte Park in the Grafton Hill Historic District was built in 1931 for Judge T.A. Ferreding. The stone wall came from an early 1800s barn on the family homestead, the site of the former Salem Mall. Photo courtesy of Andy Snow.

Contributions to PDI’s Endangered Property Fund can be made online at preservationdayton.com/endangered or by check made payable to Preservation Dayton, Inc. Fund #8630 and mailed to Preservation Dayton, P.O. Box 3614 Dayton, OH 45401.

Shop For Treasure At South Park Annual Sale

July 19, 2018 By Dayton Most Metro

40 households in Historic South Park have cleaned out their attics and garages and will be selling their treasures to thrifters, Saturday, July 21st from 9a-4p. Tons of housewares including a stackable washer/dryer, antiques, furniture, baby clothes, pet items, books, lawnmowers, bicycles, historic salvage and collectibles. Even a raffle for original art items at Hope Lutheran Church. You need to hit this sale!! To help plan your treasure hunt, yard sale maps will be available during the week prior. Download the map.

Or pick up a copy of the Yard Sale map at:
• Ghostlight Coffee (Wayne & Clover) Coffee up before you head out
• Hope Lutheran Church (Hickory & Perrine) Offering food, refreshments, and a rest stop during sale day
• South Park Tavern (Wayne & Oak) Adding a special coupon to your map
• Branch + Bone (Wayne & Bradford) Attaching a special offer to your map

There may even have a food truck to sustain you during the hunt.

About Historic South Park
South Park, a historic urban neighborhood in Dayton, Ohio, is known for its community spirit, its diverse architecture and its excellent location. Residents enjoy a pleasant walk from their front porch to a local pub or café, churches and shops, parks and parties. Yard Sale shoppers will find breakfast, lunch and dinner within walking distance.

2 Historic District Garden Tours This Saturday

June 21, 2017 By Dayton Most Metro

Neighbors from the Oregon District and South Park will be opening their gardens to visitors Saturday, June 24, 2017, for Garden Tours. While each neighborhood is holding separate events, they’re so close to each other we’re sure you’ll want to take part in both!

Info for the Oregon District Event

The Oregon District is in full bloom and preparing for our annual garden tourGet to know Dayton’s oldest neighborhood by touring its gardens. The Oregon Historic Distict 2017 Garden Tour is a self guided tour of nine gardens that runs from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturday, June 24. It begins at the gazebo in Newcom Founders Park (between Green, Brown and Hess Streets). Admission is $10. A select group of neighbors will open their gardens as part of this fundraiser for the Oregon Historic District Society. This beautiful neighborhood dates back to 1829 and features fantastic homes and gardens. Proceeds from this tour will benefit the historic preservation of the non-profit Oregon Historic District Society.

Info for the South Park Event

The South Park Garden Tour starts at 10am and is scheduled to end at 3pm. Tickets will be available the day of the event at the
Gazebo on Park Dr., near Wayne Ave.

See 8 beautiful gardens
Tour 4 historic homes
Collection of must-see gardens that can be enjoyed from the sidewalk.
Enjoy the newly painted mural on Wayne Ave. and South Park public garden spaces.
Link to more information
Link to event map

Purchase your tickets today at 106 Park Dr or on the day of the event at the South Park Gazebo (Park Dr. near Wayne Ave.)
$10 General Public / $8 Historic South Park, Inc. Members For more information, contact [email protected] – Kriss Gang or Tim Leach

Tickets for the South Park event come with a 24-hour Link Dayton Bike Share pass so you can check out the Oregon District Garden Tour and the South Park event all from the comfort of a Link bike.

Historic South Park Food Truck Shindig and Street Party

September 15, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Dayton’s largest historic district will hold its first-ever Food Truck Shindig and Street Party on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 4 to 8pm at the corners of Burns Ave. & Nathan St. in Historic South Park. Five food trucks from around the area will feature dishes made with produce grown in South Park Urban Garden and other South Park gardens. Along with great ingredients grown and sourced locally, this event will feature an iPod® music battle, on-site t-shirt printing, a raffle featuring gift certificates from local businesses, games and more.
Since 2010, South Park Urban Garden has been a growing fixture in the neighborhood now featuring 30 garden beds used by South Park neighbors to grow everything from arugula to zucchini and everything in between. “Like our neighborhood, the local food truck landscape includes independent, individual, fun, community-oriented vendors with the DIY spirit. South Park is so much more than an historic neighborhood,” said Craig Schrolucke, marketing chair for Historic South Park. “Hosting an event that showcases the South Park Urban Garden, local businesses and family fun seems quite natural. We invite everyone to come out and experience for themselves why South Park is such a great neighborhood.”

