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MELANCHOLIA Opens Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

I’m sad to report it, but THE SKIN I LIVE IN did not perform well enough to stick around for a 2nd week. If you still need to see the latest from master filmmaker Pedro Almodovar, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.

On Friday, we will begin the latest film from Lars von Trier (director of BREAKING THE WAVES, DANCER IN THE DARK and DOGVILLE). MELANCHOLIA has received a 100% rating from numerous sources including Entertainment Weekly, Variety, The Los Angeles Times, and the cast includes Kirsten Dunst, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Kiefer Sutherland, and Charlotte Rampling. (Dunst won “Best Actress” for this part at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.)

Synopsis for MELANCHOLIA: “In this beautiful movie about the end of the world, Justine and Michael are celebrating their marriage at a sumptuous party in the home of her sister Claire, and brother-in-law John. Despite Claire’s best efforts, the wedding is a fiasco, with family tensions mounting and relationships fraying. Meanwhile, a planet called Melancholia is heading directly towards Earth.” (Magnolia Pictures)  Click the link to visit the film’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzD0U841LRM’]

I’m certain that some of you will be happy to know that we’re trying out a couple new wines. In addition to the Woodbridge Merlot and Chardonnay, we are trying Carernet Sauvignon and Moscato. If you want to make certain that we keep these two wines in the mix, please order a glass during your next visit.

Current opening dates are moving all around. We don’t know when MY WEEK WITH MARILYN will be available in our market, and we’re disappointed that THE ARTIST has been bumped to sometime in January (which is going to be a very busy time for specialty cinemas). I’ll keep you up-to-date as best I can…that said, this e-mail is the best place for the latest details.

This Saturday marks the 2nd film in The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON. Movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each. This Saturday will be – THE POLAR EXPRESS. And next week, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY. All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

Last week, I mentioned a list of some of our friends and partners in the area, and I’d like to continue that list by thanking 2 additional businesses for their continued help and willingness to spread the word about what’s happening at THE NEON. Omega Music and MJ’s Cafe & Dance Bar always allow me to hang up posters.  Without grassroots marketing, positive word-of-mouth and community support, we’d be long gone by now. Thank you!

When shopping for the holidays, don’t forget that NEON Gift Certificates are a perfect gift for film lovers…and for people who still need to be introduced to us. For every $50 worth of gift certificates you purchase, we’ll give you a hearty-sized bag of Candy Cane Granola…making your gift all the sweeter.

I’m heading to NYC for a long weekend on Thursday morning. I’m terribly excited to go, and I hope you’ll keep the staff plenty busy while I’m gone.

See you soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 9 – Thur. December 15:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

MELANCHOLIA (R) 2 Hr 16 Min

Friday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

Saturday: 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

Sunday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45

Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 5:15, 8:00

THE POLAR EXPRESS (PG) 1 Hr 40 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

??? MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD WEEKEND

TBD THE HEDGEHOG

TBD THE ARTIST

Jan. 13 TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   CARNAGE

Jan. 27   A DANGEROUS METHOD

Music on the Orient Express – DPO’s New Year’s Celebration

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DPO presents a New Year’s Eve musical journey from Paris to Vienna

There once was a long-distance passenger train that ran from Paris to Istanbul, crossing many international borders en route. It was just a train, nothing more. Perhaps the exotic locations it connected lent it an air of mystique. Perhaps it was something much more….

In 1883, the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits initiated railway service on a train it named the Orient Express. Its purpose was to carry passengers in relative style and comfort and provide an enjoyable travel experience.

It was, to say the least, an overachiever.

Imagine for a second what a trip from Paris to Vienna must have been like in 1883. In Paris, the City of Light, you would board the train at Gare de Strasbourg station for a 6:30 pm departure, and a mere 28 hours and 50 minutes later you would arrive in Vienna, Austria, the City of Waltzes. And while, admittedly, that is a very long time by today’s travel standards, the employees of Wagons-Lits did everything possible to make your trip optimally enjoyable.

It started with the train itself. In addition to the locomotive and other support cars, the Orient Express consisted of a baggage car, four sleeping coaches with a total of 58 beds, and a restaurant car.

And when Wagons-Lits said restaurant car, they meant restaurant car. A typical menu might include oysters, soup with Italian pasta, turbot with green sauce, chicken à la chasseur, fillet of beef with château potatoes, chaud-froid of game animals, lettuce, chocolate pudding, and a buffet of desserts.
Sort of like C’est Tout or Rue Dumaine, only on wheels.

Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents Paris to Vienna: A New Year’s Celebration on Saturday, December 31 at 8pm at the Schuster Center

At first Express d’Orient as the French called it ran only as far as Vienna and back; eventually it expanded its service as far as Istanbul. Regardless of its name and the frontiers it crossed, the Orient Express was as French as French gets. The various stations in the countries along its route lent the train an air of intrigue, and its method of operation and attention to style and personal comfort made it a world standard for luxury travel.
In her novel Murder on the Orient Express, prolific English mystery writer Agatha Christie immortalized the train. And, when he wrote the score for the 1974 film of the same name, Richard Rodney Bennett captured the spirit of the experience of riding the fabled train with a main theme written, fittingly, in the style of a luxurious romantic waltz. The song mimicked the movement of the train itself, starting haltingly (short wheel spins), slowly building tempo (gaining steam), and finally waltzing with abandon (running at top speed).

In 2009, the Orient Express ceased operation, shot in the operational heart by a bullet train, the 186-mile-per-hour TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), and bombed out of the market by cut-rate airlines.

