Arts & Entertainment

Holier Than Thou

February 17, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The Little Sisters of Hoboken are back and aim to please in the Dayton Playhouse’s lively production of Dan Goggin’s simplistically silly 1985 musical “Nunsense.”

Playfully directed by Greg Smith, “Nunsense” concerns the accidentally poisoned deaths of 52 nuns who have not been buried as a whole due to bad financial planning. In order to remedy the situation, five of the 19 survivors stage a small fundraiser that quickly erupts into a jokey talent show filled with goofy antics, naughty puns, adequate tunes, and good-natured audience participation.

Tina McPhearson, a natural comedienne with a zestful personality, is perfectly cast as no-nonsense Mother Superior Mary Regina who attempts to keep the zaniness under control to no avail. In addition to solidifying her appeal with a joyously carefree rendition of “Turn Up the Spotlight,” she’s truly amusing late in Act One letting loose with a nod to “Driving Miss Daisy.” Sherri Sutter, a sweetly ditzy Sister Amnesia even in terms of choreography, turns up the charm for “A Word from Reverend Mother” and gives her lovely soprano an effective country twang for the toe-tapping “I Could’ve Gone to Nashville.” As Sister Robert Anne, an aspiring thespian with a tough edge, the enjoyably droll Amy Askins is adept at impersonation and nails her big solo “I Just Want to Be a Star.” The amiable Kelli Locker is a suitable fit for Sister Mary Leo, the weakest character. In her first local musical role, Ellen Finch warmly embodies the practical Sister Hubert. Finch, particularly fine opposite McPhearson, isn’t the strongest vocalist but manages to end Act One on a high note while leading “Tackle That Temptation With a Time Step.”
If you’re looking for an upbeat diversion this weekend, give “Nunsense” a try.

“Nunsense” continues through Feb. 19 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$15. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.com

Debate Night

February 17, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

(L to R) Jared Mola and David Shough in Wittenberg (Photo by Craig Roberts)

David Davalos’ intellectually engaging 2008 comedy “Wittenberg,” a delightfully imaginative meeting of the minds between polar opposites John Faustus and Martin Luther, receives a firm regional premiere at the Dayton Theatre Guild.

Crisply directed by Saul Caplan and set at the titular German university circa 1517, “Wittenberg” wittily addressees the fundamental agitation and complexity that arises when deep-rooted viewpoints are challenged to the core. Faustus, dramatized as a sociology professor although famously fictionalized as a scholar-turned-magician who sells his soul to the devil in Christopher Marlowe’s play “The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus,” and Luther, pioneer of the Protestant Reformation and founder of the Lutheran Church dramatized as a theology professor, are relatively cordial colleagues who relish their doctrinal differences. The self-assured, psychoanalytical Faustus (expertly portrayed by a cunning, teasing and intimidating David Shough) adamantly believes in free will (“you are what you choose”) while the constipated, slightly skeptical Luther (Charles Larkowski, terrifically stern and sincere) remains spiritually grounded (“the language of the Lord speaks to our souls not our minds”).
This didactic tug of war is not without odd shifts in tone and certainly could have transpired as a one-act, but Davalos, giving equal credence to both protagonists, interestingly flavors and extends the debate with the insertion of Hamlet (endearing Guild newcomer Jared Mola). Davalos humorously depicts the Prince of Denmark as an undeclared student with a penchant for tennis whose moodiness and startling visions is an effective bit of Shakespearean foreshadowing. Having Faustus and Luther’s eye-opening perspectives permeate in Hamlet’s indecisive, impressionistic mind is a key ingredient to the play’s battle of wills and collegiate authenticity. Lynn Kesson’s admirable portrayals of the female roles and K.L. Storer’s excellent sound design are also noteworthy.

Davalos’ commendable examination of reason vs. faith isn’t compelling, but is a worthwhile draw for theatergoers who prefer to think while being entertained.

“Wittenberg” continues through Feb. 26 at the Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave. Performances are Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Act One: 60 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $11-$18. For tickets or more information, call (937) 278-5993 or visit www.daytontheatreguild.org

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

Tenderly: The Rosemary Clooney Musical

February 17, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro 1 Comment

Victoria Theatre Association presents the world premiere of TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL, a musical about the inspiring life of legendary singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, playing February 21 – March 4, at the historic Victoria Theatre. TENDERLY is a product of the annual collaboration between Victoria Theatre Association and The Human Race Theatre Company.

Co-authors Janet Yates Vogt and Mark Friedman, who worked together on many projects, including Green Gables presented as part of VTA’s 2004-2005 Broadway Series, felt the story of Rosemary Clooney was a story they felt needed to be told.

“Everything appealed to us about the potential work,” say Vogt and Friedman, “from Rosie’s amazing personal story and her journey through very difficult times followed by a wonderful comeback – to the beautiful music that became her signature songs as an artist – to the fact that her roots are right here in Ohio and Kentucky. She faced many, many difficult times, some very heartbreaking, but she rose above it all and came out a winner. Her life is a lesson in overcoming obstacles and still being grateful, hopeful, and full of life. “

Tory Ross (photo credit: Scott J. Kimmins)

TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL is the 22nd show The Human Race Theatre Company has produced for the Victoria Theatre Association’s Broadway Series. It is an intimate two-actor play starring Tory Ross as Rosemary Clooney and Scott Stoney as The Doctor, Friends and Family of Rosemary, and is directed by Kevin Moore.

Tory Ross, a graduate of The Miami Valley School and the University of Cincinnati’s Cincinnati Conservatory of Music plays the role of Rosemary Clooney. Tory has most recently been seen on stage in the touring production of the Broadway smash hit WICKED as the understudy for Madame Morrible and as part of the ensemble. She has also performed on Broadway in Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and 9 to 5: The Musical.

Scott Stoney

Local actor Scott Stoney is a familiar face in Dayton and is an artist-in-residence with The Human Race Theatre Company known for his on-stage roles at the Loft and the Victoria Theatre. Victoria shows include among others Shenandoah, Wait Until Dark, The Boys Next Door, and Green Gables. His most recent productions for The Human Race Theatre Company include Permanent Collection, Twelfth Night, August: Osage County, and Brother Wolf.

Behind the scenes, Scot Woolley is Musical Director/Arranger, Bruce Goodrich is Scenic and Costume Designer and John Rensel is Lighting Designer. Technical crew includes: Technical Director Scott J. Kimmins; Head Carpenter D. Tristan Cupp; Production Stage Manager Heather Jackson; Assistant Stage Manager Kay Carver; Prop Master Heather Powell; and Producer Tara Lail.

Rosemary Clooney

Rosemary Clooney‘s singing career began in April 1945 when she and her sister Betty auditioned for Radio Station WLW in Cincinnati where they sang during the “Crossroads Café” show and then performed on “Moon River” with Hap Lee as organist. In 1946, the Clooney sisters began touring with the Tony Pastor Orchestra until 1949 when Rosemary moved to New York to begin her solo career as a singer and actress.

