Based on the hit Academy Award-winning 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, “Ghost: The Musical” tells the love story of Sam and Molly. After his untimely death and being trapped between two worlds, Sam vows to keep Molly from danger through the help of storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown. Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard’s original score includes the classic hit “Unchained Melody” famously heard in the film.
Arts & Entertainment
“Failure: A Love Story”
Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins is an ensemble-driven, story-theater play that dives into themes of love, family, and the inevitable passage of time. With elements of vaudeville, fairy tale charm, and a lot of heart, this play offers a refreshing escape from cynicism. You’ll be transported into a world a bit beyond reality, stretching your imagination.
Performances of the show will be January 3-5 and 10-12, 2025. Tickets are available by visiting https://www.borotheatre.org/
Dayton at Work and Play: Kate Huser Santucci
For the last month Monday has been Buy Local day, where I’ve posted a brief conversation with someone selling goods or services in the Miami Valley.
This week my Buy Local conversation is with Kate Huser Santucci who is about to have her first exhibition of 2025. Kate uses as many as 30 layers of encaustic material on her pieces. That gives her work a sense of depth that draws viewers into the artwork.
Kate tells me she took up encaustic work just over 10 years ago. She was drawn to the ethereal feel of some encaustic work and the versatility of the medium. “You can be sculptural or really painterly, you can scratch parts off or draw lines on and do all kinds of other things” she told me.
“This exhibition is called Water Rising. I first started working on these pieces thinking about water and climate change but as time passed I realized these pieces meant other things to me on a personal level. They refer to trying to keep your head above water, trying to keep afloat. They’re about adapting to the added stressors of this time.”
“The show will be in the Dutoit Gallery (Front Street Warehouse, 1001 E 2nd St, Building 100, Door BC, Floor 3) all January. The opening is on First Friday, January 3 from 5 to 9 and after that the gallery is open every Saturday 12 to 4.”
Rocky Horror Picture Show with Dead Man’s Rocky
Prop bags will be $5 provided by Dead Man’s Rocky.
– No outside food or drink will be permitted.
– Ages 18+ unless accompanied by an adult.
– Dead Man’s Rocky will have other merch for sale like stickers and buttons. Buy and support!
– No outside food or drink will be permitted.
– Ages 18+ unless accompanied by an adult.
– Dead Man’s Rocky will have other merch for sale like stickers and buttons. Buy and support!
“Dead Man’s Rocky is the Dayton areas newest year-round Rocky Horror shadowcast and has set up homebase right here at Englewood Cinema! Their show is a classic Rocky Horror performance including but not limited to a gaggle of costumed live performers, audience participation, yelling out obscenities, surprise giveaways, toilet paper, and dancing in the aisles! This show is recommended for 18+ and if you bring your kid, Englewood Cinema is not responsible for the wacky things they may witness, you’ve been warned. To learn more visit deadmansrocky.com and we’ll see you soon!”
Sinclair Theatre presents ‘Twas, A Holiday Musical
More music and dance added to this family-friendly story of holidays explained by pets left alone on Christmas Eve. Understanding Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and La Posada opens their eyes to possibilities other than a “visitor in red”. They discover that humans may celebrate in different ways, but ultimately, we must “rescue” each other all year through.
All performances are ASL shadow interpreted offering a unique experience to all audiences!
All tickets $8, plus $2 ticketing fee. Please purchase tickets online at www.sinclair.edu/tickets. All patrons, regardless of age, must have a ticket and an assigned seat (including infants).
BREAKING NEWS: Kim Deal kicks off first-ever solo tour at The Brightside
Photo of Kim Deal by Kristin Sollecito
The Brightside Music & Event Venue proudly announces that Dayton music icon Kim Deal will kick off her first-ever solo tour supporting her new album Nobody Loves You More right here in her hometown. This unforgettable evening will be held at The Brightside on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Tickets went on sale Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11 am.
