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Never Let Me Go AND The Big Lebowski!

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Hello Everyone.

Our 2nd projector is back up and running, so our schedule is back on track!  Thanks for all of your understanding during this frustrating time.  Friday night is the worst time for a projector to go down…it’s too late to order parts, and Tuesday morning seems forever away.

NEVER LET ME GO – a quiet and gorgeous film that has haunted me since I saw it in Toronto, started on Friday…and has gotten off to a very weak start.  In a recent podcast, Anne Thompson of “Thompson on Hollywood” said, “I embraced its slow pace and its deliberateness…it’s sort of this year’s BRIGHT STAR…with subtle, delicious qualities…”  A few of us at THE NEON have seen the film, and we’ve all responded very well to it.  Don’t let this gem slip by you!  With numbers like this weekend’s, the film won’t stick around too long.

The film comes highly recommended – based on a book by Kazuo Ishiguro (author of THE REMAINS OF THE DAY) and directed by Mark Romanek (director of ONE HOUR PHOTO).  Don’t miss it!  The cast, the score, the setting – it’s so well done.  Rex Reed wrote, “An imaginative, heartbreaking work of art that blew me away.”  Roger Ebert wrote, “A meditative, delicate film,” and Richard Corliss of TIME wrote, “NEVER LET ME GO is a superb, poignant film about everlasting love.”

Synopsis for NEVER LET ME GO: “Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) live in a world and a time that feel familiar to us, but are not quite like anything we know. They spend their childhood at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. When they leave the shelter of the school and the terrible truth of their fate is revealed to them, they must also confront their deep feelings of love, jealousy and betrayal that threaten to pull them apart.” (Fox Searchlight)  Charlotte Rampling and Sally Hawkins also have strong, supporting roles.

Living City Film Fest is at it again!  This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges.  Here’s the line-up:
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (sponsored by Dublin Pub) – Oct. 18 at 7PM
THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (sponsored by Downtown Dayton Partnership) – Oct. 25 at 7PM
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (sponsored by Chisano Marketing) – Nov. 1 at 7PM
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (sponsored by Jeff Martin Florist) – Nov. 8 at 7PM
RANCHO DELUXE (sponsored by CityWide Development) – Nov. 15 at 7PM
Single tickets will be $8 each available before each show.  A festival pass (good for the Monday evening screenings) are just $30 and are available at our box office.

Due to the popularity of THE BIG LEBOWSKI, two additional screenings have been scheduled for this weekend. Friday & Saturday at 10PM!

On Thursday, Oct. 21, directors Directed by Shawn Fields & C.Winn will once again present their film YOUNG BREAD GETTAS.  This film played at THE NEON in 2007, but the filmmakers are anxious to bring the film back as they prepare to launch the DVD.  “In todays society its all about three things Money,Power, & Respect…” (from the filmmakers)  The film will play at 7:30, and tickets will be $10 each.

On Saturday, October 23 at 10PM, THE NEON will host a special screening of a film called THE UNIVERSE.  “THE UNIVERSE is a story focused around two misinformed friends trying to solve the mystery of women and attraction. Their encounters with equally misinformed individuals throws them into a surreal adventure of mistaken identity. THE UNIVERSE is a locally shot comedy directed by Dayton native Joseph Anderson and produced by Jarren Summers. (surreal comedy, absurdity)”  Tickets to this screening are $5 each and will be available for advanced purchase at our box office this weekend.

On October 30 at 3:30, Columbus Filmmaker Will Graver will bring his filmREVELATION and a small collection of local shorts to THE NEON.  More details will be available in the coming days.  For now, you can check out Graver’s website at www.revelationzombie.com.

On Thursday, November 18 at 8PM, New York director Gary Beeber will bring his movie DIRTY MARTINI AND THE NEW BURLESQUE to town.  In addition to the documentary, Beeber is also rounding up regional Burlesque stars to put on a show for attendees.  More details will be available in the coming days, but for now you can check out a teaser trailer by clicking HERE.  Advanced tickets for this event will cost $15 – and will be available this weekend at THE NEON’s box office.  Tickets on the day of the show will be $20

We hope to see you this weekend.
Be certain to check out our coming attractions…I’m very excited about a couple new additions…particularly one for Thanksgiving weekend!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 15 – October 21:

NEVER LET ME GO (R) 103 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:40

IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY (PG-13) 101 Minutes
Friday, Saturday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30
Sunday: 12:40, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Monday: 2:50, 5:10, 9:45
Tuesday & Wednesday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45
Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 9:45

THE BIG LEBOWSKI (R) 117 Minutes
Friday & Saturday: 10:00
Monday: 7:00

YOUNG BREAD GETTAS (NR)
Thursday: 7:30

Art Weekend in Yellow Springs

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It’s a bit mind-boggling. There are almost too many art events going on in Yellow Springs this October 15th-17th weekend…… nah!

Friday night is Art Sroll, and I am really looking forward to that. But I’ve already told you about Art Stroll in my last blog. Though I do have 2 new offering to add to Friday night’s mix:
At 8 p.m. you can stop by the Gardens of 100 Corry Street for a free outdoor theater performance of- “Hey that’s a Nice Bike “ created by Vanessa Query. A second performance at 9 p.m. will be in the courtyard in front of Sam &Eddies on Xenia Ave.

From 5p.m.-9p.m, in King’s Yard, Mike Garrett will be carving Tikis.  Mike is a great Tiki Carver, I can’t wait to see this!

Big breath, get ready, here’s the rest of the weekend-

On Saturday is a “Couples Adventure.” If you’d like something new to do to keep your relationship growing or just want to have fun with your love, here’s a list of 5 new experiences that you can have together on Saturday the 16th.
1. “Healing and relaxation comes when you drum. ”Make a drum filled with your spirit and then later learn to drum together. In this special workshop at Wild Gourd Studio you can each make your own gourd drum with gourd artist Cynthia McDonald. Cynthia plays a lovely, haunting Native American flute and the drum. She has drums in her studio for you to try.
2. A new way to care for each other. During a Thai-Yoga Massage workshop, you’ll learn how to help each other with a deeply relaxing form of bodywork that combines assisted stretching derived from yoga with acupressure style massage and energy balancing. The instructor, Jen Ater, traveled to Thailand to learn with masters this healing bodywork of Thai-Yoga Massage.
3. Bliss out with a great combo-a relaxing private yoga class followed by Swedish massage sessions for the both of you. Janet Baer offers this private session at her beautifully decorated old farmhouse with a labyrinth in the garden.
4. Declare your love forever. Work with Sarah Strong, at Strong heArt Studio and an old time printing press to hand print your own love poster.
5. Create a masterpiece together with New Orlean’s artist Jennifer Float. In Jenny’s Cork and Canvas Class you’ll drink wine, party and make art.
You can sign up and pay for any of these activities at www.getawaysforwomen.com

You need to sign up by Friday morning.

Both Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. is Yellow Springs Artist Studio Tour and Sale. It’s the one time each year that some of Yellow Springs fabulous artists open their studios to visitors. You get to see how they make their art, what tools they use, watch demos, talk with the artists and purchase art. It’s a fascinating peep into an artist’s life. This year there are also 1-2 guest artists at each of the 8 artist’s studios, so you get the opportunity to meet a couple of artists at each stop on the tour.
Download a map at www.ysarts.org This is a free event.