In 1951, Clooney recorded her trademark song, “Come On-a My House,” which lead to recordings of “Mambo Italiano,” “Tenderly,” “Half as Much,” “Hey There” and “This Ole House.” Some of her more famous movies include Red Garters (1954) and White Christmas (1954).

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5WpvL8g4IA’]

Clooney was a devoted wife to Jose Ferrer (whom she married twice) and mother to their five children Miguel, Maria, Gabriel, Monsita and Rafel. In 1997, she married long-time friend Dante DiPalo. Clooney’s career spanned several decades and continued to perform until her death in 2002.

For tickets call Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630, 888-228-3630, online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or visit the Box Office in person, located in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin & Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center.

(from Victoria Theatre Association)

TICKET CONTEST

We have THREE PAIRS of tickets to see TENDERLY: THE ROSEMARY CLOONEY MUSICAL on Wednesday Feb. 22! Simplythis article and then comment below – we’ll draw three winners this Sunday Feb. 19 at 5pm. GOOD LUCK!

Audiences Are Loving ALBERT NOBBS!

February 15, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re holding steady this week with THE ARTIST and ALBERT NOBBS. Despite mixed response from the critics, audiences are loving ALBERT. That said, one of our current titles will more than likely leave next week…as we hope/plan to open PINA on Feb. 24. PINA is stunning and lovely – one of my absolute favorite films of the past few years. I hope you’ll make plans to come and see it. (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

THE ARTIST – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OK7pfLlsUQM’]

ALBERT NOBBS – official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ini59bYhaUY’]

PINA – official site.

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

On Saturday, February 25 at noon, The Junior Leaguers Club, Inc. will host a benefit screening of THUNDER SOUL. “THUNDER SOUL follows the extraordinary alumni from Houston’s storied Kashmere High School Stage Band, who return home after 35 years to play a tribute concert for the 92-year-old “Prof,” their beloved band leader who broke the color barrier and transformed the school’s struggling jazz band into a world-class funk powerhouse in the early 1970s.” (taken from press notes) Adult tickets (which include a glass of wine as well as soda & popcorn) are $30 each. Student tickets (which include soda and popcorn) are $15 each. For more information, please call (937)219-7501. Proceeds from this event will go to The Junior Leaguers Scholarship Fund. To check out more about THUNDER SOUL, visit the official site.

In regards to the Oscars, we’re getting set for our annual party on Sunday, February 26! Once again, our friends at ThinkTV will help us to get a strong signal for the broadcast, and our friends at Square One Salon & Spa will give us a nice gift basket for our grand prize. In addition, we’ll be giving out dvds, screenplays and soundtracks throughout the evening for randomly drawn correct guesses. You must be present to win any prizes, and seating will begin at approximately 7pm – admission is FREE! Ballots are already available in our lobby.

Green Earth Outdoors has rented our space for a special screening of GREEN FIRE on Thursday, March 1 at 7:30. “GREEN FIRE explores the life and legacy of famed conservationist Aldo Leopold and the many ways his land ethic philosophy lives on in the work of people and organizations all over the country today. The film shares highlights from Leopold’s life and extraordinary career, explaining how he shaped conservation and the modern environmental movement. It also illustrates Leopold’s continuing influence, exploring current projects that connect people and land at the local level. Green Fire proceeds will support Five Rivers MetroParks ‘Leaf’ a Legacy Reforestation program that aids in the protection of native trees and local forest ecosystems damaged by non-native invasive species.” (description taken from press release) Tickets are $5 each and are currently available on the official site or by calling (502)558-8970. Tickets will also be available soon at THE NEON box office.

For all of you who used to like getting coffee and a biscotti at THE NEON, I’m pleased to announce that we now have biscotti again. This time, we’re going with a local baker – Thistle Confections by Hilary…and they’re absolutely delicious!

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our official site.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 17 – Thur. February 23:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative. Many of these dates will change.

In some rare cases, titles may disappear.

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre: Feb. 14-19

February 14, 2012 By Rob Bucher Leave a Comment

Welcome to the first weekly column for Coming Up in Cincinnati Theatre. My name is Rob Bucher and I’ve been covering Greater Cincinnati’s thriving theater scene for over a decade… and now DMM has invited me to share performance information to Dayton theater fans here on On Stage Dayton. You can plan a short road trip south to enjoy some of the Queen City’s exciting offerings on stage. The “BTC listing” links below will take you to individual show listings on my blog, Behind the Curtain Cincinnati. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the theater.

…BLINK AND THEY’RE GONE

WRAPPED IN CLOVER

Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative

The Story: A staged reading of a new work by local playwright Tammy Brady. Experience the ultimate Christmas gift of true love between a young married pair. The couple lived in dysfunctional families in their past, which spawns discord in their present until an affair brightens their future.
Date: Feb. 14, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playwrights Initiative | BTC listing

GEE’S BEND

Middletown Lyric Theatre

The Story: Beginning in 1939, the play follows Alice, her daughters Sadie and Nella, and Sadie’s husband, Macon, through segregation, family strife, and the Civil Rights movement. Throughout their lives, the women’s extraordinary quilts provide a respite from the turmoil around them.
Dates: Feb. 16-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Middletown Lyric Theatre | BTC listing

TRANSMIGRATION: A Festival of Student-Created New Works

UC CCM Drama

The Story: A festival of new works created by the acting students in CCM Drama. Performed simultaneously in different locations throughout CCM Village, TRANSMIGRATION will allow the audience to sample four different 30-minute new works of their choosing in one spectacular evening.
Dates: Feb. 16-18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: CCM blog | BTC listing
Please note that tickets are free and reservations are required.

…NEW THIS WEEK

ADAPTATION and NEXT

Oxford Area Community Theater (OxACT)

The Story: An evening of two one-act plays. ADAPTATION is a contest in which players advance through the seven ages of man. The play creates a picture of man from birth until death, with all its madness, familiarity, and nonsense. NEXT is set in an Army Induction Center, where an overweight, overage and overwrought draftee has reluctantly reported for his physical after being mistakenly called by the draft. A battleof-wits is waged between Marion Cheever, determined to avoid military service, and the career officer, just as determined to sign him up.
Dates: Feb. 16-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: OxACT | BTC listing

COME BACK TO THE 5 AND DIME JIMMY DEAN JIMMY DEAN

Village Players

The Story: In a small town store in West Texas, the Disciples of James Dean gather for their 20th reunion. Now middle aged women, they were teenagers when Dean filmed Giant two decades ago. One of them has a child whom she says was conceived by Dean on the set. The ladies’ reminiscences mingle with flash backs to their youth
The Dates: Feb. 17-25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Village Players | BTC listing

THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION

Northern Kentucky University

The Story: Philo Farnsworth, a boy genius from Rigby, Idaho who, at age 22, invented television only to become involved in an all-or-nothing legal battle with David Sarnoff, the young president of RCA and America‘s first communications mogul. In this classic tale of little guy versus the corporate machine, Farnsworth not only fights for his rights but for his slice of the American Dream.
The Dates: Feb. 16-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Northern Kentucky University | BTC listing

THE ODD COUPLE (Female Version)

Fairfield Footlighters

The Story: Neat-nick and soon-to-be-divorced Florence Unger moves in with her housekeeping-challenged friend Olive Madison in Neil Simon’s feminine take on his classic play.
The Dates: Feb. 17-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Fairfield Footlighters | BTC listing

RENT

Footlighters, Inc.