Kim Deal is a transformative force in the music industry. Known for her pioneering work with two legendary alternative rock bands, The Pixies and The Breeders, her influence spans four decades. She is also a cherished figure in the Dayton music community, inspiring countless artists and fans alike. This concert celebrates Kim and her place in Dayton’s vibrant musical history.
Her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, released last month to much acclaim. Its diverse influences are evident throughout, thanks to collaborations with the late Steve Albini, members of The Breeders, and other respected musicians. Most importantly, this album showcases Kim’s exceptional abilities.
After the exciting Dayton concert on February 20th, the tour will continue on to the vibrant cities of London, Boston, New York, DC, Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Barcelona, along with many other culturally rich destinations.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to get to host this show at The Brightside and add Dayton to the tour,” said Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “And as a female-led venue, it’s a great joy for us to host Kim Deal, such a local female hero to all of us. We couldn’t be more excited!”
HOW TO GO?
Thursday, February 20, 2025.
The Brightside Music & Event Venue – 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, 45402
Doors open at 7pm / Show starts at 8pm
All ages (under 18 with parental supervision)
Tickets $30 General Admission here:
https://tickets.venuepilot.com/e/kim-deal-nobody-loves-you-more-tour-2025-02-20-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-389968
More information on the venue at thebrightsidedayton.com
More information about Kim Deal at kimdealmusic.com
TheatreLab’s Popular ‘Merry QUIZMas’ Trivia and SingAlong returns!!
HO, HO, HO!
How many reindeer paws landed on the roof if all the deer showed up at your house? What is Cindy Who’s middle name? What is the longitude and latitude of the North Pole? Phew!!! You know them all??? Prizes await at the return of TheatreLab Dayton’s ‘Merry Quizmas 2.0!’ The popular sing-along and trivia night is set and ready to go, Tuesday Evening, Dec 17, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM!!
The night promises to be a fun one, as music fills the air, cookies fill your bellies and a trivia fills your brain! ‘We had such a positive response last year, we knew we had to bring this back. Similar to last time, we will have our little spread of food, hot chocolate and cookies, and of course, the space will be decorated in a fun and fanciful theme! If you like libations, yep, they will be there as well!’ says David Moyer, who can’t wait for the evening. ‘People love to sing holiday songs and get into the spirit!’
The event features Philip Drennen, TheatreLab’s Executive Director and Josh Stucky, Dayton’s Trivia Queen at the microphones. It is never a dull moment! Brennan Paulin tickles the ivories to keep music in the air! Some of the TheatreLab Company will perform as well!! ‘What makes the night so special is we all gather together and just enjoy an evening of fun! It’s a great kick-off for the holidays and, for trivia buffs, it’s a great way to show your smarts! Prizes are always a fun incentive!’ says Stucky. ‘Last year, one of winners said she planned to give her prize as a gift….so I guess it can be a shopping experience as well???’ he chuckles.
Although most of the trivia revolves around the season, there are Broadway Questions, Dayton trivia and more. The event takes places at the TheatreLab Dayton Studio, 116 North Jefferson St. 45402. Proceeds benefit TheatreLab’s ongoing goal of bringing amazing productions to the area. ALSO OF NOTE…THEATRELAB WILL ANNOUNCE THEIR SEASON AT THE EVENT!!! UH-OH!! 
The space is limited, and tickets are moving…so click below and join the holiday fun!!
Tickets:
https://www.simpletix.com/e/merry-quizmas-2-0-holiday-trivia-tickets-196032
Up Close with Shola Odumade
Conversation with Shola Odumade, managing partner & COO of Black Palette Art Gallery (1139 W. Third; 937-723-9108), which she co-owns with her spouse, renowned fine artist James Pate. I asked Shola how she came to be in Dayton.
“I was in an excellent dance program in high school in Detroit and loved it, but I also had many other interests and skills. I went to college and got bachelors and masters degrees in business administration, coupled with Spanish language studies, and later followed by certifications in real estate, birth work, and yoga. But I never lost my love for dance and kept bouncing in and out of it. After undergrad, for example, I spent a summer training and dancing in New York but returned to working in various non-dance positions.”
