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Victoria Theatre Association

Victoria Theatre Association, and Ticket Center Stage are now DAYTON LIVE!

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In a major event for the Dayton Arts Community theVictoria Theatre Association’s President and CEO, Ty Sutton, and the VTA Board of Trustees hosted an Open House Event this evening announcing a new name and brand for the organization (Dayton Live) and new website, (DaytonLive.org) as well as the 2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton season.  By placing Dayton in our name, we are reinforcing that Dayton is a regional arts and entertainment destination for southwest Ohio and beyond.


“Dayton Live evokes the energy of live events while boldly declaring that our thriving downtown community is the region’s home for arts, culture and entertainment,” said Sutton. “After months of research and conversation with our audience, we found our brand didn’t really reflect the many activities we promote or venues we operate as an organization. Dayton Live is a vibrant brand under which all of our venues and community partners will be able to grow.”  

President and CEO, Ty Sutton

Our commitment to these venues and the arts in Dayton is stronger than ever. The historic Victoria Theatre will always be at the heart of who we are and why we exist. We are honoring that legacy, and we are not changing the venue names.

 

MISSION:  The mission of Dayton Live is to strengthen community engagement in the arts through inspiring performances, educational opportunities, and world-class venues.

VISION: Dayton Live elevates a thriving downtown experience as the primary host and presenter for performing arts in the region.

“The most significant part of this rebranding process is the launch of a new website that marries the former TicketCenterStage.com ticketing website with VictoriaTheatre.com,” continued Sutton. “Ticket buyers are now able to easily search DaytonLive.org by performance name, presenting organization, art form, or date. As a result, they will quickly discover all the fabulous live arts and entertainment experiences and education programs available at the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Loft Theatre – all on one website. You can now select seats with the view from seat functionality, make donations to any of the presenting organizations represented, exchange subscription seats, or even add seats – all on DaytonLive.org – 24/7 on your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer.”

 

2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Lineup

COME FROM AWAY

October 6–11, 2020 – Schuster Center

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America! This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed, and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein and helmed by this year’s Tony®-winning Best Director Christopher Ashley. On 9/11, the world stopped.  On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

ANASTASIA

November 3-8, 2020 – Schuster Center

The romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is at home in Dayton at last! This dazzling show will transport you from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past.

 

 

MEAN GIRLS

November 24–29, 2020 – Schuster Center

Featuring a book by Tina Fey, MEAN GIRLS tells the story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies. Entertainment Weekly calls it “A MARVEL: dazzling and hilarious!” and USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret because we’re such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!”

 

 

 

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR

January 12– 17, 2021 – Schuster Center

Jesus Christ Superstar is an iconic musical phenomenon with a worldwide fan base. In celebration of its 50th anniversary, a new mesmerizing production comes to North America. Originally staged by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, this production won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. Featuring award-winning music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, this legendary score reflects the rock roots that defined a generation.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

February 9–14, 2021 – Schuster Center

Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life as FIDDLER ON THE ROOF begins a North American tour direct from Broadway. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.To love! To life!

 

 

THE BAND’S VISIT

March 9–14, 2021 – Schuster Center

The critically acclaimed smash-hit Broadway musical THE BAND’S VISIT is the winner of 10 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, making it one of the most Tony®-winning musicals in history.  It is also a Grammy Award® winner for Best Musical Theater Album. With a score that seduces your soul and sweeps you off your feet, and featuring thrillingly talented onstage musicians, THE BAND’S VISIT rejoices in the way music makes us laugh, makes us cry, and ultimately, brings us together.  

 

 

Disney’s THE LION KING

May 6–23, 2021 – Schuster Center

More than 100 million people around the world have experienced the phenomenon of Disney’s THE LION KING, and now you can, too, when Dayton’s best-loved musical returns to the Schuster Center. Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, this landmark musical event brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice. There is simply nothing else like THE LION KING.

2020-2021 Projects Unlimited Star Attractions

(as of March 10, 2020, more to be added later)

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE

December 21-24 & 26-27, 2020 – Victoria Theatre

CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE lights up the holiday season with its popular and electrifying stage spectacular The New York Daily News proclaims a “delicious confection of charm, sparkle, and talent by the sleigh load.” Broadway director Neil Goldberg has searched the world to assemble the unique cast of incomparable cirque artists and theatrical talent to wow audiences nationwide. Over 300 imaginative costumes, 20 astonishing world-class acts, the finest singers, original music, and seasonal favorites that celebrate Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and the New Year – all in a 2-hour breathtaking spectacle. Audiences of all ages will marvel at soaring acrobatics, gravity-defying feats, and extravagant theatrical production numbers the Boston Globe hails as “entrancing… Las Vegas meets family entertainment.” Experience this unique multi-million-dollar live stage production that dazzled at the Kennedy Center, sparkled at the Grand Ole Opry House, and BroadwayWorld calls “the perfect holiday gift… a show that everyone will enjoy.”

STOMP

April 9-11, 2021 – Victoria Theatre

STOMP is explosive, provocative, sophisticated, sexy, utterly unique and appeals to audiences of all ages. The international percussion sensation has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. The return of the percussive hit also brings some new surprises, with some sections of the show now updated and restructured and the addition of two new full-scale routines, utilizing props like tractor tire inner tubes and paint cans. As USA Today says, “STOMP finds beautiful noises in the strangest places.” STOMP. See what all the noise is about.

Season Ticket Holders get the Perks!

Season Tickets to the 2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Season are on sale now at DaytonLive.org.  Dayton Live Season Ticket Holders receive numerous benefits to make their theatre-going experience easy and enjoyable.

Season Ticket Holders can:

  • Exchange tickets to another date of the same show title (as long as it is done at least 24 hours before the ticketed performance) at DaytonLive.org without being charged a fee. 
  • Swap tickets to a Premier Health Broadway in Dayton shows for extra tickets to another title on the series or tickets to one of the Project Unlimited Star Attractions.
  • Utilize Dayton Live’s new 6-month payment plan. Reserve seats with a $100 deposit. The balance is due July 6, 2020.
  • Reserve the best available seats at a savings of up to 20% and no processing fees.
  • Receive advance notifications to purchase other shows presented by Dayton Live.
  • Purchase discounted parking for their series at $2 off each park

To renew or purchase Season Tickets for the 2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Season, call or visit the Dayton Live Ticket Office, or for convenient 24/7 access, visit DaytonLive.org.

For more information about the Dayton Live rebrand, DaytonLive.org, the 2020-2021 Premier Health Broadway in Dayton Season or the rest of the 2019-2020 Season, visit DaytonLive.org.

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Dayton Live is a not-for-profit arts organization that receives funding from a variety of public and private sources, including corporations, foundations, individuals, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, and the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). Dayton Live programs are made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to OAC, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Dayton Live is the official ticketing outlet for events at the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Loft Theatre.

A Brand-New Website- DaytonLive.org

“The most significant part of this rebranding process is the launch of a new website that marries the former TicketCenterStage.com ticketing website with VictoriaTheatre.com,” continued Sutton. “Ticket buyers are now able to easily search DaytonLive.org by performance name, presenting organization, art form, or date. As a result, they will quickly discover all the fabulous live arts and entertainment experiences and education programs available at the Schuster Center, Victoria Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Loft Theatre – all on one website. You can now select seats with the view from seat functionality, make donations to any of the presenting organizations represented, exchange subscription seats, or even add seats – all on DaytonLive.org – 24/7 on your mobile phone, tablet, or desktop computer.”