Patrick Sartin of Harvest Mobile Cuisine, a food truck that frequently serves up local fare outside South Park’s Ghostlight Coffee, organized a select group of food trucks with a focus on local produce for the event. The trucks will be using some late-season produce from the South Park Urban Garden and other South Park Gardens in their dishes for the event. The other participating food trucks are The Painted Pepper, The Shakery, C’est Cheese, and G’s Cue BBQ. “We’re big fans of the food truck community that has sprung up here in Dayton and are excited
to partner with this select group to show off the neighborhood,” said Historic South Park board member Amy Lee.

Along with great food, the Food Truck Shindig and Street party will feature on-site screen printing of locally designed t-shirts available for sale, printed on equipment provided by Telephone Weekly; a raffle of gift certificates from South Park businesses including Coco’s, Custom Frame Services, Ghostlight Coffee, Jimmie’s Ladder 11, Pizza Factory, South Park Tavern and more. Music will be provided by neighborhood DJs as they battle it out using their iPod® and their playlists, games and Local Love… A Roaming Boutique.
This event is made possible by the generous donations of local businesses listed above and more, a mini-grant from the City of Dayton and Historic South Park, Inc.

2nd Annual Ice Cream and Doggie Social and Sculpture Dedication

May 29, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Historic South Park will dedicate a new public sculpture on Thursday, May 29th at 6 p.m. as a part of the 2nd Annual Neighborhood Ice Cream & Doggie Social. The dedication ceremony will take place at the sculpture, located in the 100 block of Park Drive on the Boulevard.

The sculpture, “Dandelion,” by Hamilton Dixon was commissioned by Historic South Park as recognition that great cities have public art.

The sculpture is in Hamilton’s signature style, one of the best-known examples of which are the stair railings in rotunda of the Dayton Art Institute. “Dandelion” pivots on its base and can be moved either by human push or a steady breeze.

Dixon and his family are residents of Dayton’s South Park neighborhood. The sculpture’s title came to mind as the artist and his family walked along the boulevard one evening and noticed the resemblance of the sculpture to seeding dandelions around it.

Funding for the sculpture comes from several sources, including a Neighborhood Mini-Grant from the City of Dayton, a grant from the Genesis Project, Historic South Park Inc., South Park residents and Hamilton Dixon, who gave generously of his time in the design and execution of the sculpture.

How to go:

When: Thursday, May 29, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Hamilton Dixon “Dandelion” sculpture in the 100 block of Park Drive on the Boulevard.
Who: Everyone, including Fido!*
What to bring: Your favorite ice cream and/or topping to share. Bowls and spoons will be provided.

*Important: Bring your dog with you. All dogs must be on a leash.

Historic South Park Neighborhood Open House

November 1, 2013 By Teri Lussier Leave a Comment

Living in a historic district is not like living anywhere else, and living in Historic South Park is no exception. This community is active, vibrant, neighborly, and very community-oriented. Curious to know more? This Sunday, November 3, 2013, from 2-4 p.m., Historic South Park is hosting a Neighborhood Open House.

Ten different homes are going to be open to visitors, all of them are currently listed for sale. A wide variety of homes will be represented during this event, everything from small, affordable bungalows, to large showcase homes and everything in between.

But it’s not all Realtors. There will be South Park neighbors co-hosting at a few of the Open Houses to give you an opportunity to speak directly and candidly with folks who live in the neighborhood. Those are the people who can talk at length about all the activities, groups, support available in the South Park neighborhood, as well as the pros and cons of living in, and caring for, these special historic homes.

Ghostlight Coffee is where your tour begins- stop in for maps, flyers, printouts, and of course, some awesome coffee, and then spend the afternoon in this lovely community. It’s Historic Real Estate Porn for you addicts, and some serious home shopping for anyone looking to buy a home.

