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Arts & Entertainment

A Rising Star in a Stellar Show!

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A Distinct Society, by Kareem Fahmy begins in the tranquil hush of a library that straddles the U.S. – Canada border, where life is about to change. Much the same could be said for Cooper Schairbaum, the youngest in the cast who is receiving rave reviews for his performance in the show. Schairbaum plays Declan Sheehan in the play directed by Brant Russell at the Human Race Theatre Company.

I was thrilled to get to chat with the rising star about his love of acting and any future productions.

937: Hi Cooper. I understand you are a local high schooler…right?

CS:  Yes. I am junior at Oakwood High School.

937: And….I heard you have some acting experience under your belt? What shows may have the readers perhaps seen you previously perform?

CS: I have played Billy in On Golden Pond, Sky in Mamma Mia, Jack in Into the Woods, and Windward and Cop in the Muse Machine’s The Little Mermaid and 9 to 5.

937: WOW! You have been bitten by the theater bug!! Where did this all start for you?

CS: My first show was The Addams Family in fourth grade, and I guess it all started from my mom who did theater in college and still loves it, so she really motivated me to participate in theater.

937: Well it is one of the few things you can do from cradle to grave. So, thank mom for getting you into something that can last a lifetime! What can you tell us about the show?

CS: It is inspired by true events. It focuses on all the things that can, in some cases, divide us…or unite us. It has a lot to do with connection…and how life can change.

937: And, people are really enjoying it. So, in doing this and other shows, does it make you want to continue with acting in your future?

CS: It really made me believe that theater in the future is a viable option for me but throughout this whole process I have realized that this is so demanding and I don’t think this is for me after high school.

937: Amen brother, it is hard work…but, keep that door open! Do you have advice for others looking to do community theater?

CS: Do it. You will always meet new friends that care about you. They will be friends to you for the rest of your life.

937: Congratulations Cooper. Bravo!

You can catch A Distinct Society at the Human Race 2/11-2/17. Shows Tuesday – Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:00pm.

More info at https://humanracetheatre.org/

 

Theater Lab Valentine’s Day

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Get ready for Valentine’s Day(ton) – Hosted by Dana Sintell!
Love is in the air… or maybe that’s just the smell of Dana’s hairspray. Either way, TheatreLab Dayton is bringing you a Valentine’s celebration like no other!
Join us Tuesday, February 11th at 7PM for Valentine’s Day(ton), an evening of love, laughs, and a little lighthearted couple’s competition—hosted by the one and only Dana Sintell (Josh Stucky) of the legendary Rubi Girls!
What’s in store?
Live performances to make your heart sing (or at least chuckle).
Four rounds of couple’s games—will you prove to be soulmates or just really good at faking it?
Romantic refreshments (because love is sweet, but so is dessert).
Fabulous Rubi Girl & TheatreLab swag—because you deserve a little treat!
Tickets are sold in pairs ($50 per couple, $80 for two couples), and we’re not picky about what “couple” means. Married? Dating? Just friends? “Roommates”? We don’t judge—we just play games.
So grab your sweetheart, bestie, or that person who still has your Netflix login, and get ready for a night of love, laughter, and a little bit of friendly competition!
Get your tickets now (link in comments) —because nothing says romance like winning bragging rights.

McCoy on Movies: LOVE HURTS

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Ke Huy Quan gets his kicks in action comedy LOVE HURTS

“I’m just here so I can punch your face!” Real estate agent (and former hitman) Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan) dodges an attack by King (Marshawn “Beastmode” Lynch) in a scene from director Jonathan Eusebio’s action romantic comedy LOVE HURTS. Credit: Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures © Universal Studios. 

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, Lio Tipton, Mustafa Shakir,  André Eriksen, Rhys Darby, Cam Gigadnet with Drew Scott

DIRECTOR: Jonathan Eusebio
 
THE BACK STORY: Marvin Gable (Academy Award winner Ke Huy Quan) is living his best life. He’s got a successful real estate practice, he’s got a nice home in the Milwaukee suburbs and everyone likes him, even his assistant Ashley (Lio Tipton) despite her obvious depression. Unfortunately, Marvin also has a past – a past that involved spending many years working under his brother Alvin (Daniel Wu), a.k.a. Knuckles, a criminal for whom he served as his top hitman. Marvin does have to contend with rival realtor Jeff Zaks (Drew Scott), who’s black belt approach to real estate is one he takes quite literal.
 