The Story: Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer-prize winning Broadway musical based loosely on Puccini’s opera “La Bohème.” RENT follows a year in the lives of seven friends living the disappearing Bohemian lifestyle in New York’s East Village.
The Dates: Feb. 16-March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Footlighters | BTC listing

Sara Clark as Marianne Dashwood, Giles Davies as Colonel Brandon, Kelly Mengelkoch as Elinor Dashwood & Brent Vimtrup as Edward Ferrars. Photo by Jeanna Vella.

Jane Austen’s SENSE & SENSIBILITY

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company

The Story: When a lack of luck makes for difficult marriage prospects, the Dashwood sisters set sail on the volatile seas of courtship. The sisters soon discover that neither reserved Elinor’s common sense nor impulsive Marianne’s passion offer the key to happiness. Scandalous secrets, burning betrayals, and suave (and some not-so-suave) suitors line the path to true love in this fresh adaptation.
The Dates: Feb. 17-March 18, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Shakespeare Company | BTC listing

…CONTINUING

The cast of Falcon Theatre's THE 39 STEPS. Donnie McGovern, Dan Doerger, Mike Hall & Elizabeth Molloy.

THE 39 STEPS

Falcon Theatre

The Story: What do you get when you combine the genius of Alfred Hitchcock,the zany humor or Monty Python and the boundless energy of four incredibly versatile actors? You get one hysterical parody of all the great Hitchcock film thrillers.
The Dates: through Feb. 25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Falcon Theatre | BTC listing

A CLOSER WALK WITH PATSY CLINE

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

The Story: Experience the look, the sound, the magic and the music that made Patsy Cline the first lady of Country. Follow her climb to stardom from her hometown in Virginia to The Grand Ole Opry, Las Vegas and Carnegie Hall. This musical tribute includes “Crazy,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “A Closer Walk With Thee” and other favorites.
The Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: La Comedia | BTC listing

COLLAPSE

Know Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: In 2007, the Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis collapsed, killing 13 people and injuring another 145. Hannah’s husband David was driving one of the cars that went off the bridge. He is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, but refuses to attend a support group. Hannah’s life is falling apart. She can’t get pregnant, she’s one step away from losing her job, and she thinks her husband, who hasn’t been to work for months, may be an alcoholic. COLLAPSE is an uncomfortably funny exploration of the crumbling structures that undergird our bridges, our economy, and our most intimate relationships.
The Dates: Through March 3, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Know Theatre | BTC listing

Buz Davis as Gus, Rachael Christianson as Valentine, Micheal Bath as Lubbock, Adam Marzheuser as Alex & Reggie Willis as Mr. Barcroft in The Clifton Players' DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES.

DISGRUNTLED EMPLOYEES

The Clifton Players

The Story: A comedy set in a single branch of the United States Postal Service along “Tornado Alley” in Oklahoma. These characters are the sorters, handlers of each letter, parcel, and package on route to its destination. It is an endless task. It takes guts, determination and SELF DELUSION. The moment leaves you wondering who could go “postal” first.
The Dates: Through Feb. 26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Clifton Performance Theatre | BTC listing

THE DIXIE SWIM CLUB

Sunset Players

The Story: Five Southern women, whose friendships began 33 years ago on their college swim team, set aside a long weekend every August to recharge their relationships. Free from husbands, kids and jobs, they meet at the same beach cottage on North Carolina’s Outer Banks to catch up, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives.
The Dates: Through Feb. 25, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Sunset Players | BTC listing

Bruce Cromer as Pete & R. Ward Duffy as Leon in PIP's SPEAKING IN TONGUES. Photo by Sandy Underwood.

SPEAKING IN TONGUES

Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park

The Story: Love, sex and deceit create the emotional labyrinth in this stylish, noir thriller. This theatrical jigsaw puzzle of parallel stories explores the betrayals of two married couples and the unexpected links among five isolated strangers
The Dates: Through March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park | BTC listing

…ENDING THIS WEEK

Kevin Breslin as Edward & Robert Breslin as Mickey in BPI's BLOOD BROTHERS. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.

BLOOD BROTHERS

Beechmont Players Inc

The Story: A single mother in financial desperation gives away one of her new-born sons and attempts to keep them from discovering one another’s true identity. The pressures of superstition, economics and class trap the brothers and seal their fate.
The Dates: Through Saturday
Tickets and More Information: Beechmont Players | BTC listing

Mike Dennis & Jeff Groh in the Covedale Center's THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIAL. Photo by Holly Yurchison

THE CAINE MUTINY COURT-MARTIAL

Covedale Center for the Performing Arts

The Story: A young lieutenant has relieved his captain of command in the midst of a typhoon on the grounds that the captain, Queeg, is a psychopath in crisis and would have sent the ship and its crew to their destruction. Naval tradition is against the lieutenant, but what secrets do the testimony reveal?
The Dates: Through Sunday
Tickets and More Information: Cincinnati Landmark Produtions | BTC listing

Disney’s MY SON PINOCCHIO JR.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

The Story: The classic tale of an aging toymaker and his puppet, Pinocchio, takes on timely issues in Disney’s MY SON PINOCCHIO JR. Grammy Award-winner and master melodist Stephen Schwartz adds a compelling score of original songs to the beloved classics “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings.”
The Dates: Saturday
Tickets and More Information: The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing

THE WHIPPING MAN

Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati

Ken Early & Jarred Baugh in ETC's THE WHIPPING MAN. Photo by Ryan Kurtz.

The Story: It’s Passover, 1865. The Civil War has just ended and the annual celebration of freedom from bondage is being observed in Jewish homes across the country. Caleb DeLeon, a Jewish Confederate soldier, returns wounded from the battlefield to find his family home in ruins, abandoned by everyone except Simon and John, two former slaves, who were raised as Jews in the DeLeon home. As the three men wait for the family’s return, they wrestle with their shared past as master and slave, uncovering a tangle of long-buried family secrets as well as new ones.
The Dates: Through Saturday.
Tickets and More Information: Ensemble Theatre of Cincinnati | BTC listing | Rob’s review |

…COMING SOON

A COUPLE OF BLAGUARDS

Irish American Theater Company

The Dates: Feb. 24-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Irish Heritage Center | BTC listing

DOG SEES GOD

Xavier University Players

The Dates: Feb. 23-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Xavier University | BTC listing

FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF

Miami University

The Dates: Feb. 22-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Miami University | BTC listing

GOOD BOYS AND TRUE

Mad Athony Theatre Company

The Dates: Feb. 22-26, 2012
Tickets and More Information: Mad Anthony Theatre Company | BTC listing

INTO THE WOODS

UC CCM Musical Theatre

The Dates: Feb. 23-March 4, 2012
Tickets and More Information: UC CCM | BTC listing

ST. NICHOLAS

New Edgecliff Theatre

The Dates: Feb. 23-March 10, 2012
Tickets and More Information: New Edgecliff Theatre | BTC listing

Victoria Announces 2012-13 Slate

February 14, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 1 Comment

The Victoria Theatre Association unveiled one of its strongest Broadway Series lineups Monday, February 13 in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center.

