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Arts & Entertainment

MIKEE HUBER – INTUITIVE ABSTRACT PAINTER

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I ran into Mikee Huber at Front Street, Dayton’s largest community of artists and artisans.  I asked her for a photo and a short interview.  Mikee posed in front of some work by Mike Elsass.  I thought that was fitting because the first paintings I ever saw by Mikee reminded me of some of Mike’s work.

That was my “Controlled Chaos” series” Mikee told me, “where I used oil paints that flowed into each other.  I painted those with my hand.  To many viewers they seemed completely abstract but they were inspired by things I had seen at work – microscopic views of aerospace materials during testing.”

I also remembered seeing some of Mikee’s work that was geometric – completely different from the first work I had seen.  I asked if those pieces related to maps of various locations.

 

“That’s my connection series.  I was trying to use vibrant colors and intersecting lines to show the diversity of urban life and the bonds that tie individuals and communities together.”

“My website (https://mikeehuber.square.site/)  shows my different series.  I like working in series, taking one idea and pushing it as far as I can, and then moving on to another idea, another series.  Although I do find myself returning to some of the series again and again.”

“Friday, November 1 from 5-9pm I’m exhibiting a brand new series at The Betty Gallery at Front Street (1001 Second Street, B-C Door, Third Floor).  It’s called “Finding My Way Downeast”.    It features paintings inspired by my time as artist in residence in Maine.   My work in Maine was made possible in part by an Artist Opportunity Grant funded by the Montgomery County Arts & Cultural District and administered by Culture Works.”

I asked Mikee if she could give me a preview of her show and she shared this piece.

 

“The title of this piece is a haiku, which will be printed on the back.”

peach and pink embrace,

water and sky dance in light–

where land meets the sea.

“You can see that this work is different from my other work, but there is one thing that’s similar.  I’ve always made abstract paintings inspired by things I have seen.   With my first series I was inspired by things seen through a microscope.  Here the inspiration is things seen as I walked along the Maine seacoast.”

On her phone Mikee showed me a few other photos of works in her show.  I asked about the red door.

“There was an actual door in the woods behind my studio in Maine.  It was unattached to anything,  just standing by itself in the woods.  For days I walked past it and then I took the time to walk through.  For some reason, walking through that door caused me to look at my surroundings differently and then to paint in a different way.”  The title of this piece is

red door in the woods,

I step through, leaving behind

old plan–art unfolds.

Here’s one more

 

ocean’s vibrant dance–

clouds paint ripples on the sea,

nature’s vivid song.

I visited Mikee’s studio once when she was on Crane Street.  I asked where her studio was today.

“Like a lot of artists, during Covid I created a studio in my home.  It’s not as much space as I’d like, but we’re working on a plan to build a major addition.  The new space would give me my dream studio.   When it’s finished, which may be a few years off, you and your camera are invited.”

TheatreLab’s SMASH HIT ‘Lizzie’ is no AX-ident!!

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Hurried…anxiety driven…and commanding, ‘Lizzie’ now playing at Mudlick Tavern’s Second Floor, has thrust TheatreLab back in the spotlight! DDN’s Russell Florence put it best…‘a wonderfully raw, vocally-impressive spooky season production…’ The show is directed by Mackensie King, and I had the pleasure of interviewing her about the show’s high praise!!

D9: Mackensie…you have a hit on your hands!! Why did you choose ‘Lizzie‘ in the first place??

MK: I have always loved horror and all things spooky. What drew me to this version of her story is how grounded and real it feels. The question I asked myself at the end of listening to it the first time was: is she GUILTY? Not did she do it, but are the things this woman went through about to justify what she did to escape them. Plus, the music for this show is unlike any other theatre show. It’s true rock/ metal and allows the cast to really show off their vocal chops.

D9: Timely, considering the Menendez Bros. story of late! There is one thing that audiences are 100% on…your cast! What can you tell me???

MK: The words “high octane” come to mind when I think about this cast. The vocals are absolutely top notch and SO full of power. Under all of that, there is true connection to the material. Sam Evans as Lizzie brings such understanding and sympathy to the character and she really makes you want for Lizzie to gain freedom. Allie Haines as Emma is so fun to watch because she is really finding how it feels to have to been the head of a family at such a young age. MJ Janovich is taking Alice in a direction I’ve never seen with youthfulness and hurt (and just wait until you hear her belt) and Leah Fox is HILARIOUS and terrifying as the banshee, Bridget.