But its musical spirit lives on.

This New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31 at 8pm in the ­Schuster Center, the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra presents Paris to Vienna: A New Year’s Celebration. It can be your ticket to a musical ride on the Orient Express.

Your journey starts in Paris, where the music of Hector Berlioz, Camille Saint-Saëns, Jacques Offenbach, Emmanuel Chabrier, and Maurice Ravel gets your evening off and running at full speed.

Your musical train stops only once en route. And not for water. New Year’s Eve Intermission at the DPO features complimentary champagne!

Back on board, the musical program of light classics, opera arias, and festive favorites continues. Vienna is just around the next bend; the music of Johann Strauss, Jr., the Waltz King – overtures, marches, polkas, and (of course) waltzes – completes the journey.

And a balloon drop in the Mead Theater celebrates your arrival.

Bonne Année! A guads Neichs Johr olle mitanand!

Happy New Year!

TICKET CONTEST

We’ve partnered with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra to give away TWO PAIRS of tickets to Paris to Vienna: A New Year’s Celebration!  Simply fill out the form below for a chance to win – we’ll draw winners on Friday, December 9 at 2pm.  Check back here or on our Facebook page to find out if you are a winner… GOOD LUCK!

(Contest Closed)

Congratulations to our two random winners:

Vince Bryant

Julie Westwood

Happy New Year!

A Handmade First Friday

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If you’re reading this, you’ve most likely heard of a little thing called First Fridays. These art walks (and in some cities, African-American business networking or conservative political events) happen in urban areas all over the United States on the first Friday of each month.

first friday logoTheir goal? Connect people with their communities.

But here in Dayton, things are getting a little out of hand. First of all, you’ve got dozens of art studios, performance venues and event leaders offering so many awesome opportunities downtown, how’s a fan supposed to see it all? Second of all, pretty much everything’s free. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned capitalism?

I’m joking, of course. The Gem City’s art scene is as vibrant as any I’ve seen outside the big metropolitan meccas. And good old greedy capitalism can go take a dose of its own medicine in a third-world factory or a Dayton factory layoff line. Because you know what? We’ve got Handmade Holiday.

On the first Friday of December, for the past three to five years (yep, even the organizers can’t remember exactly how many now), Dayton’s best knitters, photographers, crafters, painters, and urban revolutionaries pack themselves into a brightly lit storefront and offer their wares to folks who care about keeping their shopping dollars local.

Etch at work at HH 2009 - photo by Melissa Trent

You can find hand-crocheted caps for babies, joke books for 8-year-olds, edgy phone pouches for the teens on your list, and enough wildly sweet local art (and cupcakes!!!) to satisfy your friends and grandparents from here to the end of Kwanzaa. And your cash? Sure, you’ll hand out more than you’d pay for one of those plastic things from a box store, stamped out by slave kids in other countries whose bosses got our old jobs. But your extra dollars will get at least one more cycle in the Miami Valley, and it makes a world of difference to the dedicated artists sharing their creative energies with us First Friday revelers.

Want to see the wares? Check out the Handmade Holiday market at the St. Clair Lofts, St. Clair Street at 4th Street (just north of the Neon and south of the Dayton Metro Library) from 5 to 10pm Friday, then 11am to 6pm Saturday.

And yes, fans, there’s talk of making this market a monthly event in 2012. Organizer(s) and venue(s) needed!

If you don’t recognize plenty of the works and their creators this weekend, keep on coming to First Fridays! It’s all about connecting us with our communities, after all.

(Click the poster to view it full-size — how many names do you recognize?)

New Almodovar Film at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Special thanks to all of you who came out over the weekend.  This was our best Thanksgiving Weekend ever, and THE DESCENDANTS is certainly a hit!!  (Interesting to note, 2nd place goes to the Thanksgiving weekend we opened AMELIE in 2001…3rd place to our Thanksgiving opening of SIDEWAYS – also Alexander Payne – back in 2004.)

If you haven’t had a chance to see MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.  On Friday, we will open the latest film by my favorite filmmaker of all time – Pedro Almodovar.  THE SKIN I LIVE IN is a melodramatic thriller that reveals itself in a brilliant way.  I sat in the front row during its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival – when the film was introduced by its stars Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya.  The film has stuck with me ever since – and I’ve grown to like it even more.  That said, I wish I hadn’t read much about it before seeing it on the big screen.  (Due to that reason, the description below will be relatively vague by comparison to the content of the film.)

Synopsis for THE SKIN I LIVE IN:  “Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard, an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault. In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig…” (Sony Classics)   Visit the film’s official website.

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As you can tell by now, the Weinstein Co. decided not to open MY WEEK WITH MARILYN in Dayton on December 2.   Right now, we don’t know their intentions for the film in this market.  Though we would certainly love to play the film, it will all be a matter of screen availability when they decide to move forward.

Starting this Saturday, we’ll be hosting The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON.  The movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each.  On December 3, we will play MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (original 1947 version).  On December 10 – POLAR EXPRESS.  And lastly, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY.  All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our site.

Special thanks to our new friends at Ghostlight Coffee for letting us hang posters in their new, adorable coffeeshop.  If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, click on the link – they’re a great addition to Dayton.  Of course we appreciate all of our friends and partners – Meadowlark, Boston Stoker, Ohio Coffee Company, Olive, A Urban Dive, Blind Bob’s, Square One Salon & Spa, 5th Street Wine & Deli, Gem City Records,  and all of you…and of course DAYTON MOST METRO.  Without grassroots marketing and positive word-of-mouth, we wouldn’t still be here.  Thank you!

We hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 2 – Thur. December 8:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

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

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

THE SKIN I LIVE IN (R) 1 Hr 57 Min

Friday: 12:20, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Sunday:  12:20, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday:  2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET 1947 version (G) 1 Hr 36 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

???  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

Dec. 25   THE ARTIST

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   CARNAGE

Jan. 27   A DANGEROUS METHOD

TBD   WEEKEND

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

Woodland Lights Brings a Month of Magic, Lights & Festivities

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(from Washington Township)

Lights and color abound at the 19th annual Woodland Lights, a month-long festival of holiday lights, displays and activities in Countryside Park, next to the Washington Township Recreation Center, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.

Woodland Lights offers a half-mile wooded path winding through a park and around a pond where visitors can enjoy whimsical characters and illuminated critters preparing for the holidays. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 2-30, except Dec. 24 and 25.

This year, nine butterflies outlined in lights have been created for the event. Each is about three to five feet high and located where a Butterfly Playground will be installed next spring. Extra spark and color also has been added with more new lights decorating the trees, said Linda Madden, event coordinator.

Along the trail, children can visit with Santa Claus inside an historic log cabin decorated for the holidays. Parents may take their own photos or purchase one for $5.

Other favorite stopping points include eight holiday window displays, an interactive light display for hands-on fun, and the 11th annual collection of home-made gingerbread houses. Visitors can enjoy bonfires, hot chocolate, refreshments and a viewing deck where lights sparkle and reflect off the Woodland Lights pond.

Different nights at Woodland Lights have different moods. Monday and Tuesday Nostalgia Nights offer lights, Santa visits, refreshments and bonfires.

Festival Nights are Wednesday through Sunday and include the same, plus carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games and activities. Kids can play on a fun slide and enjoy four amusement rides including a small train, Santa swing, twister and pony carts. Offerings also include face painting and a drawing for a giant stocking filled with toys.

Photo opportunities abound, with whimsical settings that include a country front porch and photo panels where kids can poke their heads through a panel and appear as a jack-in-the box, a mouse, or a gingerbread character.

“When we started Woodland Lights 19 years ago, we wanted it to be magical and enchanting. We’re staying true to that vision,” Madden said, noting that visitors will see areas such as toy land, Santa’s airfield, candy land and a winter play land.

Admission is $3 on Mondays and Tuesdays and $6 on Wednesdays through Sundays. Children under 3 are free. Tickets are available at the gate, or may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the front desk of theWashingtonTownshipRecreationCenter. Season passes cost $20 for adults 19 years and older and $15 for youth 3 to 18 years. Group ticket packages also are available.

Details, including options for people with limited mobility and senior tours, are available at woodlandlights.org, or by calling 937-433-0130.Woodland Lights is presented in cooperation with Subaru of Dayton. Media sponsors are Dayton Daily News, MIX 107.7 and 94.5 LITE FM.

Woodland Lights at a Glance… Walk the Path to Holiday Fun!

6 to 9 p.m. nightly December 2 – 30     Closed Dec. 24 & 25
Countryside Park (next to the Washington Township Recreation Center)

Nostalgia Nights
Monday & Tuesday
Cost: $3
Lights, refreshments and visits with Santa

Festival Nights
Wednesday – Sunday
Cost: $6
All the fun of Nostalgia Nights, plus carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games & activities

VTA presents Traces

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Victoria Theatre Association is bringing the exciting production “Traces” to Dayton starting December 6 through December 18.  From the Traces website:

Traces takes place in a make-shift shelter, an unknown catastrophe waiting outside the doors of tarp and gaffer tape. The seven characters constructed this clubhouse to live to the fullest what they believe could be their last moments, hoping to leave nothing unsaid or undone. In the face of this impending disaster they have determined that creation is the only antidote to destruction, and their brand of creation is the fleeting impulses and desires that extend through their bodies and unfurl onto stage – the story is told through music, song, dance, speech, illustration, and high-risk acrobatics. The characters use every mode of expression available to them, hoping to leave a lasting mark… to leave their traces as best they can.

As they tell the stories of their past and share their various personal strengths and weaknesses, the audience gets to know these seven performers from every possible angle. The familiarity grows, and the acrobatics – a seemingly “inhuman” element – takes on a startlingly human nature. At its heart, Traces celebrates seven individuals, their particular bond and their particular talents; their risk-taking; the ultimate affirmation of life; and their unbridled energy, proof of a collective pounding pulse.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6TX7C6rnwI’]

Traces is a production of the Montreal troupe Les 7 doigts de la main  which translates to “the 7 fingers of the hand” – representing the seven founding directors of the company and a twist on a French idiom (“the five fingers of the hand”) used to describe distinct parts united tightly, moving in coordination towards one common goal.  7 Fingers was founded in 2002 with a simple mission – bring circus to a human scale.  Traces, one of several shows under the 7 Fingers belt, is “a circus that lets its freak flag fly” (NYT).  Unlike mega-productions like Cirque du Soleil (where the founders of 7 Fingers came from), the performers in Traces share their own personal stories in an intimate setting as they combine acrobatics with contemporary dance and urban elements like basketball and skateboarding.

DaytonMostMetro.com is proud to be a media sponsor for Traces, starting at the Victoria Theatre on December 6th.  Tickets are on sale at TicketCenterStage.com.

