Arts & Entertainment

One Full Year of Dayton Activities

August 18, 2015 By Nikki Nett

365 Things To Do In Dayton

“Dayton’s dead”

“There’s nothing to do here”

“I’m bored”

Those three phrases will likely garner some scowls followed by a long list of why you’re wrong if you were to say them in front of the many people passionate about Dayton. Here at MostMetro, we heart Dayton so darn much that we created this. This entire website with a wealth of community events, centrally located for your convenience. And this couldn’t exist without a cadre of people equally passionate about this area and everything it has to offer.

People like the guys at Lion + Panda, an agency started by WSU alums, Richard Kaiser (lion) + Philip Roestamadji (panda). They recently submitted a design completed by Shannon Seebach to a contest Oregon Printing was running to highlight their new white ink capabilities. They worked together with a handful of influencers, idea makers, go-getters, and lovers of Dayton to put together a list of 365 things to do in Dayton.

Yep. You have something to do every day. Every. Single.Day.

As you can guess, this poster won the design contest and that means you’ll be seeing it around town. Oh, you want one? I don’t blame you. They are finalizing some of the details and partnerships to help cover the cost of printing right now, but you’ll be able to keep up with the developments on their facebook page or ours.

Good job on this, everyone, and congratulations Lion + Panda and Shannon. I bet we’re ready to get started on 365 MORE Things To Do In Dayton. Ready…Go!

Second Show Friday

August 7, 2015 By Nikki Nett

Gooooooood Evening Comedy Fans…

24 years ago, a brash, take-no-bs broad from Chicago landed in the little hamlet of Dayton. She thought she’d be here for 90 days, because WHY Dayton? Just quick consulting gig at a comedy club owned by the creator of Pound Puppies. But she stayed a little longer and ended up buying the place. Who could have imagined the next 25 years? Not, Lisa Grigsby .

Wooed by the allure of valet parking at the airport (seriously, I’m not even making that up) Grigs quickly made her mark in Dayton. She brought with her a wealth of knowledge and some pretty badass connections. That dark little room with the caricatures on the walls, low ceilings, and “playful” lobby became a mecca of sorts for comedians at all stages in their career. If you can survive 2nd show Friday in Dayton, you were definitely going to be a star.

The names you know and love now, have most likely worked out their early material in that smoke filled room. When Chris Rock wanted to try some jokes before filming a special, he called Lisa. The rowdy Dayton audiences were yelling “Git ‘Er Done” before Larry The Cable Guy had his own potato chips. Ron White? Yep, he’s the same now as he was decades ago driving a van from gig to gig, including Jokers. When you have The Original Kings Of Comedy on speed dial, you’re probably doing alright for yourself in the comedy world. Bless his heart, D.L. Hughley still has such nice things to say about Lisa, who was unafraid of brutal honesty at any given moment.

“My friend asked me if I wanted a frozen banana, I said “no, but I want a regular banana later, so … yeah”. ~Mitch Hedburg

She also wasn’t afraid to bring in the “too edgy for the midwest” comics, either. Doug Stanhope? Killed it here. Dave Attell taught the Jokers staff a few things about drinking. Who knew an offensive “woman” comic would wow the conservative Midwest crowd? Grigsby did when she brought Lisa Lampanelli, “The Queen Of Mean”. Though his comedy is PG, the song “Big Butter Jesus” by Heywood Banks, ruffled some feathers. You’ll likely understand where he was driving to when he first saw that magnificent engineering feat (RIP Butter Jesus).

Mitch Hedberg on stage at Jokers

Choose your favorite comedian doing a set on late night TV, and it’s pretty likely they have been booked by Lisa at some point in their career. The hit show “Last Comic Standing” has some alumni of that room. (Hi G-Rock Greggy Greg!) Greg Warren was once a corporate dude living the life of an upwardly mobile young professional. Then he quit to do comedy. I’m not sure if he’s thanking or blaming Grigsby at this point, but I bet he’s got a story or two about it.

There may or may not be tales that may or may not be confirmed about future Oscar winners being “politely” asked to leave the building. Shows from future major movie stars being stopped from the back mic when he was being disrespectful to the staff. An SNL star being dropped off somewhere in the middle of general area of the club or hotel (who knows?) for being legitimately nuts. Or intoxicated, whatever. You know these are the ones you want to hear the most about!

Another thing about Lisa. She was a fierce mama bear when it came to her “kids”. The kids were her staff. There were some that would breeze through that place like a revolving door, but there were others. Those are the ones who stayed. The lifers, affectionately called “f*&%rs” from time to time (yep, that really was a term of endearment). Working there wasn’t easy, you loved it or hated it. You were good at it or awful. You viewed Grigs as Satan, or, like many of us, you viewed her as a friend, mentor, teacher, motivator, “teller-of-truths-you-didn’t-want-to-hear”, and most importantly, the one who would encourage and cheer for your successes the loudest.

There is a lot of life that was lived in that room. Conversations that launched big life decisions, lifelong friendships formed, losses of those gone too soon, mourned. The stories. Oh my word the stories that could be told.

So. Many. Stories. Some good, some not so good, most questionable, but ALL entertaining.

And that’s why you’re reading this. It’s for the stories and what comes next.

Lisa Grigsby

If you know Lisa Grigsby, then you know, she is NOT one to toot her own horn. She is the brains behind the show. The one managing the creative concepts and logistics of events while inspiring those around her to jump in and give back to the community. Even though she has stepped away from the comedy biz and into the non-profit world, there are some damn good stories to tell. If we wait on her to tell them, we’ll be low on the list of priorities. Behind driving economic development for her adopted community, behind planning functions to further the mission of her favorite charities, and who knows what else.

So…it’s getting done anyway.

Next year marks the 25^th Anniversary of the beginning of the Jokers era. My goal is to have a book done and in the process of being published by then. Or at least mostly written. Maybe edited? Who knows? What I’m saying is that a book is happening. She’s probably going to kick my butt for this, so how about we call it “pseudo-authorized” for the time being.

This is where I need YOUR help.

Are you, have you ever been, or do you know a comedian? If yes, shoot me a quick email with a story or question & some contact info. And pass this along to your comedy friends. And your agent, because they probably have some words to add, too.
Are you a former Joker? If you’ve seen that bathroom after a JUGS night, I KNOW you have stories. Let’s chat.
Do you have a photo of Lisa from her days at Oklahoma University with big 80’s hair? This is needed.
Do you have the stories of her time in Chicago (the beginnings of her career in comedy)
The “I can’t stand her, she is so mean” stories
The “thank god she talked some sense into me” stories
The “she does great things in Dayton and I’m glad she’s my friend” stories
The “I’m a struggling comic, but there might be some good dirt that will help this book sell and I’d like to be in it” stories.
Are you any of the above and hope desperately that your name is not mentioned? Don’t worry, I’m setting up a gofundme to cover publishing costs (if needed), there will be a category for you.

