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This Week in Dayton Theatre

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8 – TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2010

Glengarry Glen Ross - Springfield StageWorksExcited about SEED Theatre’s upcoming production of Grey Gardens, I was listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording earlier. In the song “Goin’ Places,” Joe sings to Edie, “Kid – we’re goin’ places, goin’ places you’ve never really seen… All the signs are good, so knock on wood, we’re gonna be a-okay! ‘Cause the place we’re goin’, we’re goin’ all the way.”

Well, onStageDayton is going places, too.

My name is Katherine Nelson, and I’m a senior theatre performance major at Cedarville University and also a literary intern with Encore Theater Company. For a while, Shane and David at Encore have been writing occasionally to feature various shows and organizations, and now, we have a lot of plans to make onStageDayton even better. We all would like this to become not just another website to check, but the central place to go for everything pertaining to Dayton stages, a nucleus for theatre and arts professionals, participants, and spectators alike.

So, I’ll be publishing a column on Wednesday of each week, centrally including:
–          The upcoming weekend’s shows opening, reminders of what’s still playing, and things not to miss before they close – and where to get tickets for all of those.
–          Any special arts events, such as the upcoming Urban Nights celebration.
–          And, auditions and casting calls for the next several weeks, so you can plan ahead.

Additionally, we’ll continue to write feature stories to highlight events, shows, volunteers, organizations, and more. Comments are accepted on the stories, so join the conversation and let us know what you’re thinking! We’d love to get your input.

So… onStageDayton is definitely going places! But for now, here’s a post, like what you’ll be able to expect from me and onStageDayton every Wednesday. Here’s to many more!

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS TO CATCH BEFORE THEY CLOSE

The Producers

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan; Music & Lyrics by Mel Brooks
September 10 – 12, 2010

What happens when a down-and-out producer and his mousy accountant realize that they can make more money on Broadway with a flop than a hit? They option the rights to “a gay romp with Adolf and Eva” in a guaranteed disaster of a show called “Springtime for Hitler!” What they didn’t plan on is that flop becoming a runaway hit… Find out what happens as the Dayton Playhouse presents its season opening musical comedy The Producers.

This is the final weekend of performances, so make sure to see it before it closes! Curtain is Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00 pm.

The production is directed by Chris Harmon, with choreography by Annette Looper and musical direction from Ron Kindell.

Dayton Playhouse is located at 1301 E. Siebenthaler Avenue, Dayton, Ohio.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.DaytonPlayhouse.org or by calling the Box Office at (937) 424-8477 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Monday thru Friday.

Glengarry Glen Ross

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

by David Mamet
September 9 – 11, 2010

Small-time, cutthroat real estate salesmen try to grind out a Glengarry Glen Ross - Springfield StageWorksliving by pushing plots of land on reluctant buyers, the scramble for their share of the American dream never ending. Described as a “scalding comedy,” Glengarry Glen Ross (by legendary playwright David Mamet) took Broadway and London by storm, winning Tony nd Pulitzer awards. Now, Springfield StageWorks is entering their second and final weekend of performances of this gripping work.

Directed by Josh Katawick, Glengarry Glen Ross is at the historic State Theatre in downtown Springfield (19 S. Fountain Ave). Curtain is at 8:00 pm each night, and tickets are available for $10 at the door. Go to http://www.springfieldstageworks.org/home for more information.

…SHOWS OPENING THIS WEEKEND

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

LA COMEDIA DINNER THEATRE

Book by Jeffrey Lane; Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek; based on the film by Frank Oz
September 8 – October 31, 2010

In this hilarious musical comedy, two fraudsters living on the French Riviera discover the small town they live in isn’t big enough to support two scammers. They agree that the first person to successfully steal $50,000 from a young tourist will get to stay, so thus begins a contest that will keep you guessing and laughing the whole way!

To accommodate for dinner before the show, arrival times for Wednesday to Sunday evening performances are 5:30 – 6:00 pm; Wednesday and Thursday Matinees and Sunday brunch, 10:30 – 11:00 am.

For more information or tickets, call 1-800-677-9505 or (937) 746-4554 or visit http://www.lacomedia.com. View the DMM event at Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. La Comedia Dinner Theatre is located on 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro, OH.

Part of it All

…CASTING CALLS AND AUDITIONS

Wit

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

Auditions: Monday, September 20 & Tuesday, September 21 – 7:00 pm
Performances: November 12 – 21, 2010

Directed by Matthew Smith

Playwright: Margaret Edson
The Story: Vivian Bearing, Ph.D., a renowned English professor, has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. Her approach to her literary studies: aggressively probing, intensely rational. But during the course of her illness—and her stint as a prize patient in an experimental chemotherapy program at a major teaching hospital—Vivian comes to reassess her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience.

Roles:
Vivian Bearing, PH.D. – 50; Professor of Seventeenth Century Poetry at the University
Harvey Kelekian, M.D. – 50; Chief of Medical Oncology, University Hospital (Also plays Mr. Bearing.)
Jason Posner, M.D. – 28; Clinical Fellow, Medical Oncology Branch
Susie Monahan, R.N., B.S.N. – 28; Primary Nurse, Cancer Inpatient unit
E.M. Ashford, D. Phil – 80; Professor Emerita of English Literature
Lab techs/clinical fellows/students/code team

Auditions will be held at the Dayton Playhouse (1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton). Those wishing to read should be prepared to read from the script. Resume/headshot encouraged but not required. Go to http://www.daytonplayhouse.org for more information.

Special note: those wishing to be considered for the role of Vivian Bearing should understand that there are the possibilities of nudity and hair alteration (including shaving).

One Short Day

…Special Events for the Artistically Minded

URBAN NIGHTS

September 10, 2010 – from 5:00 pm on
Urban NightsUrban Nights is a free event showcasing downtown’s dining, nightlife, art, music, retail, and urban living options. Described as an all-inclusive street party that overtakes downtown Dayton, there’s definitely something for everyone to see. Close to 100 creative places and spaces participate, including locations throughout downtown, the Artists of Front Street, the Oregon District and the Wright-Dunbar Business Village. Free trolleys help transport people to the more distant venues, but many of the locations are within walking distance. Courthouse Square is the central starting point and the main stage for artistic performances, but there are also roving entertainers and smaller stages throughout downtown.

Come explore the city, check out art, peek inside a cool loft, enjoy live entertainment by amazing community artists, eat at a restaurant you’ve never been to, and party ‘till the break of dawn. You’ll see that it’s possible to make every night an urban night downtown!

We at Encore are particularly excited, because at 8:00 pm will be our performance of Come Together - Encore Theater CompanyCOME TOGETHER, an original musical starring Amy Geist and JJ Parkey. The show is free, and will be on the stage next to the Trolley Stop in the Oregon District at the corner of 5th and Wayne. Don’t miss it!

For more information and performance listings, visit http://www.downtowndayton.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=11

~KN

We are excited to introduce you to another contributor to onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com.  Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, will be posting a weekly update of shows opening or closing that weekend, along with audition notices and other notices.  Welcome, Katherine, to the DaytonMostMetro.com family of contributors!

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC just concluded their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

OnStageGuide: 2010/2011

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onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Top 14 Picks for the 2010-11 Local Theater Season

Shane Anderson & David Brush

So there is all this talk about how great the arts are in Dayton.  You keep hearing how that for a city of it’s size, Dayton is like numero uno for arts organizations, but you never know quite for sure what show you should attend…something that you know you’ll like and it won’t be a waste of time and money for you.  Well, here you go, this is a guide to the local theater season, but we’ve narrowed it down a bit.

Whether your a regular theatre-goer, a novice, or just hate musicals (how could you!), there is something on this list for everyone. So rather than overwhelming you with the more than 85 plays and musicals that will grace area stages this season, Shane and Dave have compiled our most-anticipated Top 14 highlights of the season complete with pop cultural references to help you navigate! But we don’t want you to just take OUR word for it – so we’ve included the website links to the OTHER offerings for each organization for those of you who dare venture away from the path. (PS – We encourage such venturing!)

Dave’s Top 7 Picks

August Osage County - Human Race Theatre & Wright State TheatreAugust: Osage County

by Tracy Letts
Human Race Theatre Company and Wright State University

Stellar Cast. Amazing venue. First regional production since Broadway. This has the makings of setting the bar high right away in the fall. People can’t seem to get enough of this darkly comic play about family dysfunction. This is not a light evening at the theatre but it IS a rewarding one.

