Arts & Entertainment

Name: The Hot Wing King
Start: 2026-06-14T14:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-14T14:00:00-04:00
Location: The Loft Theatre

Explore the remarkable ways people around the world are adapting to our changing planet with ALIZÉ CARRÈRE

April 30, 2023 By Dayton937

ALIZÉ CARRÈRE is a National Geographic Explorer, filmmaker, and PhD candidate researching and documenting human adaptations to environmental change. In 2013, Carrère received support from National Geographic to conduct research in Madagascar, where she spent several months uncovering an unlikely agricultural adaptation in response to severe deforestation. Learning of farmers who were turning erosional gullies into fertile pockets of farmland, her work evolved into a broader film and educational project on human resilience. She brings her social science background and extensive field experience to her filmmaking, with the goal of elevating the human dimensions of climate change. Carrère received both her B.A. and M.Sc. from McGill University, and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Miami where she is examining the relationship between architecture, climate change, and ecological urban utopias.

Sarcastic, Sweet and Solid: ‘Sordid Lives’ Scores!

April 26, 2023 By Joshua Stucky

‘In a Small Texas Town.’

From the moment Jacob Sams (Ty) begins to let us in on the ‘small Texas Town’ and all its craziness, you are immersed in a silly, well-paced production of Del Shore’s much beloved ‘Sordid Lives.’ The story, which revolves around an accidental death of the elderly family matriarch, is filled with characters you cannot help but love, no matter how messed up they are! One rule of thumb with ‘Sordid Lives’….if the cast is having fun, YOU are having fun! This cast was LOVING IT!

Jenna Gomes‘ (Bitsy Mae) guitar solos break-up the madness effortlessly. Faith Whitt’s (Sissy) character is instantly relatable. Rick Flynn‘s (G.W.) frustration is palpable. Diane Strohm‘s (Dr. Eve) outrageous behavior is hysterical. AND keep your eye on Becky Milligan Howard‘s Juanita….it’s stealth, but she’s a riot! The entire cast really needs a shout-out….of the ten audience members in our party, everyone had a favorite character!

The production, at the Beavercreek Community Theater, has it all. The lighting, the sound…the set…STELLAR!

I was lucky enough to interview the show’s director Doug Lloyd. It went something like this!

JS: So Doug…why ‘Sordid Lives?’

DL: I submitted “SORDID LIVES” because it’s a crazy funny show, with a large number of fun roles for actors to have fun with, but at the same time, has a message of acceptance and love, While the family seems to constantly be screaming at each other, they still love each other and are there for each other in time of need.

JS: And, for big ‘Sordid Lives’ fans, the connection to Brother Boy (brought to life on-screen by the late Leslie Jordan) is essential!

DL: Yes. It’s the kind of show I think we need right now, one that shows acceptance and does it with a sense of humor.

Brother Boy (Matthew Smith) and His Therapist! (Strohm)

Lloyd is right about this. With Drag Queen bans, and Anti-LGBTQ sentiment on the rise, this show handles it in stride….and with this cast, with a lot of heart!

JS: What would you say people can expect from this show?

DL: An evening of quality theatre, full of laughs. You may leave with your face a bit sore from smiling and laughing, but you will leave feeling good and knowing you had a great time.

I know my group of 10 did. We all chatted at intermission about how impressed we were (as we ate cookies and drank punch! Perfect!) The show was engaging…and we were anxious for the second act!

JS: I don’t know if people know about your theater experience. Would you mind sharing?

DL: Sure! I have been involved with theatre since I was in the first grade, close to sixty years ago. I have been involved with BCT for close to 25 years. I am president of BCT and have been on stage or in the director’s chair for countless productions at BCT and other theatre’s in the Dayton area, including Dayton Theatre Guild, Dayton Playhouse, and Town Hall Theatre. I have received numerous ‘Daytony’ Awards and was inducted into the Dayton Theatre Hall Of Fame in 2011. Besides theatre, I am retired from the City Of Beavercreek, am a potter that works out of and serves on the board at John Bryan Community Pottery in Yellow Springs. I also do stained glass, and am the proud poppa of three rescue dogs. One of which was recently onstage at BCT.

JS: You are BUSY, SIR! So much to be proud of. But what is it about directing that you enjoy?