"Next to Normal" - May 7-19, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

Sponsored by Premier Health Partners, the primarily family-friendly, unabashedly commercial 2012-13 Broadway Series, containing four local premieres, is an attractive mix of classic and contemporary titles. The standouts: “Mary Poppins,” Disney’s delightful 2006 Tony Award-nominated spectacle (yes, Mary will fly inside the Schuster’s Mead Theatre) particularly adhering to the book by P.L. Travers and incorporating charming new songs by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe alongside Richard M. and Robert B. Sherman’s timeless originals; “Next to Normal,” Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey’s acclaimed 2009 Tony-nominated and 2010 Pulitzer Prize-winning rock musical about a grieving dysfunctional family which will be produced by the Human Race Theatre Company; and “Dreamgirls,” a dazzling revival of Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger’s 1981 Motown-inspired hit notably inserting “Listen” from the Academy Award-winning 2006 film adaptation. The remaining productions are “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas” (an adaptation of the 1954 holiday film of the same name which arrived on Broadway in 2008 following multiple regional engagements including Springboro’s La Comedia Dinner Theatre), Jeanine Tesori and David Lindsay-Abaire’s humorous 2008 adaptation of “Shrek The Musical” (based on the 2001 Dreamworks film of the same name), and Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice and Andrew Lippa’s 2010 adaptation of “The Addams Family,” a visually appealing creepfest which has received significant rewrites since closing on Broadway six weeks ago.

"American Idiot" - March 12-14, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

Included among the special Star Attractions is the regional premiere of Green Day’s “American Idiot,” an electrifying post-9/11 tale of three disillusioned friends (based on the band’s 2004 Grammy Award-winning album) which should have won the 2010 Tony for Best Musical. The local premiere of the 1980s-infused “Rock of Ages,” a 2009 Tony nominee for Best Musical which will hit the big screen this summer starring Tom Cruise, is also worthwhile. The Victoria warns that “American Idiot,” “Rock of Ages” and “Next to Normal” contain strong language and adult themes and may not be suitable for all audiences, particularly children under the age of 13.

The season announcement event, emceed by Kim Faris of 94.5 LITE FM and attended by over 500 arts patrons, also included lineups for the Projects Unlimited Variety Series and the PNC Family Series. Next season will also feature the debut of a promising, lecture-driven series entitled National Geographic Live!, a collaboration with Five Rivers Metro Parks spotlighting first-hand accounts of exploration. The lineups for National Geographic Live!, Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series and Physicians for Kids Discovery Series will be announced at a later date.

“Dreamgirls” - June 4-9, 2013 – Schuster Center

Season tickets for the six-show Broadway Series are priced at $235, the three-show Projects Unlimited Variety Series are $90 and the four-show PNC Family Series are $40. Single tickets will be available at a later date. For more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com.

Premier Health Partners Broadway Series

“Irvin Berlin’s White Christmas”
November 27-December 2, 2012 – Schuster Center

“Shrek The Musical”

"Shrek The Musical" - January 15-27, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

“The Addams Family”
March 5-10, 2013 – Schuster Center

“Mary Poppins”
April 16-21, 2013 – Schuster Center

“Next to Normal”
May 7-19, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

“Dreamgirls”
June 4-9, 2013 – Schuster Center

Star Attractions

An Evening with Branford Marsalis
September 23, 2012 – Schuster Center

“Menopause The Musical”
October 12-14, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

"An Evening with Branford Marsalis" - September 23, 2012 – Schuster Center

“American Idiot”
March 12-14, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

“Rock of Ages”
May 21-22, 2013 – Schuster Center

Projects Unlimited Variety Series

Over the Rhine
October 26, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

The Intergalactic Nemesis: Target Earth
February 1, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

PSY
April 12, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

PNC Family Series

“Fred Garbo’s Inflatable Theater Company”
November 3-4, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

“Frindle”
December 1-2, 2012 – Victoria Theatre

“The Number 14”
February 16-17, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

“Circus Incognitus”
March 9-10, 2013 – Victoria Theatre

Foot Stomping Joy: The Music Of Genticorum

February 13, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

French Canadians have a long history of being misunderstood. Only seven million or so people out of Canada’s 34 million total speak French as their primary language, and most of them live in a single province, Quebec. They live on an island of francais in an ocean of English.

But there’s more than just the language barrier.

Misunderstandings over politics, religion, social identity and cultural traditions have colored, and occasionally seriously strained, Anglo-French relations in Canada for centuries. Happily, these things often tend to even out over time—perhaps as some sort of sly, karmic payback, Quebec is now home to some of the hippest, happiest music on the planet.

Genticorum, a traditional music “power trio” based in Montreal, Quebec, plays a kind of music that’s as misunderstood as any style in North America. Like their confreres in La Bottine Souriante, Les Chauffeurs á Pied, Le Vent du Nord and other traditionally minded Quebec bands, Genticorum is deeply rooted in the history and culture of French Canada, playing music that is similar to—but also very unlike—the music of Canada’s other traditional music hotbeds, Cape Breton and the Ottawa Valley.

Genticorum was formed in 2000, the three musicians in the band—Pascal Gemme (fiddle, foot percussion, vocals), Alexandre de Grosbois-Garand (wooden flute, electric bass, fiddle, vocals) and Yann Falquet (guitar, Jew’s harp, vocals)—having become friends after playing together at various traditional music festivals.

“We all discovered the traditional music of Quebec before we met,” says Grosbois-Garand. “We all studied instruments that we don’t play in the band. I studied bass and I play the flute. Yann studied electric guitar and he plays acoustic guitar. Pascal studied guitar and he plays fiddle.”

The traditional music of Quebec is a unique and totally captivating blend of musical ideas from near and far. “It comes from Irish and Scottish and music from France,” says Grobois-Garand by way of explanation. “There is a big so-called Celtic flair to it because there are a lot of Irish and Scottish reels that have become Québécois reels. Sometimes the reels will change a bit, or the way of playing them. That mixed with the French song tradition and marching band music from the United States and German polkas and waltzes.

“All that mixed together over a few centuries into what we refer to as Québécois traditional music. Most of the bands, including us, will focus more on the party aspect of it. But we try also to play some laments and some waltzes because it’s not just fast reels and call-and-response drinking songs. There’s much more than that, so we try to give the diversity of the tradition.”

The traditional music of Quebec contains several musical elements that set it apart not just from the Celtic music mainstream but also the regional Canadian styles of Cape Breton and the Ottawa Valley. The most obvious to casual listeners is probably the sound of the singing. The vocals are in French and are characterized by lush multi-part harmonies, call-and-response (chanson à répondre) choruses and a sonic richness not found in most traditional styles. Some of Genticorum’s vocal harmonies have an ancient sound that’s at times reminiscent of medieval madrigals. The band is also adept at a form of “mouth music” called turlutteries (conceptually similar to jazz scat singing or lilting in Irish music).