Please send any and all info to [email protected] and you can find me on twitter either here: @nikkisayswhat or: @daytoncomedy

So there you have it. I’m probably going to go into hiding for a couple days, ready to emerge with a bottle of bourbon and an “I’m sorta but not really sorry” smile for when she says, “what in the f*&% is this?”. Help me remind her that this is exactly the type of thing she would encourage. Oddly enough, this article is being published on mostmetro.com which Lisa actually owns. You can’t imagine the sneakiness this took to get posted, just to send out the link to people.

“Jokers, doin it right. Jokers, open tonight. Come on in for a laugh or a bite. Make it a Jokers night tonight…”

Take The Mystery Out Of Playwrighting

August 7, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Ohio Playwrights Circle is offering a class in playwrighting from Sept. 5 to Oct. 17 at the educational facilities of The Human Race Theatre Company.

This class is designed to take the mystery out of playwrighting and provide an introduction to new playwrights. The method of building a play is explored through a variety of exercises. Our focus will be on understanding the tool in basic dramatic structure. The process involves a lot of scene writing, a lot of thinking, a lot of laughing, a lot of learning, and a lot of fun.

Each playwright will have the opportunity to create a 10-Minute Play that will be presented in a public reading. The class is planned for novices as well as experienced playwrights and encourages the opportunity for playwrights to hear their works come to life. No Playwrights will be expected to begin the class with already completed work.

Actors and directors are welcome to be part of the process. Class size is limited. Registration and additional information is available on The HRTC website.

The class will be taught by Ohio Playwright, Michael M. London. It will be held on Saturdays at the Caryl D. Philips Creativity Center, 116 N. Jefferson Street, in downtown Dayton.

The class is a project of the Ohio Playwrights Circle and is sponsored by American ArtWorks Foundation. It is hosted in Dayton by The Human Race Theatre Company, and supported by the Marsha Hanna Fund for the Development of New Plays.

Woody Allen’s IRRATIONAL MAN – starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone & Parker Posey – Opens Friday at THE NEON

August 5, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We had another solid weekend at THE NEON. Many thanks for your continued support! MR. HOLMES is going to stick around, but as anticipated, INFINITELY POLAR BEAR will only screen until Thursday. For this week’s remaining showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com. On Friday, we will open Woody Allen’s latest film – IRRATIONAL MAN – starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone & Parker Posey.

Synopsis for IRRATIONAL MAN: “Woody Allen’s IRRATIONAL MAN is about a tormented philosophy professor who finds a will to live when he commits an existential act. Philosophy professor Abe Lucas (Joaquin Phoenix) is at rock bottom emotionally, unable to find any meaning or joy in life. Abe feels that everything he’s tried to do, from political activism to teaching, hasn’t made any difference. Soon after arriving to teach at a small town college, Abe gets involved with two women: Rita Richards (Parker Posey), a lonely professor who wants him to rescue her from her unhappy marriage; and Jill Pollard (Emma Stone), his best student, who becomes his closest friend. Pure chance changes everything when Abe and Jill overhear a stranger’s conversation and become drawn in…” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

Don’t forget that this Thursday, August 6 at 7:30, director Enzo Libertini will premiere his new film THRESHOLD (Libertini has a background in theater, this is his first feature film). “Three slackers wake up to find their friend is missing and in the search for his whereabouts they continue their normal routine that is both odd and compelling. When this routine becomes threatened they must face what’s been holding them back and cross the threshold into truly living. Filmmaker Enzo Libertini brings an epic comedy to the screen for the first time. Libertini began his work on the stage, with original plays Fulmination and Fall for This.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are on sale now for $8 each at THE NEON’s box office.

On Thursday, August 27 at 7:30, we will hold the world premiere of the new film DIARY OF A DEADBEAT: THE STORY OF JIM VANBEBBER. “Jim VanBebber, an uncompromising, underground, outlaw filmmaker from Greenville, Ohio has become one of the most infamous and controversial American independent filmmakers of our time. VanBebber brought us such cult classics as DEADBEAT AT DAWN (The first feature film made in Dayton, Ohio) MY SWEET SATAN, THE MANSON FAMILY, and many others. Diary of a Deadbeat is a documentary that follows his life from his early super 8mm films to his strange days in Hollywood. It features interviews with an eclectic group of artists such as Phil Ansemlo (Pantera), Richard Kern (Trangressive Film Director), Nivek Ogre (Skinny Puppy), R.A the Rugged Man, and many more. Director Victor Bonacore will be in attendance, granting the world the first look at this documentary that has been in the works for over five years! Be the first to see the much-anticipated and long-awaited Diary of a Deadbeat at its world premiere, for only $5!” Tickets on sale now at THE NEON’s box office.

A Reminder About PARKING! Parking across from our front door (the old Greyhound lot) is free for our customers at any time. In addition, we do validate for parking in the parking garage on weekdays after 6pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday. (In the event that the Convention Center is hosting a special event, do not pay an attendant for parking on your way in…simply state that you’re heading to THE NEON and you require a ticket that will be later validated.)

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, August 7 – Thursday, August 13:

IRRATIONAL MAN (R) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:40

MR. HOLMES (PG) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Aug. 14 – TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
Aug. 21 – THE END OF THE TOUR
Aug. 28 – DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL
Sept. 11 – MISTRESS AMERICA Sept. 18 – LEARNING TO DRIVE
TBD: THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

Muse Machine Celebrate Songs from Elton John & The Lion King

August 3, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Young singers, dancers and musicians from across the greater Miami Valley will celebrate and reimagine the work of renowned pop star and composer Elton John in a special concert event as Muse Machine’s Your Songs takes the Victoria Theatre stage for one night only on Thursday, August 6 at 8:00pm. Popular hits like “Tiny Dancer,” “Bennie and the Jets,” and “Rocket Man,” as well as music from the Disney movie turned Broadway hit, The Lion King. Your Songs pairs new arrangements with original concepts that may take the audience by surprise, but will leave them remembering why they loved Sir Elton’s music so much in the first place.

Said producer Doug Merk, “Elton’s music has already been reimagined by other pop, jazz and R&B musicians, and there’s a reason that happens. This music stands the test of time.” With the help of some 150 performers, including elementary and high school students as well as Muse Machine alumni, Your Songs aims to continue a tradition of creative reinterpretation.

rehearsal photos
07/30/15

“There will be moments in the show that give a nod to Elton and to The Lion King, but most of the show, in true Muse Machine fashion, goes in new, funny and moving directions,” says Merk.

