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The 2 Hottest Indie Films of Spring Open Friday at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

Our two current films have been much loved but sparsely attended. I’ve seen a handful of posts on Facebook urging people to see HEARTBEATS (one friend even went as far as saying it’s “one of the three best films I have ever seen at THE NEON”)…and audiences of THE CONCERT have expressed their affection for the film to all of THE NEON’s staff. That said, Thursday will be the last day to see these films. Hurry down if you still need to see them.

On Friday, we start the two hottest indie films of the season – WIN WIN and JANE EYRE. These films have proven themselves as critical successes, audience favorites and box office champs in numerous markets across the country. I’ve seen both films recently and really liked them both, and I’m certain that Daytonians will like them, too.

Synopsis for WIN WIN: “Disheartened attorney Mike Flaherty, who moonlights as a high school wrestling coach, stumbles across a star athlete through some questionable business dealings while trying to support his family. Just as it looks like he will get a double payday, the boy’s mother shows up fresh from rehab and flat broke, threatening to derail everything.” (Fox Searchlight Pictures) OFFICIAL SITE
We’ll be giving away some fun WIN WIN materials on opening night at 7:30…and we’ll have a drawing for a WIN WIN sweatshirt throughout opening week.

Synopsis for JANE EYRE: “Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fassbender star in the romantic drama based on Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, from acclaimed director Cary Fukunaga. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. As she reflects upon the people and emotions that have defined her, it is clear that the isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. She must now act decisively to secure her own future and come to terms with the past that haunts her – and the terrible secret that Mr. Rochester is hiding and that she has uncovered.” (Focus Features)  OFFICIAL SITE

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Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON this Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release)

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women is set for this Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON – sponsored by Dayton Women’s Rights Alliance and American Association of University Women – and it’s been quite successful the past two years. In addition to the touring LUNAFEST showcase, this event will feature REFLECTIONS – a short film by Tessa Trozzolillo, a junior at Stivers School for the Arts. In lieu of a set price for tickets, organizers are requesting a minimum donation of $5 or $10 per person (with $3 per student). Money raised will go to benefit The Breast Cancer Fund and Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region.
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Lastly, I’d like to thank some of our community partners. Once a week, I make a jaunt to Meadowlark to hang a poster for our upcoming/current attractions. While there, I almost always run into someone who is a NEON regular (if you’ve never eaten at Meadowlark, you should really try it out…I love it). I always hang posters at a couple Boston Stoker locations as well as The Ohio Coffee Company, and when we have a British film, Basically British is always receptive. Special thanks to these businesses for helping us spread the word about what’s happening at THE NEON.

We hope to see you soon!
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 15 – April 21:

JANE EYRE (PG-13) 2 Hrs
Friday: 12:10, 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40
Saturday: 12:10, 2:30, 7:15, 9:40
Sunday: 12:10, 5:30, 7:40, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:30, 4:50, 7:15, 9:40

WIN WIN (R)  1HR 46Min
Friday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Saturday: 12:30, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40

FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS (NR) 100 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 3:00*, 5:15
(* already sold out)

LUNAFEST (NR)
Sunday: 3:00

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

A Rebellious Roustabout All Shook Up

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Jukebox musicals, shows that use preexisting songs to craft a story or revue, remain a popular staple on Broadway despite their artistic and financial unpredictability. Three weeks ago I was dazzled by the pop-friendly extravagance of “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert: The Musical,” a hodgepodge of Madonna, Burt Bacharach, Cyndi Lauper and Donna Summer tunes among others that could possibly receive a Best Musical Tony nomination next month. But even though “Priscilla” proved equally entertaining as still-running jukebox magnets “Jersey Boys,” “Mamma Mia!,” Million Dollar Quartet” and “Rock of Ages,” the genre has had its share of flops (“Good Vibrations,” “Lennon,” “The Look of Love,” “Ring of Fire”). In particular, Twyla Tharp won a Tony for “Movin’ Out,” but stumbled with “Times They Are A-Changin’” and “Come Fly Away.”

Presently, the Victoria Theatre Association’s Miami Valley and Good Samaritan Hospitals Broadway Series offers the local premiere of 2005’s “All Shook Up,” a comical look at a tiny, traditionalist Midwestern town circa 1954 featuring over 20 songs from the Elvis Presley repertoire. Incorporating a clever nod to “Twelfth Night,” Tony winning librettist Joe DiPietro (“I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” “Memphis”) admirably balances the jokey silliness of the premise (a cool roustabout has his emotions tested while swiveling his way into the hearts of a conservative community) with period appropriate potency (an engaging subplot examining interracial romance). Some tunes are shoehorned better than others, a typical downside of the jukebox blueprint, but DiPietro specifically scores with the placement of “C’mon Everybody,” in which rebellious Chad (the very charismatic Brian Kess) spins the town into a colorful frenzy, and “It’s Now or Never,” a wonderfully tender moment given to lovebirds Lorraine (Caitlyn Renee) and Dean (Alex Herrera) heightened by cute, spine-tingling stagecraft from director M. Seth Reines who adapts Christopher Ashley’s original concept.

In addition, Khristy Chamberlain is delightful as Natalie Haller, a mechanic smitten with Chad who disguises herself as the macho Ed in an attempt to befriend him. Chamberlain’s endearing spunk is a plus and her belting soprano sparkles throughout “One Night With You,” the particularly feisty “A Little Less Conversation” and “Fools Fall in Love.” Powerful vocalist Brooke Aston, who brings the house down with “There’s Always Me,” is a super sassy Sylvia, Lorraine’s no-nonsense mother. Ben Martin is charming and quite comedic as Dennis, a Shakespearean devotee hopelessly in love with Natalie. The statuesque Hannah Zold is a fine fit as Miss Sandra, Chad’s object of affection who is actually head over heels for Ed. Ellen Karsten is effectively crabby, insensitive and overbearing as Mayor Matilda Hyde, Dean’s mother, and has an amiable sidekick in Ricky Pope as Sheriff Earl. Paul Crane brings humor and warmth to his portrayal of Natalie’s widowed father Jim. Muse Machine and Wright State University alum Matt Kopec is notable among the surprisingly small ensemble joyfully executing Marc Robin’s lively choreography.

Arriving on the heels of the outstanding national tour of “Avenue Q” which played the Victoria Theatre Wednesday, March 30, “All Shook Up” ultimately arises as a breezy, feel-good option ranking among the more tolerable jukebox creations.

All Shook Up, which opened Tuesday, April 5, continues through Sunday, April 17 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St. Performances are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $39-$81. For tickets or more information, contact Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

Permanent Collection

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Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15 - May 1 - Dayton, OH

Alan Bomar Jones and Scott McGowan

Permanent Collection

The Human Race Theatre Co.

An art museum may not be the first place you’d think of when it comes to workplaces with intense conflict, but in Thomas Gibbons’ Permanent Collection the Morris Foundation has as much head-butting as an NFL game. And unlike in an NFL game, the production by The Human Race Theatre, Dayton’s own professional theatre company, doesn’t provide the players with helmets and pads.

Eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.

Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15-May 1 - Dayton, OH

Alan Bomar Jones

The Morris Foundation is loosely based on the Barnes Foundation of Philadelphia, a real-life private museum with a real-life eccentric owner, Barnes is the subject of the film documentary The Art of the Steal, though the film and Permanent Collection cover entirely different aspects of the aftermath of the collector’s death.

Permanent Collection is directed by Dayton native and current New Yorker Schele Williams, who did a masterful job at the helm of Ethel Waters: His Eye Is On The Sparrow two years ago. It is part of the 2010-2011 Eichelberger Loft Season of The Human Race, which will celebrate the 25th Anniversary of its incorporation during the run.

An Evening at the Museum with More Drama Than Night at the Museum

The college which inherits the collection hires African-American businessman Sterling North as director. North is played by Human Race Resident Artist Alan Bomar Jones, most recently seen at The Loft in A Christmas Carol, who recently garnered rave reviews for the Columbus one-man-play as folk artist Ezra Pierce, Pierce to the Soul.

Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons - Human Race Theatre Co. - April 15-May 1 - Dayton, OH

Melissa Joyner and Scott McGowan

North’s discoveries lead to the battles with the museum #2, Paul Barrow, played by New York-based Scott McGowan, who has won awards for performances in Miss Saigon and Evita, so he knows about culture clashes. The two men draw in the office staff, played by New Yorkers Sharon Hope (who has done numerous Law & Order episodes, so she knows verbal fracases) and Melissa Joyner (whose many credits include a turn as a student in Carrie II, so she know about the results of anger), into the fray.

A reporter who gets interested in the story is played by Christine Brunner of Middletown, who was in Human Race productions of A Christmas Carol and has appeared in many other shows in the region, and who has been a hand model in commercials for both Charmin and Bounty, so she knows when people have made a mess of things.

The imaginative set – you have to be imaginative when depicting a few billion dollars’ worth of art – is by Tamara L. Honesty. Costumes are by Janet Powell, lighting by HRTC Resident Artist John Rensel, sound by Matthew P. Benjamin, with Heather Jackson as Production Stage Manager.

Among the participants in the While We’re On The Subject talkback after the April 24 matinee, to which audience members are invited, will be Dayton Art Institute Chief Curator Will South.

Production sponsors are Rob and Leesa Comparin, Richard and Marni Flagel, Tyree L. Fields, Larry S. Glickler – Bradford-Connelly and Glickler Funeral Homes, Jon and Diana Sebaly, Maryann and Jack Bernstein, Alan and Marsha Pippenger, and John and Tamara Clough.

-Human Race Theatre Co. Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

http://www.humanracetheatre.org/PERMANENT COLLECTION by Thomas Gibbons

April 15 – May 1 – various performance times (note…there will be an additional “preview night” performance on April 14)

at the LOFT THEATRE – map

More information and tickets are available through www.humanracetheatre.org, by calling Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630.  Tickets can be purchased in person at the Schuster Center box office, or at the box office at The Loft two hours before curtain.

Goes To The Edge…And Folds It Neatly (with Tim Bedore)

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Tim Bedore: Standing Up Against The Animal Conspiracy

Comedian Tim Bedore, who hails from Minnesota is a philosopher, a writer, a comedian; He is a man who once had the urge to kiss a wombat full on the lips. He has made numerous television appearances and his Vague But True weekly series can be heard on NPR’s Marketplace weekly program. The last time I spoke to Bedore, it was to gain his wisdom pertaining to his area of expertise: the animal conspiracy theory.

Bedore’s theory is rather alarming in its utter simplicity: Animals hate us and want us dead so that they may rule the Earth and inherent all of the fine Hostess products that will be left in our wake. I decided that the animal conspiracy theory was a great jumping off point for our most recent conversation, so that is where I began…

J.T.: Are we all still in imminent danger from the animals?

Tim: The animal conspiracy thing still looms large, and let me tell you why: Because I love my country. I want Americato continue to be at the top of the economic food chain as well as the literal food chain, so I constantly bear witness and am on the case at all times. At Wiley’s, I’m going to do the animal conspiracy slideshow, of course, and there is a lot of new stuff. I’ve got some amazing video of some elk that have taken over a town to the point where if you want to golf, you pretty much have to golf around the elk and play out of the divots that they make with their horns. They are literally coming into town and chasing after hunters before the hunters get out into the woods to hunt them. I’ve got video of it that’s just incredible.

J.T.: Do you think that the animals are acting independently or might they be lobbied by certain special interest groups and instructed to go after specific targets?

Tim: Boy, that’s an ugly thought! Are you saying that this might be political? Man! So even this is a partisan thing! Anything is possible. Things have changed so much that I expect that, one day, you will see wolves and elk working together to drive keepers and tourists out ofYellowstone. Natural enemies joined together.

J.T.: Are the squirrels still the central part of the conspiracy?

Tim: Oh yes! Squirrels are literally the smartest animal on the planet, other than humans. I mean, they’re rats, but we allow them to live in our cities and we allow them in our yards and people think they’re cute….it’s that damn fuzzy tail. Unbelievable when you think about it. It’s just that fuzzy tail and – bang! – they’re not a rat anymore.

J.T.: Well, since the last time I spoke with you, I started homeschooling my eleven year old son. It makes you yearn for the days when you could hand a kid a sack and send him to a coal mine to earn his keep. I didn’t think teachers made enough money before…

Tim: …and now you’re certain of it. Yeah, that’s a big commitment.

J.T.: Yep. But, I think the problem with the schools now is that all they are concerned about is the State testing and not about cognitive reasoning or problem solving.

Tim: No they don’t.

J.T.: But I think it is becoming apparent because kids are coming out of school and unable to do the jobs because all they know is the answer to question 1-A.

Tim: We had a teacher in college that taught us to think like critical thinkers by saying, “Men do not have to wash their hands after they use a urinal in a public restroom…

J.T.:…but before…

Tim: Right! Wash your hands before! His point was that the penis is the cleanest part of a guy’s body. If you take a ten minute shower, nine minutes is spent cleaning the penis. You get that very, very clean. It’s the hands that are filthy when you think about it. You ride busses with your hands. You touch coins and pick your nose…clean your hands first so you won’t get your penis dirty because it is already clean and, unless you have a spastic fit at the urinal, you don’t have to soap up afterwards. Now, that’s a very interesting way to think, but you can’t make a living with this information, really. I tried. You hang out in bathrooms and try to point this out and…well, the tips were very low.

J.T.: Yeah…well, I don’t know if I would use that phrasing…

Tim: No! “Hey ‘big’ fella! Can I talk to you a second?”

J.T.: So what do you want people to know about you?

Tim: You know what you can tell people? You can tell them that I do not lie on stage. Most comics lie. Most comics make stuff up and I only talk about truthfully honest things because I think that there are too many lies in the world and I really believe that I am going to be the force for truth and honesty. You hear lies all the time and we’ve become just too used to hearing them. How many times have you flown and the pilot gets on the intercom after pulling in three hours late and says, “We apologize for any inconvenience and we really hope to serve you better in the future,” which is just a lie. They know they are not going to serve you better in the future: It’s the nature of their business. If they were honest, they would say, “Yeah, we’re sorry about the inconvenience and all, but hey! This airline sucks, but so does walking fromMinneapolistoDetroitwith a golf bag, so…see you next time!” Like Home Depot…”You can do it, we can help!” That’s a lie. It should be, “You can do it, we can help…but it will look like hell and you’ll probably kill yourself.” That’s the honest way to say it. That’s the truth.

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Botched But Indestructible

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JJ Parkey as Hedwig

One wouldn’t assume the story of a German transsexual and his botched sex change operation would be deemed as universal musical theater, but thanks to the incredibly compelling and engaging framework seamlessly conceived by librettist John Cameron Mitchell and composer Stephen Trask, 1998’s cult hit “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” leaps past its seemingly niche appeal to speak to anyone who has made a monumental sacrifice, experienced betrayal, questioned their identity or individuality, or longed to find a soul mate while searching for true love.

In Encore Theater Company’s authentically raw, terrifically intimate presentation, which opened Thursday, April 7 at Club Vex smoothly directed by Shane Anderson, the remarkable JJ Parkey completely inhabits the witty, glamorous, opinionated, sarcastic, heartbroken and steadfast Hedwig, an “internationally ignored” wannabe rock star born Hansel Schmidt to an East German mother and an American G.I. As Hedwig’s unique tale breezily evolves from his rocky childhood in tumultuous Berlin to life post transgender surgery in a Kansas trailer park as a divorcee and babysitter hoping for stardom, Parkey, unafraid to interact with the audience while strutting through the aisles with fetching flair, becomes a vulnerable, captivating storyteller, particularly in terms of his astute narrative abilities and seamless transitions when embodying other characters, specifically Hedwig’s seductive “Sugar Daddy” Luther and his lover-turned-nemesis Tommy Gnosis. Musically, he fully embraces the grittiness of rock numbers “Tear Me Down,” “The Angry Inch” and “Exquisite Corpse,” leads the snazzy sing-a-long “Wig in a Box” with carefree whimsy, and unhurriedly savors the lyrically introspective beauty of “The Origin of Love” and the poignant “Wicked Little Town,” hauntingly reprised with evocative assistance from lighting designers Brian Cox and Nicholas Crumbley.