Driving, intricate “foot percussion”—provided by Pascal Gemme in the case of Genticorum—is one of the coolest parts of traditional Québécois music. Not only does this provide the band with a percussionist at no extra cost, a real boon for a small group like Genticorum, it adds an exciting touch to performances that audiences love, as well as a distinctive rhythmic signature that is quintessentially Québécois.

Maybe someday in the future, a musicologist or anthropologist will explain the astonishing, at times nearly unbelievable, facility that Canadian fiddlers appear to have for dancing while they fiddle, from Natalie MacMaster’s step-dancing to the ensemble work of the Step Crew to the seated tap dancing done by Gemme. If it were just one or two fiddlers who did this, it could be written off to individual obsession and long winters, but it seems like every fiddler who comes out of Canada possesses this wonderfully strange talent. Curious, eh?

Genticorum has released four critically acclaimed albums since 2002. The band’s debut, Le Galarneau, received widespread acclaim in the international music press. Sing Out noted accurately that “For a three piece, Genticorum makes a very full and glorious noise, both instrumentally and vocally” before predicting, “This is a band that’s going to go places.” The follow-up, Malins Plaisirs, earned a Canadian Folk Music Award, Ensemble of the Year, for the trio and was nominated for both Juno (Canada’s Grammy) and Felix (a regional prize in Quebec).

While their CD La Bibournoise, released in 2008, received international recognition, Genticorum’s most recent album, Nagez Rameurs, was released in 2011 and was promptly hailed as “one of the year’s most unusual and beautiful collections of folk music” (New York Post). Graced by a particularly compelling collection of traditional and original songs and tunes and guest appearances by such musicians as Grey Larsen and Olivier Demers (Le Vent du Nord), Nagez Rameurs won Genticorum its second Ensemble of the Year award at the 2011 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

At last count, Genticorum has performed in almost 20 countries. The band has found enthusiastic audiences wherever it has played, from Scotland and Ireland to New Zealand and Australia. “We are within a certain tradition and play with a certain aesthetic, without really radical changes,” says Yann Falquet of the band’s wide-ranging appeal. “And people are able to enjoy it for what it is, whether they are Scottish folkies or Malaysian teenagers.” And pretty much everybody in between.

Cityfolk presents Genticorum, Sat. Feb 25 at Stivers Centennial Hall at 8 PM. Info and tickets are available at cityfolk.org or 937-496-3863.

(submitted by Jon Hartley Fox for Cityfolk)

Time to Put on the Ol’ Ruby Slippers – DPO Presents Wizard of Oz with Orchestra

February 10, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS – leave a comment below the article. We’ll announce FOUR winners on Wednesday 2/15 for the 2/17 show. GOOD LUCK!

It has been called a “timeless” motion picture. Because it is.

Produced in 1939 and televised at least once annually since 1956, the movie claims a truly rabid, multi-generational audience. Why? Because, as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith once observed, we’re all kids at heart. And we all love music…and fantasy.

On Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 at 8pm in the Schuster Center, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Music Director Neal Gittleman will conduct the entire score to the MGM film The Wizard of Oz as it projects on a large screen above the orchestra, providing orchestral accompaniment to the film with the soundtrack stripped of all orchestral music; only the actors’ dialogue and vocals remain.

Many of us know the words to the movie’s songs by heart, the result of anywhere from one to 55 years’ worth of exposure. E.Y. Harburg’s lyrics set to Harold Arlen’s music with Herbert Stothart’s Academy Award winning (for Best Original Score) incidental music and instrumental underscore (some of it based on the songs, some borrowed from classical composers), are as familiar to us as our own family (hence, the derivation of the term).

With its use of Technicolor film, extraordinary characters, fantasy storytelling, and special effects, The Wizard of Oz won two Academy Awards and was nominated for Best Picture of the Year (Frankly, my dear, it lost to Gone with the Wind). And, believe it or not, it was a box office failure at first, failing to earn back the studio’s investment. In time, the trend reversed, and later re-releases compensated MGM for its initial poor showing.

It has become one of the most famous films ever made. The Library of Congress named it the most-watched motion picture in history. Viewer/critic polls often rank it as one of the Top 10 Best Movies of All-Time. And, of course, it is the source of many memorable quotes: I’ll get you, my pretty…and your little dog, too!; Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore; and There’s no place like home, to name a few..

This Kettering Health Network SuperPops Series concert reprises (always loved the sound of that word: re-pree-ses), or brings back, the event, originally performed before a sold-out Mead Theater in the Schuster Center in November, 2006. It was The Bomb. I know. I was fortunate to be there with my extended family, and we – along with the overwhelming majority of other attendees – sang our little hearts out. Most of us were even on key!

There’s an old axiom familiar to we Writers Guild members: “If it ain’t on the page, it ain’t on the stage,” meaning “you can’t damned well make a movie without a screenplay!” Strangely, it sometimes works the other way around: “It may be on the page, but that’s no guarantee it’s gonna’ make it to the film.” In short, the film winds up markedly different than the source text, in this case L. Frank Baum’s book.

Here’s what’s different. And, since we all know the movie so well, I’ll just cover what was in the book that got changed.

In the book, Oz was a real place. Glinda the Good Witch of the North had no name; she was actually two people, Glinda the Good Witch of the South and the Queen of the Field Mice. There were places called the China Country and people called the Hammerheads. The Wicked Witch of the West was only mentioned several times before she appeared one chapter towards the end. Dorothy rescued her friends, not the other way around. And she wore silver shoes, not ruby slippers.

Other than that….

Director Victor Fleming filmed the Oz sequences in three-strip Technicolor; the opening/ closing credits, the Kansas sequences, and Aunty Em’s appearance in the Wicked Witch’s crystal ball in black and white and colored them using sepia tone.

The Beverly Hillbillies pater familias Buddy Ebsen was originally cast as the Tin Man and joined the cast in recording the film’s songs in a studio before principal photography began. Then, problem of problems, Ebsen got sick…from the aluminum powder makeup of all things, and MGM dropped him from the cast and replaced him with Jack Haley.

But Ebsen’s singing voice stayed in the soundtrack.

The beauty of having watched a film like The Wizard of Oz sooooo many times as quite a few of us have is that, when we hear a song from the film, we can just about place it in its proper sequence in the story. Read the list of songs in sequence as they are heard in the film, and see if you remember where (i.e., which scene) each song was sung:

Over the Rainbow; Come Out, Come Out…; It Really Was No Miracle; We Thank You Very Sweetly; Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead; As Mayor of the Munchkin City; As Coroner, I Must Aver; Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead (Reprise; don’t you just love that word?); The Lullaby League; The Lollipop Guild; We Welcome You to Munchkinland; Follow the Yellow Brick Road/You’re Off to See the Wizard; If I Only Had a Brain; We’re Off to See the Wizard; If I Only Had a Heart; We’re Off to See the Wizard (Reprise); If I Only Had the Nerve; We’re Off to See the Wizard (Reprise); Optimistic Voices (background chorus);The Merry Old Land of Oz; If I Were King of the Forest.