September 23-October 10, 2010 – www.HumanRaceTheatre.org & www.Wright.edu

If you like O’Neill’s ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’, you’ll LOVE ‘August: Osage County’

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - La ComediaDirty Rotten Scoundrels

Book by Jeffrey Lane
Music & Lyrics by David Yazbek
based on the film by Frank Oz
La Comedia Dinner Theatre

It had a successful Broadway run and a troubled national tour. But it’s post-Broadway life is seeing some light primarily thanks to the hilarious original source material (the fantastic film starring Steve Martin) and a smart composer in David Yazbek who has a flare for comedy. The comedy centers on a pair of con-men competing for the affections (and money) of Beumont Sur Mer’s upper crust. When the con goes on a little long, hilarity and chaos ensue. There’s a great twist at the end (I won’t spoil it for you) and the entire show is really very smart. It should be fascinating to see it in a more intimate setting like La Comedia.
September 8-October 31, 2010 – www.LaComedia.com

If you like ‘The Full Monty’, you’ll LOVE ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’

Romeo & Juliet - Shakespeare in South Park

Romeo & Juliet

by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare in South Park

Huh? “Gone with the Wind”? “Romeo & Juliet”? Yes, the Shakespeare in South Park troupe has decided to return to their original concept of setting W.S. classics in a post-war setting, this time in a border state in the years following the Civil War.  Everyone is still wearing their uniforms and bent out of shape about loyalties brought about by war.  We hear that the scenic elements will include an actual historic carriage house neighboring the park where the show will be performed. (hmmm? Balcony scene????)…and the good news is…this show is FREE- but I’m sure donations will be gratefully accepted!

September 17-19, 2010 – www.HistoricSouthPark.org

If you like ‘Gone with the Wind’, you’ll LOVE ‘Romeo & Juliet’


The Spitfire GrilleThe Spitfire Grill

Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book  by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
Beavercreek Community Theatre

You may remember this quiet little brilliant film from the 90’s about a young female ex-con who discovers a new life in a small town. The film was powerful and darkly heartwarming and seemed unlikely material for a musical. But Valcq and Alley do a gorgeous job of capturing the heart of the film with a colorful transcendent country-flavored score. One of my personal favorite nights at the theater. I’d been hoping to see it produced again since I first saw it some years ago and I’m even more pleased to see it under the direction of of one the areas most respected directors – Doug Lloyd.

September 17-26, 2010 – www.BCTheatre.org

If you like redemption stories like ‘Eat. Pray. Love.’,  you’ll LOVE ‘’The Spitfire Grill’

Grey Gardens - SEED Theatre ProjectGrey Gardens, the musical

Book by Doug Wright
Music by Scott Frankel
Lyrics by Michael Korie
Based on the 1975 documentary by Albert & David Maysles
SEED Theatre Project

When you think of the list of most unlikely source material for a musical, it’s hard to not move Grey Gardens to the top. On the surface, the true story of an aged recluse and her daughter living in squalor in an East Hampton mansion (where the cat population far outweighs the human one) seems like the stuff of reality TV. But when you consider that these two were once at the height of New York City’s most exclusive circles of wealth and prestige, it is even more shocking. Oh yeah – and did I mention they are related to Jackie Kennedy Onassis? This is the ultimate “black sheep in the family” story and like any good train wreck, you just can’t turn away.

November 5-6, 2010 – www.SEEDTheatreProject.org

If you like the TLC’s Hoarders, you’ll LOVE ‘Grey Gardens’

Wit at Dayton PlayhouseWit

by Margaret Edson
Dayton Playhouse

Anyone whose life has been touched in some way by cancer (and whose hasn’t?) will be moved by this tour-de-force. HBO loved it so much they cast Emma Thompson in the film several years ago. Dayton Playhouse is coming off a fabulous season and no doubt this will be a welcome addition.

November 12-21, 2010 – www.DaytonPlayhouse.org

If you like Showtime’s new series THE BIG C, you’ll LOVE Wit

The Drowsy Chaperone by Victoria Theatre Association & The Human Race Theatre Co.The Drowsy Chaperone

Book by Bob Martin & Don McKeller
Music & Lyrics by Lisa Lambert & Greg Morrison
Victoria Theatre Association & Human Race Theatre Company

There is something at once nostalgic and contemporary about this Tony-Winner from a few years back. Basically – here it is in a nutshell: A musical theatre fan plays his favorite cast album (yes – album!) and the characters, story and shenanigans come to life right in his one-room apartment. PLUS – produced under the care of The Human Race makes this is both a surefire hit AND a Dayton Original.

March 8-20, 2011 – www.VictoriaTheatre.com & www.HumanRaceTheatre.org

If you like ‘The Carol Burnett Show’,  you’ll LOVE ‘The Drowsy Chaperone’

Shane’s Top 7 Picks

Glengarry Glen Ross by Springfield Stage WorksGlengarry Glen Ross

by David Mamet
Springfield StageWorks

It won the Pulitzer. It won the Tony. The playwright is legendary. and still this 1982 play about the illegal and unethical activities of a Chicago real estate outfit remains vital and edgy -particularly in our current economic climate. Fair warning: Mamet’s favorite word is four letters and starts with an ‘F’ – SO MUCH SO that during the making of the film adaptation, the cast affectionately subtitled the play, Death of a “F*&^*& Salesman.”

September 2-11, 2010 – www.SpringfieldStageWorks.org

If you like AMC’s ‘’Mad Men’, you’ll LOVE ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’


Once On This Island - Sinclair TheatreOnce On This Island

Music by Stephen Flaherty
Book & Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Sinclair Theatre

A Caribbean-flavored romance where two star-crossed lovers – one lower class native and one French upper class – must find a way to be together despite the pressures of their feuding families, Once On This Island uses dance, music, and folklore to spin this timeless tale.  This show will likely be a joyful, colorful event for the whole family.  The music for the show – from the creators of Ragtime and Seussical – is spirited and melodic and the themes of survival amidst peril feel contemporary again in light of recent tragedies in Haiti.

October 15-23, 2010 – www.Sinclair.edu

If you like ‘Pippin’ and ‘Romeo & Juliet’, you’ll LOVE ‘Once On This Island’

The Second City: Fair & Unbalanced - Victoria Theatre

The Second City:  Fair & Unbalanced

Victoria Theatre Association

With an alumni list that includes Alan Alda, Dan Akroyd, Chris Farley, Jim & John Belushi, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert…who can resist a night of “LMAO” comedy?  While the touring cast does not include any of these big stars, you never know if there might just be a future Gilda Radnor on stage (We’re not sure if there is any relation, but there is a young Belushi listed in the cast of this ensemble).  You never know, you might just witness comedy history on the stage of the Victoria in October!

October 23, 2010 – www.VictoriaTheatre.com

If you like Saturday Night Live,  you’ll LOVE ‘The Second City: Fair & Unbalanced’

Flash: A New Musical by Dan Hunt at Clark State Community College

Flash: A New Musical

book, music & lyrics by Dan Hunt
Clark State Community College

Honestly, we know very little about this new show about to premiere at Clark State, but we LOVE the fact that they are willing to take a chance on a brand new musical!  The premise is that Ed, a seemingly normal guy revisits his past (in a musical form) during a horrific moment when all of the highs and lows of his life flash before his eyes.  The show was conceived, written & directed by Springfield resident Dan Hunt, technical director and theatre professor at Clark State.

October 29-November 7, 2010 – www.ClarkState.edu

If you like J.J. Abrams’ shows, you’ll LOVE ‘Flash:  A New Musical’

An Evening with Sutton FosterAn Evening with Sutton Foster

accompanied by Michael Rafter
Springfield Arts Council

How can one even begin to explain the joy that IS Sutton Foster?  Foster first claimed her fame as the chorus girl plucked out of obscurity to save the show and become the star…which led to her infamous 2002 Tony-winning run on Broadway in “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”  She has been compared to three comediennes/actresses listed below, and her natural goofiness combined with an incredible vocal talent has made Sutton Foster into the “it girl of Broadway.”  You won’t want to miss this simple evening of Foster and a pianist giving you some “melt your face off” belts and rolling in the aisle laughter.