This musical is often considered a one-man show, but has always been a solid two-hander due to the presence of Yitzhak, Hedwig’s obsessive, occasionally bickering husband superbly portrayed with crazed, wide-eyed intensity by the mesmerizing Abigail Nessen Bengson, who took Dayton by storm last season as Mimi in Encore’s production of “Rent.” Yitzhak is primarily a reaction role, but Bengson, while never stealing focus from Parkey or reducing the compatible rapport they establish, commands attention with every dynamic, character-specific move she makes. Despite the fact that Parkey sings the lion’s share of the score, Bengson, one of the most vocally dexterous and magnetic singers I have heard, offers wonderful back-up and a few solo moments to be treasured. Her brief and unassuming rendition of “I Will Always Love You” contains soulful inflections that rival Whitney Houston’s definitive interpretation. Equally thrilling is her passionately full throttle and fiery version of “The Long Grift,” Yitzhak’s prime occasion to bask in the spotlight. The number is a hallmark of this production and a joy to behold.

Guitarist Shaun McClain Bengson, Abigail’s husband, is a member of the excellently balanced on stage band led by music director/pianist John Faas and also featuring percussionist Shea Castle and bassist Luke Dennis.

Encore impressively executes Hedwig’s fascinating, humorous and gripping journey of survival. Parkey and Bengson’s outstanding performances are not to be missed.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch continues Friday, April 8 at Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair St., and Saturday, April 9 at MJ’s Cafe, 119 E. Third St. Performances begin at 8 p.m. The musical, which is performed in 90 minutes without intermission, contains adult language and mature themes. Tickets are $15. For tickets or more information, visit www.encoretheatercompany.com

In related news, Encore’s 2011 summer mainstage series, in association with Sinclair Community College, includes ETC’s Big Fat Concert Series Vol. 2: I Feel So Much Spring-Seasons and Celebrations (April 29-30 at The Color of Energy Gallery), Altar Boyz (June 16-18 at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre), In My Blood (July 14-16 at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre), Pump Up The Volume and The Consequences (Aug. 4-6 at the Loft Theatre in conjunction with the Human Race Theatre Company) and ETC’s Big Fat Concert Series Vol. 3: The Best of Big Fat (TBA).

“Off you go, and enjoy yourself!”

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See How They Run: A Classic, Chaotic Comedy of Mixed Identity

Cedarville University

See How They Run

Actors rehearse in preparation for the show. Photo Credit Scott Huck

The pants-wearing wife of an English bishop who accidentally decorated the pulpit with turnips and leeks, a staunch parishioner who unknowingly gets into the cooking sherry, an American actor-turned-soldier ready for a night off, a maid who’s seen too many American movies (and a lot of other goings-on), and between one and four clergymen (most in varying stages of undress) combine to tell this story that will both actors and audience members as if they’d run a footrace. The result? Humor not easily forgettable! Eric Rasmussen, who plays the Reverend Humphreys, commented, “Even at the first read-through of the script, I was falling out of my chair laughing.”

Both originating and set in 1943, an early production of See How They Run toured as entertainment for the British troops fighting in WWII; part of the charm of this script is its humorous approach amidst difficult situations. During the war, although British television service could not continue during to financial and security reasons, the BBC prioritized the continuation of radio variety programs, emphasizing the importance of comedy and entertainment to maintain morale. See How They Run honestly portrayed the culture of the time without removing people from their struggles, but by setting up a related situation so hilarious audience members could not help but laugh. Similarly, farcical shows such as this, with characters who completely believe in themselves (even with a play of mistaken identities!) are the perfect way for us to appreciate the lighthearted potential within complicated situations and crazy lives.

With tax season, summer vacation and reunion planning, and the end of school or university years, we all, like those WWII soldiers, could use a few hours just to laugh. Director Rebecca Baker commented conceptually, “At the deeper level, this farce reveals the humorous effect of defining identity by roles… it seems, however, that the key word is humorous! In a spirit of fun, the playwright encourages us to laugh.” The actors in the nine-member cast have enjoyed perfecting comedic timing and playing with different approaches to humor in performance.

I’m serving as the Dramaturg (for those who haven’t worked with dramaturgs before, I do all the historical and thematic research for the production, and provide a link between the script on all levels and the actors/production/audience) for this production, and will be doing an open talkback on Saturday, April 9, following the matinee performance. I’ve enjoyed researching the context and themes, including how humor affected those during WWII and those living now; audience members are sure to enjoy the show even more.

An important facet of See How They Run is that characters do not shy away from the difficulties within their or others’ lives, but find ways (often humorous!) to get through. To fit the global context of the show and help those in need, we will be accepting donations to the campus relief fund to assist those affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Theatre guests choosing to contribute may do so during intermission.

From mistaken identities to runaway spies to one soldier’s instruction to “Arrest most of these bishops!” along with the opportunity to find humor amidst difficulty and help others, See How They Run will keep you laughing during the entire show. So, this or next weekend, take a break from your numerous stressors and responsibilities to see a show that thankfully reminds us how hilarious life can be.

~KN/CU synopsis

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Performance Information

Dates: April 7 – 9 and 14 – 15 & 17, with evening performances at 8:00 pm, a Saturday matinee at 2:00, and a Sunday matinee at 3:00.
Dramaturgy Talkback on Saturday, April 9, at approximately 4:30 pm.
More information: Cedarville University Production Season
Tickets: Available online or at the door. Cedarville University Box Office

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 04/07 – 04/20

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HRTC: Permanent Collection

Human Race Theatre Co.: Permanent Collection

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

Famous playwright, critic, and essayist George Bernard Shaw (who wrote Arms and the Man, opening this weekend at Clark State) once said, “You see things; and you say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were; and I say, ‘Why not?’” The capacity to imagine and “dream things that never were” is vital to appreciating the arts, for the moment you walk through theatre doors, you become part of a new world and story for the next few hours. From a monster made of smoke to a drag queen with just “an angry inch” to four men running around in various stages of undress and clergy suits, the shows in the greater Dayton area this week are sure to expand your imaginations, while inspiring laughter and thought at the same time. Between special performances and weekend schedules, eight shows and a special event over the next two weeks provides you the opportunity to see a show almost any night you choose. So, this week, see a show or two or eight and enhance your imagination – as Shaw said, “Why not?”

ANOTHER OPENIN’, ANOTHER SHOW

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

The Phantom Tollbooth

ZOOT THEATRE COMPANY with TOWN HALL THEATRE COMPANY

Phantom Tollbooth

Photo Credit: ZOOT Theatre Company

The Story: In this adaptation of the youth classic, after the very bored Milo receives a make-believe tollbooth, he is transported to the Lands Beyond, a fantastic and imaginitive world. He meets Tock the watchdog, the floating Alex Bings (whose legs have not yet grown down to earth), Dynne (a monster made of smoke), and many others, ultimately learning the boundlessness of imagination.
Dates: April 15 – 30, 2011, at both Town Hall Theatre and the Schuster Center Mathile Theatre
Tickets and More Information: Town Hall Theatre, Victoria Theatre Association , Zoot Theatre Company, and watch for a DMM feature article next week!

See How They Run

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

CU: See How They Run

Students rehearse in preparation for the show. Photo credit: Scott Huck

The Story: Galloping in and out of the four doors of an English vicarage are an American actor and actress, a cockney maid who has seen too many American movies, a staunch parishioner who unknowingly gets into the cooking sherry, and four men in clergyman suits. One is the bishop who really lives there, another is a disguised escaped prisoner, one just dropped in to visit, and the other — well, that’s left for those on stage and the audience to figure out in this WWII-era farce. (CU)
Dates: April 7 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Cedarville University Production Season, Cedarville University Box Office , and watch for a DMM feature article!