DL: I love the creative aspect of it. “Coaching” a group of actors and technical crew to work together and create an enjoyable work of art. There are so many aspects that need coordinated to come together for the performance. Actors, lights, sounds, set, costumes, props, programs, publicity, ticket sales and more. It literally takes an army of volunteers to put a show together. It is so rewarding to watch the audience react to the performance after all the hard work by everyone.

Fun Cast!

JS: Well your army nailed it! I know all directors hope audiences take

something from their experience at the show. What do you hope people take from ‘Sordid Lives?’

DL: Bottom line, I hope they walk away having had a great time. That they laughed till they were out of breath, and if they get the message that it’s ok to be different, to be yourself, and if it inspires them to become more accepting of those that are, That would be wonderful. If they also learn that BCT presents quality amateur theatre and makes them want to come back to future performances, all the better.

JS: Love that….and I have to say, I will be back! Doug, what is next for BCT? Have they announced the 2023-24 season yet?

DL: The next production at BCT is the musical “TWELFTH NIGHT” a modern twist of the Shakespeare comedy which opens June 16th.

Our 2023-2024 season includes

“BRIGHT STAR” the Steve Martin musical in August

Neil Simon’s “THE GINGERBREAD LADY” in October

Noel Coward’s “PRIVATE LIVES” next January 2024

“ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS” in April 2024

“THE HELLO GIRLS” in June of 2024.

JS: This sounds amazing. Again, congratulations on ‘Sordid Lives.’ For those of you interested in attending, I have been told there is a ‘low ticket alert…’ GRAB YOURS. It’s a good time in that small town in Texas! THANK YOU DOUG!

DL: Thank YOU!

For more information on ‘Sordid Lives’ or any of BCT’s upcoming shows, go to bctheatre.org

McCoy on Movies: Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

April 25, 2023 By Tabari McCoy

Childhood adolescence shines in cinematic adaptation of Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret

“Just think – in 50 years from now, parents are going to be worried about their kids twerking!” Margaret Simon (Abby Ryder Forston, far left) hangs with her new friends Janie Loomis (Amari Price), Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham) and Gretchen Potter (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) in a scene from director Kelly Fremon Craig’s take on the classic – and controversial – children’s book ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET. Credit: Dana Hawley / Lionsgate © All Rights Reserved.

DIRECTORS: Kelly Fremon Craig

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Bennie Safdie, Kathy Bates, Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, Elle Graham, Amari Alexis Price, Katherine Mallen Kupferer, Kate MacCluggage, Echo Kellum and Isol Young

WEB SITE: https://www.itsmemargaret.movie/

THE BACK STORY: Based on the Judy Blume book of the same name that is likely once again a candidate for a ban, ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET stars Abby Ryder Forston as Margaret Simon. Living in New York City, 11 year-old Margaret finds her life suddenly turned upside down when her mother Barbara (Rachel McAdams) and father Herb (Benny Safdie) tell her they are moving to New Jersey following his promotion. The news isn’t exactly welcomed by Margaret nor Herb’s mother, Sylvia (Kathy Bates). (Margaret has no idea how her mother’s very devout Christian parents feel about the movie, however, since she hasn’t spoken to them in over a decade since Barbara decided to marry Herb, who is Jewish.)

Arriving in her new town, Margaret begins to make some new friends, all of whom have their own distinct personalities, so whether she’s hanging with the seemingly way too mature for her age Nancy Wheeler (Elle Graham), the more level-headed Gretchen Potter (Katherine Mallen Kupferer) or Janie Loomis (Amari Alexis Price), a.k.a. the black friend, Margaret quickly learn junior high school in a new environment is going to bring a ton of new experiences.

Along with those new experiences are the ones that hit home on a more personal level, such as maturity, waiting on herself and her friends to … to put it mildly, “become women” physically and finding out what religion she ultimately wants to be when she is older. And thanks to a classroom assignment by her new teacher Mr. Benedict (Echo Kellum), she’s going to likely find an answer to that question sooner than later.

It’s definitely going to be quite the year for young Margaret, her friends and family … Especially if she never gets any answers from the all-powerful being she’s constantly asking questions of …

THE REVIEW: Coming of age tales are classic source material for movies – and for good reason: Everyone who is an adult was once a child and that former time period is so critical to shaping the latter that it’s something to which everyone can relate. The 1970s may serve as the setting, but ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … proves itself to be a timeless tale from childhood into adolescence that should help bridge gaps between generations.

