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Local Filmmaker Takes on The Wright Brothers Story

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“The Wright brothers changed the world. Their story deserves to be told
with the same passion and precision they brought to their work.”

At a press conference held to day at the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park,  Centerville filmmaker Allen Farst made the announcement of his next feature film: The Flying Machine! Farst has optioned the book “The Bishop’s Boys:A Life of Wilbur and Orville Wright, written by Tom Crouch and will write the screenplay and direct the film.  Previous films by Farst include Triangle Park, a documentary about the first NFL game,(which will stream on Amazon Prime in Sept) and Chuck Leavell: The Tree Man, an award winning documentary film about The Rolling Stones keyboardist.

Farst shares “the story of the Wright brothers serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that with vision, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, anything is possible. Through the medium of film, this message can reach a global audience, igniting the spark of curiosity and ambition in the hearts of aspiring aviators and innovators around the world. In nearly 125 years [2028 is the anniversary of flight] there has not been one major motion picture about the Wright brothers until now and with your support we plan to change that!

But this isn’t just about planes—it’s about the human spirit reaching new heights. Our film captures the awe-inspiring triumphs and heart-wrenching setbacks of the Wright brothers’ who dared to chase the horizon. It’s a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of the impossible.

The story of the Wright brothers serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that with vision, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success, anything is possible. Through the medium of film, this message can reach a global audience, igniting the spark of curiosity and ambition in the hearts of aspiring aviators and innovators around the world. In nearly 125 years [2028 is the anniversary of flight] there has not been one major motion picture about the Wright brothers until now and with your support we plan to change that!”

On hand to share their support, Amanda Wright Lane, Great Grand Niece of Orville and Wilbur Wright  and Stephen Wright, Great Grand Son of Orville and Wilbur Wright.  Amanda shared that basing this film on Tom Crouch’s book will give the world the big picture about the Wright Brothers.  How be used a treasure trove of Wright family correspondence and diaries, Crouch skillfully weaves the story of the airplane’s invention into the drama of a unique and unforgettable family. He shows us exactly how and why these two obscure bachelors from Dayton, Ohio, were able to succeed where so many better-trained, better-financed rivals had failed. She’s sure Farst will be able to use the book to guide his film. “We are thrilled that Allen Farst and Palmar Studios are taking on one of the greatest stories of humankind,” Wright says.

Farst continued,  “this isn’t just about planes—it’s about the human spirit reaching new heights. Our film captures the awe-inspiring triumphs and heart-wrenching setbacks of the Wright brothers’ who dared to chase the horizon. It’s a celebration of passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of the impossible.

The community is invited to support The Flying Machine. Join a movement to honor the untold stories that shaped the skies we navigate today. Don’t let these tales of bravery and ingenuity fade into obscurity—help us bring them to life on the silver screen for the first time and inspire generations to come!”

To donate to the film or learn more about it, please visit www.FlyingMachineMovie.com

Mark Echtner – Artist and Educator

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I visited Mark at his home in Dayton’s South Park neighborhood.  There was no answer when I knocked on his front door so I went around behind.  I walked towards a small frame building at the back of the lot that I thought that might be Mark’s studio.

People tell me that should be my studio” said a voice behind me.  “It’s an old carriage house, built in 1895.  But the light is better inside the house.  I didn’t hear you knock, but since you’re out back you can see my other artistic pursuit – this flower garden.  When I bought this house in 2001 this backyard was just grass.  I’ve planted all of this.”

We went into the house and into a small room off the dining room, with an easel on one side and a walls filled with art.  “Much of this art will be in a show at Sinclair Community College, Building 13 (corner of 5th and Perry) in the 4th floor gallery.  There’s free parking in lot K behind the building.  The show runs from August 12 to September 13 and the gallery is open 8-6 Monday through Friday and 9-12 Saturday.”