“18 years ago I decided to give a career in dance another try. I came to Dayton to be part of Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s second company. I only danced with them for one season, but I’ve stayed connected and last year I left my job at Sinclair Community College to work in development and marketing at DCDC. I currently serve as grants administrator.”
“One life-changing outcome from my move to Dayton was meeting James. We’ve been together now for 17 years, and we’re excited about running this gallery as a family enterprise with our children and its legacy and impact. James leads the artistic and facilities aspects, and I manage the business side. We love that we’re so near our beloved elder Bing Davis’s EbonNia Gallery (1135 W. Third, 937-223-2290), as he’s been an invaluable mentor to James throughout his life and career.”
Shola next to a piece by her life partner, James Pate.
“This is a great time for people to visit Black Palette Art Gallery because we’re currently participating in a new joint art exhibit commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech in Dayton in 1964, just two weeks before he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Led and curated by Baba Bing Davis, the project is a collaboration between Black Palette Art Gallery, EbonNia Gallery, and the Charles F. Kettering Foundation. The exhibition includes 29 works from 13 African American artists displayed at both galleries.”
“Black Palette and EbonNia will both be open Tuesday through Saturday from 11a – 5p until the show ends on February 2. The only days we’ll be closed during that period are Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Years Eve and New Years Day. We’re having a reception on Friday, December 13 from 5 – 7p, and we invite everyone to come see this important work and meet the talented artists who created it.”
Erika Wennerstrom in Dayton for special “Up Close & Personal” shows
Erika Wennerstrom, the lead vocalist of the renowned rock band Heartless Bastards, is returning to her hometown of Dayton this holiday season. She will perform two special “Up Close & Personal” shows at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. The December 19th performance sold out so quickly that Wennerstrom decided to add a second date on December 18th. Although this show is nearly sold out, a few tickets remain available.
“We are excited to welcome Erika back to Dayton for the holidays,” said Music Booker Libby Ballengee. “It’s a rare opportunity to see her in such a cozy venue. What a delight!”
Tickets for the show on December 18, 2024, cost $30 and can be purchased on the venue’s website: thebrightsidedayton.com. Doors open at 7pm., with the show starting at 8pm. It’s an all-ages event.
The Neon’s Family Holiday Film Series Kicks Off Saturday
STARTING THIS WEEKEND! The Neon is bringing back an annual tradition – a budget-friendly movie series for the entire family.
For the first three Saturdays in December at 11:00am, they’ll host movies that are free for kids 12 and under and only $2 for anyone else.
On Dec. 7, they’ll start with the Gene Wilder classic WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.
On Dec. 14, it’s the animated treat HAPPY FEET
On Dec. 21, they’ll wrap up with the 1985 film SANTA CLAUS: THE MOVIE – with Dudley Moore and John Lithgow.
Tickets available only in-person starting 45 minutes before each show. All members of a party must be present to claim tickets.
Dayton Battle of the Bands 2025 Schedule Announced
The schedule for the 2025 Dayton Battle of the Bands has been announced! This is a fantastic chance to explore up-and-coming local talent and original music from the Dayton region. This year’s event series features 26 bands over 6 weeks, culminating in a grand finale featuring the top 6 acts.
The 2025 Dayton Battle of the Bands schedule
The annual series kicks off on January 16, 2025, at The Brightside Music & Event Venue, located at 905 E Third St. The playoff rounds run every Thursday through February 20th (keeping February 27th as a possible snow date). The finale will take place on Saturday, March 8th. Each week is dedicated to a different genre from: Alt / Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Hip Hop, Metal / Punk, Americana / Bluegrass, and Funk / Reggae.
This venue has become a favorite among music enthusiasts, offering plenty of free parking, superb acoustics, a friendly ambiance, and attentive staff. Although it hosts numerous private events, showcasing local artists remains a top priority.