For a great end to a wonderful day, on Saturday from 5 p.m.- 10 p.m. you can stop over at the “Artoberfest” for a music festival and Beer Garden. “Artoberfest” will be held at The Barr Property on the corner of Limestone and Xenia Ave.
During “Artoberfest”, you can enter your favorite beer container in the “Finest Stein” contest to be judged by local artists and celebrities between 7 and 8 pm. Seasonal beers, wine and food will be available and live bands will perform. Brewing and other food and drink demonstrations are planned. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.yellow-springs-experience.org

On Saturday from 6:00-8:30 p.m. is another reception for an exhibit called “Emerging Visions: Antiochians Make Art” It’s at the Herndon Gallery, in South Hall at Antioch College. The show features paintings, prints, and works on paper and tile by 6 alumni artists.

As always, there is more going on, but I’ve run out of steam. Hope you get a chance to join the fun in Yellow Springs this weekend! If you meet up with me, (I’ll be the one in the black ball cap with Jafagirls written in hot pink across the front) say hi!

Dirty Rotten – Murder Mystery (plus FREE TICKETS)

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Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at La Comedia Dinner TheaterDirty Rotten Scoundrels

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

‘Here I Am’ – In the wings with Lauren Morgan

A Conversation with a cast member from La Comedia’s current offering – the hit musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels

I first met LAUREN MORGAN when I was seeking a choreographer for Encore Theater Company’s summer production of RENT.  She came highly recommended and boy – they weren’t kidding! I found her to be among the most professional, respected and thorough dance designers I’d ever worked with.

Currently, you can catch Lauren among the cast of La Comedia’s staging of the David Yazbeck-penned musical comedy Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – based on the Steve Martin film of the same name. A contemporary hilarious musical – itself a love letter to the golden age of American Musical Comedy.

onStageDayton sat down with Lauren recently to talk about the show, her training, and what’s next for this Dayton-bred star.

Lauren Morgan

[LAUREN MORGAN is a recent graduate of Wright State University with a BFA in Dance.  She began dancing at age 3 in her hometown of Middletown, Ohio.  She has performed throughout the area with many different companies including La Comedia Dinner Theatre, Dayton Ballet, Wright State University, and Middletown Lyric Theatre. Her regional performance credits includeFootloose, Beauty and the Beast, and A Chorus Line.  Her university credits include The Pajama Game, Titanic, Aida, Lady Be Good, and many dance concerts.  Recently Lauren has taken to choreography having staged her original work for the musicals The Wedding Singer, RENT, and Footloose.]

OSD: Tell us about the training and experience you recieved in the Dayton region. How and when did theatre/dance come into your life?

LM: I began dancing at age 3. In fourth grade I auditioned for The Nutcracker with Dayton Ballet and was cast as a toy soldier.  From then on I was hooked.  My first musical was The Wizard of Oz at Middletown High School where I was a Munchkin and a monkey.  My junior year of high school I auditioned at La Comedia for Footloose and was double cast as a teen ensemble member.  That was the first time that I realized that I needed to pursue theatre as a career.  Immediately after that I was cast in Beauty and the Beast or another eight week run.  I stopped taking dance my senior year of high school with the intention of being a musical theatre major in college.  For some reason I ended up at WSU as a dance major and it was the best thing that could have happened to me.  Wright State’s department of Theatre, Dance, and Motion Picture has given me more opportunities to perform than I could have ever asked for.  I was in six mainstage musicals including Titanic as ‘Kate Murphy’.  I had many choreographic and performance opportunities with concert dance and even participated with student films and voice overs.

OSD: Many of our readers are probably familiar with the original source film of “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”, but what can audiences expect from the musical adaptation?

LM: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels the musical offers great laughs and singing, as well as a fantastic dancing ensemble that helps tell the story.  The cast has a lot of fun performing and audiences always leave with a smile on their face.

OSD: In New York and on the road, it was a large show. How is it translating to the unique La Comedia space?

LM: Even though the La Comedia stage is small, it doesn’t stop the story from being told.  The show starts off with a fantastical dance overture and follows all the twists and turns that any audience member who has seen the movie expects. The cast functions as the crew in some scenarios and each setting unfolds in front of the audiences eye.

OSD: What’s next for you?

LM: After the show I tell everyone I need to save money.  I’d like to end up out west performing and choreographing.  I love mountains and rock climbing so I find I need nature to help me create.  Graduate school is in the cards at some point in the near future.  I would like to have my master’s in choreography or directing as well as be qualified to teach the Alexander Technique.

Performance Information:

Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (through October 31 – various show times) visit LaComedia.com / (937) 746-4554 for ticket info, menu and show times.

DB

Die Mommie Die!Dayton Playhouse

Dayton Playhouse

Win Tickets to this show!       Keep reading for details!

The Dayton Playhouse is delighted to present the second production of their 2010/2011 Mainstage Season, Die Mommie Die! by Charles Busch – opening Friday, October 8, 2010 and running through October 17.  Die Mommie Die! is a delightful send-up of film noir classics such as touch of Evil, Double Indemnity and in particular, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane. The production is directed for the Playhouse by Michael Boyd, lights by Anita Bachmann, costumes by Erin Winslow, stage management by Jeremy King and set design by Wade Hamilton.

Die Mommie Die! The Plot:

Set in 1967 Beverly Hills, this off-beat, “comic-thriller-melodrama” features the glamorous Angela Arden, a once grand, now fading diva of the recording industry.  She is trapped in a corrosive marriage to a overbearing film producer, Sol.  In her attempt to find happiness with her lover Tony, a much younger, out-of-work TV star, Angela murders her husband – in a most unusual manner!  Angela’s meddling, daddy’s-girl daughter Edith convinces her emotionally disturbed, secually ambiguous brother Lance to avenge their father’s death and to learn the truth about Angela by putting LSD in her coffee.  This triggers a wild acid trip exposing Angela’s dark, secret past!  Can anyone predict how the plot will twist?

“This show is a blast.  It’s some kind of cross between film noir murder mystery and campy revenge story…” says Director Michael Boyd.  “We have a fantastic cast who understands the spirit of fun and homage.”

Die Mommie Die! The Cast:

The complete cast of Die Mommie Die! includes:  Cassandra Engber, Jonathan Berry, Jeremey Gingrich, Megan Grabiel, Richard Young and Cynthia Karns.

Die Mommie DieYour Chance to WIN TICKETS to Die Mommie Die!

The Dayton Playhouse & onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.com have teamed up to give you a chance to win tickets to this fun show!  We will be giving away up to four pairs of tickets! All you need to do is:

  • Share this post on Facebook or Twitter…we’ll give away a set of tickets for every 10 ‘shares’ on FB/Twtr, up to 4 pairs of tickets.
  • Leave a comment, answering the following question…WHAT UNUSUAL MANNER DO YOU SUPPOSE ANGELA ARDEN USES TO MURDER SOL?
  • The deadline to enter is MIDNIGHT on FRIDAY, October 8th

(You don’t have to have a  correct answer to win the tix!  We will draw the winners from the entire group of entries.)

Performance Information:

Die Mommie Die! (October 8-17) visit DaytonPlayhouse.com or call  (937) 424-8477 from 10am – 2pm Monday through Friday for ticket information and show times.

SUBMITTED PRESS RELEASE

Would you like to submit theater news for Dayton Most Metro’s onStageDayton features?  Email Shane, Dave & Katherine at [email protected]

onStageDayton on DaytonMostMetro.comShane Anderson & David Brush work with locally based Encore Theater Company. Katherine Nelson, a senior theatre major at Cedarville University, serves as the Literary Intern for ETC.  The local theater company recently moved into the new arts collective space in the Oregon Arts District, along with Zoot Theatre Co & Rhythm In Shoes. Encore Theater Company has a mission to help develop new works of musical theater, most recently Next Thing You Know and The Proof, two new musicals in development.

