Town Hall Theatre

Centerville Theater Spins A Tale About Rumpelstiltskin

November 3, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro

Laura, the miller’s daughter, is in a bit of a pickle. The king thinks she can spin straw into gold and has big plans for increasing his kingdom’s treasury! There’s only one problem! The poor girl has no idea how to turn straw into gold. When a small wizard shows up and promises to help…she makes a bargain she’ll soon regret! That is, unless she can guess his name!

Spoiler alert – his name is RUMPELSTILTSKIN!

Don’t miss our fall ACT Showcase, MY NAME IS RUMPELSTILTSKIN! November 7-9! Friday at 7pm and Saturday and Sunday at 3pm!

Dayton Theatre Auditions

December 29, 2013 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Washington Township’s Town Hall Theatre will hold auditions for it’s spring production of SEUSSICAL JR on January 4th beginning at 1pm and January 9th beginning at 4pm. The theatre for young audiences will cast children in grades 2 up to adult for some roles. The show will run March 7 – 23rd.

Registration for auditions is online. Please do not call the box office to schedule auditions. You will receive an email confirmation with your date and time. We cannot guarantee your choices for audition dates and times, however we will try our best to provide one of your three choices.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for auditions scheduled on Saturdays must be received by 6pm on the Thursday before the audition. Our box office is closed on Fridays.

Playhouse South in Kettering is holding auditions for Hamlet by William Shakespeare, directed by Jen Skudlarek, on January 6th & 7th at 7pm, with callbacks on January 8th. The performances are on February 28, March 1, 2, 7, 8 at 8:00 pm and March 2 at 2:00 pm. They will be doing cold readings from the script. Please bring any conflicts you may have to auditions. They are looking for 16-20 people, with a minimum of 7 men and 3 women ages 16 and up. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jen Skudlarek at [email protected].

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus will be holding open auditions for men of all ages on January 8, 2014 starting at 7pm at St John’s Lutheran Church located at 141 S Ludlow St, Dayton, OH 45402. Auditions will not only be to become a member of the chorus directly, but to also have the chance to participate in the new ground breaking commissioned oratorio “I am Harvey Milk” written and composed by Tony nominated Andrew Lippa, the be presented at the historic Victoria Theatre. Those wishing to audition should prepare a short piece demonstrating their range, an accompanist will be provided. Audition reservations are not required but a short RSVP or expression if interested is appreciated.

Returning members and new members will also have the opportunity to work directly with the composer at an all day workshop, which is to be announced shortly. Rehearsals are Monday evenings with a preview performance March 15,2014 at the DGMC Benefit, and final performance June 7, 2014 at the Victoria Theatre. For questions an interested please email [email protected] or call 937-530-0642.

Dare to Defy Productions, LLC is proud to announce open auditions for our company,

on Jan 11, 2014. General Auditions – (Ages 16+) will take place on January 11, 2014. To request an audition, please call 937-999-9949 or through e-mail [email protected]. Please specify an audition window 8:30-10:30 or 11:30-1:30. Please note any actors selected to attend callbacks for You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown will be required to attend callbacks from 2:00-5:00, on January 11, 2014. Audition spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. You will receive a confirmation e-mail with your audition time confirmation, audition location and a reminder of the audition requirements.Open Auditions will be held for: You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Altar Boyz, Nunsense and Rent (the role of Angel has been pre-cast, all other roles are available)Please note: Auditioners will be auditioning for Dare to Defy Productions, LLC for the period January 2014-March 2015. This means that if other performance opportunities arise actors from these auditions may be invited to callbacks for those productions, as they occur.

Audition Requirements: Come prepared with 1 one-minute comedic monologue, 1 one-minute dramatic monologue and 1 song (up to 32 bars). Please have a 2nd song, of contrasting style, prepared. Bring your sheet music. An accompanist will be provided. No a cappella singing or recorded music. Please bring a recent headshot and resume, which will not be returned to you.Dare to Defy Productions, LLC is a non-equity professional production company. All roles are paid contract positions. Performances are done in a touring style, at several venues over a 3-month run.Rehearsals will primarily occur Monday – Thursday evenings, and daytime on weekends.

