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Young at Heart Players

’20th Century Blues’ Review – Young at Heart Players – Time to Reminisce

June 9, 2019 By Russell Florence, Jr.

In Susan Miller’s relatable 2016 dramedy 20th Century Blues, pleasantly presented in its regional premiere by Young at Heart Players at Actor’s Theatre of Fairborn, four close-knit baby boomers look back on 40 years of friendship with humor and poignancy while holding steadfast to the future with hope and resilience.

(left to right) Pam McGinnis (Sil), Gail Andrews Turner (Mac), Heather Martin (Danny), and Jackie Pfeifer (Gabby) lead the cast of Young at Heart Players’ regional premiere of Susan Miller’s 2016 dramedy “20th Century Blues” at Actor’s Theatre of Fairborn. (Contributed photo)

Gathering once a year for a ritual photo shoot, Danny (Heather Martin), Sil (Pam McGinnis), Mac (Gail Andrews Turner), and Gabby (Jackie Pfeifer) are eager to reunite, but Danny’s desire to turn their private tradition into a public exhibition for New York’s Museum of Modern Art stirs skepticism and debate. Motives are questioned, but ultimately a decision is made that pleases everyone while acknowledging the sheer fact that aging should be celebrated not hidden.

In the feminine vein of The Dixie Swim Club, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress and Steel Magnolias among others, Miller’s one-act work leans heavily on comical characterization and colorful chit-chat, which in this case grows inadvertently mundane due to the lack of forward action. Mere discussion, even when interrupted by a few plates of French Toast, isn’t plot. There’s also an awkward Motown moment evoking The Big Chill which feels forced. Still, there are an assortment of relevant, vital themes driving the play’s intentions such as ageism, identity, loss, financial stability, technological advances, and the emotional weight of being a caregiver.

Despite the script’s shortcomings, co-directors Annie and Fran Pesch assemble and smoothly guide a committed and compatible cast. Martin, although too young, is a credible ringleader proving why Danny has succeeded throughout the decades as the warm, feisty, funny, and free-spirited glue holding this foursome together even as her mother Bess (Gayle Smith, heartbreaking) battles dementia. McGinnis, a fine fit as outspoken Sil, scores many laughs, especially considering Sil’s fixation on having a facelift (“It’s not about being younger but refreshed!). Turner, benefitting from some of the strongest dialogue, finds engaging introspectiveness in the complex Mac, proud to stand in her truth as a gay black female. Pfeifer, performing in only her second play, particularly draws the audience in when Gabby quietly reflects on her delicate relationship with her transgendered granddaughter. Jamison Meyer tenderly completes the cast as Danny’s caring, thoughtful son Simon.
20th Century Blues falls short of being a truly compelling journey, but its depiction of sisterhood surviving the test of time is undeniably heartfelt.

20th Century Blues concludes today at 2 p.m. at Actor’s Theatre of Fairborn, 23 E. Main St. The play is performed in 100 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Cash or check only. There is open seating. Call (937) 654-0400 to make a reservation. For more information, visit youngatheartplayers.com. Patrons are advised the show contains strong language and adult situations.

 

 

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton Reviews Tagged With: 20th Century Blues, Actor’s Theatre of Fairborn, Young at Heart Players

‘Well’ Review – Young at Heart Players – This Is Your Life

June 7, 2018 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Coming to terms with the past in order to embrace a healthier future provides the relatable foundation of Lisa Kron’s fascinating and thought-provoking 2004 autobiographical play Well, terrifically presented by the senior-themed theater troupe Young at Heart Players at the Dayton Playhouse.