The list of homes on the tour, and the listing agents and brokerages (maps and details are available at Ghostlight Coffee, 1201 Wayne Ave):

217 Perrine – Michael Royce, Royce & Associates – Listing Link
3 Bradford – Kamela Kordick, Kamela & Co – Listing Link
604 Oak – Kamela Kordick, Kamela & Co – Listing Link
219 Adams – Sean Clark, The Home Group – Listing Link
14 Johnson- Sean Clark, The Home Group
15 Johnson-Private Seller
28 Bonner-Private Owner
208 Bonner- Holly DiFlora, The Home Group – Listing Link
121 James- Holly DiFlora, The Home Group – Listing Link
559 Wyoming- Holly DiFlora, The Home Group – Listing Link

This event is free and open to the public, so please, come out and enjoy the dynamic and picturesque neighborhood that is Historic South Park!

11-2-2013, Update:
Be sure to stop by Blommel Park while you’re in the neighborhood. From 2-4pm the South Park social committee will be grilling up hot dogs and will be available to answer any questions you might have about the neighborhood.

Simple Steps: Paint a Bridge for Community Vibrancy

April 29, 2012 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

***This project has been postponed to June 2 on account of rain! Please follow the event Facebook page for updates!***

On Saturday June 2, 2012, updayton, will be holding an event at the Burns-Jackson Park to paint the pedestrian bridge spanning highway US 35. The event invites everyone from the Dayton area community to assist in painting a colorful mural onto the 2,800 sq. ft bridge deck.

Titled “Unifying the Divide,” this team strives to bring positive attention to a bridge that was built to unify the South Park and Oregon District neighborhoods when they were divided by US 35.

On July 16, 2011, the Creative Communities committee held its first event to clean-up the bridge. Approximately 20 volunteers attended to cut bushes, and remove trash and debris off and around the bridge. After further brainstorming, street painting projects in other cities got the groups’ attention, and thus, the idea for the “Unifying the Divide” project was born. In February, the committee placed a call for mural designs to grace the floor of the bridge, and received a dozen submissions from local artists. After a public online poll, ‘Dayton Wags’ provided the winning design which features a stained glass and floral motif to represent the history and aesthetics of both the South Park and the Oregon District.

The committee used the fundraising website Kickstarter.com to help collect funds for paint supplies and over $1,500 was raised in less than 30 days. The Creative Communities Team also received help from various community partners including Citywide Development, South Park Historic Inc., Oregon Historic District Society, Emerson Academy, and DJ What Not. An aerial photo of the completed paint project will be provided by Perfect Perspectives Aerial and posted on the updayton website once the project is completed.

“It’s been an amazing year of effort on this project,” Laura beamed with pride. “I am so proud of our team and can’t wait to celebrate the successful completion of this project.”

With a design selected and funds raised, only one component remains to implement the Unifying the Divide project: the community. The Creative Communities Team needs the people of Dayton to volunteer on May 5th to paint the mural. The first shift begins at 8am with other sift times throughout the day. Groups or individuals can sign up for a job based on their skill level. The event is expected to end by 8pm.

For more information on how to register to volunteer for the Unifying the Divide project, email [email protected]. Get involved and paint the town!

Small Effort: Big Effect

March 16, 2012 By Megan Cooper 2 Comments

There’s a lot of work to do to continue to make our region vibrant and exciting. Some jobs are so big and we as community members feel helpless to do anything.

This isn’t that kind of story.

Give here.

Before the Clean-Up

This is a story about a group of people who had a simple vision and they are getting it done! Last year at the 2011 updayton Summit, a Creative Communities team emerged with the idea that our neighborhoods are great assets to the community and they should be walkable, accessible and friendly. Nice idea, right? So, how do you DO something about it?

Safe and Accessible After Clean-Up

The Creative Communities team (CC) focused on the pedestrian walkway that crosses 35 and connects the historic neighborhoods of South Park and Oregon District. These two neighborhoods have active neighborhood associations, easy access to entertainment and recreation, and beautiful parks. A bridge connecting the two (and helping neighbors avoid 35 when traveling) makes perfect sense.

Unfortunately, no one wanted to walk over the walkway. Overgrown weeds, tight corners, and a general rusty broken-down look made it feel unsafe. CC came up with a big job for volunteers, but one they knew they could do and do well with the right support.