Mark’s recent paintings, the ones that will be in his show, are different from the ones I’ve seen several years ago.  I asked him about that.  “I had a desire to include more abstract images along with realistic components, much like this de Kooning image I have framed on my shelf.  This piece is a good example, with the primarily realistic images of the two men and the primarily abstract elements in the lower right.

“The colors of this series are also a change for me.  I used to work in more earth tones but in this series I’m using a lot of cooler, more synthetic tones, more blue and especially magentas.  And I use a lot of blacks to try to anchor things so the painting doesn’t get too busy.   As I work on these pieces it’s less about tightening up my portrayal of something and more about the colors – do I need more blue, not does that eye look right.”

I asked Mark is he’d always been an artist I’ve always been an artist.  “It was sort of a given since infancy.  My parents met in college.  My mother was a painter and my Dad was a metalsmith.  My grandmother was an art teacher and her father was an architect.  Both my sisters went into art as well.  I got my MFA in Miami, which brought me to Ohio from my home in Wisconsin.  Then I landed at Sinclair Community College where I’m a Professor in the Fine Arts Department.”

 

“I rework my paintings a lot.  In one piece a woman was shopping at a corn stand carrying a bag.  Now it’s a man shopping at the stand and carrying a baby.  This piece I’m painting now probably has about 5 more hours of work before it’s done.  I’ve already changed the position of the lady’s hand.  I think I’ll darken the right side, to give the illusion of looking through a screen door.  I’ll also pull the shadows a bit.  And I need to decide if the man’s pants need a pocket.  Now it sort of looks like he’s wearing tights.”

“I’ve created a lot of work for this show at Sinclair, and I’m looking forward to seeing it all up.  You’ve seen a lot of it, Bill as you walk around the house.  But some of it’s hanging beside older pieces and some is stacked two or three deep.  It’ll be fun seeing it as a body of work all hanging together.”

LORE On Stage with Te’Jal Storytelling Class

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LORE is excited to host this in-person storytelling class in Dayton, OH. For 4 Monday evenings in August 2024 (August 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th), a small group will work with Te’Jal to develop a personal, first-person, story for the stage. Then on Wednesday, August 28th , you and the other brand new storytellers will share your stories in front of a live audience!

At the first class, you will receive a LORE Workbook with homework exercises to guide you through the process between classes. Each week, you will share a version of your story, learning how to craft and perform it, so that by the 4th week, you are ready for the stage! Here is what you can expect:

Week 1: Learn about the story arc and components and share your story with a partner.

Week 2: Share the next version of your story, based on the homework, with the entire group and receive valuable feedback from the story coach.

Week 3: Learn about performance and tools and techniques for sharing an oral story on stage or livestream. Share the next version of your story.

Week 4: Perform the final version of your story, using the tools and techniques learned in previous classes. Get finishing touch feedback to prepare you for the graduation event.

New ‘DDQ’ Video Podcast Kicks off with Dayton’s Own STAR!

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If you love ARTS in Dayton…and you love video podcasts…meet DDQ, Dayton’s Drama Queens. This New Video Podcast will feature all things ARTS in Dayton. The stars of the show are Philip Drennen (yes, the one who has a show heading to NYC) and Joshua Stucky (yes, the one who created Dayton’s own RubiGirls.) The premiere features an interview with Drennen, one of the creators of ‘The Big Gay Jamboree‘ which is headed to the Orpheum theater in NYC this September!

You can catch the first episode by using one of the following: daytondramaqueens.com or at YouTube, Amazon, iHeart or wherever you get your favorite podcasts!

 

Luckily, D937 was able to talk with Drennen before he departs for the Big APPLE!

D937: WOW Philip!!  This is amazing news. Congrats. Tell us, what was your part in all of this?

I co-wrote the music and lyrics for The Big Gay Jamboree with Marla Mindelle, one of my best friends from college for over 20 years! We also graduated from CCM with the book writer, Jonathan Parks-Ramage and the director, Connor Gallagher. We all got our degrees in Musical Theatre from Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music.

D937: SO COOL! Where did this crazy idea come from??

