It seems like it’s the beginning of that time of year when hours pass too slowly and days even more so. There’s been snow on the ground for the majority of several months, but its melting seems too far in the future to even consider. The excitement of the holidays has been over for a month, and there aren’t any special events or vacations to which to look forward for quite a while. However, the plays that are up in Dayton over the next two weeks are perfect distractions from those winter doldrums, and whether you’re in the mood for a fun musical spectacle (Hello, Dolly!) or a tale of intense inner torment (Jekyll & Hyde), there’s a show for you. So… what do you plan on seeing?

The Story: After being shipwrecked, Viola pretends to be her drowned brother. When she falls in love with her employer, for whom she’s delivering love notes to the Lady Olivia, the result is a classic love triangle in this hilarious Shakespearean comedy of mistaken (and disguised) identities. HRTC sets this production in 1927 America, complete with speakeasies, tights, and all the music of the Roaring Twenties!
Dates: January 27 – February 13.
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage
More Information: Human Race Theatre Company: Twelfth Night

The Story: Six eclectic students in the throes of puberty compete (along with some volunteer audience members) in pursuit of spelling bee fame; the adults and hosts aren’t so far from childhood themselves! In this fun and interactive musical, the students learn where they can stand out and fit in all at the same time.
Dates: January 28 through February 13; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm.
Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse, call the box office at (937) 424-8477, or win some free through my DMM feature, s-y-n-e-r-g-y and spelling .

The Story: Eight sisters in a small Rhode Island town meet twice a month for bridge and gossip; in this play set in the context of the World Wars, we see them grow closer and apart, and how their selves, relationships, and world change between 1934 and 1944.
Dates: January 27 – February 6, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre

The Story: Dolly Levi, adored by all (especially the waiters at the Harmonia Gardens Restaurant) is a self-termed meddler, but this time, she’s scheming to arrange her own marriage, to the well-known and rich Horace Vandergelder. In this optimistic and fun musical, Dolly charms (and meddles) her way into his heart, setting up a few other matches along the way.
Dates: February 3 – 5, 10 – 12; curtains at 8:00 pm, with additional Saturday performances at 2:00 pm. Call for info on additional student and senior citizen matinees.
Tickets: Cedarville University: Tickets
More Information: Cedarville University: Theatre Season and watch for a behind-the-scenes preview article here next week!

The Story: In this dramatic comedy, television actor Andrew Rally is struggling in his professional and private lives, attempting to play the role of Hamlet (which he hates) and deal with his girlfriend’s unrelenting chasteness. The dilemma deepens when the ghost of John Barrymore appears to try to convince Andrew to persevere in the role… while an old deal-making friend suddenly offers Andrew the chance at a new television deal.
Dates: January 21 – 23, 28 – 29, 2011
Tickets: 888-262-3792
More Information: Playhouse South

Jekyll & Hyde

The Story: Dr. Henry Jekyll studies what he perceives to be a dichotomous nature in humans, comprising good and evil; when he attempts to separate them, “he unwittingly unleashes his dark, inner self: the murderous Edward Hyde” (WSU). In this intense and thrilling musical, he battles that self and the destructiveness Hyde unleashes.
Dates: continues through Sunday, January 30.
Tickets: (937) 775-2500 (good luck getting them, but it’s worth trying)
More Information: (937) 775-3072 or DMM Review

Beyond Therapy, by Christopher Durang

Auditions: February 1 & 2, 7:00 pm
Performances: March 11 – 20, 2011
The Story: Manhattanites Prudence and Bruce, both seeking stable romantic relationships with their psychiatrists’ help, place personal ads. After a disastrous meeting, the two flee back to their respective therapists, who may just be more troubled than their patients. Although Prudence and Bruce overcome their mutual loathing, in true Durang fashion, the chaos doesn’t end.
Directed by Kim Warrick
More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Auditions

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