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The Human Race Theatre Co.

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 11/25 – 12/08

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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2010 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2010

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells (Town Hall Theatre; Photo Credit - Mike Long)

Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season for many Americans. We take it as an opportunity to spend time with family members, enjoy more food than we’ve eaten in the past week, and get a head start on holiday shopping. Unfortunately, it often becomes stressful as we attempt to ensure everything is ready and perfect and everyone is happy.

I’m grateful for the thriving arts base we have in the greater Miami Valley region, and for the power of theatre. Not only is theatre cathartic, it can be a wonderful experience for family and friends, to bring all of us closer together and remind us of the important things in life. Whether you need a break from slaving over a stove and want to step back in time to the ‘70s, are trying to teach your children important lessons about generosity and the “reason for the season,” or are just in the mood to laugh and enjoy a good show, there’s a great one for you over the next couple of weeks. Put down the TV remote and take a break from the thousands of things you’re trying to get done, gather some friends or family, and spend some time enjoying a show and growing closer together.

And, to all our onStageDayton readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

8-Track: the Sounds of the 70s

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: This new musical revue celebrates “the songs of the ‘70s in all their glory, or lack thereof! Expect plenty offlashy outfits and hairdos as four talented performers rediscover the heart and soul of the forgotten decade, with music made famous by artists from Donna Summer to the Eagles to Debby Boone” (HRTC).

Dates: December 2 – 22, 2010

Tickets: Ticket Center Stage

More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: 8-Track, DMM Event

A Christmas Carol

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE – CHILDREN’S THEATRE

The Story: When a young boy struggles to understand why his grandfather would give money to the poor, the grandfather tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge as he recalls it, and the story of Charles Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol, where ghosts of past, present, and future persuade the stingy Scrooge to change his life, comes to life as a play-within-a-play in this heartwarming story.

Dates: December 3 – 12, 2010

Tickets: 927-439-4737

More Information: Look for my children’s theatre feature next week, and go to Beavercreek Community Theatre and the DMM Event.

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

TOWN HALL THEATRE: LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

(Photo Credit: Mike Long)

The Story: The holidays are supposed to be a time of peace and goodwill… that is, until first grader Junie B. Jones draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school. And if that’s not enough, their music teacher announces the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant!

Dates: December 3 – 19, 2010

Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, DMM Event, and watch for an OSD feature article next week!

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: Featuring an international cast of acrobats, aerialists, singers, dancers, and musicians, in this show, ornaments come to life as costumed characters perform astonishing feats that celebrate the holiday season.

Dates: November 26 – 28, 2010

Tickets: Ticket Center Stage

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: Cirque Dreams Holidaze, DMM Event

SUBMIT PRESS RELEASES

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at onStageDayton@gmail.com

~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 basedEncore 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.

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 onStageDayton@gmail.com

~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.

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre

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August: Osage County

August: Osage County at HRTC/WSU. Photo Credit: Scott Kimmel

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010

CLICK HERE to learn how you can get FREE TICKETS for “Die Mommy Die!” at the Dayton Playhouse!

To make this page an even better, more centralized place for you to come find all the latest information about what’s going on in the Dayton greater metropolitan area arts scene, we’re trying some new things with onStageDayton. These posts will now be biweekly, and we’ll continue to write regular feature articles highlighting specific things and events. Join the conversation by leaving comments, and let us know what you think. And, make sure to attend one of these great performances! There are lots to choose from…

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Die, Mommie, Die

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Glamorous but fading diva Angela Andrews murders her husband in an attempt to find happiness with her lover, but her son seeks to avenge the death by killing his mother in this off-beat, “comic-thriller-melodrama.”

Dates: October 8 – October 17, 2010

Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Die, Mommie, Die

Moon Over Buffalo

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: In this story set in 1953, after rumors begin to swirl that a famous Hollywood director will be auditioning fading performers 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

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

The Importance of Being Earnest

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITYThe Importance of Being Earnest

The Story: A trivial comedy for serious people, this show is a romantic delight that entertains, satirizes the hypocrisy of social obligations, and comments on society’s foibles – all in the midst of mistaken identities.

Dates: September 30 – October 9; Thurs – Fri 8:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 and 8:00 pm.

