Arts & Entertainment

GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL Opens Exclusively at THE NEON

March 19, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re very excited about this weekend. Wes Anderson’s new film has been breaking box office records across the country, and now THE NEON gets to have the local exclusive opening of THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. Many people in the Miami Valley have been eagerly anticipating this movie (including almost everyone at THE NEON), and we’re looking forward to our “Wes Anderson Fan Screening” on Thursday night at 8:00. (Regular ticket prices apply, and tickets are still available…with several fun prizes in store.) If you can’t make it Thursday, never fear…we’re dedicating both screens to this film for its first week.

If you still need to see any of our current attractions, you only have until Thursday for ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME, THE GREAT BEAUTY and OMAR will all play for the last time on Thursday. For remaining showtimes for this week, please visit our official site – www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL: “THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL recounts the adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous European hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft and recovery of a priceless Renaissance painting and the battle for an enormous family fortune — all against the back-drop ofa suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.” The cast for this film is absolutely amazing. Visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hL8HEzTNmU’]

For even more flavor of the film, visit the site that is dedicated to its fictional world by clicking this LINK.

“Lion Apparel invites all area Firefighters & their friends to come to THE NEON to see the documentary BURN…’One year on the front lines of the battle to save Detroit.’ BURN is an award-winning, action-packed film that takes you closer than you’ve ever been, capturing a year in the lives of Detroit firefighters who are charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. There will be 2 screenings – Tuesday April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd. Each screening starts at 7:30. Minimum $5 donation payable at the door. Money raised will go toward the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.” (taken from press notes)

The TAB Entertainment has rented one of our auditoriums on Sunday, April 13 for a special, one-time screening of MY DREAM BESIDE ME. “MY DREAM BESIDE ME is a romantic dramedy based on the true love story of Paul Rich and Mary Kay Slesinger Rich. At 84 years young Paul lost his wife of 66 years – Mary Kay was married for 34 years and she was left a widow when she was in her mid 60’s. After a few years Paul and Mary Kay met and fell in love. This union of marriage is a testimony that people can be strong, vital and full of life at any age.” (taken from press notes) Tickets for this screening are $9 each. Advanced tickets are only available on the film’s official website (Click HERE to visit the official site). Remaining tickets will be sold at THE NEON’s box office on the day of the screening.

Thanks for your continued support of THE NEON!
We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 21 – Thursday, March 27:

THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL (R) 1 Hr 39 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday:
12:30, 1:30, 2:45, 4:30, 5:10, 7:15, 7:30, 9:40, 10:00
Monday – Thursday:
1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:10, 6:30, 7:30, 9:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 28 – TIM’S VERMEER
April 11 – THE RAID 2
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEEK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
May 16 – GOD’S POCKET
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON
TBD – DOM HEMINGWAY
TBD – BELLE
TBD – UNDER THE SKIN

2013-2014 Fifth Third Bank National Geographic Live Series Presents: JODI COBB: Uncovering Hidden Worlds

March 19, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

As a photographer with National Geographic, JODI COBB has worked in more than 60 countries–celebrating the best of the human spirit and spotlighting some of its worst aspects. She is best known for lifting the curtain on worlds closed to outsiders, specializing in gaining access to places and situations that are off limits for most journalists. She was one of the first photographers to cross China when it reopened to the West, the first photographer to enter the hidden lives of women of Saudi Arabia for a landmark article in 1987, and the first woman to be named White House Photographer of the Year. For her book Geisha: The Life, the Voices, the Art, COBB entered another world closed to outsiders–the geisha of Japan. Her investigation of human trafficking, perhaps the ultimate hidden world, enabled her to expose this harsh reality to public consciousness in her 2003 story “21st Century Slavery.”

Her photographs have drawn acclaim at exhibitions around the world. She was featured in the PBS documentary On Assignment and has frequently appeared on NBC’s “Today Show.” She has also won several awards, including numerous National Press Photographers Association Pictures of the Year awards and World Press awards.

Experience a retrospective of her most important work on Monday, April 21, 2014 at 7 p.m., as she also shares images and stories from her most recent assignment, a story on twins for the January 2012 issue of National Geographic. Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, by phone at 937-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Ticket Center Stage Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.

National Geographic Live is the live events division of the National Geographic Society, featuring live concerts, films and dynamic presentations by today’s leading explorers, scientists, filmmakers and photographers, covering a wide range of topics including exploration and adventure, wildlife and habitat conservation, natural phenomena and relevant issues such as climate change. Proceeds from speaker series ticket sales help fund future National Geographic initiatives in field research, exploration and education. For more information, visit www.nglive.org.

Five Rivers MetroParks’ mission is to protect natural heritage in the greater Dayton Area and provide outdoor experiences that inspire a connection with nature. Every year, they provide education, recreation, and conservation opportunities to the community in Dayton. They look to promote the conservation and use of natural areas for the benefit of people in the region.

National Geographic Live Presents BRYAN SMITH: THE LENS OF ADVENTURE

March 17, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Adventure Filmmaker BRYAN SMITH headlines the second event of the 2013-2014 FIFTH THIRD BANK NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC LIVE SERIES on March 24 at 7 p.m. in the historic Victoria Theatre. This thrilling event is presented by Victoria Theatre Association and Five Rivers MetroParks. Tickets are available at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, by phone at 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

In this presentation, audiences get an inside look into the life of BRYAN SMITH and how he maintains balance and joy of creating a meaningful life. Smith shares stories about gripping moments like kayaking in India from his assignments to document extreme feats and high adventure in the world’s most challenging environments. His presentation of THE LENS OF ADVENTURE accompanied by touching stories excite the audience and provides them an insider’s look into his life and world.

Along with his film work, BRYAN SMITH is a passionate kayaker who has paddled steep rivers in India, Peru and Russia, and was inspired to take up video photography while protesting a hydroelectric dam project that threatened British Columbian rivers. He developed a knack for creating innovative technical solutions to capture dizzying images inevitably putting himself and his team at risk to get the shot. Currently, BRYAN SMITH is traveling the world in search of the world’s monster fish for the popular Nat Geo Wild series “Hooked.” He recently filmed and directed The Man Who Could Fly, a Nat Geo special documenting experiments in human-powered flight.

Single tickets for BRYAN SMITH start at just $20 and are on sale now at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, by phone at 937-228-3630, toll-free 888-228-3630 or online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Ticket Center Stage Box Office hours are Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance.

A couple of sublime moments at the ballet

March 16, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

With the “Diversity in Dance” concert, Dayton Ballet highlighted what works well for this regional ballet company. Once again the tantalizing prospects for a full fledged renaissance are on display. From the work of legendary choreographer and co-founder of the Joffrey Ballet to the rich and tantalizing movement construction of Susie Payne, This was a concert of bountiful returns.

I have to impress upon the Dayton arts community what a rarity it is to see classical and or neoclassical ballet repertory being presented with a live orchestra. This symbiosis of elements adds a third contextual layer of interpretation and experience for the viewer. Having performed to live orchestration many times myself as a performer it changes how and what is being danced at the molecular level not to mention the spiritual. The fact that we got to see it in conjunction with the re-staging of a Gerald Arpino masterwork is worth the price of admission.

