Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

Arts & Entertainment

Cirque du Soleil: Corteo at Nutter Center

By

The clown Mauro envisions that his own burial will take place amid a carnival atmosphere and be attended by tender angels. The show contrasts the grand with the intimate, the silly with the tragic, and the beauty of perfection with the appeal of imperfection. It also emphasizes the strength and vulnerability of the clown as well as his knowledge and generosity to represent the aspect of humanity that exists in each of us. Corteo is guided through a timeless ceremony in which fantasy teases reality with music, which is both poetic and mischievous.

Dayton Theatre Guild presents WEDNESDAY’S CHILD

By

WEDNESDAY’S CHILD is a fast-paced thriller, murder mystery, and more. Susan and Martin Merrit are unable to have a child on their own, so they hire Becca Connor to serve as a surrogate. When Becca is found dead, a police investigation explodes the lives of everyone who knew her. As Detectives Valez and Dixon begin to put the pieces together, secrets surface, alibis weaken, and lies are uncovered. This dramatic play explores motherhood, passion, and that thin line between right and wrong.
Directed by K.L.Storer
Produced by Scott Madden

Enjoy A Free Day At DAI

By

The DAI is hosting a FREE Community Day in honor of Veterans Day and the many brave individuals who have served our country. All guests attending the museum on Friday will receive free admission.

For non-members, this is a special opportunity to see our newest Special Exhibition, “Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: The Birth of Modern Paris” for free.

Auditions for TRUE WEST

By

Open audition notice for TRUE WEST by Sam Shepard
Auditions will be held Mon & Tue, Nov 6 & 7, 2023, starting at 7:00 pm both nights.
Production dates: Jan 12-28, 2024
The Dayton Theatre Guild at the Caryl D. Philip TheatreScape
430 Wayne Ave, Dayton OH, 45410
937-278-5993 — www.daytontheatreguild.org
Directed by Doug Lloyd
Produced by K.L.Storer
This Pulitzer Prize finalist and Tony-nominated play examines the relationship between two estranged brothers. It is set in the kitchen of their mother’s home in the desert, 40 miles east of Los Angeles. Austin, a screenwriter and achiever, is working on a script he has sold to producer Saul Kimmer. Lee is a demented petty thief who drops in and pitches his own idea for a movie to the producer. Sal then wants Austin to junk his bleak, modern love story and write Lee’s trashy Western tale.
Casting Requirements:
• Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script.
• A résumé and headshot are not required but are appreciated.
• Please provide a list of all known conflicts between Nov 8, 2023 and Jan 28, 2024
Masks are welcomed for everyone auditioning or otherwise involved.
All cast and crew are required to be vaccinated for COVID-19
3 males. 1 female
-) Austin:
(Male), early 30s, a screen writer
-) Lee:
(Male), 30s-early 40s, Austin’s older brother, somewhat of a drifter and petty criminal
-) Saul Kimmer:
(Male), late 40s, a Hollywood producer
-) Mom:
(Female), early 60s, mother to Austin and Lee
For more information please contact Producer K.L.Storer
[email protected]
The show runs weekends January 12-28, 2024
First Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 8pm, Sunday 3pm
Second & Third Weekend: Friday 8pm, Saturday 5pm, Sunday 3pm
*Children under seven will not be admitted
Individual tickets on sale now
Adult: $20
Senior (60 or older): $18
Student: $13
To purchase:
– https://daytontheatreguild.thundertix.com/
– or call 937-278-5993
– or at the box office day of the show
* All individual tickets purchased in advance via our on-line ticket system or by telephone will also include a $1 convenience fee.
for more information, including auditions, see http://www.daytontheatreguild.org/

Dayton Poetry Slam

By

Dayton’s longest running poetry show is celebrating it’s 24th year.  Open mics, competitions, and featured poets await you twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, at Yellow Cab Tavern.  The show is open to all ages and poetic styles.  Great food, wonderful poetry, and a great environment make this the perfect show for you to get out and enjoy the words of others all for only $3.  More information on our website daytonpoetryslam.com and on all social media platforms.

