Arts & Entertainment

The Yellow Cab Introduces New Monthly Event: Movie Night

January 14, 2015 By Dayton Most Metro

Over the course of 2014, The Yellow Cab building has introduced a number of creative events. Now they are starting off the new year with a new monthly feature they are calling Movie Night at the Yellow Cab. The first movie will be the 1985 adventure-comedy The Goonies. “The first time I remember seeing the Goonies was when I was 5 years old and I loved it. But it was just as much fun watching it with my friend’s kids a few weeks ago,” said Organizer Brian Johnson. Movie Nights at The Yellow Cab will consist of either a cult classic or a new releases.

Organizers say that Movie Night at the Yellow Cab is a chance to go out with friends or to bring the whole family, depending on the movie, and that there will be a focus on collaboration with other local businesses. “For our first movie night, Lily’s Bistro will be serving bacon popcorn and we’ll be hosting a few food trucks. We’re also working with local breweries to serve craft beer during the movies,” said Johnson. Because Goonies has an expansive cult following, the event will also host a costume contest, so organizers encourage you to come dressed in your best Goonies gear.

Representatives from The Yellow Cab said they plan to make this a monthly event, saying that the first few movie nights will be held inside, but that they are hoping to move the viewing outside once the weather warms up, with a goal of creating a “movie in the park” or urban drive in feel.

Movie Night at the Yellow Cab:
700 E. 4th St.
Friday, January 16
early showing: 6:00pm
late showing: 8:30pm

Tickets are $2 per person.

Acclaimed FOXCATCHER Opens Friday at THE NEON!

January 13, 2015 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

It’s Oscar Season, and it’s time to get moving with new films. If you haven’t had the chance to see WILD (or you need to see it again), you’ll need to hurry down to THE NEON…Thursday will be your last chance to catch it with us. On Friday, we will open the much-acclaimed new film FOXCATCHER – starring Steve Carrell, Channing Tatum and Mark Ruffalo. THE IMITATION GAME will continue its hugely successful run. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com.

Synopsis for FOXCATCHER: “FOXCATCHER is a psychological drama directed by Academy Award nominee Bennett Miller (MONEYBALL & CAPOTE) and starring Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Vanessa Redgrave and Sienna Miller. It tells the story of Olympic Gold Medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Tatum), who sees a way out from the shadow of his more celebrated wrestling brother Dave (Ruffalo) and a life of poverty when he is summoned by eccentric multi-millionaire John du Pont (Carell) to move onto his estate and train for the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Desperate to gain the respect of his disapproving mother, du Pont begins ‘coaching’ a world-class athletic team and, in the process, lures Mark into dangerous habits, breaks his confidence and drives him into a self-destructive spiral. Based on actual events, FOXCATCHER is a gripping and profoundly American story of fragile men who pinned their hopes for love and redemption on a desperate obsession for greatness.” (taken from Sony Classics) Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Patrick Larreategui is trying to bring a special screening of CHARLIE VICTOR ROMEO to town. If 68 tickets are reserved by Feb. 6, the screening will move forward – scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7:30. “When you board an airplane, who are those people in uniform to whom you entrust your life? What do they really do when things go horribly wrong? Derived entirely from the ‘black box’ transcripts of six major airline emergencies, CHARLIE VICTOR ROMEO puts the audience inside the tension-filled cockpits of actual flights in distress, offering a fascinating portrait of the psychology of crisis and a person’s will to live to the last second. This chilling and groundbreaking production stretches the boundaries of film, theatre, and the traditional documentary with [the filming of] a stage play that recreates transcripts word for word.” Tickets are $10 each and reservations are required via the official link. (You credit card will only be charged if enough reservations are made in order for the event to move forward as scheduled.)

Oscar nominations will be revealed this Thursday. In addition to several films that we’ve already played, we have a lot of contenders coming down the road – including the Oscar Nominated Shorts. We’ll keep you posted. And speaking of Oscars, Many thanks to the folks at ThinkTV – who have once again agreed to help us get a signal for our FREE screening of the Academy Awards. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support.

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 16 – Thursday, Jan. 22:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:30, 8:00

FOXCATCHER (R) 2 Hr 13 Min
Friday, Saturday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:40
Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00
Monday: 4:00, 7:00
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:20, 7:50

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Soap Star Colleen Zenk Comes To Town To Star in Human Race’s Family Shots Ticket Giveaway

January 13, 2015 By Nikki Nett

From the time I was born, the CBS Soap Operas have been part of my life. My grandmother watched faithfully, a trait passed along to my mother. While I still check in from time to time on Y&R and B&B, my favorite memories are of rushing home after school to see the last half of As The World Turns followed by Guiding Light. Both shows were full of characters that kept me transfixed while learning about subjects I shouldn’t in elementary school, to navigating the awkward teen years. One of my favorite characters was “Barbara Ryan” from As The World Turns.

Barbara was played by the fantastic Colleen Zenk. She was always sassy, sometimes vulnerable, manipulative, and from time to time genuinely nice (thanks, Hal). A quick search on Wikipedia sums her character up best:

Barbara Ryan is portrayed as a heroine who experienced many tragedies, mostly at the hands of her controlling ex-husband, the villainous “James Stenbeck” .

Over her 32 years on the show, Barbara has been shot through the heart, nearly gored by a bull in Spain, kidnapped 15 times, married nine times, burned in a chemical explosion and jumped out of a three-story window.

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The cast of The Human Race Theatre Company’s world premiere production of FAMILY SHOTS. Photo courtesy of Scott J. Kimmins

Beginning on January 22 and running through February 8, Colleen Zenk, along with Corbin Bleu and Randy Brooks will be starring in Family Shots for The Human Race Theatre Company. The description from the Human Race Theatre’s website gives some insight to what the play is about:

Charming family patriarch Sam Baker lies in a hospital bed, recovering from an apparent heart attack, but his wife, Marsha, won’t stop making the crisis all about her—much to the dismay of their son, Aaron. The young photographer wonders why his parents even stay together while he and his husband, Malcolm, deal with their own issues as newlyweds. Intimate, yet universal, Michael Slade’s latest play is a wildly funny and touching comedy about marriage—its joys, challenges and responsibilities—and what’s worth fighting for.

I see some similarities in Colleen Zenk’s character, Marsha, and the one she’s best known for, Barbara Ryan, so I had to ask myself…

What Would Barbara Ryan Do In Dayton?