“We receive so many requests from local bands wanting to perform here, making it quite a challenge to accommodate them all in our hectic schedule,” said Music Booker Libby Ballengee. “The Dayton Battle of the Bands is an excellent opportunity for us to showcase these new bands and consider them for larger shows throughout the year.”
Arrianna Holiday performing at The Brightside
Photo by Jordan Freshour
The organizers aim to elevate these bands in their musical careers. Every band is provided with professional photography for promotional purposes and garners significant local social media exposure. Additionally, they receive valuable industry feedback from their partners at ConcertArchives.org. Additionally, other music venues and festivals in Dayton, including Levitt Pavilion, Oregon Express, and HoliDayton, attend the Dayton Battle of the Bands to discover talent for their own lineups.
“While it’s termed a battle, we see it as a beautifully collaborative music series,” stated Carli Dixon, co-owner of The Brightside. “We are part of the local musical ecosphere and strive to continue uplifting local musicians.”
Finalists enjoy a plethora of rewards, such as a live music video produced by Sound Valley Dayton, pizzas for band practices from Dayton Pizza Factory, and a cash prize from The Brightside, along with other benefits. The winner of the Dayton Battle of the Bands will receive an EP recording session at Dayton Sound Studios, a performance spot in Levitt Pavilion’s summer 2025 lineup, 50 personalized t-shirts from Little Monster Printing, and $1000 from The Brightside, among other prizes to be announced.
Through December 7th, series passes are on sale for just $50 for all 6 weeks of competition and the finale. This saves $25 off the regular pre-sale price and $60 off the regular at-door rate for the entire series.You can purchose those at this link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/dayton-battle-of-the-bands-full-series-2025-03-08-the-brightside-music-event-venue-dayton-70fc21/orders/new
Event Organizer, Libby Ballengee Photo by Jordan Freshour
Dayton Battle of the Bands is made possible by a partnership between The Brightside, Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley Dayton. This all female-run festival of local music is one that you will not want to miss!
Visit the Dayton Battle of the Bands website for tickets and details: https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com/
Sugar Plum Tea is a Family Favorite Holiday Tradition
The Dayton Ballet Barre‘s annual Sugar Plum Tea is a tea party before the matinee performance of The Nutcracker by the Dayton Ballet. Children, parents, and grandparents alike enjoy this wonderful holiday tradition! It takes place in the beautiful Dayton Woman’s Club, exquisitely decorated for the season and within walking distance of the Schuster Center.
The ticket includes tea party foods: cute sandwiches, fruit, and desserts, with hot beverages including hot chocolate, tea, and coffee. Children get to participate in a short dance class from the Sugar Plum Fairy and a reading of The Nutcracker under the Christmas Tree – both are perfect for taking photos of your little loved one and prepping them for the performance.
“We love hosting this every year, and helping make beloved childhood memories,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Even if you’re little ones are too small to attend the performance itself, this is a fun way to introduce them to The Nutcracker tradition.”
Please note – this event/ ticket does not include a ticket to the Dayton Ballet performance. Those are purchased separately through DaytonLive.org
How to Go?
Sugar Plum Tea at Dayton Woman’s Club – 225 North Ludlow Street in Dayton
Sunday, December 22, 2024
Doors open at 12 p.m. (due to event set-up, we cannot let patrons in earlier than noon)
Event 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. (Dayton Ballet performance starts at 2:30 pm across the street – needs separate ticket)
$25 per ticket (all attendees – adults & children – need a ticket): www.ticketsource.us/dayton-ballet-barre
Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Show
Come out and get into the holiday spirit with the DGMC with fun and thoughtful music and some frivolity!
Ruby Anniversary for Dayton’s Beloved RubiGirls.
The Rubi Boys??
There’s a lot going on with the Dayton’s iconic RubiGirls these days. They are planning a show at the Arcade to Celebrate 40 years on November 30th. They just completed an archival interview that will live at the Ohio Historical Society, documenting their story and their success. A new documentary about them is nearing completion. And most importantly, they found a way to support over 100 non-profits for the 2024 season. PHEW! All that aside, the RubiGirls are realizing they can’t go on forever…but what they’ve created just might!