November 13, 2010 – www.SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org

If you like ‘Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett or Julie Andrews’, you’ll LOVE ‘An Evening with Sutton Foster’

Mauritius - Dayton Theatre GuildMauritius

by Theresa Rebeck
Dayton Theatre Guild

Cincinnati native Rebeck’s play, “Maurititius” is often described as a comedy thriller dealing with suspense, lies, deceit, greed, mystery, intrigue and….stamps.  It centers around the rivalry of two sisters faced with dividing up their recently deceased mother’s belongings and the discovery of two rare stamps from the nation of Mauritius and unscrupulous dealers pursuing them.  While you might question going to the theatre to watch a philatelic thriller, the play has been a hit all over America since it’s debut on Broadway in 2007.

May 13-29, 2011 – www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

If you like Bogart’s ‘The Maltese Falcon’, you’ll LOVE ‘Mauritius’

right next to me - The Human Race Theatre Co.right next to me

book,music & lyrics by Gregg Coffin
The Human Race Theatre Company

Dayton’s Human Race Theatre Company, under the leadership of Kevin Moore & Marsha Hanna has been raising the bar for several years in a national movement to develop new works of musical theatre.  Through their unique programs of workshops, residencies and collaboration with composers, Dayton theatre audiences have been fortunate to see pieces like Convenience, Was, Fetching Water and many more.  This season, they tell a NEW story from Greg Coffin – the creator of Convenience- A  story about the distance between people and the space love leaves behind when it goes.

May 26-June 12, 2011 – www.HumanRaceTheatre.org

If you like ‘We Were Soldiers’, you’ll LOVE ‘right next to me’

…& keep watch for exciting news about:

ZOOT Theatre Company. They haven’t announced their season yet, but this innovative puppet & mask troupe consistently puts together cutting-edge productions of classic tales. www.ZootTheatreCompany.org

Encore Theater Company. We’ve got some exciting things in the works as well, including our Litehouse New Musical Reading Series, our Summer 2011 MainStage Series, MusicalWorld podcast and a new Concert Series that will premiere this fall! www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com

Idina Menzel in Concert with the Cincinnati Pops. Yes!  The almighty green one will be flying into southwest Ohio at the end of September (fresh from her stint on GLEE)…and YOU just might get a chance to go watch this icon of the Broadway stage defy gravity!  onStageDayton, MusicalWorld & DaytonMostMetro.com are teaming up with an opportunity for you to win a pair of tickets to this concert (valued at $100!). Keep watching onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com for details!

onStageDayton. We will be introducing you to another contributor to onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com.  Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, will be posting a weekly update of shows opening or closing that weekend, along with audition notices and other notices.  Watch onStageDayton for Katherine’s first post soon!

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC just concluded their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

Toronto Prep – The Test Blog!

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Hello Everyone,

I’ve got a long list of things that need to be done before leaving for Toronto…and testing out the blog is one of them.

On Wednesday afternoon, I’ll fly out of Dayton to Toronto.  On Thursday morning, I’ll pick up my pass and start seeing movies.  I’m excited to see new films from some of my favorite filmmakers – Francois Ozon, John Cameron Mitchell, Susanne Bier, Stephen Frears, Mike Leigh, Julian Schnabel – just to name a few.  I’ll more than likely see 25+ films over the course of 8+ days.

This blog is where I’ll keep you posted, and if I can post a picture or two, I will.

I’ll catch ya soon from Canada!  Now back to laundry & packing.

Ciao,

Jonathan

P.S.  Attached are a couple pictures.  One if from last year’s premiere of A SINGLE MAN and the other is from the incredible screening of I KILLED MY MOTHER (playing this year in the Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival – www.daytonlgbt.com)

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE Comes To Town!

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Hello Everyone.

The next several weeks are full of special events. In addition to seeing all of our engagements, you’ll want to get out your calendar to make certain you don’t miss many of these unique opportunities to see so many great films at THE NEON.

GET LOW – the new highly acclaimed film with Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek – is a hit. Audiences are loving it…and it will stick around. That said, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT and WINTER’S BONE have reached the end of their very successful runs. Both of these films will only play through Thursday. On Friday, we will open the 2nd film in the Millennium Trilogy – THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE. We’ve had more phone calls about this title than any other recent film. We hope Daytonians turn out for this installment!

Synopsis for THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE: “Two journalists on the verge of exposing their story in Millennium about an extensive sex trafficking operation between Eastern Europe and Sweden are brutally murdered. Lisbeth Salander’s prints are on the weapon.
Mikael Blomkvist, alone in his belief in Salander’s innocence, plunges into an investigation of the slayings which will implicate highly placed members of Swedish society, business and government. Knowing Salander to be fierce when fearful, he is desperate to get to her before she is cornered and alone but she is nowhere to be found. Digging deeper, Blomkvist also unearths some heart-wrenching facts about Salander’s past life…” (taken from press notes)

On Wednesday, September 15th at 7:30 p.m. MochaReaders will host a special screening of the 70’s hit movie FOXY BROWN starring legendary actress Pam Grier. Movie goers will enjoy refreshments, special giveaways and WWRD-TV32 will highlight the event. Join MochaReaders in celebrating and welcoming Pam Grier to Dayton to promote her new book. (Ms. Grier will appear at “A Foxy Affair – An Evening with Pam Grier” at Ponitz Career Technology Center, 471 Washington Street on Thursday, Sept. 16. For more information visit www.mochareaders.com or call (937) 361-7657.) Single tickets to the Wednesday, Sept. 15 screening of FOXY BROWN (on 35mm) are just $5 and are now available at THE NEON’s box office!

On Thursday, Sept. 16, DATV will present the MEDIA THAT MATTERS FILM FESTIVAL. The festival showcases 12 jury selected short films – each 12 minutes or less – that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty. Tickets are $15 each and are available on-line at www.datv.org or at our box office.

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year! The wonderfully designed website just launched last week. Check it out at www.daytonlgbt.com. The website is full of images and links to trailers and official sites. It also outlines all of the sponsors for this year. GREAT NEWS! We have just secured the attendance of 4 guest artists (and perhaps even more will be announced soon). Casper Andreas – director of VIOLET TENDENCIES (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 9:30), Sarah Louise Lilley – star & producer of NOTHING HAPPENED and Jessica Provenz – writer and producer of NOTHING HAPPENED (Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00), and Heath Daniels – writer, star and producer of GO-GO REJECT (also on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 3:00) will attend the fest. These guest artists will be flying in from NYC and LA…and I hope they’ll have a warm reception with an enthusiastic crowd at each screening – please help to make it happen.

Living City Film Fest is at it again! This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges. Titles include THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (each on 35mm)…a full line-up of titles, sponsors and dates (October/November) will be announced soon.

FREE TICKET information.
CONGRATULATIONS!!
The winners of a pass good for 2 people to THE NEON are Lee & Milly H! There were only 16 entries into our review contest…so Milly H & Lee had great odds of winning (with 5 entries between the 2 of them). I’ll keep you posted as we may re-work this contest and launch it again in the future.

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for September 3 – September 9:

GET LOW (PG-13) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30

THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE (R) 129 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:45
Tuesday – Thursday: 2:15, 5:15, 7:45

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.

Sept. 10 JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK

Sept. 17 ANIMAL KINGDOM & RESTREPO

Sept. 24 FAREWELL

Oct. 1 THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM

Oct. 8 LEBANON

Oct. 15 A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP

TBD WILD GRASS

The Unofficial Guide to the Montgomery County Fair

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Enter the fairgrounds on Main Street across from Miami Valley Hospital

Hello, I’m Holly Michael –  farm wife, mother, blogger , DMM crazy headline writer and communications professional who has worked at some of Dayton’s largest companies. I straddle the sometimes equally stinky worlds of agriculture and corporate life, so you don’t have to.

The 158th Montgomery County Fair started today. Along with rides, food, livestock and handsome farmers in jeans (the fair is where I found my cute farmer 20 years ago), there are lots of great attractions and some hidden gems.

To help all the savvy readers of DaytonMostMetro.com make the most of their “farm fun comes to the city” experience this weekend, I have put together my top 10 must-see Montgomery County Fair attractions and must-eat treats.