 

 

WEBSITE: DaytonLive.org

    • To better serve the community, help people understand who we are, and evoke the energy of live events, Victoria Theatre Association, and Ticket Center Stage merged brands to become Dayton Live. The names Victoria Theatre Association and Ticket Center Stage don’t reflect everything we do and all the venues we operate: The Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, Victoria Theatre, The Loft Theatre, PNC Arts Annex, and The Arts Garage.
    • Our commitment to these venues and the arts in Dayton is stronger than ever. The historic Victoria Theatre will always be at the heart of who we are and why we exist. We are honoring that legacy, and we are not changing the venue names.
    • By placing Dayton in our name, we are reinforcing that Dayton is a regional arts and entertainment destination for southwest Ohio and beyond.

VTA Names New President & CEO: Ty Sutton

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VTA Names New President & CEO: Ty Sutton

Ty SuttonMartha Shaker, Chair of Victoria Theatre Association’s Board of Trustees, announces the selection of VTA’s new President & CEO, TY SUTTON, who replaces retiring President & CEO Ken Neufeld. Sutton joins VTA after three years as the Inaugural Executive Director of the Butler Arts Center at Butler University. He brings more than 20 years of arts venue management experience, as well as extensive fundraising, marketing and programming knowledge to VTA. Sutton starts his new position Aug. 13.

“My philosophy has always been that the arts bring people together,” said Sutton. “I am very impressed with the level of commitment and financial support the Dayton community has given the Dayton arts scene, especially in embracing Victoria Theatre Association’s world-class facilities and arts programming. With the addition of the new Arts Annex, I believe our venues can accommodate any type of performance and allow us to grow the diversity of our shows while broadening our audiences. I am eager to lead an organization with such an outstanding record of success. Continuing to grow our offerings and making a positive impact in people’s lives will be at the top of my priority list. Dayton will be a great place for my family to call home.”

Sutton was chosen after a six-month international search, conducted by leading arts executive recruiting firm Management Consultants for the Arts. VTA Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Chris Wyse served as the Chair of the six-member Search Committee.

“I am thrilled to welcome Ty as the new VTA President & CEO,” said Wyse. “His ideas around the new Arts Annex are very progressive as are his thoughts on programming and diversity.  These characteristics, combined with extensive experience and proven track record of growing performing arts centers, will ensure everyone in Dayton is able to experience the numerous offerings from VTA.”

VTA Board of Trustees Chair, Martha Shaker, shares Wyse’s enthusiasm.

“I am confident Ty will not only embrace VTA’s rich history and impact on our community, but also the task of moving forward with the foundation laid by Ken Neufeld,” said Shaker. “Ty is a strong fit, not only to the organization but to our community. I believe he is poised to grow VTA even more.”

Retiring VTA President & CEO, Ken Neufeld, is also pleased with the selection.

“I am delighted to welcome Ty and his family to VTA and look forward to introducing them to the Dayton community,” said Ken Neufeld, “I have greatly enjoyed my time in Dayton and, while I will miss VTA and the Miami Valley community, I firmly believe we are in good hands for the future.” 

ABOUT TY SUTTON

Ty Sutton has more than 20 years of arts administration and management experience, including three years at the Butler Arts Center at Butler University in Indiana. Sutton was previously the general manager of the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center in Midland, Texas, as well as general manager of The Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, Colo. He has held several arts administration positions, including Programming Director at the University of Utah and Audience Services Manager at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek, Calif.

A native of Danville, Calif., in the San Francisco Bay area, Sutton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Utah and is a graduate of the International Association of Venue Manager’s Venue Management School. He and his wife, Polly Creer Sutton, a retired professional ballerina, have two children.

Victoria Announces 2018-2019 Season

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Six entertaining musicals headline the Victoria Theatre Association’s 2018-2019 Premier Health Broadway Series at the Schuster Center.

Theo Mitchell-Penner in the SCHOOL OF ROCK Tour (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

The slate features Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spirited School of Rock – The Musical, the tender Finding Neverland, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic romance The King and I (based on Lincoln Center Theater’s gorgeous 2015 Tony Award-winning revival), Emilio and Gloria Estefan’s exuberant On Your Feet!, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg‘s Tony Award-winning megahit Les Misérables, and Grammy and Tony nominee Sara Bareilles’ sentimental hit Waitress. In particular, School of Rock, Finding Neverland and Waitress are based on their respective films.

The company of LES MISERABLES perform “One Day More” (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

The Projects Unlimited Star Attractions features The Wizard of Oz, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical based on the holiday TV classic, John Kander and Fred Ebb’s scintillating and sexy Chicago, and Trey Parker, Matt Stone and Robert Lopez’s Tony Award-winning irreverent hoot The Book of Mormon.
“It’s a fabulous lineup of shows,” said Ken Neufeld, VTA President and CEO set to retire in August. “Our 2018-2019 Premier Health Broadway Series will bring a variety of shows that will be enjoyable for all ages. From classic musicals Les Misérables and The King and I, to the latest from Broadway including School of Rock, the touching Finding Neverland, On Your Feet!, featuring the infectious music of Gloria Estefan, and Waitress, the new musical with words and music written by Sara Bareilles. Our Projects Unlimited Star Attraction Series brings The Wizard of Oz, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical, Chicago, and the much-anticipated return of The Book of Mormon.”

The King of Siam and Anna Leonowens in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

The Morris Furniture Company Family Series features The Ugly Duckling, The Phantom Tollbooth, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, Diary of a Worm, A Spider & A Fly, and The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System. There are also sensory-friendly performances available of The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites and The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System.
“The 2018-2019 Morris Furniture Company Family Series include shows the whole family can enjoy,” Neufeld added. “We appreciate how these shows bring the whole family together for live theatre at the historic Victoria Theatre.”

The insightful National Geographic Live! Series, showcasing renown scientists, explorers and photographers, consists of Ellen Stofan: A Planet To Call Home, Mark Synnott: Life on the Vertical, and Florian Schulz: Into the Arctic Kingdom.

Neufeld also announced news of the forthcoming Arts Annex, which will be located at the corner of Second and Ludlow Streets across the street from the Schuster Center. Slated to open this fall, the performing arts facility will offer a black box theatre, reception area, studios, and more. The complex will also serve as the new home for Dare to Defy Productions and Playground Theatre, two troupes previously housed inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center in recent years. The Arts Annex, promoting “big ideas in small spaces,” is still looking for financial support. Interested patrons should contact the VTA directly.

An array of VTA season ticket holders, donors, sponsors, and friends were present for the Feb. 27 announcement, held at the Victoria Theatre and perhaps one of the most engaging and heartfelt announcement ceremonies in recent memory. In fact, multiple VTA campaign videos highlighted the joy of experiencing theater for the first time by way of the company’s programming. Notable reflections were offered by Betty Gould, VTA Group Sales Manager, and Fischer Barnett, a sophomore at Stivers School for the Arts seen on the Victoria stage in the Muse Machine productions of Hairspray and Hello, Dolly! In addition, Arica Jackson of the current national tour of Waitress provided a soulful rendition of I Didn’t Plan It, and Lexie Dorsett Sharp, an Ohio native and member of the current national tour of School of Rock, offered a video “shout out.”

Desi Oakley in the National Tour of WAITRESS (Photo by Joan Marcus)

Season subscriptions range from $245-$594. New Season Ticket Holders will be seated once current Season Ticket Holders’ renewals are fulfilled. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date. Renewal packets for all current Premier Health Broadway Series Season Ticket Holders will mail the morning of Feb. 28. The deadline for current Season Ticket Holders to request changes to Broadway Season Ticket packages is March 13. The deadline to renew 2018-2019 Broadway Season Ticket packages is March 16.  Season Ticket sales for the Morris Furniture Company Family Series and National Geographic Live Series begin later in the spring. For more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com.