Tickets: Cedarville Box Office

More Information: Cedarville University Theatre

August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY & WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

August: Osage County

Photo Credit: Scott Kimmel

The Story: A pill-popping mother, a vanished father, and a family that personifies dysfunctional combine in this intense yet humorous drama, a collaboration between the collegiate and professional, and the regional premiere.

Dates: September 23 – October 10. Curtain times vary; check the performance calendar.

Tickets: WSU Box Office, (937) 775-2500

More information: HRTC website; onStageDayton feature article, last week’s post, and DMM event.

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Mid-Day Arts Café: Porgy & Bess

THE VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: Dayton Opera will feature songs from Porgy and Bess and a Q&A with the actors and director Gary Briggle, while you enjoy a box lunch from Citilites Restaurant & Bar and connect with others interested in the arts.

Mid-Day Arts Cafe

Date: Registration/Networking – 11:30 am – 12:00 pm; Performance – 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Tickets: www.TicketCenterStage.com/ArtsCafe, (937) 228-3630.

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association, Mid-Day Arts Cafe

JUMP Into Dance

JUMPSTART

Dayton Contemporary Dance CompanyThe Basics: Young adults (20s – 30s) are invited to join with other YPs for a fantastic night of fusion including a mixture of art, dance, music, food, and fun!

Date: Saturday, October 16. 7:30 pm show – Stivers School for the Arts; 9 pm post-show social – SideBar

Tickets: $20 when you mention jumpstart; box office – 937-228-3232 x111

More Information: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, jumpstART Facebook page

Within the Silence

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL & CLARK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETYWithin the Silence

The Basics: This story follows the life and dreams of a Japanese-American girl during WWII, the plight of her family in an internment camp, and her desires to rebuild her life and tell her story.

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 7:30 pm

Tickets: free!

More information: Springfield Arts Council

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

Auditions: October 16, 2010, 10:00 am (callbacks later, same day, if necessary)

Performances: February 10 – 12, 2011

Directed by James Straley & Tom Kushmaul

The Story: Cathy is a struggling actress, Jamie a rising writer, and over the course of five years, they fall in and out of love in this emotionally powerful and intimate song cycle.

More Information: Springfield StageWorks: Auditions

A Christmas Carol

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE – CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Auditions: October 19 – 20

Performances: Dec. 3 – Dec. 12, 2010

Directed by Teresa Connair

The Story: Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale is told from a new perspective – a young boy’s grandfather, who uses the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to explain to his grandson why he would give his money away.

More information: Beavercreek Community Theatre: Auditions

~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. 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.

This Week in Dayton Theatre

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Alice in Wonderland - THCT

Alice in Wonderland at Town Hall

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2010

Shows in the greater Dayton metropolitan region this week are set in two centuries and four different decades (and written in them, too), feature four genres (comedic musical, children’s musical, comedic classic, and intense drama), and describe numerous vastly different characters. With all of those combinations, there’s something everyone will enjoy seeing up this week. So, come see a show (or two or all four). Then, go out and audition for one yourself…

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING THIS WEEK

The Importance of Being Earnest

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

By Oscar Wilde
September 30 – October 9

Gwendolyn and Cecily are in love with romantic, handsome, beguiling young men named “Ernest” … or at least they Importance of Being Earnest - CUthink they are! And Jack and Algernon, bachelors who may have finally fallen victim to romance, seem to be caught between the wiles of the female sex and the allure of freedom. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a romantic delight that entertains audiences, satirizes the hypocrisy of social obligations, and comments on society’s foibles — all in the midst of mistaken identities and some mysterious business with a handbag in a train station.

I saw a preview performance last week, and the show was already wonderful! Written in 1895, this comedy remains one of the most widely produced plays in the English language. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays each evening at 8:00 pm, with additional 2:00 pm matinees on Saturdays, in the Cedarville University DeVries Theatre (located at 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, along Rt. 72). Visit the Cedarville season website for more information, and box office to purchase tickets.

…SHOWS STILL UP

August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY & WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

August: Osage County

photo credit: Scott Kimmel

By Tracy Letts
September 23 – October 10

A pill-popping mother, a vanished father, and a family that personifies dysfunctional combine in this intense yet humorous drama, a collaboration between the collegiate and professional and the first production since the show’s Broadway run. Look at my feature article, or  view basic information in last week’s post . Curtain times vary; check the performance calendar. Tickets are available through the WSU Box Office at (937) 775-2500. Don’t miss it!