Dayton Ballet in Gerald Arpino’s Reflections. Photo Credit: Scott Kimmins

“Reflections” was a neoclassical master class in what is usually missing from present day choreographers, innate musicality and the ability to translate it into choreography. With it’s almost Balanchine-like phrasing and musical weaving, The Dayton Ballet dancers accompanied by the Dayton Philharmonic under the masterful baton of Neil Gittleman kicked off this concert with a Joie de Vivre that was at once effervescent and steely in design. In shades of gray and pink, the women and men weaved beautifully rendered lattice work of patterns and tableaus. with particular attention being payed to several playful, athletic variations and Pas de Deux’s, most notably Abby Phillips and Evan Pitts, which left an indelible impression long after the bows.

The second work on the concert was “Dreams of Flight” by Dayton original, Susanne Payne. This was a bravura choreographic work that showcased the incredible skills of the Dayton Ballet men. In her program notes she says the work was loosely inspired by “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo and that it is rigorously athletic. The latter part was an understatement as the piece evolved and built to it’s rousing conclusion. While Susanne was weaving her metaphoric choreographic alchemy, you could not help but be pulled into its intoxicating adrenaline-spiked power. This was a visceral, heart-stopping epic work that in lesser hands could have been maudlin and overwrought. “Dreams of Flight” tapped into layers of emotional, intellectual and spiritual connectivity wrapped up in a rich and utterly original movement vocabulary. It was in turns, playful and childlike, mature and insightful. While it was danced with athletic vigor and panache, this was a triumphant success for not only the dancers and the choreographer but also the company itself. I have always stated that when a dance company breaks out of routine and embraces the new and unexpected, we all walk away winners.

Case Bodamer and Abby Phillips in Susie Payne’s “Interactions”.

Your next chance to see the Dayton Ballet in action will be in the upcoming show, New Directions.
The show opens this Thursday March 20th and runs through Sunday March 23rd at the Victoria Theatre.

This performance includes:
Dermot Burke’s “Fête des Courtiers”
Susie Payne’s “Interactions”
Jessica Lang’s “From Foreign Lands and People”
Karen Russo Burke’s “Canyons”

Buy New Directions tickets online or by calling
the box office at (888) 228-3630.

14th Annual Dayton Jewish Film Festival Opens April 24

March 15, 2014 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

The Dayton Jewish Film Festival opens at the Neon on Thursday, April 24, at 6:45PM. The festival (running from April 24 through May 18) will bring the best in Jewish and Israeli cinema to the Dayton area, including an international selection of both feature films and documentaries. Festival venues include The Neon Movies in downtown Dayton and The Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs.

Single Tickets $9, Student Tickets $8, Season Pass $72 (includes all films)

Film Listings:

Thursday, April 24, The Neon , Dayton
6:45PM Reception , Film at 7:30PM
JCC FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT: The Zig Zag Kid
2012 | Feature | 95 min | Dutch & French w/subtitles

A witty, spirited, and action-packed adventure about a boy on the brink of turning 13 named Nono, whose wild nature constantly gets him into trouble. Two days before his bar mitzvah, he is sent off to his uncle’s to be disciplined yet again. On the train, the over-imaginative boy discovers one last chance to prove himself by befriending a charming international thief. Based on the beloved novel by David Grossman, The Zig Zag Kid uses wit and humor to explore the most fundamental questions of good and evil.
WINNER: Dramatic Directing — Sundance; Audience Award, Best Feature — Hong Kong Jewish FF; Golden Elephant Award, Best Screenplay — International Children’s FF; Grand Prix Award — Kyoto International Children’s FF; Young Audience Award — European Film Academy; Audience Award, Best Feature — ANDkids World FF; Opening Night Film — San Francisco Jewish FF.

Opening Night features a red carpet and string quartet with members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. The Zig Zag Kid will be showing in both theatres. Opening Night Sponsor: Morris Home Furnishings.

Tuesday, April 29 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
Aftermath
2012 | Feature/Thriller | 107 min| Polish w/subtitles

A peaceful village embodying the idyllic beauty of the Polish countryside harbors a dark secret. Two brothers uncover the mystery and are forced to revise their perception of their father, their entire family, and the history of their nation.
Local native Daytonian Martin Gottlieb will speak after the film to share his historical perspective.

WINNER: Yad Vashem Chairman’s Award — Jerusalem FF; Best Actor, Best Production Design, Jan Karski Eagle Award Winner, Critics Prize — Gdynia FF; Eagle Awards — Polish Film Academy.

Thursday, May 1 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
Bethlehem
2013 | Feature |100 min |Hebrew & Arabic w/subtitles, MATURE LANGUAGE AND SUBJECT MATTER

Bethlehem tells the story of the complex relationship between Razi, an Israeli Secret Service officer, and his teenage Palestinian informant, Sanfur. Now 17, Sanfur struggles to navigate between Razi’s demands and his loyalty to his family, living a double life and lying to both. Co-written by Israeli director Yuval Adler and Ali Waked and based on extensive research, this film transcends perspectives, revealing the impossible situations and moral dilemmas associated with the dark and fascinating world of human intelligence.

WINNER: Best Film — Venice FF; 6 Israeli Academy Awards (Nominated for 12); Best Israeli Feature — Haifa FF; Represented Israel at Academy Awards

Tuesday, May 6 @ 7:20PM & 7:40PM, The Neon, Dayton
Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story
2013 | Documentary | 80 min | English

Follow David Steinberg’s hilarious history as Canada’s biggest comedic export. From apperances on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson to joining the ranks of fellow comedians George Carlin and Richard Pryor, Steinberg brings laughter and controversty to all his projects. With directing credits including Seinfeld, Golden Girls, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, Steinberg’s career has influenced a generation. After 25 years, he returns to the stage in this exceptional biography.

Official Selection – Hot Docs

Quality Balls: The David Steinberg Story will be showing in both theatres. Partnering with Hillel Academy of Greater Dayton. Barry Avrich, Director of Quality Balls, will join us for a short Q&A after the film.

Wednesday, May 7 @ 7PM, Little Art Theatre, Yellow Springs
When Day Breaks
2012 | Feature | 90 min | Serbian w/subtitles

A retired Serbian music professor uncovers his true origins and family’s tragic fate during the Holocaust in When Day Breaks, a sentimental and haunting drama from veteran director Goran Paskaljevic. The elderly and widowed Misha Brankov lives a largely solitary existence in Belgrade until the excavation of the city’s old fairgrounds unearths a decades-old secret. An iron box contains documents that verify the professor is the son of a Serbian Jewish couple murdered at a Nazi death camp, not the child of the Christian farmers who raised him. An earnest and seldom-seen remembrance of Serbian involvement in the Holocaust in which thousands of Jews, gypsies and political prisoners were killed.