Misery Packs a Terrifying PUNCH!

By

Stephen’s King frightening tale of an obsessed fan, MISERY, comes to life this weekend at the PNC Arts Annex. TheatreLab‘s deep dive into the novel looks eerie, and excellent. I was lucky enough to catch up with the show’s director, Allie Haines. She gave me the lowdown, on this blood-curdling ride through the mind of a psychopath….the notorious Annie Wilkes.

JS: Hi Allie….so good to see you. So, tell me this, Why Misery??

AH: Hi Josh…yes, TheatreLab has a history of success presenting shows around the Halloween season and we’ve been wanting to introduce plays into our offerings, so Misery felt like a no brainer. The story feels timeless and relevant with its issues of fame, obsession, and addiction and we wanted to give the audience an immersive, voyeuristic view inside of this nightmare.

JS: It’s a story so many know…and love, especially the film. Are there parallels?

AH: Quite similar, actually! You can expect the same thrilling ride, with our own compelling twists and turns throughout. Complete with sledgehammer!

JS: Yay, the sledgehammer. (For those of you unfamiliar, you will appreciate the loyalty to the story King wrote. Let’s juist say, some of the props are stars as well.) Thinking in terms of stars, there is a lot of talk about this cast. What can you share with us?

AH: These actors. Phew!!! Every night they surprise us, make us laugh, gasp in horror and send chills down our spines. Naman Clark plays a suave and confident Sheriff Buster, Kaleb Smith enters the chat as the sarcastic and endearing famous author Paul Sheldon, and Adelyn Helms embodies our Annie Wilkes with a mastery that’s at once both enchanting and terrifying. They are a truly phenomenal cast that must be seen to be believed, bringing these classic characters to life – for a new generation of Misery devotees.

JS: I’m a devotee. I think about some of those scenes, and find myself rooting for Annie….sick as that is! It’s just got so much energy in the show…all over the place energy. I know people are dying to get tickets….what are the dates/times?

AH: 4. One weekend only! November 2-4th. Link for tickets is right here: https://www.daytonlive.org/events/misery/

JS: There are also rumors about TheatreLab using their own space for upcoming performances. The previews for Misery were a hit….from the sinister elevator ride, to the immersive performances. Whats the story with all of that?

AH:5. Our rehearsal space on Jefferson St really lends itself to performance and experiential opportunities and opening up our final rehearsals of Misery to the public and transforming our space into a version of the show felt like the beginnings of a new direction for TLD. Up next, [title of show] will be playing in our space and our wheels are already turning with ideas for more intimate, immersive, and one of a kind theatrical experiences.

JS: YAY! Smart! Ok, so, with all the word on theaters around the country facing tough times….how can Dayton get involved in TLD. Are there opportunities to support beyond tickets?

AH: We believe live theater and telling these stories on stage cultivates empathy, connection and hope in our beautiful, yet fractured world. Art is essential. We need your support to continue this crucial work, to compensate local artists and spark deep conversations about the human experience. You can get involved in so many ways! Visit our website and contact us if you’d like to volunteer or donate (we accept Venmo, PayPal, and good ol fashioned checks and cash!). You truly are our best advocates! If you come to our show and enjoyed it – spread the word online and to your friends! You make a huge difference in allowing The Lab to continue to INVOLVE, INNOVATE and INSPIRE! Thank you!

JS: Ummmmm…..that was like a practiced speech Alle….but I get it. Best of luck with Misery, and for the season itself. And thank you!

AH: See you at the show….Thanks Josh.

 

 

Beavercreek Community Theatre presents The Gingerbread Lady

By

Evy Meara is a struggling, alcoholic NYC nightclub singer who has just arrived back home from several weeks at a rehab facility. Her two best friends also have problems. Toby is obsessed with her looks and being attractive to men, and Jimmy is a gay actor who, after twenty years, is still trying to make it on Broadway. Evy struggles with life after rehab, Jimmy gets fired from his current play, and Toby’s husband is leaving her. Evy starts drinking again, but her daughter, Polly, helps her mother get back on her feet once more.

