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Upcoming Community Theater Auditions

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Attention all actors and actresses! We are excited to announce auditions for several upcoming community theater productions. This is a great opportunity to showcase your talent and be a part of a wonderful production. Performers of all levels of experience are welcome to audition! Let us see what you can bring to the stage!

Auditions for “Big Fish”

The Gabriel House
15 West Mill Street, Springboro
Springboro Community Theatre is excited to announce upcoming auditions for BIG FISH! Auditions will be held at The Gabriel House, next to United Church of Christ (15 West Mill Street, Springboro, OH 45066) on 2 & 3 Jan at 7pm with tentative callbacks on 4 Jan.
Performances will run 23-25 Feb and 1-3 Mar 2024.
Auditions will include singing and dancing and may also require cold reading/sight reading from the script. Auditioners should prepare 32 bars of a song (1-1:30 minutes) to share with us. An accompanist and a Bluetooth speaker will both be available.
You may also bring a comfortable change of clothes and shoes for the dancing call.
Please be aware that due to the short rehearsal timeline, show rehearsals are expected to run Mon-Thurs evenings and some Saturday mornings (13/20 Jan, 3/10 Feb). That said, we respect and value your time and are committed to call you ONLY if/when needed.
Available roles include:
Edward – Adult male (35-60)
Sandra – Edward’s wife. Adult female (25-55).
Will – Edward’s adult son. Adult male (20-30).
Josephine – Will’s wife. Adult female (18-30).
Young Will – Young male (11-15).
Karl – A giant and Edward’s best friend. Adult male (18-40).
Amos – Circus ringleader. Adult male (30-50).
Witch – Fortune teller. Adult female (20-40).
Jenny Hill – Edward’s first love. Adult female (20-40).
Don Price – Edward’s childhood frenemy. Adult male (20-45).
Zacky Price – Don’s younger brother. Adult male (20-45).
Ensemble – An additional 30+ characters will be filled by the highly involved Ensemble! Looking for 8-10 adults and 2-3 children of assorted ages. Should be comfortable singing and moving.
Announcing auditions for Sense and Sensibility by Kate Hamill, Based on the novel by Jane Austen
THE STORY: A playful new adaptation of Jane Austen’s beloved novel follows the fortunes (and misfortunes) of the Dashwood sisters—sensible Elinor and hypersensitive Marianne—after their father’s sudden death leaves them financially destitute and socially vulnerable. Set in gossipy late 18th-century England, with a fresh female voice, the play is full of humor, emotional depth, and bold theatricality. SENSE AND SENSIBILITY examines our reactions, both reasonable and ridiculous, to societal pressures. When reputation is everything, how do you follow your heart?
Opens: March 8, 2024
Closes: March 17, 2024
Auditions: January 15 & 16, 2024 7 PM At Dayton Playhouse
Auditions will consist of cold readings and improvisation games. All races, genders and abilities are encouraged to audition.
This is not your mother’s Jane Austen. Please come prepared to play. If you have a British accent, bring it with you however, it is not required for auditions. Looking for actors who are willing to have fun, learn, explore, work as part of a true ensemble and maybe get your hands dirty along the way.
All roles are available as follows. For ages given, anyone that can play that age will be considered. Final cast will include 10-12 people. Other than the two main characters, Elinor and Marianne, all actors will likely play multiple roles.
Marianne Dashwood: The middle Dashwood sister; sensitive
Elinor Dashwood: The eldest Dashwood sister; sensible
Margaret Dashwood: The youngest Dashwood sister: 10-13 years old.
Mrs. Dashwood: Mother to the Dashwood sisters
John Dashwood: half brother to the Dashwood sisters (from the father’s side; no blood relation to Mrs. Dashwood)
Edward Ferrars: A gentleman; a bachelor
Fanny (Ferrars) Dashwood: wife to John Dashwood and sister to Edward; Nasty.
Colonel Brandon: an older bachelor; over 45 years old.
John Willoughby: An unusually handsome young man.
Sir John Middleton: A country gentleman; distant relation to Mrs. Dashwood
Mrs. Jennings: A good natured, boisterous woman; mother in law to Sir John and a terror to the countryside.
Lady Middleton: An over-bred lady
Lucy Steele: A young girl from no fortune
Anne Steele: Lucy’s sister; indiscreet
Robert Ferrars: A callow young man; Edward Ferrars’ younger brother.
Also to be doubled with the cast:
Gossips 1-5: A chorus of high society creatures
Servants – including THOMAS
Doctor
Please contact the director, Jenni Cypher, with any questions by email at jennic42@gmail.com or by text message at 937-430-7820.

AUDITIONS- NO EXIT by Jean-Paul Sartre

Xenia Area Community Theater
45 East Second St., Xenia
 
Auditions are Monday and Tuesday January 8 and 9 2024 at 7pm at Xenia Area Community Theater (X*ACT),
– Auditions consist of cold readings. Email the director (mhtaint@gmail.com) for the audition sides if you’d like an advance copy. Monologues not required (but we’ll be glad to hear it if you wish).
– Can’t make the audition dates? Email the director for another option.
– Please bring all schedule conflicts from January 11 through March 10
– An actor’s CV or biography is HIGHLY recommended.
– Rehearsals will be Tuesdays through Thursdays, 7 – 9:15 pm at X*ACT. Note: Valet will normally have only 1 rehearsal per week
– All roles are open.
– There is some very light touching and one small bit of stage combat (stabbing) planned. All of this, of course, will be done with the actor’s full consent. Some productions of this play are rather explicit (undressing, fondling) – this is NOT the plan here. This play is about ideas and dialog, not stage action. Feel free to email the director if you have any questions or want more details.
– For all questions, please contact the director, Mike Taint at mhtaint@gmail.com
Performances are March 1 – 10, 2024
PLOT SUMMARY
Two women and one man are locked up together for eternity in one ordinary looking room in Hell, with no way out. The irony of this Hell is that its torture is not the traditional “fire and brimstone”, but of the humiliation of each soul as it is stripped of its pretenses by the cruel curiosity of the other two damned. It is an eternal torment. Now almost a century old, Sartre’s morality play remains a masterpiece of Existentialist Theater
CHARACTER LIST
– Ages listed are ages the actors need to be capable of playing
– All 4 roles are open to all ethnicities.
Joseph Garcin (some translations as “Vincent Cradeu”)
Lead. Male. 30ish to 50ish A journalist from Rio who arrives in hell after having been shot twelve times for refusing to fight in an unnamed war; he is cowardly, self-centered, and often cruel.
Estelle Rigault
Lead. 30ish to 50ish A wealthy socialite who is in Hell for infanticide. She relies on her looks to manipulate others; she is vain, shallow, and desperate for attention.
Inez Serrano
Lead. Female. 30ish to 50ish A manipulative and sadistic postal worker; she is blunt, abrasive, and fiercely independent. She is in Hell for seducing a married woman which results in a murder/suicide
Valet (“Boy” in some translations)
Supporting. Male or Female or Nonbinary. 20ish and up An enigmatic figure who acts as jailer for the three damned.

 

Book by Peter Ullian, Music & Lyrics by Robert Lindsey-Nassif
Based on a concept by Robert Lindsey-Nassif
Auditions will be held Mon & Tue, January 15 & 16, 2024, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: March 22-April 7, 2024
Stage and Vocal Direction by David Shough
Music Direction by Sarah Lingg
Produced by Christina Tomazinis
CASTING REQUIREMENTS:
All cast and crew are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19
You need only attend one night, but are welcome at both. If you cannot attend either audition date, contact the director at davids@pbstudios.com or 937-626-2674, and we will make time or permit a video audition. Performance dates: March 22-April 7, 2024; Friday – Sunday. Rehearsals will generally be Monday through Thursday evenings, subject to cast schedules.
SEEKING:
2 male and 3 female principals and 6-8 ensemble (at least 3 men) with featured roles – see descriptions below. All characters are adults, with some specific age ranges listed in the role descriptions.
Race is not relevant to any role. All races & ethnicities are encouraged to audition.
Yes, this is a musical comedy at the Dayton Theatre Guild, and because the house is intimate we are not planning to use microphones. So we are looking for strong singing voices, especially for Jerry and Gracie, who have big anthem numbers. It doesn’t have to be “pretty” but it has to be strong.
THE PLAY:
The title is not a metaphor. Jerry Gorman is a regular guy from New Jersey who just wants to fly. The neighbors think he’s nuts. His mother disapproves. Big Jack and Blaire scoff. But Gracie believes in him. When Jerry soars to 16,000 feet with nothing but a lawnchair and helium balloons, this funny tuneful musical reminds us that the air is free and dreams can come true if only you believe in yourself.
THE AUDITION:
Prepare at least 32 measures of one musical theatre standard to sing fearlessly. An accompanist will be provided, or you can bring a track to play via Bluetooth. Acappella auditions are discouraged. In addition, everyone will be asked to read scenes. Sides will be made available online in early January. There may also be a short minimal dance audition.
Please being a resume and a list of all conflicts January 17 through April 7, 2024
THE ROLES:
-) Jerry Gorman
(34; tenor or lyric baritone): Extremely likeable, but the kind of guy whose likeability never seems to get him anywhere in life. A dreamer who until recently never felt he had a right to his dreams. You’d almost call him a loser, if he didn’t have such a great girlfriend.
-) Gracie
Jerry’s girlfriend (32-35; soprano/mixed belt): embraces life and all that it offers, including her job as a toll booth operator on I-95, and Jerry, whom she adores despite what others see as his shortcomings, and his sometimes frustrating hesitation to allow their relationship to progress to the “next level.” A nice New Jersey accent is a plus.
-) Big Jack Preston
(35-37; high baritone): is the kind of guy uniforms were created for. He looks really good in one. He is all man, a man’s man, a manly man, an exemplar of manlitude. He’s also quite tall. He exudes self-confidence and never (until later in the show) lets the cracks show.
-) Blaire
(mezzo soprano or soprano/mixed belt): a flight attendant who exudes a bubbly, ditsy enthusiasm that masks a competence and ability that no one has ever imagined, but which will become apparent to us later in the show.
-) Mother Gorman
Jerry’s mother (late middle age; lyric soprano/mixed belt): can be a bit of a steamroller and a nag where her son is involved, but she does it out of love – and fear. She’s a suburban working mother trying to maintain an upper middle-class lifestyle with a lower-middle class income. She has been hiding what, to her, is a terrible, terrible secret. A nice New Jersey accent is a plus.
-) ENSEMBLE MEMBERS (*)
Ensemble members will each play one or more of the following roles in addition to neighbors, Walmart shoppers and employees, commuters, flying mechanics, etc.:
*) Mr. Frankel
Jerry’s boss. High strung, often angry, he nevertheless has a heart that starts to pump warm blood when he spends time with Jerry’s Mom later in the show.
*) FAA Agent
a Federal Aviation Administration Agent of indeterminate gender. Takes his (or is it her?) job very, very seriously.
*) Leonardo da Vinci
(tenor or high bari – one solo song): the great painter, inventor, and all around Renaissance Man of the Italian Renaissance. Speaks and sings with an alarming similarity to Chico Marx.
*) Charles Lindbergh
(baritone – one solo song): the great aviator who made the first solo flight across the Atlantic. Speaks and sings with an alarming similarity to Jimmy Stewart.
*) Amelia Earhart
(mezzo soprano/mixed belt – one solo song): the great aviatrix who almost became the first woman to circumnavigate the globe by air. Speaks and sings with an alarming similarity to Katherine Hepburn.
*) French Boy
(mezzo soprano – one solo song; played by a woman): a classic little French boy from classic French movie.
*) NASA Official
(an official from NASA): he’s all business, but hates to have to be the bearer of bad news.
*) TV Reporter
a handsome, serious, callow reporter from a major cable news organization.
For more information please contact Director David Shough
davids@pbstudios.com or 937-626-2674
The show runs weekends Mar 22-Apr 7, 2024
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm
*Children under seven will not be admitted
Individual tickets on sale now
Adult: $20, Senior (60 or older): $18, Student: $13
To purchase:
– https://daytontheatreguild.thundertix.com/