TICKET CONTEST

We’re giving away THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS to see Traces!  Just fill out the form below for a chance to win – we have one pair of tickets for each of the following shows: 12/6, 12/7 and 12/8.  Winners will be announced on Friday December 2 at 2pm.  Good luck!

(contest closed)

Congratulations to our following winners!

Amy Forsthoefel

Trang Lickliter

Sarah Muench

Getting a ‘Handel’ on the True Spirit of Christmas

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DPO presents Messiah in original seasonal setting

Here’s a quick tutorial on Christmas:

Definition – “Christ’s Mass”; a holiday to memorialize the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.

Meaning – the celebration of God coming into the world in human form to do penance for mankind’s sins.

Impact – Each year, Christmas and Easter are the periods of highest church attendance.

Decorations – Greenery, such as branches from evergreen plants, ivy, and holly; nativity scenes; the traditional colors of green (symbolizing eternal life) and red (symbolizing the blood Jesus shed at his crucifixion); and the evergreen Christmas tree, which keeps its leaves in the winter.

Songs – Christmas carols, which first appeared in English in 1426, and completely secular Christmas seasonal songs that emerged in the late 18th century. (Deck The Halls and Jingle Bells).

Meals – A traditional Christmas family meal with each country having its own, special menu.

Cards – the first commercial Christmas card dates from 1843 in London.

Figures – Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus; Père Noël; the Wiehnachtsmann; Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas; the Christkind; Kris Kringle; Joulupukki; Babbo Natale; Saint Basil; and Father Frost.

Writings – Clement Moore’s poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) and Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol (It’s where the greeting ‘Merry Christmas’ comes from).

Here endeth the tutorial.

DPO and the DPO Chamber Choir will present Handel’s Messiah
December ­11 at 4pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 North Wilkinson Street

Religious holidays such as Christmas have always inspired the composition of sacred songs and hymns for use in church services. For example, in 1741, George Frederick Handel composed an oratorio for another church holiday – Easter. Handel was a German composer, who received his musical training in Italy and spent most of his life in England.

A bit of a loose cannon, Handel – eighteen and frustrated with the musical chauvinism where he lived, actually dueled with another composer over opera music. Eventually, he became become court composer, and his patron at court, the Elector of Hanover, became King George I of England. A few years later Handel recognized his chance and moved to England. Permanently.

The sacred, non-dramatic oratorio he had written for Easter was entitled Messiah.

Here’s a quick tutorial on oratorios:

Embodiment – a large musical composition with arias, performed by an orchestra, a choir, soloists, and various distinguishable characters.

Performance – little or no interaction between the characters; no props or elaborate costumes.

Subject Matter – sacred topics, making it appropriate for performance in the church.

Here endeth the tutorial.

Handel was down on his luck. His last two works, both operas, were duds, and he was ready to chuck it all and head back to Chauvinist heaven when Charles Jennens, a collaborator of his on the oratorio Saul, saved him the bother.

Jennens had written a libretto (text for an extended musical work) based around the birth and Passion of Christ. He gave it to Handel, who wrote a score for it in a little over three weeks. The completed work, text and music, bore the name Messiah.

Messiah has three parts: the Prophecy of the Messiah and its fulfillment, the events from the Passion to the triumph of the Resurrection, and the role of the Messiah in life after death. None of the characters have names. The words express the drama. The Hallelujah Chorus of Messiah has become both a musical, and a spiritual, icon.

Today, orchestras and choruses perform Messiah in churches at Christmas almost as much as at Easter. Why?

Because Christmas, as a religious holiday, has been held hostage. It has become a prisoner of war.

In the U.S. there has been a tendency to replace the greeting Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. Allegations abound that any specific mention of the term “Christmas” or its religious aspects are increasingly suppressed, avoided, or deterred by a number of advertisers and retailers.

Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations around the world. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas, and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the Christmas shopping season starts as early as October. It has been calculated that a quarter of all personal spending takes place during the Christmas/holiday shopping season.

Some Christian and non-Christians have claimed all this crass commercialization to be an affront to Christmas.

In several Latin American countries such as Venezuela and Colombia they’ve managed a compromise between religious and secular beliefs. Current tradition maintains that Santa makes the toys, which he then gives to the Baby Jesus to deliver to children’s homes.

In Dayton, no one is making any compromises. At least no one at the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. On Sunday, December ­11 at 4pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 North Wilkinson Street, the DPO and the DPO Chamber Choir will present Handel’s Messiah.

Soprano Megan Bell, alto Julia Bentley, tenor Matt Morgan, and bass Curtis Streetman will join DPO Music Director Neal Gittleman and DPO Chamber Choir Director Hank Dahlman for the performance of this revered holiday classic.

And this statement of faith and love at Christmas time, the season of faith and love.