Full disclosure: I am obsessed with the smokey eye. Fortunately, as an adult, I have perfected it, but that hasn’t always been the case. Inspired by Babs, the queen of eyeliner, there was “The Barbara Incident of Fourth Grade”. I can trace my makeup obsession to this day, as a child, trying to emulate a soap opera character. Hey, there’s no shame in my game. Naturally, Barbara would need to look fabulous, so I can only imagine that she would begin with a treasure trove of goodies from Preen Apothecary. Once nestled in Oakwood, they have now moved to a special new place near Carrillon Park. I am excited to check out their new digs, and of course, stock up on eyeliner and mascara.

Having been married MULTIPLE times, one can guess that Barbara spends a LOT of time with her attorneys. Seeing as how there is a large concentration of lawyers near the court buildings, she’d naturally be downtown quite a bit, right? Depositions would require a caffeine boost from Boston Stoker across from the Schuster Center and she may take a lunch break at Citilites.

After a long day of trying to be un-married again from her psycho husband James, she would be in desperate need of a drink. The obvious choice would be to head to Salar for one of their hand crafted cocktails, before meeting girlfriends (she actually did have a couple friends) at the Oakwood Club.

Barbara would naturally be drawn to the vibrant arts district we have downtown, so it’s only logical to think that she’d end her busy day by taking in a play. Perhaps at the Human Race Theatre Company? Obviously. We want you to be able to join the fun, so make sure you read below for our ticket giveaway!

Corbin Bleu

This has been a fun and wordy way to let you know I’m excited to check out Family Shots and see Colleen Zenk bring her famous sass to her character, Marsha. This is sure to be a great run, and one you won’t want to miss! By the way, I should probably mention that Corbin Bleu of High School Musical fame also has a starring role. That’s right, “Chad Danforth” right here in Dayton. Let the fangirling commence.

DMM Ticket Giveaway:

For your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Family Shots, just fill out the form below and tell us in the comments below where you’d take Barbara Ryan if you were going to show her around Dayton. We’ll post our winner here on the evening of Thursday, Jan 14th. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

‘The Last Five Years’ Review – Dare to Defy Productions – Falling In and Out of Love

January 3, 2015 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Jason Robert Brown’s incredibly emotional and warmly intimate two-person, one-act musical “The Last Five Years” receives an endearingly performed, vocally splendid treatment courtesy of Dare to Defy Productions inside the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center.

In just 80 compelling minutes, “Last Five Years,” delicately directed with contemplative touches by Mackensie Vonderbrink, paints a fascinating portrait of twentysomething lovebirds in New York City particularly torn apart by differing career paths. Jamie Wellerstein, an emerging writer taking the publishing world by storm, and Cathy Hiatt, a struggling actress longing for her big break, happily meet and eventually marry, but simply cannot make their relationship work. In a clever use of unorthodox storytelling, Brown tells Jamie’s story in standard, chronological fashion while Cathy’s journey progresses from heartbreak to joy. This conceptual device can be confusing, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the material, but it isn’t burdensome. In fact, the opportunity to piece together the entire journey from both perspectives is a fun challenge allowing the action to unfold with attention-grabbing fluidity without fear of becoming stagnant. The dual stories, vividly detailed and remarkably engaging in terms of relatability, appropriately intersect at Jamie and Cathy’s wedding, but separately entice throughout with terrific, character-driven panache by Wright State University acting/musical theater students Ian Benjamin and Kelsey Pohl.
Benjamin, very memorable last season as Thenardier in WSU’s “Les Misérables,” is a strikingly sharp, mature Jamie, impressively navigating the difficulty of appearing adorably lovestruck, energetic and humorous, lovingly supportive, tearfully ashamed, and boldly committed to moving on without seeming arrogant, misunderstood or ambiguous. Musically, Benjamin specifically brings lighthearted spunk to the jaunty “Moving Too Fast” (featuring tremendous piano accompaniment by musical director Dean Brown) and fills the melancholy “Nobody Needs to Know” with ample heartache. Pohl, an awesome Kate last season in WSU’s “The Wild Party,” brilliantly conveys Cathy’s agitation, disgust, hurt, and hopefulness. In particular, her marvelously refreshing rendition of “I’m a Part of That” clearly finds Cathy questioning her place in Jamie’s life. Pohl’s lyric-driven finesse continues with exceptionally honest, wonderfully conversational, encore-worthy versions of “A Summer in Ohio,” “Audition Sequence” and “I Can Do Better Than That.” Due to the considerable technical complexities of Brown’s enthralling, melodic score, a mild hybrid of Stephen Sondheim and Billy Joel sensibilities, it’s great to see Benjamin, Pohl and pianist Brown skillfully rise to the occasion.

In addition to scenic designer Chris Harmon’s efficient platforms and large clock reiterating the material’s passage of time, the beautiful contributions of violinist Josh Van Tilburgh, bassist Parisa Samavati and cellist Rebekah Thompson greatly accent the proceedings. However, unfortunate sightlines occur for patrons seated toward the rear of the Mathile due to some numbers performed at the front lower level of the stage.

Even so, Dare to Defy, quickly becoming a musical theater force in the Gem City, delivers another hit.

“The Last Five Years” continues tonight at 8 p.m. in the Mathile Theatre of the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets, Dayton, and Tues. Jan. 6 at 7:15 p.m. at Mimi’s Cafe, 4402 Walnut St., Beavercreek. Tickets to tonight’s performance are $20, and can be purchased by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com. For more information about the Mimi’s Cafe presentation, visit www.d2defy.com.

In related news, Dare to Defy’s 2015 season includes “The Songs of Hair in Concert” (March 13 and 14), “Assassins” (July 17-25), “Into the Woods” (Sept. 5 and 6), and “Godspell” (Oct. 9-17).

2 Big Hits & A BIG Thank YOU from THE NEON!

December 30, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

This past weekend was really big at THE NEON! In fact, it was our third best weekend of the year (GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL holds the title for “Best Weekend Ever” and the weekend we opened AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY as well as INSIDE LLEWYN DAVIS was our second best of the year). Needless to say, we’re going to hold both THE IMITATION GAME and WILD for another week. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

To learn more about each film, visit our site…or each of the film’s official sites: THE IMITATION GAME and WILD.

Below are a couple featurettes about each of our films. Take a look!

It is now 100% official that 2014 has been our Best Year Ever at THE NEON! Thank you so much for making that happen. Without customer loyalty and positive word of mouth, we could not have reached such success. THANK YOU!