As it turns out, Marvin had one last job to complete before trying to leave the past behind: Murdering Rose (Academy Award Winner Ariana DeBose), who, alongside Renny (Cam Gigadnet) and Kippy (Rhys Darby), robbed Knuckles of $4 million. But since Marvin is in love with Rose, he just couldn’t do it. That’s a problem because once Rose resurfaces, so does Marvin’s past … And that means Knuckles, Renny, Renny’s would-be clean-up crew Otis (André Eriksen) and King (Super Bowl champion Marshawn “Beastmode” Lynch) – not to mention the mysterious, knife-wielding Raven (Mustafa Shakir) are all on the hunt for he and Rose. 
 
So what happens when a seemingly mild-mannered real estate agent is forced back into his old fatal ways? A lot – which is why Marvin is about to learn what they mean when they say LOVE HURTS.

 

THE REVIEW: 

 

After watching LOVE HURTS, a fellow critic and friend said two things, one of which I agreed with and another I did not. First, LOVE HURTS is definitely a film that, if this were 20 some odd years ago, Jackie Chan would have most definitely been feature in the lead role. That is not a knock to Ke Huy Quan, who is both believable in during the fight sequences and its mild-mannered moments due to the extensive fight training he underwent prior to filming. The point that I disagreed with is that Huy Quan deserves better, almost making it seem like the film was somewhat beneath him given its live-action cartoon nature.

Instead, I would argue that LOVE HURTS showcases a nice range of Huy Quan’s abilities, proving he can play an identifiable everyman with the ability to excel in an action film in addition to comedy or drama. While the film likely won’t find it’s true appreciation until hitting the streaming/home video market for a variety of reasons, LOVE HURTS isn’t a film that proves Huy Quan deserves better; it’s a film that once again proves he is worthy of more opportunities in larger roles. He is the film’s center in both its comedic and action-centered moments, a considerable achievement considering he is featured alongside one of HGTV’s Property Brothers as well as the national treasure that is Lynch.

Is LOVE HURTS a cinematic classic? Not at all. Is it a fun watch that you will likely enjoy more than you expect? Yes it is … And in a world where the serious nature of chaos around us is seemingly worse every day, that may be the film’s greatest gift.

 

 

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

 

Murder and Cheesecake: A Golden Galentines Murder Mystery!

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The suspect list is long and Sophia’s patience is short! Cincinnati’s longest running murder mystery show is back with an all new show filled with comedy and intrigue. Miami is nice, but Dorothy, Blanche, Sophia and Rose are back to solve yet another murder mystery here in Cincinnati. Gather clues and laugh along as your favorite girls try to figure out whodunnit in this fun interactive show. If you like puzzles, murder, and sassy octogenarians this show is for you! Test your knowledge and put on your detective hat because prizes will be given for Golden Girls Trivia and to whomever solves the mystery. Great for a girls brunch, a galentines celebration, a unique date or just fun with fellow Golden Girls loving friends, join us for a hilarious afternoon of Murder and Cheesecake.
Ticket does not include food, but a full menu will be available to you to purchase as well as a delicious beers on tap. Feel free to arrive before the show and put in your order or do so between acts right from your phone.
https://gotab.io/loc/bockfamil…
Doors open at 1:30pm. Show starts at 2pm

McCoy on Movies: You’re Cordially Invited

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“Did you touch my drum set?” Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell, left) talks with Margot (Reese Witherspoon) in a scene from writer/director Nicholas Stoller’s YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED. © 2023 Amazon Content Services. All Rights Reserved.

WATCH THE TRAILER HERE:

KEY CAST MEMBERS: Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Leanne Morgan, Stony Blyden, Celia Weston, Jack McBrayer and Rory Scovel

DIRECTOR: Nicholas Stoller
 
THE BACK STORY: Jim Caldwell (Will Ferrell) is a widower who loves his only child, his daughter Jenni (Geraldine Viswanathan). So when she returns home to tell him that she’s engaged to her boyfriend Oliver (Stony Blyden) instead of that she’s moving back home, he is taken aback to say the least. Once the initial shock is gone, he decides to celebrate the occasion by booking their wedding at the same island resort he and his late wife got married.
 
Margot (Reese Witherspoon) is a successful reality TV producer living in LA who misses her baby sister (Meredith Hagner) dearly since she is kind of her best friend, daughter and husband all in one. But when she arrives on the scene with Dixon (Jimmy Tatro) in tow, she is ecstatic to learn they are also engaged and – surprise – pregnant – to boot. Wanting to ensure nothing but the best for her little sister, she books the same place they used to spend so much time as children having fun with their late grandmother.
 