Camp Rock opens in Centerville

September 12, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 6 Comments

Camp Rock, the Musical

LAND MARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

at TOWN HALL THEATRE

The competition heats up in the “Heart of Centerville” this Friday at Town Hall Theatre! When glitzy Camp Star opens across the lake, the competition is on! Will Camp Rock beat its new rival in the summer’s ultimate musical showdown?

The Landmark Children’s Theatre Company presents Camp Rock, the Musical, based on the hit Disney Channel Original Movies Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam at Town Hall Theatre in Centerville September 16^th – October 2^nd, 2011.

When Camp Star moves in across the lake, Camp Rock knows it’s in trouble. The glitzy Camp Star has everything Camp Rock doesn’t; better pay, fancier costumes; even air conditioned cabins! When most of the staff and campers leave Camp Rock for the glamour of Camp Star, it’s up to the true “rockers” Mitchie and the gang to get themselves into top shape for an ultimate musical showdown that will determine the fate of Camp Rock!

The production is presented by the Landmark Children’s Theatre Company, the theatre’s premiere series featuring professional and volunteer adult actors performing with young people. It is directed by Chris Harmon, who previously directed Pinkalicious, A Year with Frog and Toad, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Disney’s Geppetto and Sonfor Town Hall Theatre.

Mr. Harmon says he’s “thrilled to be directing the regional premier of Disney’s Camp Rock. The cast is really rising to the challenge of bringing intense Rock & Roll music, dance and attitude to the Town Hall stage!”

Playing the “Gray” brothers made famous in the movies by the Jonas brothers are Montana Iverson as Shane, Brendan Plate as Nate, and Matthew Perkins as Jason Gray. Centerville natives Cecily Dowd and Addi Helms alternate asMitchie and Autumn Gensheimer and Abby Cates alternate as Dana and Sydney Fowler and Anna Hilnomaz both perform Tess. The show’s battling camp directors include adult actors Ed Iverson as Axel Turner and C.J. Suchyta asBrown Cesario.

-TH Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Disney’s CAMP ROCK, the Musical – September 16 through October 2 (Fri/Sat/Sun)

(Times Vary: Click HERE)

Tickets Prices: $10 children 12 & under / $13 students & seniors / $15 adult / ALL day of show tickets are $15.

Location: Town Hall Theatre – 27 North Main Street,Centerville (MAP) next to Panera Bread in the “Heart of Centerville”

Reserve tickets online at www.townhalltheatre.org or call 937-433-8957.

The show runs 70 minutes and isrecommended for children ages 4 and up.

For more information on this production and to find out more about our class offerings, please contact the Box Office at(937) 433-8957 or log on to our website at www.townhalltheatre.org.

On Stage Dayton Theatre Guide: 2011-12

September 5, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Every new theater season in Dayton seems to be ripe with variety. It’s one of the great joys of the Dayton theatre scene that the ‘something for everyone’ cliche actually rings true. 2011-2012 is already proving to be among the most eclectic yet. This season promises……

parents behaving badly (God Of Carnage) AND children behaving badly (Spring Awakening)
romance of the sweet and fun kind (Hairspray) and of the creepy kind (The Phantom of the Opera)
true stories of tragedy (The Laramie Project) and of triumph (Jersey Boys)
journeys down familar roads (The Wizard of Oz) and unexpected ones (Caroline, Or Change)
wistful nostalgia (Lost in Yonkers) and celebratory joy (In The Heights)
even swashbuckling adventure (How I Became A Pirate) and cartwheels on Austrian mountainsides (The Sound of Music)

Below you’ll find On Stage Dayton’s picks for the most anticipated offerings for the 2011-2012 Dayton Theatre Season. It’s just a small sampling of a very full year of stage work. And with this official launch, you can count on OSD to be there all season long.

Russell’s Picks

If you like ‘The Help’ you’ll like…

Caroline, or Change

The Human Race Theatre Company offers the overdue local premiere of this dynamic 2004 Tony Award-nominated musical from librettist/Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (“Angels in America”) and composer Jeanine Tesori (“Thoroughly Modern Millie”). A potent study of race relations set in 1963 Louisiana, “Caroline, or Change” chronicles the testy yet engaging relationship between a headstrong African-American maid and her Jewish employers. Tesori’s sublime music encompasses klezmer, opera and Motown.