Young at Heart Players presents Lisa Kron’s “Well,” a story centered on family, chronic illness and social activism, through June 10 at the Dayton Playhouse. (Photo by Fran Pesch)

This kooky yet engaging play-within-a-play about parent-child relationships, illness and social activism concerns the playful tug-of-war down memory lane between Lisa Kron (Annie Pesch) and her chronically fatigued mother Ann Kron (Barbara Jorgensen). Lisa’s main goal is to decipher, in a universal context, what makes people sick and what makes them well? What lies within the transition from sickness to wellness? Do you lose a sense of self along the way for good or bad? With a therapeutic mindset and incorporating the innate theatricality of metatheatre, which particularly eliminates the fourth wall allowing actors to directly address and involve the audience, Lisa addresses significant moments of her life, particularly her childhood insecurities and her eye-opening stay at an allergy clinic. As these moments transpire, Ann’s progressive creation of the West Side Neighborhood Association in Lansing, Michigan receives major attention. The Association helped bring people from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds together in order to form a stronger community bound by social activities rather than political ties.

Pesch, seamlessly and fluidly co-directing with her mother and YAH founder Fran Pesch, creates a beautifully complex portrayal of the agitated, befuddled and ultimately grateful Lisa. Her skillful command of the script’s colorfully offbeat structure is effortless and impressive. She also importantly establishes a light yet appropriately uptight rapport with her cast and the audience to fully sell the material’s unconventionality, which at times feels like a one-woman show thanks to a distinct time warp-esque sound cue and Richard Lee Waldeck’s sharp lighting.

Pesch also receives outstanding support from YAH veteran Jorgensen, whose motherly warmth and down-to-earth realism absolutely shines especially as Ann keeps the audience firmly in her grasp. Jorgensen weaves in and out of the action with finesse, humorously commenting on Ann’s diuretics or her admiration for figure skating, but her finest and most poignant scene arrives late in the play. She wonderfully delivers Ann’s life-changing monologue centered on her belief that integration was the key to a better world not only for her but her neighbors. The monologue is so impactful and moving I wonder why Kron didn’t expand the play just a little bit more to allow greater investigation into Ann and her Lansing legacy.

In addition, strong ensemble work is offered by Bryana Bentley, Justin Lampkins, Kerry Simpson, and Steve Strawser who take on multiple roles with charm and vibrancy, particularly Bentley and Lampkins who receive the most flavorful material.

Like life itself, Well is funny yet cynical, enlightening yet complicated, intriguing yet messy. Just when you have it figured out it veers down a road you didn’t know existed. If you’re looking for a unique theatrical experience, don’t miss this show.

Well continues through June 10 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are 8 pm Friday and Saturday and 2 pm Sunday. The production is performed in 90 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Cash or check only. Reservations can be made by calling Fran Pesch at (937) 654-0400. For additional information, visit youngatheartplayers.com.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, On Stage Dayton Reviews, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Dayton Playhouse, Well, Young at Heart Players

Saluting Dayton’s 2015-16 Theater Season

June 29, 2016 By Russell Florence, Jr.

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

13161740_1056790787712035_2362440527001250481_o

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

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, On Stage Dayton, On Stage Dayton Reviews, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Beavercreek Community Theatre, Dare to Defy Productions, Dayton Theater, dayton theatre guild, Human Race Theatre Company, La Comedia, Magnolia Theatre Company, Playground Theatre, Victoria Theatre Association, Young at Heart Players, Zoot Theatre Company

‘Circle Mirror Transformation’ Review – Young at Heart Players – Games People Play

June 5, 2016 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Yelling gibberish and embodying a baseball glove are among the assignments within a quirky acting class in Annie Baker’s kooky if polarizing 2009 Off-Broadway comedy “Circle Mirror Transformation,” currently receiving an excellent local premiere at the Dayton Playhouse courtesy of Young at Heart Players, a senior-focused troupe founded by Fran Pesch celebrating its 15th anniversary.

circle mirror transformation

(left to right) Steve Strawser as Schultz, Megan Cooper as Theresa, Cheryl Mellen as Marty, David Gaylor as James, and Jordan Norgaard as Lauren in Young at Heart Players’ local premiere of Annie Baker’s 2009 comedy “Circle Mirror Transformation,” the tale of a quirky acting class in Vermont. (Photo by Art Fabian)