Arms and the Man

CLARK STATE UNIVERSITY THEATRE

The Story: “The Petkoff women inadvertently save an enemy soldier’s life during wartime. After the war, the soldier returns to the Petkoff home only to be reunited with his warring enemies. With classic George Bernard Shaw witticism,”Arm & the Man” shows the foolishness of war against a lush and romantic backdrop.” (CSU press release)
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Clark State box office

Permanent Collection

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY

Permanent Collection

The Story: Loosely based on a true story, in this play, eccentric collector Alfred Morris pretty much guarantees the collisions when his will stipulates both that his museum go to an historically black college and that the displays be kept precisely as they are – leading to an inevitable battle over African artworks that have been kept in basement storage.(HRTC)
Dates: April 14 – May 1, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Human Race Theatre Company

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South, DMM Review

BCYT: AliceAlice’s Adventures in Wonderland

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY YOUTH THEATRE

The Story: Alice falls down a rabbit-hole into “a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles!” (BCT) This children’s adaptation provides a contemporary view of the Carroll classic, where “nonsense makes quite good sense” and we can believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.
Dates: April 8 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Beavercreek Community Theatre , 937-429-4737

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild

…ONE WEEKEND ONLY

Hedwig

JJ Parkey as Hedwig

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

The Story: After the sex change operation that will allow her to marry US soldier Luther is botched, East German

rock ‘n’ roll goddess and “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt is left with just “an angry inch.” This award-winning, outrageous, and unexpectedly hilarious show tells her story in rock music and stand-up comedy, and is a show for all those who felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile, and all those who yearn to be complete. JJ Parkey (Rent) and Abigail Nessen Bengson (award-winning Mimi in last season’s Rent) co-star.
Dates: April 7 – 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Encore Theater Company

PART OF IT ALL

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Annie, Get Your Gun

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL & SPRINGFIELD CIVIC THEATRE

Auditions: Saturday, April 9, 2011 – 9 am
Performances: June 16 – 19, 2011
The Story: A fictionalized version of the lives of historical figures, in this musical, we explore the life of sharpshooter Annie Oakley, from her falling in love to handling rival sharpshooters.
Directed by: Becky Brunsman
More Information: Springfield Arts Council: Auditions

ONE SHORT DAY

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Marshmallow Island

The Legend of Marshmallow Island

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL

The Basics: In this exploration of world music, Lorne Lampert, founder of Mystic Drumz, searches for Marshmallow Island through multicultural music themes and interactive audience participation with projection, sound effects, and instruments from around the world.
Date: April 13, 2011 – 7:30 pm
More Information: http://www.springfieldartscouncil.org

~KN

Wig In a Box

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Hedwig & The Angry Inch - Encore Theater Co. - April 7-9 - Dayton, OHHedwig and The Angry Inch

ENCORE THEATER CO.

A few months ago, I was approached by our artistic director, David Brush, about directing the upcoming production of Hedwig and The Angry Inch.  My initial reaction was to decline, as life was certainly going to be very busy this spring, and I knew NOTHING about the show, but the opportunity to work with some of the most insanely talented people I’ve ever encountered proved to be too much of attraction.  JJ Parkey was the lead in our production of RENT last June, as were The Bengsons (Shaun & Abigail), a  mesmerizing musical duo that I can never get enough of.

Hedwig & The Angry Inch - Encore Theater Co. - April 7-9 - Dayton, OH - Photo by Ray Zupp

JJ Parkey as "Hedwig"

Since most of the ensemble would not be able to begin rehearsal until very late in the process, JJ Parkey and I began to explore the show together.  We began to peel away the layers of the show and discovered some of the most hearbreakingly beautiful theatre that I’ve ever encountered, all disguised as a drag queen rock show in a dive bar.  The official show descriptions just don’t give Hedwig justice.  All over the internet there are comments like “…a new generation’s Rocky Horror,” and “…outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious rock musical.”

These descriptions make the show sound great, but I had no clue to what extent this piece would affect me emotionally.  This is one of the most intense pieces of musical theater that I have ever encountered, mixed in with a healthy dose of risque humor and a terrific rock score.  While the characters  and their over-the-top life experiences seem so foreign to us, their desire to become “whole” to be the person that they were meant to be, to live a complete life speaks to everyone.  Everyone.  It doesn’t matter that the words are being voiced by this character stuck somewhere between a woman and a man, through her horrific experience, we can see our own.

Hedwig & The Angry Inch - Encore Theater Co. - April 7-9 - Dayton, OH

Hedwig & a fan at Blind Bob's

Once “The Angry Inch” gathered together and started joining us for rehearsals, I began to understand how this show has begun to garner status as a “cult classic” and amass an army of obsessed “Hed-Heads.”  This show freakin’ rocks!

The story & lyrics by John Cameron Mitchell and the songs by Stephen Trask fit the setting of this dive bar gig.  There’s something oddly old school about the comedy. At one turn the physical slapstick style of American Vaudeville perfectly married with the contemprary anger-laced and layered verbal sparring of today’s brightest comic minds.  The comedy is paired with a diverse collection of  songs that help to convey this character’s shocking story through a wide spectrum of emotion…passion, confusion, pain, anger, self-loathing, utter joy.  If a live performance could be bipolar, then HEDWIG is the rock musical answer to ‘Sybil’ with performances that are equally iconic and memorable.  The musical, comedy and dramatic layers collide in this performance to create an evening of near perfect theatre and an emotionally saturating 90 minutes.

UPDATE (4/8/2011):  On Wednesday evening, DMM contributors Juliet Fromholt & GladGirl  interviewed JJ Parkey about Hedwig & The Angry Inch on their show, Kaleidoscope on WYSO, 91.3 FM.  Listen HERE.

-SA / DB

-Photos by Ray Zupp

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

EncoreTheaterCompany.comHedwig and the Angry Inch

After the sex change operation that will allow her to marry US soldier Luther is botched, East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess and “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt is left with just “an angry inch.” This award-winning, outrageous, and unexpectedly hilarious show tells her story in rock music and stand-up comedy. Hedwig and The Angry Inch is a show for all those who felt life gave them an inch when they deserved a mile.

Thursday & Friday, April 7 & 8 – 8pm at Club Vex, 101 S. St. Clair Street

Saturday, April 9 – 8pm at MJ’s Cafe, 119 E. Third Street (enter at back of building)

All Tickets $15 – Visit EncoreTheaterCompany.com for tickets

For more information about Encore Theater Company’s entire 2011 season of musical theatre, visit EncoreTheaterCompany.com

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Hedwig & The Angry Inch - Encore Theater Co. - April 7-9 - Dayton, OH - Photo by Ray Zupp

Everything Must Go + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE News!

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Hello Everyone.

It’s time to move on. Our three current films – CEDAR RAPIDS, I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS and TINY FURNITURE – will only play through Thursday. Hurry down if you still need to see them (visit our website – www.neonmovies.com – for current showtimes). On Friday, we will open 2 new films – HEARTBEATS and THE CONCERT.

HEARTBEATS was one of my “Top 5” from Toronto…right up there with two films we’ve already shown from my list – THE KING’S SPEECH and RABBIT HOLE. Xavier Dolan, the 22-year old director of the film, has had both of his movies play and win awards at the Cannes Film Festival. He’s an incredible director with a stunning visual style. Don’t miss this incredible film – we’re one of the only cinemas in the midwest to play HEARTBEATS.
Synopsis for HEARTBEATS: “Francis and Marie are close friends. One day, during a lunch, they meet Nicolas, a young man from the country newly arrived in town. As one rendezvous leads troublingly to another – whether real or imagined, the signs are all bad – each of the two friends slides deeper into obsessive fantasies around the same object of desire. And the deeper they slide, the more their once cast-iron friendship begins to crack under the pressure of competing for the new kid on the block. Xavier Dolan’s second film, Heartbeats, is a study of the fall into love. We follow each stage of the typical love story’s progress – it starts with a meeting and ends in tears. The film reveals a fundamentally simple intrigue that careens through a whole gamut of poetic craziness: passions unleashed, expectations, sorrow, humiliation and, finally, loneliness.” (taken from IFC Films)

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THE CONCERT is a real crowd-pleaser. About 10 days ago, I received an e-mail from Rochelle Goldstein – one of our regulars at THE NEON. She wrote, “Last evening in DelRay FL, Mike and I saw THE CONCERT, hands-down one of the absolute best! Any chance it’ll come your way soon? If so, we need to see it again, and maybe even yet again!” That’s quite an endorsement, and I think many of you will feel the same way about this film.

