More than 35 million people around the world have experienced the smash hit phenomenon that is BLUE MAN GROUP and now it’s your turn! BLUE MAN GROUP returns to Dayton for a limited engagement on their new North American tour. It’s everything you know and love about BLUE MAN GROUP — signature drumming, colorful moments of creativity and quirky comedy — the men are still blue but the rest is all new! Featuring pulsing, original music, custom-made instruments, surprise audience interaction and hilarious absurdity, join the Blue Men in a joyful experience that unites audiences of all ages.
Arts & Entertainment
WSU Film Students Premiere 13 Documentaries
The students of the Wright State Motion Picture program are premiering their thirteen documentaries, ranging from Lego stores to funeral homes. Doors open at 7 pm, the show will begin at 7:30, there will be a Q&A with directors afterward, and a short intermission.
Free Admission (first-come, first-serve on the evening of the show), but cash donations are greatly appreciated and will go toward the program.”
DOCUMENTARIES
Clifton – Directed by Mason Perry
Summary: Clifton is a documentary about rock and roll. Centered around the days leading up to the First Annual Mockball, local Cincinnati band, Saving Escape, talks about the process of throwing on the show and the collaboration within the community that’s pushing Cincinnati’s music scene back into the spotlight.
About Mason: My name is Mason Perry, I’m from Piqua, Ohio. I plan to specialize as a Director of Photography. One of my favorite films that have inspired me is Inglourious Basterds. I chose my documentary subject because I’m a concert photographer for some of the bands in Cincinnati. After being a part of that scene for a few years and through meeting various people I’ve seen how they’ve grown and really pushed what a DIY music scene should be, and I wanted to showcase that around one of the biggest events of the year and how it benefits them.
the neon rainbow – Directed by Nic Studer
Summary: the neon rainbow is a short documentary by Nic Studer about the Dayton LGBT Film Festival and its creator, Jonathon McNeal. Jonathon discusses what the festival is, why it is so important to the Dayton community and the LGBTQ+ community, along with the history of the festival and some of the best moments in all its time!
About Nic: My favorite movies are Halloween (2018), Twister, Poseidon, and Scream (2020). I want to become a writer, director, and producer of the next big horror movies. In the long run, I want to be able to own and operate my own production company to give other creators the chance to bring their visions and stories to life.
It’s Homemade – Directed by Jazz Jefferson
Summary: The infamous Bill’s Donut Shop (commonly referred to as Bill’s) is open and has been thriving for 63 years. The married couple Bill and Faye Elam Opened Bill’s in 1960. Over the years, Bill and Faye have established a business built on community and handcrafted donuts. As a result, Bill’s received numerous awards including, but not limited to, Dayton Best of Contest and a shout-out on Ellen. In 1955 Jim and Lisa Elam took over the business and carried out their parent’s legacy. At last, this documentary, It’s Homemade, goes in-depth about the community and success Bill’s Donut Shop has achieved over the years.
About Jazz: Hello everyone! I am Jazmyn Jefferson, majority of people call me Jazz. I was born and raised in a small town located in Northwest Ohio. At Wright State University, I chose to direct as my specialty. I also have an interest in sound design. Films that I enjoy and have sparked inspiration include, The Incredible Hulk, The Black Panther, Parasite, Dumb and Dumber, and Training Day. I consider myself a donut enthusiast. Therefore, I chose Dayton’s local donut shop, Bill’s Donuts Shop, to be the subject of my documentary. Lastly, I wanted to understand Bill’s success and discover why their donuts are so tasty.
Alex Bunsold
Morgan Johnson
Summary: The reason I chose my dad as my subject for my documentary is because I thought it would be interesting to hear about a veteran’s experience in the military and some of his achievements. I also wanted to add a little bit of comedy to lighten the mood of the topic, so I made a fake advertisement in the beginning and kind of treated it like a mini podcast.
About Morgan: My name is Morgan Johnson. My dad served in the Air Force, so we moved around a lot until he finally retired in Ohio. I plan to specialize in editing, it’s something I really enjoy and hope to get better at.