Coming Up in Dayton Theatre

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August: Osage County

August: Osage County at HRTC/WSU. Photo Credit: Scott Kimmel

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2010 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2010

CLICK HERE to learn how you can get FREE TICKETS for “Die Mommy Die!” at the Dayton Playhouse!

To make this page an even better, more centralized place for you to come find all the latest information about what’s going on in the Dayton greater metropolitan area arts scene, we’re trying some new things with onStageDayton. These posts will now be biweekly, and we’ll continue to write regular feature articles highlighting specific things and events. Join the conversation by leaving comments, and let us know what you think. And, make sure to attend one of these great performances! There are lots to choose from…

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING SOON

Die, Mommie, Die

DAYTON PLAYHOUSE

The Story: Glamorous but fading diva Angela Andrews murders her husband in an attempt to find happiness with her lover, but her son seeks to avenge the death by killing his mother in this off-beat, “comic-thriller-melodrama.”

Dates: October 8 – October 17, 2010

Tickets and More Information: Dayton Playhouse: Die, Mommie, Die

Moon Over Buffalo

PLAYHOUSE SOUTH

The Story: In this story set in 1953, after rumors begin to swirl that a famous Hollywood director will be auditioning fading performers George and Charlotte, misunderstandings ensue and merriment begins.

Dates: October 15 – 23; Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 pm, Sunday 2:00 pm

Tickets: Box Office, 888-262-3792

More Information: Playhouse South

…SHOWS CLOSING SOON

The Importance of Being Earnest

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITYThe Importance of Being Earnest

The Story: A trivial comedy for serious people, this show is a romantic delight that entertains, satirizes the hypocrisy of social obligations, and comments on society’s foibles – all in the midst of mistaken identities.

Dates: September 30 – October 9; Thurs – Fri 8:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 and 8:00 pm.

Tickets: Cedarville Box Office

More Information: Cedarville University Theatre

August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY & WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

August: Osage County

Photo Credit: Scott Kimmel

The Story: A pill-popping mother, a vanished father, and a family that personifies dysfunctional combine in this intense yet humorous drama, a collaboration between the collegiate and professional, and the regional premiere.

Dates: September 23 – October 10. Curtain times vary; check the performance calendar.

Tickets: WSU Box Office, (937) 775-2500

More information: HRTC website; onStageDayton feature article, last week’s post, and DMM event.

One Short Day

…SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE THEATRICALLY MINDED

Mid-Day Arts Café: Porgy & Bess

THE VICTORIA THEATRE ASSOCIATION

The Basics: Dayton Opera will feature songs from Porgy and Bess and a Q&A with the actors and director Gary Briggle, while you enjoy a box lunch from Citilites Restaurant & Bar and connect with others interested in the arts.

Mid-Day Arts Cafe

Date: Registration/Networking – 11:30 am – 12:00 pm; Performance – 12:00 – 1:00 pm

Tickets: www.TicketCenterStage.com/ArtsCafe, (937) 228-3630.

More Information: Victoria Theatre Association, Mid-Day Arts Cafe

JUMP Into Dance

JUMPSTART

Dayton Contemporary Dance CompanyThe Basics: Young adults (20s – 30s) are invited to join with other YPs for a fantastic night of fusion including a mixture of art, dance, music, food, and fun!

Date: Saturday, October 16. 7:30 pm show – Stivers School for the Arts; 9 pm post-show social – SideBar

Tickets: $20 when you mention jumpstart; box office – 937-228-3232 x111

More Information: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, jumpstART Facebook page

Within the Silence

SPRINGFIELD ARTS COUNCIL & CLARK COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETYWithin the Silence

The Basics: This story follows the life and dreams of a Japanese-American girl during WWII, the plight of her family in an internment camp, and her desires to rebuild her life and tell her story.

Date: Wednesday, October 13, 7:30 pm

Tickets: free!

More information: Springfield Arts Council

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

Auditions: October 16, 2010, 10:00 am (callbacks later, same day, if necessary)

Performances: February 10 – 12, 2011

Directed by James Straley & Tom Kushmaul

The Story: Cathy is a struggling actress, Jamie a rising writer, and over the course of five years, they fall in and out of love in this emotionally powerful and intimate song cycle.

More Information: Springfield StageWorks: Auditions

A Christmas Carol

BEAVERCREEK COMMUNITY THEATRE – CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Auditions: October 19 – 20

Performances: Dec. 3 – Dec. 12, 2010

Directed by Teresa Connair

The Story: Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale is told from a new perspective – a young boy’s grandfather, who uses the story of Ebenezer Scrooge to explain to his grandson why he would give his money away.

More information: Beavercreek Community Theatre: Auditions

~KN

Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally based Encore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. 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.

TIME CHANGES! It’s Kind of a Funny Story & Animal Kingdom + Special Announcements from THE NEON

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ADDED NOTE – 10/11/10:  Due to technical issues, showtimes have changed.  Please see below.  If you are concerned about these times and want to verify, please call the theater at (937)222-8452.  Thanks for your understanding.

Hello Everyone.

As predicted, we’re cleaning house again this week.  Hurry down if you still need to see FAREWELL, MAO’S LAST DANCER or THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM – Thursday, Oct. 7 will be the final day for each film.  On Friday, we will start 2 new films – IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY and ANIMAL KINGDOM.

Synopsis for IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY: “It’s @5:00 A.M. on a Sunday in Brooklyn. Craig Gilner is bicycling up to the entrance of a mental health clinic; this bright 16-year-old is stressed out from the demands of being a teenager. Before his parents and younger sister are even awake, Craig checks himself into Argenon Hospital and is admitted by a psychiatrist. But the youth ward is temporarily closed – so he finds himself stuck in the adult ward. One of the patients, Bobby, soon becomes both Craig’s mentor and protégé. Craig is also quickly drawn to another 16-year-old displaced to the adult ward, the sensitive Noelle, who just might make him forget his longtime unrequited crush Nia. With a minimum five days’ stay imposed on him by the adult ward’s staff psychiatrist Dr. Eden Minerva, Craig is sustained by friendships on both the inside and the outside as he learns more about life, love, and the pressures of growing up.” (Focus Features)  This film is written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck – the team who brought us HALF NELSON and SUGAR.

Synopsis for ANIMAL KINGDOM: “A youngster is given an inside look at a criminal empire that also happens to be his family in this independent drama. Teenage Joshua Cody is suddenly on his own after his mother’s drug habit catches up with her, and he’s taken in by his grandmother Smurf, usually regarded as the black sheep of the family. Joshua quickly learns Smurf’s reputation is well deserved; she and her four sons are members of a mid-level crime syndicate that operates out of her home in Melbourne…Nathan Leckie (Guy Pearce) is a police detective who has found out who Joshua is and what he knows, and he tries to convince the teenager to help him put the Cody family behind bars, though Joshua isn’t certain about his loyalties to these outlaws who are also his blood. The first feature film from director David Michod, Animal Kingdom was an official selection at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, where it received the World Cinema Jury Prize for Best Dramatic Feature.”  (Mark Deming, American Movie Guide)  ANIMAL KINGDOM has been given a 100% review from THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE, and THE LOS ANGELES TIMES.