A film like this does not work without its young stars being (1) interesting and (2) compelling to make the story feel like both to its audience. Forston does a spectacular job at Margaret, conveying every insecurity, anxiety and ultimately, revelation in a fashion that is exciting, confusing and memorable as childhood itself. This isn’t a role defined by its complexity; it’s a role that is complex because of it’s seeming simplicity – yet to pull it off successfully, Forston must strike a balance between episodes of maturity and innocence as well as precociousness and brattiness.

While Fortson pulls them all off, it is worth mentioning how well she not only plays against her older, adult counterparts but also alongside her youthful castmates. Watching the interplay among them brings all the complexities of that super-awkward time in life front and center … Which makes the moments when they come to their own realizations or force the adults in their lives to do so all the better.

That, in fact, is one of the most telling things about what makes ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … So entertaining. A friend of mine attended the premiere with me; at one point, I could tell she was having a visceral reaction to a major plot point. Asking her why after the film was over, she said it’s because it made her, a 40 year-old woman, feel vulnerable. When the actions of children on screen can take you right back to a similar moment in your youth, you know the film is connecting with its target audience. (As was the case with my friend, there are several moments in the film that one may find intense not for what it depicts but for their ability to make the audience recall similar embarrassing moments in their own life.) That’s not to suggest the film is only for mothers and daughters, however. Men would stand to learn a lot on how to converse with the women in their life – or at the very least, help rightfully remove the stigmas associated with certain aspects of womanhood.

ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … seeks to de-mystify some of the most (or seemingly at the time young women experience them) mysterious times of youth and instead show them as a natural part of life. In today’s climate, however, that likely will make it the subject of fodder for pundits and traditionalists to debate what audiences it is and is not well-suited for. (My friend did say she felt the film was ‘too real’ at a certain point, so take that for what you will …)

Those issues notwithstanding, ARE YOU THERE, GOD? … may find its main character seeking the guidance of a higher power, but it definitely should help entertain – and educate – its audience to be a little more mature.

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

Actor’s Theatre Fairborn presents The Odd Couple

April 25, 2023 By Dayton937

“The Odd Couple,” written by Neil Simon and directed by Craig Smith, is coming to the Actor’s Theatre Fairborn stage the last two weekends in April. This classic show follows two friends who are suddenly single and suddenly roommates. The audience sees the messy and unkempt Oscar Madison and the compulsive and fastidious Felix Ungar struggle through their short-lived and unconventional coexistence.

BCT presents SORDID LIVES

April 20, 2023 By Dayton937

The author of Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got the Will?) brings you a comedy that was nominated for over thirty awards during its long run in Los Angeles. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas.

Tickets available at www.bctheatre.org, or by calling the Box Office at 937-429-4737

Grand Opening of Black Palette Art Gallery

April 13, 2023 By Dayton937

Renowned fine artist, graphic designer, art educator, and consultant James Pate will now add gallerist to his robust resume. Pate, along with his partner in life and business, multi-dimensional entrepreneur Shola Odumade, will open Black Palette Art Gallery on the main corridor of the Historic Wright Dunbar Business District.

The grand opening celebration on April 21st will include a ribbon cutting & dedication ceremony at 11am and an opening reception from 5-10pm featuring interactive art-making, refreshments, live music, and fine artwork & retail merchandise for sale. All festivities are free and open to the public.

Art production, consumption, education, and consulting are at the core of Pate and Odumade’s vision for the space. They endeavor to provide an inspirational and immersive art experience, promote artists and help springboard careers, and be a conduit for community building and holistic prosperity.

Black Palette’s inaugural exhibit features selected original works by Pate. Future exhibitions will spotlight an all-encompassing array of local, regional, national, and international artists and showcase a broad assortment of art genres, subject matter, mediums, and materials. In addition to serving as an art showroom and studio, the gallery will be a vibrant hub for a wide range of programming and activities, including workshops, gallery talks, pop-up events, live performances, film screenings, first Friday happy hours, art collector groups, exhibit road trips, public & private functions, and more.