Golden Dragon Acrobats – Family Fun at the Victoria Theatre

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Victoria Theatre Association announces the 2011-2012 PNC Family Series presentation of Golden Dragon Acrobats December 3 & 4 at 1pm and 3:30pm in the historic Victoria Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, via phone 937.228.3630 or online.
Bring the whole family to Victoria Theatre for an amazing experience with the Golden Dragon Acrobats! From contortionists to an eight-person bicycle balancing act to breath-taking acrobatic ballet, Golden Dragon Acrobats will “wow” the audience with their amazing skills.  And while you’re there, check out the Wintergarden Wonderland for holiday fun!
Direct from China world-renowned impresario Danny Chang, choreographer Angela Chang and their Golden Dragon Acrobats combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional Chinese dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. The award-winning Golden Dragon Acrobats center their show on 25 centuries of honored Asian skills and traditions. Their dazzling performances received standing ovations and critical acclaim on Broadway as well as two New York Drama Desk nominations for Unique Theatrical Experience and Best Choreography.
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The PNC Family Series is the largest and oldest performing arts series for children in the Miami Valley. For over 25 years, Victoria Theatre Association has presented quality, entertaining programs for families and friends of all ages. Don’t miss out on fun craft activities beginning one hour before each performance on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for Golden Dragon Acrobats are priced at a family-friendly $20 for adults and $18 for children (ages 12 and under). Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage, and may be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton or by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

DMM Ticket Contest

We have a family four-pack to give away for the show on December 3, 2011 at 1pm courtesy of Victoria Theatre Association!  Simply fill out the form below to be entered for a chance to win.  We’ll announce winners here and on our On Stage Dayton Facebook page on Wednesday November 30 at 2pm – good luck!

(contest closed)

Congratulations to Heather Dabbs – she is our random winner!

An Epic Tale Reborn

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Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s Tony Award-winning “Les Miserables,” one of the most internationally beloved musicals of our time adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo, returns to Dayton as a freshly reconceived epic impressively heightened by an outstanding array of vocal and visual pleasures.

This 25th anniversary production, presented at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series, uniquely shines without the familiar trademarks “Les Mis” audiences have grown accustomed to such as the revolving turntable or Trevor Nunn and John Caird’s original whirlwind stagecraft. Co-directors Laurence Connor and James Powell, firmly intent to keep the action just under three hours, refreshingly dial down any morsel of spectacle to effectively place the libretto and score front and center with a great sense of urgency that serves the sweeping if melodramatic tale, which chronicles the redemptive journey of ex-convict Jean Valjean in 19th century France. Connor and Powell, embracing the novel idea of color blind casting, have particularly found new ways to approach the emotional potency that fills practically every scene. For example, in “Turning,” the women of Paris remember the fallen rebels by placing candles on the ground which are subsequently carried away by the deceased men during the haunting “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” passionately rendered by Max Quinlan as Marius. The production’s conceptual allure extends to the evocative contributions of set designer Matt Kinley whose work, inspired by Hugo’s paintings, nicely compliments the action rather than appearing showy or distracting. Fifty-Nine Productions is responsible for a striking series of cinematic projections which rank among the finest I have seen since viewing the Broadway premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s short-lived “The Woman in White” in 2005. The fantastic sight of the sewers in Act 2 alone is worth the price of admission.

Authentically clothed by Tony winner Andreane Neofitou with additional designs by Christine Rowland, the uniformly terrific cast, clearly propelling the sung-through score to spine-tingling proportions under the steady guidance of musical director Robert Billig, avoids bombastic urges with sharp, expressive portrayals. Sublime tenor J. Mark McVey, an appealing source of conviction, warmth and vitality as Valjean, duly receives the biggest applause of the night for his absolutely heartfelt rendition of the signature tune “Bring Him Home,” initially interpreted as a pensive lullaby yet climaxing as a powerful plea. Robust baritone Andrew Varela is an excellently imposing presence as Inspector Javert, Valjean’s relentless nemesis. Chasten Harmon, a heartbreaking Eponine, delivers a dynamically poignant “On My Own” and an equally stunning “A Little Fall of Rain” so gripping you will feel every inch of Eponine’s tragic fate. As the delightfully dastardly Thenardiers, Richard Vida and a particularly magnetic Shawna M. Hamic breezily insert a few comical Fagin-esque twists and turns into their rousing version of “Master of the House.” Jenny Latimer, as Cosette, creates a strong bond with Quinlan. Jeremy Hays, a fiery Enjolras, leads a stellar “Do You Hear The People Sing.” Understudy Cornelia Luna, as the ill-fated Fatine, supplies a beautifully sincere rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.” Lucia Giannetta briefly dazzles opposite Luna as an outspoken Factory Girl.

“Les Mis” purists might have qualms with the artistic makeover on display, but the material, a richly woven tapestry of faith, forgiveness, love, loss, and valiance, certainly remains as captivating and compelling as ever.

“Les Miserables” continues through November 27 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Performances are Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 93 minutes; Act Two: 65 minutes. Tickets are $40-$101. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

Don’t Miss THE DESCENDANTS at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

If you still need to catch TAKE SHELTER or MARGIN CALL, tomorrow (11/22) will be your last chance to see them at THE NEON.  On Wednesday, we open my favorite American film of the year – THE DESCENDANTS – directed by Alexander Payne and starring George Clooney.  I fell in love with this film at The Toronto International Film Festival,  and it has nothing to do with the fact that George Clooney was three feet away from me at the after-party.  As funny as it is touching, this film has been given a 100% review from The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago-Sun Times, USA Today, Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, The Hollywood Reporter and many more.  I think it’s a shoe-in to be nominated for “Best Picture” this year.

Synopsis for THE DESCENDANTS:  “Matt King is an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.” (Fox Searchlight)   Click HERE to visit the film’s official website.

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Upcoming dates are changing all around, and it’s quite possible that The Weinstein Company may give us MY WEEK WITH MARILYN on December 2…but we’ll have to wait and see.