Dayton Ballet Presents: Dracula: Bloodlines

By

“Dracula: Bloodlines” features Dayton Ballet dancers Isaac Jones as Vlad Dracul III/Dracula, Jasmine Getz as Katerina/Lucy Westenra, Claire Bergman as Lilith, and Lukas Pringle as Dr. Van Helsing. The production includes a unique component by incorporating vocalists from Dayton Opera’s Artist-in-Residence program to enhance character development throughout the ballet. Baritone, Michael Pandolfo sings the Vlad III/Dracula role, Tessa Fackelmann, mezzo-soprano, sings Lilith, and soprano Gabrielle Flannery is Lucy Westenra.

“Working with Tessa really enhances Karen’s story,” said Bergman, in a news release. “The combination of dancer and singer helps the audience better understand what our character, Lilith, is feeling. Tessa acts as my conscience, telling me what to do and how I should feel. We feed off each other’s energy. It’s a unique experience, and I’m excited to be a part of it again.”

Game Night

By

A show where we play your favorite childhood games with an improvised spin on it! Every Wednesday at 8pm! Come have a drink at our bar and order pizza as well from The Pizza Bandit!

Dia de Muertos Parade and Celebration

By

The Mexican celebration of life will return for the 12th year on Saturday, October 21st. Día De Muertos will be a place to remember our loved ones, eat delicious food, and enjoy a special performance by Maria Reyna.

This FREE, FAMILY FRIENDLY celebration provides a beautiful opportunity to remember and share memories of loved ones who have passed.

Pre-parade: At noon the celebration begins across from the Dublin Pub (5th and Wayne Ave). Guests will gather for face painting, food trucks, and live entertainment. The parade will kick off at 2:00 pm and travel west through the Oregon District to the Main Library at 215 E. Third Street (the route is about a half mile). At the library, we will have offrendas (altars) for loved ones, as well as activities for kids. The celebration will conclude with the performance by Maria Reyna at the Eichelberger Forum – starting after the arrival of the parade (around 3:00 pm).

McCoy on Movies: Old Dad

By

Bill Burr’s directorial debut for Netflix delivers laughs despite uneven storytelling

 
The poster for the new Netflix comedy OLD DADS. Credit: Netflix © 2023 Netflix. All rights reserved. 

 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:
 

 

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Bill Burr, Bobby Cannavale, Bokeem Woodbine, Katie Aselton, Rachael Harris, Jackie Tohn, Katrina Bowden, Reign Edwards, Miles Robbins and Josh Brener

DIRECTOR: Bill Burr

THE BACK STORY: Directed and co-written by Bill Burr, OLD DADS stars the comedian as Jack, a man who has a young son (Dash McCloud), loving wife in Leah (Katie Asleton) and two great friends in Connor (Bobby Canavale) and Mike (Bokeem Woodbine). Jack, Connor and Mike are also the co-owners of a throwback sports apparel company and are about to cash out in hopes of living the good life.

They are also in their very late 40s/early 50s, don’t like change and have some anger management/maturity issues. In Jack’s and Connor’s respective cases, they are also fathers of young children – and Mike? Well, more on that later …

Unfortunately for the trio, they are also struggling to stay in touch with today’s modern world, its trends and most of all, its sensitivities. So, be it the holier-than-thou attitude of his son’s kindergarten principal Dr. L (Rachael Harris), his new 28 year-old boss Aspen Bell (Miles Robbins), Connor’s overbearing wife (Jackie Tohn) and/or his miscreant son (Dominic Grey Gonzalez), Jack is nearing a breaking point. 

And as you might expect, when Jack and his friends break, a lot of feelings – and possibly some bones – are going to get hurt.