As the concert’s title might suggest, some of the music in Your Songs was selected by the general public, who voted for their favorite selections from Elton John’s substantial catalog on Muse Machine’s website.

Tickets for Your Songs are available exclusively through Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630, online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or at the Ticket Center Stage box office located inside the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton.

Ian McKellen’s MR. HOLMES Opens Friday at THE NEON!

July 22, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

This Friday, we will open the film that many regulars have been asking about – MR. HOLMES. Directed by Bill Condon (KINSEY) and starring Ian McKellen & Laura Linney, this film premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and I’m certain many of you will love it. In addition, we will hold all three current films for one more week – AMY, THE OVERNIGHT and ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com. On July 31, we plan to open INFINITELY POLAR BEAR – starring Mark Ruffalo and Zoe Saldana.

Synopsis for MR. HOLMES: “MR HOLMES is a new twist on the world’s most famous detective. 1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it’s too late.” (taken from Roadside Attractions) Kenneth Turan of The Los Angeles Times wrote, “Maneuvering shrewdly within the boundaries of the traditional canon and aided by the impeccable performance of Ian McKellen, Bill Condon directs an elegant puzzler that presents the sage of Baker Street dealing with the one thing he’s never had to contend with before: his own emotions.” Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

On Thursday, July 30 at 7:30, the Sierra Club Miami Group will host a special screening of a new film. “BAG IT is a documentary centered around life without plastic. ‘Everyman’ Jeb Berrier embarks on a global tour to unravel the complexities of the plastic world. BAG IT investigates plastic on our waterways, ocean gyres, and even our own bodies! Finally, a movie that tackles the plastic industry and what we can do about it. Today! Right now! BAG IT won the Audience Choice at Telluride Mountainfilm Festival and Princeton Environmental Film Festival. This screening will be presented by the Sierra Club Miami Group, one of Ohio’s largest and oldest environmental group with over four thousand members.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this FREE Screening will be given on a first come, first serve basis starting one hour before showtime.

On Thursday, August 6 at 7:30, director Enzo Libertini will premiere his new film THRESHOLD (Libertini has a background in theater, this is his first feature film). “Three slackers wake up to find their friend is missing and in the search for his whereabouts they continue their normal routine that is both odd and compelling. When this routine becomes threatened they must face what’s been holding them back and cross the threshold into truly living. Filmmaker Enzo Libertini brings an epic comedy to the screen for the first time. Libertini began his work on the stage, with original plays Fulmination and Fall for This.” (taken from press notes) Tickets will be $8 each and will be available at THE NEON’s box office starting this weekend.

The Dayton Tiny House Community is hoping to bring a new film to town – SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: A TINY HOUSE DOCUMENTARY. This is a tugg event, so 50+ more tickets must be reserved for the screening to take place on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 (those reservations need to be made on the official site by Aug. 1). “In Portland, Oregon, we meet four characters, each of whom are at various stages of building and living in their own tiny homes…Ultimately this story proves that it’s not what’s inside the walls of a tiny house that counts, but rather it is the strong community of like minded people who support each other as they dare to be different.” (taken from tugg) You can read more about this film, watch a trailer and reserve your tickets on the official site. Here’s the LINK.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 24 – Thursday, July 30:

AMY (R) 2 Hrs 8 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 7:30

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:45, 5:15
Sunday: 12:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

THE OVERNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday & Saturday: 3:15, 9:45
Sunday: 3:15
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

MR. HOLMES (PG) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30

BAG IT (NR) 1 Hr 14 Min
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 31 – INFINITELY POLAR BEAR
Aug. 7 – IRRATIONAL MAN
Aug. 14 – TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
Aug. 21 – THE END OF THE TOUR
Aug. 28 – DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL
GRANDMA, SAINT LAURENT,
THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

‘Tarzan’ Review – Epiphany Lutheran Church – Earthy Excellence

July 15, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Dayton’s 2015-2016 theater season has been impressively ushered in by Epiphany Lutheran Church as evidenced in the Epiphany Players Drama Ministry’s delightfully touching and vibrant production of Disney’s “Tarzan,” the organization’s 25th anniversary presentation.

Photo caption Rachel Woeste and Jeffrey Mack lead the Flora Cast as Jane and Tarzan in Epiphany Lutheran Church’s production of “Tarzan” (Contributed photo)

Adapted by Tony Award-winning playwright David Henry Hwang (“M. Butterfly”) based on the 1999 Academy Award-winning film of the same name and the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, “Tarzan” reiterates the power of love and family in its engaging tale of a boy raised by apes in West Africa following the death of his parents who ultimately realizes and comes to terms with his true identity. The core struggle between Tarzan’s ape parents Kala and Kerchak, particularly Kerchak’s reluctance to embrace Tarzan as his own, is a prime source of drama within a story that tends to be a bit stiff and occasionally slow-moving, but Hwang specifically keeps tensions high late in Act 2 when the Brits visiting the jungle on expedition reveal dastardly intent. Also, pop legend Phil Collins satisfactorily fleshes out the material by adding nine pleasant if unremarkable new tunes to the five strong numbers he wrote for the film including “You’ll Be In My Heart,” “Two Worlds” and “Trashin’ The Camp.”

Director/choreographer Megan Wean Sears, delivering incredibly earthy, fully grounded and believably primate movement, crisply guides over 60 actors, a fascinating sight common to Epiphany’s long-standing tradition of casting everyone who auditions. Her sharp routines are an exuberant plus (“Trashin’ The Camp” is an upbeat Act 2 opening romp), but the terrifically authentic world she creates (heightened by great flying effects courtesy of ZFX) and the first-rate character development she ensures equally speaks to her artistic strengths.

The handsome Jeffrey Mack, leading the Flora Cast in the titular role and given a tremendous entrance to boot, exhibits wonderful physicality, solid, pop-infused vocals, credible complexity, and deep expressiveness in one of his most challenging and finest performances. Rachel Woeste brings pert sophistication to her firm portrayal of biologist Jane Porter, Tarzan’s love interest and educator. Brianna Russ, poignant and purposeful, fully inhabits the affectionate Kala, beautifully joining forces with Mack for a tender reprise of “You’ll Be In My Heart.” Justin Matthews is a very formidable, no-nonsense Kerchak. Kyle Bates is enjoyably chipper as Jane’s professor-father. Margo Russ has a ball as Tarzan’s energetic gorilla sidekick Terk. Tom Klosterman oozes arrogant menace as devious hunter Clayton. Liza Russ (an adorable Young Tarzan), Lindsay Rich (Young Terk), Eric Strange (Snipes), Meredith Russ (Leopard), Timmy Seiler (Tarzan’s Father), and Meghan Rupper (Tarzan’s Mother) are also noteworthy in featured roles.