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

LA COMEDIA DINNER THEATRE

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

Read last week’s column here for a synopsis and full description of this show! But, here’s basic ticket information: Arrival times for Wednesday to Sunday evening performances are 5:30 – 6:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday matinees and Sunday brunch, 10:30 – 11:00 am. For more information or tickets, call 1-800-677-9505 or (937) 746-4554 or visit http://www.lacomedia.com. Also check out the DMM event page here.


…SHOWS TO CATCH BEFORE THEY CLOSE

Alice in Wonderland

TOWN HALL THEATRE – Landmark Children’s Theatre

September 17 – October 3, 2010

This is the last weekend of Town Hall’s production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr., featuring performers in grades 2 through 12! Read a more detailed synopsis and see pictures from previous shows in last week’s post.

To recap: the show runs 70 minutes and is recommended for children ages 2 and up. Performances will be held on Fridays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm; additional matinee performances are scheduled on Thursday, September 23 and 30 at 4:30 pm. Reserve tickets online at http://www.townhalltheatre.org or call 937-433-8957.

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

Auditions: October 16, 2010 – 10:00 am (callbacks later, same day, if necessary)
Performances: February 10 – 12, 2011

Directed by James Straley & Tom Kushmaul

Playwright/composer: Jason Robert Brown
The Story: Cathy is a struggling actress; Jamie is a rising writer. Over the course of five years, they fall in and out of love, The Last 5 Years chronicling that journey in an emotionally powerful and intimate song cycle.

The Characters:
Cathy – mid-20s, an actress struggling to find jobs and maintain some sense of self esteem. Mezzo-soprano.
Jamie – mid-20s, a novelist swept up in the whirlwind of life, especially his rising career. Tenor.
Visit the website below for specific information about what to prepare for each character.

Please prepare a contemporary musical theatre selection (not from this production) that showcases your vocal ability, familiarize yourself with the music from the show, and follow additional character information described at http://www.springfieldstageworks.org/auditions .

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

TOWN HALL THEATRE – Landmark Children’s Theatre Company

Auditions: Saturday, October 2, 2010
Performances: December 3 – 19, 2010Junie B Jones - TH

Last week, I wrote about this exciting audition opportunity for those in grades 2 through adult; read the post for that information.

Remember, those interested in auditioning for the show must register in advance of the audition date online at http://www.townhalltheatre.org or by calling the box office at (937) 433-8957. Actors must prepare (1) one-minute memorized monologue only (no song is necessary). Headshots or photos are required and resumes are encouraged.

~KN

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

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. 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.

“This Madhouse is My Home”

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August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY & WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY
September 23 – October 10, 2010

August: Osage CountyWarning: This play contains strong language, alcohol abuse, stronger language, legal drug abuse, really strong  language, illegal drug abuse, sibling rivalry, verbal abuse, latent pedophilia, patent nastiness, strong psychological tension, sordid dramatic subplots, and enough laughs to cause possible severe injury to persons inclined toward knee-slapping.

Well! Considering that disclaimer, it’s not surprising that August: Osage County has been talked about so much lately. Besides being provocative but scathingly funny, August has also received numerous awards, and this performance marks the first collaboration between the Human Race Theatre Company and Wright State University as well as the show’s regional premiere.

August: Osage County, by Tracy Letts, explores the story of three generations of the Weston family of Oklahoma, who unexpectedly reunite after the disappearance of the family patriarch. Repressed and August: Osage Countyunsettled secrets are revealed in this searchingly powerful portrait of the dysfunctional American family at its finest – and absolute worst.

The show enjoyed a highly successful Broadway run, winning five Tonys, the Pulitzer, and Time Magazine’s “Play of the Year” designation. The HRTC/WSU production is making national news, as well: this is the first staging (throughout the entire United States) of August: Osage County since it left Broadway.

Just as the script is a perfect combination of pain and pathos, this production is a smooth blend of the professional and collegiate. The cast of 13 includes seven professionals (including two who understudied August’s Broadway production) and six WSU August: Osage Countystudents, with technical responsibilities also shared evenly. This, the first such collaboration, has been a successful experience for both sides: HRTC Resident Artist and August co-director (with HRTC Artistic Director, Marsha Hanna) Scott Stoney observed,

“Relationships are starting to happen. I think the students are impressed with the professionals, and the professionals appreciate the students’ enthusiasm and talent.”