Living City Film Fest is at it again!  This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges.  Here’s the line-up:
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (sponsored by Dublin Pub) – Oct. 15, 16 at 10PM, Oct. 18 at 7PM
THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (sponsored by Downtown Dayton Partnership) – Oct. 25 at 7PM
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (sponsored by Chisano Marketing) – Nov. 1 at 7PM
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (sponsored by Jeff Martin Florist) – Nov. 8 at 7PM
RANCHO DELUXE (sponsored by CityWide Development) – Nov. 15 at 7PM
Single tickets will be $8 each available before each show.  A festival pass (available soon) will be just $30 for all five screenings.

On October 30 at 3:30, Columbus Filmmaker Will Graver will bring his film REVELATION and a small collection of local shorts to THE NEON.  More details will be available in the coming days.  For now, you can check out Graver’s website – HERE.

On Thursday, November 18, New York director Gary Beeber is working to bring his movie DIRTY MARTINI AND THE NEW BURLESQUE to town.  In addition to the documentary, Beeber is also rounding up Burlesque stars from Southern Ohio to put on a show for attendees.  More details will be available in the coming days, but for now you can check out a teaser trailer by clicking HERE.

Until we find our next round of hits, movies will be coming and going quickly.  We hope to see you soon and often.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 11 – October 14:

ANIMAL KINGDOM (R) 113 Minutes

Monday: 2:40, 9:50

Tuesday- Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:50


IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY (PG-13) 101 Minutes

Monday:  5:10, 7:30

Tuesday – Thursday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:45

COMING SOON:

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

Oct. 15   NEVER LET ME GO
Oct. 15   A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP
Oct. 22   YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER
Nov. 5   CAIRO TIME
Nov. 12   INSIDE JOB
Nov. 19   TAMARA DREW
Dec. 24   MADE IN DAGENHAM
TBD: LEBANON

Third Fridays in Yellow Springs

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On Third Friday, there was a fiddler playing in the moonlight in the first garden of Alan Macbeth’s fantastical building on Xenia Avenue in Yellow Springs. On the side of the building is a beautiful, warm mural of an African woman and her child. To get to the Yellow Springs Arts Councils Gallery you pass under the swooping brick arch and enter by the fountain. There is another garden in the back with tables and chairs to sit and enjoy this enchanted, peace filled space.

The show I came to see was a whimsical combination of Sharon Mohler’s sculpted miniature stories in the round and Karen Russell’s colorful textile quilts and paper art. For a month beforehand Karen had been reporting on face book about how she just couldn’t stop herself making these gorgeous tiny paper boxes. It was amazing to see the final results when she put them together. Sharon’s tiny sculpted stories are heart warming; they are frozen moments from “three generations of memories.” She calls them Sharon’s Songs. On her web site she says: “Life has been a bumpy road for me, but it has never been dull. I am blessed with a good memory. I can remember things that happened when I was only two years old. So these works are called my “songs” because they are the ballads of my life.” Sharon once told me that in her home she has stacks of hatboxes everywhere, lovingly filled with these sculpted stories.
Sharon and Karen’s work will be up at the YSAC Gallery through October 31st
Since there are 2 artists they decided to have 2 receptions. So you have a second chance on October 15th, this coming up Third Friday to meet the artists and see their work.

On my way back to visit some of the other art receptions on Corry and Dayton Street, I was pulled in by the joyful live music cascading out the open doors at the Emporium. I stood on the sidewalk and watched the musicians laughing and jamming together with people of all ages dancing in the glow of the Emporium’s golden light. Right in front, two little bitty girls were gyrating like mad. The Emporium holds a wine tasting with live music every Friday night.

Across the street on Xenia Avenue, there were drums being played and Soul Fire Tribe, the fire dancers of Yellow Springs, were dancing and whirling fire sticks and hoops. I can’t just walk by when they are performing, I had to stop and join the crowd ooohing and ahing.

September was a perfect Third Friday Fling. But if you missed that one there is a very special one coming up October 15th. Two times a year, Yellow Springs puts on an art stroll. (I know that sounds confusing, the September Third Friday that I just described sounds like an art stroll. Third Fridays often have art receptions but usually not to the degree that Art Stroll Night is dedicated to them. There is added effort for all the businesses/galleries and restaurants in town to have new art, live music and great food. Plus many more people come out to see the art and chat with each other. It’s sort of the friendly super bowl of Art Strolls for Yellow Springs.) Traditionally all the spots with a reception that night have balloons out front.  Also traditionally Art Stroll is from 6-9 p.m. but it often goes on later.

This year Art Stroll is in memory of a beloved Yellow Springs artist who passed away this past year- Eddie Eckenrode. At Sam & Eddies Open Books, 232 Xenia Ave. (one of my favorite Yellow Springs’ shops for getting unusual cards and birthday presents,) there will be an Art Reception to celebrate Eddie’s new permanent collection, in the upstairs gallery. On display will be an amazing collection from and history of an Ohio artist’s life.

I’ve got to let you know right now that I am not going to cover all the places with receptions, new art up or wine tastings and live music for Art Stroll. I can’t, you’ll just have to come and discover them yourselves!

But I’ve got to tell you about 2 of the art receptions because I am completely biased about them.

The first one is at the Village Artisans at 100 Corry St. Village Artisans is a Co-Op of 20 local artists. I have happily been one of them for 6 years. We are oil, acrylic and water color painters, potters and wood turners, carvers and inlay artists. We work with stones, gourds and precious metals to make jewelry, ornaments, bowls and drums. We are calligraphers and philosophers, textile artists that quilt and embroider and sew and make fabric bowls and wall art. We work with cameras and computers and stained glass. We make books and author books. And pretty much everyone makes cards. (I sure hope I didn’t forget anyone!)
The Village Artisans is putting on the Dare 2B Square show for the month of October. All the art is 12”X12” and is being sold for $100.00 our reception is on (I bet you guessed it) Art Stroll, October 15th from 6-9 p.m. We have over 20 extra artists from this region that are being showcased and then there is the home crew from Village Artisans who are also well represented. And if I do say so myself it is a great show. Come talk to the artists and enjoy our wine and cheese and other goodies.

The other reception that I am totally biased about is at “would you, could you In A Frame” 113 Corry St. The “Stitch Gasp” show is going to be totally weird and totally wonderful. The artist is Corrine Bayraktaroglu aka Jafabrit, (and my Jafagirl art partner.) She has been on an artistic journey from oil paint to graffiti art to stitched art that is fascinating. At her reception on Art Stroll night you will get to see all the stages from art journals to paintings to glorious hand stitched art. Besides, you’ll get to hear the stories behind the art. Stories told in a delightful, non-reverent British way. It will be fun, I promise you.
Art Stroll in Yellow Springs, 6-9 p.m. October 15th- Be there or be square. (Where have I heard that before?)

It’s Street Fair Time Again in Yellow Springs

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It’s time again for the main street of Yellow Springs to close off for an amazing street fair. On Sat, Oct 9th starting at 9am,  over 200 booths will sell fine arts & crafts, clothing, jewelry,fair trade items, unique gifts, massages and much more.  Join the international selection of cuisine from Vietnamese shish-kabob to Mexican empanadas to Thai wraps to hot dogs.

Street Fair in Yellow Springs is much more than an arts
and food fair; it’s an all-day festival with entertainment
throughout the Village whether from street performers,
at the Jackson Lytle & Lewis Stage or at the Bryan Center
Music Festival & Beer Garden.

For children, Primary Languages will have free crafts
along with face painting and cookie decorating with
donations going to the Dayton International School.
They’ll also enjoy the alpacas, balloons and other
children’s activities throughout Street Fair.

no pets allowed - enforcedThe event is free, open to the public,and
handicapped accessible. For the safety and comfort of all, animals are prohibited from Street Fair, except for Service animals.