Spotlight on the 2023-2024 Dayton Theatre Seasons- Part 4

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Continuing our local theatre season spotlight, this week we are featuring Yellow Brick Theater and INNOVAtheatre. 

Yellow Brick Theater founded by Dionne Meyer and Jessi Stark. Their mission is to strengthen the vibrant youth culture of the Greater Dayton area by providing children and their families with theater education, performance experiences, and opportunities for artistic self expression. We accomplish this through teaching classes, workshops, and producing family- friendly performances.

Yellow Brick will produce Mean Girls: High School Edition. Performances will be October 20 & 21. Tickets and more information can be found here.

Just a little outside of the 937, and often featuring Daytonians you’ll find INNOVAtheatre Performances take place at the beautiful Sorg Opera House 63 S Main St, Middletown, OH 45044. INNOVA is a Community Theatre that was founded upon inclusivity and diversity has the following productions to offer us for their 2023-2024 Season. 

Hunchback of Notre Dame, Directed by: Richard Lee Waldeck, Vocal and Orchestral Direction by: Lorri Topping & George Drewyor, and Choreography by: Isadore Karrick performances are August 25 – September 3.

Love to do the time warp? Get ready, the cult classic, Rocky Horror Show Directed by: Richard Lee Waldeck and Musical Direction by: Hayden Floro will run October  20- 29, 2023.

In 2024 INNOVA will bring the musical American Idiot. Green Day’s powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion.  Performances will be April 19- 28. 

Tickets can be purchased here:

Spotlight on the 2023-2024 Dayton Theatre Seasons- Part 3

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With all of the local theaters in town we thought we would spotlight their upcoming seasons. This will give you plenty of time to fill your calendars and purchase season tickets. Our third installment will spotlight X*ACT and Actor’s Theatre Fairborn. 

Located at 45 East Second Street in Xenia, X*ACT will produce A World of Entertainment for their 2023-2024 season. The have selected a diverse lineup which opens with Nightfall with Edgar Allan Poe, written by Eric Coble and directed by Dee Berdine. Production dates are October 20-22, and 27-29, 2023.  In December (1-10, 2023) Melodee Bass will direct Svetlana’s First Christmas, written by Dwayne Yancy & A Holiday Surprise is promised. 

The new year will bring No Exit, written by Jean Paul Sartre to the X*ACT stage directed by Mike Taint, production dates are March 1-10, 2024. Following No Exit will be the classic Lysistrata, by Aristophanes and directed by T. C. Kimmet. Lysistrata will run April 5-14, 2024. 

In April Lysistrata, directed by T. C. Kimmet, and written by Arsitophanes is a comic account of a woman’s extraordinary mission to end the Peloponnesian War. Production dates are April 5-14, 2024

Ending this season will be World Builders written by Johnna Adams and directed by Julie Hauwiller will be performed May 10- 19, 2024. “…a brilliant script with precise and punctuated dialogue that is as entirely believable as it is bizarre. A fascinating exploration of what it takes to truly love another person, WORLD BUILDERS is profoundly thoughtful, transformative storytelling at its finest.” —BroadwayWorld.com

Tickets and more information can be found here: xeniaact1.org

Jim Harworth has brought Actor’s Theatre Fairborn back to life. Located at 23 N Main Street, this vintage theatre has brought community theatre back to Fairborn and this upcoming shows promises to continue to bring quality entertainment to you. Jim stated that he is glad to be able to have audiences back after Covid, and is very thankful for the support of many local volunteers, like Craig Smith and former owner of the building Don Campbell. He also appreciates all of the support he’s had helping give back to the community. While there isn’t a set season for Actor’s theatre they do have a few shows coming up.

At the end of September the ghoulish comedy Moan Alone, by Mark Aloysous Kennerly, directed by Olivia Simpson will tell the tale of two couples (played by real life married couples) who go off for a Halloween getaway and get caught in a freak snowstorm. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they all slowly become zombies. Performance dates are September 29- October 7, 2023

 

In March of 2024 Craig Smith will direct the Neil Simon comedy Barefoot In The Park, this classic romantic comedy features Paul and Corie Bratter who are newlyweds in every sense of the word. He’s a straight-as-an-arrow lawyer and she’s a free spirit. After a six-day honeymoon, they get a surprise visit from Corie’s mother and decide to play matchmaker with their neighbor, Mr. Velasco. Everything that can go wrong does. Barefoot In The Park will run March 1- 10, 2024.

 

May brings the sentimental favorite On Golden Pond, by Ernest Thompson. Brian Sharp will introduce you to Ethel and Norman Thayer as they return to their summer home of 48 years. “…a rare and memorable theatrical experience…” —Variety. On Golden Pond will take the stage May 10-19, 2024. 

Tickets can be obtained by going here: ​​Actorstheatrefairborn.org

Open auditions for Broadway Bound

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Open audition notice for Broadway Bound by Neil Simon
Auditions will be held Tue & Wed, Sep 6 & 7, 2022, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: Nov 4-20, 2022
The Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philip TheatreScape
430 Wayne Ave, Dayton OH, 45410
937-278-5993 — www.daytontheatreguild.org
Directed by Marjorie Strader
Produced by Scott Madden
Following Brighton Beach Memoirs and Biloxi Blues, Broadway Bound is the funny and poignant conclusion of Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical Eugene trilogy. Eugene and his brother Stanley are trying to break into the world of professional comedy writing while coping with their parents’ messy and gut-wrenching split. When their material is broadcast on the radio for the first time, the rest of the family is stunned to hear a comedic rendition of their own trials and tribulations. Broadway Bound gently and humorously looks at the conflict between family loyalties and personal happiness, as well as the challenges we face, even as adults, of breaking out of parent-child patterns that we formed years ago.
Casting Requirements:
• Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
• A résumé and headshot are not required but are appreciated.
• Please bring all scheduling conflicts, including weekends, between Sep 8 and Nov 20, 2022.
Masks are strongly suggested for everyone auditioning or otherwise involved..
All cast and crew are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19
-) Eugene:
(23) the play’s narrator. Affable, witty and quick with a joke, Eugene is trying to break into comedy writing with his older brother Stanley. Although he seems care-free, he cares deeply for his family, and through the course of this play, begins to see his parents as actual people with their own stories and heartbreaks.
-) Stanley:
28) Eugene’s older brother. Driven and high-strung, Stanley is the force behind the brothers’ quest to get into show business. Although he bickers constantly with Eugene as they write, he also demonstrates his devotion to his brother and the rest of the family.
-) Kate:
(early 50s) Eugene and Stanley’s mother, Jack’s wife. Strong and hardworking, Kate does everything in her power to put up a happy front and keep her family together and well-fed, even as she is undergoing the pain of her 30-plus year marriage crumbling in front of her.
-) Jack:
(mid to late-50s) Eugene and Stanley’s father, Kate’s husband. Having spent years working in the same job and living in the same neighborhood, he has become tired of the monotony of life…and of marriage.
-) Ben:
(late 70s) Kate’s father. Ben lives with his daughter Kate and her family, while his semi- estranged wife of many years lives with Blanche, another daughter. Ben is an old socialist who doesn’t understand his grandsons’ “comedy.” If it isn’t educating people or making the world a more equitable place, what’s the point? While not an affectionate man, he is there for Kate in his own way.
-) Blanche:
late 40s/early 50s), Kate’s younger sister, Ben’s daughter. A widow who has re-married into money, Blanche visits from her Park Avenue home to attempt to convince Ben to move to Florida with his wife, but Ben can’t see past Blanche’s new wealth and how it clashes with his own socialist views.
For more information, including perusal script, please contact:
Director Marjorie Strader at mstraderia@gmail.com
The show runs weekends Nov 4-20, 2022
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm
*Children under seven will not be admitted
Individual tickets on sale now
Adult: $20
Senior (60 or older): $18
Student: $13
Special pricing for groups of 10 or more, call the Box Office at 937-278-5993 for pricing
– http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/ click on “Tickets” link
– or call 937-278-5993
– or at the box office day of the show

Saluting Dayton’s 2016-17 Theater Season

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Productions centered on a sadistic barber wreaking havoc in Victorian London, stubborn Iowans forever changed by a charming con artist, America coping with race relations in turn of the century New York and 1960s Baltimore, a progressive novice sending shockwaves throughout a Catholic elementary school, an iconic record company reshaping the landscape of American music, and a legendary ship deemed unsinkable were among the best of Dayton’s 2016-17 theater season.