D9: Strong ladies, indeed!! One thing I know TheatreLab is trying to do is incorporate more of a community feel in their productions! How did the whole Mudlick idea emerge?

MK: We really wanted to focus on bringing the arts TO Dayton. Unique venues really bring the audience in to the art and allow them to become participants. We have been neighbors with Mudlick for years and we wanted to partner with an incredible company. The show has a true rock show feel in the industrial space and Mudlick is curating specialty cocktails for the shows! 

D9: I hear the cocktails have been a smash!! Such a great idea. I always say when people leave a show, they should be left with something…a thought, a feeling…..what are you hoping folks get out of Lizzie???

MK: I hope people walk away with 2 things.   1. That the talent in Dayton is worth investing in. The talent that you will see on that stage is worth keeping around. And 2: Women are angry and we have a voice and it’s about time you all listen. 

D9: I, for one, hear you!!! I want to reiterate that this town is overflowing with talented folks!! Thanks for mentioning that! And thanks for being such an asset to Dayton’s theatre community Mackensie! So, what about this mysterious ‘Season’ TheatreLab is keeping close???

MK: Everyone is so excited. Keep Your Eyes Peeled….the announcement is coming soon!

You can catch ‘Lizzie’ on its remaining dates….

November 1 & 2 at 8:00pm. November 3 at 2:00pm.

TICKETS at http://theatrelabdayton.org.

 

 

 

“Lizzie: The Musical” at Mudlick Tap House

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TheatreLab Dayton is thrilled to invite you to a theatrical experience like no other! “Lizzie: The Musical” is coming to Mudlick Tap House, and you don’t want to miss this electrifying show.

Featuring a rock-infused score and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this bold retelling of the Lizzie Borden saga delves into themes of female empowerment, justice, and breaking societal norms. It’s a gripping, high-energy show, perfect for an unforgettable night out in Dayton!

Performance Dates:

  • October 24 at 7:30 PM
  • October 25 at 8:00 PM
  • October 26 at 8:00 PM
  • October 27 at 2:00 PM
  • November 1 at 8:00 PM
  • November 2 at 8:00 PM
  • November 3 at 2:00 PM

All performances will be held on the second floor of Mudlick Tap House (135 E 2nd St, Dayton, OH 45402), offering a cozy, intimate setting for this electrifying performance. While you’re there, why not enjoy some of Mudlick’s craft beers and delicious food before or after the show?

“Lizzie: The Musical” is packed with drama, intrigue, and incredible rock music. Get ready to be swept away by this dynamic production! Tickets are selling fast—be sure to grab yours today at theatrelabdayton.org.

Come join us for a night of murder, mystery, and rock ‘n’ roll!

2nd Annual Dead City Film Fest Sat in Fairborn

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This Saturday is the 2nd annual Dead City Film Fest.  We asked Jordan Terrell, co-founder of the Fairborn Phoenix, about why he created this festival and he share with us “we created a film festival I would want to go to. Filmmaking in essence is a punk rock art forum. To get a film finished is an incredibly difficult task where everything is against you. It’s often Shoot now, ask for forgiveness later, don’t forget your bolt cutters and sell your car to finish the film.”

This weekend they will be  celebrating 20 films from local and world wide talent. 

A few films that will be screened include:

The Happiest Guy in the World – Lance Oppenheim – who just got picked up at A24 for his first fiction after his incredible documentary films Some Kind Of Heaven, Sperm World and Ren Faire

Local Talent Highlights:

The Zombie Defense — Jarrod Robbins and Jason Snellman from Fairborn
“You See What I Deal With?” —  Carly Baker from Middletown
Blood Geyser – John Maslowski – Mayfield Heights Ohio
Murdrum Joseph Job Gailey from Cincinnati
STONED by J.W. Cox from Middletown