 

2018-2019 Premier Health Broadway Series

SCHOOL OF ROCK
Oct. 2-7, 2018– Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

FINDING NEVERLAND
Jan. 15-20, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I
Feb. 12-17, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/ 

ON YOUR FEET!
March 5-10, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

LES MISÉRABLES
April 2-7, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

WAITRESS
June 25-30, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

  

2018-2019 Projects Unlimited Star Attractions

Projects Unlimited Star Attractions appeal to a broad variety of audiences and may include blockbuster Broadway hits, cutting-edge off-Broadway theatre, family-friendly shows and concerts. More Star Attractions will be announced as the 2018-2019 season approaches.

THE WIZARD OF OZ
Oct. 23-25, 2018 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/
 
RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: THE MUSICAL
Nov. 16-17, 2018 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

CHICAGO
Feb. 1-2, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

THE BOOK OF MORMON
May 21-26, 2019 – Schuster Center
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

  

2018-2019 Morris Furniture Company Family Series

THE UGLY DUCKLING
Nov. 10, 2018 – Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/ 

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
Feb. 2, 2019 – Victoria Theatre
Exclusive production authorized by author Norton Juster and illustrator Jules Feiffer
Adapted for the stage by Jennifer & Landis Smith and Leslie Reidel
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA
Feb. 2, 2019 – Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

DIARY OF A WORM, SPIDER, & A FLY
March 23, 2019 – Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
April 27, 2019 – Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/


SENSORY-FRIENDLY PERFORMANCES
These productions are specifically designed for children with an autism spectrum disorder, other sensory processing diagnoses, and other special needs. You can expect a reduction of loud or jarring sounds, the absence of flashing or strobe lighting on stage, modification of house lights during the performance, and a judgement-free environment where all patrons can feel free to vocalize or move around the theatre if they need to.

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR & OTHER ERIC CARLE FAVOURITES
November 18, 2018 -Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS: LOST IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM
April 28, 2019- Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

 

National Geographic Live! Series, sponsored by Subaru of American and Wagner Subaru

ELLEN STOFAN: A PLANET TO CALL HOME
February 3 & 4, 2019 -Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

MARK SYNNOTT: LIFE ON THE VERTICAL
March 10 & 11, 2019- Victoria Theatre
https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

FLORIAN SCHULZ: INTO THE ARCTIC KINGDOM
April 14 & 15, 2019 -Victoria Theatre

https://victoriatheatre.com/season-announced/

VTA President Ken Neufeld Announces Retirement

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Victoria Theatre Association Board of Trustees Chairman, Martha Shaker, announced the retirement of VTA President and CEO, Ken Neufeld at a meeting held this morning. Neufeld will officially retire on Aug. 31, 2018, following the Association’s Annual Meeting. VTA is the owner and operator of the Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, the Metropolitan Arts Center (home to The LOFT Theatre), and the Arts Garage. A national search for VTA’s next President & CEO will begin shortly.

 

At the meeting, Shaker thanked Neufeld for nearly a decade of leadership and fiscal responsibility, then spoke regarding the high points of his tenure.

 

“We thank Ken for his unyielding leadership and dedication to the VTA and this community,” said Shaker. “Clearly, the arts community is in a better place today because of Ken’s vision and passion for the arts. The improvements and innovation in our programming, our latest fundraising campaign as well as improvements to our physical plant, can all be credited to Ken’s leadership. We are sad to see Ken and his wife, Lesley, leave us but wish them the very best in retirement. “

 

“President and CEO, Ken Neufeld has expanded the VTA’s programming to feature a broad range of performances for diverse audiences that have attracted thousands of new patrons to VTA venues and downtown Dayton,” Shaker continued. “He has guided significant growth of VTA’s Education & Engagement initiatives, and has put in place new marketing, sales and technology initiatives. He instituted the Next Stage Campaign, which has raised more than $13 million, including $10 million for the VTA’s endowment and $3 million designated for infrastructure improvements in the Association’s facilities. Neufeld has also been an active participant in a number of Dayton organizations, including the Downtown Dayton Partnership, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the strategic planning committee of Culture Works.”

 

After meeting with VTA Trustees, Neufeld shared his news with VTA staff, where staff thanked him for his tenure and leadership and wished him well in his future endeavors.

 

Neufeld’s thoughts regarding his decision.

 

“My decision to retire, was not easy, but the time is right. The organization is in great shape and ready for new ideas and leadership,” said Neufeld. “I will miss working at VTA and all the people in this wonderful community, but it is time for us to explore other opportunities. Lesley and I look forward to returning to Canada’s West Coast after almost 20 years of absence.”

 

Regarding his time at VTA.

 

“My time at VTA has been the most rewarding of any of the forty years I have worked in the arts,” said Neufeld. “I am enormously grateful to the VTA Board of Trustees, all of our managers and staff, our donors and sponsors, and our dedicated VTA volunteers for their support, guidance, teamwork, and generosity. When I began in June of 2009, it didn’t take long for me to observe that Dayton, and the Miami Valley are special. This is a vibrant arts community with generous supporters and highly engaged, enthusiastic audiences. Our facilities at the Victoria and the Schuster Center are world class. It has been a privilege and honor to work here. My wife and I have enjoyed living in Dayton immensely.”

 

VTA’s Board of Trustees will conduct a national search for Neufeld’s successor as soon as possible.

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Victoria Theatre Association is one of Dayton’s premier arts organizations, presenting the Premier Health Broadway Series, the Morris Furniture Company Family Series, the Cool Films Series, Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, National Geographic Live Series, sponsored by Subaru of American and Wagner Subaru and The Discovery Series, which features curriculum-enhanced live theatre productions for school children. In addition to the performances it presents, Victoria Theatre Association also manages the historic Victoria Theatre, the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center, and the Metropolitan Arts Center, which houses The Loft Theatre. Victoria Theatre Association receives funding from a variety of diverse public, corporate, individual and private sources, including the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District and the Ohio Arts Council. The Ohio Arts Council and The National Endowment for the Arts helped fund this program or organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

 

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

 

 

 

‘Paris,’ ‘Phantom’ and more headline Victoria season

By

A delightful assortment of Broadway crowd-pleasers comprise the Victoria Theatre Association’s very strong 2017-2018 season.

The VTA’s Premier Health Broadway Series, Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, Morris Company Family Series, and National Geographic Live! Series were announced Monday, Feb. 27 in the Mead Theatre of the Schuster Center. Overseen by VTA President and CEO Ken Neufeld who revealed titles along with staff members, the ceremony, framed by the welcoming theme “Our Stages Await,” gathered over 650 Victoria ticket holders, donors, sponsors, and friends.

Phantom of the Opera



The upbeat, six-show Broadway Series consists of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hispanic-meets-hip-hop “In the Heights” (the 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical), the local premiere of the 2015 Gershwin-inspired musical “An American in Paris” (featuring director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s absolutely gorgeous Tony Award-winning choreography), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” (a brand new production superbly reconceived by Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien of “Hairspray”), the local premiere of the charmingly silly 2016 Tony Award-nominated Renaissance spoof “Something Rotten!” (playfully directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw of “The Book of Mormon”), the return of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s blockbuster “The Phantom of the Opera” (featuring new staging and design), and the local premiere of the 2014 Tony and Grammy Award-winning hit “Beautiful –The Carole King Musical” (chronicling the rise of King’s career as an iconic songwriter).

Something Rotten!

In addition, the Pittsburgh CLO and Kansas City Starlight’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will kick off the Projects Unlimited Star Attractions, a promising slate including the Bollywood-driven “Mystic India,” “A Christmas Carol,” “A Christmas Story” (a collaboration with the Human Race Theatre Company), and the return of illusionist Adam Trent.