Synopsis for THE CONCERT: “Thirty years ago, Andrei Simoniovich Filipov, the renowned conductor of the Bolshoi orchestra, was fired for hiring Jewish musicians. Now a mere cleaning man at the Bolshoi, he learns by accident that the Chatelet Theater in Paris invites the Bolshoi orchestra to play there. He decides to gather together his former musicians and to perform in Paris in the place of the current Bolshoi orchestra. As a solo violin player to accompany his old Jewish or Gypsy musicians he wants Anne-Marie Jacquet, a young virtuoso. If they all overcome the hardships ahead this very special concert will be a triumph.” (taken from metacritic)

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NORTH DIXIE DRIVE Sold Out on Saturday and Sunday…so we’ve added more screenings. Tickets are now available for April 8, 9, & 10 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website)

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PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips – the subject of the film – will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

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Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Visit the OFFICIAL SITE.

LUNAFEST: Short Films By, For, and About Women has been set for Sunday, April 17 at 3:00. This will be the 3rd year for LUNAFEST at THE NEON…and it’s been quite successful the past two years. Mark you calendars now, and I’ll provide ticket details in next week’s newsletter.

Folks from Cirque du Soleil are offering NEON subscribers 15% off select tickets to their new show OVO – described as “…a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with life, where insects work, eat, crawl, flutter, play, fight and look for love in a non-stop riot of energy…” OVO will take place in Cincinnati under the Big Top at Coney Island. (In the coming days, Cirque will send us some free tickets which I’ll be using as prizes at THE NEON. I’ll keep you posted.)
Discounted tickets are available HERE.
See you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 8 – April 14:

HEARTBEATS (NR) 1 Hr 35 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday & Tuesday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Wednesday: 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Thursday: 3:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

THE CONCERT (PG-13) 1 Hr 59 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 5:30, 8:00

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00

PUNCHING THE CLOWN (NR) 91 Min + Q&A and Stand-Up Teaser
Wednesday: 7:30

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 JANE EYRE
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

TINY FURNITURE + 2 New Films Next Week! LIMITED ENGAGEMENTS!!

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Hello Everyone.

In addition to holding onto I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS and CEDAR RAPIDS, we will open a film festival darling called TINY FURNITURE.  Visit www.neonmovies.com for the current showtimes.

Synopsis for TINY FURNITURE (I love this synopsis): “22-year-old Aura returns home to her artist mother’s TriBeCa loft with the following: a useless film theory degree, 357 hits on her Youtube page, a boyfriend who’s left her to find himself at Burning Man, a dying hamster, and her tail between her legs. Luckily, her trainwreck childhood best friend never left home, the restaurant down the block is hiring, and ill-advised romantic possibilities lurk around every corner. Surrounded on all sides by what she could become, Aura just wants someone to tell her who she is.”   OFFICIAL SITE

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I’m so excited to announce that we will open 2 new films next week (April 8th)…but they will only play for one week. One is the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT (see trailer). The other is another film from my “Top 5” from last year’s Toronto Film Fest – HEARTBEATS – which is the 2nd, full-of-style feature from my newest, favorite director – Xavier Dolan. Mark your calendars. We’re one of only a handful of cinemas in the MidWest play the film!! These films will only play for one week!
HEARTBEATS Trailer!

THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is underway. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are completely SOLD OUT!  I’ll keep you posted if we’re able to add additional screenings.  “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website)

On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this link . Find out more about the film by joining the facebook fan page.”

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home. Tickets for the first screening have already sold out…so a 2nd screening has been added for 5:15.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie. (Garchen Rinpoche will not attend the 5:15 screening.)
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation. ” (taken from press release)

See you soon!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for April 1 – April 7:

CEDAR RAPIDS (R)
Fri & Sat: 3:00, 7:30
Sun: 5:15 PM
Mon – Thu: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R)
Fri & Sat: 5:10, 9:40
Sun: 9:40 PM
Mon – Thu: 5:10, 9:40

TINY FURNITURE (NR)
Fri – Sun: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Mon: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Tue: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20
Wed & Thu: 2:50, 5:00, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00

ONE SUMMER HERE (NR) 20+ minutes
Tuesday: 9:30

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 3:00 – WHERE I STAND
Sunday: 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday: 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday: 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative. Some of these dates will change.
In some cases, titles may disappear.
April 8 HEARTBEATS
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 JANE EYRE
April 29 OF GODS AND MEN
May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
June 3 BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK
July 1 TREE OF LIFE
TBD POTICHE
TBD CERTIFIED COPY

Highly Favored While Hated

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Playhouse South staged Dayton’s first community theater presentation of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent” last season, but currently embraces more traditional tastes with its production of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a breezily sung-through Biblical opus which opened Friday, March 25 in the Clark Haines Theatre of the Kettering Board of Education Building.

Brett Norgaard supplies sincere innocence, sensitivity and understatement as the titular prophetic boy wonder colorfully cloaked by his adoring father Jacob (Richard Young) and absolutely despised by his jealous brothers. Norgaard’s shy timidity and underdog persona serves him well as Joseph’s topsy-turvy journey from slavery to imprisonment to prominence inherently stirs emotions that pull the audience in, particularly during the poignant “Close Every Door,” one of Lloyd Webber’s finest ballads. He is also winningly partnered with Emily L. Fultz, whose lovely soprano and comedic sensibility warmly resonates while guiding the action as the Narrator.

Additionally, Webber and Rice’s tuneful score, incorporating calypso, country and western, rock and roll, and a Parisian and jazz-tinged waltz, is enjoyably upheld by the committed featured players. Brian Kester (Reuben) and Jim Brown (the Elvis-esque Pharaoh) are noteworthy for their respectively entertaining renditions of “One More Angel in Heaven” and “Song of the King.” The male ensemble also includes Rob Breving (Simeon), Tim Kushmaul (Levi), Kurt Cypher (Napthali), Daniel Sherrell (Asher), Jamal Cann (Dan), Bobby Gray (Zebulon), Jim Spencer (Gad and Potiphar), Jordan Gray (Benjamin) and Charlie Williford (Judah). The female ensemble is humorously led by Angie Thacker (Mrs. Potiphar), Cheryl Kayser (Butler) and Sande Scott (Baker) and also consists of Ashley Davis, Sherry Fox, Pauline Humbert, Jordan Norgaard, Livi Poghen, Katlyn Tilt and Mackensie Vonderbrink. The cute Children’s Chorus, who specifically heighten the lilting beauty of “Any Dream Will Do,” features Samantha Auditore, Zach Auman, Alli Brown, Emily Cypher, Raine Dedominci, Emily Imhoff, Gabrielle Kovachich, Nicholas Plummer and Jackson Smith.

Further, director Jennifer Skudlarek creates a sufficient sense of community while ensuring the larger musical numbers – such as “Joseph’s Coat,” “Go, Go, Go Joseph” and the hoedown reprise of the aforementioned “One More Angel in Heaven” – are delivered with energy. Music director Lorri B. Topping steadily leads the on stage orchestra.

This “Joseph” lacks the pizzazz of previous mountings of the show in our area over the years, but is certainly another artistic step in the right direction for Playhouse South.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will continue through April 9 in the Clark Haines Theatre of the Kettering Board of Education Building, 3700 Far Hills Ave., Kettering. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 42 minutes; Act Two: 40 minutes. For tickets or more information, call (888) 262-3792 or visit www.playhousesouth.org. In related news, Playhouse South’s 2011 season also consists of A Piece of My Heart (May 13-21), Into the Woods (Aug. 12-21), Fame: The Musical (Nov. 4-19) and In the Spotlight-2011 (Dec. 9-10).

A&E on a Budget: UD Presents Free Arts Performance

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University of Dayton's Ebony Heritage SingersThe University of Dayton will be taking over the Schuster Center on Tuesday, April 5th, for their annual Celebration of the Arts performance. Where else can you experience eighteen different arts ensembles in under 2 hours? And even better – it’s free!

The evening will feature performances by University of Dayton music, theater and dance students as well as visual arts displays in the lobby. Burt Saidel, arts reviewer for The Oakwood Register, and Georgie Woessner, general manager of WDPR-FM, will serve as masters of ceremonies. The evening begins at 6:30 pm in the Wintergarden with a visual arts display and pre-show entertainment. The evening will continue at 8 pm in the Mead Theatre. The event is free, but tickets are required and can be reserved online.

