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Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!

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The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of Avenue Q at DPH, Ray Gambrel.

937: Thank you for taking time to tell us about a musical we all know, love and BOY is it timely! But first….let’s hear about you! I know we would all love to know a little bit about your theater life!

RG: Thank you for this opportunity! Actually, in Jr. High I saw our High School production of, Annie Get Your Gun. I loved it! I rushed to the library and got the original Broadway cast recording on vinyl and listened to it over and over. I was hooked! I went to Sinclair Community College and studied Theater-Performance. I quickly realized that acting may not be the best fit for me, so I took a Directing class taught by Marsha Hanna. She became my idol. I had the wonderful opportunity to help stage manage a production at Sinclair, and I really got to see her work. She really became my inspiration and I think about her every time that I direct. I then got involved with, at the time, Playhouse South (now Springboro Community Theatre), both, as an actor, and as a director.

937: I love Annie get Your Gun…hokey as it is. And actually Marsha inspired MANY of us! How did you make the DPH connection?

RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.
937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?
RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.
937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?
RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.
937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.
937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?
RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.
937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?
RG:  The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?
Avenue Q (R)
Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

Free Beginner Pilates

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In this Pilates class you will learn basic Pilates principles, how to change your posture to improve pain syndromes, strengthen the entire body and core muscles, and improve flexibility.

 Dates:  January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, 2025 (4th Wednesday of each month)
Time:  6:30-7:30pm
Location:  Franklin Branch, 44 East 4th Street
Free.  No registration required.  Ages 16 & up.  If under 18 years a parent or legal guardian must sign a waiver.

All abilities are welcome.  Please bring a mat and water.

Free Yoga Under the Wings!

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Start your year off right with Fitness Under the Wings! ✨
Join in for FREE yoga under the iconic aircraft at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force! 🧘‍♀️ The first class kicks off on January 11 from 8-9 a.m., with additional sessions on January 18, 25, and February 1. Doors open at 7 a.m. This peaceful and energizing session, led by Indigo Yoga, is perfect for all skill levels, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner.
🌿 Space is limited, so be sure to register in advance to save your spot! Prefer to walk? Take a stroll through the museum galleries before or after your yoga session. No registration needed for walkers.
Make your New Year’s resolution stick – we’ll see you under the wings! 🛩️

FREE Pilates class

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Join us for a FREE Pilates class led by Mindful Movement Pilates!


»Please RSVP at https://forms.gle/gDtMQ2fhTawKVA9U8
(RSVP is not required to attend, but is appreciated for a headcount)


»This Pilates Mat Class will challenge your entire body using a mat, small props, and gravity. You’ll leave feeling worked and recharged at the same time! All levels are welcome and progressive cues will be given to curate your level of difficulty.
»Please bring an exercise mat, we can only provide a limited number.
»Water will be provided!
»Participants will receive a coupon to use on their next purchases. See you there!

Yoga Sunday Satsang at Trailhead Trailer

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Join us for a peaceful and rejuvenating Sunday morning practice!
What to expect:
All-levels Vinyasa flow
Community connection
Intention setting
When: Every Sunday at 11 AM
Where: Trailhead Trader Miamisburg OH
Cost: $5!
Leave your ego at the door and bring your mat and a positive attitude.
Let’s end the weekend on a high note!

Arcade Arts & Wellness Series Kicks Off Jan 4th

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The Arcade Arts & Wellness 2025 Series is a rejuvenating journey with a variety of local yoga instructors amidst the timeless charm of this iconic Dayton landmark.
Theif first three yoga events of the series will take place from 10:00 to 11:00am  on Saturday, January 4, Saturday, February 1, and Saturday, March 1. This series is free and open to all but may require Eventbrite pre-registration and on-site waivers.
Traditional Yoga with Tori Reynolds of Speakeasy Yoga
The Arcade’s Rotunda,
35 W. Fourth St.
Chair Yoga with Day Yoga Studio
 The Contemporary Dayton’s Galleries,
25 W. Fourth St.
Doors open to registered participants 15 minutes before the start of each class. Equipment will not be provided. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise or wellness program.
After your practice ends, plan to grab brunch at Gather, Table 33, or the 6888 Kitchen Incubator! We’ll see you at the Arcade on the mat soon!

New Year’s Bird Walk

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Bundle up, bring your binoculars, and come enjoy some nature! We’ll be looking for our year-round residents and winter visitors like Golden-crowned Kinglets and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers. The walk is slow-paced, and mostly stays on the road surface, but sometimes does venture “off-trail” into the grass. All ages welcome. The tour will meet at the Eichelberger Plaza at the main gates of the cemetery.
Your nature guide will be Amanda Lawson, an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist.
All tours require a reservation and there is a suggested $5 donation. All donations support the Woodland Arboretum Foundation which focuses on the restoration, preservation, horticultural and educational projects needed to keep Woodland a cultural resource for Dayton and Ohio.