On December 23, Sony Pictures revealed that they would move forward with screening the controversial film THE INTERVIEW at independent cinemas on December 25. Immediately following that announcement, we had numerous phone calls and emails asking if we would be playing the film. With only 2 screens, making such drastic, last-minute changes was out of the question for us. We told the press that we were investigating the possibility of bringing the film for select screenings during the first weekend of 2015…but that was misconstrued by many as “THE NEON is going to play THE INTERVIEW.” As it turns out, Sony refused our offer. Because they refused our offer and because the film is available on so many VOD platforms, we are no longer pursuing and engagement of the film. Thanks for your understanding.

KRW Cycles is attempting to bring another motorcycle-inspired film to town. “ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion and life in the two-wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“The Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those who are bonded by their passion for the race, the love of family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.” This is a tugg event. The movie is scheduled to screen on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30. If not enough reservations are made by Jan. 2, the event will be cancelled. Visit this LINK to reserve your ticket.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Jan. 2 – Thursday, Jan. 8:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday: 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – OSCAR NOMINATED SHORTS
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Rubi Girl?

December 29, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby

For over twenty five years The Rubi Girls have been performing campy drag shows to raise money for the AIDS Resource Center Ohio and other charities. These professional men, who are business owners, government employees, hair stylists, etc, have a knack for fashion, comedy, drama and of course philanthropists. Known for their annual Saturday after Thanksgiving show, Josh Stucky explains as Dana Sintell, host of the Rubi Shows, that until there is a cure for AIDS, The Show Must Go On. And it has… Started as a performance at a house on Rubicon Street (get it Rubi Girls), the shows outgrew the performance space at Masque, sold out the Dayton Art Institute theater and drew a record breaking 600+ crowd this past November. The Rubi Girls, who created ARC Ohio’s annual Masquerage fundraiser, have been a part of raising over a million dollars for ARC Ohio, allowing the organization to continue to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ohio.

But while The Rubi Girls are full of energy, creativity and amazing costumes, Josh Stucky also explains, “I’m Tired, I’m a 50 something year old man on stage in a dress doing cartwheels, how long can that go on?” And while he says that with a smile on his face, that’s where the idea for The Newbi Rubi Pageant came from. It’s a search for the next generation of Rubi. On Sat, Jan 24th the public has their chance to dress in a gown, pumps and a fabulous wig and strut their stuff for a chance to perform with The Rubi Girls.

If you’d like to compete, here’s the rundown of what’s expected from the contestants:

Wow Wear– contestants will mingle and welcome the crowd

8pm – MC Dana Sintell will open the show and The Rubi Girls may do an opening number

Round 1 – Parade of Nations. Each contestant will be decked out to represent their assigned country. They should have a few facts to share about their country and will chat with the host.

Round 2- My Favorite Clip. Each contestant will dress as a character from a Movie/Broadway Show/Viral Video and will lip sync a song that represents that character. Remember that a Rubi Girl brings comedy and fun to the show and songs don’t have to be from that movie at all.

Round 3 – Instant Performance. A song will be revealed and all contestants will be given access to a rack of clothing, props and wigs to create a look for this set. Contestants will all be on stage at the same time and judges will be looking for star power, charisma and audience appeal. Think “lip sync for your life” ala Drag Race.

Round 4- “Glamour” Wear. This will be your final outfit for the night, you’ll do a Q & A and share your fundraising* in this round.

There is also a fundraising component- each Rubi contestant is expected to raise some money for ARC Ohio, whether it’s a bake sale, raffle or just asking for money, that counts, too.

Awards- Each round will have a winner, contestants will vote on Miss Congeniality and the overall winner will be revealed.

Contestants must sign up by Dec 31st and can register online. Or if you’d just like to be a part of the audience, tickets can also be purchased now, and we suggest you do that early, as The Rubi Girls do sell out!

Top Ten for Dayton Visual Arts, 2014

December 28, 2014 By Guest Contributor

For the second year in a row, Shayna V. McConville, Cultural Arts Manager for the City of Kettering, has put together and shared with us her look back at the best of 2014. We hope you enjoy it!

Another year of amazing art exhibitions, artists and events! Although I couldn’t make it to everything and even putting this list together was challenging because of the many, many terrific activities of 2014, this does offer a glimpse of a great year of creativity in Dayton. Enjoy!

The Motel Beds and We Care Arts
January 18
Yellow Cab

We Care Arts, a nonprofit organization supporting artists with disabilities, and The Motel Beds, a Dayton-based rock/indie band, collaborated on an art/record series that would in turn support the WCA mission. WCA clients created 500 unique LP covers for the release of the Motel Beds’ “These are the Days Gone By.” A fundraiser, live performance and exhibition, the record release/art exhibition celebrated the musical and visual community in an accessible, meaningful evening, celebrating so many things that are great in Dayton.

Benjamin Entner and Steven H. Silberg
April 21 – May 16, 2014
Rosewood Gallery

The artwork of Benjamin Entner and Steven Silberg were refreshing examples of artwork not meant to hang on a gallery wall or sit on a pedestal. Entner’s singular piece Colossus was a larger-than-life, realistic inflatable black marker drawing of the artist, the figure’s feet crushing against one gallery wall and his head another. Floor to ceiling, the sculpture’s unexpected scale was awe-inspiring, as was encountering the subject himself, clad only in socks. Silberg, on the other hand, works primarily with the pixel, transforming vernacular pieces of technology into interactive artworks. When a viewer entered the gallery, a video camera activated and recorded movements throughout the space. These movements were translated into layers of color and form on a projection, thrown onto a large gallery wall. The longer the visitor was active in the space, the more complex the composition became, capturing layers upon layers of imagery. Read more about the exhibitions here.

Migiwa Orimo, Adornments
Dayton Art Institute’s Experiencenter
May 10, 2014 – April 12, 2015

Ordinary household items find transformation into beautiful, fancy objects, in the series Adornment. Migiwa Orimo, an artist known for her work exploring humanity and narrative through thoughtful, carefully constructed installations and paintings, created a subtle and exquisite body of work with these altered, everyday objects. Tassels, gemstones and ribbons adorn gloves, mop head yarn and mirrors; a carefully constructed cape and a banner; all pieces perfectly neutralized in immaculate white and frames.Architecture Week Kettering Art Tour
May 12, 2014

AIA Dayton celebrated Architecture Week 2014 with many activities, including a night of contemporary art and mid-century modern design. Organized by AIA member and artist Terry Welker, the private mid-century home of painter Susanne Scherette King was opened to participants, with architectural details, period furnishings, and her own contemporary paintings on display. Following King’s home, Studio 4095 at Town & Country Shopping Center, one of the first suburban shopping centers of its kind in the US, highlighted both the revitalization of an older Kettering landmark as well as the artwork of painter Ron Rollins and sculptor Terry Welker. Read more here.