A word about classical music in the film: an arranged version of Russian composer Modest Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain is heard during the scene in which the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion rescue Dorothy from the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle.

So, grab all your Janet Weiss and Brad Majors costume paraphernalia…no, no, that’s the other long-running film.

So, even though we‘re not in Kansas anymore, we can all get to downtown Dayton for Wizard of Oz with Orchestra.

And we won’t need to wear ruby slippers to get back home.

View Event Details

View Event Website

And the nominees for best party are….

February 9, 2012 By Megan Cooper Leave a Comment

No – I’m not talking about who’ll win what on Oscar night – I’m talking about where you’re going to party to celebrate! Dayton is a film community, and as such – we’ve got different parties for all different tastes to celebrate the Academy Awards. Want to dress up in your finest or stay cozy in your PJs? Want to watch the show for free or make a donation to a local nonprofit? Want to sit in a theatre and enjoy it on a big screen or hang out in a bar with friends to watch it on 14 smaller screens? Like I said – something for everyone. Here’s a taste:

You’re interested in a very “comfy” event? Check out Jeans ’n’ Jammies at the Little Art Theatre in Yellow Springs. There will be a screening of the ceremony and a cash bar will be available serving the Little Artini (among other tasty beverages). The Oscars at the Little Art will be preceded at 6:00 p.m. by a pre-party at the Winds Café, just a short walk from the theater, where heavy appetizers and complimentary wine will be served thanks to Mary Kay Smith and Kim Korkan of the Winds Café. At 7:30 p.m. partygoers will proceed to the red carpet at the Little Art in time to catch the Oscars on the big screen – served up with free popcorn. For those who wish to go early, the Hollywood red carpet arrivals will be showing at the Little Art at 7:00 p.m. Admission to the entire program is $50, of which $35 is a tax deductible contribution to the nonprofit Little Art Theatre Association. Attendees are invited to come in their pajamas. But, if they are not comfortable with relaxed attire in public, they may opt for jeans. Prizes will be awarded for best Jammies for couple and individual, for correctly predicting winners in the major categories, and for winners of a movie trivia contest. Local actor Howard Shook will emcee the event. Go to littleart.com or call Maureen Lynch at 937-901-1920 for more details and to RSVP.

Looking to stay closer to the center city, but still have that big screen experience? Don’t miss the Oscar Party at the NEON! This free event is a great chance to enjoy the ceremony with your friends in the very theatre that first showed many of the Oscar nominated films to our region. Known throughout the Miami Valley for bringing the latest and best in independent and foreign cinema, THE NEON screened numerous films that have been nominated for Academy Awards. Movies that screened over the past year garnered over 30 Oscar nominations, and that number will continue to grow in the coming weeks. Ballots are currently available in THE NEON’s lobby for attendees to begin making their Oscar predictions. On the night of the party, ballots must be turned in before the first Academy Award is given – and prizes (including soundtracks, screenplays, and dvds) will be awarded throughout the evening for correct guesses. At the end of the night, the person with the most correct predictions will win “The Star Treatment” – a gift basket from Square Salon & Spa and THE NEON. (Must be present to win.) Seating for this year’s party will begin at approximately 7pm and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. NOTE: The Neon is grateful to ThinkTV who provides assistance in acquiring a strong signal for the broadcast.

Like the casual feel, but want a more social night out? Check out the FilmDayton Oscar Party. Moving from the big screen to the small screen, they’ll have the ceremony broadcast on 14 flat screens at Geez Grill and Pub (off Far Hills in Centerville). Doors open at 7:30 PM and you’ll be able to grab some great food, enjoy the cash bar, bid on some great silent auction prizes, compete in a 50/50 cash prize for the best ballot, and play along with Oscar Bingo. Join FilmDayton to mingle with the filmmakers, film lovers, and friends who think the Oscars are a great excuse for a fun party. It’s a great night that encourages grabbing a table, chatting with your friends, and watching who wore what, who got Oscar, and who got robbed. $10 for FilmDayton members and $20 for nonmembers. More information here. This fundraiser for FilmDayton helps support the educational programming that the organization offers throughout the region and supports the annual FilmDayton Festival.

Oscar Nominee ALBERT NOBBS Starts Friday at THE NEON

February 8, 2012 By Jonathan McNeal Leave a Comment

Hello Everyone,

We’re moving forward this weekend with the new film starring Glenn Close –ALBERT NOBBS – nominated for 3 Oscars. If you still need to see A DANGEROUS METHOD, you only have until Thursday to see it at THE NEON. That said, we will continue to hold THE ARTIST – which has now become a “certified hit” at THE NEON.

Synopsis for ALBERT NOBBS: “Albert Nobbs is a woman passing as a man in order to work and survive in 19th century Ireland. Some thirty years after donning men’s clothing, she finds herself trapped in a prison of her own making.” Nominated for 3 Oscars – including Glenn Close for Best Actress. Visit the official site.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGX_JKjG1dM’]

I’m delighted to announce that PINA is now officially on our schedule. One of my absolute favorite films from 2011, this rich documentary about Pina Bausch, directed by Wim Wenders, will wow you – whether you’re familiar with Pina’s gorgeous choreography or not. We may open this film as soon as February 24…so stay tuned! (PINA will be presented at THE NEON via traditional 35mm, 2D projection.)

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNuQVS7q7-A’]

For remaining showtimes for this week (including Thursday’s special screening of RACE TO NOWHERE, presented by The Miami Valley School), visit www.neonmovies.com.

Thanks for your continued support.

We hope to see you soon,

Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for Fri. February 10 – Thur. February 16:

ALBERT NOBBS (R) 1 Hrs 53 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

THE ARTIST (PG-13) 1 Hr 40 Min

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:30

Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

Feb. 24 PINA

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD SHAME

TBD PARIAH

March 9 A SEPARATION

March 23 IN DARKNESS

March ? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN

April ? FOOTNOTE

Sinclair Students Are ‘Theatre Practitioners of the Future’

February 6, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

A scene from Sinclair's production of "Women of Lockerbie."

One of the greatest strengths of the Theatre program at Sinclair Community College is its focus on the individual student, according to Steven Skiles, chair of Sinclair’s Theatre and Dance Department.

“We want to get to know our students,” Skiles says. “We want to get to know what their goals are. Do you want to go on to a four-year institution? Do you want to go straight to New York? Is it your dream to be an American actor living in London?”

“We try to engage students in those conversations,” he continues, “so that when they’re going through the program here, they also have a larger goal in mind that keeps them moving forward.”

Students in Sinclair’s Theatre program have a choice between three major tracks: performance, technical theatre, and a double major incorporating both. Even students who choose a single emphasis are required to take some courses in the other discipline, however.

“We like to give our students the opportunity to learn about as many different aspects of the theatre as they can,” Skiles says, “so that when they go out into the workforce, they have many different capacities in which they can fill positions.”

Hands-on experience is another major component of the Theatre program, according to Skiles.

“We’re a very practically-oriented program,” he says. “We want our students doing things; we want them involved in productions. On the stage, behind the stage, designing for the stage; we want them to be a very large part of our production season.”