Surprise guests included Sarah Bockel who understudies the role of Carole King in the Broadway production of “Beautiful” and Nick Rashad Burroughs currently on tour as the Minstrel in “Something Rotten!” Bockel particularly performed King’s tender ballad “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” and toe-tapping “Beautiful.”

“Carole King” is such an inspiration,” Bockel said. “Her lyrics are so simple yet deep that anyone can connect with them. ‘A Natural Woman’ means so many things to so many people, (the feeling) you’re perfect the way you are. This show is about an everyday woman – a daughter, a mom, a wife – who is just trying to live her best life. She’s trying to take care of the people she loves. She’s a woman going through heartbreak but in doing so finds herself.”
‘‘Something Rotten!’ is ridiculously funny,” Burroughs noted. “It’s truly a love letter to musicals that’s lighthearted and tuneful.”

Musical selections were also offered by three students from Wright State University’s Musical Theatre Department. Eli Davis introduced “An American in Paris” and “The Phantom of the Opera.” Lauren Everett performed “My Favorite Things” from “The Sound of Music.” Alejandra Solis performed “Breathe” from “In the Heights.”

 

Premier Health Broadway Series
(all shows at Schuster Center)

 

In the Heights (Oct. 3-8, 2017)

 

An American in Paris (Nov. 7-12, 2017)

 

The Sound of Music (Feb. 13-18, 2018)

 

Something Rotten! (March 20-25, 2018)

 

The Phantom of the Opera (April 11-22, 2018)

 

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (May 22-27, 2018)

Projects Unlimited Star Attractions
Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Aug. 8-13, 2017– Schuster Center)

 

Mystic India: The World Tour (Oct. 26, 2017 – Schuster Center)

 

A Christmas Carol (Nov. 28-29, 2017 – Victoria Theatre)


The Illusionists Present Adam Trent (Dec. 3, 2017 – Schuster Center)

 

A Christmas Story (Dec 12-17, 2017 – Victoria Theatre)

 

Morris Furniture Company Family Series
(all shows at Victoria Theatre)

 

How I Became a Pirate (Nov. 4, 2017)

 

Mr. Popper’s Penguins (Jan. 20, 2018)

 

Step Afrika! (March 3, 2018)

 

Journey to Oz (April 7-8, 2018)

 

The Olate Dogs Variety Show: Rescue Tour (May 5, 2018)

 

National Geographic Live! Series
(TBA, all lectures at Victoria Theatre)

 


Season tickets are on sale for the Premier Health Broadway Series. New Season Ticket Holders will be seated once current Season Ticket Holders’ renewals are fulfilled. Renewal packets for all current Premier Health Broadway Series Season ticket holders will mail Feb. 28. The deadline for current season ticket holders to request changes to Broadway Season ticket packages is March 13. The deadline to renew 2017-2018 Broadway Season Ticket packages is March 20.  Season Ticket sales for the Morris Furniture Company Family Series and National Geographic Live Series begin later in the spring, as well as new packages for the Projects Unlimited Star Attractions. Additional Star Attractions will be announced at a later date. For more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com or www.victoriaheatre.com

 

 

Saluting Dayton’s 2015-16 Theater Season

By

10443106_10152241549014755_6691478090546029427_oAmerica’s independence, murderesses at odds, family dysfunction upended by a gentleman caller, brave children thriving on creativity to survive the horrors of a concentration camp, and disheartened young adults navigating a post-9/11 world are some of the stories that bolstered Dayton’s 2015-16 theater season.

Looking back, let’s start with the bold, risk-taking Playground Theatre, a millennial-focused troupe changing the landscape of Dayton theater with an edgy off-Broadway vibe. Case in point: An exceptionally acted, up close and personal local premiere of Reasons to Be Pretty, Neil LaBute’s scathing account of image, regret, deception, and disillusionment directed with razor sharp tension and riveting intimacy by David Brush. Fine premieres thrived elsewhere at community theaters thanks to the Dayton Theatre Guild’s lovely Outside Mullingar and Last Gas as well as Young and Heart Players’ kooky, introspective Circle Mirror Transformation. As for musicals, Dayton Playhouse scored with challenging classics 1776 and Carousel while Beavercreek Community Theatre offered highly engaging accounts of The Addams Family and Spring Awakening

Collegiate theaters also hit the mark with a solid slate of musicals. Wright State University’s Chicago, The Music Man and Miss Mayor showcased the superior quality audiences have come to expect while Sinclair Community College notably produced an infectious, playful and soul-stirring Wiz. Drama standouts included University of Dayton’s captivatingly poignant staging of the Holocaust drama And A Child Shall Lead (co-produced by Zoot Theatre Company), Sinclair’s terrifically ensemble-driven One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and Clark State Community College’s commendable Angels in America: Millennium Approaches.

On professional stages, the fantastic return engagement of The Lion King gave the Victoria Theatre Association late-season momentum, but the production was actually one of an assortment of outstanding national tours this season including A Night with Janis Joplin, Once, Pippin, The Book of Mormon, and The Bridges of Madison County. Human Race Theatre Company specifically excelled with a wonderfully haunting and heartfelt Glass Menagerie. Feminine-centric Magnolia Theatre Company produced a splendid local premiere of the engrossing one-woman show K of D, but also greatly entertained with the delightful cabaret Broadway Beveled. Dare to Defy Productions pulled out the stops with American Idiot, but also impressed with the hilarious Great American Trailer Park Musical and snazzy, dance-heavy Wild Party.
Assessing the 65 shows I saw this season, I congratulate the following winners (in bold) and nominees.

glass menagerie

Jennifer Joplin, Claire Kennedy and Scott Hunt in the Human Race Theatre Company’s production of “The Glass Menagerie” (Photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

reasons to be pretty

(l to r) Brett Hill, Jenna Burnette, Christopher Hahn, and Kaleigh-Brooke Dillingham in “Reasons to Be Pretty” (Photo by Rachel Katz)

BEST TOURING PRODUCTION
The Book of Mormon, Victoria Theatre Association
The Bridges of Madison County, Victoria Theatre Association
Disney’s The Lion King, Victoria Theatre Association
Once, Victoria Theatre Association
Pippin,Victoria Theatre Association
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Victoria Theatre Association

BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
The Glass Menagerie,Human Race Theatre Company
The K of D, An Urban Legend, Magnolia Theatre Company
Master Class, Human Race Theatre Company
Steel Magnolias, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST LOCALLY-PRODUCED PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL
A Christmas Story: The Musical, La Comedia Dinner Theatre
American Idiot, Dare to Defy Productions
The Full Monty, Human Race Theatre Company
The Great American Trailer Park Musical,Dare to Defy Productions
The Wild Party,Dare to Defy Productions

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Circle Mirror Transformation, Young at Heart Players
Fools,Undercroft Players
Last Gas,Dayton Theatre Guild
Outside Mullingar, Dayton Theatre Guild
Reasons to Be Pretty, Playground Theatre

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
1776, Dayton Playhouse
The Addams Family,Beavercreek Community Theatre
Carousel, Dayton Playhouse
Spring Awakening, Beavercreek Community Theatre

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
A Streetcar Named Desire, Wright State University
And A Child Shall Lead, University of Dayton with Zoot Theatre Company
Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Clark State Community College
The Great Gatsby, Wright State University
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Sinclair Community College