Opening Day Twin Creek Disc Golf Course

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Take on this classic course in a format you’ll be sure to love! ♥️ 3 Rounds of the Original 12 Holes (Red Layout).
As Dayton Disc Golf & Carl Chiles have always done – a portion of the proceeds will go to a Germantown local food bank!
❓ Are YOU ready to endure the elements of January in Ohio – who said there’s an off-season?
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
10:30am REGISTRATION CLOSES
10:45am PLAYERS MEETING
11:00am
– 1:00pm		 SHOTGUN START – ROUND 1 & 2 BEGIN (Back to back)

(Note: Tee off at 11, if someone doesn’t show and you have less than 3 players on the card one player will move up and one will move back to another hole.
1:00pm
– 2:00pm		 ESTIMATED TIME FOR INTERMISSION (Subject to Change)
2:00pm ESTIMATED START ROUND 3 (Subject to Change)

Scramble by Cafe 19 to Close

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Dillon Allen, his girlfriend, Elizabeth Brunotte, and brother, John Allen opened this Brookville breakfast spot on May 31st.  Located at 302 Market Street, after having success with their coffee shops in Englewood  and  West Milton. The coffee shops had been successful and they  wanted to offer a full service eatery.
In mid-December they posted a rally call, asking for support on their Scramble by Cafe 19 Facebook Page:
” With food costs increasing this year quicker than we can adjust for, sales declining and weekend sales dropping off were in threat of closing our doors. I’m not too proud to say we need help and we’re coming to you for that.”
They had a solid response to they outcry, but in reality, it just wasn’t enough.
Today Dillon  posted this:
“Over the last couple weeks, we’ve been discussing the viability of what we set out to make with our scramble location.
Last week I was in a panic because of how bad our finances were with trying to fix this building.
What it came down to was we don’t have the capital, resources or traffic to pull off what needs to be done to fix all these issues. Rising food costs and slimmer margins have not helped either. Our costs of goods have gone up substantially this year and it makes it even harder to figure out another way to pull it off.
Our landlord has been so gracious to us, helping where he can, and this community has been so wonderful to us but it’s just not sustainable.
Our last day of operation at our Brookville location will be Saturday January 4th. Our Englewood and West Milton locations will remain open and any unused gift cards can be used at any of our other locations.
We hate to become another statistic of this location and I did everything in my power to not let it happen, we just don’t have the resources to continue on without taking everything down in the process.
Thank you all for the memories that scramble has made, the friends that we’ve made along the way and I hope to see you again!“

Rockin with RUDE (Burlesque Dance Class)

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One last groove with RUDE until the new year. This sensual class is designed with all dance levels in mind. Whether you want to perform at home or for a crowd, enhance your confidence through Burlesque.

We’re celebrating the end of the year through dance, featuring drinks and treats! This class is open to all dance levels. Heels are welcomed but not required. Feel free to come as you are. Feel free to wear comfortable clothing or spice things up with something RUDE Burlesque style. RUDE can’t wait to ROCK with You!

Winter Solstice Hike

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Follow the soft glow of luminaries in the snow…

Enjoy the calmness of the woods in winter on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be available for those participating in the hike. This is a self-guided hike along a luminary-lit trail.

Well-mannered dogs on leash always welcome.  For more information call (937) 562-6440.

The Ugly Sweater Oh What Fun Run

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December 20 is National Ugly Sweater Day! Join us for a fun run inspired by one of the most “fashionable” parts of the holiday season! Wear your ugliest sweater (or make one yourself!) and be ready to learn about some of the ugly “sweaters” we can find in the natural world. Vote on the “ugliest sweater” in nature to enter a raffle!

The 100-meter dash will begin promptly at 10:30 am. This is a Tools to Trek program.

This event is sponsored by Dayton Children’s Hospital.

FIRST-TIME REGISTRANTS: If you are a Centerville/Washington Township resident, please enter Dayton as your city when creating an account. The system WILL NOT recognize you as a resident if you enter Centerville or Washington Township as your city.

TheatreLab’s Popular ‘Merry QUIZMas’ Trivia and SingAlong returns!!

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HO, HO, HO!

How many reindeer paws landed on the roof if all the deer showed up at your house? What is Cindy Who’s middle name? What is the longitude and latitude of the North Pole? Phew!!! You know them all??? Prizes await at the return of TheatreLab Dayton’s ‘Merry Quizmas 2.0!’ The popular sing-along and trivia night is set and ready to go, Tuesday Evening, Dec 17,  6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!!

The night promises to be a fun one, as music fills the air, cookies fill your bellies and a trivia fills your brain! ‘We had such a positive response last year, we knew we had to bring this back.  Similar to last time, we will have our little spread of food, hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, the space will be decorated in a fun and fanciful theme! If you like libations, yep, they will be there as well!’ says David Moyer, who can’t wait for the evening. ‘People love to sing holiday songs and get into the spirit!’

The event features Philip Drennen, TheatreLab’s Executive Director and Josh Stucky, Dayton’s Trivia Queen at the microphones. It is never a dull moment! Brennan Paulin tickles the ivories to keep music in the air! Some of the TheatreLab Company will perform as well!! ‘What makes the night so special is we all gather together and just enjoy an evening of fun! It’s a great kick-off for the holidays and, for trivia buffs, it’s a great way to show your smarts! Prizes are always a fun incentive!’ says Stucky. ‘Last year, one of winners said she planned to give her prize as a gift….so I guess it can be a shopping experience as well???’ he chuckles.