The Big Gay Jamboree started as a screenplay for a movie musical about 10 years ago and Margot Robbie was attached. It was written by Mindelle and Parks-Ramage and after Marla’s success in the off-Broadway hit Titanique (where she wrote and stars in the show), got back in touch and they decided to give BGJ another go as a stage musical. They brought me into the mix to write the score about a year and a half ago and we hit the ground running. We got picked up by Wagner Johnson Productions (who just had huge success on Broadway with Stereophonic winning 5 Tonys this year including Best Play) who are co-producing BGJ with LuckyChap, Margot’s production company. This is LuckyChap’s first stage show after years of producing films like Saltburn, Barbie, and my personal favorite, I, Tonya.

D937: I, TONYA! WHAT A HOOT! What has this experience been like….any surprises?

Being granted the time to really workshop a show can be so key to its success. Many Broadway shows can take up to 10 years before it’s debut and we are very lucky to have been fast tracked in this way. But our producers know the importance of workshopping and making sure it’s the best it can be and we’ve learned so much from being in those rooms and experimenting.

D937: In Dayton, we know you from your work with TheatreLab. Has that experience helped??

I have worn a lot of hats with TLD and I’m so grateful to have gotten training in Arts Administration, theater tech, marketing and so much more. There is a need for a group like TLD in Dayton and I hope it’s able to continue to survive in such an arts rich city!

D937: Agreed! So, how do we get to see the BGJ?

Previews begin at the Orpheum Theater off-Broadway on September 14 (open to the public) with our official opening night on October 1. Right now we are scheduled to run through January 31. Ticket info can be found at biggayjamboreethemusical.com.

D937: Sounds like such fun!!

I think right now we all need to laugh and BGJ is basically non-stop laughs!

D937: All of Dayton is proud of you Mister. We wish you all the best!! 

 

 

 

 

 

The 20th Century Circus

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The 20th Century Circus is one of the last touring tented circuses in the United States today.Set in the era of the 1920s, our show is an inspiring, family-friendly event that will give audiences a night to remember forever.

We bring old-world circus skills from second-generation circus performers & acclaimed acts from the Vegas strip together to create one and a half hours of circus that is intents!

We invite you and to come out to our tent. Dress up with us! Have some popcorn, cotton candy, and a soda. Enjoy the show, and make memories that will last a lifetime at the 20th Century Circus!

The King and I

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The Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra presents THE KING AND I this summer at the Arbogast Perfroming Arts Center. This timeless musical first premiered on Broadway in March 1951 and has since enjoyed several sensational runs over the last 75 years. Associate Conductor, James Johnston, leads an orchestra of 60 musicians performing the original full symphony score. Brian Sharp directs. Shows Fri – Sun, July 19- 21 at Arbogast Performing Arts Center

Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Shall We Dance,” “Something Wonderful,” “Whistle a Happy Tune,” “Hello Young Lovers” and, “Getting to Know You” The year is 1862 in Siam when an English widow, Anna Leonowens, and her young son arrive at the Royal Palace in Bangkok, having been summoned by the King to serve as tutor to his many children and wives. The King is largely considered to be a “barbarian” by those in the West, and he seeks Anna’s assistance in changing his image, if not his ways. With both keeping a firm grip on their respective traditions and values, Anna and the King grow to understand and respect one another in a truly unique love story.

The 20th Century Circus

By

The 20th Century Circus is one of the last touring tented circuses in the United States today.Set in the era of the 1920s, our show is an inspiring, family-friendly event that will give audiences a night to remember forever.

We bring old-world circus skills from second-generation circus performers & acclaimed acts from the Vegas strip together to create one and a half hours of circus that is intents!

(Ha! Sorry…)

We invite you and to come out to our tent. Dress up with us! Have some popcorn, cotton candy, and a soda. Enjoy the show, and make memories that will last a lifetime at the 20th Century Circus!

The Wizard of Oz

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Broadway-style entertainment and delicious dining all under one roof makes La Comedia southwest Ohio’s greatest value in live theatre. See the seating chart, views from tables throughout the theatre, and purchase tickets online.