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
Chicago, Wright State University
Miss Mayor, Wright State University
The Music Man, Wright State University
Once Upon a Mattress, University of Dayton
The Wiz, Sinclair Community College

k-of-d

Dayton native and Wright State University grad Annie Pesch Contributed photo

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
A Night with Janis Joplin, Victoria Theatre Association
American Mosaic, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton Opera, Dayton Ballet, Human Race Theatre Company, Muse Machine, DCDC, and Bach Society of Dayton
An Evening with Jason Robert Brown, Wright State University Musical Theatre Initiative
Mary Poppins, Muse Machine
Tarzan,Epiphany Lutheran Church

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Mike Beerbower as Anthony Reilly, Outside Mullingar
Saul Caplan as Roy Cohn, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
Tommy DiMassimo as Stanley Kowalski, A Streetcar Named Desire
Christopher Hahn as Greg, Reasons to Be Pretty
Scott Hunt as Tom Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie
David Shough as Joseph Alsop, The Columnist (Dayton Theatre Guild)

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Christine Brunner as Truvy, Steel Magnolias
Jenna Burnette as Steph, Reasons to Be Pretty
Teresa Connair as Rosemary Muldoon, Outside Mullingar
Jenna Gomes as Becky, Slowgirl (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Ellie Margolis as Blanche DuBois, A Streetcar Named Desire
Annie Pesch as The Girl, The K of D, An Urban Legend

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Christian Johnson as Bert, Mary Poppins
Nathan Robert Pecchia as Harold Hill, The Music Man
Layne Roate as Johnny, American Idiot
Andrew Samonsky as Robert Kincaid, The Bridges of Madison County
Jeff Sams as Billy Bigelow, Carousel
Cody Jamison Strand as Elder Cunningham, The Book of Mormon

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL

STEEL-prod-pic-4

Pictured: Carolyn Popp, Christine Brunner, Caitlin Larsen, Patricia Linhart and Maretta Zilic


Kaitlyn Davidson as Ella, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Mackenzie Lesser-Roy as Girl, Once
Gabrielle McClinton as Leading Player, Pippin
Bailey Rose as Roxie Hart, Chicago
Brianna Russ as Mary Poppins, Mary Poppins
Elizabeth Stanley as Francesca Johnson, The Bridges of Madison County

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Eric Arntz as Martin Lowy, And A Child Shall Lead
Sean Frost as Louis Ironson, Angels in America: Millennium Approaches
Cody Lewis as Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, A Streetcar Named Desire
Dave Nickel as Tony Reilly, Outside Mullingar
John Spitler as Dr. Zubritsky, Fools
Drew Vidal as Jim O’Connor, The Glass Menagerie

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Megan Cooper as Theresa, Circle Mirror Transformation

1776 3

The cast of Dayton Playhouse’s production of “1776” (Photo by Art Fabian)

Kaleigh-Brooke Dillingham as Carly, Reasons to Be Pretty
Claire Kennedy as Laura Wingfield, The Glass Menagerie
Caitlin Larsen as Ouiser, Steel Magnolias
Pam McGinnis as Freida, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (Dayton Playhouse)
Rachel Wilson as Cherry-Tracy Pulcifer, Last Gas

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Tim Rezash as John Dickinson, 1776
John Rubenstein as Charles, Pippin
Tyler Simms as Amos Hart, Chicago
J. Gary Thompson as Jigger Craigin, Carousel
Malcolm Walker as The Wiz, The Wiz
Richard Young as Benjamin Franklin, 1776

 

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Cecily Dowd as Winifred  Banks, Mary Poppins
Lisa Glover as Whatsername, American Idiot
Priscilla Lopez as Berthe, Pippin
Krissy McKim-Barker as Carrie Pipperidge, Carousel
Tia R. Seay as Betty, The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Megan Valle as Jacqueline “Jacq” Greer, Miss Mayor

trailer-park-copy

(left to right) Rob Willoughby, Angie Thacker, Tori Kocher, Tia R. Seay, Eric Julian Walker, and Hayley Penchoff appear in Dare to Defy Productions’ presentation of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical.” (Contributed photo; not pictured Lisa Glover)


BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE
Evan Benjamin as Jack, Into the Woods (Dare to Defy Productions)
David E. Brandt as The Lion, The Wiz
Brett Hill as Kent, Reasons to Be Pretty
Dakota Mullins as Tommy Djilas, The Music Man
Thomas Cole Schreier as St. Jimmy, American Idiot
Eric Thompson as Enoch Snow, Carousel

 

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Bryana Bentley as Rose, Fences (The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show/Sinclair Community College)
Caroline Chisholm as Velma Kelly, Chicago
Natalie Girard as Evelyn “Evie” Ensler (a.k.a. Helen Hensler), Miss Mayor
Adrienne (Adee) McFarland as Julie Jordan, Carousel
Vanae Pate as Dorothy, The Wiz
Madeline Sensenstein as Myrtle Wilson, The Great Gatsby

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
Kimberly Borst, The K of D, An Urban Legend
David Brush, Reasons to Be Pretty
Greg Hellems, The Glass Menagerie
David Shough, Outside Mullingar
Jerome Yorke, And A Child Shall Lead

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICALwsu chicago
Marya Spring Cordes, The Music Man
Joe Deer, Chicago
Chris Harmon, The Wiz
Megan Wean Sears, Tarzan
Angie Thacker, American Idiot

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Lula Elzy, Mary Poppins
Lisa Glover, The Wild Party
Kimberly Isaacs, American Idiot
Teressa Wylie McWilliams, Chicago
Rodney Veal, The Wiz
Dionysia Williams, The Music Man

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
Bruce Brown, Last Gas
Matthew J. Evans, And A Child Shall Lead
Chris Newman, The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife (Dayton Playhouse)
Chris Newman and David Shough, Outside Mullingar
Terry Stump, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Dick Block, The Full Monty
Adam Koch, Chicago
Pam Knauert Lavarnway, The Music Man
Terry Stump, The Wiz
Ray Zupp, Tarzan

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
Donna Beran, And A Child Shall Lead
Carol Finley, The Columnist (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Mary Beth McLaughlin, The Great Gatsby
Janet G. Powell, Steel Magnolias
Emily Sollinger, A Streetcar Named Desire

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Kathleen Carroll, 1776
Kathleen Hotmer, The Wiz
Maria Klueber and Lori Watamaniuk, Tarzan
Christie Peitzmeier, The Music Man
Michelle Sampson, Chicago

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UD’s production of AND A CHILD SHALL LEAD. Photo by: Tony Beran

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Jadon Bischoff, Slowgirl (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Daniel Brunk, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Jessica Ann Drayton, A Streetcar Named Desire
Matthew J. Evans, And A Child Shall Lead
Jessy Henning, The K of D, An Urban Legend

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Matthew Benjamin, American Idiot
Jacob Brown, The Music Man
Sammy Jelinek, Into the Woods (Dare to Defy Productions)
Gina Neuerer, The Wiz
John Rensel, Mary Poppins

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
Megan Banfield, And A Child Shall Lead
Jay Brunner, The Glass Menagerie
Emily Hutton, The K of D, An Urban Legend
Alex Koker, A Streetcar Named Desire
K.L. Storer, Last Gas

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Daniel Brunk, The Wiz
James Dunlap, Chicago
Emily Hutton, The Music Man
Chris Pentecost, Tarzan
Ben Selke, A Night with Janis Joplin

BEST ORCHESTRA
A Night with Janis Joplin (Music Director: Mark Berman)
The Bridges of Madison County (Music Director: Keith Levenson)
Chicago (Music Director: Scott Woolley)
Mary Poppins (Music Director: Claude Lucien Thomas)
The Wiz (Music Director: David McKibben; Conductor: Dr. Kenneth Kohlenberg)