World Premiere of Infernalis from first time producer Kira L. Wilson

International flavor
Cuban filmmaker with a spectacular film EYES – Braulio HernandezFrench Animations Sclera and Covoit Fatal
As well as a spectacular low budget gore horror from director Juanjo Avi of Spain Turno de Noche: The Wrong Place where a serial killer stumbles into a junkyard meeting the Scrap Yard Watchman.
The audience votes for their favorites by beer tickets. Winner of this year’s festival will receive a $1000 package from Midwest Grip and Lighting to help get their next film closer to the finish line.
After the films, enjoy a punch show by Sheller and Ace Slite.
Enjoy some food Food by Director’s Cut Food Truck

Sat, Nov 02, 2024, 3-10pm

 Dead City Film Fest
Fairborn Phoenix

34 S Broad St,
Fairborn, OH 45324

 

Art Encounters Third Sunday Art Hop

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Join us for an afternoon filled with art, fun, and community spirit! It’s a fantastic way to explore and support local creativity while discovering a wide selection of handcrafted artisanal goods and one-of-a-kind gifts. This month, we’re excited to feature our Artist of the Month, Sarah Maxwell. Visit us at Front Street, Building 100, Door B/C, Third Floor, and experience the vibrant energy of Dayton’s art scene!

It’s No Mystery…Human Race has a Hit on Their Hands!

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For the Beloved Human Race Theatre, what could be more fun than a little October mystery…and this time it’s not Mr. Watson and Sherlock Holmes…it’s Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson! KATE HAMILL’S MS. HOLMES & MS. WATSON – APT. 2B has been wowing Daytonians for a week now, and a few performances remain.

This spin through the orbit of the world’s most famous detective introduces us to female roommates Sherlock Holmes and Joan Watson. They’ve emerged from the pandemic fog as a deeply codependent and quasi-dysfunctional duo – solving mysteries, eating snacks and shaking off their pasts. But when they come face to face with a villain who seems to have all the answers? Hamill’s playful and theatrical style will deliver an unforgettable adventure chock full of heroism, friendship and, of course, the art of deduction.

“Bring your bestie, grab a snack and drink in the lobby, and settle in for an entertaining night,” notes Emily N. Wells, Artistic Director. “The twists and turns of this irreverent game keep you guessing to the very end.”

Guest Director Heather Wilson-Bowlby guides the powerhouse cast, featuring Shonita Joshi as Ms. Sherlock Holmes (Shipwrecked: An Entertainment!), Maggie Lou Rader as Ms. Joan Watson (Grounded, The Revolutionists), Kelly Mengelkoch as Mrs. Hudson and others (This is Tom Jones!, Deadline), and Matthew Sierra as Inspector Lestrade and others in his Human Race debut.

Joining Wilson-Bowlby on the production team are: Jeff Heater, Scenic Design; Diane D. Fairchild, Lighting Design; Janet G. Powell, Costume Design; emily c. porter, Sound Design; Lucia Thill, Associate Sound Design; Sarah Gomes, Props; Mark Tynan, Production Stage Manager; Danitza Piper, Assistant Stage Manager; Gina Cerimele-Mechley, Fight Director.

Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson – Apt. 2B  will play in the Loft Theatre in downtown Dayton, with shows remaining on October 16 – 20, 2024.  Tickets are on sale through the Dayton Live box office, 937-228-3630, or online at www.humanracetheatre.org

The Human Race Theatre Company continues its commitment to high quality theatre with access points for all with two special ticket initiatives: two sections of $20 seats available at any time through the box office, and ten $10 rush seats available 90 minutes before any performance.

Looking for something a little ‘EXTRA’…..how about….. 

‘While We’re On The Subject’ on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm – Post-Show Discussion with the Cast

‘Parent’s Day Out ‘  on Sunday, October 20, 2 pm – Kids Separate Activities (5-12yo)

WANT MORE ABOUT EMILY, KAPPY AND THE HRTC? Click here for another exciting episode of ‘Dayton Drama Queens!’

Campaigns Inc. at Dayton Theatre Guild

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A comedic docudrama based on the actual first American political consulting firm, formed by Leone Baxter and Clem Whitaker, CAMPAIGNS, INC. is a behind‐the‐scenes look at orchestrated political dirty tricks executed through what may be the original “fake news” strategy. With dark humor, the play examines Baxter and Whitaker’s propaganda machine that sabotages novelist Upton Sinclair’s 1934 bid to become the first Democratic governor of California.