Additionally, Sears’ creative team is outstanding across the board. Ray Zupp’s richly detailed set is an adventurous playground complete with ropes, netting and slides. Matthew P. Benjamin’s lighting design effectively conveys many evocative tones. Stellar costumers Maria Klueber and Lori Watamaniuk, clothing the majority of the cast in ruffled black, vividly establish a jungle essence. Musical director David Brush steadily leads a fine off-stage orchestra.

If you’re searching for an entertaining outing with a sincere message I assure you this immersive “Tarzan,” absolutely surpassing its overblown and mediocre 2006 original Broadway production, seals the deal. By all means it is a striking testament to the pedigree of Epiphany’s rich theatrical legacy.

“Tarzan” continues through July 19 at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Ave., Centerville. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 60 minutes. Patrons are advised the show is double-cast particularly starring Fauna Cast members Kean Petrello and Cecily Dowd at the Thursday and Sunday performances. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors (60 and over), and $5 for children (5 and under). For tickets, call (937) 433-1449 ext. 105. For more information, visit www.epiphanydayton.org or e-mail [email protected]. Also, every summer a charitable organization is selected to receive a portion of the proceeds. This year’s beneficiary is the Haitian Timoun Foundation. Visit www.htflive.org for more information.

AMY Winehouse Doc & Sundance Sex Comedy THE OVERNIGHT at THE NEON!

July 14, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

Many thanks to everyone who has come out and supported AMY. Documentaries can be a tough sell, but we had several well attended screenings this past weekend. AMY will stick around for another week. On Friday, we will open a sex comedy that was a hit at this year’s Sundance Film Festival – THE OVERNIGHT (this will likely be a one-week only engagement). We will also hold ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL for one more week…if you haven’t given this film a chance yet, I urge you to do so. For this week’s remaining showtimes (they’re different than the upcoming week – which are listed below), please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE OVERNIGHT: “Alex, Emily, and their son, RJ, have recently moved to Los Angeles’s Eastside from Seattle. Feeling lost in a new city, they are desperate to find their first new friends. After a chance meeting with Kurt at the neighborhood park, they gladly agree to join family pizza night at his home. But as it gets later and the kids go to bed, the family ‘playdate’ becomes increasingly more revealing as the couples begin to open up.” (taken from The Orchard) Rolling Stone called this film “Sundance’s best sex comedy.” New York Magazine wrote, “Hilarious…there’s so much to love about this movie.” THE OVERNIGHT stars Adam Scott (PARKS AND RECREATION), Taylor Shilling (ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK), Jason Schwartzman (a Wes Anderson favorite) and Judith Godreche (she’s been in numerous NEON films including POTICHE, STOKER, and L’AUBERGE ESPAGNOLE). Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

The Dayton Tiny House Community is hoping to bring a new film to town – SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL: A TINY HOUSE DOCUMENTARY. This is a tugg event, so 50+ more tickets must be reserved for the screening to take place on Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 (those reservations need to be made by Aug. 1). “In Portland, Oregon, we meet four characters, each of whom are at various stages of building and living in their own tiny homes…Ultimately this story proves that it’s not what’s inside the walls of a tiny house that counts, but rather it is the strong community of like minded people who support each other as they dare to be different.” (taken from tugg) You can read more about this film, watch a trailer and reserve your tickets on the official site. Here’s the LINK.

We are slated to open MR. HOLMES (starring Ian McKellen) next Friday. I know many of you are quite excited about this film, and I’m truly looking forward to it.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 17 – Thursday, July 23:

AMY (R) 2 Hrs 8 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:20, 7:50

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunda: 12:40, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:30, 7:45

THE OVERNIGHT (R) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday & Saturday: 3:00, 9:45
Sunday: 3:00
Monday – Thursday: 6:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 24 – MR. HOLMES
Aug. 7 – IRRATIONAL MAN
TBD: TESTAMENT OF YOUTH, INFINITELY POLAR BEAR,
DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL, GRANDMA, SAINT LAURENT,
THE HUNDRED YEAR OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED

Don “DC” Curry – One Nighter at Taste

July 13, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Known by fans across the country for his numerous national television appearances, his yearly theatre tours and for headlining the nation’s hottest comedy clubs, Don “DC” Curry is probably most widely recognized for his comedic acting role as the zany “Uncle Elroy” on the hit urban classics, “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next.” He’s currently developing his own comedy reality show, “No Chit,” about comedian’s lives on the modern-day “Chitlin Circuit.” His credits also include a recurring role on the new Aaron McGruder sitcom, “Black Jesus” (fall 2014) and guest appearances on: “The Boondocks,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “The Chris Rock Show,” “HBO Def Comedy Jam,” “Martin Lawrence’s 1st Amendment Stand Up,” “Comics Unleashed,” “Comics Unleashed Hot Chocolate,” “TV One’s Way Black When,” host of “BET Comic View,” his own Comedy Central Special, his own BET Special, a series regular role on ABC’s “Grace Under Fire,” and the Winner of the “Bay Area Black Comedy Competition.”

Roadtrip for Lego Lovers

July 6, 2015 By Lisa Grigsby

It’s not often that DaytonMostMetro is going to suggest you get in your car and head to the mall in Cincinnati, but if you’re a fan of history, Lego or visual arts, we’ve got to say, GO! You’ve got until July 19th to head to Kenwood Towne Centre and catch The Lego^® Americana Roadshow. Featuring giant replicas of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks made from thousands of bricks, this display is truly amazing.

The Lego^® Americana Tour is a highly visual, educational and free traveling installation of larger-than-life Lego^® models. Replicas of iconic buildings and architectural structures will be on exhibit at various locations throughout the shopping center. Kenwood Towne Centre is the only venue in Ohio to host The LEGO Americana Tour.

Build and take home your own mini version of a Lego^®
Washington Monument for FREE!*

7/11/2015 – 7/12/2015
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Macy’s Wing

*No purchase necessary. Offer good while supplies last. Open to participants aged 4 and older

The one-of-a-kind, large scale models of American landmarks made completely out of Lego^® bricks by Lego^® Master Builders will entertain customers with stunning visuals and fun facts. Featured landmarks include: U.S. Capitol Building, White House, Supreme Court, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Statue of Liberty, Independence Hall and Old North Church.

Kenwood Town Centre is located at 7875 Montgomery Road in Cincinnati. From Dayton take I75 south about 35 miles then take exit 16 to merge onto I-275 E toward I-71/Columbus. In 6 miles take exit 49 to merge onto I-71 S toward Cincinnati, then take exit 12 for US-22/Montgomery Rd/OH-3 and the mall will be towards your right.