Don’t miss their Ruby Anniversary, which will be filled with the same laughs, love and loot we’ve all grown used to. The show stars Ileasa Plymouth, Cherry Poppins, Jackie O, Taj Mahal, Fonda Peters, India Summer, Radeema Coupon, Tara Miss and the hostess, Dana Sintell. There will be more to tell after the show that can’t be given away in the article!! HMMMM????? Something exciting, we are sure!
For information visit:
therubigirls.com
For Tickets to The Show Must Go ON! Visit:
https://www.flipcause.com/secure/event_step2/MjIyNzc5/286794
The Woman in Black Nov 29- Dec 15
THE WOMAN IN BLACK is a 1987 stage play, adapted by Stephen Mallatratt. The play is based on the 1983 book of the same name by English author Susan Hill. Arthur Kipps, an attorney, is sent to handle the estate of the deceased Mrs. Drablow. He makes the trip to her funeral in a bleak and lonely part of England, where all of his enquiries into the details of her estate and her family are met with silence. At the funeral, Kipps alone observes a strange young, ghastly‐looking woman dressed in black. The next morning, Kipps is taken to Mrs. Drablow’s eerie Eel Marsh house. The house is reached by way of a narrow causeway that is passable only during low tide. As Kipps investigates the house and the surrounding property, he again sees the woman in black, but is unable to follow her. His apprehension and fear grow. As he cautiously explores the inside of the house, he uncovers a large number of documents and information he must sift through in order to settle Mrs. Drablow’s affairs. His efforts reveal secrets and unexplainable events. Who is this woman in black? Why are the townspeople so hesitant to answer his questions? What happens to haunt Kipps years later? As Kipps and an actor he hires to help tell his story, struggle to tell it all and exorcise both their demons, we learn the chilling answer to these questions ‐‐ and more.
Local Filmmaker has Multiple Film Projects Ahead
Jacob Stuart is collaborating with Dougie Brimson (CEO of Red Bus Movies, Green Street, We Still Kill the Old Way) to bring the true story of Roy Larner to the screen. Known as the “Lion of London Bridge,” Larner famously shouted “F**k you! I’m Millwall!” as he single-handedly fought off three terrorists during the 2017 Borough Market attack.
Actor Leo Gregory (Green Street, Top Dog) is set to portray Larner, with plans for crowdfunding to give the public a stake in this powerful story of resilience and injustice. Roy Larner will serve as a script consultant to ensure the film’s authenticity.
Get involved in supporting the project: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jayne-jacob-369.
Mystery Thriller Daggers Inn Enters Final Stages of Post ProductionStuart, Consulting Producer on Daggers Inn, is thrilled to announce that the film, starring Terry Bamberger (Call the Midwife, The Good Ship Murder), has completed principal photography and is now in post-production. This atmospheric mystery thriller follows an enigmatic young woman determined to uncover the truth behind her sister’s murder in a secluded English village. Produced by Raya Films, Daggers Inn promises a suspense-filled narrative set against an evocative rural backdrop.
The production team is actively seeking finishing funds to complete post-production and bring this gripping story to audiences. The film will be available next year on most major VOD channels. To learn more about how you can support the film, visit https://rayafilms.com/daggersinn
Jacob Stuart is an internationally produced, award-winning screenwriter and producer whose films have featured renowned actors, including two-time award-winner Kevin Spacey, Alan Ruck, Costas Mandylor, Dave Sheridan, and Felissa Rose. As a screenwriter, his projects have included Emmy Award-winner Bill Oberst Jr., with many of his written works available on Tubi, Amazon, and more. Jacob is also the Founder of Screenwriting Staffing, an online community that connects screenwriters with industry buyers and employers. Over the past decade, Jacob has facilitated more than 300 deals, options, writing jobs, and representation agreements. Notably, he facilitated Bramble House Christmas on the Hallmark Channel, starring Autumn Reeser.