The name Black Palette has layered significance that not only embodies reverence for a people and their unparalleled depth and breadth of creativity and culture; but, on a wider scale, is a nod to the financial term “in the black” and affirms an intention to foster far-reaching economic empowerment, wealth, and solvency via high-quality productivity. It recognizes and honors Black achievement by celebrating, highlighting, and augmenting the profound influence and brilliance of African Americans and their invaluable contributions to artistic and fiscal vitality worldwide.

Black Palette Art Gallery

1139 W. Third St.
Dayton, OH 45402

937- 723- 1906

Hours:
Thursday – Saturday 11:00 am–6:00 pm
Sunday 12:00–5:00 pm

Kettering Fairmont Presents Legally Blonde- The Musical

April 13, 2023 By Dayton937

When Delta Nu’s president Elle Woods gets dumped, she decides to get “serious” to win her boy back. But once at Harvard Law, she discovers the true power behind being legally blonde.

Don’t miss the great students of Kettering Fairmont High School present Legally Blonde, the Musical on April 13 @ 7:30

April 14 @ 7:30 pm and

April 15 @ 2 and 7:30 pm.

Elle might not think getting into Harvard was hard, but getting your ticket last minute will be!

Get your tickets now! www.ketteringmusic.org/tickets

**Production is PG-13

Kevin Hart’s “Reality Check” Tour comes to Nutter Center

April 11, 2023 By Dayton937

Comedian and actor Kevin Hart first came to Dayton in the 90’s, playing Jokers Comedy Cafe. Since then he’s blown up, releasing his first stand-up album Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man in 2009.

In 2015, Time magazine named him on its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. In 2017, he launched the Laugh Out Loud Network, a subscription video streaming service in partnership with Lionsgate. In 2018 he played the Nutter Center on is Irresponsible Tour and it’s just been announced he will be making a stop in the Miami Valley as part of his 2023 Reality Check tour.

Hart will be performing at the Nutter Center on Tuesday, May 16 and presale tickets will be available beginning on Wednesday, April 12 at 10 am. General ticket sales will begin on Friday, April 14 at 10 am. Tickets will be available via Ticketmaster.

This Must Be the Party hits the stage this Friday at The Brightside

April 10, 2023 By Dayton Most Metro

One of the most celebrated music events in Dayton during the last decade is back! This Must Be the Party is a local super group who performs a fantastic tribute to The Talking Heads. Fans love the complete recreation of the classic album and documentary film Stop Making Sense that they perform! Catch them for an exclusive show Friday April 14, 2023 at The Brightside, in downtown Dayton.

Few bands are as well-known in the music industry as the Talking Heads. The band, which was founded in the middle of the 1970s, contributed to the development of a new musical genre that would later come to rule the radio in the 1980s. The Talking Heads were one of the most innovative and forward-thinking bands of their period with their special fusion of rock, groove, and New Wave. It’s no wonder that Dayton audiences love this tribute show!

Due to the Covid shutdown, This Must Be the Party hasn’t performed since 2019, so this is a highly anticipated event! The best part is that part of the proceeds from this show go to benefit The Seedling Foundation, an organization that supports the arts magnet at Stivers School for the Arts. It’s a musical celebration to support music education!

If you’ve had the pleasure of seeing this amazing show already, you know how much fun to expect! (Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes!) This go around, there is a very special guest joining the show. Sammi Garett, from the national touring acts Turquaz, Cool Cool Cool, & The Bump Assembly, is flying in from Brooklyn to join the crew! She’s an absolutely fabulous singer and performer, and she’s excited to perform in Dayton for the first time.

Local original band, Intergalactic Space Force, is kicking off the show at 8:30pm, shortly after doors open. They were Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists last year, and always love an opportunity to perform at The Brightside.

After the Stop Making Sense headlining show, if you’re still ready to boogie, Freekbass will be making his Brightside debut with a “Solo Grooves” after party.

If you get hungry, the venue has coordinated with Phat & Rich to be on site to serve your needs. The Mexican inspired cuisine is a hit with concert goers, so go hungry and hang on the Brightside’s awesome patio between sets.