WINNER: HP Bridging the Borders Award — Palm Springs Intl FF.Serbian Submission for Best Foreign Language Academy Award. Audience Award Best Film – Warsaw Jewish Motifs Film Festival; Silver Award Best Feature Film – Cleveland Film Festival

Thursday, May 8 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
Suskind
2012 | Feature | 118 min | Dutch & German w/subtitles

The gripping true story of a Jewish industrialist who saved hundreds of lives is recounted in this lavish award-winning WWII drama. Actor Jeroen Spitzenberger brings magnetism and gravitas to the role of Walter Süskind who exploits his position to protect his family and maneuver some 600 children to safety. Exploring the morally ambiguous, sometimes treacherous line between traitor and hero during times of war, the handsomely-mounted SÜSKIND certainly delivers.

WINNER: Audience Award — Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

Film Sponsor: Square One Salon & Spa

Monday, May 12 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers
2013 | Documentary| 115 min | English
Based on the best-selling book, The Prime Ministers: The Pioneers takes the audience inside the offices of Israel’s Prime Ministers through the eyes of an insider, Yehuda Avner, who served as a chief aide and speechwriter to five of Israel’s Prime Ministers. The first of two parts, The Pioneers focuses on Avner’s years working with Prime Ministers Levi Eshkol and Golda Meir and reveals new details about the Six-Day War, the development of Israel’s close strategic relationship with the United States, the fight against terrorism, the Yom Kippur War and its aftermath.

The Pioneers is the 13th release by Moriah Films, the Academy Award winning documentary filmmaking division of the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Film Sponsor: Brady Ware

Tuesday, May 13, The Neon, Dayton
9:30AM Coffee , Film at 10AM
Esther Broner: A Weave of Women
2013 | Documentary | 62 min | English
A sterling biography of the Jewish author and women’s rights advocate who, bringing her political beliefs to her religion, co-wrote The Women’s Haggadah, providing a revisionist text for patriarchal Seder services. Broner’s Haggadah, devised in 1975, has been utilized since at countless Passover meals, including women as active participants in the Jewish emancipation from the land of Egypt.

Chosen by the JCC Film Fest Committee In memory of Kathy Ellison, discussion following film facilitated by Lindsay Meck, daughter of Kathy Ellison. Partnering with Hadassah.

Tuesday, May 13 @ 7PM, Little Art Theatre, Yellow Springs
The Zig Zag Kid
2012 | Feature | 95 min | Dutch & French w/subtitles

A witty, spirited, and action-packed adventure about a boy on the brink of turning 13 named Nono, whos wild nature constantly gets him into trouble. Two days before his bar mitzvah, he is sent off to his uncle’s to be disciplined yet again. On the train, the over-imaginative boy discovers one last chance to prove himself by befriending a charming international thief. Based on the beloved novel by David Grossman, The Zig Zag Kid uses wit and humor to explore the most fundamental questions of good and evil.
WINNER: Dramatic Directing — Sundance; Audience Award, Best Feature — Hong Kong Jewish FF; Golden Elephant Award, Best Screenplay — International Children’s FF; Grand Prix Award — Kyoto International Children’s FF; Young Audience Award — European Film Academy; Audience Award, Best Feature — ANDkids World FF; Opening Night Film — San Francisco Jewish FF.

Thursday, May 15 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton
White Panther
2013 | Feature | 88 min | Hebrew & Russian w/subtitles

White Panther is the story of Alex, a young Jewish Russian immigrant, whose family falls apart after his father dies while serving in the Israeli army. In retaliation Alex joins a skinhead gang led by his older brother. An unexpected meeting with David, a religious Moroccan Jew, gives Alex a chance to pursue his longtime dream of becoming a boxer like his father. Alex finds himself torn between his two father figures – the violent older brother and the new Jewish trainer –until he finds out the truth about those he so admires.

NOMINATED: Best Feature — Israeli Academy Awards; Best Israeli Feature — Haggiag Award.

Film Sponsor: James Free Jewelers

Sunday, May 18 @ 7:15PM, The Neon, Dayton

JCC FILM FESTIVAL CLOSING NIGHT: The Third Half
2012 | Feature | 112 min | Macedonian, German, Bulgarian w/subtitles

Set in Macedonia following the Nazi invasion and based on a true story, The Third Half follows the fortunes of FC Macedonia. Determined to build the best football club in the country, Dimitry hires the German coach, Rudolph Spitz, to galvanize his rag tag team but – when the first Nazi tanks roll through the city and Rebecca, the beautiful daughter of a local banker, elopes with his star player, all Dimitry’s plans must change.

Winner: 2^nd place Audience Award – Palm Springs Int. Film Festival; Best Narrative Feature – Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. Represented Macedonia at the Academy Awards

Local native Daytonian Alan Gabel will hold a discussion after the film.

Closing Night Sponsor: Economy Towel and Linen

The Doc of Comedy Rock Ticket Contest

March 13, 2014 By Lisa Grigsby 4 Comments

“My college roommate thought he was Hunter Thompson. He started calling me Dr. Gonzo. I asked him why, and he threw me the book Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. ‘Gonzo’ refers to someone who takes it to the edge without falling off.”

And Gonzo sure has. After receiving his degree in 1977, he and a buddy moved to San Francisco to produce a play. “For a long time there, I worked at mindless jobs — putting boxes in boxes, sweeping rain off roofs. I made some money playing guitar.”

Gonzo started to get gigs at the Boarding House, in San Francisco, and other popular clubs — “the places where Steve Martin and Robin Williams performed,” he says. At that time, he was developing his special mix of humor and song. He opened for the Bay Area band Huey Lewis and the News for more than a year and appeared in the band’s videos.

Having fun for the camera at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Francisco in 1987 is comedian/actor Sam Kinison, right, and Dr. Gonzo

Means also toured with another San Francisco band, Jefferson Starship, did some shows with Stevie Ray Vaughan and told jokes on the syndicated Los Angeles comedy radio show, “Five O’Clock Funnies.”

“I was the cartoon before the movie. When I was on the road with a band, I stopped in local comedy clubs and met all these wise guys. Then I started working the clubs all the time.” In 1991, he was asked to open for Joe Walsh during a time when Walsh’s band, the Eagles, was not together. “I got to live my rock ‘n’ roll fantasy. I was playing with one of my idols.”

I first met Dr. Gonzo sometime in the late 80’s when he was one of the top touring comedy headliners and I was a young club manager, running the show and partying til dawn after the shows each night. I can’t say my memories are all that clear about a lot of what happened back in those days, but I do remember one weekend night Gonzo was playing a club I managed in Buckhead, the hot night spot in Atlanta. We were packed the first show, the bar was rocking and Gonzo was on stage living up to his “Doc of Comedy Rock” billing. The box office summoned me to deal with some dude that was saying he had a back stage pass that John left for him. I head up, see a scruffy looking guy in a ball cap that looked pretty wasted and insisting “John left me a back stage pass.” I laughed and said, sorry no such thing as a backstage pass at a comedy club and there was no John working the club.

In between shows Gonzo mentioned he was supposed to leave a ticket for a friend of his that was in town for a gig. I laughed and said oh, was it a backstage pass, making fun of the dude from the box office earlier. He laughed too, and said just leave a ticket for Lewis. Then he said, he may ask for me by my real name, John Means. Suddenly I got a weird feeling, I think I’d just turned away his friend. I told Gonzo that and just chuckled and told me I’d kicked out Huey Lewis. He was in town for a gig the next day and had asked Gonzo to jam with him. Gonzo, being the nice guy he was, just laughed and said it would be all right. And later that night, as all three of us were hanging out back at the hotel, we were all feeling pretty good and laughing and it was all right.