Bino Bannan
Sam May
Empathy’s Not Dead – Directed by Grace Loechinger
Summary: What does it take to handle life’s greatest tragedies? ‘Empathy’s Not Dead’ takes a peek inside the casket to learn more about the mortuary business and those who make their livelihood working with the deceased. This documentary focuses on the Routsong Funeral Home, a family-owned business that has been helping to honor the dead and comfort the bereaved for over a century.
About Grace: I grew up in Rhode Island and have spent the last several years living in Ohio. As I continue my education in WSU’s Motion Pictures program, I plan to specialize in writing and directing. I am inspired most by films that take dark subject matters and put creative, comedic, or juxtapositional twists on them, showing the concepts in a new light. This is, in part, what inspired the documentary “Empathy’s Not Dead”, which focuses on a local funeral home and explores what it takes to manage grief and tragedy.
Everything is Fine – Directed by Trevor Seech-Hrvatin
Summary: Ever since she was a kid, Tallulah Swasey wanted to be a musician. Follow her story from her first band to her current, Grumpy Plum, and all the hardships along the way.
About Trevor: My name is Trevor Seech-Hrvatin, I grew up in Mentor, Ohio, a town about 30 minutes outside of Cleveland. I want to specialize in writing and directing, my favorite director is Wes Anderson and some of my favorite films are “Fantastic Mr.Fox”, “Empire Strikes Back”, and “Jojo Rabbit”. I chose Tallulah Swasey, and her band Grumpy Plum, to be the subject of my documentary because I am personally inspired by her commitment to making art no matter what is thrown at her.
Bagged and Boarded – Directed by Rob Bicknell and Chloe Sinkhorn
Summary: Bagged & Boarded is an exploration of the local comic book market, as well as a look into the comic book industry as a whole. We talked to four different shops across Dayton to learn how each of them have been affected by recent changes and challenges. The result is an eye opening insight into one of America’s most enduring hobbies.
About Rob: My name is Rob Bicknell, and I am from Centerville, in the south part of Dayton. I am focusing on writing and directing. Some of my favorite movies are Raiders of the Lost Ark and Mad Max: Fury Road. I made Bagged & Boarded because I noticed a disconnect between the popularity of comic book characters onscreen, and the printed works that inspired them. Therefore, I decided to take the temperature of the industry, at least on a local level, to see how things like COVID and the aforementioned movies have affected business and readership.
About Chloe: My name is Chloe Sinkhorn and I am from the great city Akron, Ohio. I specialize in cinematography and screenwriting. I love big adventure movies like: The NeverEnding Story and Pirates of the Caribbean, but my all time favorite film is, How to Train Your Dragon. I chose to make a documentary on comic books because I recently started reading them and I wanted to learn more about them.
The Artifacts Beneath Us – Directed by Cayden Whitman
Summary: ‘The Artifacts Beneath Us’ explores the process of finding Native American Artifacts (specifically stone tools like arrowheads), their importance to history, and what preserving them means to both myself and collectors.
About Cayden: My name is Cayden Whitman and I grew up an hour north of Wright State near the city of Bellefontaine. I plan to specialize in Cinematography. I have been inspired by many films, including all the Star Wars and Lord of The Rings movies, but my favorite film is The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. I chose my documentary subject because I wanted to share my passion for history and Native American artifacts with others, and because it is an aspect of history that I feel is not as appreciated as it should be.
Free Tickets To Dayton Ballet’s 85th Celebration Via Dayton Metro Library
Dayton Metro Library, in partnership with Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (DPAA), is offering free tickets to three upcoming performances of 85th Diamond Anniversary at the Victoria Theatre on Friday, February 10, 7:30-9 pm, Saturday, February 11, 7:30-9 pm, and Sunday, February 12, 2:30-4 pm.
85th Diamond Anniversary is a celebration of the Dayton Ballet’s 85th season and the 95th year of the Dayton Ballet School. This repertory program honors Dayton Ballet founders and includes a collection of beautiful ballets showcasing the physicality and virtuosity of the company of dancers who call Dayton Ballet their home.
Fifty tickets per show will be available on a registration basis, with a maximum of six seats per party. Seat locations will vary and can be picked up at the box office prior to each performance. While DPAA will try to seat groups together when possible, that’s not guaranteed. Tickets have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for other seats or performances.