If you’re looking for a place to pre-game, organizers recommend going to Tender Mercy for their amazing cocktails. “Not only is Tender Mercy our neighbor, they are one of the primary sponsors of this event!” event organizer, Libby Ballengee told us. “Their sister restaurant Sueño, is an amazing spot for dinner too, but I’d get reservations first!”

This Must Be the Party promises to be one of the most memorable events of the spring!

*The band includes: Khrys Blank, Nathan Lewis, Patrick Himes, Brian Hoeflich, Erich Reith, Aaron Holmes, Matt Byanski, Eric Cassidy, Nathan Peters, Christopher Corn, Brian Spirk, with special guest Sammi Garett.

HOW TO GO?

When: April 14, 2023

Where: The Brightside Music & Event Venue, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH

– $30 Advance General admission tickets (highly recommend purchasing advance to guarantee spot)

– $35 Day of show

TICKET LINK: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/69946/orders/new

CONERSATIONS: Saeed Jones

April 8, 2023 By Dayton937

Enjoy an evening with author Saeed Jones, as he shares his new poetry collection Alive At The End Of The World.

Saeed Jones is an essential author as well as a powerful voice in the world of literary activism, and his writing often engages the questions and nuances of identity. He has shaped his platform into a tool for social awareness, breakthroughs and connections with his no-holds-barred personality and unforgettable voice.

Saeed’s latest, Alive at the End of the World, is a poetry collection published in fall 2022. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “This penetrating collection shows Jones at his poetic best,” and Library Journal hails the book as, “Yet another masterly work.”

The conversation will take place inside The Tank at the Dayton Arcade (35 W 4th St, downtown Dayton). Metered street parking is free after 6 pm, or guests may park in the Reibold Garage.

Free & open to all. Registration is required.

Dayton Live 2023/2024 Season: Lions, Tinas and Chers…..OH MY!

April 5, 2023 By Joshua Stucky

Breath-Taking, Jaw-Dropping, Show-Stopping! Dayton Live put the word out about their upcoming season last night in style. Starting off with a fun scavenger hunt of titles, people were invited to make their way through the catacombs of the Schuster’s back stage, stopping intermittently to ‘guess a show’! For my friend Amy and me, it was fun challenge. Being that we both love Broadway, and are always up for some trivia, we gave it a whirl. I missed one….Amy did as well…..that doggone ‘Grinch’ and his theft of Christmas stumped us…we were sure it was Elf, The Musical! Nonetheless, we scored well with the other 5….and YOU WILL , TOO! What a fun, ambitious, diverse season is in store.

Aaron Sorkin’s take on Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird kicks off the season. The classic story (which I was lucky enough to see recently) is elegant and paced perfectly. Sorkin is unafraid to keep the conversation uncomfortable and raw. In a world of banned books, this this is timely, important and heart-wrenching! (October 17-22. 2023.))

Seuss’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas‘ comes to full-on life for the holiday season. Being a former elementary teacher means the stakes are high as this classic will be viewed by many a youngster! They will let us know just how much they love….er, hate….the Grinch! (November 14-19. 2023.)

See ‘Hadestown!’ See ‘Hadestown!’ Take my word for it. This is one of those shows that people ask about, wonder about, think about…and I’m reassuring you, it’s a mesmerizing musical. Focused on the tale of Persephone and Hades…retold brilliantly….you will find yourself immersed in this one. (March 12-17. 2024.)

‘Simply the Best’ artist of my lifetime, ‘Tina, the Tina Turner Musical‘ promises great songs, that well-known story and the inside look at how it all melded together. From childhood, to concert queen, this musical is a romp, a rage and a redemption! (April 9-14. 2024.)

Is there any opening moment more exciting than that of ‘The Lion King?‘ That first few minutes…the goosebumps…the humbled crowd….WOW! Beloved by audiences the world over, Disney put together one helluva show, and lucky us, it is back! Still one of the most ingenious recreations of a film ever brought to people live! You can’t go wrong. (May 1- 12. 2024.)

And to round out the fun….one of Dayton’s Favorite on your feet, sing-along sensations….’MAMMA MIA!‘ The songs, buoyed by that ABBA flare, carry us through a plot…at times a bit hard to believe….and into a fun, oft-times silly, love story! The show is/was a smash hit…and it’s light-hearted, upbeat soul continues to satisfy! (June 11-16. 2024.)