And don’t forget that we’ll be hosting holiday films on Saturdays in December…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON.  The movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each.  On December 3, we will play MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (original 1947 version).  On December 10 – POLAR EXPRESS.  And lastly, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY.  All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit www.neonmovies.com.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES forWed. November 23 – Thur. December 1:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Wednesday & Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

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

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

 MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (R) 1 Hr 42 Min

Wednesday & Thursday: 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50

Friday,Saturday, Sunday:  12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday:  3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Dec. 2 (?)  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

TBD   WEEKEND

Dec. 25   THE ARTIST

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   CARNAGE

Jan. 27   A DANGEROUS METHOD

Dayton Playhouse Presents “Scrooge!”

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Emily Cypher (Tiny Tim), Shannon Eastman (Kathy Cratchit) and Scrooge (David Shough)

The Dayton Playhouse is proud to bring the holiday musical “Scrooge!” to the stage December 9 – 18.  The play is being directed byJennifer Lockwood, with musical director Ron Kindell, and choreographer Debra Strauss.

Renowned writer-composer-lyricist Leslie Bricusse has adapted the classic Charles Dickens tale, A Christmas Carol, into the hit musical “Scrooge!”  The musical closely follows the classic story with the miserly Ebenezer undergoing a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night, after being visited by the ghost of his former partner Jacob Marley and the Ghosts of Christmas past, present and future.  Lockwood has assembled a talented cast to perform this beautiful adaptation.

In conjunction with the production of “Scrooge!”, the Playhouse will host a toy/collectibles raffle.  One of the toys is a reproduction of a toy automobile, which was made inDaytonin 1902.  The original toy was made by DP Clark Toy Company.  The reproduction was made and donated by Dick Cummings and Burt Saidel, both of Oakwood.  Cummings and Saidel are active volunteers atCarillonParkand have worked on many of the restorations at the park.  Cummings and his wife Dorothy have donated 190Daytonantique toys toCarillonPark.   Other items in the raffle will include a Breyer’s Winter Belle – 2011 Holiday Horse collectible donated by Dan Hall and a Victorian doll donated by Blue Turtle Toys.

Dayton Playhouse Cast of "Scrooge!"

Performances of “Scrooge!” will take place at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton, OH45414.  Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 p.m. and Sunday performances are at 2:00 p.m.  Tickets are $10 for students, $14 for seniors and $15 for adults.  Tickets can be purchased at www.daytonplayhouse.org, or by calling the Playhouse box office 937-424-8477.  The box office is staffed by volunteers Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2-5 p.m.

(from Dayton Playhouse)

 

Martha Moody – Sometimes Mine

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Martha Moody, a prominent fiction writer in the Dayton area, was kind enough to talk about her recent novel in depth over dinner. Sometimes Mine, which is now in paperback, is about Genie – a middle aged woman that finds love with a man that is anything but available. This touching love story is more about learning to open your heart rather than the simple fairy tale of most love stories on the shelves. Sometimes Mine is a story of love, loss, and this rollercoaster called life. While Moody is proud of her recent novel, she opened up about a new novel she’s been working on that she hopes will allow her to break into the young adult fiction genre.

“I have two novels that I have finished. One of them is more of a dystopian fiction novel. It’s set in Dayton in the future, during the years 2047-2048 during a war,” said Moody about one of her new projects, “I’ve been working on it since around 1998!”

Moody has a lot to look forward to with her two new novels going in for editing and her four sons pursuing their careers and educations, but she finds time for a program that takes students to Israel to learn more about the culture.

“I now volunteer in an Arab village and we teach English to children there in the summer. And last year six students went over and stayed with host families. It’s in the Galilee,” said Moody excitedly about the opportunities she’s experienced.

Martha Moody

Before dinner is over she points to a large packet that she has next to her and tells me that she has some editing on her other novel to do before the speaking event she’s attending that evening.

“My other novel is a multi-generation family saga about two families joined by marriages over 30 odd years,” said Moody about her work that is soon to hit the shelves.

Martha Moody is considered one of the most popular authors in Dayton, and there’s no wonder why with her insightful novels and beautifully written tales of friendship, family, and love. Make sure to check the shelves for more to come from this great author!

 

Biking In The House with Melissa Fay Greene (with a helmet, of course)

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Melissa Fay Greene’s new novel has just hit shelves. The novel, No Biking in the House Without a Helmet, is something of a memoir, though Greene would hate to admit that because of her previous academia experience. But we don’t fault her at all for her use of the memoir simply because of the heartfelt and beautiful description of her family’s incredible story.

During the annual Dayton Jewish Cultural Arts and Books Festival, Greene came to speak at Books & Co., about her new novel. While being charismatic and charming Greene read excerpt from the novel and told her own person stories about raising four of her own children and adopting five more.

Greene’s novel is about her family’s experience of adoption with one child from Bulgaria and four more from Ethiopia. The rocky start of adopting their first child didn’t dissuade them from opening their family three more times as they adopted two more children separately and then two brothers at the same time.

While there are some hilarious moments in the book that make you laugh until you cry, the true story is the love and acceptance that was shown by all members of the Greene household. The Greene family, with all its lovable add-ins, is the true definition of a loving home.

Not only was Greene wonderful to listen to but the novel is a definite must read.

Read a book review on the novel No Biking in the House Without a Helmet at NPR.org

 

Sundance Hit MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE Opens Tomorrow at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Schedule-wise, we’ve got an odd week coming.  On Friday, we will open the Sundance hit MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE.  We’ll also hold both MARGIN CALL and TAKE SHELTER…but only for part of the week.  On Wednesday (Nov. 23) we will open THE DESCENDANTS…but I’ll wait until next week’s update to tell you lots more about that film (if you can’t wait, check out the official site).