THE REVIEW: Burr has well-documented his journey as both an older father in real life and coming out of a traditional nuclear family in 1970s Massachusetts throughout his career. It’s served as fodder for many of his stand-up routines, his Monday Morning Podcast (and its Thursday follow-up) as well as his previous Netflix effort, the animated F is for Family. Thus, for those familiar with his work, OLD DADS will feel familiar with many jokes aimed at pointing out the hypocrisy and silliness (at times) of modern culture wars and aging … In a way that is likely to almost infuriate the very people who won’t see the humor in what is being criticized given the film’s language, viewpoints and nudity. (Yup, there’s nudity)

That notwithstanding, OLD DADS is a lot like parenthood itself: Entertaining at best, uneven and a little dystopian at its worst while in general doing a decent enough job at presenting its story. Some scenes feel to drag on unnecessarily while others feel inserted for the sake of being a funny moment rather than a moment that helps progress the story along. 

What does work, however, is that it is clear that as a director, Burr understands how a story arc should work, involves his characters so that their interactions don’t feel forced or ludicrous (even though some of their scenes togethers do) and how to deliver jokes that don’t feel recycled. It will be interesting to see what his next effort produces as OLD DADS shows he has come strong potential as a feature filmmaker … Even if that may come with a lot of not-so-safe for work – or millennials – content. 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

 

 

 

RAVE REVIEW! Provocative and Passionate….”Mockingbird” is Magnificent!

By

I have to admit, I was fearful of a stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’ As a teacher who made sure students were aware of rich literature, ‘Mockingbird‘ stands alone. Aaron Sorkin‘s play strikes every chord, and keeps the pace perfectly throughout. It’s raw, it’s uncomfortable and it’s powerful!

From the outset, the stage is deep and dark…invoking the South of the past. Large stage pieces, choreographed in their movements as we glide through the story, bring to mind the expansive porches, imposing courtrooms, and live oaks hanging eerily in the background. The mood is quiet and curious. As the actors make their initial entrance, you recognize the characters….Scout, Tom, Atticus….and each is as you pictured them when you read the novel. Perfectly cast are Richard Thomas (Atticus), who gets a rousing applause as he sets foot on the stage…(Yes, It’s John Boy from the ‘Waltons’)….Melanie Moore (the endearing Scout)….Yaegel Welch (the heartbreaking Tom)….and a crowd favorite Jacqueline Welch (the soul-filled Calpurnia.) There is NOT ONE….I repeat, NOT ONE character that isn’t played to the ‘t’ by this cast. Each as believable as the next.

And it goes beyond sets and actors. ‘Mockingbird‘ is tough….it’s agonizing. Faced with unfairness, prejudice and injustice, the audience has to endure the inevitable. We have to take a look inside ourselves and see who we are, by seeing who they are. Us! From the injured parties…Mayella (Mariah Lee), Link Deas (Greg Wood)…to those attempting to make wrongs right…..Judge Taylor (Jeff Still), Jem Finch (Stephen Cefalu, Jr.)…we see ourselves. Many times….not liking what we see. What this play does is bring us together to realize our world, even today, needs people to say ‘enough!’ It reminds us that when one of us is wronged, all of us are wronged. And REMARKABLY it does it with humor and gentleness.

It’s the audience that becomes that litmus for this production. Gasps, tears, laughs and rousing applause say it all. There is hope in all things. We are reminded that the world we live in can be evil. But through the eyes of our 3 young heroes, we find a way to look to a future of ‘being better.’ It’s not right to ‘Kill a Mockingbird…’ you know the line. But, as you leave this beautifully atmospheric production you get Why! It sticks….and you exit the theatre thinking of how you can make a difference in this unjust world.

SEE THIS SHOW…..IT MATTERS!

Info: Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill A Mockingbird.’

Tickets@ Dayton Live

October 17-22 at The Schuster Center.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening Reception Tonight For Shon Walter’s solo exhibition, “The Hole Belly.”