Also, of note…..the Forever Diva herself….CHER…and her life are told through ‘The Cher Show!’ Can you imagine over 30 hits, sixty years of performing, multiple awards…the hair….the gowns….the energy that is Cher. What a fun ride this promises to be! Get your tickets quickly for this special add-on which only shows (February 2-4. 2024.)

Always check in with daytonlive.org as there always seems to be something magical taking place in our great city! This looks to be yet another fantastic season.

McCoy on Movies: The Super Mario Bros. Movie

April 5, 2023 By Tabari McCoy

Video game movie adaptations level-up with stellar and fun The Super Mario Bros. Movie

“Sega Ge-ne-who?” Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt), Princess Peach (voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy) and Toad (voiced by Keegan-Michael Key) in a scene from Nintendo and Illumination’s THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic. © 2023 Nintendo and Universal Studios.

DIRECTORS: Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Keegan-Michael Key, Jack Black, Charlie Day, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen, Kevin Michael Richardson and Sebastian Maniscalco

WEB SITE: https://www.thesupermariobros.movie/

THE BACK STORY: Inspired by the longstanding series of best-selling video games, THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE finds Mario (voiced by Chris Pratt) and his younger brother Luigi (voiced by Charlie Day) trying to get their small plumbing business off the ground. Their old boss Spike (voiced by Sebastian Maniscalco), however, keeps giving them guff about it and the rest of their family doesn’t seem to be as supportive as they would hope for, either.

Then, in a magical series of events, Mario and Luigi slip – quite literally – down into a pipe only to discover they are no longer in Brooklyn anymore. While Mario has entered the Mushroom Kingdom ruled by the benevolent Princess Peach, Luigi has found himself in a much darker world where the monstrous Bowser (voiced by Jack Black). Making matters worse is the fact that Bowser wants to marry Princess Peach, who wants nothing to do with him … So when he discovers that Luigi is the brother of the man that may foil his plans for world domination, Bowser is determined to take out the competition.

With the Mushroom Kingdom doomed without a hero, his brother in need of rescuing and a desire to prove himself, Mario – along with a help from a few friends that should be familiar to longstanding gamers – is ready to level up.

THE REVIEW: THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE is good. In fact, it’s far better than you would likely expect it to ever be and capable of being in the first place. Why? Because thanks to a clever script, voice cast that nails their respective roles and visuals that pay tribute to the games that inspired them and bring them to living digital life, MARIO BROS. delivers a film that is enjoyable across generations without needing a cheat code to entertain.

Taking elements from the Super Mario games as well as Donkey Kong Country, Super Smash Bros., Luigi’s Mansion, Mario Kart and Diddy Kong Racing, MARIO BROS. cleverly blends various games together to create an enjoyable, engaging story that’s fun for adults and children alike. Those who grew up running through pipes, dodging fireballs and seeking power-ups will appreciate the way they are woven into the fabric of the Mario Bros.’ world, as they will certain homages to the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and other prominent titles of that system’s era.

Similarly, younger fans will enjoy the adorable nature of Toad and his fellow toadstools, the classic villain who wants to be loved as perfectly played by Jack Black and Mario’s relatable nature as a small guy that comes up big when it counts. While fans of Charles Martinet may be sad the original voice of Mario isn’t featured more prominently in the film (yes, he’s in there), there’s no need to fear. Say what you want about Pratt, but he does an extremely commendable job giving life to everyone’s favorite digital plumber with Charlie Day doing the same for his green hatted brother.

In a role it seems like he was born to voice, Seth Rogen makes Donkey Kong a very fun ape to be around; Fred Armisen likewise does a nice job voicing the Larry David-like Cranky Kong with veteran cartoon voice actor Kevin Michael Richardson giving a perfect voice to the Emperor Palpatine-like sidekick to Bowser.

Throw in some well-constructed humor – Black really does play Bowser perfectly – action sequences that are perfect tributes to the games that inspired them without feeling forced and a perfect run time (the film is barely over 90 minutes with credits and it’s nearly perfect. Will that inspire a sequel? Probably – and if/when it does, it will have a lot to live up to for certain.

Fortunately, Nintendo’s and Illumination’s partnership shows that when someone puts care into a video game film adaptation, it won’t leave audiences looking to pull the plug and restart their cinematic console.