Jamie Cordes and Rebecca Watson in the Human Race Theatre Company’s Sweeney Todd (Photo by Scott J. KImmins)

On professional stages, the Human Race Theatre Company’s 30th anniversary season was memorably illuminated by Scott Stoney’s immersive, ensemble-friendly Sweeney Todd (attended on opening night by Academy Award nominee Jesse Eisenberg of The Social Network) and the local premiere of Hail Mary!, a pleasantly surprising and gently thought-provoking character study. Hail Mary! was specifically bolstered by Claire Kennedy’s masterfully complex portrayal of a woman challenging authority for the betterment of her students.

 

(left to right) Gabriella Whiting, Allison Semmes and Tavia Rivee in Motown the Musical (Photo by Joan Marcus)

Elsewhere, the Victoria Theatre Association offered outstanding national tours with Motown particularly rising to the top thanks to a splendidly versatile, crowd-pleasing cast. Dare to Defy Productions gave local talent exciting platforms to rediscover and reinterpret tried and true material (Mackensie King’s Children of Eden strikingly emphasized family ties and generational repercussions as never before). Female-centric Magnolia Theatre Company offered a riveting local premiere of tense parent-teacher conference drama Gidion’s Knot. Reliably edgy Playground Theatre delivered a local premiere of Jailbait overflowing with gripping realism as its searing account of love, deceit and embracing adulthood stirred to the core.

 

(left to right) Mike Beerbower, J Gary Thompson, Matt Lindsay, Cassandra Engber, and Zach Katris in the Dayton Theatre Guild’s The Last Lifeboat (Photo by Craig Roberts)

At community theaters, strong musicals as well as a fine balance of classic and contemporary fare enticed. Dayton Theatre Guild’s eclectic impulses served them well with local premieres of The Last Lifeboat, Luna Gale and Wonder of the World (heightened by sitcom savvy knockout Kari Carter) in addition to a mesmerizing Elephant Man accented by Jared Mola’s remarkable physicality. Dayton Playhouse scored with Ragtime, The Women, Xanadu, and another enjoyably competitive FutureFest (last year’s winner Shepherd’s Bush is now titled Nonsense and Beauty; powerfully acted Memories of the Game was named audience favorite). Senior-themed Young at Heart Players delighted with the overdue return of the adorable First Kisses, a 2003 FutureFest finalist. Brookville Community Theatre supplied a whimsically entertaining Beauty and the Beast. Beavercreek Community Theatre’s artistic risks paid off with a lovely, vocally impressive Nine (brought to life by Jeffrey Murphy in the vibrantly elegant spirit of original director Tommy Tune) and a commendable local premiere of Bonnie and Clyde.

Highlights from area colleges included Wright State University’s tap-happy No, No, Nanette and beautifully staged/designed Shakespearean play-with-music Restoration!, Cedarville University’s rousing and heartwarming Music Man, and Sinclair Community College’s darkly atmospheric Dracula. Other notables across the city included the Muse Machine’s tremendously feel-good Hairspray (featuring marvelously mature newcomer Fischer Barnett), Epiphany Lutheran Church’s better-than-Broadway Big Fish (expertly conceived by Megan Wean Sears), and under-the-radar-but-dynamic Standing on Ceremony (Sinclair), Hello Again (Wright State), and Four Women: A Tribute to Nina Simone & The Black Arts Movement (Oral Funk Poetry Productions and University of Dayton).

Assessing the 80 shows I saw last season, I congratulate the following winners (in bold) and nominees.

BEST TOURING PRODUCTION
42nd Street, Victoria Theatre Association
Elf, Victoria Theatre Association
Jersey Boys, Victoria Theatre Association
Kinky Boots, Victoria Theatre Association
Motown the Musical, Victoria Theatre Association

BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Gidion’s Knot, Magnolia Theatre Company
Hail Mary!, Human Race Theatre Company
Jailbait, Playground Theatre
This is Our Youth, Playground Theatre
Thurgood, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST LOCALLY-PRODUCED PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Dare to Defy Productions
Children of Eden, Dare to Defy Productions
Dogfight: The Musical, Dare to Defy Productions
Guys and Dolls, Dare to Defy Productions
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Human Race Theatre

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
The Elephant Man, Dayton Theatre Guild
First Kisses, Young at Heart Players
The Last Lifeboat, Dayton Theatre Guild
Luna Gale, Dayton Theatre Guild
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Women, Dayton Playhouse

Rachel Joy Rowland, Robbie Lindmark and the cast of Cedarville University’s The Music Man (Contributed photo)

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Brookville Community Theatre
Bonnie and Clyde, Beavercreek Community Theatre
Nine, Beavercreek Community Theatre
Ragtime, Dayton Playhouse
Xanadu, Dayton Playhouse

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Sinclair Community College
Angels in America: Perestroika, Clark State Community College
The Children’s Hour, Wright State University
Dracula, Sinclair Community College
Restoration!, Wright State University

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
9 to 5, Wright State University
Heathers, Wright State University
The Music Man, Cedarville University
No, No, Nanette, Wright State University
The Toxic Avenger, Sinclair Community College

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
Big Fish, Epiphany Lutheran Church
Four Women: A Tribute to Nina Simone & The Black Arts Movement, Oral Funk Poetry Productions and University of Dayton
Hairspray, Muse Machine
Hello Again, Wright State University
Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays, Sinclair Community College

BEST NEW WORK
Daniel Goldstein’s Family Ties, Human Race Theatre Company
W.L. Newkirk’s [Miss], Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Scott C. Sickles’ Shepherd’s Bush, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Kristy Sharron Thomas’ Memories of the Game, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Eric Ulloa’s 26 Pebbles, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Mike Beerbower as Robert, Jailbait
A.J. Breslin as Dennis, This Is Our Youth
Franklin Johnson as Kenneth McIntosh, Memories of the Game
Alan Bomar Jones as Thurgood Marshall, Thurgood
Jared Mola as John Merrick, The Elephant Man
Leo Santucci as Dracula, Dracula

Claire Kennedy in the Human Race Theatre Company’s Hail Mary! (Photo by Scott. J. Kimmins)

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Jenna Gomes as Claire, Jailbait
Amy Handra as Heather Clark, Gidion’s Knot
Claire Kennedy as Mary Wytkowski, Hail Mary!
Cheryl Mellen as Caroline, Luna Gale
Andréa Morales as Corryn Fell, Gidion’s Knot
Marva Williams as Karen McIntosh, Memories of the Game

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Jamie Cordes as Sweeney Todd, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Robbie Lindmark as Harold Hill, The Music Man
Ron Mauer as Tateh, Ragtime
Kip Moore as Coalhouse Walker, Jr., Ragtime
Timothy Ware as Lola, Kinky Boots
Ray Zupp as Eddie Birdlace, Dogfight

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Esther Hyland as Eve, Children of Eden
Rachel Jensen as Mother, Ragtime
Mackensie King as Rose Fenny, Dogfight
Allison Semmes as Diana Ross, Motown the Musical
Maddie Vaughn as Veronica Sawyer, Heathers
Rebecca Watson as Mrs. Lovett, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Ross Bloedorn as Mr. Smith/Edgar, Restoration!
Geoff Burkman as Carr Gomm, The Elephant Man
Christopher Hahn as Mark, Jailbait
Charles Larkowski as Joe, Standing On Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays
Connor Lysholm as Mr. Jo Williams/Edmund/Bastard, Restoration!
Maximillian Santucci as Van Helsing, Dracula

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Catherine A. Collins as Clemma Diggins, Proposals (Dayton Playhouse)
Lisa Glover as Emmy, Jailbait
Debra Kent as Sonia, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Heather Martin as Mrs. Kendal, The Elephant Man
Libby Scancarello as Mrs. Sylvia Fowler, The Women
Jennifer Dorr White as Mother Regina Marie, Hail Mary!