But as hotel manager Leslie (Jack McBrayer) is soon to learn, his mother forgot to inform him that both Jim had already booked the same wedding date that Margot has. (Let’s just say she was indisposed – permanently.) And since the island can only accommodate one wedding per weekend, the two headstrong would-be wedding planners are going to do whatever it takes to ensure the special day for the bride to be.
 
Even if it results in near disaster. 

 

THE REVIEW: YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is a movie you can tell the cast had a lot of fun making. The characters are likable enough, the run time isn’t excessive and it’s got a few decent guffaws in the mix to keep you watching till the end. 

 

And that’s about all you really need to know about the latest film from Nicholas Stoller, which is streaming now on Amazon Prime. Because if you already have the service, it’s a nice way to kill about an hour and 40 minutes of a Friday night in or a Saturday afternoon. But given the generally silly nature of the affair, it’s not going to be the movie that makes anyone sign up for added benefits from Jeff Bezos’ studio arm.

 

Witherspoon is at her best when she plays the woman coming to grips with her situation and realizing things about herself after interacting with others. Ferrell is at his best when he’s allowed to go fully goofy while being genuine yet stupid in the process. That’s why sometimes when the jokes feel a little forced and the situations too outrageous, the likable nature of the actors is called upon again – and again – to keep things going. There are times when the film feels like it would be better served going into more a focused tone with other moments feeling like it would be better going for the full joke instead of feeling restrained. Celia Weston adds a nice amount of balance to the mix with Leanne Morgan subtly stealing each scene she’s in, but the film feels like a diet version of some of Ferrell’s better work while trying to delve into some positive messages about family dynamics, but few people will remember that with the silliness preceding it. 

 

In short, YOU’RE CORDIALLY INVITED is fine for a short stay, but more than one viewing will be enough to convince most it has overstayed its welcome.

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Timely ‘Avenue Q’ lights up Dayton Playhouse!

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The best part of any job is getting to meet new people! I was so excited to get to learn about the director of Avenue Q at DPH, Ray Gambrel.

937: Thank you for taking time to tell us about a musical we all know, love and BOY is it timely! But first….let’s hear about you! I know we would all love to know a little bit about your theater life!

RG: Thank you for this opportunity! Actually, in Jr. High I saw our High School production of, Annie Get Your Gun. I loved it! I rushed to the library and got the original Broadway cast recording on vinyl and listened to it over and over. I was hooked! I went to Sinclair Community College and studied Theater-Performance. I quickly realized that acting may not be the best fit for me, so I took a Directing class taught by Marsha Hanna. She became my idol. I had the wonderful opportunity to help stage manage a production at Sinclair, and I really got to see her work. She really became my inspiration and I think about her every time that I direct. I then got involved with, at the time, Playhouse South (now Springboro Community Theatre), both, as an actor, and as a director.

937: I love Annie get Your Gun…hokey as it is. And actually Marsha inspired MANY of us! How did you make the DPH connection?