The Human Race Theatre Company

If you like ‘Mamma Mia!’ or ‘The Sopranos’ you’ll like…

Jersey Boys

The local premiere of “Jersey Boys,” the sleek, sharp and surprisingly tender story of pop legends Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, is the hallmark of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series. One of the most popular jukebox musicals of the last decade and the recipient of the 2006 Tony Award for Best Musical, “Jersey Boys” features such timeless numbers as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”

Victoria Theatre Association

If you like ‘Dallas’ you’ll like…

Dividing the Estate

Academy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Horton Foote’s authentic, relevant 2009 Tony Award-nominated portrait of a Texas clan at odds will receive its local premiere courtesy of the Dayton Theatre Guild. Centered on a tough traditionalist matriarch and her squabbling children, “Dividing the Estate” uncovers the harsh realities that arise when economics and legacy threaten to tear a family apart.

Dayton Theatre Guild

If you like ‘The Full Monty’ you’ll like…

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

Clark State Community College provides the local collegiate premiere of librettist Jeffrey Lane and composer David Yazbek’s 2005 Tony Award-nominated musical based on the 1988 film of the same name. Yazbek, an outstanding songwriter, had great success with his critically acclaimed adaptation of “The Full Monty,” co-created by Terrence McNally, and the con artist-driven “Scoundrels” shares an appealingly naughty kinship. The “Scoundrels” national tour failed to connect four years ago at the Schuster Center, but perhaps Clark State will give the hilarious material the solid treatment it deserves.

Clark State

If you like the Muse Machine you’ll like…

The Wizard of Oz

Dorothy’s ruby slippers will sparkle once more thanks to the Muse Machine, Dayton’s premier arts education organization celebrating its 30th year. The memories of Muse’s 1996 “Oz” production remain indelibly etched in my mind (the Broadway caliber performances of Tyler Maynard as the Scarecrow and Tory Ross as the Wicked Witch of the West were particularly extraordinary), but it will be refreshing to see a new generation tackle the iconic musical. Expect another Muse hit you will not want to miss.

Muse Machine

Continue to read David’s picks…

Pages: 1 2 3 4 5

Come and Meet Those Dancing Feet

May 11, 2011 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

42nd Street

Wright State University Theatre

There are few MORE iconic moments from the Broadway canon than watching the entire company of 42ND STREET make its way down a giant staircase in perfect choreographic synergy. It’s perfect golden age Broadway wow-factor – not bad for a show that opened in 1980 (nearly 30 years after the Golden Age). But it wasn’t just it’s nostalgic structure that launched 42nd STREET into early legend-status.

The score – a healthy mix of tunes from the film soundtrack on which the musical is based – was blended seamlessly with a collection of appropriate songs from the Al Dubin-Harry Warren catalogue. And it’s one hit after another – “You’re Getting To Be A Habit With Me”, “We’re In The Money”, “Lullabye of Broadway”, “About A Quarter To Nine”, “Shuffle Off To Buffalo”. In that respect, 42ND STREET was a jukebox musical before there were jukebox musicals. But unlike many contemporary examples, 42ND STREET did it right – at its core is one hell of a classic story. Consider this: Girl from small town America moves to big dangerous city to fulfill her Broadway dreams. Tough auditions, a love interest, twist of fate that launches girl from the chorus to the leading role, and POW – all the makings of a show to inspire the coldest of critics.

42nd Street - Wright State University Theatre - May 15-29, 2011

42nd STREET Closes Wright State’s Stellar Season

As if that isn’t enough, the current local offering of the show is in the capable hands of director Joe Deer and the Wright State University Department of Theatre. With the current crop of remarkable students at WSU and Mr. Deer at the helm, there is every indication that once again, this will be an event not to be missed. Don’t let happen with 42ND STREET what happened with JEKYLL & HYDE earlier in the year. The buzz was so high, there was not a ticket to be had. Order now.