Over the course of six summer weeks inside a windowless dance studio in Shirley, Vermont, five people attempt to connect by way of humorous, eye-opening theater games built to expose, entice and entertain. Counting to 10 in an attempt to be “totally present” or acting like a stuffed snake in order to conjure the feeling of being in a childhood bedroom develop as fascinating, playful exercises intended to stretch abilities and vulnerabilities. Some audience members might be perturbed by the detached nature of Baker’s stop-and-start structure, including the constant use of blackouts, but her choices bolster the fantastic realism she establishes from the outset even if the majority of the scenes, which are accented with pauses and improvisation, could be fodder for a “Saturday Night Live” sketch. Even so, Baker, the recipient of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for her comedy “The Flick,” upholds the perspective of theater games as an expressive guide to understanding how strangers can become friends and gain new perspectives in their lives and the lives of others.

 
This fast-moving premiere, deftly directed with impressive, character-conscious timing by Annie Pesch and incorporating onstage seating, features a first-rate cast. As drama instructor Marty, Cheryl Mellen is an effortlessly encouraging and motivating presence staunchly proud of redefining the expectations of what an acting class can and should be. Finances and family drama get under Marty’s skin, but Mellen astutely showcases the light and dark sides within the character, particularly as her world comes crashing down late in the play. As Marty’s husband James, who only seems to be in the class to help his wife reach the required number of students, David Gaylor provides amiable support as an eager classmate willing to assist where needed. Megan Cooper is outstanding as the multilayered Theresa, an actress who left New York City to return to Vermont to be near her ailing parents. Conveying glamour, elegance, wit, a tinge of despair, and an emotionally scarred past with ample magnetism, Cooper strikingly illuminates Theresa’s desire for a better, meaningful future. As divorced carpenter Schultz, a timid soul who probably signed up for the class just to meet women, Steve Strawser offers a very endearing and honest portrait of a good-natured man simply yearning for more. Straswer is particularly strong when Schultz attempts to save Marty and James’ marriage and is given the cold shoulder by Theresa. As quiet, reserved high school junior Lauren, Jordan Norgaard strikingly evolves from introverted loner to confident contributor.

 
In addition to receiving the Obie Award for Best New American Play, “Circle Mirror Transformation” was named one of the Top 10 plays of 2009 by The New York Times and The New Yorker. Baker’s acclaimed material is more interesting than engaging, but a worthwhile look at unconventional unity nonetheless.

 

 “Circle Mirror Transformation” continues through June 12 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Remaining performances are June 11 at 8 p.m. and June 12 at 2 p.m. The play is performed in 90 minutes without intermission. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors/ students. Seating is general admission both onstage and off. Tickets may be purchased with cash or check only. For more information, call (937) 654-0400 or visit online at www.youngatheartplayers.com. Patrons are advised the show contains some strong language and sensitive topics not suitable for younger audiences.

 

 

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton Reviews, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Young at Heart Players

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre: 06/09 – 06/22

June 9, 2011 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

THURSDAY, JUNE 9 – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 22, 2011

Evil Dead: CATCO

Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO (Photo Credit Dave Alkire and CATCO-Phoenix)

The unexpected happens a lot in theatre. Everything rarely goes exactly as planned; that is the nature of live theatre, and we have to learn to deal quickly to make things work. And yesterday, the show I’m ASMing (Evil Dead: the Musical at CATCO; it’s a professional show and well worth the drive out to Columbus, so come see it!) was no exception. Halfway through the show, the hinge on the trap door broke when one character stomped to close it; so my crew and I scrambled around backstage alerting actors and shuffling duties so that a crew person could be underneath the door as needed. We averted any potential injuries or changes to the blocking, finished the show well and fully, and fixed the door immediately after.

At first, the thought of problems is irritating. Why can’t things just work all the time? Why can’t we be in control of everything during a show? As Assistant Stage Manager, if something backstage goes wrong, it’s my fault. I really like when the show and the effects run smoothly.