Although most of the trivia revolves around the season, there are Broadway Questions, Dayton trivia and more. The event takes places at the TheatreLab Dayton Studio, 116 North Jefferson St. 45402. Proceeds benefit TheatreLab’s ongoing goal of bringing amazing productions to the area. ALSO OF NOTE…THEATRELAB WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR SEASON AT THE EVENT!!! UH-OH!!

The space is limited, and tickets are moving…so click below and join the holiday fun!!

Tickets:

https://www.simpletix.com/e/merry-quizmas-2-0-holiday-trivia-tickets-196032

Experience a Magical Luminary Walk at Wilson Park!

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Stroll through a beautifully lit pathway while enjoying holiday music, roasting marshmallows, and making s’mores over an open fire. Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, courtesy of the WC Lions Club (while supplies last), and share a cozy evening with family and friends. This event is wheelchair and stroller-friendly, ensuring everyone can join in the fun!
Date: Friday, Dec 13th
Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Location: Wilson Park, 350 Wilson Park Dr
Cost: Free

The Arctic Dash 6K Obstacle Course Race

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Join us for the 2024 Arctic Dash at YMCA Camp Kern! (35 minutes from Dayton, 30 minutes from Cincinnati, 80 minutes from Columbus)

Saturday, December 7th • 10am
Family Wave at 12pm open to ages 7+

With 25+ challenges including military themed challenges, mud crawls, cable crossings, and more! This a great race for fun runners, beginners, and elite athletes alike, with multiple age categories for male and female runners. There are plenty of chances to win awesome prizes!

100% of proceeds go towards sending kids in need to camp in 2024!

ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:
• Parking
• Beverages & Snacks
• Warm water shower & rinse off area
• Arctic Dash T-Shirt and Medal*
*Guaranteed only if you register by November 17th

Fees range from $20-80.
Register today at bit.ly/arcticdash24

MetroParks Ice Rink Opens For The Season Nov 29th

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Offering a safe, family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages, theMetroParks Ice Rink will officially open on Friday, Nov. 29, at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. The MetroParks Ice Rink – located under the RiverScape Pavilion – is the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, offering beautiful views of the Great Miami River.

Opening weekend hours for the MetroParks Ice Rink are:

  • Friday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Dec. 1, 1 to 5 p.m.

New for 2024, special skating events in December allow visitors to get into the festive spirit with themes and music inspired by holiday features. Themed skates are each Friday through Feb. 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. December’s themes are:

In addition to themed skates, the MetroParks Ice Rink will have special holiday skating hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day. Daily hours change throughout the season and can be found at metroparks.org/icerink.

Admission is $7 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $3. Children younger than 3 are free with a paying adult. There is no charge for those who are not skating.

Reduced admission and skate rentals are available for those who utilize SNAP/EBT benefits. Customers just need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive a 50% discount, which is $3.50 admission and $1.50 skate rental. Reduced admission is available thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program.

Season passes to the MetroParks Ice Rink are available:

  • $120 family passes include season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs for one person.
  • Season pass holders receive 15% off products at the RiverScape Café.
  • Those who purchase a season pass online before opening day (Nov. 1 – Nov. 28) will receive a 20% discount.
  • Those who purchase a season pass during opening weekend (Nov. 29 – Dec. 1) will receive a 15% discount.
  • Gift certificates also are available for purchase at the rink.

Additional offerings and amenities

Visitors can stay warm under the MSD Warming Zone. There is also a comfort tent available adjacent to the rink that provides skaters with a warm place to take a break from the winter weather.

Food and beverages will be available at the RiverScape Café. Alcoholic beverages – including a variety cozy cocktails, beer, and wine – also will be available at the RiverScape Café for customers 21 and older.

Because RiverScape MetroPark is included in the Downtown Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) footprint, people walking in the downtown area are welcome to visit the park with their beverages within the DORA boundary. Learn more about DORA and participating businesses – including RiverScape MetroPark – at www.downtowndayton.org/dora.

Skating lessons for children, teens and adults are held at the rink throughout the season and cover basic skills that provide the confidence skaters need to feel comfortable on the ice. The Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program also is available to cover a portion of the cost of skating lessons for qualifying families in Montgomery County. Learn more and apply atmetroparks.org/access.

The ice rink will also host select 2nd Street Market vendors for special shopping days during the holiday season. Holiday Mini Markets will be held on Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit the comfort tent to shop artisan wares before or after a skating session.  Visit metroparks.org/programs for a complete schedule.

MetroParks Money

MetroParks Money is an e-gift card program offered by Five Rivers MetroParks that gives you the flexibility to explore MetroParks’ outdoor experiences, including the MetroParks Ice Rink.

MetroParks Money allows you to support Five Rivers MetroParks and your favorite small businesses at the 2nd Street Market that provide jobs, tax dollars, contributions to our schools and non-profits, as well as the character that makes Dayton unique. Purchase MetroParks Money at metroparks.org/money.

 

For ice rink hours of operation and more information, visit metroparks.org/icerink.