Come along as we travel with Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion as they head to Emerald City to see the great Wizard, Their encounters with the Wicked Witch, the Munchkins, and the flying monkeys are just some of the adventures they will have along the way! Now playing at La Comedia through August 11th

This delightful stage adaptation based on the classic film features timeless songs such as “Over The Rainbow,” “Munchkinland,” “If I Only Had A Brain,” “We’re Off To See The Wizard,” “Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead,” “If I Were King Of The Forest,” and “The Merry Old Land of Oz,” to name just a few!

Children under 11 are just $39! Get your tickets online at lacomedia.com or call 937-746-4554. With seating for over 600, La Comedia is one of the nation’s largest professional dinner theatres, and is perfect for celebrating any occasion!  The buffet features chef-carved meats, beer-battered deep-fried white fish, a variety of pastas and vegetables, their famous sweet potato soufflé, freshly-baked breads, and several dishes representing the “flavor” of the current production.

CABER-SLAY an Amanda Sue Musical Revue

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From the raucus mind of Ohio’s own National Miss Comedy Queen 2017, comes CABER-SLAY an Amanda Sue Musical Revue. Join forever Miss Gay Ohio America: Amanda Sue and a bevy of talented friends and drag family as they lead you on a musical theatre journey that will leave you screaming “SLAY!”
Columbus Ohio’s resident Showtunes Queen (and former DTG actor) returns to the 937 for a weekend of musical theatre madness with some of the most talented friends and family in the Gem City.
From Hamilton to Hairspray, Dream Girls to Mean Girls, and everything WICKED in between, Amanda and friends are planning a SIX-ening evening of all things Broadway. Life is a Cabert old chum, so come to the CABER-SLAY! July 5th at 10pm, July 6th at 5pm and 9pm, tickets are $20 (cocktail or mocktail included) and will be for sale on the Dayton Theatre Guild website next week.

Art For All: FREE Admission!

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Join us this Sunday for Art for All! Not only will admission be FREE, but you’ll also have access to the newly opened Special Exhibition “Riveting: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection” and the focus exhibition “The Quiet World of Edward Hopper”. BUT wait, there’s more; we will also have Dayton-area educator, Danny Rodriguez, for “Criss Cross Capoeira Connections” in the Lange Family Experiencenter.

Originating in Africa and developing further in Brazil, Capoeira is a movement art that incorporates music, singing, and acrobatic, dance-like movements that can be used to disguise practical martial arts techniques.

We will host three half-hour sessions (at 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM) focusing on different elements featured in Capoeira. These sessions offer the opportunity to learn simple, fundamental elements that new learners can easily grasp.

We will also have Erin Smith Glen for “Meet the Artist”, painting LIVE from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM just outside the special exhibition “Riveting” where her work is currently featured.

The Hello Girls At Beavercreek Community Theatre Thru June 30

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From New York to Paris, from ragtime to jazz:  THE HELLO GIRLS chronicles the story of America’s first women soldiers in this new musical inspired by history.  These intrepid heroines served as bilingual telephone operators on the front lines, helping turn the tide of World War I.  They then returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition, paving the way for future generations.  THE HELLO GIRLS was commissioned and premiered by NYC’s Prospect Theater Company to celebrate the centennial of these groundbreaking women.

McCoy on Movies: The Bikeriders

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Butler, Comer and Hardy lead Jeff Nichols’ motorcycle-driven snapshot of masculinity in THE BIKERIDERS


WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

 

THE BACK STORY: Inspired by Danny Lyon’s book of the same name, THE BIKERIDERS stars Jodie Comer as Kathy, a woman living in/around Chicago in the mid 1960s. She is the paramour of Benny (Austin Butler), a rebellious young man who only cares about two things: His Harley-Davidson motorcyle and The Vandals, the bike club of which he is a member. The Vandals are essentially his family as he spends the majority of his time with its various members doing whatever it is they wish to do at any given moment. 
 