  1. Newborn pigs.  As a pig farmer’s wife, I may be partial, but my own kids, who live on a pig farm, may I remind you, can’t get enough of the sow (mama) and litter (little pigs) in the front of the swine barn. Little hands are welcome to reach in and pet the piglets, just don’t make them squeal or mama gets upset.
  2. Montgomery County Cattlemen beef booth. Get your meat on at the Montgomery County Cattlemen booth and try their tasty sandwiches. Proceeds benefit youth beef programs. For dessert…
  3. Ullery’s Ice Cream.  It takes all my willpower, not to eat this tasty treat morning, noon and night at the fair. Look for the booth next to the Round House, listen for the sound of the little motor they use to crank the ice cream on site.
  4. Round House. Speaking of the Round House, head inside (you can even bring your ice cream!) and check out all the quilts, baked goods, scarecrows and vegetables on display. The Farm Bureau booth features a giant cow that young and old can “milk.”
  5. Livestock Pavilion.  Visit real dairy calves and learn about different breeds. Also, check out the goats—all are happy to have visitors.
  6. Grandstand. Come and see the truck and tractor pulls (Saturday) and demo derby (Sunday and Labor Day). If amateur smack downs are more your style, check out the extreme fighting (Friday).
  7. Cox Concessions. If you’ve never had a walking taco, then you haven’t lived. Also, elephant ear. Need I say more?
  8. Coliseum.  Check out the colorful, creative booths made by county 4-H clubs and the beauty of the flower show. Also the location of the fairgrounds nicest bathrooms—just a tip.
  9. Masters of the Chainsaw. Seriously, watch some guys create a lifelike bear out of a stump. Very cool.
  10. Midway. This isn’t some block party festival, it’s the county fair. The rides are big and fun. Get a great deal on a ride-everything wristband Thursday and Friday for $8.00 (Valid from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm only).

We’ll see you at the fair through Labor Day. Admission is only $5, with kids 12 and under free.

Art and Practicality Intersect at Oregon District

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On any given day or night in the Oregon District, bikes can be found fighting for a spot along the patio fence of Blind Bob’s, located at 430 E. 5th street in Dayton’s Oregon District. Bar owners Bob and Lisa Mendenhall talked to their manager, Nate Mendenhall, about commissioning a local artist to create a beautiful and functional metal sculpture that will also serve as a much needed bicycle rack for the nightlife-oriented area of the Oregon District.  Nate selected local metal worker and artist TJ Schaff for the task, who has designed a stunning and practical bike rack that will be revealed on Friday, September 3rd as part of the District’s monthly art-centric “First Friday” events. “We bring entertainment with great music all the time,” says Bob. “We thought this would be a way to embrace the ‘arts’ aspect of the Oregon District while also providing a service that benefits the neighborhood.”

TJ has a fabrication shop called 212°N of Reality, where he creates artistic pieces from scrap metal.  His Facebook page is called Rust and Relaxation, and features several recent projects he has completed.

Kudos to both Blind Bob’s and TJ Schaff for starting what will hopefully be a trend in the Oregon District and throughout downtown – public art created by local artists AND more bike racks.  With local metal artists like TJ and others (our friend Hamilton Dixon comes to mind), we could very well have the coolest bike racks of any city in the Midwest!

Duvall, Murray & Spacek in GET LOW

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Hello Everyone.

We’ve got a lot going on in the next several weeks…and there are many more events in the works. These special events are going to keep us on our toes, but I’m certain you’ll be interested in many of them.

As predicted last week, COCO CHANEL & IGOR STRAVINSKY could only stick around for one week. Today is the last day for the film…and tomorrow we start GET LOW – the new highly acclaimed film with Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, and Sissy Spacek. Please spread the word and tell people to support this indie gem at a true indie theatre – THE NEON.

Synopsis for GET LOW: “Inspired by the true story of Tennessee recluse Felix “Bush” Breazeale, who planned his funeral while he was still alive… Few folks have spoken with Felix Bush (Duvall) since he disappeared into the Tennessee woods 40 years ago, and the ones who have don’t necessarily have the kindest things to say about him. Gruff, confrontational, and ill-tempered, Felix has been the source of many malicious rumors over the years. Some say he’s a cold-hearted killer and his penchant for walking into town with a shotgun, a wild beard, and threadbare clothes doesn’t exactly give the impression of a man who seeks to make friends. When Felix walks into Frank Quinn’s (Murray) funeral parlor and announces his intentions to throw himself a massive party before he passes away, word quickly spreads through town and anticipation starts to run high. Before long the big day has finally arrived, and Felix surprises everyone…” (Jason Buchanan, American Movie Guide)

On Wednesday, September 15th at 7:30 p.m. MochaReaders will host a special screening of the 70’s hit movie FOXY BROWN starring legendary actress Pam Grier. Movie goers will enjoy refreshments, special giveaways and WWRD-TV32 will highlight the event. Join MochaReaders in celebrating and welcoming Pam Grier to Dayton to promote her new book. (Ms. Grier will appear at “A Foxy Affair – An Evening with Pam Grier” at Ponitz Career Technology Center, 471 Washington Street on Thursday, Sept. 16. For more information visit www.mochareaders.com or call (937) 361-7657.) Single tickets to the Wednesday, Sept. 15 screening of FOXY BROWN (on 35mm) will cost just $5 and will be available soon!

On Thursday, Sept. 16, DATV will present the MEDIA THAT MATTERS FILM FESTIVAL. The festival showcases 12 jury selected short films – each 12 minutes or less – that tackle a broad range of social issues with humor, humanity and honesty. Tickets are $15 each and are available on-line at www.datv.org or at our box office.

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year! The wonderfully designed website just launched a few days ago. Check it out at www.daytonlgbt.com. The website is full of images and links to trailers and official sites. It also outlines all of the sponsors for this year. Over the next couple weeks, we will be securing the visiting artists for this year’s festival – writers, directors, and stars. Stay tuned for more details.

Living City Film Fest is at it again! This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges. Titles include THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (each on 35mm)…a full line-up of titles, sponsors and dates (October/November) will be announced soon.

FREE TICKET information.
You only have a few more days to win, and the odds are still good for you.  If you see a movie at THE NEON, you can now comment on the film for everyone in town to see.
During the month of August, post a review for any film currently playing at THE NEON directly below my posting.
At the end of the month, we’ll select two winners to win a pair of tickets to THE NEON. If the response is good, we’ll do it again in September. (You can only review a specific film one time…but if we have 5 films play in one month, you could possibly have 5 entries.) Good luck & Happy Reviewing! (Drop me a note if you have any questions.)

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 27 – September 2:

GET LOW (PG-13) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) 104 Minutes
Friday – Thursday: 2:40, 9:40

WINTER’S BONE (R) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00, 7:20
Monday – Thursday: 5:00, 7:20

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Sept. 3 THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
Sept. 10 JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK
Sept. 17 ANIMAL KINGDOM
Sept. 24 FAREWELL
Oct. 8 LEBANON
Oct. 15 A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP
TBD RESTREPO, WILD GRASS

Where’s the Art in Yellow Springs?

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photo by Corrine Bayraktaroglu

Sometimes visitors to Yellow Springs ask, “Where’s the Art?  I heard this was an art town but there aren’t rows of galleries like other art towns I’ve visited.”

Here’s my answer “the whole town is a gallery.”  Art is everywhere in Yellow Springs, you sit on it – the mosaic benches and the painted daisy benches.  You lean against it- the knit and felt covered benches.  You can touch it on the poles in the knit graffiti.

Visit the public restrooms in the Train Station and look up.  It’s a Loo with a view! Local artists started the Chamber Pot Gallery 4 years ago.

Walk behind Xenia Ave. in Keith’s Alley and see the ever-changing murals. You might catch an artist painting one.

You drive past murals and sculptures on Xenia Ave. and Dayton St. coming into town.

We sneak art in everywhere.  Going for a walk in the glen?  Stop in for a map in the Glen Helen Building and bingo! someone has hung a new art show in the atrium.

Hungry? Get a bite to eat at the Winds Café or the Sunrise Café and you are surrounded with a beautiful art show that changes every month.

Going to listen to the live band at the Wine Tasting at The Emporium?  Whose show is on the walls tonight?   Love the   Pizza at Ha Ha’s?  Check out this month’s featured artist.   On Corry St., Williams Eatery has a couple of regular artists who keep their walls filled with color and wonderful scenes of the Glen.

If you go to see an art film at The Little Art Theater there’s a visual art show hung in the lobby. That’s a double art whammy.

This past month, at the Corner Cone, you could get a scoop of ice cream and depending on the day listen to live music, watch the 10 Minute Play Festival or explore the Art Phone Booth.