YS Kids Playhouse Fights Urban Sprawl in The Farm

July 6, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Yellow Springs Kids Playhouse is letting the animals do the talking in the world premiere of The Farm, a play commissioned by the company, now entering its 21^st year. Sponsored in part by a $10,000 award by the National Endowment for the Arts and several grants from the Ohio Arts Council, The Farm uses masks, puppets, music and innovative props to bring the story of the importance and necessity of farm and land conservation to light.

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Photo by Tod Tyslan

Directed by, Y S Kids Playhouse’s Managing Artistic Director Ara G. Beal, The Farm, written by Joan Sand, will be YSKP’s 21^st original musical. The Farm is inspired by Orwell’s Animal Farm and the 1999 auction Whitehall Farm outside of Yellow Springs. Can the wild animals, farm animals and human kids work together to save their beloved farm from developers? Our steampunk styled production will feature human characters played by puppets, animal characters played by actors, full-sized bulldozers and tractors made out of recycled materials, and lots of fun.

Performances are July 16-19^th and 23-26^th at 7:30pm at Antioch Area Amphitheater, 920 Corry Street, Yellow Springs Ohio. Tickets are available at the door and $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

In addition, YSKP is proud to announce it is presenting its inaugural “Arts for All” performance on Friday July 24th at 7:30 pm at Antioch Amphitheater. This altered performance is geared for those on the Autism Spectrum with special educators on site to help everyone navigate the experience of live performance. Tickets for this special performance are $5 for all adults, students and seniors. More information is available by calling 937-767-7800.

To learn more about YSKP and get updates on The Farm, visit them on Facebook or email [email protected].

Saluting Dayton’s 2014-15 Theater Season

July 2, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Friendship among witches, a delightful journey to Neverland, a Boston single mother awaiting opportunity, a modern family attempting connection at a New York hospital, an ogre in love, and African-American stories of faith and redemption were some of the key contributors to Dayton’s engaging 2014-15 theater season.

The cast of Human Race Theatre Company’s “Crowns” (Photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

The Human Race Theatre Company’s roof-raising production of Crowns was a hallmark for professional offerings, but the organization was equally blessed by a luminous world premiere of Michael Slade’s Broadway-worthy dramedy Family Shots, John Murrell’s engrossing two-hander Taking Shakespeare, and Caleb Damschroder and Eric Ulloa’s lovely new musical Molly Sweeney. The Victoria Theatre Association notably scored with the popular return of Wicked and the pleasantly surprising and impressive spoof America’s Got Downton, Luke Kempner’s tour-de-force salute to hit TV drama Downton Abbey. Dare to Defy Productions, a troupe on the rise, certainly flexed its artistic muscles with a string of strong shows heightened by savvy casting. Emerging, female-driven Magnolia Theatre Company arrived with aplomb in the form of an excellent Parallel Lives.
Further, Playhouse South reminded theatergoers of the unbridled, inclusive joy of community theater in its absolutely radiant Shrek The Musical, one of the finest shows produced by the organization closely followed by its sharp staging of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Dayton Theatre Guild’s admiration for Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire surfaced once more with a fantastic local premiere of the blue-collar Good People, which contained elements that matched the original Broadway production. Newly formed Playground Theatre commendably premiered with a nostalgic staging of The Breakfast Club. Undercroft Players, another emerging company with promise, brought great laughs and heartfelt warmth to Weekend Comedy. Beavercreek Community Theatre definitely succeeded with Sweeney Todd and Avenue Q. Dayton Playhouse, bolstered by the presence of scenic designer Chris Newman throughout the season, provided an attractive look at The Fantasticks.
On collegiate stages, Wright State University tremendously hit the mark as expected. In addition to WSU’s stellar Fences which provided the long-awaited directorial return of Sheila Ramsey in collaboration with WSU chair W. Stuart McDowell, director Joe Deer spearheaded a marvelously magical Peter Pan and a breathtaking musical showcase starring Tony Award-winning legend Leslie Uggams. Elsewhere, Sinclair Community College dazzled with its stunning, non-traditional Pride and Prejudice and vibrantly feel-good Charlie Brown Christmas. The University of Dayton thoroughly charmed with A New Brain.
Nationally, it was particularly thrilling to see Muse Machine and Oakwood High School alum Micah Stock take the New York theater community by storm thanks to his hilarious Broadway debut as Gus P. Dowd in the revival of Terrence McNally’s comedy It’s Only a Play. The 26-year-old Stock, a gifted artist, received a Tony nomination and Theatre World Award for his outstanding performance.
Assessing the 75 shows I saw this season, I congratulate the following winners (in bold) and nominees.

Alyssa Fox (l) and Carrie St. Louis in “Wicked” (Photo by Joan Marcus)

BEST TOURING PRODUCTION
4 Girls 4, Springfield Arts Council
America’s Got Downton, Victoria Theatre Association
Nice Work If You Can Get It, Victoria Theatre Association
Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Victoria Theatre Association
Wicked, Victoria Theatre Association

BEST PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
Crowns, Human Race Theatre Company
Family Shots, Human Race Theatre Company
Parallel Lives, Magnolia Theatre Company
Taking Shakespeare, Human Race Theatre Company
Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Human Race Theatre Company and Victoria Theatre Association

BEST LOCALLY-PRODUCED PROFESSIONAL MUSICAL,
Altar Boyz, Dare to Defy Productions
The Last Five Years, Dare to Defy Productions
Molly Sweeney: A Musical, Human Race Theatre Company
Nunsense, Dare to Defy Productions
Rent, Dare to Defy Productions

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
4000 Miles, Dayton Theatre Guild
The Breakfast Club, Playground Theatre
Good People, Dayton Theatre Guild
Heartbreak House, Dayton Theatre Guild
Weekend Comedy, Undercroft Players

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
Avenue Q, Beavercreek Community Theatre
The Fantasticks, Dayton Playhouse
Shrek The Musical, Playhouse South
Sweeney Todd, Beavercreek Community Theatre
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Playhouse South

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A PLAY
A Charlie Brown Christmas, Sinclair Community College
Fences, Wright State University
Pride and Prejudice, Sinclair Community College
Romeo and Juliet, Wright State University

The cast of Wright State University’s “Peter Pan” (Contributed photo)

BEST COLLEGIATE PRODUCTION OF A MUSICAL
A New Brain, University of Dayton
bare: a pop opera, Sinclair Community College
Hot Mikado, Wright State University
Peter Pan, Wright State University
Sondheim on Sondheim, Wright State University

BEST NEW WORK
Caleb Damschroder and Eric Ulloa’s Molly Sweeney: A Musical, Human Race Theatre Company
Luke Kempner’s America’s Got Downton, Victoria Theatre Association
Linda Ramsay-Detherage’s Sugarhill, Dayton Playhouse FutureFest
Michael Slade’s Family Shots, Human Race Theatre Company