Third on Third
Front Street

Rediscovering a place lost in the busy hum of a city is an exciting moment, particularly when it’s assets and vitality are brought into focus by a fresh, timely resurgence of activity. This is the beauty of the monthly Third on Third events, taking place both in an outdoor market on Third Street and also the Front Street Warehouses. With studios open to the public, the third floor of Front Street is suddenly a lively, creative place, allowing access to established and new artists and gallery spaces. Spearheaded by Peter Bekendorf of the Collaboratory, Third on Third is creating a new momentum for this arts destination.HWD Regional Sculpture Competition
August 25 – September 26, 2014
Rosewood Gallery

Featuring sculpture by artists from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, this year’s HWD Regional Sculpture Exhibition was an incredible variety of materials, techniques and concepts. Particularly interesting where the sheep rug, bear skin, aviation inspired sculptures and the use of common materials transformed into dense, lovely sculptures. Read more about the exhibition here.

Variations on Likeness: Keliy Anderson-Staley, Glenna Jennings, Julie Jones and Daniel McInnis
September 5 – October 18, 2014
Dayton Visual Arts Center

A curated selection of photographic portraiture including tintypes, installation, and large format pieces, the exhibition was thoughtfully selected and interesting in content, technique and formats. Anderson-Staley’s tintypes were mesmerizing visions into the faces of people from around the country, through the use of an intimate, romantic process; McInnis’ large format portraits captured individuals and couples in their own environments in great detail with clarity and vulnerability. Read more about the exhibition here.

Mary Ellen Croteau and Locked-In
Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery
October and November 2014

Chicago-based artist Croteau inspired many artists and visitors this fall with her installations created from found plastic objects. Collecting thousands of bottle caps and disposable shopping bags, Croteau has built new worlds out of plastic waste, drawing attention to the excessive materials utilized for each installation. Bottle cap paintings and recreations of a corral reef out of woven plastic bags were exciting and easily translatable to DIY art projects (although perhaps not at the same level of Croteau’s mastery). As Croteau’s exhibition came down, “Locked In” began. Three artists were selected to live in the gallery space with the following rules: 3 Days Locked In to Create an Art Installation, 3 Art Tools Each, 3 Boxes of Unknown Stuff to Work From, 1 Videographer 24/3 Filming It All. It was an unusual premise with incredible negotiations, ideas and processes, resulting in a successfully unique experiment. Read more about Croteau’s exhibition here.

Dick Black Estate Sale
October 24 – 25
Dayton Visual Arts Center

For over five decades, Richard Black churned out illustrations, graphic designs, paintings and drawings as a prolific artist and arts educator. When he passed away early in 2014, he left behind a massive collection of thousands of artworks. A weekend sale purged this collection—walls were filled from floor to ceiling with paintings, tables were layers deep in illustrations and sketches, and portfolios were bulging with graphic design work. The sale was a remarkable event, an uncurated view into the reality of an artist’s lifetime of production. Oddly, we were witness to work that was never meant to find an audience alongside work that put Black on the national art scene. The display of the bad, mediocre and the gems made this artist suddenly vulnerable but also allowed us a deeper understanding of his world.4th Annual Art Off
November 14
K12 and Tejas

An annual fundraising event for the K12 and Tejas scholarship program, Art Off was a lively, participatory event featuring artists of all ages. Painting over the course of a few intense hours, spectators watched and even voted for their favorite artist. Finished pieces were auctioned off, with an elementary school and high school “artist” taking first and second place for their innovative, unexpected and passionate paintings. Proclaiming this as the “Iron Chef” style battle for visual artists, the energy, variety of skills, diversity of participating artists and clear passion for art made this event dynamic and celebratory.Bonus Picks:

Beth Holyoke
Dayton Visual Arts Center
January 17 – February 28

Whimsical, funny, dramatic and sincere, Holyoke’s ceramic portraits touched upon a multitude of ideas of self, ethnicity, origin and color. A part of the REACH conference, which explores cultural similarities and differences, Holyoke’s work was a testament to the diversity of humanity, beyond her masterful ceramic techniques. Read more here.

Materialized
October 27 – December 7
Robert and Elaine Stein Galleries at Wright State University

McArthur Freeman II, “Pine App,” 2014. Cast bronze from 3D

Featuring 58 artists incorporating three-dimensional printing into their artwork, this exhibition was a glimpse into the present and future of this tool.Deco Japan
November 15, 2014 – January 25, 2015
Dayton Art Institute

A traveling exhibition featuring the decorative arts from an era marked by cultural shifts and Western influence, Deco Japan brought another world to life through prints, textiles, ceramics, metals, jewelry, painting and sculpture.

Best Picture Nominee THE IMITATION GAME Opens Thursday at THE NEON! WILD a Big Success!

December 22, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

WILD was a big success over the weekend. Many thanks to all of you who came down to support it at THE NEON. It will be sticking around through the end of the year.

We’re pretty excited for what we hope will be our next big film – THE IMITATION GAME – opening this Thursday. This film about Alan Turing and the breaking of the Enigma Codes during WWII has been nominated for 5 Golden Globe Awards including “Best Picture.” (In addition to already winning the “Audience Choice Award” in Toronto, it has also garnered lots of recognition from critics this season.) Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley are sensational, and the screenplay is terrific. In addition, the story has an interesting connection to Dayton. Though there’s only a fleeting reference to NCR in the film, Dayton’s connection to Alan Turing (he actually visited Dayton in the early 40’s) and cracking codes during the war was pretty significant. (To find out more about this compelling connection, tune into WDTN for the news this evening (Monday, Dec. 22). Mark Allan will have a story about Dayton’s important role in helping to end WWII.)