At the end of last summer they hosted a major clean-up day. It’s impressive what a little elbow grease can do to de-weed, clean and make the bridge a lot more appealing and usable. But they’re not done yet. They don’t want it ‘not ugly.’ They want to see it as a favorite place for community members to enjoy (especially with its close access to parks). It’s gettin’ prettified!

Wanna know where YOU come in? They need your help in three ways:

1) Come out for the follow-up clean up (prepping for the painting) on April 28.

2) Come out for the painting (grown-up paint by numbers = awesome) on May 5.

3) Help out the kick-starter campaign so they can get all the materials they need to make this happen and keep it going into the future. The thing about kick-starter: yeah, a big donation is awesome. But your $5 matched up with the donations from 10 other people giving $5 adds up pretty quick.

Here’s a video from YouTube that will help you know what to expect at the Paint Day this May. Don’t pass up being a part of this opportunity!

Preview Night for Dayton’s Newest Coffee Shop!

November 5, 2011 By Lisa Grigsby Leave a Comment

Ghostlight Coffee, Dayton’s newest independent coffeehouse will be offering an opportunity to preview the coffeehouse, the espresso, coffee & tea menus, and the delicious Thistle Confections artisan baked goods. The Preview night is scheduled for Wed, Nov 9th from 7-8:30pm.

ACT I – Espresso beverage of your choice, paired with Dark Chocolate & Salted Caramel Layer Cake with Fudge Buttercream

ACT II – Pour-Over Coffee Bar selection paired with a Pumpkin & Spiced Latte Whoopie Pie

ACT III – Rishi Tea Selection or Rishi Masala Chai Latte paired with Masala Chai Cupcake with Vanilla Bean Swiss Meringue

ENCORE – Chocolate Nightcap (non-alcoholic)

Ghostlight Coffee is pleased to offer organic & fair-trade coffees from three outstanding micro-roasters, including Sunergos (Louisville), Vienna (Maryville, TN) & MadCap (Grand Rapids). Additionally, the coffeehouse will feature award-winning Rishi Teas & Chai, luxurious dark cocoa from Cacao Barry and artisan flavor syrups (such as “Madagascar Vanilla,” “Fig Vanilla Black Pepper,” & “Cardamon Rose Water”) by Melissa Yen’s Jo Snow Syrups.

$12 per person. Limited seating available, reserve your spot today! Contact Shane at [email protected]. Last we heard this was almost full!

Ghostlight Coffee is located at 1201 Wayne Avenue (at Clover Street), in Dayton’s Historic South Park neighborhood. Off-street parking is available behind the building, with additional parking along Theobald Court.

Shakespeare in South Park Presents: The Merry Wives of Windsor

September 9, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

With the thermometer quickly dipping, and cool breezes winding their way throughout the Miami Valley, we come upon another autumn here in Dayton. And as the leaves start to change, the Shakespeare in South Park Company gears up for its fourth season of outdoor theater with a presentation of The Merry Wives of Windsor on September 16th through the 18th. This whimsical play is a return to comedy after last year’s excellent production of Romeo and Juliet flexed many of the player’s dramatic muscles. However it is unique in its own right among Shakespeare’s more lighthearted affairs, offering a far less formal structure than what most might expect out of an evening with the Bard of Avon.

A perhaps less known work, The Merry Wives of Windsor is a play written about the common people and for the common people. Of Shakespeare’s work, it is the only one that includes only middle and lower class individuals, with no king or queen, lord or lady taking up stage time, and the only play he ever wrote almost entirely in prose (or, in common language, as it were) instead of in poetic rhythms. Plus, as producer Galen Wilson is glib to point out, it’s a Shakespeare comedy that is actually funny. Though some may turn their noses up to this play as perhaps less sophisticated than Shakespeare’s more epic dramas, it has kept the masses rolling in the isles for well over 400 years, and promises to do so again this upcoming weekend in South Park.

Mrs. Ford (Jene Shaw) and Mrs. Page (Kivy Grande) realize Falstaff is trying to swindle them both

The Merry Wives of Windsor is a story about a fat, middle aged, lecherous, dishonest, and boisterous knight named Sir John Falstaff, (rumored to be one of Queen Elizabeth’s favorite characters) who comes to town hard pressed for money. He devises a plan to serenade two local wives and then leech off of their husband’s money by writing them each a lover letter and confessing his desire for them. Realizing the knight has sent them both identical letters, the wives decide they will teach him a lesson for thinking they would so easily fall for his ploy. Through a series of increasingly embarrassing and entertaining situations, Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford exact their revenge on Falstaff for his lack of discretion, convincing him they are both madly in love with him before each situation inevitably goes “awry” for Falstaff, and he must flee, beaten, battered, and soaking wet.