I haven’t seen Dr. Gonzo in years. He moved back to his hometown of Mason City, Illinois in the 90’s to raise his son. He ran for and won a place on the City Council, started teaching at the local college and as we all said in the comedy business, he grew up and went legit. He and his wife bought and ran an Italian restaurant in town and then a second. In 2011 Gonzo came out of retirement to perform at the 30th anniversary of Comedy Day in San Francisco, his old stomping grounds. What he learned is that after 30 years, he could still make people laugh. And he’ll be doing that this weekend in Dayton.

Catch Dr. Gonzo at Wiley’s Comedy Club in the Oregon District.

Friday March 14^th at 9:00pm with an admission of $12.00
Saturday March 15^th at 8:00pm and 10:30pm with an admission of $15.00

DMM Ticket Giveaway

DMM has 2 pairs of tickets for Friday night’s show. We’ll do a drawing at 4pm Friday and post the winner’s names on this post. To enter the drawing, like this post and fill out the form below.

Our contest is closed, congratulations to Scott Strawser and Patsy Sanders-Mercuri

‘Expecting Isabel’ Review – Dayton Theatre Guild – Whatever It Takes

March 13, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The cast of Expecting Isabel includes (back row l to r) Rick Flynn, Dorothy Michalski, Ellen Ballarene, Joshua Lisec, Amy Taint (front row l to r) Rachel Wilson and Angela Timpone. Not featured: Shawn Hooks and Angele Price. (Contributed photo)

Lisa Loomer tackles the very delicate subject of infertility with humor and tenderness in her eye-opening 1998 contemporary comedy “Expecting Isabel,” breezily directed by Robb Willoughby at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

Down-to-earth Manhattan couple Nick and Miranda, respectively relatable as an aspiring sculptor and greeting card writer, eagerly endeavor to have a child, but face continuous obstacles along the way. In addition to coping with colorful input from Nick’s larger-than-life Italian family and Miranda’s tipsy mother, the duo attempts everything from marriage counseling and support groups to fertility drugs and medical tests incorporating animal experiments. In fact, their painstaking pursuit leads them to separation, particularly as Miranda seeks solace with her mom while Nick moves back in with his animated brood. Even so, in spite of disappointing setbacks, they remain committed to their ultimate desire to start a family, a decision that eventually leads them on the complicated yet fulfilling road to adoption.
Rachel Wilson and Shawn Hooks are believably compatible in the leading roles. Quickly pulling the audience in at the outset during Miranda’s revealing opening monologue, Wilson delivers a firm, appealing portrayal. Her performance possesses the engaging complexity and tangible exasperation required to bring credence to the play’s most fascinating character, an emotionally scarred woman with a rocky family history who honestly hadn’t thought about having a child. Hooks, amiable and supportive in a less flashy role, earnestly conveys Nick’s genuine longing to become a father, especially in Act 2 as his benevolent impulses gets the best of him.
Loomer, perhaps best known as the co-screenwriter of “Girl, Interrupted,” propels the comedy by having the ensemble portray multiple characters. Ellen Ballerene (Tina), Rick Flynn (Sal), Joshua Lisec (Dominic), Dorothy Michalski (Yolanda), Angelé Price (Pat), Amy Taint (Lila), and Angela Timpone (Isabel) step up to the plate beyond stereotypical caricature. Most of their moments are geared toward comic relief, but Price deserves special mention for bringing substantive poignancy to her portrayal of Lupé, an overburdened Hispanic mom faced with a critical decision.
One day amid a parade of baby carriages, Miranda is gently reminded “everything you went through was part of the path.” Parenthood certainly spurs challenges and Loomer cautiously advises to expect the unexpected.

“Expecting Isabel” continues through March 16 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors and $11 for students. For tickets or more info: Call (937) 278-5993 or visit daytontheatreguild.org

ELAINE STRITCH Documentary At THE NEON and Wes Anderson News!

March 13, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

OK. I’ll admit it. I’m biased. I simply adore Elaine Stritch. I’ve seen her perform twice (her cabaret act at The Carlyle and in A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC on Broadway), and I can’t wait to see the new documentary which opens Friday (March 14) at THE NEON. That said, we’re not bringing the film just because I love her. ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME is currently rated “100% Fresh” on rottentomatoes.com. That score almost never happens!

In addition to the new film, we will hold OMAR, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB, and THE GREAT BEAUTY for limited shows for one more week.

Synopsis for ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME: “Now in her late 80s, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch remains as ferociously funny as ever. In this bold, hilarious and poignant portrait, the uncompromising Tony and Emmy Award-winner is revealed both on and off stage. Candid reflections about her life are punctuated with words from friends (including James Gandolfini, Tina Fey, John Turturro, Hal Prince, George C. Wolfe, Nathan Lane and Cherry Jones) and archival footage that showcases some of the great moments from her career. Whether dominating the stage, tormenting Alec Baldwin on the set of 30 Rock, or sharing her struggles with aging, diabetes and alcoholism, Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me reaches beyond the icon’s brassy exterior and reveals an inspiring portrait of a complex woman and artist.” Visit the film’s official site by clicking this LINK.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tldyvkqTqo’]

We’re terribly excited to open Wes Anderson’s THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL on March 21. Opening weekend in NYC and LA broke huge records! For a little taste of the film, click HERE for the official site. For even more flavor of the film, visit the site that is dedicated to its fictional world by clicking HERE.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk’]

“Lion Apparel invites all area Firefighters & their friends to come to THE NEON to see the documentary BURN…’One year on the front lines of the battle to save Detroit.’ BURN is an award-winning, action-packed film that takes you closer than you’ve ever been, capturing a year in the lives of Detroit firefighters who are charged with the thankless task of saving a city that many have written off as dead. There will be 2 screenings – Tuesday April 1st and Wednesday April 2nd. Each screening starts at 7:30. Minimum $5 donation payable at the door. Money raised will go toward the Firefighter Cancer Support Network.” (taken from press notes)

Thanks so much for reading this newsletter and for your continued support of THE NEON!

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, March 14 – Thursday, March 20:

ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME (NR) 1 Hr 20 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 3:00, 5:15, 7:15
Monday – Thursday: 3:15, 5:30, 7:30

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:30, 9:40
Sunday: 2:30
Monday – Thursday: 7:50

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:50
Monday-Thursday: 5:10

OMAR (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:20, 7:30, 9:15
Sunday: 12:20, 7:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
March 28 – TIM’S VERMEER
April 11 – THE RAID 2
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX
April 25 – LE WEKK-END
May 5 – JODOROWSKI’S DUNE
May 16 – ONLY LOVERS LEFT ALIVE
June 13 – FOR NO GOOD REASON

A Triumph of the Will and Artistry: DCDC Returns to the Victoria Theatre Stage

March 12, 2014 By Rodney Veal Leave a Comment

As a diverse cross-section of concert-goers filled the Victoria Theatre there was a palpable buzz that vibrated through the space. Seasoned lovers of dance and neophytes alike, eagerly awaited the concert of “world” premieres to begin. Seeing this many patrons still clamoring for artistic offerings of this Dayton institution, one cannot help imagining one angel in particular is smiling from heaven.