Synopsis for MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE:  “MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE is a powerful psychological thriller starring Elizabeth Olsen as Martha, a young woman rapidly unraveling amidst her attempt to reclaim a normal life after fleeing from a cult and its charismatic leader. Seeking help from her estranged older sister Lucy and brother-in-law, Martha is unable and unwilling to reveal the truth about her disappearance. When her memories trigger a chilling paranoia that her former cult could still be pursuing her, the line between Martha’s reality and delusion begins to blur.” (Fox Searchlight)  I had the chance to briefly speak with Elizabeth Olsen at this year’s Toronto Film Festival.  She was quite approachable and grounded, but I can tell that she’s going to be a big star.  Her performance in this film is fantastic!  Many people are calling the film “This year’s WINTER’S BONE.”  Click this LINK to visit the film’s official website.

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And don’t forget that we’ll be hosting holiday films on Saturdays in December…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON.  The movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each.  On December 3, we will play MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (original 1947 version).  On December 10 – POLAR EXPRESS.  And lastly, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY.  All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

Here’s some great news.  THE ARTIST, an absolutely delightful film, has been scheduled to open exclusively at THE NEON on December 25!  If you watch CBS Sunday Morning, you more than likely saw the segment this past weekend.  If you don’t know anything about the film, check out the trailer for this black & white treat.

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

Hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. Nov 18 – Tue. Nov 22:

MARGIN CALL (R) 1 Hrs 47 Min

Friday,Saturday, Sunday:  12:20, 2:40, 7:20

Monday & Tuesday:  2:40, 7:20

TAKE SHELTER (R) 2 Hrs

Friday,Saturday, Sunday:  5:00, 9:40

Monday & Tuesday: 5:00

MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE (R) 1 Hr 42 Min

Friday,Saturday, Sunday:  12:45, 3:00, 5:15, 7:30, 9:50

Monday & Tuesday:  3:00, 5:15, 7:30

COMING SOON:

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

In some cases, titles may disappear.

Nov. 23  THE DESCENDANTS

TBD   THE SKIN I LIVE IN

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

Dec. 16   WEEKEND

Dec. 25   THE ARTIST

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG

Victoria Theatre Association Presents: Les Miserables

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(Read our On Stage Dayton review of Les Misérables by Russell Florence, Jr.)

Victoria Theatre Association announces the cast for Cameron Mackintosh’s new 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables premiere Dayton engagement at the Benjamin & Marian Schuster  Performing Arts Center, November 22-27, 2011. The all new production of Les Misérables features glorious new staging and spectacular reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo.  To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketcenterstage.com, call 937-228-3630, or visit Ticket Center Stage Box Office, located in the Wintergarden of the Schuster Center. Ticket prices start at $40.00.  For more information on the production, engagement dates, and locations please visit www.LesMis.com. For a video sneak peek of the New 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables, please visit www.LesMis.com/watch.

J. Mark McVey portrays the fugitive Jean Valjean.  He is joined by Andrew Varela as Javert, Richard Vida as Thénardier, Shawna M. Hamic as Madame Thénardier, Betsy Morgan as Fantine, Jeremy Hays as Enjolras, Chasten Harmon as Éponine, Max Quinlan as Marius and Jenny Latimer as Cosette.  Maya Jade Frank and Juliana Simone alternate in the role of Little Cosette/Young Éponine.  Anthony Pierini and Sam Poon alternate in the role of Gavroche.

The New York Times calls Les Misérables “an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish.” The London Times hails the new show “a five star hit, astonishingly powerful and as good as the original.”  The Star-Ledger says “a dynamically re-imagined hit.  This Les Misérables has improved with age” and NY1-TV proclaims “this new production actually exceeds the original. The storytelling is clearer, the perspective grittier and the motivations more honest. Musical theatre fans can rejoice: Les Miz is born again.”

“I’m delighted that 25 years after Les Miz originally opened in London the audience for this marvelous show is bigger and younger than ever before,” said producer Cameron Mackintosh. “Over the years I have seen many successful but visually different productions, so it has been exciting to draw inspiration from the brilliant drawings and paintings of Victor Hugo himself, integrated with spectacular projections.  The new Les Miz is a magnificent mix of dazzling images and epic staging, driving one of the greatest musical stories ever told.”

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.  The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “Master Of The House” and many more.

Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton and original adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. The original Les Misérables orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and additional orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker.  The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and additional costumes by Christine Rowlands, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Mick Potter, musical staging by Michael Ashcroft and projections by Fifty-Nine Productions.

Les Misérables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on December 4, 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen’s Theatre on April 3, 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. When Les Misérables celebrated its 21st London birthday on October 8, 2006, it became the World’s Longest-Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by Cats in London’s West End.

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In celebration of its 25th anniversary, the legendary musical Les Misérables made theatrical history with an international first – three different productions in London at the same time. The Original Production (still playing to packed houses at the Queen’s Theatre), the acclaimed New 25th Anniversary Production at the Barbican (where the show originally premiered) and a celebratory concert at The O2 Arena.  The O2 Concert was presented in over 500 cinemas throughout the United States on November 17, 2010 and is now available on Blu-ray DVD through Universal Studios Home Entertainment.

The Broadway production of Les Misérables originally opened at the Broadway Theatre on March 12, 1987 and transferred to the Imperial Theatre on October 17, 1990 running for 6,680 performances.  The US National Tour began in November 1987 and visited over 150 cities before closing in St. Louis, MO in 2006.  Broadway audiences welcomed Les Miz back to New York on November 9, 2006 where the show played the Broadhurst Theatre until its final performance on January 6, 2008. To date, Les Misérables remains the 3rd longest-running Broadway production of all time.