Don’t forget to check out other wallet-friendly options on UD’s campus:

The University’s annual LitFest kicks off with poets Kathy Fagan and Kwame Dawes on Friday, April 1, starting at 7:30 pm in Sears Recital Hall. Attend the opening program for free, or register for a weekend full of workshops and readings.

ArtStreet’s Friday Film Series presents Howl (4/1), Elephant in the Living Room (4/8) and Exit Through the Gift Shop (4/15). Film screenings start at 9 pm and are free and open to the public.

The Theatre Program will present Smoke on the Mountain, April 1-3 and 7-9 at Kennedy Union’s Boll Theatre. Directed by Gina Kleesattel, this musical promises to deliver an uplifting evening of “singin’ and witnessin”. Tickets are $12; call (937) 229-2545.

The Department of Music offers a number of free performances during April; visit http://calendar.udayton.edu or http://arts.udayton.edu for a complete schedule.

UD is certainly not the only campus with free or cheap arts and entertainment. All of the colleges and universities in the Dayton region offer a wide variety of events, and many are open to the public. From the art galleries of Sinclair Community College to the Artist Series at Wright State University, there is something for everyone!

Dayton Ballet 2.0: New Music for New Dance Concert

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New Music for New Dance-Dayton Ballet

Every once and a while in life you get to witness a person, or in this case an organization, redeem themselves from the missteps of the past and to be reborn like new. In the case of Dayton Ballet, it highlights a possibly brighter new future for this seventy five year old regional ballet company.  With the New Music for New Dance Concert, Dayton Ballet has finally hit a home run. This dance junkie has hit the mother lode.

After a season that never quite delivered choreographically, this concert came at the right time. How refreshing to see an audience electrified and enthusiastic after a Dayton Ballet performance as opposed to the somber shuffling exit of the audience that one has become accustomed to.

While the program consisted of only three works, the quality of those three works will be what sustains me until the start of the arts season next fall. The intellectual glamour of Dan Karasik’s, Fixed Action, the formalist structure of Cydney Spohn’s Shaded Dimensions and the exuberantly kinetic choreography of Susanne Payne’s Interactions all provided this reviewer with more than enough to feast upon as a addict of dance.

The New Music for New Dance Concert could not have been possible without the generosity of the Miriam Rosenthal Foundation. This is important for several reasons.

This type of philanthropy is unique in that it supports the collaborative process of bringing two art forms together (music and dance) and also for new works in the ballet vernacular. Kudos to the Rosenthal Foundation for being proactive and progressive when it comes to arts funding; we as a community are incredibly grateful.  The community is the beneficiary ultimately, by receiving arts programming that is deserving of high praise.

The New Music for New Dance concert was a competition for the choreographers judged by three outside dance experts. Like the rest of the audience, I selected my favorite piece overall, however there were a lot of positive things to be said about all three works.

First of all, Dayton Ballet has a gem in its midst with Dan Karasik.  I am incredibly biased because I will be working with Dan this summer on a collaborative project, but up until this point I had not seen his work. Our collaboration is based upon the stellar project he pitched to me combined with his infectious energy.  Now that I have seen Fixed Action, I am even more excited about our collaboration this summer.

Fixed Action was first and foremost an intellectual endeavor that was about smart choreographic choices that stretched the ballet vocabulary in confident and textured ways. The circling partnering sections while referencing the themes of the music by Jeff Olmsted with its slight occidental tonal quality, never felt forced or contrived.  He was not trying to re-invent the ballet “wheel” just use it effectively and wisely. He succeeded.

Dan helped give the dancers fluidity by providing torque and twists in their upper bodies.  Two male dancers in particular stood out in his piece. Case Bodamer for his dynamic and expressive dancing and beautiful partnering abilities and Christian Delery for hitting all the right nuanced elements of Dan’s choreography and imbuing the movement with a personal stylistic flair. Also, I have never seen Erika Cole more alive on stage than this concert. She is, and will always be, one of the pleasures of watching this company perform.

Next up was Shaded Dimensions by Cydney Spohn, that more than a few times reminded me of one of my favorite choreographers, Merce Cunningham, and for all of the right reasons.  Referencing in art making is nothing new. If anyone has seen my work of late it is decidedly riddled with references to certain post modern dance practitioners; William Forsythe being at the top of the list.  Because Cydney is the most seasoned of the choreographers presenting, Shaded Dimensions plays with conventions subtly. The most abstract of all three of the works being presented, Shaded Dimensions really required the dancers to possess a nuanced movement quality that is not currently a part of their technique and subsequently the piece may have suffered because of it. This is why it is critical for the company to reinvigorate its movement vocabulary and keep bringing in fresh choreographic talent to challenge the dancers.

Once again Case Bodamer demonstrated why he is a dancer worth watching in the company. A committed performer with the facility and energy to deliver consistently, Case kept my attention through out this nuanced work from Cydney Spohn.

Because of the Merce Cunningham references, namely the slightly weighted off-center balances in arabesque and à la seconde and  grounded running circular patterns, this is the type programming for serious seasoned lovers of dance, not wannabes. Audiences start doing your homework. There will be more on this later in a future article.

Susanne Payne once again proves why she is one the most important art makers in our community.  In her work Interactions, she elevated Dayton Ballet and the dancers to new heights. This was no small feat, for what she brought to the stage was a work that loosened up the dancers in such a way that I saw every performer in a different critical light. She has intertwined an innate intellectual choreographic capability with doses of abstraction and imbued the piece with a humanity and emotional depth. This creation may have forever changed the perception of what Dayton Ballet is capable of artistically.

The two-section piece had a playful joyous energy that rooted and grounded the dancers in the modern dance vocabulary that Susie is mostly known for. Yes ballet dancers can do weighted movement!  And yes, they can even crawl and roll on the floor. It is just a question of it having a purpose and intentionally propelling the choreography forward to a logical conclusion.

The female dancers possessed a fluid confidence that I have not seen previously this season. The men once again lead by Case and Christian, danced with a power and determination and a playfulness that felt genuine and real.

From the grand sweeping circular patterns that propelled the dancers in intricate petite allegro beats and partnered lifts, to the intricate gestural hand and arms, this was a work of epic scale that still stayed within the realm of human dimensions. The duets that referenced unspoken sub-textual needs and emotions that anybody could relate to brought out things in the dancers previously unseen. The beautiful men’s duet section was a joy to behold. Susanne stated that this piece was about pushing the boundaries of the dancers with her choreography; and by doing this she has pushed the boundaries of what this company is capable of as well.

Because this was a choreographic competition, there had to be a winner selected and the judges, like an “arts” version of that big televised music competition whose name shall not be uttered, bestowed the prize on Susanne Payne. But there were multiple winners this evening:

  1. All three choreographers were winners for using this the opportunity to create work and explore new ideas.
  1. The audience finally had a dance concert worth talking about and one that delivered in spades.
  1. Dayton Ballet proved that there is still life and artistic vitality within the organization.

This concert for the first time this season has given me hope for the future of professional dance in Dayton. To see people talking about which pieces were their favorites at all of the intermissions was refreshing and very telling. This was active arts participation, a level of engagement that will lead to people enthusiastically discussing it on Monday at the “water cooler” and to comment on Facebook and Twitter.

I stated in my first review that if the Dayton Ballet delivers this caliber of choreography and new programming that I would do everything in my power as a reviewer to help get the word out.  This was the perfect high note on which to end the season. And I will be talking about this for a long time. Bravo Dayton Ballet!!!

Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE + NORTH DIXIE DRIVE!

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Hello Everyone.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS performed better than anticipated last weekend, so we’re going to at least be able to keep it for a handful of screenings for another week. Though CEDAR RAPIDS fell substantially, we’re going to keep it, too. In addition, we’re going to open a new film. Scholars of cinema recognize its influence from Italian masters like Antonioni and Bertolucci, and A.O. Scott of THE NEW YORK TIMES (and several others) gave it a 100% review. Sofia Coppola’s SOMEWHERE, starring Stephen Dorff and Elle Fanning, won the Golden Lion at last year’s Venice Film Festival.