McCoy on Movies: PIECE BY PIECE

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Pharrell Williams gets animated in director Morgan Neville’s visually stimulating and inspiring LEGO® documentary

“You know, even as LEGO® men, no one know what the heck Daft Punk looks like under these helmets!” Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams take the stage in a scene from director Morgan Neville’s PIECE BY PIECE, a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Focus Features / © 2024 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.

WWATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

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KEY CAST MEMBERS: Gabriel Labelle, Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Cory Michael Smith, Dylan O’Brien, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Braun, Kim Matula, Tommy Dewey, Nicolas Podnay, Ellen Boscov, Emily Fairn, Andrew Feldman, Taylor Gray and Mcabe Gregg with J.K. Simmons and Willem Dafoe

DIRECTOR: Morgan Neville
 
THE BACK STORY: Pharrell Williams is nothing short of a modern day musical wunderkind. He’s produced scores of hits for some of the biggest stars in hip-hop, R&B and even pop music, not to mention his work with his band N*E*R*D (No One Ever Really Dies) and his solo career. But how in the world did a kid who grew up feeling like an outsider in Virginia grow into one of the most influential music composers of the last 35 years? Through the magic of LEGO®, director Morgan Neville – along with 3D animated versions of some of music’s most important figures – seeks to explain how he built up his career PIECE BY PIECE.  

 

THE REVIEW: A story presented in a format that captures the childlike imagination, whimsy and dreams that inspired its subject, PIECE BY PIECE shows that there is not only life in LEGO® filmmaking, but why Williams’ story is one worth telling. In doing so, the film delivers a portrait of an artist that despite making millions, feels relatable to men, women and children worldwide who dare to be creative and follow their dreams.

 

An animated documentary, let alone one told through animated bricks – let alone one that has to follow scores of LEGO® films that were essentially comedies or traditional comic book-style tales – wouldn’t work for most people. With PIECE BY PIECE, however, we are given an extraordinary insight into Williams’ mind, the path he took to become who he is and the passions that drive him. But in exploring those passions and seeing how they impacted his journey, moviegoers are treated to a story visually is suited for children, but delivers insights directed at the inner child in all of us.

Director Morgan Neville makes wonderful use of the LEGO® format, using the notorious bricks many a parent has stepped on in the middle of the night to showcase different emotions with an Inside Out-like flair. The whimsical figures relay the happiness of Pharrell’s big break and realization of when he has a hit on his hands exceptionally; likewise, disappointments, failure and loss seemingly hit harder watching the animated spirit that is Williams’ fade in his darkest moments. PIECE BY PIECE works so well in both instances due to the inherent nature of both toys and, as its subject mentions in the film, the ability to use them to craft a world out of one’s own desires and creativity.

The LEGO® format allows Neville to bring the complexities of Williams’ creativity and worldview to life in a manner that might not work as well in a traditional format, leading to eye catching imagery memorable as the soundtrack. Remarkably, one needn’t be a Williams fan to enjoy the storytelling of the film nor catch the inspiration it provides (although it certainly would help – brush up on your Golden Era hip-hop and 90s R&B, kids!).

In inviting us to come experience his story, Williams will likely end up inspiring the film’s audience to go explore their own … And that, in addition to clever humor, perfectly sequenced storytelling and a thumping soundtrack, is what makes PIECE BY PIECE a masterpiece.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

 

 

‘OUT HERE DAYTON’ FILM FESTIVAL kicks off Thursday at Neon!

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OUT HERE DAYTON FILM FEST is preparing for its 19 th  year of celebrating the best of
LGBTQIA+ films from around the world with the Miami Valley. Decisions were so hard to
make decisions that the festival decided to expand by an extra day.  Join OUT HERE at
THE NEON during the long weekend of Oct. 10-13 for 9 different screenings – featuring 25
short and feature-length films. And don’t forget the Friday Night Party – this year at Lily’s!
which is just a block away from THE NEON’s front doors.
Directors Luke Willis (LADY LIKE) and Caden Douglas (MOTHER FATHER SISTER
BROTHER FRANK) will be in attendance for Q&A’s following their films.
Tickets are $10 for each screening, and a scholarship button is available on the website’s main
page for anyone seeking complimentary tickets.
Visit www.outheredayton.org for more details.