By

The Contemporary Dayton presents an ambitious exhibition of new work, created to fill the entirety of the Co’s four galleries and three and a half years in the making. The Hole Belly is a fusion of nature and craftsmanship from a visionary sculptor renowned for his mastery in transforming found and sourced wood into awe-inspiring sculpture.

Based on abstract organic forms rich with psychological, cultural, and historical references, Walter’s labor-intensive sculptures are made by hand at his studio in downtown Dayton. His reductive technique and meditative approach challenge the physical and poetic boundaries of the wood. His ability to coax graceful shapes from wood connects his practice to a lineage of artists who’ve pushed the envelope of what the medium can convey. By embracing the imperfections and unique characteristics of the medium, he taps into the essence of contemporary sculptural expression.

Through meticulous sanding and intricate carving, he breathes life into his forms, revealing inherent patterns and hidden stories. At the heart of the exhibition is an ambitious series of tableaus that push visitors to kneel, jostle, and duck; forcing them to relate to the heft and power–as well as the graceful intricacy–of the forms. Each is a testament to Walters unique perspective, featuring organic forms that interlock like pieces of a cosmic jigsaw puzzle.

Walters was born in Fairborn, OH. Self-taught, he credits an apprenticeship with cabinet maker, Thomas Bennett, which allowed him limitless hours at the wood shop and days immersed in the woods around Athens, OH as the basis of his practice. He served as special project coordinator at Stivers School for the Arts, Dayton, for over 20 years; and has exhibited his work locally and nationally, including a large wall sculpture commissioned by Dayton Metro Library, New Lebanon Branch. He lives in Dayton, is also known as the lyricist and percussionist of the local band, Sleepybird, and often collaborates with his son, Zade, also an artist.

Images: Pierceverance (Welcome Desk, The Contemporary Dayton) 2021, ash, 18 x 3 x 4 feet. Image Brigham Fisher

Digital collage (detail from Shon Walters: The Hole Belly), 2023, The Contemporary Dayton. Image Josh Mayes

Opening Night: Oct 13, 2023

Members Preview with the Artist: 5-6pm / Public Reception 6-8pm.

Conversations: Shon Walters | Nov 10, 2023

Doors open at 6pm. Talk begins at 6:30pm in the Tank of the Dayton Arcade.

McCoy on Movies: THE BURIAL

By

Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones show spirited life in crowd-pleasing
Amazon Studios inspired by true events