The cast of Dayton Playhouse’s Ragtime (Photo by Art Fabian)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Mark Antony Howard as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Hairspray
Brett Norgaard as Leaf Coneybear, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Remy James Patterson as Marcellus Washburn, The Music Man
DJ Plunkett as Tobias Ragg, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Layne Roate as Boland, Dogfight
Aaron Vega as The Beadle, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Natalie Girard as Heather Chandler, Heathers
Becky Howard as Emma Goldman, Ragtime
Krissy McKim-Barker as Mrs. Potts, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Tia Seay as Sarah, Ragtime
Sherri Sutter as Rona Lisa Peretti, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Kimberly Warrick as Guido’s Mother, Nine

BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE
Fischer Barnett as Edna Turnblad, Hairspray
Naman Clark as Jerry, Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays
Brent Hoggatt as Chip Tolentino, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
S. Francis Livisay as Tom, Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays
Andrew Poplin as Peter, Luna Gale
Andre Reece Tomlinson as Michael McIntosh, Memories of the Game

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Kari Carter as Cass Harris, Wonder of the World
Kennedy Cook as Motormouth Maybelle, Hairspray
Kayla Graham as Karlie, Luna Gale
Abby Land as Marcy Park, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Nabachwa Ssensalo as Sharon Evans, Memories of the Game
Sarah Zaffiro as Sarraghina, Nine

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
Kimberly Borst, Dracula
Michelle Hayford, Gidion’s Knot
W. Stuart McDowell, Restoration!
Margarett Perry, Hail Mary!
Jeff Sams, The Last Lifeboat
Jenna Valyn, Jailbait

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Rebecca Baker, The Music Man
Joe Deer and Lula Elzy, Hairspray
Mackensie King, Children of Eden
Jeffrey Murphy, Nine
Megan Wean Sears, Big Fish
Scott Stoney, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Carrie Anthony, The Music Man
Michael Baxter, No, No, Nanette
Lula Elzy, Hairspray
Michelle Lynch, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage (Victoria Theatre Association)
Megan Wean Sears, 9 to 5
Nabachwa Ssensalo, Michael Shepherd and Michael Groomes, Ragtime

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
Chris Harmon, Dracula
Chris Newman and David Shough, The Elephant Man
Chris Newman, Proposals (Dayton Playhouse)
Jeff Sams, The Last Lifeboat
Terry Stump, A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The cast of Wright State University’s Restoration! (Contributed photo)

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
J. Branson, Hairspray
Bob Clements, The Music Man
Dan Gray, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Kacie Hultgren, 42nd Street
Pam Lavarnway, No, No, Nanette

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
N. Lynn Brown, The Elephant Man
Carol Finley, The Last Lifeboat
Kathleen Hotmer, Dracula
Kathleen Hotmer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Christie Peitzmeijer, Restoration!

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Elizabeth Bourgeois, No, No, Nanette
Maria Klueber and Lori Watamaniuk, Big Fish
Janet G. Powell, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Rebekah Priebe, The Music Man
Tiia E. Torchia, Toni Donato Shade and Alisa Vukasinovich, Hairspray

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Matthew P. Benjamin, Restoration!
Daniel Brunk, Dracula
Travis Dwire, Gidion’s Knot
John Falkenbach, The Last Lifeboat
Jennifer Watson, The Children’s Hour

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Jadon Bischoff, The Toxic Avenger
Bob Clements and Megan Howell, The Music Man
Jessica Ann Drayton, No, No, Nanette
Derryck Menard, Dogfight
John Rensel, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
Jay Brunner, Family Ties
Jay Brunner, On Golden Pond
Ryan Burgdorf, Restoration!
Isaiah Parnell, Dracula
K.L. Storer, The Last Lifeboat

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Daniel Brunk, The Toxic Avenger
Jay Brunner, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
James Dunlap, Heathers
Bob Kovach, Xanadu
Sam Partridge, The Music Man

BEST ORCHESTRA
Children of Eden, Musical Director: Lorri Topping
Hairspray, Musical Director: Sean Michael Flowers
The Music Man, Musical Director: Jeff Beste; Orchestra Conductor: Carlos Elias
No, No, Nanette, Musical Director: Scot Woolley
Ragtime, Musical Director: Ron Kindell

BEST PROPERTIES
Sarah Gomes, Dracula
John Lavarnway, Restoration!
Marly Masterson, The Last Lifeboat
Victoria Osewski, The Elephant Man
Heather Powell, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street


ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  • The cast of Family Ties: Thea Brooks as Mallory, Sara Mackie as Jennifer, Eve Plumb as Elyse, Maggie Lou Rader as Ellen, Lawrence Redmond as Steven, and Jim Stanek as Alex
  • The cast of Hello Again: Celia Arthur as The Whore, Philip Stock as The Soldier, Rachel Green as The Nurse, Kyle Miller as The College Boy, Megan Valle as The Young Wife, Kyle Krichbaum as The Husband, Zach Fretag as The Young Thing, Eli Davis as The Writer, Robin Dunavent as The Actress, and Christian Schaefer as The Senator
  • The cast of The Last Lifeboat: Matt Lindsay as J. Bruce Ismay, Heather Atkinson as Mrs. Ryerson and Others, Mike Beerbower as William Randolph Hearst and Others, Cassandra Engber as Vivian Hilliard and Others, Zach Katris as Phillip Franklin and Others, Heather Martin as Florence Ismay and Others, Kerry Simpson as Margaret Ismay and Others, and J. Gary Thompson as Thomas Ismay and Others
  • The cast of Nine: Brice Thomas as Guido Contini, Micah Koverman as Young Guido, Shannon Carlson as Luisa, Hayley Penchoff as Carla, Danielle DeLorme as Claudia, Kimberly Warrick as Guido’s Mother, Joyce Murphy as Liliane La Fleur, Cynthia Karns as Lina Darling, Courtney Kakac as Stephanie Necrophorus, Meghan McConnell as Our Lady of the Spa, Sarah Zaffiro as Sarraghina, Renee Franck-Reed as Renata, Aeriel Aniballi as Annabella, Krista Ann Werts as Francesca, and Jack Lockwood and Max Kieselhorst as Young Guido’s school mates
  • The cast of On Golden Pond (Human Race Theatre Company): Kaleb Barlow as Billy Ray, Charlie Clark as Charlie Martin, Ken Early as Bill Ray, Dale Hodges as Ethel Thayer, Jennifer Joplin as Chelsea Thayer Wayne, and Joneal Joplin as Norman Thayer
  • The cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike: Cassandra Engber as Masha, Debra Kent as Sonia, Charles Larkowski as Vanya, Cassidy Manley as Nina, Erin McGee as Cassandra, and Ryan Petrie as Spike; Also, Charles Larkowski’s interpretation of Vanya’s tirade
  • The cast of The Women: Rachel Oprea as Mary, Tori Toccillo as Nancy, Yara Khalil as Peggy, Libby Scancarello as Sylvia, Amy Taint as Edith, Jenna Gomes as Crystal Allen, Renee Franck-Reed as Countess De Lage, Marcia Nowik as Mrs. Morehead, Ashley Sisson as Jane, Danikah Skaroupka as Little Mary, and ensemble members Tamar Fishbein, Carrin Ragland, Heather Carrell, Caitlin Blackford, Becky Howard, Cheryl Mellen, Lindsey Cardoza, and Tiffany Williams
  • The ensemble of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street: Gina Handy, Drew Helton, Scott Hunt, Cassi Mikat, Nathan Robert Pecchia, David Shough, Sherri L. Sutter, and Kandis Wean
  • Children of Eden’s Storytellers: Lisa Glover, Kaitlyn Hiltibran, Zach King, Danielle Kubasky, Bobby Mitchum, Brennan Paulin, T.C. Schreier, Tia Seay, Angie Thacker, Desmond Thomas, Jesse Daniel Trieger, and William Boatwright
  • Lola’s Angels in Kinky Boots: Joseph Anthony Byrd, Tony d’Alelio, John J. Dempsey, Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald, Xavier Reyes, and Andy Richardson
  • Amy Askins as Melpomene, Tamar Fishbein as Calliope, and John Nussbaum as Young Danny and Centaur in Xanadu
  • Sandy Bashaw and W. Stuart McDowell’s music for Restoration!
  • Kyle Bates as Link Larkin, Jack Blair as Corny Collins, Amber Butler as Little Inez, Adam Clark as Mr. Pinky, Lauren Eifert as Amber Von Tussle, Kaite Hubler as Tracy Turnblad, Clare Kneblik as Velma Von Tussle, Jack Lewis as Wilbur Turnblad, Ana Smith as Penny Pingleton, and Michelle Strauss as Gym Teacher/Matron in Hairspray
  • Kyle Bates as Billy Crocker and Cecily Dowd as Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes (Centerville High School)
  • N. Lynn Brown’s costumes for Nine
  • Jay Brunner’s original music for On Golden Pond
  • Saul Caplan as Roy Cohn and Jared Mola as Prior Walter in Angels in America: Perestroika
  • Circus 1903, Victoria Theatre Association
  • Sarah Clark as Belle, Preston Eberlyn as The Beast, and Andrew Sollenberger as Lumiere in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
  • William G.L. Courson’s flying direction, Kaoime E. Malloy’s blood and special effects, Gina Neuerer’s projection design, Gary Minyard’s fight choreography, and Brooke Watson’s wig and makeup design for Dracula
  • Bailey Edmonds as Violet Newstead, Natalie Girard as Doralee Rhodes and Meredith Zahn as Judy Bernly in 9 to 5
  • Sean Michael Flowers’ musical direction of Hello Again
  • Nick Garvin’s piano accompaniment for Dogfight
  • Ray Geiger as Tom Durnin and Karen Righter as Karen Brown-Canedy in The Unavoidable Disappearance of Tom Durnin (Dayton Theatre Guild)
  • Lisa Glover’s choreography for Children of Eden, Dogfight and Guys and Dolls
  • Chester Gregory as Berry Gordy, Jarran Muse as Marvin Gaye, David Kaverman as Smokey Robinson, Emilio Sosa’s costumes, and Patricia Wilcox and Warren Adams’ choreography in Motown the Musical
  • Patrick Allyn Hayes’ Toxie mask and suit design for The Toxic Avenger
  • Tamara L. Honesty’s set design for Family Ties
  • In the roles of Sky Masterson and Sarah Brown, Bryan Hupp and Esther Hyland’s rendition of “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” in Guys and Dolls
  • Barbara Jorgensen as Peg Concannon and Fred Blumenthal’s scenic design in The Outgoing Tide (Dayton Theatre Guild)
  • Theresa Kahle’s costumes and Steve Burton’s wig designs for Ragtime
  • Debra Kent as Alexandra Benton and Robb Willoughby as Chris Benton in The Velocity of Autumn (Undercroft Players)
  • Matt Lindsay as Quince/Prologue, Tristan Rivera as Snug/Lion, Jonathan Kelly as Bottom/Pyramus, Elisha Chamberlin as Flute/Thisby, and Spencer Boden as Snout/Wall in A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • TJ Montgomery as Clyde Barrow, Kami Flanders as Bonnie Parker, Sam Hamilton as Buck Barrow, Jackie Darnell as Blanche Barrow, Aaron Brewer as Ted Hinton, and Josh Clifford as Preacher in Bonnie and Clyde
  • Dakota Mullins as Billy Early and his execution of “Call of the Sea” in No, No, Nanette
  • Annie Pesch as Mary and J. Gary Thompson as John in First Kisses
  • Rachel Joy Rowland as Marian Paroo and Jonathan Kimble as Winthrop Paroo in The Music Man
  • Megan Wean Sears’ choreography for Big Fish
  • Tia Seay as Crystal, Samantha Wright-Norman as Ronnette, and Courtney Dortch as Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors (Dare to Defy Productions)
  • David Shough as E.M. Forster and Brian Sharp as J.R. Ackerley in Shepherd’s Bush
  • Randy Skinner’s Tony Award-nominated choreography (recreated by Stephanie Brooks) and Roger Kirk’s Tony Award-nominated costumes for 42nd Street
  • John Slate and David Hapner’s piano accompaniment for No, No, Nanette
  • Debra Strauss as Barbara, Helicopter Pilot, Waitresses, and Janie in Wonder of the World
  • Christopher Tierney as Johnny Castle, Jillian Mueller as Frances “Baby” Houseman, Jennifer Mealani Jones as Penny Johnson, and Jon Driscoll’s video and projection design in Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story on Stage (Victoria Theatre Association)
  • Andrea Wilborn as Sarah’s Friend leading “Till We Reach That Day” in Ragtime
  • Zoot Theatre Company’s collaborative Angels in America with Columbus’ Short North Stage featuring puppet design by Tristan Cupp