RG:I got involved with Dayton Playhouse years ago through FutureFest (as a director). FutureFest is such a wonderful theater experience, and have been lucky enough to direct several shows for the event. My first production for Dayton Playhouse outside of the Fest was last year’s play, The One Act Play That Goes Wrong. It was a great experience.
937: FutureFest is a treasure! So, why Avenue Q?
RG: First of all, I grew up, like many others, watching Sesame Street and The Muppet Show (as well as the movies). I’ve also always been fascinated by puppets. How they seem to just come to life. I used to direct little puppet shows for my friends and family. God love them for putting up with some of that. Avenue Q just had that great puppet aspect, with wonderfully catchy songs. And the story is hilarious, with a bit of heart. The “adult material” aspect also caught my eye.
937: It is such a ‘hoot!’ So, with this production, what can the audience expect?
RG: First, you will see a wonderful set, designed by Sean Mayo that looks like a rundown version of Sesame Street. That gives you a hint of what you could be in for. There are many puppets among a cast of 3 humans, so you’ve got a bit of fun stuff going on with that. Our Music Director, Lori Topping, is amazing and has truly added so much to this production. The band that she has brought together sounds phenomenal Just the best. And then you throw in the adult humor (that may shock you and make you blush for laughing at it). I wouldn’t recommend to those that are easily offended. This is for an adult audience.
937: A little insight Ray, most of my readers are not easily offended! HA HA!! And with that said, what a timely musical! Do you feel people are in need of more of this kind of comedy?
RG: Yes. We definitely need this kind of show to laugh at, and also to make us think. Especially in a time where there are many people that are upset and scared with everything going on in this country, and the world. It’s not the best of times, but this show can help you take a moment and relax. You’ll laugh a lot, maybe even shed a tear or two. Underneath all of the adult, sometimes crude humor, this is a show with heart.
937: And, what are you hoping the audience walks away with after the show?
RG: I hope that audiences walk out of the theater feeling not only happy, and that they had a great time, but that they also have more hope. That maybe there is a chance that with all of our differences, we can still come together as a community and support each other. I know that’s what I hope for. I I think that it’s there in this show.
937: Love that! And so, so hopeful that we can find common ground in this world. Any last thoughts for us Ray?
RG:  The entire cast and crew have worked so hard on this production. Many cast members spent hours helping to build and paint the set. Many of the actors came up with some wonderful ideas that really added to the show. One cast member, Emily Christine, even stepped up and choreographed many of the numbers (which is awesome by the way). The cast, like many shows, really pulled together and became a family. They truly care about this show, and each other. And I do believe that you will see all of this come through in their performances.
937: Thank you so much, again. I know, I know folks, cue jingle…. ‘Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to Avenue Q?’ Details Below. Break a leg DPH….wait do puppets have legs?
Avenue Q (R)
Friday and Saturday Shows at 8pm, Sundays 2pm.

“Ghost: The Musical”

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Based on the hit Academy Award-winning 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, “Ghost: The Musical” tells the love story of Sam and Molly. After his untimely death and being trapped between two worlds, Sam vows to keep Molly from danger through the help of storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown. Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard’s original score includes the classic hit “Unchained Melody” famously heard in the film.

Dayton Story Slam

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This open mic event hosts some of Dayton’s best tellers. Storytellers are encouraged to prepare a 5-minute story relating to the theme and place their names in the hat.

Tellers are drawn at random, bring a story, and bring a friend.

The best story of the night wins $50, 4 free tickets to a future slam and a guaranteed spot in June’s Grand Slam.

Our theme for Jan  is “BUSTED.”

The bar will be open and there is a two drink minimum, tickets are $5.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door ( if available). You are welcome to bring snacks with you, but no outside beverages

 

Advance ticket sales end at 3pm day of event and tickets are $10 at the door, if available.

Six Showings of Die Mommie Die!

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Die Mommie Die! is a comic melodrama evoking the 1960s “Grande Dame Guignol” films that featured aging stars such as Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, and Lana Turner. Ex-pop singer Angela Andrews is trapped in a hateful marriage with film producer Sol Sussman. Desperate to find happiness with her younger lover, an out-of-work TV actor named Tony Parker, Angela murders her husband with the aid of a poisoned suppository. In a plot that reflects Greek tragedy as well as Hollywood kitsch, Angela’s Elektra-like daughter Edith convinces Angela’s emotionally disturbed son Lance that they must avenge their father’s death by killing their mother.

Beavercreek Community Theatre
3868 Dayton-Xenia Road
Beavercreek, OH 45432

Showtimes:

Feb 17, 18, 24 & 25 8pm
Feb19 & 26 3pm

Purchase your tickets here

Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off at The Brightside!

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The 5th annual Dayton Battle of the Bands kicks off on January 16, 2025 at The Brightside Music & Event Venue. This exciting music series, presented by the venue along with Venus Child Productions and Sound Valley, highlights up-and-coming original bands across a variety of genres.

The series runs for 6 weeks, every Thursday from January 16, 2025 through February 27th (skipping Feb 20th for sold out Kim Deal concert). The winner of each week moves onto the Finale, held in the Brightside’s Ballroom on Sat, March 8th.

The playoffs result from a 50/50 mix of audience and judges’ votes. Every attendee receives a ballot upon entry and utilizes ranked-choice voting to select their top three favorite bands. Each week, music industry insiders and special guests serve as judges, with their votes carrying greater influence.

“Despite the ‘battle’ name, this series has been such a fun way to discover so much of the creative talent brewing in Dayton,” organizer Libby Ballengee shared with us. “Maybe you’ll find your new favorite band!”