BEST PROPERTIES
Jason Hamen and Adrienne Ausdenmoore, Tarzan
Jennifer Kramer, The Wiz
Heather Powell, Steel Magnolias
Shannon Sellars, Mary Poppins
Mo Stinehart, And A Child Shall Lead

ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  • David Alfano’s video and projection design for And A Child Shall Lead
  • Lynn Baudendistel, Robin Brown, Toni Donato Shade, and Alisa Vukasinovich’s costume coordination for Mary Poppins
  • Brad Bishop as Gomez Addams and Becky Barrett-Jones as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family
  • Jay Brunner’s incidental music for The Glass Menagerie
  • David Brush and Chris Harmon’s respective reconfigurations of the Mathile Theatre and Beavercreek Community Theatre for Reasons to Be Pretty and Spring Awakening
  • Steven Burton and Tim Grewe’s wig design for 1776
  • The Tony-winning creative team for The Lion King: Director/designer Julie Taymor, scenic designer Richard Hudson, lighting designer Donald Holder, and choreographer Garth Fagan
  • The creative team for Miss Mayor: Christian Duhamel (music and lyrics), Ellie Margolis (book) and Greg Hellems (concept/additional book)
  • Micah Koverman as Colin in The Secret Garden (Playhouse South)
  • Bob Crowley’s Tony-winning scenic design, Natasha Katz’s Tony-winning lighting design, John Tiffany’s Tony-winning direction, and Steven Hoggett’s movement for Once
  • Tristan Cupp’s puppet design for And A Child Shall Lead
  • Cicily Daniels, Tawny Dolley, Q. Smith, and Jennifer Leigh Warren as the Joplinaries in A Night with Janis Joplin
  • Mary Bridget Davies’ Tony-nominated portrayal of Janis Joplin in A Night with Janis Joplin
  • Elis Davis, Jordan Adams, Connor Lysholm, and Kyle Krichbaum as The Quartet in The Music Man
  • Jonathan Deans and Garth Helm’s Tony-nominated sound design, Paul Kieve’s illusions, Dominique Lemieux’s Tony-nominated costumes, Scott Pask’s Tony-nominated scenic design, Diane Paulus’ Tony-winning direction, Kenneth Posner’s Tony-nominated lighting design, Gypsy Snider’s circus creation, and Chet Walker’s Tony-nominated choreography for Pippin
  • Jasmine Easler as Oprah Winfrey in Miss Mayor
  • Carol Finley’s costumes for Five Women Wearing the Same Dress (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
  • TJ “Tyler” Fortson, Katelyn Gross, Ashlee Ferrell, and Maximillian Santucci in Quid Pro Quo (Sinclair Community College)
  • Mierka Girten as Maria Callas, musical director Sean Michael Flowers’ accompaniment and Cassi Mikat as Sharon Graham in Master Class
  • Jose Gutierrez del Arroyo as Franklin Shepard in Merrily We Roll Along (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
  • Chris Harmon’s scenic design for California Suite, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Spring Awakening (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
  • William Ivey Long’s Tony-winning costumes and Josh Rhodes’ choreography for Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella
  • Jeffrey Mack as Tarzan in Tarzan
  • Gary Minyard’s fight choreography for She Kills Monsters (Sinclair)
  • Wendi Michael’s scenic design for Slowgirl (Dayton Theatre Guild)
  • Jared Mola as Nat Paradis and Rick Flynn as Guy Gagnon in Last Gas
  • The Murderesses of “Cell Block Tango” in Chicago (Caroline Chisholm, Alex Caldwell, Haylee Dobkins, Alyson Snyder, Megan Valle, and Meredith Zahn)
  • Chris Newman’s scenic design for The Diary of Anne Frank (Dayton Playhouse)
  • Casey Nicholaw’s Tony-winning choreography of The Book of Mormon
  • Annie Pesch and Fran Pesch’s rendition of “No More” in Broadway Beveled: A Feminine Cabaret
  • Micah Stock as Tom Wingfield (The Glass Menagerie) in American Mosaic
  • Matthew Tabor’s Hungarian dialect coaching for Chicago
  • Deborah Thomas’ dialect coaching for The Great Gatsby
  • André Tomlinson, Bryana Bentley, Greyson Calvert, and Rebecca Henry as The Yellow Brick Road in The Wiz
  • ZFX, Inc.’s flying effects for Tarzan

‘The Bridges of Madison County’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – Sublime Desire

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bridges

Andrew Samonsky (Robert Kincaid) and Elizabeth Stanley (Francesca Johnson) appear in the regional premiere of “The Bridges of Madison County” through March 20 at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series. (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

A handsome stranger forever changes the life of an Italian-born Iowa housewife in “The Bridges of Madison County,” a gloriously romantic heartbreaker of a musical written in 2014 by composer/lyricist Jason Robert Brown (“Parade”) and librettist Marsha Norman (“The Secret Garden”) based on the 1992 best-seller by Robert James Waller. As evidenced in its sublime regional premiere at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series, “Bridges,” set in Winterset, Iowa in 1965 and the following years, remains an impactful, fascinating and complex study of desire.

 
While her husband and children participate in 4-H festivities in Indianapolis, Francesca Johnson anticipates four days of personal downtime from the frenzy of cooking and cleaning. But her seemingly mundane world is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of Robert Kincaid, a National Geographic photographer on assignment to capture the historic bridges in the area. Robert’s decision to ask Francesca for directions, and Francesca’s willingness to oblige, sets in a motion a palpable whirlwind of conflict. Even Francesca’s well-intentioned neighbors become curious about what’s going on in and around her home. Ultimately Francesca and Robert’s unbridled attraction, bolstered by the possibility of a life together, is crushed by the sheer reality of Francesca’s devotion to her family.
Brown, seen last month in concert at the Victoria Theatre, duly won Tonys for his incredibly passionate, quasi-operatic, choral-soaring score and sweeping orchestrations. In fact, his compelling score, an impressive departure from anything he has written in his usual pop/rock vein, offers some of the finest romantic tunes heard in an original musical since Adam Guettel’s 2005 masterpiece “The Light in the Piazza.” Ravishing songs such as “Falling Into You, “Before and After You,” “One Second and A Million Miles,” and “It All Fades Away” are among the magnetic, introspective numbers revealing the full depth of emotion simmering within Francesca and Robert’s infatuation. In flavorful contrast, Brown winningly provides country/folk and blues numbers for additional characters such as Francesca’s blunt husband Bud and nosy neighbor Marge. Norman, expanding Waller’s template, sufficiently brings more clarity and focus to Bud, Francesca’s children Michael and Carolyn, and the Winterset community as a whole in addition to Francesca’s life in Naples during World War II (stunningly brought to life in the poignant musical flashback “Almost Real”). She oddly rushes the action in Act 2 as characters age and decades fly (the same can be said of her Tony-nominated libretto for “The Color Purple”), but it is not a detriment.
An absolutely revelatory Elizabeth Stanley, a spirited comedienne in many musical comedies from “Cry-Baby” to “On the Town,” delivers one of the most dramatic and vulnerable performance of her career. From the captivating opener “To Build a Home” to the spine-tingling finale “Always Better,” Stanley, possessing a firm Italian dialect and rivaling Kelli O’Hara who originated the role, creates a masterfully nuanced portrait of a woman longing for new love, new awakenings, and a renewed sense of self. An astutely understated and rugged Andrew Samonsky, appealing to the eyes and ears, delicately navigates Robert’s yearnings as not to appear too forward or needy in his pursuit of Francesca. Samonsky’s heartfelt rendition of “It All Fades Away” notably cuts deep with aching epiphany considering the palpable chemistry established with Stanley. Terrific featured roles are offered by Cullen R. Titmas (a no-nonsense yet caring Bud), Mary Callanan (a delightfully earthy Marge especially in the bluesy “Get Closer”), David Hess (Marge’s devoted if underwritten husband Charlie), John Campione (a commanding Michael), Caitlin Houlahan (an endearing Carolyn), and Katie Klaus (excellently versatile as Marian/Chiara/State Fair Singer).
Director Tyne Rafaeli’s skillfully recreates original director Bartlett Sher’s strikingly seamless, community-driven staging complete with omnipresent townspeople silently observing scenes on each side of the stage. Danny Medford’s fluid movement, Michael Yeargan’s simple, suggestive sets, Catherine Zuber’s fine period attire, Donald Holder’s exquisitely evocative lighting design, and musical director Keith Levenson’s marvelous orchestra, amply spotlighting thrilling strings and soulful guitar, heighten the allure of this top-notch, Broadway-caliber tour.
It’s safe to say “Bridges” is primarily familiar due to the lovely strengths of its 1995 Academy Award-nominated film starring Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood. Still, the intoxicating beauty of Brown’s career-defining score is enough to catapult the material into a refreshingly different dimension that will leave you breathless.