The Vandals are led by Johnny (Tom Hardy), a stoic figure who’s presence is understated, yet fully commanding in as much as he doesn’t say compared to what he does. This is why he is rarely challenged, both on decisions and for leadership of the club, making him an inspiration to members like Cockroach (Emory Cohen), Zipco (Michael Shannon), Wahoo (Beau Knapp), Brucie (Damon Herriman) and Corky (Carl Glusman). They live life as they ride: Free and uninhibited with their brothers – and the occasional lady – at their side. 
 
But as The Vandals begin to rise in prominence, they also begin to rise in notoriety, leading to run-ins with the law, townspeople and other bike clubs. But as Danny (Mike Faust) – a college student who interviews Kathy and documents the club’s activities, the goal being to produce a book one day – Kathy and The Vandals will come to learn that all good things must eventually come to an end …
 
THE REVIEW: Did you catch wind of that recent social media debate about which would a woman choose if she was stuck in the middle of the woods with the option of a bear or a man? Watching THE BIKERIDERS, the reasoning behind what would seem to be the ludicrous choice becomes clear from one scene to the next. For in presenting a masterful depiction of the rise of the American motorcycle club and its eventual demise from its glory days, writer/director Jeff Nichols and company have created a definitive 120 minute visual showcase of two words – toxic masculinity – inadvertently. 
 
This is not to suggest by any means that the film is quote-unquote “bad” by any means; instead, in creating a tribute to the men (and women) that have been romanticized in popular culture, THE BIKERIDERS – whether intentionally or unintentionally as it seems – exposes the pitfalls and trappings of what is supposed to define masculinity (being “cool,” “macho” and rebellious) for what they really are: Broken men looking for a sense of family, belonging, self-worth and purpose that have perpetuated from their origin to the 21st century.
 
While his turn as Elvis Presley may not have made him the true household name he surely sought to become, THE BIKERIDERS should help propel Austin Butler to the forefront. Coming with the standard issue teen idol/boyband heartthrob visual presentation, Butler shows that he can work a leather jacket, motorcycle and sideburns and not the other way around. While his character could easily come off as one note (and at times, almost does through no fault of his own due to the circumstances around him), Butler commands attention in each scene he in which he appears.
This in turn plays well off of Hardy’s stoic, Tony Soprano-like performance as Johnny, a man who despite what should be considered the perfect family life for his era, desires something different, something animalistic, something more – his bike club allowing him to enjoy the king of the jungle status so many men crave.  This makes he and Butler’s character two peas in a proverbial pod, the old lion with his young apprentice, both of whom desire to be free of anything (except possibly each other) in an “us against the world” manner for the ages.
In turn, this makes the various members of their club – Army burnouts, blue collar workers who wouldn’t stand out from the pack – look up to them, aspiring to be what they believe they are (true men) and unable to see their faults and flaws. This in turn is reflected in Toby Wallace’s pivotal character, the classic product of a 1960s broken home who sets out to be the opposite of what he feels – trapped, lacking power and unable to become his own man. This is why he sets out on such a destructive path which, of course, leads to pivotal (if not predictable) moments in the film. Yes, there is brotherhood and camaraderie with certain times that reflect the “live free” spirit that THE BIKERIDERS seeks to celebrate … But it’s extremely hard to ignore the cost that comes with it.
This is why the film being narrated by Comer’s character makes for the most interesting component of the film. In Kathy, we don’t get so much of a woman discussing her wild times with her man, but almost more of a mother discussing her children, hoping that all of her prodigal sons will one day return home safely even though she knows they won’t. (Maybe that’s why a friend who is also a parent left an advance screening of the film, the moments of violence and profanity aside? Then again, this isn’t exactly her “type” of movie to begin with, but I digress …)
In a world where ideology is constantly evolving, THE BIKERIDERS, for some, will seem like a breath of fresh air, showcasing a time when “men were men” and how one should look to set their own path as opposing to bowing to society’s standards. For others, it may seem like a documentary of the Cro-Magnon mindset seemingly responsible for all the world’s current major problems – and who’s to say which is right?
As a film, however, THE BIKERIDERS is entertaining – and maybe just leaving it as an intriguing piece of cinema versus the inspiration for a way of life is where it would best be served.