Here is a look at the schedule for the beloved film festival:

THURSDAY, OCT. 10:
7:30
LADY LIKE – 89 min, USA/UK – dir. Luke Willis
The pages of Lady Camden&#39;s fairytale are filled with growth, discovery, and a true
passion for performance in this imaginative, heartfelt documentary. A student of
dance, Camden had performed ballet across many international stages before lip
syncing on the catwalk of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Preceded by:
STAN BEHAVIOR – 15 min, USA – dir. Tyler C. Peterson
A drag queen (Ginger Minj) embarks on a quest for better workplace rights but
ends up in a dicey situation.
KINGS – 6 min, USA – dir. Eric Garcia
Two drag kings fall in love during a bathroom quickie.

FRIDAY, OCT 11:
7:00
THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS – 98 min, Canada/Pakistan – dir. Fawzia Mirza
Queer Pakistani grad student Azra is worlds apart from her conservative Muslim
mother. When her father suddenly dies, Azra finds herself on a Bollywood-
inspired journey through memories – from her mother’s youth in Karachi to her
own coming- of-age in rural Canada.
Preceded by:
QUEEN SIZE – 19 min, France – dir. Avril Besson
This morning, Marina has an appointment with Charlie to sell her a mattress. This
evening, she will cancel her plane ticket.
9:30
Post-Screening Friday Night Party – Lily’s Dayton in the Oregon District

SATURDAY, OCT 12:
12:30
TOP DRAWER SHORTS – Pack #1.

3:30
A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO – 91 min, USA – dir. Brian J. Smith
Gorgeous and emotionally charged, A HOUSE IS NOT A DISCO goes behind the
scenes of the infamous Fire Island Pines, a gay fantasyland on the East Coast,
to uncover real life pleasures and simmering conflict – capturing the energy and
ideas of today’s residents, as millennials connect with old timers to reframe the
focus and value of the community.
7:00
BOB MACKIE: NAKED ILLUSION – 105 min, USA – dir. Matthew Miele
Showcases the six-decade career of award-winning costume designer, Bob
Mackie. And like his costumes, Mackie is wholly unique and unfiltered, which
makes for a compelling and candid subject- with interviews including Cher, Pink,
Tom Ford, Miley Cyrus, RuPaul, Carol Burnett, and more.
Preceded by:
WOULDN’T MAKE IT ANY OTHER WAY – 21 min, USA – Hao Zhou
an aspiring costume designer visits their island homeland of Guam to make
costumes for a children’s theatre and reconnect with distanced parents.
9:45
MOTHER FATHER SISTER BROTHER FRANK – 86 min, Canada – dir. Cadan
Douglas
The Jennings family are having their traditional Sunday dinner. As tensions
reach a boiling point, an unwanted guest arrives: Frank, Father’s wayward brother. To what end with Mother, Father, Sister, and Brother go to get rid of
Frank? Mindy Cohn and Enrico Colantoni star in this comedy horror that’s full of
violence, gore and big laughs.
Preceded by:
THE DINNER – 12 min, Spain – dir. Jesus Martinez
There are some issues which cannot be left for later!


SUNDAY, OCT 13:
12:30
TOP DRAWER SHORTS – Pack #2

3:15
WHAT A FEELING – 111 min, Austria – dir. Kat Rohrer
A chance encounter at a lesbian bar brings two women of a certain age living
strikingly different lives together in this winning romantic comedy. Named after
Irene Cara’s classic anthem from Flashdance, WHAT A FEELING blends heart
with a lack of self-consciousness, telling a poignant story of new love amongst
two women in the “sandwich generation” while also never taking itself too
seriously.
6:00
TURTLES – 82 min, Belgium/Canada – dir. David Lambert
Now in their 60s, Thom and Henri are a married couple living an outwardly sweet
existence at their quaint home in Brussels with their pet turtles Topsy and Turvy.
As they celebrate Henri’s retirement from the police force, Thom sees this as a
perfect opportunity to rekindle their passion after 35 years. But Henri can’t cope with his newfound lack of purpose, and thus… the two start to drive each other
crazy.