If you still need to see THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING or THE HOMESMAN, Wednesday will be your last chance to catch them at THE NEON. Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE IMITATION GAME: “THE IMITATION GAME portrays the race against time by Alan Turing and his team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the Second World War. The group of scholars, mathematicians, linguists, chess champions and intelligence officers had a powerful ally in Prime Minister Winston Churchill who authorized the provision of any resource they required. The film spans the key periods of Turing’s life: his unhappy teenage years at boarding school; the triumph of his secret wartime work on the revolutionary electro-mechanical bombe that was capable of breaking 3,000 Enigma-generated naval codes a day; and the tragedy of his post-war decline following his conviction for gross indecency, a criminal offense stemming from his admission of maintaining a homosexual relationship.” (Lucy Powell, Optimum Releasing) This film will almost certainly be nominated for “Best Picture” at this year’s Academy Awards. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5CjKEFb-sM

KRW Cycles is hoping to bring another motorcycle-inspired film to town. “ON ANY SUNDAY: THE NEXT CHAPTER is an exploration into the pursuit of excitement, passion and life in the two-wheeled world of motorcycle riding. Experiences that are as relatable to a rider as a day with friends, others that explore human triumph and overcoming fear, and some which occur once in a lifetime. One moment of riding a motorcycle – On Any Sunday.Critically acclaimed director Dana Brown (“Step Into Liquid” and “Dust to Glory”) teams up with his father, Academy Award Nominee Bruce Brown (“The Endless Summer” and “On Any Sunday”) to journey deeper into the humanity, thrills and excitement of the global culture of motorcycle riding; those who are bonded by their passion for the race, the love of family and friendship, and on a deeper level – their quest for the thrill of the next ride.” This is a tugg event. The movie is scheduled to screen on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 7:30. If not enough reservations are made by Jan. 2, the event will be cancelled. Visit this LINK to reserve your ticket.

Don’t forget that we sell gift certificates in $5 and $10 denominations at our box office. They make perfect holiday gifts for the film lovers in your life…or for people who have never experienced THE NEON. Diana also ordered some delicious 2-pack biscotti from Tastes of Nostalgia – they’d make a perfectly sweet pairing to our certificates.

Thank you for your continued support.

Wishing you the happiest of holidays!

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Thursday, Dec. 25 – Thursday, Jan.1:

THE IMITATION GAME (PG-13) 1 Hr 54 Min
Thursday (Dec. 25): 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Friday & Saturday (Dec. 26 & 27): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday (Dec. 28): 12:00, 2:30, 5:00, 7:30
Monday – Thursday (Dec. 29-Jan. 1): 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Thursday (Dec. 25): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Friday, Saturday (Dec. 26 & 27): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday (Dec. 28): 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday (Dec. 29-Jan. 1): 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – WILD TALES
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Review – Sinclair Community College – Holiday Joy

December 19, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr.

One of the finest seasons at Sinclair Community College continues with an absolutely adorable local premiere of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Eric Schaeffer’s enjoyably by-the-book adaptation of Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson’s funny, meaningful and touching 1965 Emmy Award-winning holiday cartoon of the same name by “Peanuts” creator Charles M. Schulz.

You know the drill. Charlie Brown, bothered and bewildered as ever, can’t seem to get into the holiday spirit because he feels the season has become too commercial. He even turns to his ever-reliable therapist Lucy (a.k.a. the Christmas Queen) for help. But everything changes when Lucy pulls Charlie out of his doldrums by asking him to direct the school play. He unfortunately takes his plum assignment too seriously, but ultimately comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas thanks to the Gospel of Luke and a peculiar tree in need of a little love.

Woody Hieb as Charlie Brown in Sinclair Community College’s production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” (Contributed photo by Patti Celek)

Director Gina Kleesattel, with impressive assistance from scenic designer Terry Stump, costumer Kathleen Hotmer and lighting designer Gina Neuerer, terrifically brings the cartoon to life in 30 swift minutes with the same playfulness and vibrancy we’ve grown accustomed for generations. Her totally engaging 11-member cast has carefully studied their animated predecessors to the tee. In fact, try not to smile when these committed actors, choreographed by Rodney Veal, dance in classic “Peanuts” fashion to Vince Guaraldi’s toe-tapping “Linus and Lucy” complete with overgrown bass for Pig Pen. Even so, the cast doesn’t merely take the stage as copycats. Although their dialogue and actions may be familiar, they’re still able to find a path into these relatable if occasionally snarky characters and make them their own whether overtly or with gentle, humorous nuance.

The very endearing Woody Hieb brings great honesty and sensitivity to worrisome Charlie, whose reflective journey remains impactful. Audience favorite A.J. Breslin displays outstanding physicality and comedic timing as colorful, energetic and mischievous Snoopy. Anna Sheldon is fittingly sharp and sassy as bratty Lucy. As the kindhearted Linus, Greyson Calvert specifically injects warmth and tenderness into the aforementioned biblical recitation, the poignant hallmark of the cartoon and this production. Matt Poliachik (Pig Pen), Sade Oyeyemi (Frieda), Austin DeVaughn (Schroeder), Sha-Lamar Davis (Violet), Haven Bradem (Sally), Rebecca Henry (Patty), and Naman Clark (Shermy) distinctively connect to their roles with personable flavor. DeVaughn in particular hilariously glares at Sheldon when Schroeder becomes exasperated with Lucy’s inability to correctly identify Christmas carols.
After nearly 50 years, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” delightfully concluding with wintry atmospherics and sing-a-long, still resonates as a charming look at the power of friendship and goodwill.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” continues through Dec. 20 in Blair Hall Theatre, Building 2, of Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2, 4 and 7 p.m. The production is performed in 30 minutes. Tickets are $8. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets. Also, a special “shadowing” ASL performance is slated for the Friday performance (interpreters follow actors onstage while interpreting instead of being located off to the side of the action); In addition, Sinclair’s regular house policy stating “no children under 6” has been lifted for the show’s run.

WILD – Starring Reese Witherspoon – Opens Friday + More About IMITATION GAME, TOMMY LEE JONES Yogananda & More

December 17, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

We’re going to end the year at THE NEON with some very high profile films. On Friday, we will open WILD – the new film based on the #1 Bestseller by Cheryl Strayed. I saw this film in Toronto, and I immediately knew that Witherspoon would receive nominations galore for this role. She’s a shoe-in for an Oscar nomination! Next Thursday (Dec. 25), we will open THE IMITATION GAME – a film that was on the top of the list to see in Toronto. This is one that will undoubtedly get a “Best Picture” nomination. It’s a really terrific film, and I know Daytonians are going to love it!

If you still need to see THE HOMESMAN (starring Hilary Swank and Tommy Lee Jones – directed by Jones) or THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (do not miss Eddie Redmayne in this incredible performance), they will stick around until Wednesday, Dec. 24! And due to high demand, we are playing AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA two more times this weekend (Friday and Sunday only).

Remaining showtimes for this current week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for WILD: “After years of reckless behavior, a heroin addiction, and the destruction of her marriage, Cheryl Strayed (Reese Witherspoon) makes a rash decision. Haunted by memories of her mother Bobbi (Laura Dern) and with absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than a thousand miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own.” (taken from Fox Searchlight) Reese Witherspoon is absolutely incredible in this film. WILD was directed by Jean-Marc Vallee – director of DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

To read more about AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YODANANDA, click on this LINK.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, only has one film left. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. The Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play this Saturday, December 20 at Noon. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present in order to claim free tickets.