Playing around the events of the gregarious knight, are two middle class families from Windsor; the Pages the Fords, and their friends. The Page’s daughter Anne is to be wed, but each parent has a different idea of who would best be her suitor. Her father prefers the bumbling but wealthy Abraham Slender, while her mother prefers the eccentric French physician Dr. Caius. However she loves neither of them, and searches for a way to be with the man that holds her heart. Mr. Ford is a jealous husband and suspects Falstaff of his intentions to woo his wife, and plots to catch him in the act. Sir Hugh, and old priest, is mistaken by Dr. Caius as a suitor for Anne, and he challenges the old man to a duel for it. Each situation comically plays itself off of one another, with suspicions, misunderstandings, double entendres, and a wide cast of different personalities until the very last scene.

The Merry Wives reminded director Susan Roberts of Lucy and Ethel

First year director Susan Robert has decided to set the play in the style of a 50s sitcom. Her inspiration came after she had read through the script a few times and suddenly realized how much Mrs. Page and Mrs. Ford reminded her of Lucy and Ethel from I Love Lucy. She said the more she read it, and the more she thought of the story, and forgot about Shakespeare; the more she realized that it was a farce, a sitcom, and the type of thing you would watch on Friday night. “I wanted to make it silly,” she said, “I decided that I wanted to direct this, not for those that love and are in the ‘know’ of Shakespeare, but for those that really don’t care about Shakespeare, and hated reading it in English class. There are so many places to see serious dramatic performances of Shakespeare, but I want this to be a play for all audiences to enjoy.”

Robert, who has a robust background in theater, has directed at local schools for the last 14 years; first at Dayton Christian Middle School and then Brookeville High School. This is her first foray into directing for a local amateur company, but being familiar with the South Park troupe, (She played Lady Capulet in last year’s Romeo and Juliet) she thought it a great opportunity. “Everyone was just so nice to work with,” she said. “When I was approached about directing this year, they hadn’t yet picked a show, and I really had never directed Shakespeare before. But if there was any place to direct it for the first time, I knew this would be the place to do it. I knew how easy going it was [from last year].”

Her vision for Merry Wives covers all facets of suburban America during the 50s, and doesn’t miss a beat using “modernized” settings, props, and aesthetic to pull the audience into post-war America. From white picket fences and pulp comic books, to dashing fedoras, greasers, and rumors of UFO sightings, the audience will find themselves immediately familiar with the Pages and the Fords and the whimsical situations they get into.

Dr. Caius (Matt Fuqua) finds a messanger boy hidden in his house

The cast, like most years before it, is made up of roughly half South Park residents and half local thespians from around the Dayton area. Galen says he has tried to encourage as many residents as possible to be a part of the performance and make it a neighborhood activity. “This is a truly unique experience,” he commented, “it is good to bring people to South Park each year to see a neighborhood involved in a truly artistic expression.” However he enjoys the opportunity to work with other experienced actors, and welcomes anyone who wants to give their time to participate. After all, if Susan Robert had not auditioned last year, she probably would not be directing this year. Several residents from South Park are staring this year, including Galen Wilson as Mr. Page, Matt Fuqua as Dr. Caius, Jarrett Dicky as host of the Garter Inn, and John Fredland as one of Falstaff’s lackys, along with many others. Amazing talent from around the area also include J Gary Thompson as Sir Hugh, Jene and Judy Shaw as Mrs. Ford and Mistress Quickly, and Brendan Higgins as Bardolph.