Before graduating, students in both programs must complete a capstone: a portfolio showcasing their work in the case of technical students, and an auditions class for performance majors, which covers such topics as putting together a resume, cultivating and maintaining contacts in the theatre industry, and the various skills needed to put together a good audition.

But the most important responsibility of the program, according to Skiles, is in shaping and educating the theatre professionals of tomorrow.

“We’re not a program that says ‘This is what you have to do’ or ‘This is the approach you have to have as an actor,’” Skiles says. “I don’t want ten million actors out there approaching a role the same way I would. These are the theatre practitioners of the future, man, and we want to create proactive, engaging students who will move the theatre forward in ways that we can’t even imagine.”

The Theatre Department won raves for its production of “Women of Lockerbie” last spring and “The Crucible” this past fall. Upcoming productions include “Almost, Maine,” a romantic comedy by Tony Award-winning actor and playwright John Cariani, and “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged),” currently the longest-running comedy on the London stage. Performances of “Almost, Maine” begin at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre on February 24.

Experiencing the Art of Exhibiting at Sinclair

February 6, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

One of Terri Perkins' pieces, displayed in Building 13.

Art majors at Sinclair Community College have many opportunities to display their work before taking part in a public exhibition, according to Terri Perkins, 47, a Sinclair graduate and current art student from Fairborn.

“When you’re taking studio classes, you always have critiques,” says Perkins. “At the end of each term, everybody displays their work, and we all go around and evaluate it.”

Art majors also take a Pre-graduation Exhibition course before receiving their degree. At the end of the course, each student selects several pieces that follow a unifying theme, and their work, along with that of other graduates, eventually winds up as part of an exhibition.

“It was a great experience, because I really learned what it takes to put on an exhibit,” says Perkins. “How you display makes a big impression when people come to see your work, and the instructor, Pat McClelland, really helped everyone to learn that process.”

Brandy Driver, a Fine Art major from Greenville, also has experience setting up exhibits. Driver, 26, and three other students helped set up a display showcasing Sinclair’s Art Club in the Hypotenuse Gallery on the third floor of Building 13.

“We were highlighting the work that I and other members have done,” Driver says. “It was easy to do. I love organizing, so it was right up my alley.”

Students have the opportunity to try and profit from their work, as well.

“After the exhibition, you can choose to try and sell your work or keep it for your own,” says Perkins. “If you decide to sell, the school often times will buy it and put it on display.”

Artwork created by students is displayed on walls and in glass cases throughout the campus, often accompanied by a card or plaque identifying the artist. Perkins currently has several sculpted and ceramic pieces on display in Building 13, while Driver recently had ink drawings displayed in the hallway leading to Building 10.

One of Brandy Driver's pieces.

“The class critiques help when you have to take it out there in public,” Perkins says. “It gets you out of that fear factor when it comes to people seeing your work.”

Driver also enjoys having her work put on display.

“It’s always interesting to hear others analyze the ‘meaning’ of my work,” she says. “I love hearing what people think, both good and bad. That’s how you grow as an artist.”

Dayton Opera’s Romeo and Juliet Makes for Perfect Valentine Outing

February 6, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

It’s the perfect pairing: Shakespeare’s universal love story and February, the month of Cupid.

Dayton Opera is preparing to open Charles Gounod’s supreme opera Romeo and Juliet to be performed during the month of love on Friday, February 24 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 26 at 3 p.m. in the Schuster Center. “Romeo and Juliet” has been adapted into countless films, plays and dance but no medium better expresses the love, longing and ultimate tragedy of this fated pair than Charles Gounod’s stunning opera,” said Thomas Bankston, Dayton Opera’s General and Artistic Opera. “This opera hasn’t been performed in more than 15 years and we are excited to assemble such a talented and beautiful group of singers.”

Acclaimed soprano Joanna Mongiardo, recognized for her effortless coloratura, makes her Dayton Opera debut singing the title role of Juliet. Her recent performance as Rosalina in Giordano’s rarely performed work Il Re with Teatro Gratticielo at the Lincoln Center was chosen in David Shengold’s selections for Das Opernwelt’s “Best of Year” 2011 issue.

Joanna Mongiardo

Singing the role of Romeo is tenor Ryan MacPherson, also making his Dayton Opera debut. He is one of the most in-demand young tenors of this generation, well-known for his captivating stage presence and expertise with modern and contemporary music. He performed along with Mongiardo in a recent production of The Rakes’ Progress with Toledo Opera.

Baritone William McGraw, most recently performing in last season’s Fidelio, returns as Count Capulet, and baritone Chad Sloan as Mercutio and bass Nathan Stark as Friar Lawrence make their Dayton Opera debuts. Members of the Gem City Ballet choreographed by Barbara Pontecorvo, and the Dayton Opera Chorus, under the direction of Jeffrey Powell, will also be featured.

Albert Sherman, stage director for New York City Opera, returns to direct his fifth production for Dayton Opera, the most recent being 2009’s The Merry Widow. At the podium will be Patrick Reynolds, Assistant Conductor for the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, who conducted La Traviata in 2009.

Ryan MacPherson

“$15 Friday Nite Tweet Seats” returns thanks to the sponsorship of Dayton Power and Light. This initiative for young professionals, a first in U.S. opera, received regional and national press coverage and is being adopted by other arts organizations. The Tweet Seats are located in the balcony so the light from smart phones are not distracting to others.

“Yes we are tweeting and facebooking but not so much during – apparently it’s all too riviting. J At the pause between Act I and Act II, the lights of many devices came out like fireflies in the dark. It was great!” posted by Charity F., a Tweet Seat ticket holder at last October’s performance of Dayton Opera’s La Boheme.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticket Center Stage by calling 228-3630 or visiting www.daytonopera.org. Dayton Opera has teamed up with Veleta Wines on a special promotion. While supplies last, purchase two regular priced tickets to Romeo and Juliet and receive a complimentary bottle of Veleta Tempranillo wine at the performance. Use the code “Veleta” when ordering tickets.

Exploring Where the Sins Lie – Spring Awakening

February 2, 2012 By Russell Florence, Jr. 2 Comments

Encore Theater Company impressively produces a compelling, passionate production of composer Duncan Sheik and lyricist-librettist Steven Sater’s 2007 Tony Award-winning pop/rock musical “Spring Awakening,” a riveting coming-of-age account based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial, banned 1891 play of the same name.