 

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

 

 

 

Pride Art Show

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Once again The Secret Chamber House of Oddities And Artwork Will be hosting a pride art show on June 21st Friday. From 5-9pm. It will coincide with our downtown pride event happening in Market square on our same block. Our event will run rain or shine and is a separate entity but we highly encourage everyone to check out both.

Grand Slam of Dayton Storytellers

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Come and join us at Wiley’s to enjoy some of the best storytellers in Dayton! This month, winners of each month from our 2023/24 season will compete, sharing amazing, true life stories. Stories that sound too wild to be true, but rest assured they are.
Our Tellers for the evening are:
September: Nathan Collier
October: Steve Huff
November: Amy O’Neill
December: Jessica Coleman
January: Jill Hamilton
February: Jude Walsh
March: Gabe Huff
April: Nancy Flinchbaugh
May: Kwaunisha Moore
The Gran Slam winner will win $100 and bragging rights!
Tickets are $5 if you buy before 3pm on the day of the event, $10 at the door. There is a 2 item minimum purchase in the showroom. (Food or drink)

Sweet, ‘Superior Donuts’ are ready at the GUILD!

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The Dayton Theatre Guild wraps us its season with Tracy Letts‘ ‘Superior Donuts.’ The show focuses on a Polish loner who keeps his tight grip on what is referred to as the last donut shop in the Northern Part of Chicago. The show opens with a trashed donut shop that will set the stage for reckonings of all kinds, with all kinds!

Arthur P (played marvelously by KL Storer) knows the world around his shop is changing but can’t be nudged to do the same. Enter Franco Wicks (you will feel the energy change when Andre Tomlinson appears on stage in the role, wow!) who tries to put a shot in the arm of the shop as well as the grumpy Mr. P. It is these 2 and their interaction that really keeps you engaged with this production. Their vulnerability is believable, and more-so when they are on the stage alone-together!

As they ‘come to terms’ with their pasts, and we see their future hopes unwind, we are moved from moments of high drama to almost sitcom like scenes. (Yes, the play was a movie and a pilot for just that!) Along the ride of these 2 characters we meet some gems. Mike Beerbower‘s Russian ‘enterpreneur’ has hilarious moments….the sweatsuit alone is laughable. One-liners delivered by Percy Vera (Officer Bailey) and Heather Martin (Officer Osteen) are initially shocking, and then keep the humor alive, in moments of otherwise deep thought. Martin’s first few lines give you a sense of ‘where we are’ in Chi-Town.

Throughout the show, we are thrust into some reminiscing that Letts felt necessary, but to be honest, it’s the present that makes us buy-in to these characters. Lady Boyle (played by Jennifer Lockwood) keeps us grounded in the fact that no one wants to see the shop close, but her expressions prepare us for what seems inevitable. Also wrapped into the story is Franco’s ‘bad decision’ to borrow money from the wrong guys….Maximillian Santucci‘s Luther Flynn is SPOT-ON!

Jared Mola, who directed ‘Donuts’, does a magnificent job of pacing the show! It’s one of those ‘quick’ and impactful 2 hour plays! Red Newman (Scenic Design) and Marjorie Strader (Lighting Design) delivered the goods as well. For my friend Amy and Me, the fight scene (nice work Kayla Graham) was well done…especially having the audience right on top of the action.

If you are a Letts fan, know this is not as extreme as some of his shows can go….it’s really about characters…with real, heartfelt issues to resolve. The Dayton Theatre Guild once again proves they are stellar in their desire to bring plays, worthy of seeing, to life in our town!

For information on ‘Superior Donuts’ and the GUILD, click here:

https://daytontheatreguild.org/production/superior-donuts/