However, thinking about it, I realize a certain exhilaration, too. Having something go wrong, but being able to work together to get past it and make the show work, is a mark of good collaboration and communication within a show. If our cast and crew weren’t working well together, we couldn’t fix problems like the cellar door on the spot. Those elements are part of the very essence of theatre, whether garage, community, or Equity, and seeing them lived out successfully reminds me why I love theatre, and why Dayton theatre is so great. These next couple of weeks, we have venue and artistic collaborations on shows, as well as the individual process of each performance. Support those this weekend, and go see one of these great productions.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Mystery of Edwin DroodEdwin Drood: BCT

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Story: John Jasper, a Jekyll-and-Hyde choirmaster, desperately loves his music student, Miss Rosa Bud, who is engaged to Jasper’s nephew, Edwin Drood. However, when Edwin Drood disappears mysteriously one stormy Christmas Eve, suspicions abound. In this adaptation of Dickens’ last and unfinished manuscript and a show-within-a-show, audiences choose the ending!
Dates: June 10 – 19, 2011
Tickets & More Information: BC Theatre: Edwin Drood

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

right next to me

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

The Story: A war widow, attempting to cope with her Marine husband’s death in Iraq, goes with her brother-in-law on a quest to scatter her husband’s ashes where he required, remembering and seeing flashbacks along the way in an emotionally moving and uplifting journey. This show premiered in an earlier and very different version as part of the Human Race Musical Theatre Workshops in 2009.
The Dates: May 21 – June 12, 2011
Tickets & More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

Southern Comforts

YOUNG AT HEART PLAYERS and DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Some people thrive and grow enervated with change; others, run from any potential unsettlement. In a Victorian era New Jersey, a taciturn Yankee widower and a vivacious Tennessee grandmother find a second chance at love, but the relationship is filled with surprise and unpredictable tribulation. A collaboration between two theatres, “this off-Broadway success is an affecting, late-in-life journey of compromise and rejuvenation, of personal risk and the rewards of change” (DTG).
Dates: June 10 – 12, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Theatre Guild, DMM Event

Altar Boyz

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Altar Boyz

The Story: In this foot-stomping, rafter-raising, musical comedy, a fictitious Christian boy band performs on the last night of their national “Raise the Praise” tour. The Boyz are five all-singing, all-dancing heartthrobs from Ohio: Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan and Abraham. Performed in Sinclair CC’s Blair Hall Theatre, this show is perfect for those who love (and to love to make fun of) boy bands!
Dates: June 16 – 18, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Into the Woods: PHS

Into the Woods

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

Auditions: June 13 & 14
Performances: August 12 – 21, 2011
The Story: After a Witch curses a Baker and his wife with childlessness, the couple embarks on a quest for special objects from classic fairy tales to break the spell, stealing from and lying to Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel, and Jack (of beanstalk fame). But the characters didn’t count on the consequences of their actions or the disasters that would ensue…
More Information: Playhouse South: Into the Woods

Harvey

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE

Auditions: June 13 & 14, 2011
Performances: August 26 – September 4, 2011
The Story: Elwood P. Dowd begins introducing his imaginary friend, Harvey (a six and a half foot rabbit) at a society party; his sister, Veta, can’t tolerate the embarrassment and has him committed to a sanitarium. However, problems arrive when Veta explains that years of living with Elwood have made her see Harvey, too! The doctors commit Veta instead of Elwood, but when the truth comes out, the search is on for Elwood and his invisible companion.
More Information: BC Theatre: Auditions

~KN

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton Previews Tagged With: Auditions, Beavercreek Community Theatre, Columbus, dayton theatre guild, Encore Theater Co., Human Race Theatre Company, Performances, Playhouse South, theatre, Things to Do, Young at Heart Players

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Then and Now Dayton History with Andrew Walsh, Part 3

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Free Concert: ThunderBeard–Tribute to ZZ Top

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Matilda: The Musical

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Brookville Community Picnic

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Youth Business Fair

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Matilda: The Musical

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LIVE TRIVIA with Trivia Shark

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Preble County Fair

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Yellow Springs Farmers Market