To make the case for being a world class dance troupe, it requires that the talents and skills of the dancers and choreographers be showcased and presented to maximum effect. Performing at the Victoria Theatre truly provided the best framing vehicle for the beauty and youthful vitality that moved before us.

It was stated in one of the three curtain speeches of the evening that it had been the dream of the artistic director, Debbie Blunden-Diggs , that she was committed to a vision of an all new choreographic works concert in honor of the forty-five year anniversary of the DCDC. That commitment produced one of the strongest concerts performed by the company in years.

with Marlayna Elyse Locklear, Dorse Brown, Kimberly Jones, Abby Leithart and Hershel Deondre Horner III. Photo provided by Geek With A Lens Photography.

The concert began with a polymorphic collage of kinetic movement specificity from Ronen Koresh. “Exit 7” began with a taut, repetitive ensemble section that evocatively set the the tone for the loosely linked dance vignettes to come. Dancers moved with a punchy precision while navigating rows of chairs highlighted individually by shafts of overhead lights. The choreography had a refined ritualistic tone that echoed throughout the rest of the work. There was a collective need to make sense of our rapidly splintering and fragmented society. This fragmentation led us on a journey, that was filled with at times moments of sensual despair, cheeky humor, and audacious physicality. It was brought to a dazzling close by the ensemble of dancers generating a sound collage of their own voices as an accompaniment to the visceral climax of the highly engaging and unique work of Mr. Koresh.

The work of Donald Byrd was a master class in combining engaging modernist movement material with spoken word in a heady mix of social and geo-political commentary and satirical undertones. It is the type of artistic work that only someone of his elevated artistic ability can accomplish.

Watching this work unfold and weave its intellectual spell on us in the audience, I could not help but envision this as being a truly post-modernist effort in every sense of the word. From the sublime verbal barrage of the narrator, exquisitely brought to life by Nabachawa Ssensalo, to the beautifully patterned and group movement invoking the bio-mechanics of cotton picking, this is a work worth savoring and repeating.

In the work of Rodney Brown”The Gatherer/wee Thing”, a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Sheri “Sparkle” Williams. One comes away with a sensory trip contemplating of not only Sheri as 40 year veteran, but also the future of DCDC as relevant fixture of the arts community. I would argue that DCDC is the only element of our community as a cultural component that transcends the bounds of our provinciality. An exportable cultural product that would hold up well under the glare and scrutiny of the world stage. All this from watching a “lion in winter” dancing star perform a nuanced solo on the Victoria theatre stage.

All photos provided by Geek With A Lens Photography.

The evening concluded with the work of Ray Mercer, “Tossed Around”; a work whose brevity was not welcomed. This work felt incomplete for all of the right reasons. Visually engaging, physically energized choreography that hit you in the solar plexus and that filled this reviewer with with pure unmitigated joy for being in its presence. As the yellow chairs flew from the wings to be caught by the dancers as they moved in ever increasing complex movement patterns, you were left wondering if and how frenzied and complex the choreography could evolve into. It was like getting your hands on the first chapters of an amazing serialized page-turning novel. You were hungry for more.

Seeing this company of young dancers and seasoned veterans in this concert performing such world class and dynamic artistic works left me breathless and most importantly hungry for more.

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus announces return of their annual benefit: “Benefit Musicale 6: A Night at the Castro”

March 11, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is pleased to announce the return of their annual benefit, “Benefit Musicale 6: A Night at the Castro.” Celebrating over 10 years of performances and outreach into the community to provide a “gay affirming presence in the Greater Miami Valley,” this year’s benefit promises to be the largest and most anticipated event to date.

Get out your bell bottoms and platform shoes as the DGMC transforms Dayton’s historical Top of the Market into the 1970’s Castro District of San Francisco. On Saturday, March 15, 2014 they will transport you to a time of the disco era complete with live entertainment courtesy of the Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus and multiple special guests, amazing food, cash bar, silent auctions and of course… Dancing courtesy of LiftOff entertainment!!

Special Auction: I Dreamed of Africa! A trip for two to the Zulu Nyala Game Lodge in South Africa on a 6 day/6 night, 3 meal, 2 excursion per day adventure with a total value of $4,950!

The DGMC’s annual Benefit Musicale directly support the DGMC and its mission to sustain choral excellence and promote a gay affirming presence in the Greater Miami Valley. This year’s proceeds will directly enable the chorus to stage an original oratorio titled “I am Harvey Milk” (www.IamHarveyMilk.com). This work, co-commissioned by the chorus and written by Tony Award nominated composer Andrew Lippa, depicts the life of one of the nation’s greatest icons in social equality.

The chorus’s goal is to exceed $18,000 in revenue from this year’s benefit, enabling them to be joined on stage at the Victoria Theatre by members of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. Please join them, Saturday, March 15, 2014 for this extraordinary fundraiser! 70’s attire is ENCOURAGED but not required.

The Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus is a 501c3 not for Profit Arts Organizations, and all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extend allowed by law.

Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus, P.O. Box 642 Dayton OH 45401-0642, www.daytongaymenschorus.org, Find us on Facebook

Academy Nominated OMAR Opens Friday at THE NEON!

March 5, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

f243d_movies_omar-96613-poster-xlarge-resized Hello Everyone,

This might be a first…we’ll be featuring 5 films this weekend! In addition to holding all of our current attractions (PHILOMENA, THE GREAT BEAUTY, GLORIA and DALLAS BUYERS CLUB), we will open the Academy Award nominated film OMAR. (PHILOMENA will only play through the weekend…it will screen for the last time on Sunday, March 9!) Visit our website for links to each of the film’s official sites as well as showtimes for the remainder of this week – www.neonmovies.com

Synopsis for OMAR: “A tense, gripping thriller about betrayal, suspected and real, in the Occupied Territories. Omar is a Palestinian baker who routinely climbs over the separation wall to meet up with his girl Nadja. By night, he’s either a freedom fighter or a terrorist – you decide – ready to risk his life to strike at the Israeli military with his childhood friends Tarek and Amjad. Arrested after the killing of an Israeli soldier and tricked into an admission of guilt by association, he agrees to work as an informant. So begins a dangerous game – is he playing his Israeli handler or will he really betray his cause? And who can he trust on either side? Palestinian filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad (director of PARADISE NOW) has made a dynamic, action-packed drama about the insoluble moral dilemmas and tough choices facing those on the frontlines of a conflict that shows no sign of letting up.” Click on this LINK to visit the film’s official site. Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuvO65EPWFo’]

For the next few weeks, it’s all about our traditional engagements at THE NEON. But starting in April, we will have special events galore for the rest of the Spring. Stay tuned for all the fun details.

Next week, we will open ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME! Have you already seen the trailer? If not, check it out below. And on March 21, we will open Wes Anderson’s latest film – THE GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL. We can’t wait!