Then there are the galleries- Herndon Gallery on the Antioch Campus, Would you, Could you In A Frame on Corry St., the Yellow Springs Arts Council Gallery on Xenia Ave and the new kid on the block- Art Happens in Kings Yard.   Plus there are 2 long established artist co-ops, Yellow Springs Pottery and the Village Artisans.   Or go see the John Bryan Community Pottery with its magnificent ceramic mural on one side and it’s painted penguins on the other side of the door.  It is right behind the John Bryan Building at 100 Dayton St..  Inside ceramic artists are working at the wheels and firing the kilns day and night.

Many Fridays, you can find free art pieces left around town by the Jafagirls.

O.K. there’s much  more but I think I will end with a challenge mystery.  Can you find these art pieces?  They are outside, in plain view, in downtown Yellow Springs.

photo by Corrine Bayraktaroglu

1. The Giant Nose- including nose hair

2. A Lion’s Head

3. A Vampire Bunny

4. The small, white Art Box that changes what’s inside from time to time.

5. The mural on a ceiling.

For useful links on upcoming art events visit the Yellow Springs Chamber of Commerce

A public art map is available at Yellow Springs Arts Blog

Montgomery County Fair – Win Tickets

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Congrats to our winners: Amy, David, Rebecca, Maribeth and Kristi!
The marketing representatives at the fair will e-mail you for your mailing address.

It’s county fair time and thanks to the great connections of our Rural Life correspondent,  DaytonMostMetro.com has FIVE carload passes to the Montgomery County Fair to give away.

The Montgomery County Fair runs September 1-6 at the fairgrounds in downtown Dayton. Free, on-site parking is available off the Main Street gate.

Attractions include livestock shows, demolition derby, truck and tractor pull, garden club flower show, midway rides, food concessions, harness racing, prize vegetables and much more. New exhibits this year include the COSI on Wheels Science Spot, the Kidbucks Game Show and Kachunga the Alligator. Kids under 12 are admitted FREE every day.

To win a carload pass, comment below with your favorite fair attraction:  animals, rides, vegetable display, food, demo derby, etc. Five commenters will be selected at random. MAKE SURE you use your real email address.  We won’t make your email public but will use it to contact you if you win.  Comment before Thursday, August 26 – we’ll announce the winners on that day.

The 158th Montgomery County Fair offers six days of smiles.

For more giveaways and the scoop on this year’s fair, follow the Montgomery County Fair on Facebook.

Don’t forget to comment below and get entered in our drawing for a carload pass.

…a play without boundaries

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The Syringa Tree - SEED Theatre ProjectThe Syringa Tree

THE SEED THEATRE PROJECT

This weekend, The SEED Theatre Project will present the regional premiere of The Syringa Tree, by Pamela Gien.  The thought provoking play is performed by one actress, Robin Smith, who portrays twenty-four different characters, all of whom speak, and sing, in a variety of languages & dialects.  To further complicate this actress’ task, she performs without physical scenery and props, allowing the voices of her characters free to tell the story of Elizabeth Grace with only the external impact of light and sound to place these people in a time and place.

I spoke with Robin, along with Adam Leigh (director), Amy Brooks (dramaturg/assistant director) & Michelle Leigh (production manager) last weekend about The Syringa Tree.  I am curious about the concept of this show, and I am very much looking forward to attending the performance to hear this amazing tale spun by so many characters on an empty stage with only one actress.

A description of the show, provided by SEED:

The Syringa TreeThe Syringa Tree is a personal, deeply evocative story of an abiding love between two families, one black, one white, and the two children that are born into their shared household in the early 1960’s South Africa. Seen first through the eyes of a child, six-year old Elizabeth Grace, as she tries with humor and sometimes palpable fear, to make sense of the chaos, magic and darkness of Africa, we follow their destinies in a story that spans four generations, from early apartheid to the present day free South Africa.

Robin Smith - THE SYRINGA TREE - The SEED Theatre Project Resident Artist Robin Smith will portray twenty-four very different characters (black, white, old, young, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Zulu, English, Jewish, etc.) in the telling of this story.

The SEED crew is highly passionate about this piece, pointing out the similarities of the time & place of the story with our lives in Dayton, 2010.  The play takes place in apartheid-bound Johannesburg, South Africa from the 1960’s through the mid-1990’s, as apartheid was lifted.  The production staff points out that even as the characters in this play live in a world where boundaries are all they know, there is a love in this script that defies all racial boundaries…the play becomes timeless and boundless.  It concerns itself more with the interconnectedness of people in a time and place where the disruption of apartheid created a disconnectedness with the land.

The Syringa TreeIn their research on this work, Adam & Michelle Leigh began looking into the South African community within the Miami Valley.  They were surprised to find out how many refugees are living in the Dayton area, some by choice and some by force.

“…it’s not over in South Africa.  It’s not on the 6:00 news, but it still exists.  Americans know apartheid exists, but not the details.”

Adam Leigh, the show’s director and founder of SEED states that their mission is to present entertainment, but at the same time taking the audience on a journey so that when they leave, they understand that we, in Dayton, experience the exact same issues today.  The SEED Theatre productions will feature an Enter-Action Forum following each performance.  The forum will be a time for the audience, the actors, the staff and other guests to discuss the issues presented in the play.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

The SEED Theatre Project, Dayton, OhioTHE SYRINGA TREE (8pm, August 20-21 at the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center) Tickets: $12  Call (937) 823-0081 or by visiting their ONLINE BOX OFFICE:  ShowTix4u.com.

Please Note: This production contains adult language and themes. Viewer discretion is advised.

Visit http://www.seedtheatreproject.org for more information about the organization.

Visit The Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center for information about this amazing community center now open in Dayton. The Kroc Center is located at 1000 North Keowee Street, Dayton, Ohio  45404.

The Syringa Tree will be the first theatrical production to take place in the center.  The staff of SEED Theatre indicated that they were very fortunate to the gracious people of the Kroc Center.

SA

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC just concluded their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

Two Big Hits at The Neon AND LGBT Film Festival Preview

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Hello Everyone!

It’s rare to have 2 films performing well. It’s even more rare for 2 films to perform well during the summer months (arthouse attendance traditionally does better in the winter months – read “award season”).  That said, we have 2 films that are breaking summer records for THE NEON. If you haven’t seen WINTER’S BONE or THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, you need to make it down to THE NEON. We are going to hold both films for another week.

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year! Mark your calendars for September 24-26. In the coming days, all details will be available on the official website. For now, you can view trailers of the opening, centerpiece and closing films – each has been winning awards at festivals around the world:

I KILLED MY MOTHER (Sept. 24) – CLICK HERE

A MARINE STORY (Sept. 25) – CLICK HERE

UNDERTOW (Sept. 26) – CLICK HERE

And Living City is at it again! This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges. Titles include THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS, THE LAST PICTURE SHOW and THE BIG LEBOWSKI (each on 35mm)…a full line-up and dates (October/November) will be announced soon.

And now for FREE TICKET information.
Your odds are good to win. Only 3 people have posted reviews!!
If you see a movie at THE NEON, you can now comment on the film for everyone in town to see…right here on DaytonMostMetro.com.
During the month of August, write a review for a film that’s currently playing at THE NEON – by commenting on my posts.
At the end of the month, we’ll select two winners to win a pair of tickets to THE NEON. If the response is good, we’ll do it again in September. (You can only review a specific film one time…but if we have 5 films play in one month, you could possibly have 5 entries.) Good luck & Happy Reviewing! (Drop me a note if you have any questions.)

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 13 – August 19:

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45

WINTER’S BONE (R) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

COMING SOON:
As always, all dates are tentative.
Aug. 20 THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE
Aug. 20 COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY
Aug. 27 JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK
Aug. 27 GET LOW
Sept. 10 FAREWELL
Sept. 17 ANIMAL KINGDOM
Sept. 24 WILD GRASS
Oct. 8 LEBANON
Oct. 15 A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP

The Shangrila Of Spirit

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Mahalo To Festiki

Several years ago, when Bill Winger opened Daddy Katz in Moraine, I met up with him to try and understand the clientele that he was catering to: the tiki culture. His shop seemed to be a virtual catchall of kitsch, with black velvet Polynesian themed paintings, Surf Ohio clothing, old bicycles and skates, hot rod memorabilia and a variety of other items that seemed to have little or no relation, but at the same time, seemed to encompass a larger cultural statement, all set to a rockabilly/exotica soundtrack. When we first sat down, Bill said:

“It does go back to a much simpler lifestyle. I think people were much more interested in enjoying life. Maybe they weren’t as stressed out. I don’t know, because at that time, I hadn’t even born yet. Now, people who have lived through that time period might tell you something different. But, we look back at those times and thing, ‘God, life was easier back then.’ That’s part of the draw with what’s going on with this.” Bill went on to explain that, “There are large groups that are getting bigger out there that really enjoy the old tiki lounge/bars. They enjoy a properly mixed drink. You go to a lot of restaurants and ask for a Mai Tai and they slam it together and say, ‘Here!’ A real Mai Tai needs to be mixed with proper ingredients and care and served properly. The people who are into the tiki culture appreciate that. I mean, you can tell a properly mixed drink versus this crap that they give you at some bars. According to some of the tiki sites, there are some groups out there. One of the groups is the FOM, the Fraternal Order of the Moai (FOM) and they are an organization which cultivates the old tiki bars and restaurants and the things like the properly mixed drinks and some of the lifestyles that it represents.”