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Brookville Community Picnic

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Grand Opening – Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

8:00 am
Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

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Underground Railroad Walking Tour

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Springboro Area Historical Society

Afternoon Tea

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Rose Wine Tasting

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Freakin Rican

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Summer Restaurant Week

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Greene County Fair 2025

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Grand Opening – Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

8:00 am
Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

Downtown Troy Farmers’ Market

9:00 am
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Annie Oakley Days Festival

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Darke County Fairgrounds

Behind the Scenes Brunch Benefitting Halcyon Daze

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Galactic Flats

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Claybourne GRILLE

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Matilda: The Musical

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Genesis ReTouched: A Tribute to the Phil Collins Era of Genesis

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Stop 741

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July 26

Preble County Fair

Preble County Fair

July 26

Preble County Fair

Memories that will last a lifetime... Camping, County Idol, Demolition Derby, Tractor Pull, ATV Drag, Rodeo, Tug a Truck, Lawn...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

July 21 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Antique Show, Livestock Show, Home Brew Contest, Truck Tug-O-War, Truck Pull, Demolition Derby, O.S.T.P.A. Tractor Pull,...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

July 21 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

Join us for the 165th Annual Shelby County Fair, located right here in Sidney, Ohio July 20 - 26, 2025.  We...

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Color Our World – The Art of Stories

July 21 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Color Our World – The Art of Stories

Each session of this freeform art class will focus on a different children's book illustrators' works and provide children an...

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$3 Burger Night

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$3 Burger Night

From 5-10pm you can choose from the following: for $3 - it's a plain burger on a bun, $4 -...

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Then and Now Dayton History with Andrew Walsh, Part 3

July 21 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

Then and Now Dayton History with Andrew Walsh, Part 3

Join librarian and local history author Andrew Walsh for an engaging presentation covering Dayton's history and revitalization with plenty of...

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Justin’s LOTD Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament

July 21 @ 7:30 pm - 11:30 pm Recurring

Justin’s LOTD Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT at Miami Valley Sports Bar - Justin's Famous Luck of the Draw Scotch Doubles Pool Tournament!!! Each...

$10.00
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Monday Night Laughs!

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Monday Night Laughs!

  Join us every Monday at Oregon Express for Comedy Open Mic hosted by the hilarious G-Money! Sign-ups at 8:00PM...

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Clark County Fair

July 22 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Antique Show, Livestock Show, Home Brew Contest, Truck Tug-O-War, Truck Pull, Demolition Derby, O.S.T.P.A. Tractor Pull,...

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Shelby County Fair

July 22 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

Join us for the 165th Annual Shelby County Fair, located right here in Sidney, Ohio July 20 - 26, 2025.  We...

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Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

July 22 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Schmidt’s Sausage Truck

2:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Bargain Tuesday: $6.50 Movie Day

July 22 @ 2:30 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Bargain Tuesday: $6.50 Movie Day

Tuesday at the Neon in Downtown Dayton movies are just $6.50

$6.50
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Half Price Wine every Tuesday at Whisperz Speakeasy

July 22 @ 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

Half Price Wine every Tuesday at Whisperz Speakeasy

We're pouring amazing boutique wines from independent winemakers around the world at Whisperz Speakeasy, join us for a glass at...

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7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Free Concert: ThunderBeard–Tribute to ZZ Top

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Free Concert: ThunderBeard–Tribute to ZZ Top

ThunderBeard is the most authentic ZZ Top Tribute Band, recreating the live experience of “That Little Ol' Band from Texas."...

Free
7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Trivia with Rob

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm Recurring

Trivia with Rob

Come test your brain, enjoy great food and drinks, and have some fun!

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Progressive Euchre Tournament

July 22 @ 7:00 pm - 9:45 pm Recurring

Progressive Euchre Tournament

Are you ready for a fun, social evening with fellow Euchre enthusiasts? Look no further! Our progressive Euchre tournament is...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

July 23 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Antique Show, Livestock Show, Home Brew Contest, Truck Tug-O-War, Truck Pull, Demolition Derby, O.S.T.P.A. Tractor Pull,...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

July 23 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

Join us for the 165th Annual Shelby County Fair, located right here in Sidney, Ohio July 20 - 26, 2025.  We...

10:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Fairborn Farmers Market

July 23 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Fairborn Farmers Market

The Fairborn Farmers Market was established with the intent to provide the Fairborn community access to fresh and wholesome products...

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11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Beckers SMASH-tastic Burgers

July 23 @ 11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Beckers SMASH-tastic Burgers

Single Single smash patty on a brioche bun $9.00 Single with Bacon Single smash patty and bacon on a brioche...

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Beginner’s Pilates

July 23 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Recurring

Beginner’s Pilates

In this Pilates class you will learn basic Pilates principles, how to change your posture to improve pain syndromes, strengthen...

Free
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Trotwood Community Market (presented by American Legion Post 613)

July 23 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Trotwood Community Market (presented by American Legion Post 613)

A celebration of locally sourced foods and products from small businesses in Trotwood and the surrounding communities! Stop by and...

3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Miamisburg Farmers Market

July 23 @ 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Miamisburg Farmers Market

Miamisburg Farmers MarketAt Miamisburg Christian Church parking lot.1146 E. Central Ave in Miamisburg.Fresh Produce, sweet treats, food trucks and more..

4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Lilia’s Outside Cafe

July 23 @ 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Lilia’s Outside Cafe

Dayton area food truck serving Pork, Chicken, Steakburgers, Gourmet salads, Tacos, our 4 different Loaded fry meals, and our famous...

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Clark County Fair

July 24 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Antique Show, Livestock Show, Home Brew Contest, Truck Tug-O-War, Truck Pull, Demolition Derby, O.S.T.P.A. Tractor Pull,...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

July 24 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

Join us for the 165th Annual Shelby County Fair, located right here in Sidney, Ohio July 20 - 26, 2025.  We...

11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Claybourne GRILLE

July 24 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Claybourne GRILLE

4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Lebanon Farmers Market

July 24 @ 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Recurring

Lebanon Farmers Market

The Lebanon Farmers Market is open 4 pm to 7 pm every Thursday mid-May through mid-October.  We are located in...

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Naughty Lobstah

July 24 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

The Naughty Lobstah

We are so excited to finally be rollin' back into one of our favorite spots, the first place to allow...

4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

$10 Tini Time every Thursday

July 24 @ 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm

$10 Tini Time every Thursday

Every Thursday night at Whisperz Speakeasy we'll be handcrafting an array of different fabulous martinis for just $10 each. Come...

Free
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Yummy Gyro

July 24 @ 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Yummy Gyro

6:00 pm Recurring

Matilda: The Musical

July 24 @ 6:00 pm Recurring

Matilda: The Musical

Winner of 47 International Awards! Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and special powers. She's unloved by...

$39 – $79
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8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

July 25 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Clark County Fair

Live Entertainment, Carnival Rides, Antique Show, Livestock Show, Home Brew Contest, Truck Tug-O-War, Truck Pull, Demolition Derby, O.S.T.P.A. Tractor Pull,...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

July 25 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

Join us for the 165th Annual Shelby County Fair, located right here in Sidney, Ohio July 20 - 26, 2025.  We...

9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Annie Oakley Days Festival

July 25 @ 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Annie Oakley Days Festival

A family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment including western arts, cowboy mounted shooting, musical performances and more.

Free
11:30 am - 1:30 pm

ShowDogs HotDogs

July 25 @ 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

ShowDogs HotDogs

American  Choice of Relish, Onion, Mustard and Ketchup $4.00 The German  Kraut, Onions, Mustard $5.00 Memphis Bacon, BBQ Sauce, Cheese,...

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Homearama 2025

July 25 @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Homearama 2025

The Homearama Touring Edition is back- inviting you to a self-guided summer adventure through some of the Miami Valley's most...