 

 

 

Take a fresh look at ‘Bridges of Madison County’

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The simplistic set design keeps the attention on the actors.

The simplistic set adaptation keeps the attention on the actors.

Megan Cooper

Megan Cooper

In yet another remarkable instance of Dayton’s big-city-small-town dynamic, we witness the wealth of arts found in large metros that’s still accessible for all potential audiences. Now through March 20, the touring cast of The Bridges of Madison County will be performing at the Schuster Center in Dayton as its makes its limited run around the country. Dayton is fortunate to land one of these few performances, and tickets start at just $25.

Val Beerbower

Val Beerbower

Those who are familiar with the story of Bridges will find the musical closely follows, but takes some creative departures. Here with their reflections and comparisons are Megan Cooper and Val Beerbower, cultural arts enthusiasts.

VB: This adaptation from book to musical bypasses some of the conventions used to adapt the book to the 1995 film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. The musical pulled out story lines from other characters, including the neighbors, who offer a little comedic relief. We also get to know lead female character Francesca’s family better through the musical, which gives the story more depth.

Other characters' storylines are more prominent in this musical adaptation.

Other characters’ storylines are more prominent in this musical adaptation.

MC: Reviews of the film are lopsided because people loved the acting and the actors but weren’t wild about the script. Fortunately, the musical avoids this fate because they introduced these additional storylines. Additionally, the musical provides a little extra closure between the characters you don’t get in the film. One could argue that if you didn’t care for the film, you should see the musical, thanks to these adaptations.

VB: The musical styles selected by the composer (Jason Robert Brown, The Last Five Years, Parade, Songs for a New World) reflect another kind of adaptation. Italian-born Francesca is somewhat of a misfit as a housewife on an Iowa farm, and her solos are sweeping arias that are more opera than musical. It’s an interesting way to juxtapose a character using the songs themselves as the medium.

Bridges of Madison County the musical is in Dayton through March 20 on its limited US tour.

Bridges of Madison County the musical is in Dayton through March 20 on its limited US tour.

MC: Agreed, the music was phenomenal. You might not catch yourself humming the tunes the next day, but they are very well composed and do a great job of conveying the story. The music moves the plot along rather than create a distraction. Likewise, the set design was very simplistic and not distracting. The set cleverly employed the actors to move the staging around, and the actors’ movements coupled with strategic lighting cued you into whether they were an active part of the scene or simply adding background.

VB: It was unusual that in the musical – a story about a photographer shooting covered bridges – you didn’t really see a single physical bridge in the play. But it worked because your focus was on the actors.

MC: Don’t worry, there are still plenty of covered bridges to see in the Schuster’s gallery spaces. The current display, “The Bridges of the Miami Valley,” presented by the Visual Art Center of Preble County, showcases an array of paintings, sculptures, and other locally produced works of art depicting the Dayton region’s covered bridges.

The Bridges of the Miami Valley is the current visual arts display in the Schuster Center.

The Bridges of the Miami Valley is the current visual arts display in the Schuster Center.

The Visual Art Center of Preble County put together this gallery featuring local artists depicting famous covered bridges in the region.

The Visual Art Center of Preble County put together this gallery featuring local artists depicting famous covered bridges in the region.

6 Tips To Ace Your Next Audition and 7 Upcoming Auditions

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images-35Other than Opening Night, going to an audition is perhaps one of the scariest parts of theater work.  However, auditioning is a necessary part of being involved in the performing arts.  If you  want to be involved in the theater, knowing how to audition is a skill you’ll need to learn.  While the process is not necessarily difficult, it can be more than just a little nerve-wracking.  So we’ve shared 6  things that you should know in order to make the best impression possible, and to improve your chances of getting a part!

1.  Act. Don’t just read.
Remember, you are auditioning to act in a play.   So many people stand before the director and read the lines they were given that when someone really tries to act out the part they make a big impression.  And that’s what you want…to stand out from the crowd.


2. Learn a little bit about the play you are auditioning for.
 The more you understand the play and the characters, the more you will be able to do with the piece of script you will be given to audition with.


3.  Slow down and enunciate every word.
One sure sign of nervousness is speeding through the lines.  When you talk too fast it is harder to make sure each word is understood, and the emotion that should accompany those words does not come through.  Slow down and make sure you say each word clearly.



4.  If you make a mistake, battle though it.
Even the best actors occasionally make mistakes on stage.  But good actors know how to work through their mistakes without letting the audience realize that a mistake was made.  If you do make a mistake, don’t apologize.  Don’t ask to start over.  Just pick up from where the mistake was made and push forward.


5. Audition often.
One of the biggest obstacles between you and getting cast in a play is your nervousness.  Nervousness makes you more timid.  It makes you rely on the script in your hand too much, so you end up reading and not acting.  It makes you talk too fast.  The best way to overcome your nervousness is to practice.  That means auditioning more.  If you don’t get the part, shake it off as a learning experience, and when the next show roles around, go out and audition again.  The more you go through the process, the easier it becomes.


6.  If you don’t get the part, don’t argue about it.
 If the director decides that you are not the best fit for this show, please respect their decision about what they feel is best for the show they are directing.  It doesn’t always mean that you had a bad audition, or that you’re not a good actor.  It just means that you were not the best actor for this part in this show.



Upcoming Auditions:

Monday January 25, 2016
Auditins for The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife Auditins for The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife

Dayton Playhouse
Monday January 25, 2016 7:00 PM
Tuesday January 26, 2016
Auditins for The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife Auditins for The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife

Dayton Playhouse
Tuesday January 26, 2016 7:00 PM
Auditions: ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES Auditions: ANGELS IN AMERICA: MILLENNIUM APPROACHES

Clark State Performing Arts Center
Tuesday January 26, 2016 7:00 PM
Saturday January 30, 2016
Local Auditions for Grease Local Auditions for Grease

La Comedia
Saturday January 30, 2016 9:00 AM
OPEN AUDITIONS FOR TEEN ACTORS OPEN AUDITIONS FOR TEEN ACTORS

X*ACT Gallery
Saturday January 30, 2016 10:00 AM
Monday February 22, 2016
OPEN Auditions: One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest OPEN Auditions: One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest

Sinclair Community College
Monday February 22, 2016 6:00 PM – 10:00 AM
Friday February 26, 2016
Dare To Defy Auditions Dare To Defy Auditions

Dare to Defy
Friday February 26, 2016 reserve your time
Saturday February 27, 2016
Dare To Defy Auditions Dare To Defy Auditions

Dare to Defy
Saturday February 27, 2016 reserve your time
Monday March 21, 2016
Auditions for Southern Baptist Sissies Auditions for Southern Baptist Sissies

Harmony Creek Church
Monday March 21, 2016 7:00 PM

Bike the Arts: Exploring Downtown Dayton

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Since my car-less adventure way back in the day, I’ve always believed that one of the best ways to see our beautiful city is on a bike. With all the bike-love happening in Dayton these days – Link Dayton (bike share), recognition of our top ranking for the most off-street paved trails, the RiverScape bike hub, an increased number of bike lanes for commuting, our bronze ranking as a Bicycle-Friendly community and more – it’s no wonder that more cycle tours and races are popping up for community members of every interest level and ability to strap on that helmet and ride.