Mark Reuter as Falstaff (left) discussing his plans with underling Pistol played by John Fredland

Sir John Falstaff is being played by Mark Reuter, who has been acting since about the age of 10, when he would do passion plays for his church. Confessing himself to be painfully shy as a child, he recalls his first real venture into acting beyond the church was after his family moved to Washington Courthouse. “I still was not very comfortable, but the school was doing a musical and I decided to audition. Somehow I got the role of Captain Andy in Show Boat. It was kinda cool, I met a lot of people and they seemed to like what I did, and liked me for who I was.” This, at the age of 16, was when he first started to really open up, and continued several more performances throughout high school, all through college, and even during his time at West Point, and his military career. I asked him if he enjoyed playing Falstaff, and he laughed, “I love Falstaff,” he mused, “because he is so open about his dishonesty. It seems like a contradiction in terms, but he is just so open about the fact that he is a rogue and makes no bones about it. It’s fun to play a character that is… not necessarily good. He isn’t irredeemably evil, he does have a good side to him. He is a likable character, even if what he does is not very nice.”

For South Park, this not only is becoming a September experience, but a September tradition. As a neighborhood looking forward, with many hopeful opportunities on the horizon, the one thing most all residents agree upon, is how amazing the community itself is. It is the strong social bonds, the neighbor watching out for you, the friendly conversations when walking your dog, a story and a pint of beer at the local tavern, and the dozen or so of annual events that keep everyone connected, as well as introduce others to what South Park has to offer. Shakespeare in South Park has become not only a place for neighbors to bond and have fun, but also a way for them to give something cultural back to their neighborhood as well as to the Dayton community, by sharing a part of what they love about living there. Susan Robert admitted that while growing up she used to hate Shakespeare. It was not until she saw a performance by Ian McKellen (Gandalf, for those who may not know) in the 1980s that she grew fond of his plays. “It was good Shakespeare, and I understood what was going on for the first time, because he understood what was going on, and it was a huge change for me.” She smiled as she regaled about the performance, “That is the feeling I want to give to people who come see this show. I want them to have new perspective on Shakespeare, and leave, if only this one show, loving every minute of it.”

The Shakespeare in South Park Company will be performing September 16th through the 18th at the South Park Green at the corner of Hickory and James. Performances will start at 8:00pm, and admission is free. (but donations gladly welcomed.) Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and if weather is not permitting, performances will be held across the street at Hope Lutheran Church. For more information, visit www.historicsouthpark.org.

OnStageGuide: 2010/2011

September 7, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

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

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

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

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 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, 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

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

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 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

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 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

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 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

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

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]

South Park Tavern – An Entrepreneur Success Story

September 1, 2010 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Previously, I wrote an article about starting a business with little capital and smart business plan. Here is a great case study:

Bill Daniels has been in the pizza business for a number of years. He has a degree from Wright State University and the business savvy and technical knowledge of the food (pizza) industry. This is a great combination for an entrepreneur.

After starting the successful Pizza Factory years earlier, Bill acquired a building a few blocks away on Wayne Avenue in the South Park neighborhood and began to lease the space on the top floor to tenants. Then slowly he built the success of South Park Tavern. At first, he found Shane, who is a sharp bar manager who had experience in the industry. He gambled on Shane and Shane gambled on him. He opened only on weekends and served no food. The neighbors were thrilled to have a place and so they supported the tavern. Service was terrible and there was no food. But each weekend, the place got better. Bill invested everything earned from those early days back into the business. He began to offer pizza by transporting it from the Pizza Factory store down the street. He extended the hours each time business picked up. The neighbors relentlessly promoted the tavern. If there was a special event, Shane would open the tavern.

Next, the great marketing promotion and understanding of the customer took off. Shane opened through the week. They had open mic nights to bring in bands. They had half price pizza nights on Monday. Bill built a patio outside and remodeled the tavern, installing 12 micro brew taps in the process. Instead of offering the same beers and pizza that most other chains offer, the South Park Tavern offered exotic seasonal beers with unique and flavorful pizzas.

The South Park tavern offers only beer and wine. By not offering hard liquor the establishment identifies itself as family friendly tavern. Many would be tempted to increase revenue by offering hard liquor, but Bill and Shane understood the importance of their market positioning.

So, Bill used a formula that involved several trends in the industry.

Popularity of micro brew beers
Different pizzas
A hang out for the people of the neighborhood
Bands and music
No hard liquor

As a result, the South Park Tavern has become a popular and successful business. It did not start with a million dollars of capital. The business stretched the capital and grew in small increments. The business tried to differentiate itself and it created loyal customers. Bill and Shane are not done. They plan to carefully expand the business further.

There are some lessons for entrepreneurs in the growth of the South Park Tavern…