For easy parking, you can park at the Yellow Springs
High School or at Young’s Jersey Dairy.  Free shuttle service will run from 9am – 7pm

Click for more information.

RACC 2010 Urban Culture Arts Conference Photos

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The 2nd annual RACC Hip-Hop summit was a success as area college students came out to see and hear multiple Grammy nominee Lupe Fiasco at the Dayton Convention Center Saturday evening.

Although a dark stage and the lack of a quality external flash kept me from getting the pics I wanted, here’s a quick visual recap of the presentation, which included a surprise appearance by Yellow Springs’ resident funnyman Dave Chappelle!

[album: http://www.daytonmostmetro.com/wp-content/plugins/dm-albums/dm-albums.php?currdir=/wp-content/uploads/dm-albums/2nd RACC Lupe Fiasco/]

Farewell, Mao’s Last Dancer and The Elephant in the Living Room… plus special guests

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Hello Everyone,

Many thanks to those of you who came out this past weekend to The 5th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival.  I saw many familiar faces – especially during STONEWALL UPRISING, UNDERTOW, and I KILLED MY MOTHER.  I hope you enjoyed the films.  This year’s festival was our most successful yet!  A special shout out and thanks to all the festival volunteers, too…I couldn’t handle the process without the hundreds of volunteer hours you committed to the festival.

All our current films will only play through Thursday (9/30).  On Friday, we open three new films – FAREWELL, MAO’S LAST DANCER and THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM.  (It’s quite possible that each of these films will only play for one week…so hurry down!)

Synopsis for FAREWELL: “In the vein of The Lives Of Others…FAREWELL is an espionage film about events that changed history. In 1981, Colonel Grigoriev (Kusturica) of the KGB, disenchanted with the Communist ideal, decides he is going to change the world. Discreetly, he makes contact with Pierre (Canet), a French engineer working in Moscow and passes on documents to him – mainly concerning the United States and France – containing information which would uncover the most important Soviet Cold War espionage operation known to date. During a period of two years, French President Francois Mitterrand and US President Ronald Reagan personally vetted the documents supplied by this source in Moscow, to whom the French Secret Service gave the codename Farewell.” (taken from imdb)

Synopsis for MAO’S LAST DANCER: “From Academy Award nominees Bruce Beresford (director, TENDER MERCIES, DRIVING MISS DAISY), comes the remarkable true story of ballet dancer Li Cunxin.  MAO’S LAST DANCER stars Chi Cao, a gifted dancer and principal at the Birmingham Royal Ballet making his impressive screen debut as Li.
The story begins when a young Li is taken from his peasant home by the Chinese government and chosen to study ballet in Beijing.  Separated from his family and enduring countless hours of practice, Li struggles to find his place in the new life he has been given.  Gaining confidence from a kind teacher’s encouraging guidance and a chance trip to America, Li finally discovers that his passion has always been dance.
MAO’S LAST DANCER weaves a moving tale about the quest for freedom and the courage it takes to live your own life.  The film poignantly captures the struggles, triumphs and the intoxicating effects of first love and celebrity amid the pain of exile.” (maoslastdancer-movie.com)

Synopsis for THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM: “The Elephant in the Living Room is an award winning documentary about the controversial world of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets.  The story follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue.  One, Tim Harrison, an Ohio police officer whose mission is to protect exotic animals and the public, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.
Since its premiere in Dayton, Ohio earlier this year, the movie has been playing to sold out crowds all over the country. It has been selected by no less than fifteen film festivals from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles and winning three BEST DOCUMENTARY awards, including one from  Academy Award winning director Michael Moore who called the film ‘One of the scariest, most entertaining and technically perfect documentaries.'” (taken from press notes)
For Friday and Saturday’s 7:30 screening, director Michael Webber and Tim Harrison (subject of film) will attend and hold a Q&A after the film. Advanced tickets are already available at our box office.

Living City Film Fest is at it again!  This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges.  Here’s the line-up:
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (sponsored by Dublin Pub) – Oct. 15, 16 at 10PM, Oct. 18 at 7PM
THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (sponsored by Downtown Dayton Partnership) – Oct. 25 at 7PM
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (sponsored by Chisano Marketing) – Nov. 1 at 7PM
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (sponsored by Jeff Martin Florist) – Nov. 8 at 7PM
RANCHO DELUXE (sponsored by CityWide Development) – Nov. 15 at 7PM
Single tickets will be $8 each available before each show.  A festival pass (available soon) will be just $30 for all five screenings.

Until we find our next round of hits, movies will be coming and going quickly.  We hope to see you soon and often.

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for October 1 – October 7:

FAREWELL (NR) 113 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:20, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:50
Monday – Thursday: 2:40, 5:00, 7:20

MAO’S LAST DANCER (PG) 117 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:30, 5:00
Monday – Thursday: 5:00

THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM (NR) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:00, 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 3:00, 7:30


COMING SOON:

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

Oct. 8   IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY
Oct. 8   LEBANON
Oct. 8  ANIMAL KINGDOM
Oct. 15   NEVER LET ME GO
Oct. 15   A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP
Oct. 22   YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER
Nov. 5   CAIRO TIME
Nov. 12   INSIDE JOB
Nov. 19   TAMARA DREW
Dec. 24   MADE IN DAGENHAM


Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. with Dayton Philharmonic

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The Grammy-award winning couple of Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. will open the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra’s 2010-2011 Kettering Health Network SuperPops Series on Friday and Saturday, October 8 & 9, at 8 p.m. both nights at the Schuster Center.  (Click here for tickets and more info)

As lead vocalists of the smash 60s group The 5th Dimension, Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. recorded such classics as “Up, Up & Away,” “Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In,” (remember the final scene from “The 40 Year Old Virgin”?), “Wedding Bell Blues,” “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” and other well-known hits. After a decade with The 5th Dimension, they established themselves as a duo and had an immediate success with the single, “You Don’t Have To Be A Star (To Be In My Show).” The song was a #1 hit and earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance By a Duo or Group. They went on to further success in recording and on television, including Marilyn’s five years as host of the popular 1980s music program, “Solid Gold.”

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. will join with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Neal Gittleman to perform all their chart-topping songs. To open the program, Neal and the DPO will join with three vocalists from the USAF Band of Flight – MSgt Shawn Stanley, TSgt Felita Rowe, and SSgt Terra Mason – to perform a variety of music inspired by flight. “Up, Up & Away” indeed!

Here is a blast from the past – yes folks, this is Soul Train!

This Week in Dayton Theatre

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Alice in Wonderland - THCT

Alice in Wonderland at Town Hall

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2010 – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2010

Shows in the greater Dayton metropolitan region this week are set in two centuries and four different decades (and written in them, too), feature four genres (comedic musical, children’s musical, comedic classic, and intense drama), and describe numerous vastly different characters. With all of those combinations, there’s something everyone will enjoy seeing up this week. So, come see a show (or two or all four). Then, go out and audition for one yourself…

Another Openin’, Another Show

…SHOWS OPENING THIS WEEK

The Importance of Being Earnest

CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY

By Oscar Wilde
September 30 – October 9

Gwendolyn and Cecily are in love with romantic, handsome, beguiling young men named “Ernest” … or at least they Importance of Being Earnest - CUthink they are! And Jack and Algernon, bachelors who may have finally fallen victim to romance, seem to be caught between the wiles of the female sex and the allure of freedom. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People is a romantic delight that entertains audiences, satirizes the hypocrisy of social obligations, and comments on society’s foibles — all in the midst of mistaken identities and some mysterious business with a handbag in a train station.