McCoy on Movies: Saturday Night

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Jason Reitman’s dramedy brings to life the chaos behind the magic of the origins of Saturday Night Live

The teaser poster for director/co-writer Jason Reitman’s SATURDAY NIGHT. © 2024 Columbia Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Gabriel Labelle, Cooper Hoffman, Rachel Sennott, Ella Hunt, Cory Michael Smith, Dylan O’Brien, Matt Wood, Lamorne Morris, Nicholas Braun, Kim Matula, Tommy Dewey, Nicolas Podnay, Ellen Boscov, Emily Fairn, Andrew Feldman, Taylor Gray and Mcabe Gregg with J.K. Simmons and Willem Dafoe

DIRECTOR: Jason Reitman
 
THE BACK STORY: On Oct. 11, 1975, the world was introduced to the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, a.k.a. the cast of a comedy and music program called NBC’s Saturday Night, known today as Saturday Night Live. Fast-forward some five decades later and Saturday Night Live – SNL for short – would go on to not just become a hit, but an institution that would go on to birth the careers of some of the biggest names in entertainment.

 

But for those in the know, it wasn’t always that way; in fact, the first episode of the now iconic show almost never made it to air. But if young upstart producer Lorne Michaels (Gabriel Labelle) – along with the backing of his estranged wife/staff writer Rosie (Rachel Sennott) – has anything to say about it, that’s not going to happen.

 

It seems that NBC’s cash cow, Johnny Carson, has gotten into a tiff with the network, making Michaels and his company a potential pawn for their ongoing negotiations with their star. But despite that – in addition to fighting actors, drug use, potential censorship, production problems and a network executive (Willem Dafoe) ready to pull the plug on everything, Michaels isn’t ready to give up anytime soon. For the show must go on, as they say, and in the case of Saturday Night, go on it shall.

 

THE REVIEW: Saturday Night is a lot like an episode of Saturday Night Live itself: It takes a while to find its footing, but once it does, it showcases the magic that has enabled the show to stay on the air for 50 seasons and counting.

 

Labelle captures the spirit of young Michaels perfectly, emulating everything from his famous brevity in conversations and the fine line between his confidence/anxiety to his ability to wrangle talent that often needs saving from themselves. Much like his real-life counterpart, Labelle’s performance is the glue that holds the film together, existing as the one constant in the sea of chaos that is and remains SNL.

 

Of course, Labelle wouldn’t be able to shine so brightly without the efforts of the cast, each providing an insight into both the absurdity of putting on a show like SNL and the humanity underscoring it.

 

Whereas Dylan O’Brien is terrific as the young, vibrant version of Dan Aykroyd that was bold, fierce and energetic, Cory Michael Smith embodies the on camera smug hilarity on camera – and documented egotistical terror off – that is Chevy Chase. Likewise, whereas Nicholas Podany, Taylor Gray and Mcabe Gregg capture the hungriness of young Billy Crystal, Al Franken and Tom Davis all hop sing for the chance to get on the air. Tommy Dewey perfectly presents the IDGAF nature of the late Michael O’Donoghue, Ella Hunt projects Gilda Radner’s eternal optimism to see the good in people and situations in spades. Cooper Hoffman’s embattled Dick Ebersol adds drama to the mix without ever feeling like he’s being dramatic for the sake of it, an important distinction that showcases his on screen skill.

 

Who arguably shines brightest in an ensemble cast about a show featuring an ensemble cast of differing personalities and experiences? Matt Wood and Lamorne Morris (no relation) as John Belushi and Garrett Morris, respectively. Whereas Wood hauntingly channels the mercurial complexity that was Belushi as both the artist and a man, Morris showcases the regalness and talent of the man with whom he shares a surname.