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQysjiUA68U’]

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fg5iWmQjwk’]

Many thanks to ThinkTV and Square One Salon & Spa for their support of our Annual Oscar Party (click on either business to visit their official sites). Snowy weather hurt our turn-out a little, but the 80+ people who attended still had a great time.

And thanks to YOU for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

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

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15

GLORIA (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 4:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:20, 9:45
Sunday: 2:20
Monday – Thursday: 5:15

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7:00
Monday-Thursday: 7:45

OMAR (NR) 1 Hr 36 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:30
Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:00, 7:15,
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 5:20, 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 14 – ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME
March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX

Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg presents: The Music Man!

March 5, 2014 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg

The Music Man

The Theatre: Children’s Performing Arts of Miamisburg, or CPAM, is a non-profit children’s theater dedicated to promote, to all area youth, the appreciation of the performing arts through education, practice and performance. Our goal is to enrich the lives of those participants by strengthening the performing arts community. They feature classes and performances in the historic Baum Opera house in Downtown Miamisburg.

The Show: Later this week, the kids of CPAM are going to take on Meredith Wilson’s classic piece of Americana, The Music Man. This musical tells the tale of Harold Hill, a traveling ~~con artist~~ salesman who inspires the stiff-necked citizenry of fictional River City, Iowa to invest in the future of their town by putting together a Boys Band. Of course, Hill himself will lead it, and all the instruments, music and uniforms are available from him. For a fee. He never expected to meet Marian Paroo, the suspicious librarian-cum-piano teacher. The result is a beloved piece of musical theatre that gives us the songs, “76 Trombones,” “(Ya Got) Trouble,” and “Shapoopi,” among many others. By the end, you’ll wish you could play right along with the band.

Dates: Music Man opens Saturday, March 8th. The times and dates run as follows: 3/8 and 3/15, 2 pm and 7 pm. 3/9 and 3/16, 3 pm and next week, 3/13 and 3/14 at 7 pm.

Tickets: Tickets are available by following the link at CPAM’s page, here, and the prices are $17 for reserved seating, $15 for general admission and $13 for seniors (60+), military members and children ages 3-11.

Location: The Baum Opera House is located at 15 First St in Downtown Miamisburg.

TICKET GIVEAWAY
DMM has 2 pairs of tickets fro the Thursday, March 13th 7pm show. To enter our drawing, please like this post and fill out the form below. We’ll announce our winner this Friday. [form 55 “DMM Contest Entry – Generic”]

Human Race Announces 2014-2015 season

March 4, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Human Race Theatre Company, Dayton’s only professional regional theatre company, launches its 28th season next September with a richly diverse 6-play combination of productions on its Eichelberger Loft Series. “Selecting the season is one of the hardest, yet most exciting parts of my job,” says Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore. “Thanks to a wonderful committee of readers, I am able to hand select just the right shows for our audience. It’s a season for everyone, with something old and something new; something funny, and something blue.”

The 2014-2015 season includes Miracle on South Division Street, a wholly divine intervention; Mame, a larger-than-life laugh riot; the world premiere of Family Shots, a still life in motion; Taking Shakespeare, a lesson in self-discovery; and Crowns, a celebration of spirit; as well as a special added production of the current Off-Broadway hit Buyer & Cellar, a diva lover’s delight.

The six plays perform in The Loft Theatre, The Human Race’s intimate 212-seat downtown performance space, located in the Metropolitan Arts Center at 126 North Main Street. The plays are scheduled for three-week runs and musicals are scheduled for four-weeks, with a number of associated special events: a Thursday night preview performance, preceded by the “Inside Track” discussion with the director; Friday Opening Night with a free post-show party with the cast in The Loft Lobby; Lite Fare at The Loft, a Tuesday night pre-show dining in The Loft Lobby, with food items provided by Citilites Restaurant; a “While We’re on the Subject” talkback following a Sunday matinee; and a Saturday night signed and audio-described performance opportunity.

THE 2014-2015 EICHELBERGER LOFT SERIES SEASON LINEUP

Miracle on South Division Street

by Tom Dudzick

September 4 – 21, 2014

60 years ago, Grandpa Nowak had a vision of the Virgin Mary in his Buffalo, New York barbershop and had an unusual statue of her made to commemorate the miracle. For decades, his family has faithfully tended to his quirky shrine—a source of hope and inspiration in an otherwise run-down part of town. That is until a deathbed confession knocks them for a loop in this hilarious hit comedy that proves when it comes to local legends, there’s more than meets the eye.

Mame

Book by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee
Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Based on the novel by Patrick Dennis, and the play Auntie Mame by Lawrence and Lee

October 30 – November 23, 2014

Mame Dennis is a free-wheeling eccentric without a care until she becomes the guardian of her ten-year-old nephew, Patrick. Now it’s up to her to open new windows and show the boy worlds he never knew existed. Through the Roaring 20s and the Great Depression, Mame teaches Patrick how to “live, live, live”—whether he’s willing or not. It’s the dazzling Broadway musical that proves life’s a banquet, featuring the classic songs “We Need A Little Christmas”, “It’s Today”, “Bosom Buddies” and, of course, “Mame”.

A World Premiere Production!

Family Shots

by Michael Slade

January 22 – February 8, 2015

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 dealing with his own issues as a newlywed. Intimate, yet universal, this new work by Michael Slade (Under a Red Moon, Gingerbread Children) is a wildly funny and touching comedy about marriage—its joys, challenges and responsibilities—and what’s worth fighting for.

A Special Valentine’s Event!

Buyer & Cellar

by Jonathan Tolins

February 12 – March 1, 2015

An out-of-work actor in Los Angeles, Alex takes on the oddest of odd jobs when he’s hired to work in the museum-like basement “mall” of an American entertainment icon’s lavish home. He spends his days alone and in awe, tending to a lifetime of countless mementos, until the lady of the house—the “Funny Girl” herself—appears and they strike up the unlikeliest of friendships. It’s an outrageously unbelievable comedy that will go down “like butta” as one talented performer takes on all the roles, even the dynamic “Babs”.

Taking Shakespeare

by John Murrell

April 16 – May 3, 2015

When a longtime, disillusioned college professor is asked to tutor her dean’s son through his freshman Shakespeare class, she finds it to be as much a test for her as it is for him. Although they seem to have nothing in common, as they explore the Bard’s Othello together, they learn more about each other—and themselves—than either is ready to admit. While they draw strength from the play, they come to understand what it means to live up to expectations.

Crowns

by Regina Taylor

adapted from the book by Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry

June 11 – July 5, 2015

When troubled Brooklyn teenager Yolanda is sent to live with her church-going grandmother down South after the death of her brother, she finds healing in the personal stories of the ladies of the congregation and the hats that adorn their heads. Through time and space, their intimate histories create a soulful, joyous triumph of song, dance, culture and glorious “hattitude” in this powerhouse gospel musical like no other.