Thank you for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 19 – Wednesday, Dec. 24:
Please note: These showtimes are only good until Wednesday!
A New Schedule (due to the holiday) Will Begin on Dec. 25!

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Friday & Saturday: 5:00, 9:55
Sunday: 5:00
Monday – Wednesday: 5:30
Final Day – Dec. 24!

THE HOMESMAN (R) 2 Hrs 2 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Wednesday: 3:00, 8:00
Final Day – Dec. 24!

WILD (R) 1 Hr 55 Min
Friday, Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Wednesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

THE BISHOP’S WIFE (NR) 1 Hr 49 Min
Saturday: Noon

AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (PG) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday & Sunday: 12:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – MR. TURNER
TBD – STILL ALICE
TBD – OSCAR SHORTS
TBD – TWO DAYS ONE NIGHT
TBD – LEVIATHAN
TBD – THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

‘The Breakfast Club’ Review – Playground Theatre – This Is Our Youth

December 17, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Playground Theatre arrives on the local arts scene with an entertaining, emotionally honest production of John Hughes’ iconic 1985 dramedy “The Breakfast Club” at Rosewood Arts Centre.
Breezily directed in vignette style by co-founder/artistic director Jenna Burnette, who also adapts the witty if dated script, “Breakfast Club” grabs hold without letting go because it remarkably mirrors our own lives in its thought-provoking message of tolerance. This delightfully funny and occasionally poignant character study of teenage stereotypes circa 1984 provides an engaging, soul-searching opportunity to look back at our youth. It allows us to question who we were and perhaps what we could have done differently when meeting others whose appearance, views or personality were vastly different than ours.

Photo caption Playground Theatre’s production of “The Breakfast Club” features (top row l to r) Titus Wolverton, Jason Antonick, Christopher Hahn, (front row l to r) Lisa Glover, Timothy Walling-Moore, and Kirsten Johnson (Contributed photo)

Symbolically bound together during a nonchalant Saturday detention at Shermer High School overseen by Assistant Principal Richard Vernon (Jason Antonick, fittingly stern and agitated) with occasional assistance from trusty janitor Carl Reed (Rick Burnette, amiably observant), outspoken rebel John Bender (co-founder/artistic director Christopher Hahn), popular and privileged Claire Standish (Lisa Glover), brainy Brian Johnson (Timothy Walling-Moore), athletic Andrew Clark (Titus Wolverton), and oddball Allison Reynolds (Kirsten Johnson) despise and disagree until they realize how much they have in common from peer pressure to family dysfunction. It’s no surprise how fast they release their emotional baggage, but Hughes, a master of adolescent angst, absolutely understood that each character’s evolution was paramount. The feeling of not living up to their true potential, the constant search for acceptance, or better yet, the inability to become their own person due to parental expectations become key concerns, especially as this fascinating group attempts to gel in their pursuit of maturing into well-rounded, confident individuals with a better understanding of their purpose.
Burnette, who makes fine use of the space and often refreshingly brings the action right into the audience, quickly establishes a nostalgic tone (“Don’t You Forget About Me” opens the show). However, there are times when she sticks too closely to the film. Although I specifically like her handling of the gang’s humorous hallway chase, Bender’s gym confrontation with Vernon in particular is an exact replica right down to the fake throws and basketball roll. By and large, more originality would have been greatly beneficial throughout. Even so, her direction is firmer in the quieter, reflective moments when character development takes precedence.

Burnette’s principals are uniformly terrific. Hahn, displaying intimidating bravado, purposefully commands attention with overbearing arrogance, but doesn’t discount the vulnerability permeating within Bender’s dark despair and hopelessness. Glover, pretty in pink, strongly breaks Claire’s emotional shell when she opens up about her isolation and mindless social circle. Wolverton, tough yet approachable, is compelling during Andrew’s confession of bullying a classmate in a locker room simply to please his father. The wonderfully pleasant Walling-Moore charms with comedic timing. Johnson, a newcomer who delivers a sharply kooky breakthrough performance, notably shines when Allison confronts Andrew about his shortcomings and ultimately admits the pain of being ignored by her parents.
Thanks to its enjoyable debut, Playground Theatre is a company to watch.

“The Breakfast Club” continues through Dec. 20 at Rosewood Arts Centre, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering. Performances are Thursday at 7 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The show is performed in 75 minutes without intermission. Playground Theatre is asking for a $10 suggested donation at the door. For more information, visit www.theplaygroundtheatre.org. Patrons are advised the production contains adult language and themes.

Thrilling CITIZENFOUR and Special Event Announcements at THE NEON

December 2, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

It was a terrific weekend at THE NEON. Many thanks to everyone who came out to see movies with us. Audiences are adoring THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, and BIRDMAN keeps on truckin’ (and will stick around for one screening per day for one more week). Unfortunately, despite the high praise, WHIPLASH is heading out. If you haven’t seen it yet, Thursday will be your last chance to catch it at THE NEON. On Friday, we will begin the new documentary about Edward Snowden and government surveillance programs – CITIZENFOUR. In many circles, this film is considered the front-runner for this year’s Oscar as “Best Feature-Length Documentary.”

Remaining showtimes for this week can be found on our website at www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for CITIZENFOUR: “In January 2013, Poitras (recipient of the 2012 MacArthur Genius Fellowship and co-recipient of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service) was several years into making a film about surveillance in the post-9/11 era when she started receiving encrypted e-mails from someone identifying himself as ‘citizen four,’ who was ready to blow the whistle on the massive covert surveillance programs run by the NSA and other intelligence agencies. In June 2013, she and Greenwald flew to Hong Kong for the first of many meetings with the man who turned out to be Snowden. She brought her camera with her. The film that resulted from this series of tense encounters is absolutely sui generis in the history of cinema: a 100% real-life thriller unfolding minute by minute before our eyes.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, will begin this weekend. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Last year, THE NEON hosted a few screenings of THE TRIUMPH for a local non-profit. On December 10, 4Mary.Org will bring back this documentary one more time. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about a prophecy unfolding right now, before our very eyes. From Medjugorje, a tiny village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, comes a message from the Mother of God. Does this woman really know mankind’s future, as millions believe? Decide for yourself.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can only be purchased in advance by visiting the official site. Click this LINK to purchase tickets.