 

Then again, there’s really not a bad performance in the bunch, with everyone from J.K. Simmons as Milton Berle to Finn Wolfhard as an NBC page adding another ingredient to a near perfect dramedy recipe. If anything, one may feel a little melancholy for Laraine Newman as Emily Fairn’s portrayal comes across a tad like that of a small-town girl in over her head. (There also are hints at a romantic subplot with O’Brien’s Aykroyd that never come to fruition on screen, both in terms of portrayal and story.) Ironically enough, the film’s relatively unknown cast mirrors the spirit of the 1975 group of hungry performers looking for a chance, their performances showing the same talent and potential of their real life counterparts.

 

Of course, director Jason Reitman has to be given a massive amount of credit for pulling off Saturday Night as a film telling the story of the famed TV show. (A feat which he nonetheless does close to the actual show’s 90-minute airtime to boot.) The end result? A film that is essentially a love letter to an entity that has gone on to inspire thousands of comedians and actors over the decades by presenting all of the drama and hard work to entertain millions. 

 

That, in the end, makes Saturday Night worthy of a curtain call – or at least a viewing at your local cineplex.

 

 

 

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

 

Tony Danza’s hit live show, “Standards & Stories”

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The legendary Tony Danza will take the stage at The Arbogast Performing Arts Center for an unforgettable evening of music, stories, and timeless entertainment with his hit live show, Standards & Stories, on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 7:00 PM.

Tony Danza and his four-piece band deliver a captivating performance that weaves together his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook, personal stories, and his undeniable charisma. Known for his signature blend of charm, wit, and showmanship, Danza brings a unique touch to each performance, offering audiences a glimpse into his life and his deep connection to the music he loves. His dynamic show also features a touch of tap dancing, ukulele performances, and a sprinkling of humor, making it a must-see for fans of classic entertainment.

The Mousetrap at Troy Civic Theatre

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Mousetrap by Agatha Christie, produced by special arrangement through Concord Theatricals, will be directed by Michael Schumacher. Early one winter afternoon, a brutal murder occurs on Culver Street in Paddington. Witnesses heard someone whistling the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice” just before the victim screamed. Later that afternoon, in the Great Hall of Monkswell Manor, Mollie and Giles Ralston prepare for the opening of their guest house, worrying about the effects of the severe snowstorm outside and their own inexperience in their new venture. Giles leaves, joking that since they know so little about their guests some might even be criminals. Alone, Mollie turns on the radio, where a description of the Culver Street murderer is being broadcast. The announcer mentions the suspect’s dark overcoat, light scarf, and felt hat just as Mollie picks up Giles’s dark coat, scarf, and hat.

The Co Call for Artrisian- Created Items

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The CO is currently seeking artist / artisan-created items, ornaments, and decor for consignment for the holiday season. Submissions should meet the following criteria:

MUST

Be modern/contemporary in design and style; exhibit the highest level of craftmanship; be structurally sound, safe, non-toxic, fit for its intended use, and display ready; all necessary hardware and components must be included (earring backs, wired paintings, matted prints)
DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1, 2024

NOT ACCEPTED

Country craft or boho; items with mechanically produced components (jewelry with commercially-produced chainmail or pendant); items featuring holiday tropes (Santa Claus, reindeer, Christmas trees, etc)

HOW TO APPLY

  1. Complete online submission form at codayton.org/shop or submit images to [email protected]
  2. Upload JPEG images of proposed items
  • up to 5 images of items of the same media (eg 5 handblown glass vases)
  • up to 10 products will be accepted (exceptions apply to smaller items such as ornaments & jewelry)

 

QUESTIONS?

Call us at 937/224.3822 or via email at [email protected]

Click here for full application

Dayton Story Slam Has A New Home

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Our monthly Story Slam open mic event is back for another season of amazing stories. Join us at our new location, The Brightside.
This open mic event hosts some of Dayton’s best tellers.
Storytellers are encouraged to prepare a 5-minute story relating to the theme and place their name in the hat. Tellers are drawn at random
Bring a story, and bring a friend.
The best story of the night wins $50 and a guaranteed spot at next month’s Story Slam.
Our theme for Sept is “Goodbyes and Hellos.”

An Astounding Visit to the ‘SOUTH PACIFIC!’

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Dayton is known for its Arts and all that are involved in it. With that in mind DPAA has put together a production of ‘South Pacific’ that is not to be missed. The event, directed by Joe Deer, is getting all the buzz. Luckily, I was able to hear from Joe about that show and how it all came together!