SUBSCRIPTIONS AND TICKETS

Subscriptions are available in 3-, 4- and 5-show packages, as well as in Flex Pass plans. Package prices range from $102 – $190, and discounted subscriptions are available for students. Both renewing and new subscribers may place their orders with Ticket Center Stage by calling (937) 228-3630 or by visiting the Schuster Center Box Office. New subscribers will be seated starting May 5. Single tickets to Miracle on South Division Street and Mame go on sale August 5, tickets to Family Shots go on sale October 28, tickets to Buyer & Cellar go on sale December 2, and tickets to Taking Shakespeare and Crowns go on sale February 10. Buyer & Cellar is not part of subscription packages, but subscribers can purchase tickets in advance when renewing or ordering a new subscription. Productions, performance dates and ticket prices are subject to change.

More ticketing and performance information on The Human Race Theatre Company’s 2014-2015 and 2013-2014 Loft seasons are available online or by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630, and at the Schuster Center box office.

The Human Race Theatre Company was founded in 1986 and moved into the Metropolitan Arts Center in 1991, taking up residence at the 212-seat Loft Theatre. In addition to the Eichelberger Loft Season, The Human Race produces for the Victoria Theatre’s Broadway Series, the Musical Theatre Workshop series, and special event programming. The Human Race, under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Kevin Moore, also maintains education and outreach programs for children, teens and adults, as well as artist residencies in area schools, The Muse Machine In-School Tour, and summer youth programs. Human Race organizational support is provided by Culture Works, the Montgomery County Arts and Cultural District, the Shubert Foundation, the Erma R. Catterton Trust Fund, the Jesse & Caryl Philips Foundation Fund for the Development of New Works, the Virginia W. Kettering Foundation and the Ohio Arts Council, which helped fund this organization with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. The 2013-2014 season sponsor is the Jack W. and Sally D. Eichelberger Foundation of the Dayton Foundation, with additional support from Jim and Enid Goubeaux, KeyBank, the Sam Levin Foundation, Premier Health, Heidelberg Distributing Company and Morris Home Furnishings.

And The Oscar Goes To…

March 2, 2014 By Russell Florence, Jr. Leave a Comment

It’s time to find out which films and artists will reap Oscar gold according to the over 6,000 voting members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences who determined nominees for the 86th annual Academy Awards. American Hustle and Gravity tie with 10 nods, but 12 Years a Slave follows with nine. Additionally, local filmmaker Julia Reichert, an Emmy winner and three-time Oscar nominee, served as associate producer of Prison Terminal: The Last Days of Private Jack Hall, nominated in the documentary short subject field.
Anything is possible when winners will be revealed tonight at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Here are my predictions in the top six categories.

BEST PICTURE
12 Years a Slave
American Hustle
Captain Phillips
Dallas Buyers Club
Gravity
Her
Nebraska
Philomena
The Wolf of Wall Street

Overlooked: 42, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, All is Lost, August: Osage County, The Bling Ring, Blue is the Warmest Color, Blue Jasmine, Enough Said, Frances Ha, Fruitvale Station, Inside Llewyn Davis, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Lone Survivor, Mud, The Place Beyond the Pines, Prisoners, Saving Mr. Banks

Could Win: Gravity or Hustle
Should Win/Will Win: 12 Years a Slave

By and large, it’s a three-way race between Gravity, Hustle and Slave. Hustle, David O. Russell’s clever, entertaining 1970s throwback, had momentum in January during the height of awards season, but passion seems to have cooled. Gravity captivated with stunning visuals and special effects recalling Stanley Kubrick’s iconic 2001: A Space Odyssey, but its screenplay wasn’t nominated, tainting its overall impact. Slave is overtly chilling and tough to watch, but it’s also the most emotional, profound and significant when categorizing the kind of prestige film that typically grabs this coveted honor. In a close call, Slave feels on the verge of making Oscar history as the first best picture winner to chronicle the African-American experience.

BEST DIRECTOR
Alfonso Cuarón, Gravity
Steve McQueen, 12 Years a Slave
Alexander Payne, Nebraska
David O. Russell, American Hustle
Martin Scorcese, The Wolf of Wall Street

Overlooked: Woody Allen, Blue Jasmine, J.C. Chandor, All is Lost, Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, Inside Llewyn Davis, Ryan Coogler, Fruitvale Station, Sofia Coppola, The Bling Ring, Lee Daniels, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Paul Greengrass, Captain Phillips, Spike Jonze, Her, Jean-Marc Vallée, Dallas Buyers Club, Denis Villeneuve, Prisoners

Could Win: McQueen
Should Win/Will Win: Cuarón

McQueen crafted an indelible look at the horrors of slavery, especially plantation life, but Cuarón will be duly recognized for his technological, visionary artistry.

BEST ACTOR
Christian Bale, American Hustle
Bruce Dern, Nebraska
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Wolf of Wall Street
Chiwetl Ejiofor, 12 Years a Slave
Matthew McConaughey, Dallas Buyers Club

Overlooked: Casey Affleck, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Chadwick Boseman, 42, Idris Elba, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Tom Hanks, Captain Phillips, Oscar Isaac, Inside Llewyn Davis, Hugh Jackman, Prisoners, Michael B. Jordan, Fruitvale Station, Robert Redford, All is Lost, Forest Whitaker, Lee Daniels’ The Butler

Could Win: DiCaprio
Should Win: Ejiofor
Will Win: McConaughey

Ejiofor’s powerful, splendidly nuanced portrayal is the lifeblood of Slave and there is a late surge for DiCaprio’s finest work to date, but McConaughey will likely prevail for his physical and professional transformation as AIDS activist Ron Woodroof.

BEST ACTRESS
Amy Adams, American Hustle
Cate Blanchett, Blue Jasmine
Sandra Bullock, Gravity
Judi Dench, Philomena
Meryl Streep, August: Osage County

Overlooked: Berenice Bejo, The Past, Adele Exarchopoulos, Blue is the Warmest Color, Greta Gerwig, Frances Ha, Brie Larson, Short Term 12, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Enough Said, Emma Thompson, Saving Mr. Banks

Could Win: Adams
Should Win/Will Win: Blanchett

Sentiment could favor Adams, who has been an Oscar darling since she wowed voters in Junebug. Even so, and despite unexpected Woody Allen backlash, this category, as it has since last August, belongs to the brilliant Blanchett whose phenomenally exquisite interpretation of a washed-up Manhattan socialite superbly evoked the riveting complexity of Blanche DuBois.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Barkhad Abdi, Captain Phillips
Bradley Cooper, American Hustle
Michael Fassbender, 12 Years a Slave
Jonah Hill, The Wolf of Wall Street
Jared Leto, Dallas Buyers Club

Overlooked: Bobby Cannavale, Blue Jasmine, Keith Carradine, Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Steve Coogan, Philomena, Chris Cooper, August: Osage County, Paul Dano, Prisoners, Dane DeHaan, Kill Your Darlings and The Place Beyond the Pines, Harrison Ford, 42, Ben Foster, Lone Survivor, Will Forte, Nebraska, James Gandolfini, Enough Said, Jake Gyllenhaal, Prisoners, Tom Hanks, Saving Mr. Banks, Matthew McConaughey, Mud, David Oyelowo, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Sam Rockwell, The Way, Way Back, Geoffrey Rush, The Book Thief

Could Win: Abdi
Should Win: Fassbender
Will Win: Leto

The fact that Abdi received more support from the Academy than Tom Hanks speaks volumes about how much his terrifically authentic performance lingered in the minds of voters. Fassbender, who should have been nominated for best actor two years ago for Shame, took insanity and terror to another dimension as a vicious slave owner. Still, Leto, nearly unrecognizable, seems a sure bet for his gentle, striking portrayal of Rayon, a transgender woman living with AIDS.