OSD recently spoke with 42ND STREET cast member TOMMI HARSCH about the upcoming opening. Here’s what she had to say:

onStageDayton: 42ND STREET is notoriously taxing on a dancer. How are dance rehearsals going and are you exhausted every hour of the day these days?

Tommi Harsch

Tommi Harsch: To say the least, my stamina has been in such a building up process thanks to this show… the dance rehearsals have been crazy. Our choreographer- Rick Conant- who was featured in the original 42nd Street cast and who has done several tours as well as choreographed several productions of 42nd Street, has definitely kicked the entire cast’s butts as a whole. We’ve been working so hard! Personally, I’ve been in a constant state of soreness the past 6 weeks because of all the dancing. There were nights I worried my feet were actually going to fall off after we stopped dancing. However, as insane as it’s been, it’s absolutely worth it…it all looks fantastic!

OSD: Joe Deer continues to be one of the finest musical theatre directors in the region (Thoroughly Modern Millie and WSU’s stunning The Light in the Piazza). What’s been you experience working with Joe?

TH: Having Joe as our director for this show has been such a great experience. This is the first WSU Festival production I’ve been cast in, so I would definitely say that for a first show, it’s been an awesome one! He has made sure to instill in us a very solid work ethic and willingness to come focused to rehearsal. The professional attitude he has expected of all of us has absolutely made for such a smooth rehearsal process. Also, having Rick as the co-director has been magnificent! They make a great team.

OSD: There are scenes in 42ND STREET that are pretty iconic. Can audiences expect a wow-factor moment in WSU’s production as well?

TH: I’m sorry to say that we don’t have any sweet stairs, however, the ballet is certainly going to “wow” audiences! It’s an epic moment in the show, and is sure to impress every seat in the house. I’m guaranteeing it!

OSD: The show originally opened in 1980. I was 5. You weren’t born (sigh). What about this show resonates with a contemporary audience?

TH: The entire show is based on the idea of working hard to succeed in this field of performance, which is something that we’re all striving for in real life as well. Although the plot is set in 1933, the content is something that every one of us can relate to. We’re all working our butts off to make our way into this business, just like each of the characters in 42nd Street. The losses and the victories that the cast of “Pretty Lady” experiences are heartwrenching and wonderful, because each person watching can easily put themselves in the shoes of everyone on stage. It really hits home for all of us in the cast, and we hope the audience feels the same way while immersed in the story we are going to be telling for the next 3 weeks!

-DB

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

42ND STREET – May 15-29 – (Times Vary)

Location: Wright State University’s Festival Playhouse in the Robert & Elaine Stein Auditorium – 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway, Dayton, OH 45435

Tickets are on sale now through WSU’s Box Office via phone at (937) 775-2500 (Monday through Friday Noon – 5:00 pm).

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 05/05 – 05/18

May 9, 2011 By Dayton937 2 Comments

Thursday, May 5 – Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Zombies, the eighties, AND a musical? Today, I started my job as Assistant Stage Manager for a production of Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO in Columbus, and I was reminded of something I love about theatre. One of the most powerful things about the arts is the wide variety of people to which they can appeal. Plays can include things you’d never have imagined… There literally is a show out there for everyone, even zombie lovers! I think that ability to speak to or entertain so many people through the same art form is one of the things I love most about theatre, and also our Dayton theatre in particular. There is often a wide variety of shows up, and these next two weeks are no exception, with selections from hip hop to drama. So, no matter your tastes, go see one of these great shows!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

La Cage aux Folles

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

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

A Piece of My Heart

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: “Based on true stories recounted in the book of the same name, A Piece of My Heart
follows six women as they relive their memories of serving in Vietnam during the
1960s. These unsung heroes were among several thousand American women who
volunteered during the Vietnam War, serving as nurses, civilian humanitarian workers
and entertainers under frustrating and harrowing conditions.” (PHS)
Dates: May 13 – 21, 2011
Tickets & More Information: 888-262-3792 or Playhouse South

Honk!