BikeArtsPostcardUpdate

On Saturday, June 20, there’s a fun, free and unique new addition to the cycling opportunities. Dayton Regional Green and Courteous Mass have teamed up to host Bike the Arts – Downtown Dayton. A total ride of just under 7 miles on a (mostly) flat surface – this event showcases both our bike-friendly environment and our talented arts community. Registration for the ride begins at 10:30 a.m. at RiverScape MetroPark; the ride goes from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00(ish) p.m.

An all-volunteer effort, born out of the Arts and Culture team from Dayton Regional Green and relying upon the experience from the cycling gurus at Courteous Mass, this ride is slow, smooth and filled cool visits to local arts spots.

Jane Black, co-chair of the DRG Livability pillar, is the lead docent on the tour. With oodles of experience as a both a professional artist, educator and administrator – Jane will share exciting insights and behind-the-scenes stories about the public art and spaces; she’ll introduce you to great pieces of art in plain view that you’ll see in a whole new way. Riders will also hear from staff at Dayton Art Institute and K12 Gallery, as well as artists/performers Bing Davis, Suzy Richardt, Ryan McCullough and Justin Howard. How’s it work? Ride a bit, meet an artist, ride again, see a performance, back on the bike to visit a gallery, and keep on going as you enjoy exploring your city!

The ride is escorted by Dayton Police Officer Jeff Brown for everyone’s safety and comfort (this is an on-street ride, we’ll follow all traffic rules). Helmets are recommended.

Bonus! The first 30 registrants receive a FREE 24-hour membership to try Link Dayton, and the first 50 registrants receive a FREE Take Back the Tap water bottle from the City of Dayton. Plus, snacks and water will be provided. Don’t miss your chance to bid to win a beautiful piece of art created by Suzy Richardt in honor of the ride.

No bike? No problem! You can rent one from Five Rivers MetroParks or try Link Dayton (multiple Link Stations are along the route, so you’ll be able to check-in as needed).

This program is part of a larger initiative of Dayton Regional Green. While many of the action teams are working closely with municipalities, organizations and corporations – the Arts and Culture team is working to provide fun and easy ways for individuals to learn more about multi-modal transportation, energy savings and personal steps to environmental sustainability.

‘Fiddler on the Roof’ Review – Cedarville University – Prolonged Exodus

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Fiddler on the Roof

Robert Rhodes as Tevye in Cedarville University’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof”

Cedarville University’s production of Joseph Stein, Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick’s classic 1964 musical “Fiddler on the Roof,” based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, is deflated by awkward, inadequate musicality.

Barring technical difficulties, there’s no reason in the world why anybody’s staging of “Fiddler” should produce an Act 1 heading toward two hours. But this is exactly what’s happened at Cedarville due to weak music direction by conductor Carlos Elias who hasn’t mastered the timing within Bock and Harnick’s score, superbly accenting an endearing story of a poor Jewish family coping with change in their tiny Russian village of Anatevka in 1905.

In Elias’ hands, the waltzes are startlingly slow (“Sunrise, Sunset” is particularly painful) and the sprightly sentiments (“If I Were a Rich Man,” “To Life,” snippets of “Tevye’s Dream”) lack vigor. The only number that truly resonates in terms of musicianship is “Do You Love Me?,” an Act 2 gem containing an engaging, conversational essence (akin to “I Remember It Well” from “Gigi”) that constantly flows thereby avoiding any sense of derailment.

Thankfully, “Do You Love Me?” is also a signature moment because of the wonderful rapport and lyric-driven astuteness of Robert Rhodes and Anna Caroline Porter as Tevye and Golde. Throughout the tune, which finds Tevye and Golde tenderly reminiscing about their marriage, Rhodes and Porter beautifully connect with humor, depth and a mutual understanding that their love will survive no matter what the future holds. Excellent portrayals under the direction of Diane Conrad Merchant extend to the sharp, witty David Widder-Varhegyi as humble tailor Motel and a marvelously firm Madison Hart as the daring Chava who defies her family with dramatic results.

Choreographer Carrie Anthony’s commendable routines bursting with personality and colorful exchanges, Robert Clements’ first-rate scenic and lighting design, and Debbie Hamrick’s attractive period costumes are additional assets of this presentation still in search of its musical pulse.

“Fiddler on the Roof” continues through Feb. 8 in the DeVries Theatre of the Stevens Student Center at Cedarville University, 251 N. Main St., Cedarville. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 1 hour and 45 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $12-$15. For tickets or more information, call (937) 766-7787 or visit www.cedarville.edu

‘Working’ Review – Dayton Playhouse – It’s a Living

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working

Suzanne Clabaugh and William “Kip” Moore rehearse a scene from “Working” with director Jim Lockwood (Contributed photo)

The Dayton Playhouse delivers an admirable, often touching production of Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso’s 1978 musical “Working,” based on Studs Terkel’s 1974 book “Working: People Talk About What They Do and How They Feel About What They Do.”

Nearly 30 wide-ranging occupations from a publicist and project manager to a community organizer and fundraiser are the lifeblood of this meaningful, intermissionless outing insightfully conceived from a series of interviews. The allure of the material, including additional contributions by Gordon Greenberg, rests in its endearing simplicity reminding us that every worker contributes to the productivity of our society. Some jobs may seem trivial or underhanded, but all of them undeniably serve a purpose. The dialogue, flowing with smooth transitions by director Jim Lockwood, is peppered with personality and depth by an assortment of terrific songwriters including Schwartz, Craig Carnelia, Mary Rodgers, Micki Grant and James Taylor. The Playhouse uses the revised 2011 version, which particularly trims the cast to six and incorporates new professions (including a Verizon tech support and fast food delivery employee) and two songs from Tony Award-winning composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“In the Heights”). Interestingly, the revised script also effectively remembers the unemployed.

A true ensemble showcase, “Working” features enjoyable, entertaining portrayals from a vocally sufficient cast. Matt Poliachik incites laughs and groans as a privileged student who seemingly has his life all planned out. He also offers a sincerely plaintive rendition of Carnelia’s wonderful Billy Joel-esque tune “The Mason.” Matthew Clifton is equally humorous as the aforementioned fast food worker and a crazed ex-newsroom assistant. Lynn Kesson, sweet and grounded, particularly joins Clifton for the impactful duet “A Very Good Day,” which focuses on the joys and concerns of an elder care worker and a nanny. Suzanne Clabaugh gives credence to her earthy assignments as a prostitute and cleaning lady. Tori T. Tuccillo adeptly inhabits an agitated school teacher (“Nobody Tells Me How”) and an energetic waitress (“It’s an Art”). In addition to rendering a tender version of Schwartz’s moving “Fathers and Sons,” William “Kip” Moore, in a welcomed return to the Playhouse, simply mesmerizes as a retiree discussing the monotony of his daily routine (“Joe”).
Scenic designer Chris Newman’s metropolitan backdrop, Allison Eder’s understatedly organic choreography, and musical director Lorri B. Topping’s fine onstage band are added benefits.

“Working” continues through Feb. 16 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The production is performed in 90 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors and students. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit online at www.daytonplayhouse.com

 

 

 

 

 

Sinclair Theatre Presents Holocaust Play, Exhibits and Panel Discussion

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Dayton Most Metro 1Sinclair Theatre will present a Holocaust play, A Shayna Maidel by Barbara Lebow, February 7-15th in Sinclair’s NEW Black Box Theatre, located on the fourth floor of building 2 of the downtown Dayton campus. In addition, Sinclair Theatre in partnership with Sinclair’s Holocaust Remembrance Committee will host 3 supporting Holocaust exhibits during the production dates; two from the Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education and one developed by Sinclair Faculty Member Amanda Hayden as well as a cast panel discussion.

A Shayna Maidel (Yiddish meaning “a pretty girl”) is the story of two sisters: one, a modern American who remembers very little of her childhood in Poland and the other, who has survived unspeakable losses including a concentration camp. Worlds collide as one sister gradually shares the losses that have scarred her and the other learns her tragic family history.

Kimberly Borst will direct the show and cast includes: Jennifer Smith, Leah Mikesell, Saul Caplan, A.J. Breslin, and Ella Wylie.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., one Sunday Feb. 9th at 2 p.m., and a Downtown Dayton Thursday Nights performance at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13th. There will also be a morning matinee geared for high schools or middle schools on Wed., Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.

All seats are general admission at $10 each. ALL Thursday tickets cost an additional $5 each and include pre-show appetizers and cash bar beginning at 6 p.m. in the green room (2334) for Sinclair’s popular Downtown Dayton Thursday Nights. Tickets are on sale now at: www.sinclair.edu/tickets. If you need further assistance leave a message at 937-512-2808. A student box office agent will return your call as soon as possible. The box office is open one hour prior to performances.

Her Story Must be Told: Women’s Voices from the Holocaust uniquely presents the memories, photos, and stories of 15 Jewish women who survived the Holocaust. The women are from a dozen countries, reflecting different survivor experiences. The viewer gains an appreciation of women’s unique ways of survival: fighting in the resistance, living in hiding or with false identity, and enduring concentration camps. Collectively the stories of sisters, daughters, mothers, wives and friends celebrate women’s strength and valor.
Appropriate for grades 5 and up.

The Bystander to Upstander exhibit addresses examples of bystanders who remained silent in the face of Nazi persecution and ultimately genocide, while also exploring the motivation of upstanders, those who chose not to stand by and instead stood up and spoke out against the Nazi regime. The exhibit sheds light on critical yet often overlooked perspectives of the Holocaust, while encouraging viewers to think about their own action or inaction.