BEST SPECIAL THEATRICAL EVENT
America’s Got Downton, Victoria Theatre Association
An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance
An Evening with Leslie Uggams, Wright State University and Victoria Theatre Association
Oliver!, Muse Machine
Once On This Island, Epiphany Lutheran Church

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A PLAY
Corbin Bleu as Aaron Baker, Family Shots
Law Terrell Dunford as Troy Maxson, Fences
David Hallowren as Jim Stools, Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Luke Kempner in multiple roles, America’s Got Downton
Jon Kovach as Murph, Taking Shakespeare
Jared Mola as Leo Joseph-Connell, 4000 Miles

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Gina Handy in multiple roles, Parallel Lives
Barbara Jorgensen as Vera Joseph, 4000 Miles
Johanna Leister as Prof, Taking Shakespeare
Andréa Moralés in multiple roles, Parallel Lives
Rachel Wilson as Margaret Walsh, Good People
Colleen Zenk as Marsha Baker, Family Shots

BEST LEADING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Ian Benjamin as Jamie Wellerstein, The Last Five Years
Mark Beyer as Roger Davis, Rent
A.J. Breslin as Peter, bare
Bruce Cromer as Captain Hook and Mr. Darling, Peter Pan
Rollie Fisk as Fagin, Oliver!
Bobby Mitchum as Jason, bare

BEST LEADING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Kelsey Pohl as Cathy Hiatt, The Last Five Years
Angelé Price as Sister Hubert, Nunsense
Brianna Russ as Nancy, Oliver!
Alyson Snyder as Peter Pan, Peter Pan
Carrie St. Louis as Glinda, Wicked
Lindsie VanWinkle as Molly Sweeney, Molly Sweeney

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A PLAY
A.J. Breslin as Snoopy, A Charlie Brown Christmas
Randy Brooks as Sam Baker, Family Shots
David Jennings as Man, Crowns
Stephen Kell as Mercutio, Romeo and Juliet
Jared Mola as Roy Manual, Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music (Dayton Theatre Guild)
Jeff Sams as Hector Hushabye, Heartbreak House

The cast of Dayton Theatre Guild’s “Good People (Contributed photo)

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A PLAY
Joilet F. Harris as Mother Shaw, Crowns
Wendi Michael as Jean, Good People
Annie Pesch as Joyce Anderson, Family Shots
Lorrie Sparrow-Knapp as Lady Utterword, Heartbreak House
Shyra Thomas as Kate, Good People
Torie Wiggins as Mabel, Crowns

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A MUSICAL
Drew Bowen as Mark, Altar Boyz
Jim Brown as Lord Farquuad, Shrek The Musical
Charles Larkowski as Judge Turpin, Sweeney Todd
Nathan Pecchia as himself, Sondheim on Sondheim
Tyler Simms as Smee, Peter Pan
Michael Stockstill as Adolfo Pirelli, Sweeney Todd

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A MUSICAL
Jasmine Easler as Katisha, Hot Mikado
Jenna Gomes as Mimi Schwinn, A New Brain
Megan Kuchan as Logainne Schwartzandgrubenniere, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Cassi Mikat as herself, Sondheim on Sondheim
Tia Seay as Donkey, Shrek The Musical
Shawn Storms as Joanne Jefferson, Rent

BREAKTHROUGH MALE PERFORMANCE
Christopher Delanis as Gordon Michael Schwinn, A New Brain
Austin DeVaughn as Mr. Collins, Pride and Prejudice
Jose Gutierrez del Arroyo as Leaf Coneybear and Carl Dad, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Zach King as Shrek, Shrek The Musical
Alan Ruddy as Princeton, Avenue Q
Isaac Tobler as Tom Collins, Rent

The cast of Wright State University’s “Fences” (Contributed photo)

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE PERFORMANCE
Ariqa Bowens as Elizabeth Bennet, Pride and Prejudice
Jasmine Easler as Rose, Fences
Esther Hyland as Princess Fiona, Shrek The Musical
Kirsten Johnson as Allison Reynolds, The Breakfast Club
Pamela Matheson-Jones as Mrs. Nellie Lovett, Sweeney Todd
Meghan Rupper as Mama Euralie, Once On This Island

BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY
Debbie Blunden-Diggs and Scott Stoney, Crowns
Kimberly Borst, Pride and Prejudice
Debra A. Kent, Good People
W. Stuart McDowell and Sheila Ramsey, Fences
Kevin Moore, Family Shots

BEST DIRECTION OF A MUSICAL
Joe Deer, Peter Pan
Greg Hellems, Hot Mikado
Becki Norgaard, Shrek The Musical
JJ Parkey, Rent
Megan Wean Sears, Once On This Island

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Debbie Blunden-Diggs, Crowns
Lula Elzy, Oliver!
Greg Graham, Peter Pan
Teressa Wylie McWilliams, Hot Mikado
Megan Wean Sears, Once On This Island

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A PLAY
David A. Centers, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Chris Harmon, Pride and Prejudice
Chris Newman, Heartbreak House
Ryan Sess, Fences
Terry Stump, A Charlie Brown Christmas

BEST SCENIC DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Chris Harmon, Sweeney Todd
Pam Knauert Lavarnway, Hot Mikado
Pam Knauert Lavarnway, Peter Pan
Chris Newman, The Fantasticks
Ray Zupp, Rent

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A PLAY
David J. Castellano, Pride and Prejudice (Wright State)
David M. Covach, Crowns
Patrick Allyn Hayes and Kelsey Shaffer, Heartbreak House
Kathleen Hotmer, Pride and Prejudice
Mary Beth McLaughlin, Fences

The cast of Playhouse South’s “Shrek The Musical” (Contributed photo)

BEST COSTUME DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Carol Finley, Sweeney Todd
Jeremy W. Floyd, Hot Mikado
Maria Klueber and Lori Watamaniuk, Once On This Island
Lead costumer Meagan Kuchan and costume team (Melissa Fogle, Kathleen Carroll, Donna Cason, Summer Lehman, Rachel Annabo Smith, Maggie Carroll, Mary Nunnery, Aurora Nunnery, Rachel LaFountain Earich, Jordan Norgaard, Jenni Cypher, Tonia Scearce, Ian Meadows, Jess Evans), Shrek The Musical
Janet G. Powell, The Fantasticks

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A PLAY
Daniel Brunk, Pride and Prejudice
Sammy Jelinek, Fences
Tim Mascall, America’s Got Downton
John Rensel, Taking Shakespeare
Nick Vanderpool, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead – Live (Dayton Playhouse)