- Registration for the Friday, February 10 performance begins Wednesday, January 11, 8 am.
- Registration for the Saturday, February 11 performance begins Thursday, January 12, 8 am.
- Registration for the Sunday, February 12 performance begins Friday, January 13, 8 am.
The Victoria Theatre is located at 138 North Main Street, Dayton. For a detailed description of this performance and to register for a chance to receive free tickets, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org/Programs, and search for the program title, “85th Diamond Anniversary.” Additional questions may be directed to the Library’s Ask Me Line at 937.463.2665.
Hedwig And The Angry Inch
This groundbreaking Obie-winning Off-Broadway smash also won multiple awards for its hit film adaptation. It tells the story of “internationally ignored song stylist” Hedwig Schmidt, a fourth-wall smashing East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess who also happens to be the victim of a botched sex-change operation, which has left her with just “an angry inch.”
Trigger Warnings: discussion of sexual assault, transphobia, foul language, and substance abuse.
If purchasing a VIP ticket, please arrive to the theatre 10 minutes prior to house open as you will have early seating and a Hedwig swag bag.
Produced and presented by TheatreLab Dayton.
Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play
Hammered: A Thor & Loki Play As Thor struggles with the stress of final exams, his brother Loki finds himself under a different sort of pressure. Neither are beneath pranks in the endless competition for their parents’ favor. But underneath all the thunder and mischief, these two Princes of Asgard discover a bond that will last millennia. Mirror of Most Value: A Ms. Marvel Play Kamala attempts to boost Ms. Marvel’s fledgling super hero profile by writing her own fan fiction. But when building a fandom becomes an obsession, Kamala’s schoolwork and relationships begin to suffer. To become the Jersey City hero of her dreams, Kamala must learn to accept herself just as she is – imperfections and all.
The Codependents
Sit back, relax and let us make you laugh with fun made up right in front of you. We may take inspiration from a personal story, an interview with an audience member, or simply a one word suggestion but no matter what the source, the end result is the same- fun! Then make sure to stick around and see what special show we have planned for the second half of the night! It’s for sure the best way to spend your Saturday night out with friends! We NOW HAVE A BAR!! You can get your alcoholic drinks from are bar and order pizza from The Pizza Bandit at Yellow Cab Tavern!
Donnell Rawlings
Donnell can currently be seen in his own Netflix Special, Donnell Rawlings: Too Soon, which was produced by Dave Chappelle. Other notable credits include the highly anticipated HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, BET’s The Twenties, Black Ma/a Family on STARZ, and of course, as Dez the Barber in Pixar’s award-winning film Soul. Donnell is also known for his role on HBO’s The Wire, Neflix’s series The Degenerates, and he makes regular appearances with on The Joe Rogan Experience. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Donnell was honored with the Redd Foxx Award from
‘Winter’tainment!’ It’s the Holidays…What’s in the ‘Box?’
As part of our ‘Winter’tainment series, we caught up with Ben Douglas from the Black Box Improv Theater to get a feel for what’s happening! The ‘Winter’view went something like this:
Josh: I am so excited to talk with you Ben. Y’know you have quite the reputation for being the funny man in this town! So tell me what you got going at the Black Box these days?
Ben: Oh gosh, where to start. Well, we are hard at work on our first real Sketch Show (think Saturday Night Live) that will take place January 19-21. This is the kind of show that calls for rehearsals, and writers and the whole she-bang! It looks to be a really funny endeavor!
Josh: That sounds fun! And interesting. I mean Improv is anything but rehearsed or written, right?
Ben: Right. This is unique for us. Improv really is made up of ‘in-the-moment’ material, and derives from people’s individual experiences. That’s what keeps improv so fresh. It is always something new and different. For us to do a sketch show is great for the audience, but really fun for us as well. Our type of improv is called long-form. It’s more of a narrative style. That lends itself to some really great ‘on-the-spot’ moments. Some hilarious scenarios.
Josh: And you guys have a heckuva group there, am I right?
Ben: There are 70 of us at Black Box. Each one has their own special style. For the sketch show, 6 of us will perform. We will cover everything from pop culture to current events. Not too, too real though….y’know. The world is pretty messy.