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sally Hawkins, Blue Jasmine
Jennifer Lawrence, American Hustle
Lupita Nyong’o, 12 Years a Slave
Julia Roberts, August: Osage County
June Squibb, Nebraska

Overlooked: Amy Adams, Her, Nicole Beharie, 42, Melonie Diaz, Fruitvale Station, Jennifer Garner, Dallas Buyers Club, Naomie Harris, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Allison Janney, The Way, Way Back, Scarlett Johansson, Her, Melissa Leo, Prisoners, Margo Martindale, August: Osage County, Juliette Nicholson, August: Osage County, Sarah Paulson, 12 Years a Slave, Lea Seydoux, Blue is the Warmest Color, Octavia Spencer, Fruitvale Station, Emma Watson, The Bling Ring, Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Alfre Woodard, 12 Years a Slave

Could Win: Lawrence
Should Win/Will Win: Nyong’o

Lawrence ignited the screen with her fiery, flashy turn and probably would be the frontrunner if she hadn’t won best actress last year for Silver Linings Playbook. Expect Nyong’o to reign for her impeccable, heart-wrenching, breakthrough portrayal of the haunting Patsey, a prized and abused slave.

The 86th annual Academy Awards, hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, will be telecast live tonight on ABC at 8:30 p.m. In related news, The Neon Movies, 130 E. Fifth St. in downtown Dayton, and FilmDayton will host Oscar parties tonight. For information about the Neon’s festivities, call (937) 222-7469 or visit www.neonmovies.com. For FilmDayton’s festivities, visit www.filmdayton.com.

Victoria Theatre Association Announces Additional CELTIC WOMAN Performance

February 27, 2014 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

Victoria Theatre Association announces the addition of a 7 p.m. show for the global music phenomenon CELTIC WOMAN on May 18, 2014 at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton. Tickets for the 3:00 p.m. show are going fast and are nearly sold out.

“The ladies of CELTIC WOMAN were so impressed with the Dayton audience and the Schuster Center in May 2013, they announced they were coming back from stage,” said Ken Neufeld, President & CEO of Victoria Theatre Association and The Arts Center Foundation. “We are excited to welcome them back on May 18, 2014. The show is selling so well, we have had to add a second performance to meet demand.”

Tickets are available in person at Ticket Center Stage, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center, by phone at 937-228-3630 and online at www.ticketcenterstage.com. Tickets start at $46.50.

THE NEON – Oscar Nominee THE GREAT BEAUTY Opens and FREE Oscar Party News!

February 27, 2014 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

Every now and then I hear people say “I wish you’d bring more foreign films to town”…well now’s your chance. Between the Oscar Shorts, THE PAST, and GLORIA, we’re having a nice run of foreign material at THE NEON. And starting this Friday we’ll have THE GREAT BEAUTY, the Italian picture nominated for “Best Foreign Film!” In addition to it, we will hold all of our other current attractions – PHILOMENA, DALLAS BUYERS CLUB and GLORIA!

Click this LINK to visit the official site for PHILOMENA. Click this LINK to visit the official site for DALLAS BUYERS CLUB. Click this LINK to visit the official site for GLORIA.

Synopsis for THE GREAT BEAUTY: “Journalist Jep Gambardella has charmed and seduced his way through the lavish nightlife of Rome for decades. Since the legendary success of his one and only novel, he has been a permanent fixture in the city’s literary and social circles, but when his sixty-fifth birthday coincides with a shock from the past, Jep finds himself unexpectedly taking stock of his life, turning his cutting wit on himself and his contemporaries, and looking past the extravagant nightclubs, parties, and cafes to find Rome in all its glory: a timeless landscape of absurd, exquisite beauty.” Nominated for “Best Foreign Film” at this year’s Academy Awards. Click on this LINK below to visit the film’s official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dyt430YkQn0′]

I’m happy to report that the latest tugg request we received will move forward! Special thanks to those of you who got on-line and reserved your ticket! On Thursday, March 6 at 7:30, the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National MS Society will host a screening of WHEN I WALK. “In 2006, 25-year-old Jason DaSilva was on vacation at the beach with family when, suddenly, he fell down. He couldn’t get back up. His legs had stopped working; his disease could no longer be ignored. Just a few months earlier doctors had told him that he had multiple sclerosis…Jason tried exercise to help cope, but the problem only worsened. After his dispiriting fall on the beach, he turned to his Mom, who reminded him that, despite his disease, he was still a fortunate kid who had the opportunity to pursue the things he loved most: art and filmmaking. Jason picked up the camera, turned it on his declining body, and set out on a worldwide journey in search of healing, self-discovery, and love.” Read more about the film, watch the wonderful trailer and reserve your ticket at this LINK.

We’re ready for you this Sunday! THE NEON’s Annual Oscar Party has been a success for more than a decade, and we’re excited that ThinkTV has once again agreed to help us get a signal for the broadcast. On Sunday, March 2, seating will begin as close to 7pm as possible (which is when the pre-show begins). Ballots for guessing the winners are now available in our lobby…and must be turned in before the first award is given (guests must be present during our party to be eligible for prizes). Prizes will be given throughout the evening for correct guesses…and the Grand Prize – “The Star Treatment” (courtesy of Square One Salon & Spa and THE NEON) – will go to the person with the most correct guesses. This party is FREE and YOU are Invited! Come in anytime on Sunday, March 2 to turn in your ballot. Upon turning in a ballot (one per person), you will be given a number – which will result in the seating priority later that night.

We hope to see many of you this weekend!

Thanks for your continued support,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Friday, Feb. 28 – Thursday, March 6:

PHILOMENA (PG-13) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

GLORIA (R) 1 Hr 50 Min
Friday, Saturday: 2:50, 7:20, 9:45
Sunday: 2:50
Monday – Wednesday: 5:15, 7:45
Thursday: 5:15

DALLAS BUYERS CLUB (R) 1 Hr 57 Min
Friday, Saturday: 4:30, 9:50
Sunday: 4:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:30

THE GREAT BEAUTY (NR) 2 Hrs 22 Mins
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:30, 7:00
Monday-Thursday: 2:30, 8:00

THE NEON’S ANNUAL OSCAR PARTY (NR) Who Knows?!?
Sunday: Seating begins at 7:00

WHEN I WALK (NR) 1 Hr 24 Min + discussion
Thursday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.
In some rare cases, titles may disappear.
March 7 – OMAR (Nominated for Best Foreign Film)
March 14 – ELAINE STRITCH: SHOOT ME
March 21 – GRAND BUDAPEST HOTEL
TBD – TIM’S VERMEER
TBD – LE WEEK-END
April 18 – THE LUNCHBOX