TOWN HALL THEATRE

The Story: “Right from the start, Billy, Beaky, Downy and Fluff start flapping and squawking over their freshly-hatched brother duck. He just doesn’t seem right. His feet are way too big, he’s a lousy quacker and, well, he looks downright ugly! Even his parents are embarrassed to show him to the rest of the barnyard. Feeling miserable and alone, “Ugly” leaves home and begins a dangerous journey that will take him to a place where he, too, can be beautiful.” (THT) The entire family will love this musical adaptation of the classic story of the ugly duckling.
Dates: May 6 – 22, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Town Hall Theatre

Mauritius

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Only together after the death of their mother, two estranged half-sisters discover a book of rare – and potentially extremely valuable – stamps. One sister embraces the stamp collecting, the other resists – but both are targets of three seedy, high-stakes collectors who are willing to do anything to claim a particularly rare find as their own.
Dates: May 13 – 29, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Illstyle and Peace

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: In this admission-free performance, the muticultural dance company Illstyle and Peace fuses the moves and spirit of contemporary and old-school hip-hop with an eclectic mix of dance, while spreading unity, peace, love, and respect through dance.

Date: Wednesday, May 18, 7:30 pm

More Information: Springfield Arts Council

Mid-Day Arts Cafe: the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith. Enjoy a preview performance and a great box lunch from CitiLites during this education series.

Date: Tuesday, May 10, 2011. Registration and Networking: 11:30 a.m. – Noon; Performance: Noon – 1 p.m.

More Information: Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS: A Theatre Piece for Singers, Players, and Dancers, 2010-2011 Miami Valley & Good Samaritan Hospitals Classical Series

~KN

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

A major collaboration between the DPO and Wright State University, Leonard Bernstein’s MASS explores a journey of self-discovery and finding faith.

Imagination and Collaboration

April 14, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Phantom Tollbooth

THE ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY
AND
TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY

Theatre at its very essence is collaboration: designers and directors; directors, production team, and actors; artistic and front of house staff; and numerous other people all work together to create art. However, we don’t have to limit collaboration to simply what can be done within a single theatre. Rather, collaborating between theatre groups, working together to put on a show or teach classes or read plays, can greatly expand both audiences and participants.

This weekend, the Zoot Theatre Company and Town Hall Theatre are doing just that in their production of The Phantom Tollbooth. In the story based on Norton Juster’s 1961 classic, young Milo is bored with everything from his toy collection to his life, so extremely that the Demons of Ignorance eagerly wait for him to succumb and urge him not to do anything at all (for that would be dangerous). However, with the arrival of an anonymous package and his entry into the fantastical Phantom Tollbooth, he discovers a new world and embarks on a remarkable journey to save the Kingdom of Wisdom. A funny and entertaining show for all ages, The Phantom Tollbooth is filled with puns and plot elements, such as Milo’s sudden Jump to (the Island of) Conclusions, that are the consequences of interpreting idioms literally.

Because of the combination of familial and fantastical elements, this show perfectly showcases the expertise of both the Dayton-based Zoot Theatre Company, which focuses on puppet work, and Centerville’s Town Hall Theatre, a professional and quality-driven children’s theatre. ZTC and THT have collaborated equally on a production annually for the past four years; they usually share artistic responsibilities, and selected this show together. This piece is different in that due to the nature and schedule of this piece, ZTC directed and artistically formed The Phantom Tollbooth, while THT handled all the front of house, publicity, and related areas. However, several students and Town Hall regular actors play the childrens’ roles, including the lead of Milo, making this production a successful model of collaboration between two groups, and providing both patron bases with opportunities beyond what either theatre could do alone.

Working together benefits both theatres. Mark Metzger, Artistic Director at Town Hall Theatre, remarked,

“I look for opportunities for our young people to be challenged, and to operate a puppet and receive feedback from professional puppeteers is an opportunity they won’t get anywhere else.”

Working on a production where the puppets take center stage, and other production elements (set, lighting, costumes) support the puppetry, is a great learning experience for student participants and audience members. This is especially beneficial given the prevalence of shows on Broadway – such as The Lion King, Avenue Q, Shrek, and WarHorse – that incorporate similar techniques.