 

 “The Bridges of Madison County” continues through March 20 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25-$92. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

‘Bullets Over Broadway’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – Don’t Speak!

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Woody Allen’s 2014 Tony Award-nominated adaptation of his 1994 Academy Award-winning film “Bullets Over Broadway” has great charm but lacks melodic heft and consistent laughs as evidenced in its regional premiere at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series.

 
In this mildly amusing ode to theater and the Roaring Twenties, originally co-written by Douglas McGrath, struggling playwright David Shayne is thrown for a loop when his Broadway debut is upended and his artistry is called into question. Gangster Nick Valenti financially calls the shots behind the scenes having forced his utterly talentless girlfriend Olive Neal into the cast. However, the real damage is caused by David’s willingness to allow Olive’s intimidating bodyguard Cheech help him with his troubled script which sways the balance of power. David gets the glory but Cheech is the gifted glue holding everything together.

bullets over broadway

Michael Williams as struggling playwright David Shayne and Emma Stratton as legendary diva Helen Sinclair in the national tour of “Bullets Over Broadway” (Contributed photo)

Allen, an avid clarinetist, has always had an affinity for accenting his work with period music. This time he picks ditties from the ’20s and ‘30s that suit the show’s essence but fail to thoroughly engage and properly advance the plot and character development. Considering Allen’s strengths when assembling songs of yesteryear (the soundtrack to his Academy Award-winning 2011 film “Midnight in Paris” is particularly superb), it’s startling how misguided his decisions are here. Aside from “Let’s Misbehave,” “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do,” “There’ll Be Some Changes Made,” and a bizarre finale centered on “Yes! We Have No Bananas,” the tunes are not well known and rather forgettable, slowing the action to tedious degrees. A completely original score would have been a safer bet, especially when jukebox musicals such as this rely on the strength of nostalgia across the board in its storytelling. You can sell nostalgia with four familiar songs in the TV realm (think HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”) but not in the world of musical theater. At the same rate, Allen’s jokes are extremely hit-and-miss which doesn’t help matters. After all, cutesy period shtick can only take a show so far before it sends the audience into a watch-checking frenzy.

 
Nevertheless, director Jeff Whiting and choreographer Clare Cook, recreating Susan Stroman’s original contributions, mold spirited performances from the principal cast. As David, wonderful tenor Michael Williams, vocally surpassing Zach Braff who originated the role, enjoyably conveys the neuroticism, dismay and desperation within the character. Emma Stratton terrifically inhabits the vanity and egotism of legendary diva Helen Sinclair (the role which won Dianne Wiest her second Academy Award) while selling such numbers as “They Go Wild, Simply Wild, Over Me” and “I Ain’t Gonna Play No Second Fiddle.” As ditzy loudmouth Olive, energetic Jemma Jane fills the stage with feisty, naughty sex appeal (innuendos galore can be found in the racy “Hot Dog Song”) but her incessant screechiness should be dialed back. The handsomely menacing Jeff Brooks absolutely shines as tough-talking Cheech,particularly leading a show-stopping “Tain’t Nobody’s Bizness If I Do” that not only recalls the athleticism of “Guys and Dolls” but is one of the finest, sleekest and most refreshingly masculine tap numbers ever conceived. Vocal powerhouse Hannah Rose Deflumeri (offering a fabulous “I’ve Found a New Baby”) brings grace and warmth to her appealing portrayal of David’s girlfriend Ellen. Rachel Bahler (kooky Eden) and Rick Grossman (amiable Julian) are bubbly in underwritten capacities. Michael Corvino, another strong vocalist, fittingly threatens as Nick. Bradley Allan Zarr is a delightful hoot as chunky leading man Warner Purcell who craves Olive but wisely sticks to pastries after Cheech sets him straight.

 
Additionally, the very attractive, period-appropriate design stems from scenic designer Jason Ardizzone-West, costumer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Carolyn Wong (recreating Donald Holder’s original contributions), and wig/hair designer Bernie Ardia. Music director Robbie Cowan conducts a vibrant eight-piece orchestra.

 
This adequate adaptation lacks the cohesive razzmatazz of the film and the grandeur of the short-lived Broadway production but entertains nonetheless as a silly throwback to bygone Broadway.
“Bullets Over Broadway” continues through Nov. 8 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The production is performed in 2 hours and 35 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $39-$82. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

 

Victoria Theatre Association Looking for Teen Ushers

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Teen-Ushers-2015Being a Teen Usher or Ambassador (for teens ages 14-19) immerses you into the performing arts experience. Not only will you be giving back to your community through volunteering, but you will have access to top notch performances.

As a new or returning Teen Usher, you will volunteer at our Saturday evening (6-10:45 p.m.) or Sunday matinee (12-5 p.m.) Premier Health Broadway Series performances and have additional volunteer opportunities throughout the season. Teen Ushers work closely with our seasoned ushers to learn what is necessary to achieve outstanding customer service. You will direct guests to their seats, hand out programs, take tickets, work in the coat check, and direct guests at the Box Office.

To apply to be a Teen Usher you must:

  1. Be 14-19 years old; and
  2. Complete the Teen Usher & Ambassador application below.

As a Teen Ambassador, you are a vital component to the Family Series experience. Because of your previous experience as a Teen Usher with VTA, we will be counting on you to create a family-friendly environment for our guests. While all the skills you have learned previously will be employed, you will also have an opportunity to interact with guests through educational programming. In addition to Family Series shows (Saturdays 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), you will volunteer at Premier Health Broadway Series shows (either Saturday evening 6-10:45 p.m. or Sunday matinee 12-5 p.m.) and have additional volunteer opportunities throughout the season.

To apply to be a Teen Ambassador you must:

  1. Be 14-19 years old;
  2. Have been a Teen Usher at least one season with VTA;
  3. Have had perfect attendance (excused absence allowed);
  4. Have a recommendation from a non-family member; and
  5. Complete the Teen Usher & Ambassador application below.

All applications must be received by June 30, 2015. Only a limited number of Teen Ushers and Ambassadors are accepted each season, so apply early. Some limitations apply.

‘Nice Work If You Can Get It’ Review –Victoria Theatre Association – Giddy, Glorious Gershwin

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Hugely entertaining and marvelously accented by the timeless tunes of George and Ira Gershwin, “Nice Work If You Can Get It,” a 2012 Tony Award nominee for Best Musical presented at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series, pleases as a giddy throwback to bygone musical comedy.