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

McCoy on Movies: AIR: Courting a Legend

April 4, 2023 By Tabari McCoy

“Man, I’m telling you – one day we will sign and then end our business relationship with a rapper from Chicago and both moves will be great for business!” Howard White (Chris Tucker, pictured) discusses the basketball shoe game with Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon) in a scene from AIR: Courting a Legend. Credit: Ana Carballosa © Amazon Content Services LLC.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

DIRECTOR: Ben Affleck

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Tucker, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher, Viola Davis with Marlon Wayans and Matthew Maher

WEB SITE: https://www.airmovie.com.ph/

THE BACK STORY: Long before Nike was the worldwide leader in all things athletic apparel, the Beaverton, Ore. based company was known for running shoes … And not much else. For in the basketball shoe market, Adidas was king with Converse running a close second. In 1984, the era of Reaganomics, revolutionary technology, sitcoms and the explosion of pop music icons, third place meant being last to the point that if something didn’t change, Nike CEO Phil Knight (Ben Affleck) was faced with the prospect of shutting down his company’s basketball division altogether.

Sonny Vaccaro (Matt Damon), however, believed there was one athlete that could change the company’s fate if they could just get him to sign with the company. Who was that man? None other than the man who would eventually go on to be known as “His Airness” – and in the eyes of meany, the greatest competitive athlete of all time, Michael Jeffrey Jordan (played by Damian Delano Young).

Problem is, everybody knows that Jordan is not going to sign with Nike. His intentions are to sign with German-based Adidas despite the loss of its founder and namesake Adolf Dassler. And not only does Jordan’s agent David Falk (Chris Messina) know it, so does Nike Basketball exec Howard White (Chris Tucker), Head of Basketball Marketing Rob Strasser (Jason Bateman), Jordan’s former USA Basketball coach George Raveling (Marlon Wayans) and Jordan’s mother, Deloris (Viola Davis).

But since he’s a gambling man and believes that Jordan is the future of not only Nike, but basketball itself, Vaccaro isn’t ready to take “no” for an answer, what is about to transpire is going to change the sneaker industry forever … As long as he can find a way to get Jordan to sign on the dotted line …

THE REVIEW: Ask any dedicated sneakerhead what is the most important sneaker of all-time is and the odds are beyond good that it will be one with the famous “Jumpman” logo. For as AIR illustrates in great, gripping detail, one man can in fact change the world – and the efforts Vaccaro and company went through to get him is as an American story as sneakers are an industry.

With an all-star ensemble cast, you’d expect each actor in AIR to, much like a basketball team itself, play their positions well en route to trying to achieve their championship aspirations. AIR‘s squad does so on an all-star level from start to finish, each role meaning something no matter how big or small it may be.

Whereas Damon’s Vaccaro is the point guard keeping everything moving and functioning, Tucker comes in with flash and scores in bunches when he uses his charisma and quick wit. As shark-like agent David Falk, Messina’s interactions with Damon’s character likewise play out like intense one-on-one scrimmages.

Affleck’s portrayal of Knight captures all of the Nike head man’s famous (alleged) quirks expertly with Bateman coming in to play the veteran teammate that tries to keep things calm but knows he can’t stop Damon’s character from doing what he’s going to do, so he’s willing to sacrifice to do what’s best for all involved. Add in Davis’ strong performance as Jordan’s mother and the cast is a delight to watch.

Kudos must also be given, however, to the painstaking detail with which Affleck crafts AIR. Every 80s homage – from the fashion and music to the technology involved (remember when having a car phone was a big deal?) serves to enhance the film’s aesthetic as much as its storytelling. In re-creating that world so well, it really showcases the 80s entrepreneurial spirit that was so crucial to Nike’s growth so well in addition to setting up all the dominos that would fall following its historic deal.

In short, those looking for a great film with equal parts of comedy and drama, inspiration and inspired storytelling, AIR is worth lacing up your sneakers for and heading to the theater this spring.

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

Sleuth at La Comedia

April 3, 2023 By Dayton937

The ultimate game of cat and mouse is played out in an English country house owned by celebrated mystery writer, Andrew Wyke. Invited guest Milo Tindle, a young rival who shares Wyke’s love for games, declares his intention to run off with Wyke’s wife. The two men devise an elaborate revenge/power game; through their style and cunning, the stakes continue to rise, leading to the play’s inevitable, heart-stopping finish.