Even if puppet-based shows were not experiencing such popularity, though, because plays are meant to be seen, not just heard, the addition of such a predominant visual element teaches skills applicable to all theatre, and collaborations such as this benefit both organizations. Metzger commented on Zoot’s talent and ability to produce quality theatre, so he had no reservations whatsoever about doing a project where THT’s own artistic involvement was minimized, knowing that the show would be excellent for both theatres.

As a traveling-based rather than single-venue theatre, Zoot finds collaboration extremely important. Working with Town Hall allows them the chance to perform in another space and with a different patron base; they also do a lot of work within schools and help area theaters with puppet-based work when needed, and even within specific shows, place a high emphasis on collaboration. For example, in describing the process through which the theatre designs and creates puppets, Zoot’s Artistic Director Tristan Cupp explained that various artistic staff design, sometimes originating with group discussions and sometimes with a focal designer’s vision, all the while working with the director to make puppets that align with the characters’ and show’s needs. These different processes, and Zoot’s production skills, are very collaborative. Cupp said,

“What’s wonderful is each one of these artists has strengths in different mediums and different styles, which really lends to the variety of puppets and looks and different ideas… You can expand your creative horizons that way, by learning from each other and learning to use different materials and different styles; that’s what’s needed, and it’s really appealing to a lot of artists who want to help us out and be a part of it.”

Part of that collaboration involves the input of visual artists not involved in theatre, which adds diversity and a variety of skills to the art.

Fittingly, then, Zoot has just announced a residency with the Victoria Theatre Association, and their Mathile Theatre at the Schuster Center. In the previous couple of years, Zoot has presented two shows independently at the Mathile, but this residency will provide both groups an opportunity for growth and collaboration. Zoot’s productions fit into two categories, Mainstage and Zoot Tales (child or family oriented), and the residency will introduce more people within those areas to a type of theatre relatively new to Dayton. Now, Zoot will choose a season of three shows to present, and the VTA will provide venue and/or assistance with touring; the Victoria will be able to offer educational initiatives in puppetry through ZTC, which fits nicely with programs such as their Physicians for Kids Discovery Series.

“Puppetry itself is storytelling through a universal language.”

As such a collaborative organization, Zoot is looking ahead to continuing their work with schools and various theatres, and both Town Hall Theatre and the Zoot Theatre Company hope to continue their collaborations together. Cupp noted, “Puppetry itself is storytelling through a universal language,” and the idea of working together on something so universally applicable is beautiful. Collaboration, too, is universal, for we all have a certain connection as imaginative human beings capable of working together because of that humanity. Reflecting this, The Phantom Tollbooth provides an experience and combination unlike anything else in Dayton right now, where audience members truly can experience imagination come to life.

~KN

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Dates: April 15 – 17, 2011, at Town Hall Theatre; April 21 – 30, 2011, at the Schuster Center’s Mathile Theatre

Tickets: Town Hall Theatre or Ticket Center Stage (choose appropriate site for venue)

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association: Phantom Tollbooth, Town Hall Theatre, Zoot Theatre Company

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 04/07 – 04/20

April 7, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

Human Race Theatre Co.: Permanent Collection

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

Famous playwright, critic, and essayist George Bernard Shaw (who wrote Arms and the Man, opening this weekend at Clark State) once said, “You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” The capacity to imagine and “dream things that never were” is vital to appreciating the arts, for the moment you walk through theatre doors, you become part of a new world and story for the next few hours. From a monster made of smoke to a drag queen with just “an angry inch” to four men running around in various stages of undress and clergy suits, the shows in the greater Dayton area this week are sure to expand your imaginations, while inspiring laughter and thought at the same time. Between special performances and weekend schedules, eight shows and a special event over the next two weeks provides you the opportunity to see a show almost any night you choose. So, this week, see a show or two or eight and enhance your imagination – as Shaw said, “Why not?”

ANOTHER OPENIN’, ANOTHER SHOW

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY with TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY

Photo Credit: ZOOT Theatre Company

The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Dates: April 15 – 30, 2011, at both Town Hall Theatre and the Schuster Center Mathile Theatre
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, Victoria Theatre Association , Zoot Theatre Company, and watch for a DMM feature article next week!