I saw a preview performance last week, and the show was already wonderful! Written in 1895, this comedy remains one of the most widely produced plays in the English language. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays each evening at 8:00 pm, with additional 2:00 pm matinees on Saturdays, in the Cedarville University DeVries Theatre (located at 251 N. Main St., Cedarville, along Rt. 72). Visit the Cedarville season website for more information, and box office to purchase tickets.

…SHOWS STILL UP

August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY & WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY

August: Osage County

photo credit: Scott Kimmel

By Tracy Letts
September 23 – October 10

A pill-popping mother, a vanished father, and a family that personifies dysfunctional combine in this intense yet humorous drama, a collaboration between the collegiate and professional and the first production since the show’s Broadway run. Look at my feature article, or  view basic information in last week’s post . Curtain times vary; check the performance calendar. Tickets are available through the WSU Box Office at (937) 775-2500. Don’t miss it!

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

Read last week’s column here for a synopsis and full description of this show! But, here’s basic ticket information: 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. Also check out the DMM event page here.


…SHOWS TO CATCH BEFORE THEY CLOSE

Alice in Wonderland

TOWN HALL THEATRE – Landmark Children’s Theatre

September 17 – October 3, 2010

This is the last weekend of Town Hall’s production of Alice in Wonderland, Jr., featuring performers in grades 2 through 12! Read a more detailed synopsis and see pictures from previous shows in last week’s post.

To recap: the show runs 70 minutes and is recommended for children ages 2 and up. Performances will be held on Fridays at 7 pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm; additional matinee performances are scheduled on Thursday, September 23 and 30 at 4:30 pm. Reserve tickets online at http://www.townhalltheatre.org or call 937-433-8957.

Part of it All

…AUDITIONS AND CASTING CALLS

The Last 5 Years

SPRINGFIELD STAGEWORKS

Auditions: October 16, 2010 – 10:00 am (callbacks later, same day, if necessary)
Performances: February 10 – 12, 2011

Directed by James Straley & Tom Kushmaul

Playwright/composer: Jason Robert Brown
The Story: Cathy is a struggling actress; Jamie is a rising writer. Over the course of five years, they fall in and out of love, The Last 5 Years chronicling that journey in an emotionally powerful and intimate song cycle.

The Characters:
Cathy – mid-20s, an actress struggling to find jobs and maintain some sense of self esteem. Mezzo-soprano.
Jamie – mid-20s, a novelist swept up in the whirlwind of life, especially his rising career. Tenor.
Visit the website below for specific information about what to prepare for each character.

Please prepare a contemporary musical theatre selection (not from this production) that showcases your vocal ability, familiarize yourself with the music from the show, and follow additional character information described at http://www.springfieldstageworks.org/auditions .

Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells

TOWN HALL THEATRE – Landmark Children’s Theatre Company

Auditions: Saturday, October 2, 2010
Performances: December 3 – 19, 2010Junie B Jones - TH

Last week, I wrote about this exciting audition opportunity for those in grades 2 through adult; read the post for that information.

Remember, those interested in auditioning for the show must register in advance of the audition date online at http://www.townhalltheatre.org or by calling the box office at (937) 433-8957. Actors must prepare (1) one-minute memorized monologue only (no song is necessary). Headshots or photos are required and resumes are encouraged.

~KN

onStageDayton ...with Shane & Dave

Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally based Encore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. 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.

Looking for a Sunday Farmers Market? Try the Garden Station Sunday Market and Harvest Festival

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(from Lisa Helm of Garden Station)

Sunday, October 3rd will be a special day at Garden Station. It’s true that local art and produce are not something new to find here. The space at 4th Street and Wayne Avenue is already home to 13 “urban farmers” throughout the growing season and everywhere you look there are different works of art. There are colorful murals that adorn the 600′ of wall space, sculptures dotted throughout the two acre lot, and whimsical touches such as the wooden man and the toilet planter and even the garden shed itself with its colorful bottle wall. However on Sunday, October 3rd you can take some of the local art and produce home with you during the first ever Garden Station Sunday Market and Harvest Festival.

“There are already lots of farmer’s markets in the area, but nothing on Sunday, and we would mix it with local artists and crafters that you often see at Circus events.” Garden Manager Lisa Helm says, referring to the Dayton Circus Creative Collective, the group that started Garden Station and has hosted regular underground art and music events including “The Sideshow” and “50 Under 50”.

“I would love to see something like the Portland Saturday Market here,” Helm says, “ we have the art scene to supply it and groups like Miami Valley Grown and some of the urban farms that have started in the area. Our market could attract some of the smaller growers who can’t afford to participate in the larger more established markets in the area.”

So far the line up includes fiber arts, vegetable plants, free range eggs, glass art, fresh vegetables, homemade jams, locally made color cosmetics, bird houses and more.  “We especially want to showcase locally grown, locally made goods, produce and foods.” Local acoustic musicians “The Corndrinkers” will also entertain during the market, which will run from noon until 3pm. “We hope to make this a regular weekly event next season.” Garden Station is on the NE corner of 4th Street and Wayne Avenue in downtown Dayton.

For more information contact [email protected] 937-610-3845 or [email protected] 937-276- 7053

More information about Garden Station can be found at www.facebook.com/GardenStation and the Dayton Circus at www.DaytonCircus.org

Lupe Fiasco, Poets, Spoken Word Artists Convene in Dayton

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Atlantic Records recording artist Lupe Fiasco is the keynote speaker at the RACC music/entertainment summit on Oct. 2.

Grammy-nominated, national recording artist Lupe Fiasco is the keynote speaker at the second annual Regional Academic and Cultural Collaborative (RACC) – an urban arts and entertainment showcase and networking event -Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Dayton Convention Center.

The Chicago native, who has recorded with hip-hop heavyweights Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Snoop Dogg, will present “Being a Hip Hop Artist in the 21st Century: What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You?”, a examination of the hip-hop movement, the state of music industry and the responsibilities of the hip-hop artist today.

The 28-year old, one of the brightest, wittiest and lyrically gifted artist in rap, tackles a broad range of topics in his rhymes.  He skillfully avoids traveling down the well-worn formula of  “sex, drugs and money” by remaining true to the core values of hip-hop music and crafting songs that inspire, educate and entertain.  Since the release of his debut album, 2006’s Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor, the outspoken activist has addressed social issues like terrorism, poverty and religious intolerance in his music.

“When the music cuts off, you have to go home and live with what you say.”

Preceding the keynote presentation Saturday is a music seminar featuring local and national music and entertainment industry executives.  Aspiring artists or anyone interested in breaking into the music industry will find the Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar informative and well worth the price of admission.

“We are examining numerous areas of music so everyone will find the seminar informative and beneficial,” said Andrew Bryce Hudson, event co-organizer. “We hope everyone who loves music, Hip Hop, business entertainment and more will support this collaborative effort from greater Dayton’s colleges and universities.”

After Lupe Fiasco’s keynote presentation, RACC continues with “The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show,” a spoken word and poetry showcase with headliners Lemon Andersen, who has appeared in Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway, and author, actress and musician Jessica Care Moore.  Local poetry and spoken word artists will also be featured.