BEST LIGHTING DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Anita Bachmann, The Fantasticks
Matthew P. Benjamin, Hot Mikado
John Falkenbach, Sweeney Todd
Sammy Jelinek, Peter Pan
Bryan Miller, Once On This Island

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A PLAY
Daniel Brunk, Pride and Prejudice
Jay Brunner, Taking Shakespeare
Jay Brunner, Crowns
Emily Hutton, Fences
K.L. Storer, George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead – Live (Dayton Playhouse)

BEST SOUND DESIGN OF A MUSICAL
Keith Caggiano, Nice Work If You Can Get It
James Dunlap, Sondheim on Sondheim
Matt Korb, Hot Mikado
Chris Pentecost, Once On This Island
Mason Wisecup, Peter Pan

BEST ORCHESTRA
Hot Mikado (Music Director: Scot Woolley)
The Last Five Years (Music Director: Dean Brown)
Nice Work If You Can Get It (Music Director: Charlie Reuter)
Oliver! (Music Director: Claude Thomas)
Once On This Island (Music Director: David Brush)

BEST PROPERTIES
Heather Campbell Martin, The Fantasticks
John Lavarnway, Peter Pan
Heather Powell, Taking Shakespeare
Blake Senseman and Deidre Bray Root, Good People
Shannon Sellars, Oliver!

ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Tango dancers Sarah Agar and Adam Soniak in Mame (Human Race Theatre Company)
Christine Andreas, Faith Prince, Andrea McArdle, and Maureen McGovern in 4 Girls 4 with music direction by John McDaniel
Director/choreographer Katie Arber, leading players Isaac Ingle (Seymour) and Cecily Dowd (Audrey), scenic designer Mike Cordonnier, and the cast of Little Shop of Horrors (Centerville High School)
Becky Barrett-Jones as Diana Goodman and Desmond Thomas as Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
Lyn Baudendistel, Robin Brown, Patty Peters, Toni Donato Shade, and Alisa Vukasinovich’s costumes for Oliver!
Keely Beirne’s renditions of “Don Juan” and “Some Cats Know” in Smokey Joe’s Cafe
Matthew P. Benjamin’s projections for Hot Mikado
Matthew Boston as Vanya, Sherman Fracher as Sonia, Jennifer Johansen as Masha, Ben Palacios as Spike, Alex Sunderhaus as Nina, Torie Wiggins as Cassandra, and director Margarett Perry for Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike
Gary Briggle, Laura Portune, Gabriel Preisser, and Christina Baldwin in An Evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein
Jay Brunner’s incidental music for Taking Shakespeare
Alexander Chilton as Stevie, Shawn Hooks as Mike and Heather Martin as Dottie in Good People
Megan Cooper as Margaret “Maggie” Pollitt and Chris Harmon’s scenic design for Cat On a Hot Tin Roof (Beavercreek Community Theatre)
Bruce Cromer’s fight choreography for Romeo and Juliet
Tristan Cupp’s scenic design for Once On This Island
Jasmine Easler as Velma, Joy Lynn Jacobs as Wanda, Monette McKay as Yolanda, and Debra Walton as Jeanette in Crowns
Sean Michael Flowers’ incidental music for Family Shots and his music direction of Sondheim on Sondheim (featuring a band consisting of guitarist Mark Beyer and cellist Emsie Hapner)
Alyssa Fox as Elphaba in Wicked
Jill Lynott as Barbara and Geoff Turner and Eric Specht’s special effects for George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead – Live (Dayton Playhouse)
Ellie Margolis as Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice (Wright State)
Chris Newman’s scenic design and Kathleen Carroll’s costumes for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Dayton Playhouse)
Natalie Sanders’ rendition of “All Grown Up” in bare: a pop opera
Parisa Samavati’s rendition of “Forever” in Shrek The Musical
Renditions of “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (Tia Seay and ensemble), “Easy to Be Hard” (Emma Jordan), “Where Do I Go?” (Mark Beyer and ensemble), “White Boys” (Raven Thomas), and “Good Morning Starshine” (Mackensie Vonderbrink) in The Music of Hair (Dare to Defy Productions)
Michael Stockstill’s makeup design for Shrek The Musical
Leslie Uggams and featured performers Jasmine Easler, Mimi Klipstine, Cassandra Mikat, Katie Momenee, Kelsey Pohl, Alyson Snyder, and Abby Murray Vachon with music directors Don Rebic and Scot Woolley in An Evening with Leslie Uggams
Scot Woolley’s piano accompaniment for Crowns and Molly Sweeney

Big Sundance Winner ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL Now Playing at THE NEON!

July 1, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL – the big winner and giant crowdpleaser (especially for film lovers) from this year’s Sundance Film Festival – is now playing at THE NEON! In addition, I’m pleased to announce that we’re able to hold both LOVE & MERCY and I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS for one more week!

Synopsis for ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL: “Winner of the 2015 Sundance Grand Jury Prize as well as the Audience Award, ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL is the story of Greg Gaines (Thomas Mann), an awkward high school senior whose mom forces him to spend time with Rachel – a girl in his class (Olivia Cooke) with whom he hasn’t spoken to since kindergarten – who was just diagnosed with cancer.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Joe Morgenstern from The Wall Street Journal wrote, “This brilliantly funny, casually profound and deeply affecting coming-of-age chronicle…even manages to be life-enlightening – it’s a fresh take on contemporary adolescence as a journey from ironic detachment to openhearted feeling.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Single Payer Action Network Ohio (SPAN Ohio) and Doctors for America are proud to host a screening of the powerful documentary REMOTE AREA MEDICAL. During the U.S. debate about healthcare reform, the media failed to put a human face on what it means to not have access to healthcare. Over three days in April 2012, Remote Area Medical, the pioneers of “no-cost” healthcare clinics, treated nearly 2,000 patients on the infield of Bristol, Tennessee’s massive NASCAR speedway. REMOTE AREA MEDICAL affords us an insider’s perspective on the ebb and flow of the event. It is the extraordinary stories of the patients, desperate for medical attention, that create a lasting impression about the state of modern healthcare in America. Admission is free and open to the public. A panel discussion will be held after the movie with local physicians and health policy advocates. The film will screen on Sunday, July 12 at 3pm. Tickets will be given on a first come, first serve basis on the day of the screening.

Next Friday, July 10, we plan to open the new powerful documentary AMY about the brilliant singer and songwriter Amy Winehouse – a smash at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Please help us spread the word to any of your friends and family who are interested in music or strong documentaries.