937: First of all, thank you for taking a minute to share some information about the ‘SOUTH PACIFIC’ performance coming to the Schuster Center this weekend, September 21 and 22. I understand this version of the show is slightly different?

JD:  This version of South Pacific was created for a concert at Carnegie Hall about 20 years ago that starred Reba McEntire and the Broadway star, Brian Stokes Mitchell. It’s adapted by David Ives, who is a terrific comic playwright on his own and who has done many adaptations of classic musicals for the New York City Center encore series. It retains virtually every note of the original score, but has trimmed the book substantially. That said, this is still a heartwarming, charming, and very moving story. I don’t think audiences are going to recognize that very much has been cut. Every storyline is still intact and every character still appears.

937: I’m intrigued. I love the idea of a faster paced show! But how and when did this all come together for Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. Sounds like it was all hands on deck!

JD: Two years ago, Kathleen Clawson , the artistic Director of Dayton Opera, and Neal Gittelman invited me to help create a concert evening celebrating the life and work of Stephen Sondheim. We used students from the musical theater, acting and vocal performance majors out at Wright State University and that was a huge success. Almost immediately, they approached me again about a collaboration on a concert musical. By that time, Wright State University administrators had met with People at the Dayton Performing Arts Alliance and created a more formal collaborative agreement. This is the first project out of that.

937: What a collaboration…and it has all fallen together well?

JD:  This has been a really great collaboration. We have so many different kinds of members of the artistic community involved here. Dayton Opera. Wright State Alumni and Faculty.  The production team is largely from the Dayton, the opera, and Dayton Performing Arts Alliance. With all those different groups coming together, you might expect some difficulties in making things work. But, that has not been the case.

937: I love that it seems so community focused as a production! Tell me this Joe, since the show is pared down, do we lose any songs. People love the ‘South Pacific‘ soundtrack.

JD: The score for this revolutionary musical remains very much intact. With one notable exception – you’re going to hear 46 musicians playing a score that was written for about half that number.  There’s a kind of enhanced time machine quality to getting to perform a score like this with an orchestra the quality of the Dayton Philharmonic. Kathleen was very intentional about finding singers that are the quality Dayton Opera patrons are used to hearing, but who have an understanding and love for this kind of musical theater. She did a remarkable job. I will tell your readers that a number of Dayton actors who are some of their favorites are in this, including Bruce Cromer, Jake Lockwood, Josh McCabe, and a handful of others. I leave rehearsal at the end of the day feeling so happy to work with the quality of singing actor that we are fortunate to have this production.

937: This just sounds incredible!! What do you feel the audience with walk away with after seeing ‘South Pacific?’

JD: I think audiences are gonna walk away from this production surprised by how relevant it still feels. You are uplifted and awakened to the revolutionary nature of this show, which is now 75 years old. Rodgers and Hammerstein were very daring in what they set out to do. And the show won a Pulitzer Prize for drama as a result. That’s very unusual.

937: You know I’m in that musical theatre stuff myself, and my love also goes into the visual aspect. What can we expect there?

JD:  We have a marriage of very traditional scenery and costumes with some very 2024 technology that helps to tell the story. But, the real stars of the show are Rodgers and Hammerstein and the remarkable performers who bring the score and story to life. This production is going to be thrilling for every audience member. Whether you have a lot of familiarity with this show or whether it’s a brand new experience for you.I am simply thrilled to be part of it.

937: ALL THE SUCCESS in the world to you Joe! Cannot wait to see this!

SOUTH PACIFIC show on  September 21, 2024, at 7:30pm & September 22, 2024, at 2:30pm. Performances are in the Winsupply Theatre at the Schuster Center. For tickets click below:

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific

 

 

 

 

Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy

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Step back in time and immerse yourself in the dark and mysterious world of Edgar Allan Poe. This exclusive speakeasy will transport you to a bygone era as you sip on expertly crafted cocktails inspired by four of Poe’s most beloved stories. Led by the speakeasy’s lead mixologist and Poe historians, this immersive evening promises to be a chillingly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to bring Poe’s tales to life, one sip at a time, and get your tickets for the Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy in Dayton!