Josh: Ummm…in this crazy world, we have enough real to go around!
Ben: Right. Improv lets us practice a kind of escapism. Come in, laugh and get away from it all! Just have a good time with friends.
Josh: And have a drink! I mean, you can drink there right?
Ben: Oh, Josh…yes…we do have drinks, yes. They help with the relaxation part, for sure. We also work hand-in-hand with Pizza Bandit for in-house delivery! Yum! It makes it a complete date night that way.
Josh: Love a good date night…I know you’ve been in Black Box since graduating their program in 2018. Any special memories….and how does one go to Improv School there?
Ben: Special memory-wise, I love doing the improvisational musicals…and our holiday shows are always a hit! On Saturdays, i perform with an in-house group called the Co-Dependents. Never a dull moment there!! As for our program, we have a New Level 1 class starting for those interested on 2/12. You can register through our website https://www.daytonblackboximprov.com/. It takes about 6 months to graduate the program which occurs in a 3-level process. Well structured and lots to learn.
Josh: I know you have been gaining in popularity in the region. What do you attribute that to?
Ben: We are 100% committed to being part of our Community. We have Small Business Saturday shows that feature local business owners! These are always super funny! And, we have our With Special Guest shows that are 2-performer type improv that feature local celebs (recents included Gary Minyard, Dayton Live & Angelina Jackson, Common Pleas Justice).
Josh: Wowzer…that’s cool! Ok, what about kids? People always. ask me….’Are kids welcome? Do kids get parts in shows? Kids this, kids that! Kids…kids….kids!’
Ben: I, uh, well….we do have an incredible program for kids called KidProv! It’s a summer camp and it is a joy for kids. As for our shows…family friendly may be a stretch….but I would say parents get to make that decision!
Josh: You diplomatic boy, you! So give me the deets on Black Box….where, when, etc….
Ben: We are in the Cannery Building at 518 East 3rd Street, downtown Dayton. Our shows take place Wednesdays ($5), Thursdays ($10) Fridays and Saturdays ($15). I would say visit our website often for in-depth stuff. Oh, and, if you are looking to do a private event….Black Box is THE place to do it. There is nothing else like it!
Josh: Ben, you are such a delight to talk with. I am so looking forward to a night at Black Box this winter. I personally am leaning to the Sketch Show! I love that kind of stuff! Thanks for taking a minute for ‘Winter’tainment!
Ben: See ya soon!!
Still Time to catch The Over-Indulgent, Holiday Celebrant “Cindy Lou Who”
She’s back!!!! That over-indulgent, holiday celebrant “Cindy Lou Who” is back to make your holidays bright! WHO’S HOLIDAY! – last season’s smash-hit comedy by Matthew Lombardo – is back with the hilarious and multi-talented Alex Sunderhaus, offering up some old, some new, some borrowed and some “blue” Christmas to kick your holidays into overdrive. First-timers and returnees are all welcome!!!! Cindy Lou does not discriminate. She’ll offend everyone!
A Charlie Brown Christmas
This 40-minute production has become a family tradition and a perfect introduction for young children to LIVE theatre. First shown as an animated TV special based on Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts characters in 1965, this faithful stage adaptation features Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the Peanuts gang as they grapple with the real meaning of Christmas. Featuring colorful costumes and scenery, the show is perfect for school, church, scout and other youth groups.
‘Winter’tainment! This week: ‘White,’ ‘Christ,’ ‘Alert.’
It’s time again to focus on how we entertain with the impending cold arriving soon. This weekly column, ‘Winter’tainment focuses on TV, Film and Live entertainment for the winter in the ‘937 area!’ Let’s jump right in!
TV: WHITE LOTUS, Season 2. Hard to believe that the crafty minds behind ‘White Lotus’ would go there with the season finale…but they did!