Thanks for your continued support.
We hope to see you this weekend!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, July 1 – Thursday, July 9:

LOVE & MERCY (PG-13) 2 Hrs 1 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 5:20
Friday & Saturday: 4:50, 9:30
Sunday: 4:50
Monday – Thursday: 5:20

I’LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS (PG-13) 1 Hr 32 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:15, 7:45
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 7:45

ME AND EARL AND THE DYING GIRL (PG-13) 1 Hr 45 Min
Wednesday & Thursday (July 1 & 2): 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Friday & Saturday: 12:15, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:45
Sunday: 12:15, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:40

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
July 10 – AMY
July 17 (or later) – TESTAMENT OF YOUTH
July 24 (or later) – INFINITELY POLAR BEAR
July 24 – MR. HOLMES
Aug. 7 – IRRATIONAL MAN
TBD – END OF THE TOUR, DIARY OF A TEENAGE GIRL,
GRANDMA, SAINT LAURENT

Dayton Theater Hall of Fame Honors Joe Deer

July 1, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to the cause of theatre arts in Dayton or have made a significant impact on Dayton’s theatre community. The 2015 inductee is Joe Deer.

Joe Deer is Distinguished Professor of Musical Theatre and Director of the Musical Theatre Initiative at Wright State University, where he has headed the Musical Theatre program since its inception in 1997. He is well known as a director for Wright State and the Human Race, and his productions have been acclaimed for their quality and creativity. He is the author of Directing in Musical Theatre: An Essential Guide and co-author of Acting in Musical Theatre: A Comprehensive Course, both widely used as textbooks in theater programs around the world. He has served on the board for the Human Race, has participated actively in Muse Machine activities, and has been instrumental in bringing national figures such as Stephen Schwartz, Leslie Uggams, and Audra McDonald to Dayton.

Established in 2001, the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame was created to honor local theater artists and patrons of the arts whose life-long participation, innovation, and creativity have influenced the Dayton arts culture.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held in conjunction with the annual DayTony awards on August 8, 2015 at Sinclair Community College. Attendees will have the dinner or event-only option this year. Early bird pricing will be available through July 18, with a higher price until July 31. No reservations will be accepted after August 1. The event is open to the public and reservation information will be available on the DayTony website and social media when plans are completed.

The Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame is operated and governed by the Dayton Theatre Hall of Fame Executive Committee.

Burlesque Life Drawing Comes to Dayton

June 30, 2015 By LIbby Ballengee

Burlesque Life Drawing Comes to Dayton!

When many artists think “life drawing,” they think of sterile rooms, bad lighting, and bored, silent, models with nary a hint of personality. Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is here to change all that.

Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School is the little New York art event that became a movement. Started in 2005 by artist Molly Crabapple, the concept is simple: Artists draw glamorous models, compete in contests, and win drinks and prizes. From it’s humble Brooklyn beginnings, Dr. Sketchy’s now has over 100 branches around the globe, including Los Angeles, London, Rome, Tokyo, and Melbourne. Since it’s inception in 2005, Dr. Sketchy’s movement has received cover

age from the likes of The LA Times, The Washington Post, BBC Radio, NPR, The Village Voice, WNBC, Time Out London, and The New York Times.

A Dayton branch has been started by Sarah Musick and Crystal Ash, who are organizing monthly Dr. Sketchy sessions at Therapy Cafe. These events feature burlesque babes, roller derby girls, belly dancers, drag queens fetish models, and a plethora of other strange lovely people along with contests, prizes and alcohol galore.

Sarah Musick explains: “In a nutshell, Dr. Sketchy is all about creating the perfect fantasy comic book world you’ve been looking for. Therapy Cafe brings you the best cocktails in Dayton while we bring you the inspiration you’ve been looking for. And by inspiration we don’t just mean unique costumes and sets, but also suggestively dressed, gorgeous men and women emanating your favorite stories ready to become your next creation. This month we are honored to introduce her royal majesty, Queen Elisabeth I! She will show you the path to true artistic power… And she will probably do it with a sumptuously pale bosom.”

Sounds like fun!! The next Dr. Sketchy is July 1st at Therapy Cafe from 7-10pm. Tickets are $5 pre-sale, and $7 at the door. For more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/762127940566718/

You can view the Founding website at www.drsketchy.com and the Dayton branch at www.drsketchydayton.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/drsketchydayton.

12 Screen Movie Theater Coming to Austin Landing

June 25, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

RG Properties today announced that Cinépolis USA, a leading world-class exhibitor, will open a 12-screen, 1,560-seat sophisticated cinema with enhanced theater offerings in Austin Landing, a 142-acre development located off of the I-75 at the Austin Boulevard exit in Dayton, Ohio.
“Adding Cinépolis USA is the perfect complement to Austin Landing and surrounding areas,” said Bo Gunlock, President of RG Properties and the developer of Austin Landing. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have this theater available for the community as we continue to bring new and exciting options for everyone to enjoy.”
Cinépolis Dayton marks Cinépolis USA’s debut into Ohio. The exhibitor’s sophisticated movie theater concept, set to debut in fall 2016, will consist of a 52,750-square-foot cinema featuring Cinépolis’ sophisticated and approachable décor, with a lounge-style lobby that will encourage guests to relax and socialize before the movie begins. With its cutting-edge sound and projection technology, comfortable seats, spacious auditoriums, elegant lobby space, gourmet snacks and a full bar, Cinépolis Dayton will provide an exciting new movie-going experience for area residents.
“We are fortunate to grow and introduce Cinépolis USA’s cinematic experience to new communities through extraordinary developments like Austin Landing,” said Neil Baron, Vice President of Real Estate, Cinépolis USA. “Dayton, Ohio is an exceptional town and we couldn’t be happier to have teamed with a partner so adept at providing its community with nothing but the best in entertainment.”

As Dayton’s central hub for community members and traveler s alike, Austin Landing offers a diverse selection of entertainment, dining, shopping and hotel offerings. The development features 10 upscale eateries, including Firebirds Wood Fired Grill and Noodles & Company, two hotels – Hilton Garden Inn and Staybridge Suites – and a variety of shopping venues, alongside fun events like First Friday concerts and luxury car shows. Cinépolis Dayton will further establish the development’s status as a top location within the Dayton community.
The leading world-class cinema exhibitor will screen movies seven days a week with ticket prices around $10 – $14. Guests will be able to reserve seating via www.cinepolisusa.com upon the theater’s opening. Additionally, Cinépolis Dayton offers the opportunity for employment in the area and will be hiring approximately 75-100 full time and part time team members. For more information and to apply, contact [email protected].

Arts & Entertainment

365 Things To Do In Dayton

Yep. You have something to do every day. Every. Single.Day.

Gooooooood Evening Comedy Fans…

Build and take home your own mini version of a Lego® Washington Monument for FREE!*

Build and take home your own mini version of a Lego^®
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