After receiving numerous requests to bring AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA to THE NEON, we have decided to move forward with a few special screenings. “AWAKE is an unconventional biography about the Hindu Swami who brought yoga and meditation to the West in the 1920s. Paramahansa Yogananda authored the spiritual classic ‘Autobiography of a Yogi,’ which has sold millions of copies worldwide and is a go-to book for seekers, philosophers and yoga enthusiasts today. (Apparently, it was the only book that Steve Jobs had on his iPad.) By personalizing his own quest for enlightenment and sharing his struggles along the path, Yogananda made ancient Vedic teachings accessible to a modern audience, attracting many followers and inspiring the millions who practice yoga today.” This film will screen at 12:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 12, 13 & 14. Tickets will be $7 each and will be available later this week at our box office. Click this LINK to visit the film’s official site.

Thank you for your continued support.
We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Dec. 5 – Thursday, Dec. 11:

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday, Tuesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Wednesday: 2:45, 5:15
Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

CITIZENFOUR (R) 1 Hr 54 Min
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 730, 9:50
Saturday: 2:30, 7:30, 9:50
Sunday: 12:10, 2:30, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 7:50

ELF (PG) 1 Hr 47 Min
Saturday: Noon

THE TRIUMPH (NR) 2 Hrs + Discussion
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 12 – AWAKE: THE LIFE OF YOGANANDA (3 screenings only!)
Dec. 12 – HOMESMAN
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE

Oscar Hopeful THEORY OF EVERYTHING Opens at THE NEON!

November 25, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello DaytonMostMetro Fans,

I’ve got good news. WHIPLASH and BIRDMAN will be able to share a screen starting this Wednesday. That said, if you need to see either of these films, I’d suggest hurrying down. They may not last more than one more week. Tomorrow (Wed, Nov. 26), we will open a film that I know many of you will embrace – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING. When I saw this film at the World Premiere in Toronto, the auditorium was packed with stars who were anxious to see the film – including Jon Stewart, Julie Taymor and Andrew Garfield. The standing ovation was remarkable, and hearing Eddie Redmayne (who deserves the Oscar for this performance) speak about the process was incredible. I hope you’ll be anxious to see the film with us this weekend.

Synopsis for THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING: “Starring Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones, this is the extraordinary story of one of the world’s greatest living minds, the renowned astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who falls deeply in love with fellow Cambridge student Jane Wilde. Once a healthy, active young man, Hawking received an earth-shattering diagnosis at 21 years of age. With Jane fighting tirelessly by his side, Stephen embarks on his most ambitious scientific work, studying the very thing he now has precious little of – time. Together, they defy impossible odds, breaking new ground in medicine and science, and achieving more than they could ever have dreamed. The film is based on the memoir Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, by Jane Hawking, and is directed by Academy Award winner James Marsh (MAN ON WIRE).” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, has secured titles for this year’s line-up. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Last year, THE NEON hosted a few screenings of THE TRIUMPH for a local non-profit. On December 10, 4Mary.Org will bring back this documentary another time. “THE TRIUMPH is a powerful new documentary film about a prophecy unfolding right now, before our very eyes. From Medjugorje, a tiny village in Bosnia-Herzegovina, comes a message from the Mother of God. Does this woman really know mankind’s future, as millions believe? Decide for yourself.” (taken from press notes) Tickets are $10 each and can only be purchased in advance by visiting the official site. Click this LINK to purchase tickets and this LINK to check out the trailer.

As we head into the holiday season, I want to take this opportunity to express my great thanks for your patronage. We’re trending to make 2014 a banner year, and we wouldn’t be in this great place without your enthusiasm & support. In addition, I want to thank Diana Cordero – our assistant manager. Diana has been right beside me for over 13 years at THE NEON, and I couldn’t do it without her. Thank you!

Wishing all of you a great Thanksgiving!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Wednesday, Nov. 26 – Thursday, Dec. 4:
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule is more than a week!

THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING (PG-13) 2 Hr 3 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45
Friday & Saturday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday: 11:45, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 7:30
Friday & Saturday: 2:40, 7:30, 9:55
Sunday – Thursday: 2:40, 7:30

WHIPLASH (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Wednesday & Thursday: 5:10
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – HOMESMAN

Amazing Line-Up at THE NEON! THEORY OF EVERYTHING Opens Sooner Than Expected!

November 20, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal

Hello Everyone,

I’m happy to report that BIRDMAN continues to bring in nice crowds, thus it will be sticking around. However, despite incredible reviews, WHIPLASH didn’t perform quite as well as we had hoped. That said, we’re holding it for another weekend. At this point, we’re not sure if it will stick around beyond Tuesday…we need to wait for another weekend to see if we can hold it any longer. I’d suggest hurrying down if you still need to see this film. On Wednesday of next week (the day before Thanksgiving), we will open one of my absolute favorites from this year’s Toronto International Film Festival – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING. I’ll send you more details about this film early next week. For remaining showtimes, please visit our website at www.neonmovies.com

The Annual Family Holiday Film Series, presented by The Dayton Holiday Festival, The Downtown Dayton Partnership, Channel 99.9 and THE NEON, has secured titles for this year’s line-up. Films will screen at Noon on December 6, 13, & 20 – and the price is absolutely amazing. Admission is FREE for kids 12 & under and only $2 for general admission. ELF will play on December 6, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL will play on December 13, and the Cary Grant classic THE BISHOP’S WIFE will play on December 20. Tickets will only be available starting 45 minutes before each screening, and children must be present to claim free tickets.

Our line-up for the next several weeks is incredible. In addition to THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING, I know you’ll love THE IMITATION GAME (which will surely be nominated for “Best Picture” this year), and I’m anxious to see CITIZENFOUR as well as FORCE MAJEURE.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

We hope to see you soon,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Nov. 21 – Tuesday, Nov. 25:
PLEASE NOTE: This schedule only goes until Tuesday!

BIRDMAN (R) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday & Saturday: 11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:45
Sunday:11:50, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15
Monday & Tuesday: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45

WHIPLASH (PG-13) 1 Hr 47 Min
Friday & Saturday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

COMING SOON:
(All Dates Are Tentative. Dates Often Move And Sometimes Disappear.)

Nov. 26 – THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Dec. 5 – CITIZENFOUR
Dec. 25 – THE IMITATION GAME
Dec. 25 – WILD
Jan. 9 or 16 – FOXCATCHER
TBD – FORCE MAJEURE
TBD – HOMESMAN

Japan Goes Deco Ticket Giveaway

November 19, 2014 By Nikki Nett

A modern girl walks into an art museum…

Part of the MostMetro team recently had the privilege of attending a guided tour of the newest exhibit at Dayton Art Institute. Dr. Aimee Marcereau lead the tour and explained in rich detail the highlights of Deco Japan: Shaping Art and Culture. Between the two World Wars, Japan entered into a time of jazz, leisure travel, nationalism and the emergence of “the modern girl”, the privately owned collection on display through January 25th, 2015 showcases the art created during this time period.