Fast forward years later to 2009 and I find myself reviewing an event that fully represented this culture: Festiki. Festiki is the brainchild of Ron Kaplan, a friend of Bill’s and the creator of the cult fashion statement known simply as Surf Ohio. Ron’s concept was that this sense of lifestyle was more of a state of mind rather than a place, which he so eloquently demonstrated with his ubiquitous surfer riding the crest of a mythical Midwestern wave. Last year’s festival kind of came out of nowhere and there were very few people (speaking strictly of those who weren’t already in the loop) who knew exactly what to expect. There was a feeling of trepidation on Ron Kaplan’s part as he sought out sponsors for Festiki’s first outing.

“This is only year two and I can certainly remember last year going to potential sponsors and having many of them cock an eyebrow, saying, ‘Surf Ohio, what?’ or ‘What’s Surf Ohio?’” Kaplan said dryly. “It’s kind of like a joke: if you have to explain the punchline, then it’s most probably a lost cause.”

Yet, against all the fears of failure, the 2009 Festiki, by all accounts, was a huge success. It offered the public a radically different experience from the usual fairway kiosks and funnel cake trailers. Under a vibrant caul of rockabilly/surf sounds, the crowds mingled in a relaxed atmosphere of a shared experience. In relating to the creation of Festiki and the issues he faced the first year, Kaplan explained that:

“Well, I really kind of created it intuitively…the event almost channeled itself through me. As I got the idea for it, like a lot of big ideas, it’s a lot of small ideas over time that come together. I was, though, pleasantly surprised. Given the number of meetings I had with potential sponsors, so many of them looked at me like I was kind of nuts, I thought, ‘Gee, is that going to the public’s perception too?’” Kaplan went on to say that, “I think people got it though, and that’s why they came out in droves. The other thing was just seeing it all unfolding and everybody just having a great time…that was really heartening and I knew then that I absolutely was going to do another one. Of course, I had and have a great group of volunteers and vendors and suppliers helping me.”

This year’s Festiki promises to be bigger and better, without falling into the the cavernous commercial abyss that other festivals seem to fall prey to. Festiki is more of an organically conceptualized event where leisure and relaxation are the key elements rather than a frantic headlong run in an attempt to have fun. At Festiki, one can wander about, checking out the enlightening displays, gaze in awe at the spectacularly detailed award winning sand sculptures created by Ted Siebert, partake in Polynesian inspired cuisine or just lie back and relax as the waves of rocakbilly/surf music wash over you. This is more a communal communion of cultures as opposed to the individual desperation of distraction that passes for entertainment nowadays. During our conversation, Kaplan describes it as “the ultimate staycation.”

“There are a lot of people that can’t take that trip. I mean, you can’t go to the Gulf Coast because it’s all covered in oil, and maybe you can’t afford the condo in Hilton Head this summer for the whole clan, so for ten bucks, at least for a day, you can feel like you went to the shore and kicked back under the rustling palms with your beverage of choice and listened to some great tunes.”

As for the “great tunes,” you can catch The Space Cossacks, a surf revival band out of Washington, D.C. Then there is Vegas 66 from Columbus whose style is given the all encompassing description of “swingin’ surfa-rocka-psycho-punka-jazza-you name it.” Other bands include Tyrd Fyrgysyn and the MasterXploders, the Maderia, Crazy Joe and the Mad River Outlaws and, rounding out the bill, Dayton’s own Nick Kizirnis Band, whose surf music has graced several television shows. Other entertainment included Surfabilly Freakout, a troupe of Djs serving up a distinctively eclectic portion of music ranging from exotica to psychobilly music. The beautifully expressive Leilani Duteil brings the traditional hula dance to Dayton, accompanied by vocals and guitar work of Francis Llacuna and the characteristic sound of the slack key guitar played by O’ahu native, Curtis Silva. The Soul Fyre Tribe lights up the night with their martial arts inspired fire dancing. One thing to keep an eye out for is the unparalleled artistically destructive display presented by Kevin Moore, the “hot rod tiki carver,” who will carve a giant tiki by hand, then set it on fire using the flame thrower dual exhausts of his blacked out rat rod.

Festiki will be held on August 14th from at the historic Old River Park, which is located on River Road, with access to it from behind 1611 S. Main St. Admission is $10 for those 18 and up, $5 for students 10 to 18 and those under 9 are admitted for free. The events start at noon and run until after 10 pm. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Surfrider Foundation, for not only education in surfing activities, but also to keep the coastal areas pristine. Festiki is a production created by Surf Ohio and the Fraternal Order of the Moai. For more information, go to the Festiki website at http://www.fraternalorderofmoai.org/festiki/ .

Accidentally Coming of Age

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The Cast of Encore Theater Co.'s production of NEXT THING YOU KNOWNext Thing You Know

ENCORE THEATER COMPANY

Encore Theater Company in association with Sinclair Community College will present a developmental production of the new musical NEXT THING YOU KNOW written by Drama Desk Nominees JOSHUA SALZMAN & RYAN CUNNINGHAM August 12-14, 2010 at Sinclair’s Blair Hall Theatre. (Note…there is an opportunity for you to win tickets to this show.  Details are found at the end of this post!)

Joshua Salzman & Ryan Cunningham, writers of Next Thing You KnowJoshua Salzman (music) and Ryan Cunningham (book and lyrics) met at the NYU Tisch Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Their thesis musical, I Love You Because went on to be professionally produced Off-Broadway, earned a Drama Desk nomination for the team, spawned a cast album on PS Classics and garnered a licensing deal with Theatrical Rights Worldwide, resulting in productions both nationally and internationally including Encore Theater Company’s own regional production several seasons ago.

“The opportunity to see our show developed outside of NY, under a dedicated and enthusiastic team of actors and directors, is invaluable”, says composer Joshua Salzman, “The nurturing and safe environment ETC provides for musical theater writers to hone their craft is essential to the creative process of developing a new musical”.

Salzman & Cunningham spent several days in Dayton developing the show which the creators describe this way:

“Real life comes real fast. One day you wake up, and instead of a hangover, you have a job. Instead of a fling, you have a live-in girlfriend. And instead of naïve dreams, you have reality. For four artists in New York City, discovering yourself can take a lot longer than you think. The little joys and compromises that bring us into adulthood are brought to life in this all-new musical”.

The cast of ETC's production of Salzman & Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOWThe cast for the Dayton engagement of NEXT THING YOU KNOW includes: Amy Leigh (Waverly), Matthew D. Curry (Luke), BethAnn Wipprecht (Lisa) and JJ Parkey (Darren). Production staff include David Brush (Director), Shawn Storms (Assistant Director), Jackson Gallagher (Lighting Design), Nathan Dean (Sound Design), and Ally Wetz (Stage Manager).

The cast and staff of NEXT THING YOU KNOW shared some thoughts with me about working directly with the writing team, and what it means to originate a character in a brand new piece of musical theater.  Excerpts are below, but you can read more of their thoughts on the production blog at NextThingYouKnowDayton.wordpress.com and listen to an interview with the cast and writing team at MusicalWorld.us .

As the weekend with the writer’s approached in July, what did you feel most anxious about?

Amy LeighAmy Leigh:  “I was nervous that Josh and Ryan were seeing us do the entire show just after we’d blocked it, before we had time to settle into the scenes. I wanted to prove to them that, although we might stumble on lines, lyrics, or notes here and there, that we honor the original intent of their show. But they were anything but judgmental. They seemed to truly appreciate seeing the show on its feet, and having their input really completed the experience for me.”