The participating bands get professional photos to add to their press kit and the chance to audition for bookers from around the city including Levitt Pavilion, Blind Bob’s, Oregon Express, and more! This year, Dayton Battle of the Bands is partnering with Concert Archives to offer bands consolidated feedback from judges.

Photo by Jordan Lynn Freshour

For the Finalists who perform in the Finale, they all receive a video of one of their songs performed live, which is provided by Sound Valley. This is such an awesome asset for the band’s press kit. They also receive cash prize, free pizza for rehearsals from Dayton Pizza Factory, among other perks.

For the grand prize winner – they get all above plus an EP recording session with Dayton Sound Studios, a spot on Levitt Pavilion Dayton’s summer schedule, free t-shirts from Little Monster Printing, and $1000.

Past winners include: The Katawicks, Bohemian Funk, crabswithoutlegs, and Freakquency.

More details about Dayton Battle of the Bands can be found at their website: daytonbattleofthebands.com

HOW TO GO:

The Brightside Music & Event Venue (905 E 3rd St. Dayton, OH)

  • Jan 16 – Week 1 – Alternative / Rock
  • Jan 23 – Week 2 – Singer-Songwriters
  • Jan 30 – Week 3 – Hip Hop / Rap / R&B
  • Feb 6 – Week 4 – Hard Rock / Metal / Punk
  • Feb 13 – Week 5 – Americana / Bluegrass / Folk
  • Feb 27 – Week 6 – Funk / Jam / Reggae / Ska
  • March 8 – Finale featuring the winners from each week

7pm doors open / Music 7:30pm – 10pm

All ages

$10 advance, $15 at the door

Tickets & information available at
https://www.daytonbattleofthebands.com
Or https://www.thebrightsidedayton.com/

Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived- SIX Takes the Stage

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From Tudor Queens to Pop Icons, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the microphone to remix 500 years of historical heartbreak into a euphoric celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over!

SIX won 23 awards in the 2021/2022 Broadway season, including the Tony Award® for Best Original Score (Music and Lyrics) and the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

The New York Times says SIX “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!”

The SIX: LIVE ON OPENING NIGHT Broadway album debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard cast album charts and surpassed 6 million streams in its first month.

Submissions Now Open for Emerging Visions Youth FilmFest

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Emerging Visions Youth FilmFest is the only festival of its kind in the greater Dayton Region.

At Emerging Visions Youth FilmFest (Previously “The FilmDayton High School Film Festival”), our mission is to empower and celebrate the creative voices of young filmmakers in grades 6 through 12, providing them with a dynamic platform to showcase their unique perspectives and innovative storytelling. As a vibrant extension of FilmDayton, a distinguished regional film commission in Ohio, that advances the art, craft and business of film in the greater Dayton region, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive community that nurtures artistic growth, cultivates cinematic skills, and encourages the exploration of diverse narratives.

What makes this festival unique is the educational opportunity provided to students and teachers through our open judging event. Student are invited to screen their films in front of a panel of professional filmmakers and receive real-time feedback from the panel and their peers. Based on panel’s decision, the winning films will be screened at our Festival, the host theater for the final screening is TBD, and will be based on demand required and capacity needed to facilitate a pleasant viewing experience for filmmakers and guests.

Formerly the SunDog Film Festival which originated in 2003, previously participating schools include Centerville, Greenville, Kettering Fairmont, Hilliard Davidson, Kings, Miami Valley Career Technology Center, Stivers School for the Arts, The Miami Valley School, Upper Arlington, Wilmington, Yellow Springs, Ferguson MS, McKinney MS, and Franklin Jr. High.

Submit now via Film Freeway.
  • Earlybird Deadline
  • Regular Deadline
  • Notification Date
  • Event Date
Awards & Prizes

The top three films from each category will be screened at the Festival

The top 3 films in each category will be recognized as award winners, with the top winner in each category awarded a small prize package (TBD).

Additional Awards – Awarded a certificate:
– Best in Show – Highest scoring submission across all categories
– Judges Choice – A submission that is chosen by the judges to be recognized
– Best Storytelling – A submission selected by the judges that shows exemplary storytelling
– Best Cinematography – A submission selected by the judges for exemplary cinematography
– Best Wardrobe (Includes hair and makeup) – A submission selected by the judges for exemplary wardrobe and costuming
– Best Editing/VFX – A submission selected by the judges for exemplary editing or visual effects
– Best On-screen Talent – One person chosen from the submissions that showed exemplary acting, hosting or voice-over

Submissions MUST have been produced in the last 18 months (23/24 – 24/25 school years), be a student enrolled in a 6-12th grade educational institution in southwest region of Ohio. Submissions created as part of class assignments are accepted, as well as submissions produced independently outside of class assignments.