Jennifer Coolidge

White Lotus Season 2
That said, if you haven’t seen the ending, or you haven’t ‘dived’ (see what I did there?) into season 2, I promise to spare you spoilers. Jennifer Coolidge, again, makes the season worth the watch. It’s nearly impossible to pay attention to anything else when she’s on the screen….with, perhaps, the exception of the gorgeous scenery of Sicily and Palermo. The season focuses on sex, and sex..and sex…and there is lots of it. Husbands and wives with little boundaries; fathers and sons with little knowledge of the other’s activities; a pack of gays with all kinds of appetites; and even a virgin…at least as the season rolls out??? The show has a great cast. Adam DiMarco (Albie) was so convincing as the frustrated yet sweet-hearted third generation Italian; Will Sharpe (Ethan) was mesmerizing as the jealous husband; and a big wow to Aubrey Dollar (Harper) as the bitch you somehow understood far too well! There are body parts that got star billing as well…you’ll see. The plot has some interesting twists and turns…there is plenty of opulence and grandeur….beautiful people to look at…BUT, something is not there that was in season one. There was something about Hawaii in season one….it felt Utopian and Vacation’y’…in season 2, from the get-go, there is a more foreboding element. Less humor, more angst! It’s worth the watch, and although not all the season 1 fans will agree, it definitely had a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that only this series has mastered. HBO.
LIVE: Jesus Christ Superstar. 50th Anniversary. I am a fan of Cincinnati at the holidays. they have great decorations, exciting traditions and of course, the wide variety of neighborhoods sport all kinds of unique fun. We ventured down to the Queen City earlier this week, and dropped into the Aronoff to catch the 50th ANNIVERSARY OF JCS.

50th Anniversary of JCS
Now, let me preface, I still believe JCS has some of the best music, albeit rock, in a Broadway show. Favorites like ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him,’ ‘Herod’s Song,’ and ‘Gethesmane,’ still carry that power and performance you long for in JCS. The cast (JACK HOPEWELL delivered as Jesus; KODIAK THOMPSON was spot-on as Annas; ISAAC RYCKEGHEM‘s bass vocals rumbled the theater as Caiaphas & FAITH JONES soothed the saga with her role as Mary) was engaged and completely committed to a version that seems rough, gruesome and raucous. There are moments where you long for the old JCS when Jesus seemed mystical but remained human….today’s Jesus seems detached, angry and overly earthly. (Think Patchouli.) And that is the issue with show…how do we keep Jesus relevant when he’s been maligned by so many for so long. He’s a regular on South Park for goodness sake! It’s a tough sell for any director! This version has received every kind of review possible….amazing, messy, quirky, brilliant, savvy, depressing, perfect…..you name it, it’s been said about this performance! I agree…with all of that! Aronoff Center, Cincinnati
and Finally….
MOVIE: Spoiler Alert. ‘I think you’re very cool, and I’m worried. you’re going to break my heart…’

Spoiler Alert: It’s a Great Film!
Haven’t we all been there? Remember that felling? That’s the beauty of ‘Spoiler Alert.’ We all have been vulnerable, so we get it! Soooo much has been written about how movies today manipulate us as viewers into feeling things artificially. Well, there is nothing artificial about Spoiler Alert. The drama, that focuses on the ‘goods and bads’ of a gay couple making their way through life’s challenges, doesn’t over-do anything. It keeps the dialogue simple. (It’s relatable in that sense. ) It presents real characters who look like real people. (Jim Parsons is hardly a dashing leading man.) It tells the truth about relationships. (We all make stupid mistakes.) And it gently leans into the idea that we are, even in this society, still our own best hope! It’s not a Hallmark movie, that ensures we get out with a big smile and the family’s ranch is saved. It’s not a melodrama, that sees the hero ride off into the sunset. Spoiler Alert is really a tender, humane look at how we live, and how we go on when others are no longer living. Although not exactly a Christmas movie, it definitely has the feel and some references to the holiday season. Everyone who loves a good end-of-the-year cry will embrace this film….and heck, you get to see Sally Field! Neon Movies.
Jesus Christ Superstar plays at The Aronoff Theater in Cincinnati from 12/16-12/18. Tickets at www.eventticketscenter.com.
Spoiler Alert plays at the Neon Movies (130 East Fifth Street, Dayton) through 12/22. For ticket info go to neonmovies.com.