Tickets to the events are available through Ticket Center Stage by calling 937-228-3630 or visiting www.ticketcenterstage.com. Prices are:
• Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar, $15
• Lupe Fiasco’s keynote presentation, $10
• The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show, $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Regional Academic and Cultural Collaborative
Schedule of Events

Friday, Oct. 1

Hop Hop Tribute: The Cipher
8 p.m. to midnight: c{space, 20 N. Jefferson St.
$5 donation
Philly Phill Entertainment and Wright State University present DAS EFX, along with opening acts Yeti Master; world champion beat boxer Amotions; Ohio Hip Hop Award winners Status Flo, Money Baby and JR 150; and the Skratchmatik DJ Crew featuring Many Styles and Bah Daddy Shabazz. 18 and older.

Saturday, Oct. 2

The Business of Entertainment/Music Seminar
presented by the International College of Broadcasting
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
$15

• 10:30-11 a.m.: registration

• 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.: workshops

• 12:30-12:45 p.m.: business card exchange session

• 12:45-2 p.m.: celebrity panel discussion

• 2-3 p.m.: workshop action session

Learn more about the entertainment/music industry during this seminar, which will offer two workshop tracks: one for independent artists and the other for aspiring executives. The seminar will include small workshop sessions and a panel discussion with national and local entertainment executives and artists. Workshop presenters and panelists include:

• Byron Wright, director of writer/publisher relations for Broadcast Music Inc.
• Luther Adamson, A & R and special events for Disturbing The Peace
• Dr. Ebony Utley, hip hop expert
• Rockey Love from Urban Radio 95.7, The WMIX in Toledo, Ohio
• Keith Harrison, a Grammy Award winner, producer and singer
• Scott Sharp, WDHT-FM 102.9
• Lee L. Croxx, CEO of Tripple Croxx Entertainment
• Jay, CEO of JManagement “Pretty Boy Swag Production Rep”
• Lemon Andersen, actor and spoken word artist
• representatives from the International College of Broadcasting, studio engineering and TV broadcasting

Dear Dr. Hip Hop Keynote Presentation by Lupe Fiasco
“Being a Hip-Hop Artist in the 21st Century: What Does Hip-Hop Mean to You? In its Realist and Essence … Is Hip Hop Dead?”
5 to 7 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth St.
$10*

Grammy award-winning hip hop artist, community activist and actor Lupe Fiasco will give a presentation on the basic elements of hip hop, the core culture of hip hop as a movement and what it means to be a hip hop artist in the 21st century. Also a producer and the CEO of 1st and 15th Entertainment, Lupe Fiasco hit the scene in 2006 with his album Food & Liquor. He also has made music with such well-known artists as Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Jay Z and others. Lupe Fiasco recently finished his third album, rumored to be titled Lasers and set to be released by the end of the year.

This event also will include live music and performances by the Stivers School for the Arts Dance Ensemble and the Street Style Hip Hop Dancers: 20/Twenty Cru and Mighty Zulu Kingz .

The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show featuring Lemon Andersen and Jessica Care Moore
9 to 11 p.m.: Dayton Convention Center
$15 in advance, $20 at the door

RACC /Oral Funk Poetry Productions presents The Signature: A Poetic Medley Show. This monthly showcase features a vibrant production that includes local and national poets, musicians, actors, vocalist, dancers and visual arts. This month’s theme is “flowing lava.”

Lemon Andersen is an original member of the Tony Award-winning Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam on Broadway who will be on tour in South Africa this fall performing his staged memoir, Country of Kings. Andersen also has appeared in several films, including Inside Man, Sucker Free City, The Soloist and the upcoming Son of No One, starring Al Pacino and Channing Tatum.

Jessica Care Moore is an internationally known award-winning poet and author of three books, including God is Not an American. In addition, she had a lead role in the film Love Never Gets Lost and currently is recording the rock music album Black Tea. Moore also is the CEO of Moore Black Press and executive producer for Spoken TV.

In addition, El Coats and The Funk Point will perform a melting pot of R&B and jazz with a neo-soul twist. This month’s host will be spoken word artist Cola Rum, a poetic icon in the South. This two-hour production also will include a variety of local poets and singers, and Lupe Fiasco will make a special guest appearance

“This Madhouse is My Home”

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August: Osage County

HUMAN RACE THEATRE COMPANY & WRIGHT STATE UNIVERSITY
September 23 – October 10, 2010

August: Osage CountyWarning: This play contains strong language, alcohol abuse, stronger language, legal drug abuse, really strong  language, illegal drug abuse, sibling rivalry, verbal abuse, latent pedophilia, patent nastiness, strong psychological tension, sordid dramatic subplots, and enough laughs to cause possible severe injury to persons inclined toward knee-slapping.

Well! Considering that disclaimer, it’s not surprising that August: Osage County has been talked about so much lately. Besides being provocative but scathingly funny, August has also received numerous awards, and this performance marks the first collaboration between the Human Race Theatre Company and Wright State University as well as the show’s regional premiere.

August: Osage County, by Tracy Letts, explores the story of three generations of the Weston family of Oklahoma, who unexpectedly reunite after the disappearance of the family patriarch. Repressed and August: Osage Countyunsettled secrets are revealed in this searchingly powerful portrait of the dysfunctional American family at its finest – and absolute worst.

The show enjoyed a highly successful Broadway run, winning five Tonys, the Pulitzer, and Time Magazine’s “Play of the Year” designation. The HRTC/WSU production is making national news, as well: this is the first staging (throughout the entire United States) of August: Osage County since it left Broadway.

Just as the script is a perfect combination of pain and pathos, this production is a smooth blend of the professional and collegiate. The cast of 13 includes seven professionals (including two who understudied August’s Broadway production) and six WSU August: Osage Countystudents, with technical responsibilities also shared evenly. This, the first such collaboration, has been a successful experience for both sides: HRTC Resident Artist and August co-director (with HRTC Artistic Director, Marsha Hanna) Scott Stoney observed,

“Relationships are starting to happen. I think the students are impressed with the professionals, and the professionals appreciate the students’ enthusiasm and talent.”

Playwright Tracy Letts, originally from Oklahoma and since 2002 a resident at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre Company, is only too familiar with the hardship and family dysfunction prevalent in August. New York Times writer Patrick Healy described,

Tracy Letts (playwright)“A recovering alcoholic and former pack-a-day smoker who could have majored in profanity had he not dropped out of college, [Letts] has a well-earned dark side that mixes with a surprising sweetness and exuberant humor.”

His family members strongly influenced his writing: the August: Osage Countycharacter of Violet, the drug-addicted and abusive matriarch of the Weston family, is distinctly modeled after Letts’ own grandmother (listen for the line in the play about Violet’s method of stealing pills; her tactic Letts directly observed in his grandmother. Toss that bit of trivia out to your date during intermission and enjoy looking impressive).

In its explosive combination of pain and pathos, this is definitely not a production for the faint-at-heart: besides everything in the disclaimer above, its running time is 3 ½ hours (with two intermissions). But during that time, August: Osage County will grab hold of you, if it hasn’t already, and refuse to let go.

Tickets and showtimes: http://humanracetheatre.org/1011aoc.shtml

*all photos courtesy of Scott Kimmins

~KN

Katherine Nelson is a senior theatre major at Cedarville University who focuses on performance, playwriting, and stage management. She’s the Literary Intern with locally based Encore Theater Company, where contributors Shane Anderson and David Brush also work. 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.

Film Connections

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The last Tuesday of each month filmmakers, film students and film fans gather at ThinkTV to learn about what’s going on in the Dayton film Community.  Meeting are a very informal  show and tell, with lots of time for networking in between film clips.
September’s  Film Connections  features Dayton’s own Chase Whiteside of New Left Media, who will screen and talk about his current projects.  Kat Steele, executive director of the Cincinnati [Oxford International] Film Festival, will present trailers and some insider info their film fest that takes place October 8-16.  Ron Kaplan of the Reel Stuff Film Festival will share info about his upcoming third annual aviation film fest that will occur Nov 5-7 here in Dayton. nts will include an update on FilmDayton’s membership perks and a tour of their new blog and discussion board with their new marketing assistant, Brandon Evans.  Refreshments are also provided.