JJ Parkey and Amy Leigh of ETC's NEXT THING YOU KNOWJJ Parkey: “I was afraid that their presence in the room would be really intimidating, but as it turns out, Ryan and Josh are absolutely WONDERFUL to work with. They were so very supportive of what we were all doing, and the entire weekend was a very positive experience. Ryan and Josh brought about a sense of grounding to the project for me.

Describe the experience of working directly with the creators of a new piece of theater.

Matthe Curry in ETC's production of Salzman & Cunningham's NEXT THING YOU KNOWMatthew D. Curry:  “Having Josh there to guide us through deeper meaning of our music, and Ryan giving us hints and clues to where our character’s thoughts lie, weather we thought we had it or not, gave me personally a truer look into Luke. And that’s an experience you never get with just a script and our own analysis of the writer’s words.”

What has it been like, leading a team of actors through the discovery of new characters that have never before been seen on stage?

Shawn Storms, assistant director of ETC's NEXT THING YOU KNOWShawn Storms, assistant director:  “I have found this process easier than the work I have done with new plays. I feel that it has much to do with the extremely talented cast of this show. They have been open and eager to try new things; go with the flow. I feel that without that beautiful collaborative spirit, this show would never have evolved in the many ways it has.

It has been a pleasure to witness each character’s evolution. To see the script change, new moments discovered, and songs soar. I hope that our audiences see what a gem this show is!”

Why did ETC choose a new musical, one that nobody in Dayton has even heard of before, as the finale for it’s summer theatrical season?

David Brush, director: “This kind of development is what new shows need – a long term commitment to walk a show from one step to the next and allow creators to make changes, additions and deletions along the way. This gets at the very heart of ETC’s mission and we are thrilled to kick off the program with two amazing young, fresh talents like Ryan and Josh.”

NEXT THING YOU KNOW is part of Encore Theater Company’s New Musicals In Development program which includes a focus on developing new work through podcasts, readings, and development productions.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

NEXT THING YOU KNOW (August 12-14) Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 on the day of the performance.  Please note:  this show contains adult language and situations.  Visit http://www.EncoreTheaterCompany.com for tickets.

WIN TICKETS TO Next Thing You Know!

Encore Theater Company & DaytonMostMetro.com are giving away a pair of tickets to NEXT THING YOU KNOW.  It’s really easy to enter. The deadline to enter is Noon on Wednesday, August 11th.

1.  In the comment section below, answer this question…WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE OMELET INGREDIENTS? (Yeah, we know…it doesn’t make sense, but if you come see NTYK it will!)

2.  Share this DMM post on Facebook!  At the bottom of this post there are buttons to like, tweet & share this…Please share it!  For every 10 FACEBOOK SHARES of this post, we’ll add  a pair of tickets (up to 6 pairs!). The more people who share this, the more chances there are to win!

Dayton Area Casting Calls:

Grey Gardens: The Musical

THE SEED THEATRE PROJECT Open Auditions

Continuing the 2010-2011 theatrical season with the SEED theatre project will be the area premier of Scott Frankel, Michael Korie & Doug Wright’s musical Grey Gardens. Grey Gardens: The Musical will be directed by Adam J. Leigh. In addition, Judy Mansky serves as music director while Shayne Thomas Petty serves as assistant director.

Grey Gardens at SEED Theatre ProjectFresh from Broadway where it was nominated for ten Tony Awards in 2007, this new musical was inspired by the 1975 Maysles brothers documentary of the same name. Grey Gardens tells the entertaining and poignant story of two unconquerable women, Edith Bouvier Beale and her adult daughter Edie, the eccentric aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Once known as two of the brightest stars in the social register, these two women became East Hampton’s most infamous “reclusive inhabitants”, sharing their rundown 28-room mansion with 52 stray cats and rabid raccoons. From the glittering high society of 1940s New York to the tabloid headlines that rocked the Kennedy clan in 1970s, Grey Gardens hurls you into American royalty and poses the questions: When do private lives become public fascinations? How much is too much? And where does it stop?

The SEED Theatre Project, Dayton, OhioOpen Auditions for this show will be held on Tuesday, August 10th and Wednesday, August 11th. They will begin at 7pm each night. Auditions will be held at The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center – 1000 N. Keowee Street – Dayton, OH 45420. Performers will only need to attend one night of auditions for consideration.

Performance dates are Friday, November 5th and Saturday, November 6th, 2010.

For more information please contact Adam Leigh via phone at (937)219-7835 or via email at [email protected] or visit SEED’s website for casting requirements and additional audition details:  www.SEEDtheatreproject.org

The Sugar Witch

THE DAYTON THEATRE GUILD Open Auditions

Sugar Witch at The Dayton Theatre GuildThe Dayton Theatre Guild announces open auditions for it’s upcoming production of THE SUGAR WITCH by Nathan Sanders.

Auditions will take place August 23rd & 24th, 2010 at 7 pm in The Dayton Theatre Guild’s  Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape at 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH 45410.  Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script

The show, directed by Doug Lloyd and produced by Debra Kent is set in the Florida swamp country of the Watchalahoochee River unfolding an at times eerie, weird and often very funny story of what’s left of the Bean family, Moses and Sisser, along with Annabelle, the Sugar Witch. And yes, there may be flying cats, casting of spells, country music, not to mention a few possible surprises.

Performance Dates:  October 22nd – November 7th, 2010

Casting Requirements:

Sisser – Female – Late 20’s to late 30’s – Southern, Obese, and somewhat mad. A wheel chair bound lover of little Debbie Snack cakes. She is capable of anything – even murder.

Ruth Ann Meeks – Female – Late 20’s to Mid 30’s – Southern, Racist, and half insane. A “church-goer”, plain, not necessarily pretty, most likely the product of incest.

Annabelle – African-American Female – Mid 40’s to 50’s – Southern swamp mystic and conjure woman. She brews magical potions from sugar cane molasses. Annabelle is the last in a long line of powerful “Sugar-Witches”.

Moses Bean – Male – mid 20’s – Southern, Handsome and boyish. He is a mechanic at the local Texaco station. Innocent and virginal; a gender reversed “Sleeping Beauty”.

Hank Hartley – Male – 30’s – Southern, handsome and strong. He is the play’s “gentleman caller”. He has recently returned to Sugar Bean to take over his family funeral home business. Hank is madly “in-love” but yet hiding a dark secret.

Granddaddy Meeks – Male – 60’s to 70’s – Southern, redneck, racist, abusiveand mean. He is Ruth Ann’s Grandfather.

Additional information about The Dayton Theatre Guild can be found online at www.DaytonTheatreGuild.org

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently in the midst of their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton, which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the upcoming new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

Would you like to submit theater news for DaytonMostMetro.com’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane & Dave at [email protected]

http://musicalworldpodshow.mevio.com/

WINTER’S BONE – A Critical and Audience Darling – Opens Today at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone.

Wow!  Last weekend was great!  Thanks to all of you who hurried out to see THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT.  We hope you’re spreading the word about what a special film it is.
Today, we’re opening another special film – this year’s big winner at the Sundance Film Festival – WINTER’S BONE.  Critics are raving about WINTER’S BONE.  In fact, more than a dozen of the nation’s top critics have given WINTER’S BONE a 100% review – including NEW YORK MAGAZINE, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY, TIME OUT NEW YORK, WALL STREET JOURNAL, USA TODAY, CHICAGO-SUN TIMES, THE NEW YORKER, and many more!  We hope you’ll hurry down to see it.