The art deco period drew inspiration from many sources internationally. You will notice long, lean lines, and simplistic forms. Upon closer inspection, subtle details emerge that show an attention to detail unmatched in many other time periods. Dr. Marcereau noted, “It simultaneously maintained one foot in tradition and yet also celebrated the mechanized, modern world. Art deco’s bold colors and streamlined, yet muscular, forms celebrating progress were often deeply nationalistic, and Japan embraced the style enthusiastically, as the combination of visual strength operated in support of Japan’s expanding empire.”

Nicole Nett– Big bold colors, clean lines, and a view into a new way of life was the focus of the over 200 pieces in this carefully curated exhibit. As you enter the first room, take note of the background music. It’s not just your everyday ambient Muzak, but rather, Japanese jazz music which was becoming prevalent during this time period. The dichotomy between the obvious traditional influences and the touches of the Western world is what makes this exhibit so unique. Ancient imagery with Mad Men-esque touches.

Lisa Grigsby – Lions and bears peacocks and rabbits and flying fish. Not what I expected to see in DecoJapan. But the exhibit was broader in scope and beautifully blended tradition with innovation, and was chock full of symbolism that was beautifully explained by curator Aimee Marcereau DeGalan, the DAI’s curator of collections and exhibitions.

Kim Metter – The exhibit was well presented, giving several examples using various media to represent the subject matter. The use of textiles, metals, pottery, prints and paintings were a diverse and beautiful way to show the movement and progressive nature of Japan at that time. The homage to the European and American Art Deco movements were apparent, but the Japanese influence could still be clearly seen in the craftsmanship and classic techniques used by Asian artisans for millennia.

Brian Petro – It is an incredible show, and one any Art Deco lover should go and explore. Seeing how the Japanese interpreted the deco movement and ultimately made it their own is fascinating. The clean simple lines are amazing, and the Japanese sensibilities really shine through.

Museum Hours:

TUESDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
WEDNESDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
THURSDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
FRIDAY	11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
SATURDAY	10 a.m. – 5 p.m
SUNDAY	Noon – 5 p.m.

Admission to the Museum: Members: Free, Adults: $12, (60+): $9, Students (18+ w/ID) & Active Military: $9, Groups (10 or more): $9, Ages 7-17: $6, Ages 6 & under: Free * Price includes admission to the special exhibition and the museum’s permanent collection. Please note that a $2 per transaction fee will be added to all ticket sales for building Preservation and Art Conservation.

DMM Ticket Giveaway:

DMM wants to share our delight with this visual feast by sending some of our readers to see this exhibit. To enter our random drawing, fill out the form below and leave us a comment on why we should pick you!

Congrats to our ticket winners: Lauren Queen, Josh Reck and Ryburn Yukik Ryburn- enjoy the show!

‘Bare’ Review – Sinclair Community College – The Heart Wants What it Wants

November 15, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr.

The confusion, elation and heartbreak of secret love propels Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo’s powerful, provocative melodrama “Bare: A Pop Opera,” commendably presented in a student-produced production inside the Black Box Theatre of Sinclair Community College.
At St. Cecelia’s co-ed Catholic boarding school, popular Jason (Bobby Mitchum) and timid Peter (A.J. Breslin) choose to keep their passionate relationship private. They can’t seem to overcome strict religious doctrine, administrative wariness, parental passiveness, and the unpredictability of their fellow students basically driven by sex, drugs and ridicule. Still, considering the lengths society has taken to be more LGBT-friendly since “Bare” premiered Off-Broadway 10 years ago, Jason and Peter’s predicament feels dated and slightly forced. Even so, the core theme of true love attempting to endure in the face of adversity and personal reticence still resonates throughout this sung-through affair fluidly helmed by guest director Chris Harmon.

(center l to r) A.J. Breslin and Bobby Mitchum lead the cast of “Bare: A Pop Opera” (Contributed photo by Scott J. Kimmins)

Mitchum and Breslin, passing the crucial test of being compatible as believably bonded soul mates, are equally terrific in emotionally demanding roles that find both very honest and vulnerable. Mitchum, in fantastic voice, effortlessly balances Jason’s natural charm and ugly shadiness, particularly as situations turn against him beyond his control in the more dramatically fulfilling Act 2. The wonderfully sensitive Breslin, a standout last season in Sinclair’s “A Shayna Maidel,” offers an excellent evolution as Peter openly comes to terms with his sexuality despite specific indifference from his mother Claire (Kira Miller). “Best Kept Secret,” “Ever After,” and the title tune are among the songs that receive heartfelt treatments from this fine duo.
Additionally, Natalie Sanders delivers one of her strongest performances as the loose, immature Ivy, who stars opposite Jason in the school production of “Romeo and Juliet” and falls in love with him unaware of his attachment to Peter. In Act 2, Sanders, who also provides efficient scenic design, delivers a knockout, full-throttle rendition of “All Grown Up” that places her in the running as Dayton’s equivalent to Idina Menzel. Anna Sheldon also shines as the humorous, harsh Nadia, Jason’s sister and Ivy’s nemesis. Stephanie Radford is an appealing fit as the kindly, sassy Sister Chantelle, the school drama director and Peter’s source of encouragement. Greyson Calvert (Matt), Skyler McNeely (Priest), Woody Hieb (Lucas), and Hayley Penchoff (Diane) are admirably firm in featured roles. Amber Butler, Jennifer Smith, Brooke Watson, Andre Tomlinson, David Brandt, Bryana Bentley, and Matt Poliachik complete the cohesive cast.
Harmon’s artistic vision is particularly accented by David McKibben’s apt music direction, choreographer Rodney Veal’s flavorful routines, Heather Johnson’s suitable costumes, and Marissa Childress’ splendidly evocative, introspective lighting.
“Bare” doesn’t break new ground and feels startlingly unresolved, but it’s a thought-provoking showcase signifying the importance of tolerance.

“Bare: A Pop Opera” concludes Sat. Nov. 15 at 8 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, Building 2, Sinclair Community College, 444 W. Third. St., Dayton. The production is performed in 2 hours and 20 minutes including one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are $15. Patrons are advised the show continues adult language and themes. For tickets or more information, call (937) 512-2808 or visit www.sinclair.edu/tickets