Amanda Hayden, Assistant Professor in Religion, Philosophy, Humanities and Sinclair’s Discipline Coordinator of Religion has compiled photos into a digital presentation depicting the concentration campsSistersHugCropped then and now.

The cast and director will have an open forum on Jan. 30 at 12:30 p.m. in Blair Hall, first floor building 2, where they will share their Holocaust research and discuss the effect it has made on their work with
this production. This discussion is free and open to the public.

Photo caption: Jennifer Smith (l) and Leah Mikesell (r) portray sisters in Sinclair Theatre’s A Shayna Maidel being performed Feb. 7th-15th in The Black Box Theatre on the downtown campus. www.sinclair.edu/tickets (photo by Patti Celek)

Big Wedding + Pain Gain at Rave Cinemas Dayton South

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Hello Dayton!   There are plenty of options for everyone to have the perfect movie weekend this week.  Lots of things happening at your local Rave Cinemas!  And don’t forget at Dayton South/Huber, TUESDAYS are $5 all day (*3D $8), The Greene is WEDNESDAYS!  You simply cannot beat this great deal with the superior picture and sound quality versus Netflix!

Opening This Week

 

STAR TREK – 04/25/13 @ 7pm!

The Best of Both Worlds – the two-part storyline comprising the third season finale and the fourth season premiere of the beloved series Star Trek: The Next Generation®- will, for the first time ever, be seamlessly tied together as one continuous and uninterrupted story digitally restored with new CGI effects… on the big screen! Audiences will also see special clips from “Regeneration: Engaging the Borg”, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Best of Both Worlds.  This not to be missed movie theater event will feature one of the most memorable moments in TV history and exclusive clips about the making of The Best of Both Worlds and Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3.  The Next Generation became the longest running series of the Star Trek franchise, consisting of 178 episodes over 7 seasons.

Resistance is futile so buy your tickets today!

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57TTj6Fg_Vw’]

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJv95T4L84w’]

 

THE BIG WEDDING – Opens 04/25/13 @ 9pm!

With an all-star cast led by Robert De Niro, Katherine Heigl, Diane Keaton, Amanda Seyfried, Topher Grace, with Susan Sarandon and Robin Williams, “The Big Wedding” is an uproarious romantic comedy about a charmingly modern family trying to survive a weekend wedding celebration that has the potential to become a full blown family fiasco. To the amusement of their adult children and friends, long divorced couple Don and Ellie Griffin (De Niro and Keaton) are once again forced to play the happy couple for the sake of their adopted son’s wedding after his ultra conservative biological mother unexpectedly decides to fly halfway across the world to attend. With all of the wedding guests looking on, the Griffins are hilariously forced to confront their past, present and future – and hopefully avoid killing each other in the process.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnD2EacXk0E’]

 

PAIN AND GAIN – Opens 04/25/13 @ 9pm!

Based on a true story, “Pain & Gain” follows a group of bodybuilders who engaged in a campaign of kidnapping, extortion and murder in Florida. First told in an article from the “Miami New Times,” “Pain and Gain” will be directed by Bay and will star Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvMsuONpTLo’]

 

 

IRON MAN 3– Opens 05/02/13 @ 9pm!

Marvel Studios’ “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, “Iron Man 3” is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce and Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of “Tales of Suspense” (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with “The Invincible Iron Man” (#1) in May of 1968.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Gl0CoyhlNw’]

 

RAVE CINEMA CLASSICS – $3 + FREE popcorn & drink! @ Dayton South

04/29/13 @ 1pm brings us…

MARK OF ZORRO (silent), 1920, 90min

One of the best silent films in the pre-dialogue era.  A young aristocrat must masquerade as a fop in order to maintain his secret identity of Zorro as he restores justice to early California.  Douglas Fairbanks, Marguerite De La Motte

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idMaP6oj5eI’]

 

 

For showtimes…CLICK HERE!

Oblivion + Star Trek at Rave Cinemas Dayton South

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Hello Dayton!   There are plenty of options for everyone to have the perfect movie weekend this week.  Lots of things happening at your local Rave Cinemas!  And don’t forget at Dayton South/Huber, TUESDAYS are $5 all day (*3D $8), The Greene is WEDNESDAYS!  You simply cannot beat this great deal with the superior picture and sound quality versus Netflix!

Opening This Week

OBLIVION – OPENS 04/18/13 @ 10pm!

Tom Cruise stars in “Oblivion,” an original and groundbreaking cinematic event from the director of “TRON: Legacy” and the  producer of “Rise of the Planet of the Apes.” On a spectacular future Earth that  has evolved beyond recognition, one man’s confrontation with the past will lead  him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind.

Jack Harper (Cruise) is one of the last few drone repairmen stationed on  Earth. Part of a massive operation to extract vital resources after decades of  war with a terrifying threat known as the Scavs, Jack’s mission is nearly  complete.

Living in and patrolling the breathtaking skies from thousands  of feet above, his soaring existence is brought crashing down when he rescues a  beautiful stranger from a downed spacecraft. Her arrival triggers a chain of  events that forces him to question everything he knows and puts the fate of  humanity in his hands.

“Oblivion” was shot in stunning digital 4K  resolution on location across the United States and Iceland.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tx6_JMDFfWI’]

 

Coming Next Week

 

STAR TREK – 04/25/13 @ 7pm!

The Best of Both Worlds – the two-part storyline comprising the third season finale and the fourth season premiere of the beloved series Star Trek: The Next Generation®- will, for the first time ever, be seamlessly tied together as one continuous and uninterrupted story digitally restored with new CGI effects… on the big screen! Audiences will also see special clips from “Regeneration: Engaging the Borg”, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of The Best of Both Worlds.  This not to be missed movie theater event will feature one of the most memorable moments in TV history and exclusive clips about the making of The Best of Both Worlds and Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3.  The Next Generation became the longest running series of the Star Trek franchise, consisting of 178 episodes over 7 seasons.

Resistance is futile so buy your tickets today!

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57TTj6Fg_Vw’]

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJv95T4L84w’]

 

RAVE CINEMA CLASSICS – $3 + FREE popcorn & drink! @ Dayton South

04/22/13 @ 1pm brings us…

MAN FISH, 1956, 87min

Three deep sea divers get involved in murder while searching for a lost treasure.   John Bromfield, Lon Chaney Jr., Victor Jory

 

For showtimes…CLICK HERE!

The Call + Wonderstone + MET Opera + Big Bang Theory

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Hello Dayton!   You came out in droves to see “Oz” – THANK YOU!  There are plenty of options for everyone to have the perfect movie weekend this week.  Lots of things happening at your local Rave Cinemas!

 

Opening This Week

PALEYFEST: THE BIG BANG THEORY – 03/13/13 @ 10pm!

Bazinga! On March 13th, the stars of TV’s hit comedy series “The Big Bang Theory” are coming to select movie theaters nationwide for a LIVE interactive experience as part of the ultimate ♥TV fan festival – PaleyFest. In addition to experiencing exclusive never-before-seen footage, this one-night event will also provide the unique ability to interact with the star-studded cast, who will be taking questions LIVE from the studio audience in Los Angeles as well as movie theatre audiences across the country.

 

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SwYOC3Myl4′]

 

THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE – OPENS 03/14/13 @ 10pm!

Superstar magicians Burt Wonderstone (Steve Carell)  and Anton Marvelton (Steve Buscemi) have ruled the Las Vegas strip for years,  raking in millions with illusions as big as Burt’s growing ego. But lately the  duo’s greatest deception is their public friendship, while secretly they’ve  grown to loathe each other. Facing cutthroat competition from guerilla street  magician Steve Gray (Jim Carrey), whose cult following surges with each  outrageous stunt, even their show looks stale. But there’s still a chance Burt  and Anton can save the act both onstage and off if Burt can get back in touch  with what made him love magic in the first place.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QphnhqVXEek’]

 

THE CALL – OPENS 03/14/13 @ 10pm!

When veteran 911 operator, Jordan (Halle Berry),  takes a life-altering call from a teenage girl (Abigail Breslin) who has just  been abducted, she realizes that she must confront a killer from her past in  order to save the girl’s life.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzesOOwEl14′]

 

THE POWER OF FEW – OPENS 03/15/13!

Spies, cops, holy fools and well-armed children  cross paths on a day of danger, mystery and possible transformation. “The Power  of Few” unfolds through the lives of five unusual characters who unknowingly are  connected to an extraordinary smuggling operation on a day when religious  conspiracy and urban crime collide.  Starring; Christopher Walken, Christian Slater and Moon Bloodgood.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJuovcCmL9k’]

 

METROPOLITAN OPERA: FRANCESCA da RIMINI – 03/16/13 @ Noon

Experience the seventh season of the Metropolitan Opera’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning series The Met: Live in HD in movie theaters nationwide. The broadcast of Zandonai’s Francesca da Rimini will be presented live for only one day on Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 12:00 PM ET in select movie theaters.

Zandonai’s compelling opera, inspired by an episode from Dante’s Inferno, returns in the Met’s ravishingly beautiful production, last seen in 1986. Dramatic soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek and tenor Marcello Giordani are the doomed lovers. Marco Armiliato conducts.

 

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pdjza56pdM’]

 

RAVE CINEMA CLASSICS – $3 + FREE popcorn & drink! @ Dayton South

03/18/13 @ 1pm brings us…

CHARLEY’S AUNT, 1941, 80min

In 1890, two students at Oxford force their rascally friend and fellow student to pose as an aunt from Brazil–where the nuts come from.  Jack Benny, Kay Francis

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJX3Q-Jka78]

For showtimes…CLICK HERE!