Playwright Tracy Letts, originally from Oklahoma and since 2002 a resident at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, is only too familiar with the hardship and family dysfunction prevalent in August. New York Times writer Patrick Healy described,

Tracy Letts (playwright)“A recovering alcoholic and former pack-a-day smoker who could have majored in profanity had he not dropped out of college, [Letts] has a well-earned dark side that mixes with a surprising sweetness and exuberant humor.”

His family members strongly influenced his writing: the August: Osage Countycharacter of Violet, the drug-addicted and abusive matriarch of the Weston family, is distinctly modeled after Letts’ own grandmother (listen for the line in the play about Violet’s method of stealing pills; her tactic Letts directly observed in his grandmother. Toss that bit of trivia out to your date during intermission and enjoy looking impressive).

In its explosive combination of pain and pathos, this is definitely not a production for the faint-at-heart: besides everything in the disclaimer above, its running time is 3 ½ hours (with two intermissions). But during that time, August: Osage County will grab hold of you, if it hasn’t already, and refuse to let go.

Tickets and showtimes: http://humanracetheatre.org/1011aoc.shtml

*all photos courtesy of Scott Kimmins

~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. 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.

This Week in Dayton Theatre

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August: Osage County

August: Osage County / photo credit: Scott Kimmel

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2010 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010

From the regional premiere of an already-legendary work to an all-childrens’ play, the events of this week, and their diversity and quality, make it clear why the Dayton metro region has such a thriving theatre scene. Three of the shows mentioned this week also appeared in Shane and David’s Top Season Picks article a couple of weeks ago, so seeing one or two or all of them is definitely worth your time! Here’s what’s happening this week…

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING THIS WEEK

August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY AND WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

September 23 – October 10
By Tracy Letts

Three generations of the Weston family of Oklahoma reunite after the disappearance of the family patriarch one hot summer night, where long-held secrets are unflinchingly and uproariously revealed in August: Osage Countya portrait of the dysfunctional American family at its finest – and absolute worst (para. from Samuel French). A mixture of fierce humor and powerful drama, August: Osage County has won five Tonys and a Pulitzer, is Time Magazine’s “Play of the Decade,” and is premiering this week here in Dayton as a professional and collegiate collaboration.

I’ll be publishing a feature article later this week with a lot more details about the show and the collaboration, so be watching for that. In the meantime, get your tickets soon! Curtain times vary, and a performance calendar is available at http://humanracetheatre.org/1011aoc.shtml . Tickets are available through the WSU Box Office at (937) 775-2500. Also, the Inside Track talkback with the directors will be before the September 23 preview performance, and the While We’re on the Subject discussion is after the October 2 matinee.

…SHOWS STILL UP

Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, Jr.

TOWN HALL THEATRE – All Children’s Theatre

September 17 – October 3, 2010

Alice in WonderlandThere’s still time to see Town Hall’s production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr., featuring performers in grades 2 through 12! Read a more detailed synopsis and see pictures from previous shows in last week’s post.

To recap: the show runs 70 minutes and is recommended for children ages 2 and up. Performances will be held on Fridays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm; additional matinee performances are scheduled on Thursday, September 23 and 30 at 4:30 pm. Reserve tickets online at http://www.townhalltheatre.org or call 937-433-8957.

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

LA COMEDIA DINNER THEATRE

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

Read last week’s column here for a synopsis and full description of this show! But, here’s basic ticket information: Arrival times for Wednesday to Sunday evening performances are 5:30 – 6:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday matinees and Sunday brunch, 10:30 – 11:00 am. For more information or tickets, call 1-800-677-9505 or (937) 746-4554 or visit http://www.lacomedia.com. Also check out the DMM event page here.

…SHOWS TO CATCH BEFORE THEY CLOSE

The Spitfire Grill

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

Music & Book by James Valcq; Lyrics & Book by Frank Alley; based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
September 17 – September 26

Last week for its opening, I described this show and included a couple of pictures. So, I won’t go into all of the details here again, but check out the original article here.

Just a reminder, performances of The Spitfire Grill are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm, at Beavercreek Community Theatre in the Lofino Center (3868 Dayton-Xenia Rd, Beavercreek). Tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students, seniors, and BCT members. For more information or to reserve tickets, call (937) 429-4737, email boxoffice@bctheatre.org, or visit http://www.bctheatre.org. This is the final weekend, so catch it if you haven’t yet.