Synopsis for SOMEWHERE: “You have probably seen him in the tabloids; Johnny is living at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. He has a Ferrari to drive around in, and a constant stream of girls and pills to stay in with. Comfortably numbed, Johnny drifts along. Then, his 11-year-old daughter Cleo from his failed marriage arrives unexpectedly at the Chateau. Their encounters encourage Johnny to face up to where he is in life and confront the question that we all must: which path in life will you take? ” OFFICIAL SITE

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THE 11th DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL had it’s first screening at THE NEON on Thursday evening…and there are many more great screenings. To see a list of titles, screening venues, showtimes and ticket details, visit the official site.
Here are the films that will screen at THE NEON:
Sunday, March 27 at 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday, March 29 at 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday, March 30 at 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS
Sunday, April 3 at 3:00 – WHERE I STAND: THE HANK GREENSPUN STORY
Sunday, April 3 at 7:10 – NORA’S WILL
Wednesday, April 6 at 7:10 – A MATTER OF SIZE
Thursday, April 7 at 7:10 – JEWS & BASEBALL: AN AMERICAN LOVE STORY

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE tickets are really starting to move for our additional screenings. Tickets are now available for April 1, 2 & 3 at 1pm, and they’re just $5. “NORTH DIXIE DRIVE is the portrait of a small community of businesses and people residing in the Northridge section of Dayton, OH. It is the story of big time wrestlers, mechanics, a donut salesmen, an eccentric country singer, barbers, exotic dancers and car repo men. This collection of people, from all walks of life, live and work around a traffic circle situated along highway I-75, and fight to keep their lives and careers afloat in a failing economy. This debut film by Brooklyn, NY filmmaker Eric Mahoney showcases an off beat group of characters in today’s Middle America.” (taken from website) You can see a trailer and read more about the film by visiting the official site.

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On Tuesday, April 5, Andrew – one of our employees – will premiere his latest work. “ONE SUMMER HERE is an independent short film by local filmmakers and Wright State Motion-Pictures alumni Andrew Fiscus (writer, director) and Cole Pisano (director of photography) that will be holding its world premiere screening on Tuesday, April 5th at 9:30PM. It’s a sweltering Ohio summer, and Emma and Dan are growing up. They’re eighteen, hovering somewhere between child and adult. Emma is dreaming of leaving, and Dan is dreaming of her. All the nuance of growing up and the confusion and impetus to be something new, something more than yourself, is explored in the dreamy ONE SUMMER HERE. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged to help offset the high cost of film festival submissions. You can view the trailer for the film by visiting this site.

PUNCHING THE CLOWN will have one special screening on Wednesday, April 13 at 7:30…and Henry Phillips will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening. “Winner of the Audience Award at the Slamdance Film Festival, this uproarious and smart new comedy tells the story of Henry Phillips, a hapless modern day troubadour who grinds his way through the heartland, living out of his car and singing his twisted satirical songs to anyone who will listen. After a booking mishap involving a Christian fundraiser, he decides he’s hit rock bottom. Seeking to shake things up, he moves to L.A. where his luck changes overnight. Thanks less to his inept manager than to a wild case of mistaken identity, he falls backwards into a string of packed gigs, a record deal and even the promise of love. But he who lives by the whimsy of show business dies by it, and reality hits him like a fist in the face: an innocent miscommunication over a bagel brands him a neo-Nazi in the world of tabloid journalism…Hailed by comedy icon Sarah Silverman as ‘the best movie about comedy I’ve seen so far,’ this hilarious and evocative film is ‘totally primed for a fervent cult following.'” (taken from press notes) General admission will apply, and tickets will be available one week prior to the event.

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Gar Drolma Buddhist Center will host an event at THE NEON on Saturday, April 16th. “Imagine if every thought, word, and action was only…FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL BEINGS – A film by Christina Lundberg, producer of Mystic Tibet, Discovering Buddhism, and On the Road Home.
Garchen Rinpoche’s life presents tragic events from the light of transcendent experience. After the Chinese invasion of Tibet, Rinpoche joined the Tibetan resistance fighters and was subsequently imprisoned for more than 20 years, enduring horrifying conditions. He practiced the Buddha’s teachings in secret and emerged a Realized Being; then risked his life to preserve the living tradition of the path to enlightenment… On Saturday, April 16th at 3:00 pm Gar Drolma will host a benefit screening of this magnificent film with Garchen Rinpoche in the audience. Garchen Rinpoche and Christina Lundberg, filmmaker, will speak following the screening of the movie.
When you purchase your tickets online, you will see price levels of $10, $20, $30, $40, $50 and $108…all seating will be general admission. The tiered prices are offered to you as a convenient way to donate to the making of the film…Any amount above $10 is a tax deductible donation.” (taken from press release) Official site.

Hold the date:  LUNAFEST is set for April 17th!  Ticket details and additional information will be available in early April, but I wanted you to know that the date has just been set.

Next week, we’re scheduled to open TINY FURNITURE.  We’ll then open the crowd-pleasing film THE CONCERT.  THE NEON is buzzing, and FilmDayton will soon be unveiling their line-up for May. With so much happening, I’m sure we’ll see you soon.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for March 25 – March 31:

SOMEWHERE (R) 1 Hr 37 Min
Friday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Saturday: 12:45, 2:50, 7:20, 9:30
Sunday: 12:45, 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:00, 7:20, 9:30

CEDAR RAPIDS (R) 1 Hr 27 Min
Friday, Saturday: 3:00, 7:30
Sunday: 3:00, 7:45
Monday, Tuesday: 3:00, 7:30
Wednesday: 3:00
Thursday: 3:00, 7:30

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS (R) 1 Hr 38 Min
Friday, Saturday: 12:50, 5:10, 9:40
Sunday: 12:50, 9:45
Monday, Tuesday: 5:10, 9:40
Wednesday: 5:10, 9:50
Thursday: 5:10, 9:40

NORTH DIXIE DRIVE (NR) 52 Min + Q&A
Saturday: 5:00

DAYTON JEWISH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Sunday: 5:15 – THE YANKLES
Tuesday: 9:30am – AHEAD OF TIME
Wednesday: 7:10 – IMAGINE THIS

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

April 1 TINY FURNITURE
April 8 THE CONCERT
April 15 WIN WIN
April 15 or 22 JANE EYRE

May 6 WINTER IN WARTIME
May 13 THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD
May 20 IN A BETTER WORLD
TBD POTICHE, OF GODS AND MEN, BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre – 03/24 – 04/06

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THURSDAY, MARCH 24 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 2011

Rainbow Bricks

Limestone Bricks: rainbow base painting (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

When I wandered into the theatre today, a scenic artist was busily painting a stone wall – with nearly every color of the rainbow, rather than a traditional brick red or tan. The stones looked gorgeous, although not yet like the limestone bricks on the set model. “Real bricks aren’t flat – they’re unique,” she said, explaining her process of basing the bricks with rainbow scumbling, then applying multiple washes to mute the colors but bring out the pigments and bright undertones. However, when the set is complete, audience members will never know just how many layers were essential to make such a realistic stone wall.

So many layers and colors go into every one of these shows, as well. From the sound designer to the box office intern to the actors and directors, shows are necessarily collaborative and layered, to an extreme. Often, we are never aware of these affectations, but each one contributes to the show that we see.

Limestone bricks: completed! (Photo Credit: Denise Yvette Serna)

Likewise, we and the people around us bear the same intricacies and layers. We are products of years of existence and influence; each personal experience has added color to the scumbled wall that is a life. Part of the magic of theatre is its influential power to reflect people; part of that, and of shows in general, illustrates the deep and layered nature of those other human beings around us. It does this not only through the literal act of a show, but also through the subtle things, like the rainbow layers underneath the bricks.

This week, go see one of the following shows. Whether exploring cupcakes, alcoholism, or sex, each one deals in some way with real people, in all of their layers and depth; therefore, through them, we can better understand the people and world around us. You could even take a friend or two to one of the shows below, then discuss it over drinks or dinner afterward. Understand the layers, one at a time.