Secrets: Why Movie Theater Popcorn Tastes So Good

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Buttery Popcorn from Rave Cinemas

Buttery Popcorn from Rave Cinemas

A night at the movies can become a Food Adventure.  Envision your buttery fingers reaching again and again into a bag of addicting theater popcorn.  They charge outrageous prices for it, yet still will buy it.  The Big Ragu and Crew took a moment from munching on kernels and reaching for the giant soft drink, to ask : “Why is movie theater popcorn so good?”

We never do things half-baked, so we scoured the 4 major cinemas in the Dayton area to get to the bottom of this mystery.  Our investigation took us to the popcorn making experts at The Neon Movies, Danbarry Dollar Saver, Regal Cinemas and Rave Cinemas.  Our findings lead us to some differing opinions.

Let’s start with a local icon, The Neon Movies’ explanation of why their popcorn is so good.  They say the secret is in the canola oil.   Popping in canola oil allows for a clean taste and it is a healthier alternative to other oils.  Also, The Neon Movies pops their popcorn right before showtimes.  They feel this gives them a freshness advantage over other theaters and produces a tastier treat.  The prices are cheaper too !  The popcorn here is delicious, and served in round cups or buckets.  There is more here than just popcorn.   This Food Adventure minded theater, also serves beer, Esther Price chocolates, and specialty coffees.  If you have not visited the locally owned Neon Movies, get downtown to the corner of 5th and Stone streets, grab some corn and watch an award-winning movie.

 

Neon Movies Food Adventure

Neon Movies Food Adventure

Danbarry Cinemas also pops their popcorn in canola oil.  But Danbarry’s management feels the secret is in the buttery topping.  The staff uses these buttery topping machines to shower a glistening coating onto moviegoers’ popcorn.  Definitely something you don’t have at home.  This dollar saver theater near the Dayton Mall has great popcorn and even better movie prices.  Their “Bargain Tuesdays” offer tickets at the insane low price of $1.75.  Any other day, admission is $3.  Sure the movies are a few weeks old, but what a deal!  Also, don’t forget to take advantage of free refills of any large popcorn or soft drink.

Regal Cinemas had another take on the mystery.  Their local management said the secret is the use of coconut/canola popping oil.   No other cinemas use this combination.  They claim this mix of oil gives a base flavor that is unmatched anywhere else.  They also say their particular brand of buttery topping is key.  It is different from anything one would use at home or in any other cinema for that matter.  Regal’s employees also felt the “butter salt” adds a great finish to the masterpiece in a bag.  These cinemas, located near the Fairfield Commons Mall, feature tiered stadium seating in a 20 theater complex.  What a great way to enjoy a huge bag of popped goodness.  Again, go large and get free refills!

Rave Cinemas on Mall Woods Drive and at The Greene would tell you the secret is how they cook the popcorn.  Rave actually cooks their popcorn in an oil and butter salt mixture.  This unique method is what they claim gives their popcorn a tremendous flavor.   The reasoning is, that by adding the buttery salt to the oil before popping, the seasoning ends up perfect.  so at Rave, it is all in the preparation.  Rave is yet another cinema that offers free refills for any large popcorn or large drink purchase.  So make sure you share as it helps keep the cost down.   Also worth mentioning is the “self serve” flavored salt station.  There is also a “self serve” buttery topping machine at Rave Cinemas.  The Big Ragu practically uses this as a drinking fountain.

The Big Ragu abusing the self serve butter machine

The Big Ragu abusing the self serve butter machine

In conclusion, we were surprised to find that the secret is not the type of popcorn cinemas use.  We were also surprised that the secret is not the popping machine itself.  Why does movie theater popcorn taste so good?  It seems the style of preparation, particularly oil and seasonings is the answer to this mystery.   Each theater not only had an answer for why theater popcorn was so good, but they also answered why their particular product was better than other cinemas.  So next time you you are at a movie, grabbing a handful of buttery popcorn dashed with salt, share the mystery with your seated friend.   Smile as you reach for a swig of soda to wash it all down.   You may not know the ending of the movie, but you know the origins of that great popcorn taste.

Post a comment below to weigh-in on which theater popcorn is your favorite and why you think it is so good.  Follow Food Adventures on TWITTER HERE

Also, “like”  Food Adventures on Facebook by clicking HERE !

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SHARKS + OSCAR WATCH PARTY + TICKET CONTEST

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Hello Dayton! Academy Award nominations were announced last week and boy are we excited about that!  We will be having a watch party where you can come watch the ABC broadcast on the BIG movie screen…FREE!  See below for details.  There are still plenty of options for everyone to have the perfect movie weekend this week.

SharksMEET AND GREET WITH THE DAYTON SHARKS!

Are you ready for some football?  Come out and meet the Dayton Sharks on Friday and Saturday, January 18th and 19th at Rave Cinemas Dayton South from 630pm to 830pm.  This is your indoor football team, come out and show them you appreciate them!  Stay tuned in February as we will be giving out game tickets!  For more info, head over to daytonsharks.com.

 

ACADEMY AWARD NOMINATIONS STILL PLAYING AT RAVE DAYTON SOUTH

Django Unchained—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Christoph Waltz), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Editing

Les Miserables—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Anne Hathaway), Best Actor (Hugh Jackman), Best Costume Design, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing, Best Music—Original Song (“Suddenly”)

Lincoln—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Daniel Day Lewis), Best Supporting Actor (Tommy Lee Jones), Best Supporting Actress (Sally Field), Best Director (Steven Spielberg), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Music—Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound Mixing

Zero Dark Thirty—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actress (Jessica Chastain), Best Original Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Sound Editing

Life of Pi—Nominated for Best Picture, Best irector, Cinematography, Visual Effects, Best Music—Original Score, Best Music—Original Song, Film Editing, Production Design, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing

The Impossible—Nominated for Best Actress (Naomi Watts)

Silver Linings Playbook—Nominated for Best Picture, Best Actor (Bradley Cooper), Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence), Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), Best Supporting Actress (Jacki Weaver), Best Directing (David O. Russell), Best Film Editing (Jay Cassidy and Crispin Struthers), Best Writing—Adapted Screenplay (David O. Russell)

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey—Nominated for Makeup/Hair Styling, Production Design, Visual Effects

WATCH THE ACADEMY AWARDS LIVE ON THE BIG SCREEN! 02/24/13 @ 8pm

You saw the films on the movie screen, now come watch the awards on it!

This is the show that salutes the movies over the last year and awards them with little gold statues.  Seth MacFarlene hosts this year and there will be a James Bond 50th Retrospective in the show as well.  All on a LARGE movie screen!  You could win a night out on us by competing in our show contest!  We will have a host on hand doing trivia and other fun things as well!

Get your FREE tickets now!

 

BROKEN CITY – OPENS 01/17/13 @ 10pm!

Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) has a promising career as a New York City cop until the night he is involved in a controversial shooting. Stripped of his badge, but kept out of jail by New York’s popular Mayor (Russell Crowe), he re-makes himself as a private investigator.

Times are tough, and when the mayor offers Billy $50,000 to investigate the First Lady’s (Catherine Zeta Jones) extra-marital activities, it seems like a straight forward payday. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes apparent that the Mayor is not at all what he seems, and for Billy to achieve redemption he will have to risk everything — possibly even his freedom.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3HgYu1atOo’]

 

THE LAST STAND – OPENS 01/17/13 @ 10pm!

Action icon Arnold Schwarzenegger makes his much-anticipated return to the big screen in Korean director Kim Jee-Woon’s hard-hitting U.S. directorial debut, “The Last Stand.”

After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy.

With the help of a fierce band of lawless mercenaries led by the icy Burrell (Peter Stormare), Cortez begins racing towards the US-Mexico border at 250 mph in a specially-outfitted Corvette ZR1 with a hostage in tow. Cortez’s path: straight through Summerton Junction, where the whole of the U.S. law enforcement, including Agent John Bannister (Forest Whitaker) will have their final opportunity to intercept him before the violent fugitive slips across the border forever.

At first reluctant to become involved, and then counted out because of the perceived ineptitude of his small town force, Owens ultimately rallies his team and takes the matter into his own hands, setting the stage for a classic showdown.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc0x-jiewTE’]

 

MAMA – OPENS 01/17/13 @ 10pm!

Guillermo del Toro presents “Mama,” a supernatural thriller that tells the haunting tale of two little girls who disappeared into the woods the day that their parents were killed.  When they are rescued years later and begin a new life, they find that someone or something still wants to come tuck them in at night.

Five years ago, sisters Victoria and Lilly vanished from their suburban neighborhood without a trace.  Since then, their Uncle Lucas (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and his girlfriend, Annabel (Jessica Chastain), have been madly searching for them.  But when, incredibly, the kids are found alive in a decrepit cabin, the couple wonders if the girls are the only guests they have welcomed into their home.

As Annabel tries to introduce the children to a normal life, she grows convinced of an evil presence in their house.  Are the sisters experiencing traumatic stress, or is a ghost coming to visit them?  How did the broken girls survive those years all alone?  As she answers these disturbing questions, the new mother will find that the whispers she hears at bedtime are coming from the lips of a deadly presence.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Am7i7uM9r0′]

 

For showtimes…http://ravecinemas.com/theater.aspx?id=47

 

ENTER TO WIN TWO MOVIE PASSES!

“Like” this post and leave a Facebook comment telling us you want to WIN MOVIE PASSES from RAVE CINEMAS DAYTON SOUTH, we will randomly draw a winner and notify same. Contest closes later this week. Passes awarded will be valid for 30 days from close date at Rave Cinemas Dayton South only and must be used by then or will be forfeited. Valid for any showing, except special events. Please bring ID to verify your name and just ask for a manager when attending informing them you won the Dayton Most Metro contest.

CONTEST CLOSED

Congratulations to this week’s winner: Katherine Gonzalez