Tuesday September 28, 2010
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Cost:
Free

Location:
ThinkTV
110 S. Jefferson St.
Dayton, OH 45402

LGBT Film Fest + 2 New Films This Weekend at THE NEON.

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Hello Everyone,

I had such a great time in Toronto!  Thanks for so many of your well-wishes.  I saw some really wonderful films and met some incredibly talented people.  What a blast!  Reviewing my notes from last year’s festival, I had 8 films that topped my list of favorites.  Over the past several months, we’ve managed to bring 7 of those films to THE NEON…and #8 – I KILLED MY MOTHER – screens this Friday as part of The 5th Annual Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival.  (The other 7 were A SINGLE MAN, MICMACS, I AM LOVE, BRIGHT STAR, FISH TANK, BROKEN EMBRACES, and AN EDUCATION.)  In the coming days, I’ll assemble my “Toronto Wrap-Up” – and I’ll keep you posted as to where you can read that.

The projection booth will be busy at THE NEON this weekend.  In addition to the LGBT Film Fest, we have 2 films opening – RESTREPO and WILD GRASS – as well as 2 films holding.  The schedule changes quite a bit, so make certain you look at the times listed below.  (As an FYI – this will more than likely be the final week for GET LOW.   WILD GRASS will 100% play for one week only!)

Synopsis for RESTREPO: “To make their bracingly visceral documentary Restrepo, winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, award-winning journalists Tim Hetherington (Liberia: An Uncivil War) and Sebastian Junger (the books The Perfect Storm and the upcoming War) embedded with the soldiers of Second Platoon, Battle Company, as they fought to build and maintain a remote 15-man outpost in Afghanistan’s rugged Korengal Valley named “Restrepo,” after a platoon medic who was killed in action, which was one of the most dangerous postings in the U.S. military. Hetherington and Junger avoid outside commentary and politics to present the war as it is actually lived by soldiers, through their own eyes and in their own words – their backbreaking labor, deadly firefights, boredom and camaraderie – the terrifying and exhilarating experiences they can never forget.” (taken from movieweb.com)  With the access that these soldiers had, it’s incredible that this film was even made.

Synopsis for WILD GRASS: “Alain Resnais, one of the towering figures of the French New Wave, demonstrates he still has plenty to say in this drama based on a novel by Christian Gailly. Marguerite (Sabine Azéma) is a successful dentist with a busy practice and an offbeat hobby, flying small airplanes. One day, while running errands, Marguerite loses her wallet, and it’s found by Georges (André Dussollier), a seemingly happy man with a wife, Suzanne (Anne Consigny), and two children (Vladimir Consigny and Sara Forestier). As Georges looks through the wallet and examines the photos of Marguerite, he finds he’s fascinated with her and her life, and soon his curiosity about her becomes an obsession. Georges’ attempts to integrate himself into Marguerite’s life begin to alarm her, and she hires a private security team (Mathieu Amalric and Michel Vuillermoz) to keep him away, but Georges is determined that his new love for her will not be denied. Les Herbes Folles (aka Wild Grass) received its world premiere at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.” (Mark Deming, Rovi)

The Downtown Dayton LGBT Film Festival starts Friday, and we still have plenty of single tickets left!  (Single tickets are just $8.00 each.)  My mantra this year: “You don’t have to be Greek to go to the Greek Festival…you just have to love music, dancing and great food!  You don’t have to be gay to go to the LGBT Film Festival…you just have to love good films.”
Check out the official website for images and trailers at www.daytonlgbt.com.  We’re flying in 4 artists from NYC and L.A. to attend this year’s festival.  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.  I hope they’ll have a warm reception with an enthusiastic crowd at each screening – please help to make it happen.  We also need your help spreading the word in order to make this the best festival yet!  Below is a trailer from Saturday night’s film – A MARINE STORY.  With the Senate’s decision to turn down the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” there couldn’t be a more timely film.

Here’s more great news.  On Oct. 1, we will begin a one-week run of THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM.  “The Elephant in the Living Room is an award winning documentary about the controversial world of raising the deadliest and most exotic animals on earth as common household pets.  The story follows the journey of two men at the heart of the issue.  One, Tim Harrison, an Oakwood, Ohio police officer whose mission is to protect exotic animals and the public, and the other, Terry Brumfield, a big-hearted man who struggles to keep two pet African lions that he loves like his own family.
Since its premiere in Dayton, Ohio earlier this year, the movie has been playing to sold out crowds all over the country. It has been selected by no less than fifteen film festivals from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles and winning three BEST DOCUMENTARY awards, including one from  Academy Award winning director Michael Moore who called the film ‘One of the scariest, most entertaining and technically perfect documentaries.'” (taken from press notes)

Living City Film Fest is at it again!  This year, the festival will be a celebration of the career of Jeff Bridges.  Here’s the line-up:
THE BIG LEBOWSKI (sponsored by Dublin Pub) – Oct. 15, 16 at 10PM, Oct. 18 at 7PM
THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS (sponsored by Downtown Dayton Partnership) – Oct. 25 at 7PM
THE LAST PICTURE SHOW (sponsored by Chisano Marketing) – Nov. 1 at 7PM
THUNDERBOLT AND LIGHTFOOT (sponsored by Jeff Martin Florist) – Nov. 8 at 7PM
RANCHO DELUXE (sponsored by CityWide Development) – Nov. 15 at 7PM
Single tickets will be $8 each available before each show.  A festival pass (available soon) will be just $30 for all five screenings.

With all that’s going on, we hope to see you this weekend.  There’s truly something for everyone!

Take care,
Jonathan

SHOWTIMES for September 24 – September 30:

GET LOW (PG-13) 100 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 1:00, 5:10
Monday – Thursday: 5:10

JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK (R) 84 Minutes
Friday: 3:00, 5:10, 9:45
Saturday: 5:10
Sunday: 7:30, 9:45
Monday – Thursday: 5:10, 7:30

WILD GRASS (PG) 104 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12:50
Monday – Thursday: 3:00

RESTREPO (R) 93 Minutes
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 3:10, 7:20, 9:30
Monday – Thursday: 3:10, 7:20

LGBT FILM FEST
I KILLED MY MOTHER (with FREE afterparty in Oregon Dist.) – Friday: 7:30
TOP DRAWER SHORTS (with guest artists) – Saturday: 3:00
A MARINE STORY – Saturday: 7:15
VIOLET TENDENCIES (with guest artists) – Saturday: 9:30
STONEWALL UPRISING – Sunday: 3:00
UNDERTOW – Sunday: 5:15

COMING SOON:

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

Oct. 1  THE ELEPHANT IN THE LIVING ROOM
Oct. 1   MAO’S LAST DANCER
Oct. 8   IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY
Oct. 8   LEBANON
Oct. 15   NEVER LET ME GO
Oct. 15   A WOMAN, A MAN & A NOODLE SHOP
Oct. 22   YOU WILL MEET A TALL DARK STRANGER
Nov. 5   CAIRO TIME
Nov. 12   INSIDE JOB
Nov. 19   TAMARA DREW
Dec. 24   MADE IN DAGENHAM
TBD   ANIMAL KINGDOM
TBD   FAREWELL