See How They Run

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

Students rehearse in preparation for the show. Photo credit: Scott Huck

The Story: Galloping in and out of the four doors of an English vicarage are an American actor and actress, a cockney maid who has seen too many American movies, a staunch parishioner who unknowingly gets into the cooking sherry, and four men in clergyman suits. One is the bishop who really lives there, another is a disguised escaped prisoner, one just dropped in to visit, and the other — well, that’s left for those on stage and the audience to figure out in this WWII-era farce. (CU)
Dates: April 7 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Cedarville University Production Season, Cedarville University Box Office , and watch for a DMM feature article!

Arms and the Man

CLARK STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

The Story: “The Petkoff women inadvertently save an enemy soldier’s life during wartime. After the war, the soldier returns to the Petkoff home only to be reunited with his warring enemies. With classic George Bernard Shaw witticism,”Arm & the Man” shows the foolishness of war against a lush and romantic backdrop.” (CSU press release)
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Clark State box office

Permanent Collection

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: Loosely based on a true story, in this play, eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.(HRTC)
Dates: April 14 – May 1, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South, DMM Review

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

The Story: Alice falls down a rabbit-hole into “a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!” (BCT) This children’s adaptation provides a contemporary view of the Carroll classic, where “nonsense makes quite good sense” and we can believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre , 937-429-4737

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

JJ Parkey as Hedwig

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: After the sex change operation that will allow her to marry US soldier Luther is botched, East German

rock ‘n’ roll goddess and “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt is left with just “an angry inch.” This award-winning, outrageous, and unexpectedly hilarious show tells her story in rock music and stand-up comedy, and is a show for all those who felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile, and all those who yearn to be complete. JJ Parkey (Rent) and Abigail Nessen Bengson (award-winning Mimi in last season’s Rent) co-star.
Dates: April 7 – 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company

PART OF IT ALL

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Annie, Get Your Gun

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL & SPRINGFIELD CIVIC THEATRE

Auditions: Saturday, April 9, 2011 – 9 am
Performances: June 16 – 19, 2011
The Story: A fictionalized version of the lives of historical figures, in this musical, we explore the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, from her falling in love to handling rival sharpshooters.
Directed by: Becky Brunsman
More Information: Springfield Arts Council: Auditions

ONE SHORT DAY

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

The Legend of Marshmallow Island

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: In this exploration of world music, Lorne Lampert, founder of Mystic Drumz, searches for Marshmallow Island through multicultural music themes and interactive audience participation with projection, sound effects, and instruments from around the world.
Date: April 13, 2011 – 7:30 pm
More Information: http://www.springfieldartscouncil.org

~KN

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 03/24 – 04/06

March 24, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

Limestone Bricks: rainbow base painting (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

When I wandered into the theatre today, a scenic artist was busily painting a stone wall – with nearly every color of the rainbow, rather than a traditional brick red or tan. The stones looked gorgeous, although not yet like the limestone bricks on the set model. “Real bricks aren’t flat – they’re unique,” she said, explaining her process of basing the bricks with rainbow scumbling, then applying multiple washes to mute the colors but bring out the pigments and bright undertones. However, when the set is complete, audience members will never know just how many layers were essential to make such a realistic stone wall.

So many layers and colors go into every one of these shows, as well. From the sound designer to the box office intern to the actors and directors, shows are necessarily collaborative and layered, to an extreme. Often, we are never aware of these affectations, but each one contributes to the show that we see.

Limestone bricks: completed! (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

Likewise, we and the people around us bear the same intricacies and layers. We are products of years of existence and influence; each personal experience has added color to the scumbled wall that is a life. Part of the magic of theatre is its influential power to reflect people; part of that, and of shows in general, illustrates the deep and layered nature of those other human beings around us. It does this not only through the literal act of a show, but also through the subtle things, like the rainbow layers underneath the bricks.

This week, go see one of the following shows. Whether exploring cupcakes, alcoholism, or sex, each one deals in some way with real people, in all of their layers and depth; therefore, through them, we can better understand the people and world around us. You could even take a friend or two to one of the shows below, then discuss it over drinks or dinner afterward. Understand the layers, one at a time.