Presented at Courtyard Crossing with a refreshing intimacy rivaling its off-Broadway debut, “Spring Awakening” uniquely transpires in 19th century Germany with a contemporary spin, primarily in its wonderfully melodic score. The thought-provoking tale, firmly led by Ray Zupp and Lisa Glover as doomed lovers Melchior Gabor and Wendla Bergman, skillfully addresses the joy and repercussions of teen angst and budding sexuality among such bold elements as abortion, incest and masturbation. As Melchior and Wendla’s heated desires and yearning for connection dramatically swell under the repressive weight of hypocritical authority, Zupp and Glover provide emotionally honest portrayals rooted in innocence and burgeoning hope. Zupp, defiant and headstrong, effortlessly exudes Melchoir’s magnetism and influence among his close-knit buddies and female admirers. He also brings a sincere earnestness to his solos (the moving “Left Behind” is a definite heartbreaker) and masters Melchoir’s self-assured persona as a man-child who truly has so much to learn. The radiant, vocally enticing Glover delivers a breakthrough performance that endearingly reveals Wendla’s delicacy, sheltered existence and inquisitiveness. Sharply indicating the confusion and pain of a guileless young girl who “ruined all the true plans,” Glover notably supplies a seductively mood-setting rendition of “Mama Who Bore Me” and a beautifully lyric-driven “Whispering” effectively capturing Sater’s pensive poetry. Zupp and Glover’s unshakable chemistry, a significant factor of the show’s success under the crisp, emotive direction of JJ Parkey, particularly soars in “The Word of Your Body,” a warmly expressive blend of intertwining hands and romantic gazes choreographed by Nikki Wetter.

Lisa Glover & Ray Zupp (photo credit: Tracy Abston/Blush Boudoir)

Wedekind’s dark, impactful world – sparsely designed by Zupp, Parkey and Shane Anderson, attractively costumed by Molly Walz with period-provincial and modern flourishes, and evocatively lit by Nicholas Crumbley – equally thrives among an assortment of appealing featured players. Drew Bowen is a jittery source of agitation and agony as Moritz, an underachiever tragically damaged by his father’s scorn and his own tortured insecurity. As Ilse, Elizabeth Wellman renders a gently wistful “Blue Wind” and ushers in the gorgeous “Song of Purple Summer” finale. She is also terrifically joined by Emily Sexton (Martha) for the dynamically pulsating “Dark I Know Well.” Despite a few instances of vocal overpowering due to off-kilter sound problems, Taylor Benjamin (Thea), Bradley Farmer (Anna), Josh Hughes (Hanschen), Zach King (Georg), Sean Metcalf (Ernst) and T.C. Schreier (Otto) compatibly join Bowen, Wellman and Sexton to form an authentic, committed ensemble, particularly driving the sensuality within “Touch Me.” Chris Shea and Natalie Houliston absolutely shine in multiple adult roles that rank among their finest work. Shea particularly embodies Herr Sonnenstich and Herr Stiefel with intimidating gusto but is also great in the smallest of moments such as his sinister appearance as Ilse’s father. The comedic Houliston is a hoot as Fraulein Knuppeldick yet thrillingly evolves late in Act 2 to portray Frau Bergman and Frau Gabor with formidable intensity. Gavi Beloff, Nick Boyer, Trevor Coran and Nicole Dine are effectively planted within the audience as featured singers. Musical director John Faas guides a sufficient orchestra.
Thanks to a winning cast and a clear artistic vision, “Spring Awakening” provides the perfect opportunity to discover why Encore remains a daring, risk-tasking musical theater force in our community.

“Spring Awakening” continues Feb. 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. in Courtyard Crossing, located on Second Street across from the Schuster Center near Boston Stoker. Act One: 55 minutes; Act Two: 45 minutes. The production contains adult themes and nudity. Tickets are $18. For tickets or more information, visit www.encoretheatercompany.com

Not Your Grandparents’ Norman Rockwell

February 2, 2012 By Dayton937 Leave a Comment

The Problem We All Live With

You only have a few days to get to The Dayton Art Institute or you’re going to miss something surprisingly evocative and just plain cool.

Until recently, my idea of Norman Rockwell was a memory of images painted on dishes displayed in my granny and grandpa’s dining room cabinet. Those images were cutsey, small-town Americana and very, very quaint.

My Norman Rockwell has changed an awful lot.

When I first visited the exhibit “American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell,” I was surprised to learn this iconic American artist was a progressive thinker. To be honest, I had no idea he created a body of work addressing such issues as desegregation, civil rights and poverty. I admit I was stunned when standing in front of The Problem We All Live With, a recreation of the walk 6-year-old Ruby Bridges took as a first-grade student and the first African American to attend a previously all-white school in New Orleans. This was not only because of the powerful imagery but because I had not expected to see this ― feel this ― in a Norman Rockwell exhibit. I had trouble breaking myself away from Murder in Mississippi, Rockwell’s depiction of the murders of three young civil rights workers in Philadelphia, Miss., during the civil rights era. I was late for a meeting (OK, really late) but I really didn’t care. These paintings!

I had the same intense feeling ― you know, when you think a wooly worm is crawling along your spine ― when hearing that same Ruby Bridges Rockwell painted years ago tell a packed auditorium at The Art Institute about her experience and emotions that November day as she and her mother, riding in a car with federal marshals, made their way to her new school. (Tangent: Check out Bridges’ book, Through My Eyes, if you get a chance.)

Ruby Bridges speaks to a packed house at The Dayton Art Institute and shares images from the day she made history by being the first African American to attend a previously all-white school. "Even back then, I knew that 'separate but equal' was not true," she said.

Ruby Bridges shares images from the day she made history as the first African American to attend a previously all-white school. "Even back then, I knew 'separate but equal' was not true," she said.

And there were more surprises. Bridges’ parents were not activists. They simply wanted a better life for their daughter, which is why they answered when the NAACP knocked on their door. Bridges used her imagination to decipher what was happening during those days when she unknowingly was making history. Since she had been one of only six African American children to pass a test engineered for them to fail, Bridges thought she was so smart she was going to college. Since her neighbors walked alongside the car that drove her to her first grade class, she thought she was in a Mardi Gras parade. Bridges said the worst thing about first grade was being lonely, as nearly all the white families had withdrawn their children from the school. She revealed the horror of walking by white protestors holding an infant’s coffin containing a black doll, constant threats that she would be poisoned, the schoolboy who told Bridges his mother insisted he not play with her and the weight she felt lifted off her shoulders upon hearing that comment because, finally, she knew what was going on. She knew it was about color, the color of her skin.

Continue…

Pages: 1 2 3

Dayton Theatre Guild Auditions for “Going to St. Ive’s”

February 1, 2012 By Dayton Most Metro Leave a Comment

The Dayton Theatre Guild will hold open auditions for Going to St. Ives by Lee Blessing (A Walk in the Woods, Independence) on Monday and Tuesday, February 13 and 14, at 7:00 p.m. It is directed by Greg Smith and produced by Barbara Jorgensen. Production dates for Going to St. Ives are March 16 – April 1, 2012.

A renowned English ophthalmologist is visited by the mother of a tyrannical, murderous dictator because she desperately needs surgery on her eyes. The doctor requests a favor. The mother has a request of her own that, if granted, will have devastating effects for both women.

Roles are available for two female actors – one white with an English Accent and one African-American with a lilting African accent. Actors will be asked to read from the script. Head shots & résumés are not required but are encouraged.

Actors who audition should be comfortable playing anywhere from 32-50 years of age.

The roles:

Cora – white, English, a renowned eye surgeon who currently resides in St. Ives.

Mae – black, the mother of an African dictator, who goes to England for eye surgery.

For more information, you may contact the director at 937.416.9685 or by email at greg@daytontheatreguild.org. You may also check the Guild website at www.daytontheatreguild.org.

(press release from the Dayton Theatre Guild)