Sleuth premiered on Broadway in 1970 and received the Tony Award for Best Play. The 1972 film adaptation starring Laurence Olivier and Michael Caine earned four Academy Award nominations. In 2007, a second film starred Michael Caine and Jude Law, with Caine taking on the role previously played by Olivier.

Don’t miss the thriller Sleuth, along with La Comedia’s delicious buffet!

‘Human Race’ Spins Familiar Stories for 2023/2024!!

April 3, 2023 By Joshua Stucky

The Human Race Theatre Company announced their upcoming season Monday night at the Loft Theatre! The theme is ‘Stories in Motion!‘ Marking the event, fans and friends of the HRTC were invited to grab a glass of their favorite beverage (Pinot Grigio for me…), find a seat and prepare to hear about the six shows that will make up their 2023/2024 season. In a fun, right off the bat twist, the audience was made aware that this time around, the stories may seem familiar…but the telling is somehow a surprise! That surprise is one that must be experienced…and how better than at the HRT itself.

Kicking off the season is ‘This is Tom Jones,” (September 7-25, 2023) by Mark Brown. The musical takes us back to the days of mop tops in Great Britain, where scandalous affairs and 60’s songs abound! (Katie Pees gave us a comical look into the show as part of the preview. Always entertaining when Katie’s in the house!)

Number two on the list is Pearl Cleage’s “Angry, Raucous and Shamelessly Gorgeous.” (October 26 – November 13, 2023). The plot centers around an actress seeking a replacement for herself, when an ambitious adult entertainment performer takes on the challenge! What could go wrong??

Next up sounds like another treat….Reindeer Sessions…announced with giant antlers intact…(December 8-23, 2023), written by Eric Ulloa. Get this…Blitzen has anger issues, there’s a broken red nose…and suddenly we are immersed in a different version of the famous Rudolph tale. Obviously, the familiar ride we have taken for years in the traditional holiday song will have a different ring to it!

The fourth story was previewed with a large octopus tentacle, which seemed appropriate when the title was revealed….Shipwrecked! An Entertainment: The Amazing Adventures of Louis de Rougemont as Told by Himself. (February 22-March 10, 2024.) High seas, stories from around the world, large sea animals and fish tales are highlighted in this story by Donald Margulies.

Peerless, by Jiehae Park is up next. This dark comedy plays off of MacBeth and features high school students plotting to get into college. The description brought on many laughs as the options unfolded in this twisted tale. It plays April 25-Mat 12, 2024.

And last, but not least….and believe me the audience was stunned to hear it…is ‘The Kite Runner” (Yes that Kite Runner, the beloved novel by Khaled Hosseini which has been adapted for the stage by Matthew Spangler.) The amazing story of love, forgiveness and redemption comes to life in a joint venture with Dayton Live. WOW…..this one is a must-see! The show plays May 28-June 2, 2024.

The announcement party was pure fun! And the titles were exciting…brought to life in relatable ways by members of the HRTC and their board. Leaving the event, you could feel a great sense of ‘They really put together a season this year.’ Think about it…high school drama, reindeer, Tom Jones and Afghanistan. They have definitely given us stories to hear and witness. Here’s to a great 2023/2025 for the entire Human Race!

All tickets are available through Dayton Live Box Office at 937-228-3630 or DAYTONLIVE.COM.

Multiple Ticket Options available.

Parent’s Day Out is one those of you with children should check out….I don’t have kids, but if I did….what a fantastic IDEA!!

Renewal packages will be available mid-April and new subscriptions can be purchased soon after.

For more information about the upcoming season, click this link: www.humanracetheatre.org

Human Race 23-24 Season Announcement

April 1, 2023 By Dayton937

Join us at the Loft Theatre for our live announcement and be the first to hear about the inventive stories coming to our stage in the 2023-2024 Loft Season!

We want you to be there when we make the announcement. As one of our biggest fans, you love The Human Race for our incredible stories, characters and production value—brought to life in a way that can only be found in our theater. You won’t want to miss what we have in store next.

We promise our upcoming season will continue everything you love about The Human Race in our Next Act of imagination and creativity.