Synopsis for WINTER’S BONE: “This tense, naturalistic thriller follows 17-year-old Ree Dolly as she confronts the local criminal underworld and the harsh Ozark wilderness in order to to track down her father, who has put up the family homestead for his bail. Featuring a star-making performance by Jennifer Lawrence, Winter’s Bone is sure to be one of the most-critically acclaimed films of the year.”  (taken from Roadside Attractions)

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year!  Mark your calendars for September 24-26.  I promised you a line-up this week…so here you go (the press doesn’t even have this information yet):

FRIDAY, SEPT. 24 at 7:30
I KILLED BY MOTHER (a winner at Cannes & other international film festivals) – preceded by THE YOUNG PRIME MINISTER
sponsored by PFLAG Dayton
Followed by Opening Night Party at Color of Energy Gallery
sponsored by Lisa Hanauer & Sue Spiegel

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 at 3:00
TOP DRAWER SHORTS: DOOR PRIZE, GAYBY, NOTHING HAPPENED, GO GO REJECT, AT NIGHT I WAS BEAUTIFUL, JUDGMENT DAY, INFLATABLE SWAMP, KADEN, REMEMBER ME IN RED
sponsored by The Human Race Theatre Company

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 at 7:15
A MARINE STORY (same director & actress as THE GYMNAST from 2008’s festival)
sponsored by Greater Dayton LGBT Center

SATURDAY, SEPT. 25 at 9:30
VIOLET TENDENCIES – preceded by I’D RATHER BE LOOKING AT PORN
sponsorship TBD

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 at 3:00
STONEWALL UPRISING – preceded by GAY POOL PARTY: 1968 & LAST ADDRESS
sponsored by Miami Valley Fair Housing

SUNDAY, SEPT. 26 at 5:15
UNDERTOW (a big winner at Sundance and other international film festivals)
sponsored by Square One Salon & Spa

Tickets will go on sale in early September.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor to help make the festival bigger and better (ie – bringing more visiting filmmakers, etc.), please let me know.  There are also opportunities for advertising in the program.

And now for FREE TICKET information.
If you see a movie at THE NEON, you can now comment on the film for everyone in town to see – right here on DAYTONMOSTMETRO.COM!
During the month of August, you can write a review for a film that’s currently playing at THE NEON.
At the end of the month, we’ll select two winners to win a pair of tickets to THE NEON.  If the response to this contest is good, we’ll do it again in September.  (You can only review a specific film one time…but if we have 5 films play in one month, you could possibly have 5 entries.)  Good luck & Happy Reviewing!  (Drop me a note if you have any questions.)

We hope to see you soon.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for August 6 – August 12:

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45

WINTER’S BONE (R)  100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

COMING SOON:

Aug. 13  JOAN RIVERS – A PIECE OF WORK

Aug. 20   THE GIRL WHO PLAYED WITH FIRE

Aug. 20   COCO CHANEL AND IGOR STRAVINSKY

Aug. 27   GET LOW

Sept. 10  FAREWELL

Sept. 17   ANIMAL KINGDOM

Sept. 24   WILD GRASS

Oct. 8   LEBANON

Oct. 15   A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP

Oh What A Night…

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Muse Machine - CAN'T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOUCan’t Take My Eyes Off Of You

THE MUSE MACHINE

This week, the Dayton-based, nationally recognized arts education organization The Muse Machine will continue it’s tradition of presenting near-professional quality music, theatre and dance with local teens.   The Muse Machine  is busy preparing for their 12th summer concert, joining nearly 200 current students from the Miami Valley with fellow Muse Machine alums.  The group will croon from the Victoria Theatre stage, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You:  the Songs of Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons & Friends” (other popular groups of the era).

Michael Ingersoll

Michael Ingersoll

This summer, those performers are joined by very special guest star, Muse alum Michael Ingersoll, who was featured in the original L.A., San Francisco and Chicago casts of the Tony-award winning Jersey Boys, as well as appearing on the Emmys, the Tonight Show and Oprah.

There are only 2 chances to catch this concert, this Wednesday & Thursday, and tickets are going fast, so press pause on this post, go to www.ticketcenterstage.com, order up some great summer entertainment, then come on back and read on…

The many muse performers include singers, dancers and musicians who range from talented alumni all the way down to budding elementary school performers. The songs are recreated with a new vision, original concepts, choreography and arrangements.  While most of the show focuses on the actual songs of the Four Seasons, there are a few other surprises.

The Muse Machine - Singin In The Rain - Winter 2010

The Muse Machine - Singin' In The Rain, 2010

“Jersey Boys gives a nod to the girl groups of the 60’s, and later the Four Seasons perform songs by other great artists,” said producer, Douglas Merk.  “And there are a few of these really exciting influences that we’ll visit to round out the show.”

Nobody has performed more shows as one of the Four Seasons in Jersey Boys than Michael Ingersoll. After more than 1,300 performances, his solo concert tour — often backed by other cast members, performers and even a big band — has sold out venues as large as 1,800 seats. His projects have raised nearly $1 million for charitable causes, and he is eager to return to Dayton, where he credits Muse for launching his career on stage.

The Muse Machine - Singin In The Rain - Winter 2010

The Muse Machine - Singin' In The Rain, 2010

“Jersey Boys was a huge break for me that led to major concert and producing opportunities. It’s such an honor to be asked to return to Muse where my love of performing began,” said Ingersoll.

Michael Ingersoll in The Jersey BoysCan’t Take My Eyes Off Of You: The Songs of Frankie Valli, The Four Seasons & Friends runs at the Victoria Theatre at 8:00 p.m., August 4 and 5, 2010. Tickets, currently on sale, are offered exclusively through Ticket Center Stage at 937-228-3630, online at www.ticketcenterstage.com or at the Ticket Center Stage box office, located in the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton. The concert is presented by MeadWestvaco with additional support provided by Bieser, Greer & Landis, LLP., BounceU and James Free Jewelers.

For more Information & Tickets, visit:

I CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF OF YOU (August 4-5) Call Ticket Center Stage at  (937) 228-3630 or visit http://www.ticketcenterstage.com, visit http://www.musemachinedayton.com for more information about the organization.

About the Muse Machine

The Muse Machine is a nationally recognized arts education organization, providing creative experiences and resources for young people of the Miami Valley. Since 1982, they’ve produced 24 annual musicals and 12 concerts for the community and engaged thousands of students through academic-relevant lessons, workshops and in-school projects.  For more information, visit www.musemachinedayton.com.

Shane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. ETC recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon District, along with Zoot Theatre Co. & Rhythm in Shoes. Anderson, Brush & ETC are currently in the midst of their summer season of new musicals in downtown Dayton which featured Johnathan Larson’s RENT, [title of show] & the upcoming new musical in development Next Thing You Know.

SA/Muse Press Release

Free Ticket Contest & THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT @ THE NEON!!

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Hello Everyone.

The booking fairy has granted us a wish!  THE NEON currently has Dayton’s exclusive booking of THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT…and that’s great for you, because THE NEON has Dayton’s best first-run ticket prices (not to mention a great selection of microbrews and imported beers).  We hope you’ll make plans to come out and support this film that is winning audiences & critics over across the country.

Synopsis for THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT: “The Kids Are All Right is the heartfelt new comedy from acclaimed director Lisa Cholodenko, starring Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, and Mark Ruffalo. Two teenaged children (Alice in Wonderland’s Mia Wasikowska and Journey to the Center of the Earth’s Josh Hutcherson) get the notion to seek out their biological father and introduce him into the family life that their two mothers (Bening and Moore) have built for them. Once the donor (Ruffalo) is found, the household will never be the same, as family ties are defined, re-defined, and re-re-defined. The New York Times raves that it’s ‘a generous, nearly note-perfect portrait of a modern family,’ and Entertainment Weekly calls the movie ‘funny, smart and sexy!’” (taken from movieweb.com)  Click on the image below to be directed to the official site.

We had to move WINTER’S BONE back a week, so we’re going to hold CYRUS for another week and hold onto MICMACS for one screening a day for one more week.  Both of these films will leave next Thursday to make room for WINTER’S BONE on August 6th.  Hurry down if you still need to see either of these films.

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival is swinging into action for its 5th year!  Mark your calendars for September 24-26.  The opening night film will be I KILLED MY MOTHER(an absolutely incredible film that has won awards and garnered high praise from numerous film festivals…from Cannes to Toronto to Frameline) – and you absolutely can’t miss it on the big screen.  In next week’s update, I’ll announce the entire line-up.  If you know someone who would like to sponsor the festival (either through a business or personally), please get in touch with me right away.

And Now – FREE TICKET Information. We want you to review our films!  Come to THE NEON and see our current films…then post your review on DaytonMostMetro.com under THE NEON’s weekly update.  At the end of August, we’ll collect all the names of people who have reviewed films – and we’ll draw 2 winners for a free pass (good for 2 admissions).  Each film review counts as an entry (though you can only review a film one time).  Please join in and help create some energy for THE NEON.  (If this goes over well, we’ll do it next month, too.)

We hope to see you in the coming week.
Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for July 30 – August 5:

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT (R) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:15, 7:30, 9:45

CYRUS (R)  92 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 5:10, 7:20, 9:30

MICMACS (R) 105 Minutes
Friday – Thursday: 3:00