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

The 7th Annual ArtBeat Festival of the Arts

UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON

Friday, September 24:  4-7 p.m.

“The University of Dayton’s ArtStreet hosts ArtBeat, the annual visual and performing arts festival featuring performances by University of Dayton Community Artists-in-Residence, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Jazz Ensemble and other local and student performing groups. The festival will also feature a variety of food, professional and student art vendors and is held at the ArtStreet Amphitheatre. ArtStreet is located at the intersection of Lawnview Avenue and Kiefaber Street on the University of Dayton campus. For more information about ArtStreet, call (937) 229.5101 or visit http://artstreet.udayton.edu.”

Blue Man Group

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION – SCHUSTER CENTER

September 28 – October 3, 2010

Blue Man GroupSome tickets are still available for the Blue Man Group’s touring production, part of their first national tour!  From the official description, “Blue Man Group is best known for its widely popular theatrical shows and concerts that combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment in a blissful party atmosphere.”

Ticket prices vary based on seat and multiple showtimes are available, with evening performances Tuesday through Sunday as well as weekend matinees. Visit the official website for information about the group, and The Victoria Theatre Association to learn about and get tickets for the show at the Schuster.

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY

Auditions: Saturday, October 2, 2010
Performances: December 3 – 19, 2010

Directed by Brittany Hayden-Hinkle (THT’s education director)

The Story: Everyone’s favorite girl is back and this time it’s personal! The holidays should be that special time of year when everyone spreads peace and goodwill… but not when Junie B. draws her sworn enemy’s name for the secret Santa gift exchange at school. Things get especially ugly when their music teacher announces that the two will perform together in the school’s holiday pageant…

Open auditions for this show will be held on Saturday, October 2nd beginning at 8:45am for those in grades 2 through adult. Those interested in auditioning for the show must register in advance of the audition date online at http://www.townhalltheatre.org or by calling the box office at (937) 433-8957. Actors must prepare (1) one-minute memorized monologue only (no song is necessary). Headshots or photos are required and resumes are encouraged. There will be a registration fee of $130 for participants if cast. The production begins rehearsals October 26th and will be held Mondays through Thursdays from 7-10pm and Saturdays 9-12pm at the theatre.

Schuster Center Celebration Choir

If you’re looking for to get involved in something musical but don’t have the time commitment to audition for a show, the Schuster Center Celebration Choir may be a great opportunity for you! The Choir was convened in 2003 to Schuster Center Celebration Choircelebrate the opening of the Schuster Center for the Performing Arts, and its members enjoyed singing together so much that the temporary choir became a permanent group. This intergenerational, multi-ethnic group for adults of all ages mirrors the diversity of the Greater Dayton community and its repertoire encompasses a broad range of styles.

The SCCC is open to all and participation is free. It typically rehearses Tuesdays, although the schedule is flexible. Upcoming performances will be at the Kroc Center, Grande Illumination, and Wintergarden Wonderland at the Schuster Center. For more information, visit The Schuster Center Celebration Choir website, and to join the choir, contact Tina McPhearson at tina.mcphearson@victoriatheatre.com.

~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. 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.

http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/dmmcalendar2/events/index.php?com=detail&eID=8778

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 onStageDayton@gmail.com

Yeah… but can it play Dayton?

By 8 Comments

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

YES.

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

Musical Theatre Workshop:  Festival 2010

THE HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

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

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

Human Race Musical Theatre Workshop 2008

"The Black Crook Project" 2008

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

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

Friday, July 16

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

Saturday, July 17

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

Sunday, July 18

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

Synopses:

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

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

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

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

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

DB

[title of show]

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

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

SA

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

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

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

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

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

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

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

Update: NEXT THING YOU KNOW by Salzman & Cunningham

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

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

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

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

SA

Spitfire Grill

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

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

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

Percy Talbott – Sydney Lanier

Shelby Thorpe – Katie Storost

Hannah Ferguson – Pam McGinnis

Effy Krayneck – Teresa Connair

Sheriff Joe Sutter – Max Monnig

Caleb Thorpe – Brad Mattingly

The Visitor – Nick Vanderpool

Synopsis:

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

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

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

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

SA

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