TV Show Filmed in Springfield Airs Tonight
This past May and June The Greater Dayton Film Commission (FilmDayton) worked with an LA production company that was shooting a tv pilot around Springfield. As it often happens, the commission is working blind, not fully aware of what the production will be and with a non-disclosure act, that does not allow them to talk about the project until the production is ready to share the information publicly. They use the filmmakers vision and their contacts to help them secure the appropriate spots. One of the locations they secured for them was CO-Hatch.

Tonight, (Dec 14th) ABC, Disney and John Legend’s Get Lifted Film Company will debut the pilot filmed this past June. Here’s how they describe the show:
“For the last 13 years, chorus director David Brown has brought together complete strangers and healed communities by asking them to simply join a chorus. In this inspirational one-hour special, EGOT winner John Legend is calling upon David to bring his magic to his hometown of Springfield, Ohio. Will David be able to transform a fractured community into a powerhouse chorus in just one week? Audiences will see the magic of what happens when you invite complete strangers to sing together in this all-new special.”
While we’re excited to see “Finding Harmony” FilmDayton is even more excited to share the economic impact a shoot like this brings to the region. They spent $58, 276 on hotel rooms for their crew of 55, rented $16, 381 of vehicles, contracted over $18,000 in catering and rented about $30,000 in local equipment.

FilmDayton’s mission is to promote the art, craft and business of film in the region. You can support FilmDayton by becoming a member. Follow them on Facebook, where they often list cast and crew calls. List your property as a possible film location in their database.
Heartless Bastards perform Friday at The Brightside

Heartless Bastards
The Brightside Music & Event Venue and Sonic Springs Booking are thrilled to host a hometown Heartless Bastards show on Friday, December 16th at 8pm.
Anchored by the powerful vocals and incisive songwriting of Erika Wennerstrom, the Heartless Bastards are a roots rock band whose tough, emotionally resonant music incorporates elements of blues, hard rock, garage punk, and country. Their newest album, A Beautiful Life is their most stylistically diverse release to date.
Special guests Jess Lamb & The Factory and Visitor kick off the show. Jess Lamb, an acclaimed performer from Cincinnati, has put together a special set for this event. Visitor is a new band on the Dayton scene and will rock the Bar stage between sets.
Phat & Rich food truck will be on-site for this concert.
VIP tickets are already sold out, and a limited number of general admission are left. See the information below on how to go to this special holiday rock concert!

Phat & Rich food truck
How to Go?
- Friday, December 16th
- The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH)
- VIP Doors: 7pm
- Doors 7:30pm
- Show starts 8pm
- Food truck on site: Phat & Rich
- All ages are welcome!
- Tickets $25 advance; $30 day of show. Tickets are on sale at link: https://www.venuepilot.co/events/62660/orders/new. Tickets are non-refundable. VIP is sold out.
- There is no re-entry at this event. Thank you for understanding in advance!
Venue Info:
- There is free off-street parking at the venue and surrounding areas. Please see the venue’s parking map here: parking map
- There is alcohol for sale at the venue. No outside beverages are allowed.
- Purses and small bags are allowed. No backpacks, please.
- The venue is handicapped-accessible.
- The venue has installed UV-C filters to sanitize circulated air.
- More info at thebrightsidedayton.com
Rocky Horror Picture Holiday Show December 15 @ 8:00 pm
Doors open at 7pm.
Virgin games start at 8pm followed by the show.
Entry – $10 cash $10.50 credit
Dayton Battle of the Bands taking applications through December 12th

Dayton Battle of the Bands finalists from 2022
One problem local venues and promoters run into is that there are so many great bands in the Dayton region, it can be challenging to wade through all the songs, samples, and videos that are sent to them on a regular basis. Plus with auto-tune and effects, it’s hard to take those and know what a live show will be like.
“Cindy Lou Who” is back!
That over-indulgent, holiday celebrant “Cindy Lou Who” is back to make your holidays bright! WHO’S HOLIDAY! – last season’s smash-hit comedy by Matthew Lombardo – is back with the hilarious and multi-talented Alex Sunderhaus, offering up some old, some new, some borrowed and some “blue” Christmas to kick your holidays into overdrive. First-timers and returnees are all welcome!!!! Cindy Lou does not discriminate. She’ll offend everyone!