Free
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Brookville Community Picnic

July 25 @ 12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Recurring

Brookville Community Picnic

Join us for the 74th Family Friendly Brookville Community Picnic! Rides, Games, Bounce Houses, Music, Food, Fun! Saturday we will...

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Youth Business Fair

July 25 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Youth Business Fair

This is an opportunity to highlight your talent and also sell your products. We look forward to hearing from you....

4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Godown’s Fixins

July 25 @ 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Godown’s Fixins

We serve waffle bun sandwiches, dessert waffles and our specialty is deep fried mashed potatoes!

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8:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

July 26 @ 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Yellow Springs Farmers Market

For over 20 years this market has been made up of a hardworking group of men, women and children, dedicated...

8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

July 26 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Shelby County Fair

Join us for the 165th Annual Shelby County Fair, located right here in Sidney, Ohio July 20 - 26, 2025.  We...

8:00 am - 10:00 pm Recurring

Brookville Community Picnic

July 26 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 pm Recurring

Brookville Community Picnic

Join us for the 74th Family Friendly Brookville Community Picnic! Rides, Games, Bounce Houses, Music, Food, Fun! Saturday we will...

8:00 am - 11:00 pm

Grand Opening – Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

July 26 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 pm

Grand Opening – Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

Get ready, Centerville! Pickleball Kingdom is officially opening, and you’re invited to celebrate with us!  FREE Open Play all day...

8:30 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

July 26 @ 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Franklin Farmers Market

Join us every Saturday through Sept 13, 8.30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for local products including fresh produce, honey/jams, and...

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Oakwood Farmers Market

July 26 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Oakwood Farmers Market

The 2025 Oakwood Farmers’ Market will be held Saturdays, June 7th thru October 11th, from 9 am until 12pm. The...

9:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Greene County Farmers Market

July 26 @ 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Recurring

Greene County Farmers Market

The outdoor Farmers Market on Indian Ripple Rd. in Beavercreek runs Saturdays, 9-1 even during the winter months. Check out...

9:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Shiloh Farmers Market

July 26 @ 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Recurring

Shiloh Farmers Market

The farmers’ market is located on the corner of Main St. & Philadelphia Dr, in the parking lot of Shiloh...

+ 19 More
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Summer Restaurant Week

July 27 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Summer Restaurant Week

Try unique menus at many of Dayton’s classiest places for reduced prices, all while raising money for charity. July 20-27,...

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Greene County Fair 2025

July 27 @ 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Greene County Fair 2025

Prepare for a safe and fun-filled week at the Greene County Fairgrounds! Rides, Kiddie/Calf Scramble, Tug-a-Truck, Harness Racing, Demo Derby,...

8:00 am - 11:00 pm Recurring

Grand Opening – Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

July 27 @ 8:00 am - 11:00 pm Recurring

Grand Opening – Pickleball Kingdom Centerville

Get ready, Centerville! Pickleball Kingdom is officially opening, and you’re invited to celebrate with us!  FREE Open Play all day...

9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Troy Farmers’ Market

July 27 @ 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Recurring

Downtown Troy Farmers’ Market

Downtown Troy Farmers' Market will run Saturday mornings 9:00 am to 12:00 pm from June 22nd, 2013 through September 21st,...

9:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Annie Oakley Days Festival

July 27 @ 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Recurring

Annie Oakley Days Festival

A family-friendly festival featuring live entertainment including western arts, cowboy mounted shooting, musical performances and more.

Free
10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Behind the Scenes Brunch Benefitting Halcyon Daze

July 27 @ 10:00 am - 1:30 pm

Behind the Scenes Brunch Benefitting Halcyon Daze

It’s time to go Behind the Scenes!  Be among the first to have a special first look at the latest...

12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Recurring

Homearama 2025

July 27 @ 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm Recurring

Homearama 2025

The Homearama Touring Edition is back- inviting you to a self-guided summer adventure through some of the Miami Valley's most...

Free
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Galactic Flats

July 27 @ 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Galactic Flats

+ 8 More
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