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Bill W. and Dr. Bob

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Bill W & Dr. Bob: DPH

The Story: Bill W. – famous New York stockbroker who loses everything in the 1929 crash, then turns to alcohol – and Dr. Bob Smith – Ohio surgeon who often operates hung over – meet and form a relationship, each helping to keep the other sober. This courageously blunt, uncompromisingly straight forward docu-drama explores the lives of these two men and the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.
Dates: April 1 – 3, 2011 (Season Extra)
Tickets and More Information: 937-424-8477, Dayton Playhouse

The Boys Next Door

DAYTON THEATRE GUILD

The Story: Four emotionally and/or mentally challenged men live together as part of an independent living program; social worker Jack attempts to guide them in their distinct trials and pursuit of a happier life.
Dates: April 1 – 17, 2011
Tickets and More Information: 937-278-5993 or Dayton Theatre Guild

Joseph: PHS

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: This musical, the first collaboration between Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, explores the Biblical saga of Joseph through an exciting variety of musical styles. The prophetic Joseph is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and taken to Egypt, where he “endures a series of adventures in which his spirit and humanity are continually challenged” as he struggles to survive in a new land and move past his brothers’ betrayal.
Dates: March 25 – April 9, 2011
Tickets and More Information: Playhouse South

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

Pinkalicious!

TOWN HALL THEATRE – LANDMARK CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Photo Credit: Mike Long

The Story: Young Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes, even though her parents and friends warn her to stop. But when she wakes up one morning to discover she has turned bright pink from head to toe, her doctor diagnoses her with Pinkitis. In this adaptation of the beloved children’s book, families see if there can ever be too much of a good thing.
Dates: March 11 – 27, 2011
Tickets: (937) 433-8957
More Information: Town Hall Theatre: Pinkalicious

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

Encore Theater Company: Summer Mainstage Season

The Basics: Altar Boyz. In My Blood. Pump up the Volume. The Consequences. In its exciting 2011 season, ETC collaborates with Sinclair Community College and the Human Race Theatre Company to bring Dayton several developing and contemporary musicals throughout the summer.
Auditions: March 27 – 29, 2011 (schedule appointment)
More Information: Encore Theater Company

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Avenue Q

VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Story: Princeton moves to NYC with bright eyes, big dreams, and a tiny bank account, and ends up on Avenue Q, where everyone is looking for the same things: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Sponsored by Logos@Work, Square One Salon & Spa, and with DaytonMostMetro.com as media sponsor, this national touring production of the sassy, irreverently hilarious puppet show that took Broadway by storm explores the ups and downs of life and “the real world.”
Date: March 30, 2011 – One Night Only!
Tickets: Ticket Center Stage , but they’re almost sold out!
More Information: DMM Feature

~KN

…brought to you by the Letter Q

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Avenue Q - The Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio - Wed. March 30, 2011Avenue Q

THE VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

One Night Only!

On the evening of June 6, 2004…there was an epic battle on ‘The Great White Way,’ a battle along the lines of David & Goliath.  The musical that turned out to be a monster of a success–a certain GREEN Monster of a musical–went head to head with a little show that starred a bunch of monsters of the furry variety.  On that night, the theatre world was shocked when Avenue Q stole away three major awards (Best Book, Best Score & Best Musical) from the contender, Wicked.  Certainly this did not hurt Wicked, which is still going strong on Broadway and around the world, but the results did make a statement…the theatre community wasn’t going to allow the commercialism (“Disney-ification” even) of Broadway to always buy itself the ultimate recognition.

Avenue Q - The Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio - Wed. March 30, 2011Avenue Q carried on as the little show that could, playing over 2,500 performances on Broadway before making an unprecedented return to Off-Broadway, where it is still running.  Additionally, it enjoyed a Las Vegas production as well as multiple tours and international productions.  It is very fortunate that The Victoria Theatre Association scored this one-night-only affair on March 30th, as this tour is set to close less than a month after it’s visit to the Gem City.  After receiving the most recent press release from the VTA (below), I am positive that the presenters wish that they had been able to schedule at least two or three performances of the show, as the ticket sales have been brisk and the show is nearly sold out.

Avenue Q - The Victoria Theatre, Dayton, Ohio - Wed. March 30, 2011While I enjoy the “Wicked’s” and “Lion King’s” like the rest of the country, I am so much more excited when a tour such as Avenue Q or Spring Awakening swings through town.  These shows have taken the artform in a slightly skewed direction, which is a good thing, no, a great thing…this is how new forms are created, and new audiences are developed.  It is very important for all arts organizations to consider not only the current season ticket holders, but also new potential audiences such as YP’s, college students, urban dwellers and others.

DISCLAIMER!

Avenue Q - The Victoria Theatre, Dayton, OH - Wednesday, March 30, 2011It is very important that I include the following information:  The puppets are cute to look at, but please don’t think about bringing your Sesame Street loving children!  For instance, the pretty pink puppet above, her name is Lucy The Slut.  The handsome monster in the first pic?  He sings a song titled “The Internet Is For Porn.”  Other songs will include “It Sucks to Be Me,” “If You Were Gay,” “What Do You Do with a B.A. in English,” “Everyone’s a Little Bit Racist,” and the ever-popular “I’m Not Wearing Underwear Today.”

Avenue Q - The Victoria Theatre, Dayton, OH - Wednesday, March 30, 2011So, long story short, if you won’t get offended easily by puppets talking about sexuality (full puppet nudity??), social issues and all-around questions of adulthood, do your best to score some tickets to this show!  Give TicketCenterStage a call today (967/228-3630) & try to grab the last of the seats.  It will be a good time, and maybe you’ll learn a few things that they never addressed on PBS when we were growing up!

-SA/VTA Press Release

We encourage local theatre companies to submit calendar items HERE, and official press releases to [email protected].

Tickets & Performance Information:

Avenue Q - The Victoria Theatre, Dayton, OH - Wednesday, March 30, 2011Avenue Q

Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at The Victoria Theatre – 7:30 p.m.

Tickets range from $65 – $90

While the show is nearly sold out, you can inquire about tickets through Ticket Center Stage, or 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.

For more information about Victoria Theatre Association’s entire 20010-2011 season, visitwww.victoriatheatre.com.

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Victoria Theatre Association PRESS RELEASE:

AVENUE Q’s One Night Performance Nears Sell Out

(Dayton, OH) – March 11, 2011 – Victoria Theatre Association’s one-night-only presentation of Avenue Q at the Victoria Theatre on Wednesday, March 30 is almost sold out.

“Due to the tour’s scheduling constraints we were unable to secure a second performance,” comments Ken Neufeld, President & CEO of Victoria Theatre Association. “The demand for tickets has been great – and gratifying! We’ll be looking to bring the tour back for another performance as soon as we can.”

As of Friday, March 11, there are less than 100 seats left, according to Lisa Wagner, Ticket Center Director. Most of the remaining seats are located in the theatre’s balcony. Prices of tickets are $65, $80, and $90. A number of Orchestra seats have been released for $90 each.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 967/228-3630 or 888/228-3630; online at www.ticketcenterstage.com, or at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, located in the Wintergarden of the Benjamin and Marian Schuster Performing Arts Center in downtown Dayton.

The three-time Tony® Award winning musical is Broadway’s smash-hit about real life in New York City told by a cast of people and puppets through a hilariously irreverent, Tony-winning book and score.

AVENUE Q tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who moves to NYC with big dreams and a tiny bank account. The only apartment he can afford is way out on Avenue Q, where everyone’s looking for the same things he is: a decent job, a stable relationship, and a “purpose.” Eventually, Princeton learns to embrace the ups and downs of city life and realizes that “the real world” isn’t so bad after all!

The New York Times hailed AVENUE Q as “a breakthrough musical of a very different stripe. Savvy, sassy and delicious!” and Entertainment Weekly claimed it was “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see!”

AVENUE Q features music and lyrics by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx, book by Jeff Whitty, based on an original concept by Robert Lopez and Jeff Marx; and is directed by Jason Moore; puppet design by Rick Lyon, orchestrations by Stephen Oremus, choreography by Ken Roberson, scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Mirena Rada, lighting design by Howell Binkley, and sound design by Lew Mead; associate director is Evan Ensign and music supervisor is Andrew Graham.

AVENUE Q is produced by Work Light Productions.

For more information on AVENUE Q visit www.avenueqontour.com.

Due to adult situations (like full-puppet nudity), AVENUE Q may be inappropriate for kids under 13.

For more information regarding the rest of the presentations at the Victoria Theatre and the Benjamin and Marion Schuster Performing Arts Center, visit www.victoriatheatre.com.