Based on Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse’s book for the 1926 Gershwin musical “Oh, Kay!,” “Nice Work” is a silly, summertime, Prohibition-era romantic farce that finds goofy criminals, sexy dames, handsome henchmen, and the haughty upper crust colliding on Long Island. As is standard fare for such zany stories, mistaken identity runs rampant nearly to the point of excess. However, librettist Joe DiPietro, who won Tonys for Best Book and Score for “Memphis,” keeps the tale peppy and engaging with enough twists, particularly in Act 2, to genuinely delight even when corny jokes and double entendres provoke eye rolls along the way.

Photo by Jeremy Daniel (www.JeremyDanielPhoto.com)

Alex Enterline (Jimmy Winter) and the female ensemble of “Nice Work If You Can Get It.” (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

In a refreshing turn of events for a national tour, the leading players actually outshine their Broadway counterparts. As wealthy, spoiled playboy Jimmy Winter, created to one-dimensional effect by Matthew Broderick, Alex Enterline truly sparkles with charm, finesse and excellent, lyric-conscious vocals. He is perfectly matched by the outstanding Mariah MacFarlane as bootlegger Billie Bendix, who pines for Jimmy although he’s been married three times and is currently engaged. MacFarlane, a sublime soprano specifically navigating “Someone to Watch Over Me” with lovely tenderness and surprising humor, surpasses Tony nominee Kelli O’Hara in the role due to a more convincing grasp of Billie’s tough, tomboy sensibilities. Enterline and MacFarlane’s beautifully breezy treatment of “’S Wonderful,” which director/choreographer David Eggers winningly recreates from Kathleen Marshall’s original vision, is particularly joyful and smile-inducing as the carefree duo dances merrily throughout Jimmy’s living room.

In addition to splendid Tony-nominated costumes designed with period panache by the late, great Martin Pakledinaz and a top-notch orchestra conducted by Charlie Reuter, the featured performers are strong overall. Reed Campbell and Aaron Fried terrifically and respectively fuel the comedic chaos as Cookie McGee and Duke Mahoney, Billie’s cohorts. Rachael Scarr is a ditzy pleasure as modern dance interpreter Eileen Evergreen, Jimmy’s fiancé. Stephanie Gandolfo beguilingly seduces as the incredibly daft Jeannie Muldoon, who is convinced Duke is heir to the British throne. Thomas Schario admirably appears in the thankless role of Chief Barry. The terrific Barbara Weetman hits the mark as Millicent Winter, Jimmy’s sassy, sophisticated mother. Benjamin Perez duly commands attention as uptight Senator Max Evergreen. As Duchess Estonia Dulworth, Max’s no-nonsense, pro-prohibition sister, Stephanie Harter Gilmore is too young to fully sell Estonia’s seasoned, domineering gravitas, but steals the show during a kooky Act 2 dinner sequence that finds her hilariously “Looking for a Boy.”

“Nice Work” doesn’t possess the conceptual aptitude of “Crazy for You,” the finest Gershwin-inspired tribute to date, but certainly satisfies as a warm, inviting dose of feel-good fun to cure the chilly winter blues. 

“Nice Work if You Can Get It” continues through Feb. 15 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton. Performances are today and Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $25-$97. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

‘Smokey Joe’s Cafe’ Review – Victoria Theatre Association – Baby, That Is Rock and Roll

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The 20th anniversary national tour of the enjoyably entertaining musical revue “Smokey Joe’s Cafe,” housed at the Victoria Theatre courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Premier Health Broadway Series, thrives on warmhearted nostalgia and incredibly melodic songs by iconic tunesmiths Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.

 

smokey joes cafe

The cast of Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Contributed photo)

Nominated for seven Tony Awards in 1995 including Best Musical and the record holder as Broadway’s longest-running musical revue, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” places the music front and center as is typical of the somewhat polarizing revue format. There is no story, arc or framework here –just 39 breezy numbers reflecting the legacy lyricist Leiber (who passed away in 2011) and composer Stoller fashioned beginning in the 1950s. Working with a diverse range of artists including Elvis Presley, The Drifters, The Coasters, The Clovers, Ben E. King, and Peggy Lee during their stellar career, the duo molded the blueprint for earnestly straightforward, toe-tapping songs about love, longing, hope, unity, and good old-fashioned rock and roll.

Fluidly directed and energetically choreographed by Chet Walker, who co-conceived and co-choreographed the 1999 Tony-winning revue “Fosse” and received a Tony nomination for choreographing the 2013 Tony-winning revival of “Pippin,” “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” features a colorful and vocally strong 15-member ensemble. In a pleasant change of pace which serves as a significant draw for this tour, the aforementioned, legendary Coasters are occasionally spotlighted throughout the production although they do not represent the original troupe. Even so, it is refreshing to hear such classics as “Yakety Yak,” “Charlie Brown,” “Dance With Me,” and the title tune sung by the close knit, impressively harmonic quartet consisting of Dennis Anderson, Primo Candelara, Joe Lance Williams, and Eddie Whitfield.


Still, the core cast certainly shines individually and collectively. After all, due to the absence of a libretto, it is imperative that the story within each number resonates. Thankfully, every performer is considerably astute about selling the songs, particularly the joy or poignancy in Leiber’s lyrics. Nik Alexander, Malcolm Armwood, Robert H. Fowler, and Caliaf St. Aubyn deliver a fantastic rendition of “On Broadway,” but separately engage as well. Alexander, a prime source of comic relief, charms his way through “Shoppin’ for Clothes” and “Treat Me Nice” which ultimately makes up for his intense yet uncontrolled “I Who Have Nothing.” The wonderfully sincere Armwood aptly tugs the heart with “Love Me” and “There Goes My Baby.” The equally fine St. Aubyn does the same with “Loving You” and “Spanish Harlem.” Fowler finds the playfulness within “Little Egypt.” The admirable Vaden Thurgood effortlessly turns “Jailhouse Rock” into an infectious highlight.

Additionally, Keely Beirne, Yvette Monique Clark, Kathleen McCann, and Erin McGrath unite for an outstanding rendition of “I’m a Woman” that sizzles with sass, but have multiple opportunities to appealingly solo. In addition to nearly bringing down the house with the rousing, gospel-flavored Act 1 finale “Saved,” Clark fuels the emotional potency within the lovely, meaningful reprise of “Fools Fall in Love.” McCann, a powerhouse belter, offers knockout versions of “Don’t,” “I Keep Forgettin,’” and “Pearl’s A Singer.” The very striking McGrath seductively entices with “Trouble” and is also the lively focus of “Teach Me How to Shimmy.” The marvelously magnetic Beirne, adorned with a white feather boa, thrillingly captivates in “Don Juan” (which deservers an encore) only to return more dazzling and mesmerizing in superb lyric-driven form for the bluesy “Some Cats Know.” In the latter number, Beirne’s piercing focus and slinky strut recalls Laura Benanti’s brilliant take on Gypsy Rose Lee in the 2008 Tony-winning revival of “Gypsy.”

Elsewhere, Steve Paladie’s efficient set, Martin T. Lopez’s attractive costumes, and Brian Loesch’s effective lighting are commendable. However, musical director Todd Olson’s terrific band seems oddly cramped. On opening night, specifically at the top of Act 2 when the band was acknowledged with respective solos, it was difficult to see them as a whole. The configuration of the space for this tour is definitely questionable as if it would have been more suited for the Schuster Center.

Nonetheless, “Smokey Joe’s Cafe” supplies carefree, feel-good vibes that will make you appreciate the simpler delights of a bygone era in pop music.


“Smokey Joe’s Cafe” continues through Nov. 23 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 45 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Tickets are $25-$87. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com