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Seen by nearly 60 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 21 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals ever written, with new productions continually opening around the globe, with seven more currently scheduled. There have been 36 cast recordings of Les Misérables, including the multi-platinum London cast recording, the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums and the soon to be released live recording of the New 25th Anniversary Production. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold millions of copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos ever in the UK. There are over 2,500 productions of the Les Misérables School’s Edition scheduled or being performed by over 125,000 school children in the UK, US and Australia, making it the most successful musical ever produced in schools. Cameron Mackintosh is currently developing a film of Les Misérables with Working Title and Universal.

Les Misérables is welcomed by Victoria Theatre Association, with the help of Leadership Sponsors WHIO-TV and the WinWholesale and The Win Group of Companies; and, Performance Sponsors WHIO AM/FM and K 99.1.

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TICKET CONTEST

We have a pair of tickets to see Les Misérables on November 23, courtesy of Victoria Theatre Association!  Just fill out the form below and you’ll be entered to win in our drawing on Friday November 18th.  Check back here on the 18th to see if you’ve won – GOOD LUCK!

Contest Closed

Congratulations to Amanda Barhorst, she is our winner!

Dayton librarian’s whale of an art book scores big

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Matt Kish presents “Moby-Dick In Pictures: One Drawing For Every Page”

The legendary 19th-century novel Moby-Dick, or The Whale, is a story of obsession. No one, perhaps, understands that obsession quite so well as a Dayton librarian who spent 543 days creating an illustration for each of Moby-Dick’s pages – and now has the published book to prove it.

Matt Kish, who lives in Columbus, describes the closing months as brutal: “Those final 100 or so pages, when the book itself becomes pretty bleak, I had no personal time whatsoever, and I knew the only way I was going to get my life back was to finish this project.

“The only way through it was to symbolically kill the whale myself. I isolated myself, because I felt I had to save every available ounce of energy for the project. I became just as obsessed with finishing the project as Ahab was with the whale. Thankfully, my wife stayed with me.”

The final drawing emerged Jan. 29, his book contract was completed, and now the only obsession in Kish’s life is dealing with the incredible publicity his project has generated.
“I’m simultaneously excited by it all and overwhelmed and exhausted,” he says.

A whale of a response

How much publicity? Starting just a few days into the project, his posts to a daily blog for friends and family began to be featured on literary and art websites and talked about all over the globe. In December 2009, he was invited to speak about his work in New York.

Within days, even though he hadn’t even reached the halfway mark of the book, he was approached by an agent who almost immediately landed him a publisher.

“It started slow, but then things happened with dizzying speed,” Kish recalls. “This incredibly personal exploration of the novel suddenly had a contract and a deadline.”

He speculates that there’s three reasons for the powerful response.

“Moby-Dick is a cultural touchstone. Even people that haven’t read it, they know the whale, they know Ahab, they know Ishmael, they know that it ends tragically. It’s part of our cultural consciousness. It’s really an American myth.”
The second reason? Kish is not a formally trained artist. Yet his bold, unusual style is immediately gripping, conveying a raw emotional presence with every image. Some pieces are abstract, others intensely detailed. He used spray paint, brushes and ink, ballpoint pens, colored pencil, acrylics, collage, markers, stickers. The quickest took 30 minutes, others took up to 12 hours.

“I know if my work was to be critiqued, there are long lists of errors and completely missing blocks of an art foundation,” Kish says. “I didn’t even attempt to make my illustrations historically accurate. It’s very much about my life, my perspective – it’s influenced by video games I played in the ’80s, comic books from my childhood, covers of progressive rock albums from my dad’s basement. So it’s something that’s never been seen.”
The third reason? The sheer insanity factor of anyone taking on such a monster project.

Life-long connection

“Monster” being the key word. Kish says his lifelong passion for Herman Melville’s 1851 novel began around age 5, when he saw a film version of the story.

“The movie monsters were fictional, but this grabbed me,” he says. “This was a monster that could almost have been real.”

An illustrated children’s version of the story was his next encounter with the white whale; he read the full novel for the first time in junior high. Seven more trips through the book would pass before he started the project.

“What’s odd is that each time I read it, it’s shown me things that almost seem to echo or parallel things happening in my own life — the complexities of growing up and growing old and dealing with life,” Kish says. “In some ways, really grappling with that book requires some life experience.”

In 2009, the former English teacher and bookstore clerk heard about a man illustrating every page of another famous novel.

“I was feeling very creatively restless. I wasn’t really enjoying what I was drawing anymore,” Kish says. “I realized it had been four or five years since I read Moby-Dick, the longest absence in my life. And I thought, ‘I’m just going to jump right in. It’s a way to get me closer to the book, and this is going to keep me inspired artistically.’ And the next day I got started. That was Aug. 5, 2009.”

Two years later, on Nov. 13, Kish will share his creation with readers used to seeing his touch in the DVD, CD and young adult collections. He says he’s not sure what art will flow next for him.

“This project completely shaped and structured my life every day for a year and a half, and that was really trying,” Kish says. “I had an intense sense of relief to finally be done. But I was also really wistful. All those characters had become companions to me.”

To attend

Matt Kish presents “Moby Dick In Pictures: One Drawing For Every Page” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Dayton Metro Library, downtown branch, 215 E. Third St., Dayton. The event is free. Information: 937-463-2665, http://everypageofmobydick.blogspot.com.