“When I move, you move – just like that!” Willie Gay (Jamie Foxx, center) and Mike Allred (Alan Ruck, to the immediate left of Foxx) prepare for war a.k.a. litigation against Ray Loewen’s massive funeral empire in a scene from THE BURIAL. Credit: Skip Bolen © Amazon Content Services. All rights reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Jamie Foxx, Tommy Lee Jones, Mamoudou Athie, Jurnee Smollett, Alan Ruck, Bill Camp, Pamela Reed, Dorian Missick and Amanda Warren
THE BACK STORY: Inspired by true events, THE BURIAL stars Jamie Foxx as Willie Gay. Who is Willie Gay? Well, he’s a self-made man, the son of sharecroppers in Florida who has created his own mini legal empire. A superstar lawyer, Willie hasn’t lost a case in 12 years, which is why he has a 50-room mansion, luxury cars and the “Wings of Justice,” his own private plane.
By comparison, Jeremiah “Jerry” O’Keefe is a fairly simple man to say the least. The owner of eight funeral homes in Southern Mississippi, he’s hoping to leave the family business (which he inherited from his father) to his extended family. Given that he’s got double digit children of his own and even more grandchildren, that legacy is one he takes very seriously. Unfortunately, some bad business deals have left Jerry needing income quickly – which is why he decides to take the advice of his longtime lawyer and friend Mike Allred (Alan Ruck) and sell three of his funeral homes. The buyer? Ray Loewen (Bill Camp), the billionaire owner of Loewen Corp, the funeral industry giant with more locations than Willie has jewelry … And Willie has a lot of jewelry.
But when the handshake deal between Loewen and Jeremiah goes south, Jerry’s young apprentice lawyer seemingly in training Hal Dockins (Mamoudou Athie) assesses the situation and comes to a realization: Given the demographics of the county where Jerry’s lawsuit has been filed, having a lawyer that is both talented and that the jury will likely identify with is going to be crucial to winning the case. That lawyer? Yup, you guessed it, Willie Gay.
Apprehensive to take the case at first, Willie eventually relents and begins preparing. But Loewen has deep pockets and hires an extremely talented legal team of his own that is also well-suited for the jury. It’s leader? Mame Downes (Jurnee Smollett). And as Willie is about to find out, Downes is nicknamed “The Python” for a reason.
So … What happens in this David vs. Goliath legal tale for the ages that delves into everything from contracts to family to shady business and even African-American history that Ron DeSantis and Sarah Huckabee Sanders will hate? You’ll have to get Amazon Prime to find out.
THE REVIEW: THE BURIAL is entertaining for many reasons. It’s not just because Foxx and Jones are accomplished actors who can convey a broad range of emotions, have a great chemistry and are able to take their characters’ contrasts and transcend them into appeal that cuts across demographics. Likewise, it’s not because the film hits all the standard courtroom drama beats without feeling like a song that has been played to death (no pun intended).
No, it’s not even because Athie may be the greatest actor alive at playing “the sky is falling and what are we going to do” black guy in ages. (The fact he is smiling in his imdb.com picture feels shocking given his on screen presence.) What makes THE BURIAL work so well is the interplay between the characters that makes their relationships interesting.
Jones and Foxx characters exhibit an onscreen bond that makes their friendship feel as genuine as it was in real life. Likewise, the competitive yet professional respectfully battle between Foxx and Smollett heightens drama to the situation without ever feeling corny or superficial. As a character driven film, both situations are crucial to the film’s enjoyability; otherwise it could play out like your average TV drama. Instead, the film has a bit of the same vibe as AIR, both exploring how their situations are far more important and deeper than the subject matter would originally have you believe. Every character learns a lesson without feeling preachy or superficial, another facet of the film director Maggie Betts deserves kudos for execution-wise.
A film that is the definition of an audience pleaser without feeling sappy or superficial (save for some outrageous courtroom moments), THE BURIAL proves that Jones’ and Foxx’ respective careers are very much alive.
If nothing else, you will never listen to Toni, Tony, Toné the same ever again.

 

OVERALL RATING (OUT OF FOUR POSSIBLE BUCKETS OF POPCORN):
 

 

 

 

 

Love/Sick at Sinclair Black Box

By

Love /Sick by John Cariani is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. It’s an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone. (Adult themes)

ASL interpreted on Oct. 8 & 12.

TUESDAY STUDENT MADNESS seats $5

Dayton at Work: “Jobs from A to Z”

By

Yesterday my wife helped me hang “Jobs from A to Z” which will be in the 2nd floor gallery at @DaytonMetroLibrary until November 5th.

I started this series because the memory loss of my father-in-law Wally Willaman was making our time together difficult.  I hoped that we could avoid discussions of the past by having fun working on a project in the present.  It worked.  We had a ball.

I told Wally that when we finished our art would be in an exhibition,  thinking that would keep him interested in the project.  But I knew it was likely that we never would make it to the end.  Wally is 101, and I knew the project would take at least six months.

Well six months later we’ve made it all the way to “Z is for Zookeeper” and Wally’s still going strong.  And the work will be exhibited twice.  Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor has an active arts in healthcare program. They will display “Jobs from A to Z” from March 11 to May 31, 2024 in a gallery where thousands of people will walk by it each day.

But Ann Arbor is too far for Wally to travel, so Jayne Klose, the library’s Community Engagement Manager, helped us out.  She invited us to exhibit at Dayton Metro Library.

Wally and I hope people have as much fun viewing this art as we did making it.