Your submission’s total runtime (TRT) must NOT exceed the five minute time limit. Credits are included in your TRT and credit runtime must NOT exceed 30 seconds.

All music and other copyrighted material (images, videos, etc.) used in the films must be properly licensed.

Dayton’s Fastest Growing Podcast ‘DDQ’ Gets Pick-Up for Year 2!

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Dayton is known for its love of the arts and its dedication to theater. Thanks to the podcast ‘Dayton Drama Queens’ we get to go behind the scenes and meet those folks that make these iconic entertainment venues tick. In it’s first year the podcast featured: Jonathan McNeal-the Neon Movies; Brent Johnson-The RubiGirls; Darren Brown-traveling ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show‘; Philip Drennen-Off Broadway, ‘Big Gay Jamobree’; Shaun Yu-Classical Dayton; Kathleen Clawson-Dayton Opera; Mike Griest-DAI; Dan Zehringer-WSU Arts and Music; David Moyer and Mackensie King-TheatreLab Dayton; and Kappy Kilburn and Emily Wells-Human Race Theater Company. Check out this sizzle reel from Season 1.

The podcast, which is available on Spotify, iHeart, Apple and Amazon, has gained in popularity over the last few months and is now coming out with new episodes weekly.  The podcast also has a video component when viewed on YouTube. ‘DDQ’ is hosted by Joshua Stucky and Philip Drennen and is filmed at the Mitosis Studio on Jefferson in downtown Dayton.

With another season, which begins filming in January 2025, the hosts are looking to extend their reach in the Dayton area, bringing to light more amazing arts in the Miami Valley. ‘You’ll be amazed what we are finding in the area. Kids’ theater, choruses, banjo groups….you name it! Dayton has it. We want to highlight it!’ Highlights from Season One :

The podcast had a rocky start. Just as they got the ok to begin production, Drennen was off to NYC to kick-off his show ‘BGJ.’ Stucky was left to host the first few episodes alone, but Drennen helped complete the season. If all goes well, the ‘DDQ’ group hope to start doing some live remotes throughout the year at local events.

If you know of a group or individual that would like to be part on the podcast’s success, you can always contact the hosts at DaytonDramaQueens@gmail.com.

 

“Ghost: The Musical” Opens Friday at La Comedia

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Based on the hit Academy Award-winning 1990 film starring Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, “Ghost: The Musical” tells the love story of Sam and Molly. After his untimely death and being trapped between two worlds, Sam vows to keep Molly from danger through the help of storefront psychic Oda Mae Brown. Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard’s original score includes the classic hit “Unchained Melody” famously heard in the film.

“Failure: A Love Story”

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Failure: A Love Story by Philip Dawkins is an ensemble-driven, story-theater play that dives into themes of love, family, and the inevitable passage of time. With elements of vaudeville, fairy tale charm, and a lot of heart, this play offers a refreshing escape from cynicism. You’ll be transported into a world a bit beyond reality, stretching your imagination.
Performances of the show will be January 3-5 and 10-12, 2025. Tickets are available by visiting https://www.borotheatre.org/

Dayton at Work and Play: Kate Huser Santucci

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For the last month Monday has been Buy Local day, where I’ve posted a brief conversation with someone selling goods or services in the Miami Valley.
This week my Buy Local conversation is with Kate Huser Santucci who is about to have her first exhibition of 2025. Kate uses as many as 30 layers of encaustic material on her pieces. That gives her work a sense of depth that draws viewers into the artwork.
Kate tells me she took up encaustic work just over 10 years ago. She was drawn to the ethereal feel of some encaustic work and the versatility of the medium. “You can be sculptural or really painterly, you can scratch parts off or draw lines on and do all kinds of other things” she told me.
“This exhibition is called Water Rising. I first started working on these pieces thinking about water and climate change but as time passed I realized these pieces meant other things to me on a personal level. They refer to trying to keep your head above water, trying to keep afloat. They’re about adapting to the added stressors of this time.”
“The show will be in the Dutoit Gallery (Front Street Warehouse, 1001 E 2nd St, Building 100, Door BC, Floor 3) all January. The opening is on First Friday, January 3 from 5 to 9 and after that the gallery is open every Saturday 12 to 4.”